The Rain Door Print by Krinshaw Studios

Fall is definitely here, and this print makes me think of Christmas. And romance. It's an 8" x 10" print on 8.5" x 11" white Matte Photo Supreme paper, and larger sizes are available upon request! You can also order note cards with the same image. I'm thinking they'll make great Christmas cards... Climbers are a talented bunch, aren't they? Check out more great artwork and clothing at Krinshaw Studios shop!

Back in Business!

I haven't done a blog post in a while, because I've had a lot going on in my "other" life. I started my teaching internship a few weeks ago, and each day is an adventure. And pretty draining sometimes. I will be at the St. John's Farmer's Market this weekend with my jewelry, and going to have a new blog feature for the team up soon!

Red and Gold Brocade Chalkbag by Rockduster

If you're like me, and think that any ol' chalkbag just won't do, then you need to visit Rockduster's shop. There are currently four designs available, and this one is my favourite. These chalkbags are not just designed to look pretty; they are fully functional! They are made of sturdy canvas with fleece lining, and have a drawstring closure and a loop to hold your brush. The cost is $18.50 USD plus shipping. Check out Rockduster's shop to see all of her designs.

Cowl neck tank dress by Intertwined Designs

Intertwined Designs has a whole line of clothing for the comfort-loving, earth-conscious climber. This Cowl Neck Tank Dress is a classy piece that can go anywhere - school, work or roadtrip. It's made of a soy/organic cotton/spandex blend. Available in six different colours and sizes XS to XL. Intertwined Designs also has tights, pants, tank tops, underwear, and lots more!

Cam Onesie by Hill Country Designs

What a terrific idea! If you have a wee one, or need a baby shower gift for your climbing partner, this shop is the place for you. Hill Country Designs has tons of cute onesies, all hand-dyed and batiked. There are t-shirts as well, so if you have a young climber in your family, you can send them off the local gym or crag in style.

Whipped Shea Butter by TheOtherEden

Another great item from the Etsy Climbers Team! This is the perfect product for dry Canadian winters and and rough climber hands... made by TheOtherEden in Vancouver, BC. $22.33 USD for a 120ml jar. http://www.etsy.com/listing/94440433/whipped-shea-butter

Feather Earring by FawnSpots

This is a beautiful, long feather earring with real turquoise stones and sterling silver earwire. I love this combination of colours, and the little details like the filigree links on the chain. Check out FawnSpots' store here. 

Solh Necklace by AdventurousRabbit

This Solh (peace in Farsi) necklace is versatile and available in a range of colours, including black, green, turquoise, and coral. It is crafted by AdventurousRabbitt, whose diverse range of art and jewelry items shows off her many talents! Check it out at http://www.etsy.com/listing/99171192/solh-necklace-in-turquiose-blue?ref=v1_other_2

I'm back!

I'll post another item feature shortly, but in the meantime I wanted to tell everyone about my recent trip to Red Rock Canyon in Nevada. I was there for 2 weeks with a bunch of friends from Newfoundland. It was a great trip and I learned so much about climbing. Red Rocks has something for every climber, at every level. There is sport climbing, bouldering, trad, and multi-pitch. I am mainly a sport climber, but I tried out some trad climbing on the trip and it was a great experience. It was a whole new challenge. I have never experienced a desert environment before either. It is so hot and dry, you wonder how anything can survive there, but there is amazing wildlife: birds, lizards, snakes, rabbits, even deer. I didn't see any of the more exotic animals like tortoises or wild burros, though! It was a great time and I definitely recommend Red Rocks to anyone interested in taking a trip there.

Climbing and competition

Thomasina Pidgeon recently wrote an insightful essay about climbing and competitiveness, particularly its role in the lives of women climbers. You can read the essay here.

This gave me a lot to think about. Does being better than someone else motivate my climbing? Or is it my own progress that drives me? I sometimes feel that improving at climbing is not happening fast enough for me, and I get frustrated. But then I remember how lucky I am to be able to climb at all, to see beautiful places and meet wonderful people. What motivates you in climbing?

Since I started blogging for the team, I have found so many things I want to buy for myself! Here is the latest one - a lino cut print from Quail Lane Press. Michelle's shop has many designs that will appeal to climbers and non-climbers alike.

You can check out Quail Lane Press at http://www.etsy.com/shop/quaillanepress?ref=seller_info

Leaf-inspired wood earrings by Arboreal

These beautiful earrings are made by Arboreal Jewelry, located in Seattle, WA. I love everything in this shop; I am a big fan of geometric shapes in jewelry. Check out some more beautiful designs at http://www.etsy.com/shop/arborealjewelry?ref=seller_info

Chalk up!

It's springtime and outdoor climbing season is here! Here is a wicked shark chalk bag from allBeta, cause who wants to climb with a boring ol' chalkbag? Check it out at http://www.etsy.com/listing/96781774/great-white-shark-attack-rock-climbing

Hi everyone, and welcome to the Etsy Climbers Blog! I am going to be blogging on behalf of the team, and very much looking forward to it. I already have lots of climbing and Etsy-related topics in mind, but please feel free to send me your suggestions as well! A little bit about myself... I live in St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada, near the eastern-most point in North America. Winters are long here, and you need patience to be a climber in Newfoundland, but fortunately there is a dedicated, and growing climbing community here. I have an Etsy shop, AvalonBelle, and I sell jewelry. I like glass beads and gemstones, and I am trying to get started in metalworking. Here is a link to my shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop/AvalonBelle?ref=si_shop