Made With Molecules Newsletter - Holidays 2010

[raven hanna]

Dear MWM friends and fans,

It's that holiday time of year again! Although, settled into my new
hometown of Pahoa, Hawai'i, it doesn't quite *feel* like the holiday
season... more like summer solstice. But I'm sure I will find the
holiday spirit here, too, after celebrating Thanksgiving with new
friends, admiring the holiday lights, and watching some small-town
parades.

I'm excited about being here on the Big Island particularly because
there is so much science here: world-class astronomy, geology, and
marine biology. And the science is here following the inspiration of
Nature: clear, dark skies, active volcanoes, and life-loaded waters. I
can't wait to learn and explore - the possibilities seem (and probably
are) never-ending!

In this newsletter:

1. NEW! Oxytocin Necklace
2. NEW! Pinene Holiday Ornament
3. Science Tarot
4. Holiday ordering deadlines


1. NEW! Oxytocin Necklace

I'm so pleased to finally offer an oxytocin necklace. I've been
intrigued by oxytocin - the neurotransmitter of cuddling, trust,
bonding, and empathy - for so long, but have waited to add oxytocin
jewelry to the MWM collection. The challenge was its size, much bigger
than the other neurotransmitters I've made. I decided just to embrace
this feature and have created a bolder, attention-grabbing piece. I've
worn it to a few special events and it always gets praise and
attention. Does it make me feel more social, communicative, and trust-
worthy? I think so! I've added genuine carnelian stone beads for some
extra fun.
http://www.madewithmolecules.com/oxytocinnecklace.html

2. NEW! Pinene Holiday Ornament

I love adding a bit more science into the holidays! Continuing my
tradition of a molecule-ornament-a-year, I'm happy to announce the
Pinene Holiday Ornament. I didn't know anything about pinene until my
friend Rachel the chemist suggested it on my facebook page. It is
truly an amazing molecule! Made by coniferous trees and smelling of
pine, it certainly is a beloved, if relatively unknown, part of our
holiday experiences. But the very cool part is that it is released by
trees in summer to thicken clouds and make shade. To me, this points
to the complexity of ecosystem interactions and the incredibly clever
systems natural selection has created. The ornament, so appropriate
for a holiday tree, can also be hung year round for those who do not
celebrate with trees or those that are year-round tree appreciators.
This year the pewter ornaments come with a handmade (by me) pouch
using a custom printed organic cotton fabric.
http://www.madewithmolecules.com/ornamentPinene.html

3. Science Tarot

I spent much of the last few years working on a collaborative project:
Science Tarot. While the name may be hard for some to parse at first,
Science Tarot is both a science communication project and a fun game
that can be used to gain insights into life's narratives. We had our
launch party at the California Academy of Sciences (San Francisco) in
September where it was heartily embraced by scientists and tarot
enthusiasts alike. After pouring our hearts and brains into this
project, we were overjoyed with it's reception. I worked with my
brilliant and talented friends Logan A Daniel and Martin Azevedo to
come up with a scientific concept that matches the traditional meaning
of each of the 78 tarot cards. Five amazing artists drew, painted,
collaged, and etched the illustrations. You have to see their work!
You can do that and find out more about the project - plus links to
order decks (great stocking stuffers!) from Amazon and original
science art from the artists - here:
http://sciencetarot.com

4. Holiday ordering deadlines

Please refer to the following list for ordering dates and deadlines.
Since I’ll be shipping from Hawai’i this year, please allow a bit
extra time as detailed below. Thank you!

Nov 15: deadline to order holiday cards with a custom message
Nov 25: deadline to order custom amino acid jewelry until January
Nov 30: soft deadline for international mail to arrive for the
holidays
(not guaranteed, but likely)
Dec 16: suggested deadline to order via regular mail for Dec 24 US
delivery
Dec 19: suggested deadline to order via express mail for Dec 24 US
delivery


Happy solstice-centered holidays and best wishes in the new year!

.raven..