Saturday, July 31, 2010

Fall Dolls


FALL IS IN THE AIR!!!

At least I wish it was!  SO tired of this heat!
I thought I'd get an early start on some FALL themed goodies for my shop.  I had some autumn print fabric from last year & sewed up 2 new dolls ~ Leo the Calico & Brianna the Brown Tabby!  I love the gingham check on their faces!
They are waiting in my ETSY SHOP now just for you!

Hope you're having a lovely weekend! (and staying COOL!)

OH & join us for the Saturday Pet Blogger Hop hosted by NIPANDBONES!
It's lots of fun & you'll meet some great bloggers!


Friday, July 30, 2010

Feline Friday~A Cat, Some Geese & a Beaver!

Here Zoolou is, still cramming herself into that tiny box for her naps by the computer!  Beats me how cardboard can be comfortable but she looks pretty cozy.

This is Willow, the Beaver (they thought he was a girl at first!) 
My daughter Kayla volunteers for the Nature Center & this week they went to a different little wildlife sanctuary & got to visit with all kinds of creatures!  She loved Willow!  He was so sweet & friendly, of course when he's getting treats! I pet him too!  To the left you can see his little hole he swims in & out of to get to his outdoor pool & enclosure.

I thought these geese were so adorable all lined up single file walking down the sidewalk!  There were a lot more that wouldn't fit in the picture!

On the art front, I'm working on lots of new FALL themed projects.  As usual, I have lots of ideas, don't know where to start & just feel all scatterbrained!  FOCUS...

Wishing you a purrrfectly wonderful weekend!  meow

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Little Painted Box

I finished up this sweet little hand painted wooden box last night.
It looks a bit "Mary Engelbreit-ish" doesn't it?
I like how bright & colorful it is!  It was fun painting on wood for a change instead of canvas.  I used to paint on wood blocks all the time.  Maybe I'll go back to that soon...

This little box is available in my ETSY SHOP right now!  Take a look.

Have a lovely day!

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Pretty Painted Pendant


Back of Pendant

I found a ceramic pendant in my daughter's tub of old packaged craft projects (she never got around to) so I decided it needed to be painted & made into a necklace!  I was in a tropical mood I guess & painted a great big Bird of Paradise behind a black cat.
As soon as I can figure out how to attach a clasp onto the string of black suede I have it'll become a necklace & go in my Etsy shop
 I've never made jewelry before but it can't be that hard can it?

I'm working on a cute little wooden box right now!  Feel like I'm finally getting back in the groove with my art projects!  Happy Sunday!

Saturday, July 24, 2010

I'm in an Etsy Treasury!

Genevieves of the world unite!

The lovely Genevieve from GenevieveVictoria has included my cat doll (named Genevieve) in her "Genevieve" Treasury!
Click HERE to see all the uniquely different Genevieves!

Hope you're having a SUPER weekend!!!  meow

Friday, July 23, 2010

Feline Friday ~ Cats Riding in the Car

This picture makes me really nervous!  (source)

Sorry for the lack of posting ~ I've been on a "College Road Trip" with my daughters this past week!

For today's "Feline Friday" I'm posting an excerpt from an article in our Wichita Paws website.  This woman is lucky enough to have cats that actually LIKE riding in the car!  IF ONLY!  I dread going to the vet every year knowing the yeowling I'll be hearing all the way there & back! 
It would be great if my cats enjoyed a nice car ride but I purrsonally think they are much safer in a carrier!  I look at that picture above & think what is keeping that cat from accidently falling or blowing out the car window???  And should they get in a wreck I hate to think what would happen to them!  Leaving them uncrated & unattended in a hotel room is just unthinkable to me!
Anyway, that's just my opinion.  Here's part of the article if you'd like to read about them. 
HAPPY WEEKEND!

"Aidan and Mr. Big"
Many dogs like to ride in the car, but with cats, it’s usually a different sort of trip.

While “most cats are dug in under the seat, clawing themselves into the carpet,” Minde Baumgartner says her Devon rexes, Aidan and Mr. Big, love a car ride.

“They ride in the car like dogs,” Baumgartner said. “Mr. Big sits on the console between the seats and just hangs out there with no problem, while the other looks out the window the whole time like a dog would.”

Baumgartner said she drove to Iowa to adopt the kittens about six years ago, and had no problems bringing them back to Wichita, uncrated, in the car.

“Once I saw how easily they came home with me, I thought I might as well just take them with me,” said Baumgartner, who used to travel for her job.

She said she found hotels that would take cats, but she had to remember to put the “Do not disturb” sign on the door.

“The maids would come in to change the bed and it would freak them out” to find the cats snoozing under the covers, she said.

Baumgartner says she gets strange looks from other drivers when she takes her cats for rides to Sonic, or to the park to see the ducks.

“People just aren’t used to seeing cats riding in a car like that,” she said.

Read more: http://wichitapaws.com/article/7298&pt=On-the-road-with-pets#ixzz0uWV8Bssr

Friday, July 16, 2010

Hot off the Art Table!


Just got this cute little painting listed on EBAY ~ give it a look!
I don't do blondes or Siamese cats very often but just got in the mood the other day & this is the result!
I think it turned out very sweet.

Now I'm off to figure out my new phone.  I got a new upgrade today & have NO CLUE how to use it!  UGHHH!!! 

Feline Friday~Cats are Good for your Health!



Happy Friday!  I came across this article on the web (source) & thought I'd post it for my Feline Friday.  Of course we already know being owned by a cat is GOOD for you! Have a great weekend!

17 Health Benefits of Owning a Cat
June 17, 2010
When you think of items that can help you increase your health, you do not often think about pets. Especially, cat ownership may not come to mind. However, health professionals and researchers are finding that owning a cat can actually benefit your health. You can enjoy a number of benefits from cat ownership. Here are 17 health benefits associated with owning a cat:

Lower risk of cardiovascular disease: Apparently, if you own a cat, you are less likely to die of cardiovascular disease. Indeed, a study from the University of Minnesota found that those without cats were between 30 and 40 percent more likely to die of cardiovascular disease than cat owners. Does it work for owning dogs as well? According to the study, dog owners didn’t reap the same benefits as cat owners.

Reduce risk of heart attack: You can reduce the chances that you will end up with a heart attack when you own a cat. Not only will your entire cardiovascular system thank you, but you can reduce the chance that you die suddenly due to heart attack if you own a cat.

Improve your immune function: Owning a cat can help your immune function improve. The feelings you get related to the cat can help you give your immune system a boost. Cats often know when you are ill, and can come and provide you with comfort, helping you get better while boosting your immune system.

Decrease chance of developing allergies: If you are going to have a baby, you might consider getting a pet. Having a cat can help you prevent allergies in your children. There are some studies that newborns that live with animals, specifically cats and dogs, are more likely to avoid developing allergies. Being used to them from an early age triggers immunity.

Help prevent asthma in children: In addition to helping to prevent children from developing allergies, there is some evidence that living with a cat can also help prevent asthma in children. If you have kids, owning a cat and exposing your kids to cats might help them to avoid developing asthma. Early and regular contact with cats can help your children avoid a number of respiratory problems.

Reduce blood pressure: You can help reduce your blood pressure by enjoying the company of a cat. Indeed, having a cat can lead to lower blood pressure. Just stroking a cat is calming and lowers blood pressure. Those who own pets, according to a State University of New York at Buffalo study, are more likely to have lower blood pressure than those who do not have pets.

Lower triglycerides: You can lower your triglycerides by exercising and eating fewer carbohydrates (especially from processed foods). But that’s not the only thing you can do. Some studies indicate that if you have a cat, you can lower your triglycerides and boost your health by owning a cat. While you should probably still exercise and eat better, owning a cat can help the process along.

Lower cholesterol: Are you trying to lower your cholesterol? If so, consider getting a cat. Interestingly, cat owners have lower cholesterol than those who do not own cats. A 2006 study in Canada showed that owning a cat was actually more effective at lowering cholesterol than the medications designed to do that same thing. Indeed, you could save money on meds and improve your health, possibly, by becoming a cat owner.

Reduced risk of stroke: The prospect of having a stroke is scary. If you are concerned about having a stroke, you might consider cat ownership. Owning a cat can cut the risk of stroke. A study at Minnesota University found that cat owners could cut their risk of stroke by 1/3. The idea that you can help reduce the changes of getting a stroke, thanks to a cat, is one reason to consider cat ownership.

Reduce stress: Having a cat can help reduce the stress in your life. Having a cat has many psychological benefits, and one of those is relieving stress. Being able to care for an animal, or having a cat snuggle with you, can help you feel better, and reduce your level of stress.

Reduce anxiety: Not only can owning a cat help reduce the stress that you feel, it can also reduce your anxiety. Petting a cat is calming, as are other aspects of caring for cats. When you are concerned with caring for another creature, it can help you take your mind off your worries. Additionally, the presence of a cat that will snuggle with you can help you calm yourself as your enjoy the unconditional love of a cat.

Improve your mood: In many cases, interacting with a pet can help improve your mood. This includes cats. Owning a cat can help you feel better in general, boosting your mood. If you are looking to see mood improvement, a cat can help with that.

Help with depression: Owning a cat can also help relieve depression. While a cat may not actually “cure” depression, it can help take your mind off your problems, and focus on something else. The love a cat offers can also be soothing to the mind. If you are depressed, cat companionship can help you in your battle.

Help with autism: Autism is marked by difficulty in social interaction and communication. Those with autism have a hard time communicating in the same way that others do. Having a cat can actually help in these cases. There have been instances where cats have been instrumental in therapy for autistic children. Other developmental disorders can be helped with exposure to cats as well.

Reduced loneliness: Many who have feelings of loneliness can find relief with a pet. Cat companionship can help those who are lonely feel a connection with another life. Just having a cat to come home to and spend time with can help those who are single, or widowed.

Fewer health care visits: Those with cats make fewer visits to health care professionals. This includes visits to the doctor, and hospital visits. Studies have also shown that nursing homes that allow cats as part of the therapy for patients have lower medication costs than facilities that do not make use of cats as part of therapy.

Longer life: Along with being married and avoiding main roads, you can enjoy a longer life with a cat. Cats provide a number of benefits that can lead to a longer life, including a form of social interaction. So, if you want to be healthy and live a little bit longer, consider owning a cat.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Nasty Kitty Colds!

Poor little Charlie & Chia just can't seem to shake their nasty colds!  I took them in last Friday for a checkup & they were doing great!  Clear eyes, no congestion & only a sneeze every now & then.  They were almost allowed to stay at the Humane Society but when they both sneezed there in the foster coordinator's office we all decided I'd keep them a while longer & make sure they got completely healthy.
Well...it seems ever since I brought them back home they've relapsed & gotten progressively worse every day.  Sniffles & sneezes galore & this morning when I saw Chia's eyes red-rimmed & she didn't even want to get up & head bonk me I knew it was time to call the clinic vet.  Charlie's eyes were getting teary too & I could tell poor Chia had a fever, she felt so warm. 
GOOD NEWS is ~ I took them both in this afternoon & after a single dose of anti-inflammatory & their first dose of Zithromax they are already on the rebound & happy kitties again! 
Don't you just hate it when your cats are sick & you feel so helpless???  I'm so glad they're feeling better & now I'm trying to keep them from being TOO active so they can rest & get well!

On a CREATIVE note ~ I'm about halfway through a new painting & just keep getting interrupted by kids & cats!  It will definitely be finished tomorrow & I'll post it either then or Friday.
Tomorrow morning I take my kitty Markie to the vet for his annual exam & vaccs.  I'm already dreading the howling in the car!  Sighhhhh...

Monday, July 12, 2010

WIN some of my GOODIES in a RAFFLE!

Good Monday morning!
Want to win all these cute folk art goodies???
I've donated this little collection to ANIPAL TIMES for their July RAFFLE!
The items include one of my Cat Nappers & Toy, a print of one of my paintings, 2 pillow ornies & 2 bookmarks!  Woohoo!

TO ENTER:  Click HERE to get to their website, then find the above picture in the left column & enter your e-mail addressEASY!

Anipal Times is an online magazine with all kinds of cool animal info.
I was also interviewed by the editor (Cokie the Cat himself!) & will let you know when that is published!

Off to work on some new creations! Can't decide whether to do a painting, pillow or painted box!
Decisions....Decisions....!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Morrie & Neo BOTH got adopted - YAY!


I'm SO excited!  My foster babies Morpheous (Morrie) & Neo BOTH got adopted yesterday from the Humane Society!  Oh happy day!!!
It was Day 1 of their "Cat Independence Days" (all kittens $17.76) & SO many kitties (& some dogs too) found their furrever homes!  I had the fun job of data entry, processing paperwork & got to see all the animals that were adopted & pictures of them.  I just loved seeing that big stack of contracts piling up higher & higher!  I sure hope they have as great a day today & lots more animals get new homes!

My other 2 fosters, Charlie & Chia, still aren't quite over their colds yet so they are still here with me.  They're getting better every day though.

HAPPY SUNDAY!!!

Friday, July 9, 2010

My Lighthouse Painting is Finished!

"Lighthouse View"

I'm gonna be BUSY tomorrow volunteering at "Cat Independence Days" at the Humane Society so I thought I'd go ahead & post my new painting now. 
This is my little version of the Eagle Bluff Lighthouse located in Peninsula State Park in Door County, Wisconsin!  Wow ~ that was a mouthfull!  Of course I added a few felines to it!  I'm really happy with how it turned out!  It might be hard to let this one go. 
We got to see this gem on our trip there last month. Beautiful!!!  We saw the most gorgeous sunset one night there over Green Bay!
Ohhhh...I wish I was there now!!!

"Lighthouse View" is up for grabs on EBAY right now!  Click HERE!

Feline Friday ~ Cat Independence Days!

This weekend our Kansas Humane Society is having it's annual
CAT INDEPENDENCE DAYS!
This is such a great event for the kitties every year.  You can adopt any kitten for $17.76 & cats over 9 months are FREE!  They come spayed or neutered, dewormed, with their first set of shots & micro-chipped!
That's one heck of a deal!

This event has always been very successful & they anticipate a big crowd this weekend.  I'll be volunteering!  If you live near Wichita & are thinking about adopting a cat ~ come on over!!!
If not a cat, how about a dog?  They'll be 25% off!

My foster babies Morpheous & Neo went back to the Humane Society this morning since they've recovered from their colds.  They are now up for adoption & I hope they find a forever home this weekend or soon!  Charlie & Chia came back home with me for another week or so since they're still sniffling & sneezing a little.  I'm glad I get to enjoy them for a bit longer!  I miss Morrie & Neo already!
Here are some more pics of them...
Mischievous little Neo!

Morrie playing with fishies

The sweetest face!

Chia (who we found out was a girl -oops!)

Charlie - Don't mess with the CLAW!

Hope you have a glorious weekend full of love & purrrs!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Feliz Cumpleanos Frida!


Happy Birthday dear Frida ~ Happy Birthday to you!
Frida is one of my favorite subjects to paint!  This is one of my very first paintings of her from a few years ago.  I had fun with her hair - ha!
I'm working on a new painting at the moment ~ it was inspired by all the neat lighthouses we saw in Door County, WI last month on vacation.  I should have it finished tonight & posted tomorrow!
In the meantime...here are some cute cat pics!

What's out there???

Oh...it's Mrs. Cottontail sampling the salad bar!

Something sure was interesting out the back door but for the life of me I never could see what it was!  They definitely had their eyes on something!

I left out the little box from my foster kittens' canned food & Zoolou decided it was a nice place to take a nap.  Doesn't seem to bother her that half of her is hanging out of it!

"I'm not fat, I'm FLUFFY!"
Hope you're having a great day!
meow

Friday, July 2, 2010

Feline Friday~the Kitty Korner Store!

I found the CUTEST shop in all of Door County when we were on vacation in Wisconsin last month!
It's called KITTY KORNER! I've been in "cat" stores before but this was just the most adorable one I've ever seen!  It had every kind of cat thing imaginable in it.  Even the outside yard was decked out in cat glory ~ check out the cute "PURRKING" sign!
Even the garage door to the owner's house next to the shop was decorated!
The sweetest shop sign ever!

This shop had EVERYTHING!  Cards, artwork, home decor...

Statuary, garden & kitchen items...

You get the idea!

Love the sign over the doors!
I bought MYSELF one to put up in my studio!

The only thing missing from this store was a REAL cat!  The owner explained to me that she had 2 cats & used to bring them next door to the shop but they are seniors now & she doesn't want to put the stress on them.  I don't blame her.  I just keep thinking how great it would be to live in a little cottage like she does & have a little cat shop right next door! 
I can dream can't I?

Anyway, just wanted to share this little GEM of a shop with you! 
They have a website you can visit ~ just click HERE! 
 Have a purrfect weekend!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

4 New Foster Babies ~ the FUN begins!


Morpheous (Mory) & Neo

Morpheous (Mory) checking out the toys
I've reached the summit!
Chia & Mory
Charlie
We like our foster home!
The view is nice up here!

We brought 4 little furballs home from the Humane Society today to foster for a week or two while they get over mild colds.  They all have a little snifflin' & sneezin' going on so need fostering while they get well before they can be placed for adoption. 

MEET  brothers Morpheous (we call him Mory) & Neo ~ the 2 orange & white tabbies
and brothers Charlie the brown tabby & Chia the black sweetie with white patch on his neck
They already had names & we like them so aren't changing them.  My son told me Morpheous & Neo are from the movie The Matrix.  I would never have known that - ha!

 I wasn't quite sure about bringing 4 home at a time, especially having colds, but within 5 minutes of letting them out in their bedroom they were running, jumping, playing, exploring & just having a high ol' time!  Their colds sure aren't slowing them down a bit.  I know they're enjoying all the extra room to run & play after being cooped up in their isolation units at the shelter.  It's great to see them carefree & HAPPY!

I'll keep you all updated on their adventures!  Happy Thursday!  meow