ATC's and Fund Raiser

 When I read that Karen Stiehl Osborn was collecting and selling ATC's to raise funds for an animal rescue group I immediately knew this was something that I could support. Our two dogs were rescued from shelters where both were about to be put down. Mona, who rescued both Nicolas and Cleo said that Nicolas had little or no fur and his skin was covered with sores and so was considered un-adoptable by the kennel. Cleo she referred to as her million dollar puppy because she was laying in the kennel with a fractured hip, broken leg and paw, waiting to be put down. Mona rescued her, took her to one of the best surgeons and after two operations she spent months immobile as her hip and leg healed. Cleo's paw never fully healed but today she runs on three legs as quickly as Nicolas can run on four and Nicolas has the softest fur of any dog I know. It is hard to imagine that our society is so quick to eliminate such precious lives.

Read about Karen's fundraiser and enjoy the ATC's that have been donated to help raise funds to save lives.

Nicolas is the white teddy bear at the top.

Shopping with a Cause

Through December 6th my Claynfiber shop is participating in the EtsyVeg promotion to raise funds for 'A Dollar for Peace', a campaign by the volunteer organization "Food Not Bombs". Participating shops are donating ten percent of all sales to this cause. In addition several shops are offering further shopping offers. I'm offering free shipping within the United States on all purchases over $50 and reduced shipping for outside the US. Check EtsyVeg for a list of shops and offers.

If you're looking for other shopping options where your money will help charities of your choice, consider charity wines. I received an email from Cocker Spaniel Rescue of New England, with a link to wine with their label. Seven dollars from each bottle sold goes directly to help the animals they have rescued. There are many other charities you can support through the wine site. This has solved a couple of my tough gift shopping decisions. Now to decide which bottles to order .... oh and then there's the etsy shops to check for the handmade gifts .....oh that's Cleo and Nicolas above; our two adopted rescued family members.

Back in the sewing room I found some stamps I've been saving for the moment of inspiration. Here's my first in the stamp postcards. Now I'm searching the kitchen cupboards for interesting labels!

The Wild Brunch

FedEx just delivered these two pieces to Calabasas, California. They are my donation to the silent auction at The California Wildlife Center's annual fundraiser in Malibu. I wish I could be there with my pots because the food, the wine, the entertainment, the setting, all sounds fabulous! And it is all to help with the wonderful work of the wildlife center. If you are in the area or close enough to make the trip, tickets and information: click here.

art UNLEASHED 2009

If you are near Jacksonville, Florida on July 10th enjoy the art, fabulous food and cocktails at the annual 'art UNLEASHED'. Proceeds help end animal homelessness and fund spay/neuter programs by First Coast No More Homeless Pets. Last year I sent one of my first art quilts, "Paws and Pearls" for the silent auction. This year I made " Escape the Bars" inspired by Ricky Tims 'Convergence Quilts'.

Meow, Woof Exhibition & Fundraiser

Art Expressions in Ft. Lauderdale will be hosting a fundraiser show for Grateful Paws. I love to create work for fundraisers. For my dog related piece I created a stoneware clay box with a dog bone cut-out. As with much of my work I finished the clay with iron oxide rather than glaze. After the second firing I created a pieced fabric quilt with some berries and broken up cinnamon sticks sewn down the center. All was quilted together and stitched into the box. It measures just over 8 by 11" and is about 2" deep.

For my cat quilts I started with some cute cat fabric by Laurel Birch, adding colorful cottons until I was happy with the design. At first I had two small art quilts with buttons, yarn and clay stars. I decided they weren't finished so pieced and quilted a larger piece of fabric, attached the small quilts and then wrapped each piece around a canvas frame. I'm happy with the final quilts and will use this technique again.

If you are near Ft. Lauderdale visit the show! Perhaps I'll meet you at the opening next week!