My holiday wish is that tanks could be transformed into voting booths as this young polymer clay artist envisions it here.

George Estreich's creations have been featured in major art exhibits, television ad campaigns, textbooks and adopted by New York City public schools. George is currently pursuing a masters degree in industrial design at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY.

A postscript from Ronna Weltman

AnySoldier.com gives people a way to get care packages to soldiers, even if they don't know any. You can also give a tax-deductible donation and they'll take care of buying stuff.

While looking over the site, I ran across these polymer goodies crafted by CJ Rice, a military wife. J&C Manufacturers features handmade gifts and collectibles crafted by Active Duty United States Military members, disabled American veterans and their spouses. CJ Rice is a military wife who makes pins out of polymer.

I was really touched because the first thing I clicked on was a little polymer cake. Although it was a humble creation, it had "#1 Dad" on it, and that got me choked up, thinking a child whose father is serving overseas might buy that to send to daddy. Of course, that gave me a pang in the heart, and isn't that art pure and simple — something that says something, touches you, takes you to a new place?

Readers may appreciate knowing about an opportunity to support our troops this holiday season, and also it could be fun to give a military wife a "You go, girl" for her finding her voice in polymer clay, and to wish you peace.

  • reply Debbie ,

    Thank you for bringing to my attention the site AnySoldier.com. Having spent some time going through the site, I’m touched by the connections between not just an anomymous soldier ‘over there’, but a soldier that is speaking for a group of other soldiers. And letting us know there are specific things that would be appreciated if they were sent.

    And the most appreciated thing is a letter. Just saying someone is thinking about them.

    For all our grumbles here about too long lines in the stores, the price of gas, untangling the lights, etc….. in the grim reality of what those soldiers are living…. it all becomes too clear.

    I will be sending my letter tonight. And packages (of powdered drink mix, one of the most requested items… how simple a request to fill!!!!).

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