..Kate's Message..

Gypsy Gems,


I received a lovely email from Kate in North Carolina yesterday. Kate put her own spin on the task at hand - wearing the gypsy jewel and capturing the essence of her locale. The jewel was enjoyed. The pictures were taken. And in the the spirit of spreading Karma, Kate decided to send the jewel gifted to her, on its way (with its original tag). Kate incorporated the re-gifting into her pictures. (See previous post).


Kate informed me in her email that there are a chain of stores called Goodwill, where you donate your things that you no longer need and the Goodwill re-sells them at a very good rate.


"Its a great store for people living on a budget and people like myself that just don't want to support the production of new materials when there's already so much out there. The entire outfit I'm wearing in my photos was either given to me or bought at a Goodwill".


By doing her shoot at the Goodwill, Kate hopes to "bring awareness to the issue of poverty in North Carolina and really in all of the states... I thought a lot about this project and didn't want to portray everything as perfect and without need for social change here... There are so many young people in the area in need of love in their lives. It is my hope that a young woman or man will find the earring and connect with the message to love oneself and continue the process of passing the earring along."

Kate, Thank you for your message and all your love.


Until Next Time,


Much Love.


<3 Your GypsyQueen




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..Love Yourself..

..Kate..TwentyTwo..Global Studies Student..Swannanoa, North Carolina..

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..Facebook Page..

Gypsy Gems,


I promised my Facebook friends that I would stop blowing up my personal page with Gypsy Karma Project updates. So I finally created a Facebook page soley devoted to the Gypsy Karma Project. The page will keep you lovely gems posted on new blogs posts, encounters and other information worth sharing.


Please "like" the page.  

http://www.facebook.com/The.Gypsy.Karma.Project

Until Next Time,

Much Love.

<3 Your GypsyQueen




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..Gift Encounter at Sushi Resto in Halifax..

Gypsy Gems,


The Gypsy Karma Project is so much more than earrings. It isn't merely about the creations I gift. Sure, its driven by these creations. But the essence of this project is the people involved. The encounters I experience. The people that are touched. The smiles that are ignited.


This project is driven by random acts of kindness. In a world powered by greed, and selfishness. Selfless acts are few and far between. I want to change that. I want to sustain the endangered species of selfless acts.


Life is about the little things. Life is about moments. And I want to help create moments where people are noticed for no reason at all - other then just for being themselves.


Take last week for example. I was in Halifax, Nova Scotia for work and decided to unwind by having dinner at Sushi Nami. The waitress, Alona, was lovely. She was beautiful, stylish (even in her uniform) and so pleasant. 


After my meal, I remembered I had one gypsy jewel in my purse that was so perfect for Alona. I pulled it out and gifted it to her. The jewel had green, white and black feathers with polka dots and a beautiful charm of a key with a heart. She was so sincere and excited about the gift. After she left the table, I could hear her in the back telling her co-workers what she just received. 


Perhaps, I made a moment for Alona. And Alona, most defiantly made a moment for me. Gypsy Gems, life is about those moments.


Until Next Time,


Much Love.


<3 Your GypsyQueen




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..The Making of Gypsy Jewels..

Gypsy Gems,


I was travelling again this week for work. But I never travel without my feathers and my gypsy gems. I had the longest week at work - but chose to unwind at night by making gypsy jewels at the hotel.


I took a few photos on my iphone to share. Enjoy - 





Until Next Time,


Much Love.


<3 Your GypsyQueen

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..Soar..

..Torie..TwentySix..Interior Designer..Oakville, Ontario..


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..FiftyEight..

Gypsy Gems,

I am so excited to share that tonight I gifted my 58th gypsy jewel. I have been keeping a log of all the lovely ladies and (the few) men I have encountered and presented with a handmade one-of-a-kind gypsy jewel.

Each and every experience has been unique and rewarding. I simply believe that random acts of kindness should not be a dieing deed. I am one lonely girl, trying to do her part to sustain the endangered species of selfless acts.

In other news, I received some beautiful photos this week and cannot wait to make it back to my apartment this weekend to make the posts. I am travelling for work (story of my life) and don't have the programs I need to make the post. But more posts are on their way :)

Speaking of travel, I will be travelling quite a bit in the next few months. I will be heading to Montreal in November, Grand Rapids, Michigan for part of November and December and Toronto in December. If any gypsy gems are in those areas and would like to be apart of this social experiment - please send me an email to gypsykarmafashion@gmail.com.

Until Next Time,

Much Love.

<3 Your GypsyQueen

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..Food for Thought..

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..Home is where the heart is..

Gypsy Gems,

It feels good to be back in Canada. Gifting gypsy jewels is so much easier here. The other evening was such a prime example of why. People in Canada are so friendly, welcoming and excited about my social experiment.

I had very different reactions in Europe. The majority of recipients gifted in London, Madrid and Milan thought I was strange. It was as if they hadn't ever experienced a random act of kindness. They seemed to all try to discover my underlying motive while I was explaining the essence of my social experiment. But not in Halifax, Nova Scotia…  See previous post for two gifting experiences.


Until Next Time,


Much Love.


<3 Your GypsyQueen

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..Gift Encounters in Halifax..

Gypsy Gems, 

I have been in Halifax for the past couple of weeks for work. This time perfectly corresponds with the Halifax Pop Explosion - an annual music festival and conference. I attended HPE Day 3 and had the opportunity to be introduced to new music. My favourite act was the next big thing from Toronto, Tiny Danza, who will get your ass shaking with their perfect blend of hip-hop, r&b and party rock.

Click here –  for a download of their album “You could have it all…” It’s well worth a listen and its free until the end of October, 2011.

Amongst all of this fantastic music I was able to gift a gypsy gem I call "Sunset of Flowers" to a beautiful blonde girl with fantastic style and edge. Her name was Ashley, and she was incredibly sweet and sincere about how excited she was to receive the gypsy gem. The gypsy gem “Sunset of Flowers” is comprised of 3 feathers, red, beige and a black and white stripped feathers with a elongated gold charm of a number of flowers.

On my way back from the venue to my hotel, I stopped to chat with a lovely law student, Angela. She exerted such positive energy and I knew I wanted to gift her a gypsy gem. I gifted her "Sealed and Secure" a gem with bright blue, red and black polka dot feathers with a charm of an awkward shaped key. Angela was so excited to receive the gift. She even got teary-eyed. I absolutely did not expect that reaction. I do not think I could have had a better reaction - it was so touching.

It’s people like Ashley and Angela that make me do what I do. Thank you ladies for the wonderful encounters. Enjoy your gypsy gems and send me photos soon. xo

Much Love.

Until Next Time,

<3 Your GypsyQueen.

Tiny Danza - Beat Fly


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..Fox..

..Stephanie..TwentyFive..Artist..Halifax Pop Explosion, Halifax, Nova Scotia..


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..Red Sea..

..Laura..TwentyFour..Art Director.. Madrid, Spain..


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..Pink Flamingo.. (2/2)

..Diana..TwentySix..Proprietor & Esthetician..Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia..

www.bradshawpureesthetics.com 

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..Pink Flamingo.. (1/2)

..Diana..TwentySix..Proprietor & Esthetician..Lunenburg, Nova Scotia.. 

www.bradshawpureesthetics.com
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..Save a Child's Heart..

Gypsy Gems,


I was excited to receive beautiful photos from Israel today and was quick to make a post (see previous post). 


Two of the ladies (Emma and Lauren) in that post entitled "Hippie at Heart" work for a remarkable organization called Save a Child's Heart. These strong beautiful women climbed Mount Kilimanjaro in August to raise $1 million to save the lives of 100 African children. Well done, ladies.


Please watch the video below that will introduce (or reintroduce) you to Save a Child's Heart and the Climb your Heart Out Challenge which both Emma and Lauren took part in. 

Pass on the Karma - spread the word, get involved and donate.


Until Next Time,


Much Love.


<3 Your GypsyQueen

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..Hippie at Heart..

(LtoR)

..Lauren..TwentySix..Young Leadership Director..Golan Heights, Israel..


..Eshcar..TwentySix..Economist..Golan Heights, Israel..


..Emma..TwentyFive..Project Coordinator..Golan Heights, Israel..


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..Twitter..

Gypsy Gems,

I have recently joined the Twitter Fad - I know, I am a little late on the trend. But I am on board now, and that's all that matters. Come follow me on Twitter:

@gypsy_karma

Until Next Time,

Much Love.

<3 Your GypsyQueen

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Gypsy Gems,


The encounter I am about to share with you is a bit late, but hey, better late than never.


A friend from out of town played a show and crashed with me this past weekend. I was so excited to see her lovely face because (1) I love watching her perform, (2) I love having company, (3) I wanted to gift her a gypsy jewel. 


I created a feather earring inspired by one of her songs entitled "A lot of Heart". The earring is made up of red, white, and black feathers, and has a heart-shaped charm. The charm itself boasts a number of smaller heart cut outs. The name is so fitting, right?


My friend is a very talented singer/songwriter and I have attached a video of her performing the song that was the muse of my gypsy jewel, "A lot of Heart".


Until Next Time,


Much Love.


<3 Your GypsyQueen

Babette Hayward - A lot of Heart


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..Fire in Fall..

..Stephanie..TwentyFive..Artist..Dartmouth, Nova Scotia..


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..Let's Get the Men Involved..

Gypsy Gems,


I was reflecting about this project and thought to myself - why am I only approaching women? Why not extend this social experiment to men as well?


I have decided to also gift feather earrings to men and ask them to re-gift the love to someone they just met, know well, or love. It could be anyone from their girlfriend to the rad girl they see every morning at Starbucks.


I have already gifted my first gypsy gem to a male - my old friend from university. He was passing through my city and I was able to provide him with an earring I named "The Missing Piece". Its an earring with black and white feathers and a charm of a large puzzle piece.


I am interested to see if the good karma will travel through the necessary paths and end up as a photo on my blog. I will keep you posted.


Until Next Time,


Much Love.


<3 Your GypsyQueen

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..Take Flight..

..Madison..TwentyFive..Adventurer..Tofino, British Columbia..


Photo Credit: Lina Kawas


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..1,000 + Hits..

Gypsy Gems,


I've been posting for a little more than a month, but only went live October 1st. In a little over a week there has been 1,000 + hits.


To those who have provided me with images - They are beautiful. To those who are interested in getting involved - Email me: gypsykarmafashion@gmail.com. To those who keep tuning in - Thank you for the support. (Feel free to comment on posts and follow my blog.)


Much Love.


Until Next Time,


<3 Your GypsyQueen

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..Daisy..

..Sydney..TwentyFour..Brand Manager..Paris, France..



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..Updated Destinations..

Gypsy Gems,

My earrings have either travelled far and wide to the following locations: 

• Amherst, Nova Scotia
• Caracas, Venezuela
• Calgary, Alberta
• Dundas, Ontario
• Fredricton, New Brunswick
• Kingston, Ontario
• Labrador, Australia
• London, England (x4)
• Madrid, Spain (x5)
• Milan, Italy
• Montreal, Quebec (x2)
• Moncton, New Brunswick
• North Carolina, USA
• Oakville, Ontario
• Paris, France
• Prince George, British Columbia
• Raumati South, New Zealand
• Sackville, New Brunswick
• Saskatoon, Saskatchewan
• Tel Aviv, Israel
• Tofino, British Columbia
• Tokyo, Japan
• Toronto, Ontario

Its pretty remarkable, that in a months time my creations have been able to travel such distances. I have received many photos (Sackville, Montreal, Amherst, London, Madrid, Dundas and Tokyo) thus far, but still have an abundance of photos to receive. Waiting is so exciting. Not sure when or even if the photos will come in, and I have no idea what they will look like.


Gypsy Gems, I can't wait to see you creations. 


Much Love.

Until Next Time,


 <3 Your Gypsy Queen

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..Home Sweet Home..

Gypsy Gems,

I am back on Canadian soil, and as much as I enjoyed every single ounce of my trip - I am somewhat happy to be home. 18 days, 6 planes, and 3 countries can get exhausting. I know what you are thinking... likely you have been on a Europe back packing tour, or know someone who has and has done a ridiculous amount of countries in a few weeks - well Gems, that is not my style and will never be my style.

I am not much of a tourist. I don't really do museums, and big tourist attractions - hey, I have been to France and didn't even see the Eiffel tower. It just wasn't my priority. I much rather enjoy visiting countries that I have connections with that way I can explore areas not talked about in tour books - the more hidden gems only locals know about.

If I could sum up the highlights of my trip it would have to be the following:

• Seeing Legally Blonde the Musical at the Savoy Theater in London, England
• The many markets I shopped at in London
• Punting (boating) in Cambridge, England 
• Shopping and lunch at the Marc Jacobs Cafe in Milan, Italy 
• Going out in Milan - Colonel, Hollywood, LoolaPaloosa
• The Gelato in Milan  - Mmmmm
• Being in London and Milan during their fashion weeks
• Watching a Flamenco dancer with my new hostel friends in Madrid, Spain
• My private walking tour in Madrid
• Tapas in Madrid with new friends

I really want to thank my old friends who housed me and showed me around their cities, as well as my new friends that I met along the way - and of course the very special gypsy gems I met and accepted my gifts. Sending my love and thanks to each and every one of you. xo

Until Next Time,

Much Love.

<3 Your GypsyQueen

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..Key to Sass..

..Eriko..TwentySeven..Merchandiser..Shibuya, Tokyo, Japan..

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..Gift Encounter No. 9 and 10 (Madrid)..

Gypsy Gems,


I am writing you from London. It is late and I should be sleeping as I have an early flight in the morning. This is my last evening in Europe - my trip is coming to an end. But not to worry my little gems, the stories and the encounters have not all been told. 


Rewind to about a week ago - I will continue to where I left off... Madrid. I assumed travelling to Madrid would get lonely – seeing how I was a party of one.  But to my surprise, it was quite the opposite.

I spent some time with an old friend from high school, was introduced to her friends (see previous post). I managed to make some friends at the hostel I was staying at. AND my friend whom I was visiting in Milan, put me in contact with Mimmi; a friend from school.

I gifted earring No. 9 to Mimmi, its an earring I called "Robot's Tear". The earring has bright blue, purple and black and purple polka dot feathers with a blue triangle charm. Mimmi is a sweetheart, who went out of her way to meet me, introduce me to the city and invite me for amazing tapas with her roommate and friends.  (Thanks Mimmi – I had a wonderful time!).  I was nervous to gift the earring to her; however,  as I found out during our discussion that she works for a Spanish Jewellery Company - quite intimidating. Even though I was nervous, I stuck to my gut and presented her with the gift. She seemed quite happy with it and showed her roommate (Sofie) who quickly indicated that she would be borrowing the earring. 

Luckily, I had additional earrings in my purse, and was able to gift one that was well suited to Sofie - an earring I call "Pretty in Black". The earring has a solid black feather with a regal crown charm.

Ladies, it was a pleasure to meet you - I will be eagerly awaiting your pictures.

Until Next Time,

Much Love.

<3 Your GypsyQueen 

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..The Key to Fall..

..Danielle..TwentyFive..Grad Student (Masters in Social Work)..Dundas, Ontario..

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