I know this is preaching to the choir here, but especially for those who have only window-shopped, consider making or commissioning a purchase now (if you are financially able). I was one of those Wings Virgins until today, when my earrings arrived. They are beyond breathtaking and even more exquisite than I anticipated. I only asked for a variation of something showing on their website, but going through the process of defining my wishes with Aji was clarifying for me, as well as Wings. They respected my (far from huge) budget, but gave me something uniquely, powerfully mine. And at the risk of sounding a little faux-mystical (not my intent at all; I'm just struggling with finding the right words), it's the strength in his work that I'm responding to. How something as small as earrings could feel so immutable, so enduring is beyond me, but it's there, and it's real.
Wings silverwork and photography, and Aji's writing as she shares that work with the world, are what have provided the majority of funding for the building of their home, a home desperately needed.
As most of you know, they are so damned close to getting the house completed. And it must be. They absolutely have to get out of the mold ridden, prone to electrical fires, roasting in summer, freezing in winter, tin can of an RV they've been existing in for far too long. The RV has affected their health in multiple ways and they can not heal until they're in the new house.
They will not survive another winter in the RV and snow is already covering the mountain peaks.
They're so close to being able to move in. The down payment on the woodstove they'll be using for heat has been paid and the stove is being installed on October 9th. At that point they'll need the remainder of the installation payment.
Even before that, they need sales and funding in order to pay the work crews so the work on the house can be finished. They will not be able to pay the work crew next week if we don't help.
So here's what we're doing. Wings is offering a 25% off sale through September 30th on works by the other artists in his shop. You can chose from traditional Pueblo drums crafted from single pieces of cottonwood trunks by Taos Pueblo master drum maker, Lee Lujan, handcarved alabaster figurines, jewelry, photography and paintings, handbeaded baby moccassins, to exquisite pottery by Taos Pueblo artist, Camille Bernal, and others.
To be clear, Wings’ work is not included in the sale, but do yourself a favor and peruse the items on offer by the other artists. The link to their works on Wings’ blog is here — wingssilverwork.com/...
The holidays are right around the corner. Buy a loved one a gift that will be cherished for years.
Now is definitely the time to order any work you would like Wings to craft to your specifications as well. If you see a piece that speaks to you but has been sold, he can also re-create it in a way that is personal to you or someone you love.
Wings's main page is here. Inquiries via the site's Contact form. And, as always, sales are very much needed (especially now), so shares of the site links are much appreciated.
Shares of the site helps create sales of Wing’s work. Sales will fund the completion of their home. So won’t you please share the links and help spread the word.
There are always birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and the holidays coming up. Wing’s work will be a gift that is always treasured.
If you’d like to peruse specific categories of Wing’s work, the following are some helpful links from Avilyn’s wonderful post in June.
If you’ve stayed with me for this long, thank you. I’ve seen comments in the past with people who have trouble with Wings’ website, especially on mobile browsers. Here’s some links to help with mobile browsing:
In addition, here’s the nice concise list of links and ways to help — either through purchasing or sharing:
- Wings's direct PayPal link;
- Wings's site, for sales;
- Lowe's cards (the physical version) via our Amazon wishlist;
- Lowe's e-cards (delivered via e-mail) here; and
- Home Depot cards via the company site. The e-version using my e-mail address is great; I take the tablet to the store with me, and they scan it off the screen.
- Our Amazon wishlist generally; at the moment, the most urgent item is the second item on the list, the pair of cervical pillows (because we're very close to being able to set up our bed and sleep in the house, but because of the mold, we cannot take any of our linens or pillows with us — yes, my collection of migraine pillows all have to go in the trash, but on the plus side, the new bed might obviate the need to replace all but these two).
- Wayfair gift cards, to replenish all the furnishings that the RV has destroyed in one way or another.
- Partial registry #1, from Bed, Bath and Beyond. It's not complete; what's on it so far are drapes for the upstairs, associated curtain rods, and bath rugs for both bathrooms. The longest curtain rods (at the very top of the list) and longest drapes are the priority. [A kind soul let me know that the Wayfair rods were not strong enough for the drapes, and by the time I researched various sources for the right diameter, these wound up being far and away the best buy.]
- Partial registry #2, from Wayfair. Also not complete, but covers a number of the area rugs
and all of the curtain rods/hardware needed for the upstairs. [Wayfair has apparently never heard of a housewarming and insists on labeling it "bridal," but whatever. Also, the rugs: yes, we'd love to be able to afford Pendletons, but if we had four figures to drop on rugs, we'd get the real thing from actual Diné artists. At Pendleton prices, that's not happening; these are a small fraction of the price, but likely to last a very long time.]
I woke this morning with a head cold. All I wanted to do was crawl back into bed for the day. But a head cold is nothing compared to the health issues that Aji and Wings have struggled with while fighting to build a safe home.
I love reading Aji's writing, except for days like this when I learn that the mold from that toxic RV has gotten into her lungs. That is not helping her autoimmune disease to stop flaring in the least. We simply have to help them get home. And that is just what this amazing community is doing.
Thanks to a wonderful, generous soul who has offered a thousand dollar match, together, we can raise the funding for next week's work crew and move another step forward toward finishing the house.
If you would like to contribute to the Match, here is the link to Wings's paypal site — www.paypal.me/…
There is no such thing as a "small” donation. Every dollar matters greatly.
If you would prefer to send a money order or check, please kosmail me and I will get their snail mail address to you.
Because of your caring and generosity, Aji and Wings will finally be able to be safe and heal.
I can't wait until they're able to sleep in a warm, mold free, safe home. It has been a long haul to get this far. We've watched the house rise from a bare patch of earth. We've read about both set backs and steps forward. Now, lets help them get over the finish line.
We can do this.
Deepest thanks and blessings to all for your caring hearts. Together, we do make miracles happen.
Never doubt it.
PS — I'm using an unfamiliar lap top as I'm away from home at Yasu's. Who am I kidding. Haven't used a lap top in years. Needless to say, I'm trying to figure it out, but between the head cold and my own limitations with all things computers, at times the air has been filled with cursing.
I will respond to everyone who so kindly comments. It may take a little while but I will get there. :)