February is Black History Month

Tomorrow starts our February collection, “His Story, Her Story, We all scream for History!” which will benefit the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization FOADAC (The Foundation For Orphaned, Abandoned, Disabled, African Children) supported by celebrities, including Shirley Jones, Maroon 5, Jay Leno, and Sam Sarpong. 

http://www.foadac.org 

What were your plans for Valentine's Day?  Here's your chance to spread some love while showing your love.  

(Missing Links, 2011)

 

Check out our Ebay listings this month:

Click Here For Updated Ebay Listing For Missing Links

 

We'll add new unique pieces available on auction often, so enjoy shopping.

 

Lisa Lindo ~ www.missinglinksfound.com

Being Worthy of Honey Foxy Cleopatra

Hi and welcome.

If you are just getting introduced to our work, let's get you up to speed. ;-)

Dax and I at The Four Seasons, Wailea, Maui

Back in 2003, Missing Links started off as unique jewelry pieces for my ailing furchild, Baroness Jadzia Dax of McFarland. While living in Maui, I'd been beading for myself, yet the most popular pieces I made were for doggies. At the time, my dog was a 9 year old maltese who was fabulously rounding the bend to 10. Of course, I couldn't help but spoil her to death with crystals and shells, garnets and adorable charms. She pranced when we wore them, people complimented her often, and soon enough we started getting orders for commissioned pieces whenever we went out together. 

Dax in Ohio as we drove cross country to move to D.C.

(VintageBlooms, 2011)

She had a nice setup in Maui with her own flower garden spotted with planting beds that were rimmed with volcanic oversized boulders we had found all over our property. We grew lavender, roses, pansies poking out of a forest of old tennis shoes, and gave her plenty to stir her senses. These vibrant colors influenced most of my work and bead shopping.  Dax had walking paths, a miniature statue garden of budhas, angels, ceramic frogs and even a tree tunnel made up of a combination of wild blackberries, night blooming jasmine, and a kukui nut tree. She was fenced in with a carefully designed and planted flowering medley of alchemist elements and constantly budding life.  A living fence, that she would stop at in different points, take a deep breath, generally enjoyed her Maui lifestyle. We spent alot of time there looking out at the bicoastal island view in the distance, just meditating on the meaning of life. She had had cancer surgery, had heart problems, and doctors gave her a few months at best, so I had moved her to paradise to end her days.  But no one told Dax about the schedule, and we lived there for 3 years like this before moving to Washington D.C. in 2009.  
But I digress.

(VintageBlooms, 2011)

(SketchedSpring, 2011)

The necklaces were a hit, and that led to the creation of my Pretty Paws line.  What's Pretty Paws?  Pretty Paws is one-of-a-kind fashion jewelry made from world traveled semi-precious stones for the Fashion Hound in your life.  When mommy owners realized I could make matching anklets, they stopped borrowing their dogs pieces and matched up in style. 

My wonderful best friend and all around "me too kid" passed on on November 3rd, 2011 so February 3rd will have been 3 months. It's been rough going, but when I get sad, I think of all the wonderful things she was able to do in her life.  Of course, I hadn't made a doggie necklace since November.  Now, I've been commissioned to make my first puppy blingwear for Honey Foxy Cleopatra, the neighbor's new puppy.  She's adorable. Smart, inquisitive, attentive, and breathtakingly cute.  Coming on 8 weeks now.  And her mother's from Jamaica, so the journey for the art is specific. I'm back to sparkling up four legged lives everywhere, and am creating matching anklets for the mommas out there who like to strut with their mutt.

(Pretty Paws, 2011)

Can't wait to try it on Honey.  Thanks for checking in with Missing Links.

Lisa Lindo
www.missinglinksfound.com

Missing Links Has Arrived In Washington D.C.

Woke up to find this fabulous write-up on our philanthropic jewelry line on the Front Page of Washington Life:

(Missing Links, 2011)

http://www.washingtonlife.com/2011/01/26/get-out-and-give-back-glamorous-giving/

Now, I've finally arrived, in fashion, in Washington D.C.  And since you are visiting my blog, you get a sneak peak at some video we caught on the Flip of the interview itself:

(Washington Life Interview, 2011)

Since then, our email box has been full and the phone's been ringing off the hook (not that we have hooks anymore, lol) with requests to set up private viewings.  We'll be working on a piece for a client's wedding, and companion sister pieces for her family.

It's the best job in the world when you love what you do.  Let me know if you have any broken baubles that mean alot but can't be worn anymore, and we'll see if we can turn them back into a wearable family heirloom.

I'm off to finish a doggie necklace for the neighbors new 7 week old puppy.  ;-)

 Honey Foxy Cleopatra at 7 weeks

She's going to be beautiful in hot pink crystals. More to come...

Lisa Lindo
Linking Art To Philanthropy and Sustainability
www.missinglinksfound.com
Ebay keyword search:  'Lisa Lindo Missing Links'
or email us at
missinglinksfound@gmail.com

Why Global Green USA?

Did you know...

"Global Green USA has been working to rebuild New Orleans with their Holy Cross Project.  Global Green has assembled a highly skilled and dedicated project team of national experts paired with local professionals with the goal of transferring knowledge to ultimately make green expertise indigenous to New Orleans. Through the Holy Cross Project, Global Green is committed to:

• Creating a green model or showcase for development and rebuilding for New Orleans, and green affordable housing in the US;
   
• Ensuring the sustainability and long term affordability of the Project’s housing units for residents, and socioeconomic fabric of the neighborhood through the center;
   
• Educating NOLA residents, the Gulf Coast and broader American public through the Project’s visitors center, NOLA resource center, and website about the benefits of green building.
   
• Advancing smart solutions to global warming that both benefit communities and engage stakeholders in building will for action

(Global Green, 2011)

After the devastation of Hurricane Katrina and the inadequate response of the US Government, Global Green made a dedicated commitment to sustainable building in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast.  Through their green affordable housing community the Holy Cross Project, our Build It Back Green initiative - they are educating residents on how to rebuild in a healthy green way, and through their work on greening schools throughout the area, Global Green is committed to creating a green model for the development and rebuilding of New Orleans.

Learn more...

Lisa Lindo
Missing Links supports Global Green USA
www.missinglinksfound.com
Ebay key search words:  'Lisa Lindo Missing Links'
25% of each purchase during the month of January goes to Global Green USA

Capitol Hemp Carrying Missing Links in D.C.

So my hemp activist girlfriend (and film director), Melissa Balin, was in town and dragged me to a fabulous store in D.C., Capitol Hemp.  I was fascinated.  They had great winter jackets made of Hemp, lined with faux fur made of Hemp.  They had all sorts of reading options and educational material on how Hemp Can Save The Planet, and, after checking out a few of my blown glass jewelry pieces, they told me if I could make some necklaces out of hemp, they would carry them in their store.

Well, I instantly stocked up on Hemp twine in yellow, orange, red, brown, and in a tannish color which seems to be the most natural of the options.  It was really difficult work, and my finger tips still are a little sensitive, but they came out fabulous.  Each piece is littered with semi-precious stones and celebrates the use of the hemp with tassels, beads created from hemp, or basic knots in between the stones.  I wish now that I had taken some photos before they purchased them from me, but you can find them by stopping by and visiting Capitol Hemp in Adams Morgan at:

Washington, DC has Capitol Hill, and now it has Capitol Hemp- two stores 
dedicated to offering the highest quality products made from Industrial Hemp.

1802 Adams Mill Road, NW  
downstairs from the Starbucks.


or you could visit their other store in Chinatown
at
519 H Street, NW



 
   
So, now, I'm officially stocked in a store in D.C.  Hemp, hemp, hooray!  Much more to come.

Lisa Lindo
www.missinglinksfound.com
Ebay search words 'Lisa Lindo Missing Links'
or emails us at:
www.missinglinksfound@gmail.com

Mention in LAFashionWeek!

How kind of them to spotlight our work.  ;-)

Missing Links Gets Home Page Mention In LA Fashion Week

http://www.lafashionweek.com/2011/01/lindo-exclusive-launches-philanthropic-jewelry-line.html

Thanks for following our beautiful philanthropic adventures...

Behind The Scenes With Missing Links

So excited and waiting for the edit of our very first promo for Missing Links shot by Crawford Multimedia and directed by Melissa Balin.  Meanwhile, here's some "B" roll footage of the shoot.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

LINDO EXCLUSIVE LAUNCHES PHILANTHROPIC JEWELRY LINE

Missing Links connects Art & Philanthropy

January 18, 2011- WASHINGTON D.C. –  Promoting, sustainability, female entrepreneurship and a commitment to a lower carbon footprint, Missing Links announces it will use eBay, blogging, facebook, Twitter and the new Jumo.com to inspire "Solutionary Gifting Circles" (TM) online as well as hosted eco-friendly, conflict-free, social shopping circles in neighborhoods worldwide!

Missing Links Jewelry specializes in creating custom sustainable pieces of wearable art with tremendous sentimental value to the owner.  They combine one-of-a-kind center accents from India, Thailand, Paris, Amsterdam, St. Tropez, New York, and Maui with their clients’ special dreams, hopes and whimsies incorporated into what will surely become an heirloom piece.

Lisa Lindo explains the concept behind Missing Links as a Limited Edition line for Lindo Exclusive, “Each month, we are proud to spotlight a DIFFERENT charity and focus awareness to raise funds through wearable art. Each One-of-a-Kind piece inspires and evokes dialogue about the regions and histories of these semi precious stones. Whether a gift for you, or someone you care about, your purchase lets you feel good about being fashion forward while making the world a more beautiful place.”

One-of-a-Kind pieces from the collections can be found on eBay starting Saturday, January 15, 2011 under search words: “Lisa Lindo” and “Missing Links”.

25% of every sale goes to benefit a different 501(c)3 non-profit organization each month.  Their first collection, the "She Sells Seashells By The Seashore" Exhibit, debuted in January 2011, with proceeds going to the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Global Green USA, supported by celebrities, including Sheryl Crow, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rosario Dawson, Heather Graham, Rosie Perez and Maria Menounos.  The February collection, “His Story, Her Story, We all scream for History!” will benefit the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization FOADAC (The Foundation For Orphaned, Abandoned, Disabled, African Children) supported by celebrities, including Shirley Jones, Maroon 5, Jay Leno, and Sam Sarpong.  Look forward to the March collection, “World Peace, It’s Not Just For Beauty Pageants Anymore!” benefiting World Peace One, which will debut during the Magic Las Vegas Trade Fair, February 14 – 16, 2011.

#   #   # 

For more information on Lisa Lindo and Missing Links, please visit http://www.MissingLinksFound.com or e-mail missinglinksfound@gmail.com. 

For more information on Global Green USA, visit http://www.globalgreen.org

For more information on FOADAC, please visit http://www.foadac.org

For more information on World Peace One, please visit http://www.worldpeaceone.com

Global Green USA: Our Spotlight For January

What a crazy beginning to this year. Good things and sad news things and all I can think of to do is put one foot in front of the other and work to make things better every day.  Spreading messages of hope and sharing whatever I learn with others brings a yin to the loud yang of the news, helping to feel like we can still make a difference.  Like I can make a difference.

So far in 2011, we've had private showings in Los Angeles, Maui, New York and D.C. for the pieces being auctioned to benefit Global Green for the month of January.  Global Green USA (www.globalgreen.org) is the only national environmental non-profit headquartered in Southern California with offices in New Orleans, Washington DC, and New York, and is one of over 31 national GCI affiliates throughout the world to foster a global value shift toward a sustainable and secure future by reconnecting humanity with the environment.

We look forward to your continued suggestions of causes we should spotlight in the future, and communities that you would like to see carry Missing Links.

Traveling around, it is so clear that everywhere I go we are universally sharing the need for Peace, calling out to an end to senseless violence.  Yes, I'm a peacenik.  It's more important than ever to speak loudly these days about your beliefs, your hopes for change.  Or at the very least, incorporate your beliefs into the way you choose to make money.  Right?

Well, it turns out, without really meaning to do so, I've been collecting things.  In my desire to learn about what kind of good is already being done in the world, I collected stories, shopping adventures, jars, and containers, and tools and books.   Wherever I went, I always managed to make time to dash away and discover whatever vintage jewelry shop or local beadery might be open. 

I made a hobby out of working with semi-precious stones (since 2003 actually), and started sitting with artists and beaders from Holland to Hawaii, studying color choice and adding bags of brightly colored beautiful bits to my collection.  Gathering seed beads, hammered silver, items of pewter, beach glass and gems that make me just blush, like Garnets and Citrine.  My first teacher started out the first class by saying, "Never go shopping for beads unless you have a lot of time, and a lot of money."  Lucky for me, I had both.  And I'll go more than a few extra miles to find that intimate item I can add to our collection of odds and ends, ribbons and starfish, dreams and causes. Often pleasantly surprised that the walk itself swept me into adventures I would never have had otherwise.  But those stories are for another time.

When I moved to D.C., I decided to round up all the different hiding places I had filled with my sparkly divalicously decadent loot.  Now, surrounded by rainbows of carvings and facets, I have to say, I could open a bead store myself and probably not run out of stock for years.  ;-)

I believe in working with sustainable materials, stones I've carried around with me as I go, adding to my jars and baskets, bowls and boxes of stones, pearls, glass beads and art beads and Czech glass, and silver lined beads, and blown glass pieces, items made from discarded elk horn, just amazing how the wide range of colors and textures grew and grew.  It's from these elements and intentions that all of our Missing Links items are born and seeing the response from all of you is so very encouraging. 

Our next private showing (snow or shine) will be Wednesday, January 12, 2011 in Baltimore, MD.  To receive an exclusive invitation, or even if you are unable to attend, please "like" our facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/MissingLinksFound

and visit our blog frequently at:
MissingLinksFound.blogspot.com

Happy New Year & eBay auction

Happy New Year to you and yours! May 2011 bring health, wealth and happiness.

For those of you who I haven't spoken to in forever, I've moved to Washington D.C. to produce Shepard Fairey's VOTE FOR CHANGE Redux. It's been exciting and worthwhile work, juxtaposing all these incredible clips of celebs sharing what their hopes for change were back in 2008 against what we've accomplished so far. With so much Change manifesting at the end of 2010, I am approaching the 2 years ahead of us with relish!

November 3rd a great deal changed with the passing of my animal companion of 16 years, Baroness Jadzia Dax of McFarland, who most of you knew as Dax. In her later days, I took to making her glamorous necklaces to wear when she would gad about town. Little purse dogs all over were visited by Pretty Paws Presents and adorned with one-of-a-kind fashion jewelry made from world traveled semi-precious stones and they were pitched as perfect accessories for the "Fashion Hound" in your life. They were elegant and she would get compliments all the time, leading to commission pieces and word of mouth orders.

That was just a couple months ago now and so many beautiful cards and thoughtful sentiments have come from all directions from those who remembered my gorgeous furchild. Dax had traveled everywhere, been backstage at The Lion King on Broadway, loved going to the theatre, lived in Maui, drove cross country, and was such a personality she received her own invitations to parties. The very loved and very famous Baroness Jadzia Dax has been memorialized by contributions from friends to veterinary schools, various animal charities, and the Humane Society.

December came, I turned 46 smashing all champagne records with really good old chums and lifelong pals in Manhattan, NY, and made all sorts of resolutions to start machining my intentions into action items of activism moving forward.  To that end, in lieu of any other gifts and donations, I would like to focus your support on my newest philanthropic venture in both mine and Dax's names:

Missing Links 

Missing Links, a Limited Edition line from Lindo Exclusive, was created to combine art with philanthropy and sustainability. 25% of each and every sale from the our first January collection, the "She Sells Seashells By The Seashore" Exhibit, goes to the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Global Green USA, supported by some of our favorite celebrities, including Sheryl Crow, Leonardo DiCaprio, Rosario Dawson, Heather Graham, Rosie Perez and Maria Menounos.

Each month, we are proud to spotlight a DIFFERENT charity and focus awareness to raise funds through wearable art. Each piece inspires and evokes dialogue about the regions and histories of these semiprecious stones. Whether a gift for you, or someone you care about, your purchase lets you feel good about being fashion forward while making the world a more beautiful place.

So, my friends old and new, if you are feeling generous and looking for a perfect sentimental, heirloom gift, you can bid for these one-of-a-kind wearable pieces of art, handcrafted by yours truly, on eBay NOW at http://cgi.ebay.com/Lisa-Lindos-Missing-Links-Pearl-4-Strand-Necklace-444-/270687169602?pt=Handcrafted_Artisan_Jewelry&hash=item3f06366c42: 

Missing Links eBay charity auction

Keyword search: Lisa Lindo Missing Links

Please feel free to email me personally at missinglinksfound@gmail.com to commission a custom piece, recommend a philanthropic cause close to your own heart, or to volunteer some good old-fashioned spin-doctoring to help put Missing Links on the top tastemaking trends of 2011!

Other ways that you can show your support that won't cost you a thing:

*Follow our blog -- www.missinglinksfound.blogspot.com

*Follow us on twitter -- http://twitter.com/MyMissingLinks

*"Like" our Facebook Fan Page -- http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Missing-Links-Found/117607254975937

*Or Tell A Friend... ;-) -- (you could always hit forward on this email... ;-)...)

Lisa Lindo

Former National Administrator for USACAN

Producer: Shepard Fairey's VOTE FOR CHANGE Redux

http://www.MissingLinksFound.com

Linking Art to Philanthropy & Sustainability