More Mosaic

Good morning everyone! I completed yet another mosaic ball a couple of days ago. My basket is officially FULL! I even have an extra ball that didn't fit in the basket.
Again, these were the result of a mosaic class in Everett Wa. with Julia Jae at The Black Door Studio. As you can see, I've had a lot of fun with these. They all start with a piece of styrofoam which is then covered with tile adhesive, which is applied like butter but a bit thicker. Next, you place your stones wherever you like them. Dry overnight & grout with a sanded grout the next day. You may choose not to grout also. The one ball in the mddle front is done without grout. If you are doing one without grout you will just need to put your pieces fairly close together.
Hope you all have a beautiful weekend!

From Creepy to Pretty

Good morning! I am getting a bit burned out on Halloween so I am going with pretty today instead of creepy. The image of the horses came from Pdphoto.org & the background is one of my own. It was from a picture of tye dyed balloons. The 2nd image background is from thepublicdomain.net & the image was a freebie from another blogger. I hope you all have a great week!

A Little Rain & More Creepiness Booooooo

Good morning! I saw wet streets when I pulled the curtain open this morning (even though it's still dark out!)Why on earth am I up this early? Because I LOVE the early morning, that's why! Halloween is fast approaching us & I do have more creepiness coming your way. I have been enthralled with this Photoshop stuff. Today's image is a freebie background found through Google & the image is an actual mask that I shot a picture of. That face is pretty creepy, I must say! Halloween is showing off my dark side, at least one of them anyway:>)! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!
Make something....beautiful or creepy!

Decoupaged Ukelele

Good Morning! When we visited the diRosa Preserve in Napa last year a ukelele on their wall caught my eye. My recollection of this piece was that it was decoupaged but as I look back at some pictures now I think it was done with mosaic rather than paper.
Well.......that means I do a 2nd ukelele! The next one will be done in mosaics.
Nonetheless, I am quite happy with this little creation. It's very colorful, as I like things to be & I hope you all enjoy it.
I do have to mention how heart warming it was watching all the Chilean miners being rescued yesterday. One of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed.
Happy Thursday to you all!

Halloween Creepiness

Good morning! What a lovely weekend it was. Back to 80's & 90's for a few more days.
I had time to work on a decoupage project this weekend which I have planned to do for over a year now. I saw a similar item when I visited the DiRosa preserve in Napa last year. It's coming along very nicely & I will probably post it later in the week.
Dexter sends a big "thank you" to everyone for all of his sweet birthday wishes. He had a wonderful day with catnip toys & lots of loving.
Today is Halloween creepiness with free halloween images found through Google & manipulated in Photoshop Elements.
Hope you all have a wonderful & creative week!

Happy Birthday Dexter

Good morning everyone. Today is my Bengal Boy's 4th birthday. Dexter was born in Washington State 10-9-06 & moved to California in January 2007. We picked him up at the Burbank Airport about 6:30 in the evening. I will never forget it. Tim & I bustling through the airport looking for the little room where they were holding Dexter. He was a perfect little kitten. He rode home in the car with us & never let out a peep. We were all in heaven for sure! He's gone from that adorable little kitten to somewhat of a HUGE boy now. Dexter, we love you so very much, sweet boy!
Dexter does share a birthday with John Lennon & we think that makes him even more special!

Give Litter Charity to Help Los Angeles Animal Shelters

I ran across this link yesterday to join in for this cat litter giveaway for some Los Angeles animal shelters. Each day you can click the little box on the right of my blog to give away cat litter (just like the little boxes you clicked to give away animal food, mammograms etc.) It is so easy to give. Please conside putting a badge on your blog too. See the full story below.

World's Best Cat Litter™ Invites "Feline-thropists" Everywhere to Join its GiveLitter™ Charity to Help Los Angeles Animal Shelters
Alley Cat Allies with Baldwin Park Animal Shelter, Cat House on the Kings, and Kitten Rescue To Benefit

Muscatine, IA - September 8, 2010 -- World's Best Cat Litter™ launches its GiveLitter™ charity in Los Angeles, CA, online at Facebook: www.facebook.com/worldsbestcatlitter and at www.givelitter.com. From September 8-November 8, "feline-thropists" everywhere can vote once a day at either online location and donate pounds of World's Best Cat Litter™ to three Los Angeles animal shelters: Alley Cat Allies with Baldwin Park Animal Shelter, Cat House on the Kings, and Kitten Rescue. Each vote is worth 1/10th-apound of litter. After donating 5,255 pounds of World's Best Cat Litter™ to its first city, Washington, DC, in August, World's Best Cat Litter™ is now focusing for the next 60 days on Los Angeles shelters. The total pounds of World's Best Cat Litter™ raised per shelter and the delivery date for the truckloads of litter will be announced in late November.

"We invite animal lovers everywhere to become part of the GiveLitter™ charity and help these Los Angeles animal shelters as they work tirelessly to address community needs,” said Paul Zobel, Senior Director of Marketing, World's Best Cat Litter™. "As a result of all the people who voted online, our GiveLitter™ program recently donated over 5000 lbs. of World's Best Cat Litter™ to Washington, DC. Now we welcome fans to vote again so we can help these great Los Angeles shelters."

About GiveLitter™:
World's Best Cat Litter™ was founded on more than sound science. It was founded on a love for cats—indeed all pets—a respect for our communities and a responsibility to our planet. That is why we're committed to giving to programs that further and enhance human-pet relationships, community viability and earth-friendly sustainable practices. Web site: www.givelitter.com

About World's Best Cat Litter™:
World's Best Cat Litter™ is a pet-, people- and planet-safe cat litter made with whole-kernel corn and other natural ingredients using a patented scientific process that delivers advanced odor control and clumping. Using no synthetic chemicals, clays or perfumes, World's Best Cat Litter™ is biodegradable, flushable, septic-safe and all natural. World's Best Cat Litter™ is available in pet specialty stores (PetsSMART and PETCO), independent pet stores and select grocery stores. World's Best Cat Litter™ is produced by GPC Pet Products, which is headquartered in Muscatine, Iowa. Media Contact: Jeanie Ryan at 603-235-5266 or Jeanie@MicroArts.com. Web site: www.worldsbestcatlitter.com

About Alley Cat Allies:
Alley Cat Allies is dedicated to promoting and expanding humane methods of care and to ending the killing of cats. Through education, advocacy, and action, Alley Cat Allies serves as the leader of the movement to protect and improve the lives of cats nationwide and around the world. Media Contact: Elizabeth Parowski at 240-482-1984 or EParowski@alleycat.org. Web site: www.alleycat.org

About Baldwin Park Animal Shelter:
The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is one of the largest and more progressive animal control agencies in the U.S. The six shelters, including Baldwin Park, cover more than 3,200 square miles of cities, deserts, beaches and mountains, providing animal control and rescue services 24 hours a day, seven days a week in the service area. Built in 1956, the Baldwin Park Shelter is currently upgrading the get-acquainted yards, feline housing building, kennels' misting system, murals and a spay-and-neuter clinic through donations. Media Contact: Lance Hunter at 626-962-3577 or LHunter@animalcare.lacounty.gov Web site: http://www.animalshelter.org/shelters/Los_Angeles_County_Animal_Care__Control_-_Baldwin_Park_Shelter_rId536_rS_pC.html

About Cat House On The Kings:
The Cat House on the Kings is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary, rescue and adoption center, situation along the banks of the Kings River in central California. The Cat House has rescued over 18,000 cats and 6,000 dogs since its founding by Lynea Lattanzio in 1992. Spread over 12 bucolic acres, this haven for rescued animals is a unique no-cage environment where over 700 cats roam freely inside and outside, many awaiting a forever home, while others will spend their lives there. Media Contact: Rochelle Noblett at 559-673-5951.To find out more, please watch this short video: www.cathouseonthekings.com/facility.php

About Kitten Rescue:
Kitten Rescue was formed in 1997 by a volunteer who intercepted unweaned kittens as they were being brought to city shelters where they faced certain euthanasia. From these humble beginnings, the organization has grown to become Los Angeles's largest no-kill cat rescue group, rescuing and placing over 1,000 cats and kittens every year. Now, over 200 active volunteers help save homeless and abandoned cats and kittens from shelters, off the street and from owners who are no longer able to care for their pets. Kitten Rescue pays for the medical care of all of its rescues until they are adopted, and all of our cats and kittens are spayed/neutered, tested for leukemia and FIV, vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped and treated for fleas prior to adoption. In addition to having a large network of foster homes, Kitten Rescue owns its own private shelter facility, the Kitten Rescue Sanctuary, which houses approximately 150 adult cats in a cage-free environment. Kitten Rescue is a volunteer-run organization, and its directors, officers and foster parents do not receive any salary or benefits, which allows the organization's resources to be put directly into the animals under its care. Media Contact: Ben Lehrer at Ben_Lehrer@yahoo.com Web site: www.kittenrescue.org

Switching Gears

Good morning everyone! I can hear the rain coming down this morning as I am writing my post & it does sound so GOOD!
I am switching gears this morning too & posting, I think it's my 5th fabric collage. I am a huge fan of KC WIllis & her Lipstick Ranch! I took this wonderful class from her earlier this year & just loved it! This collage is of my mother back in about 1933 or 1934. She looks quite cute sitting atop her big horse. I really miss her in my life...she was a wonderful woman!
Happy Wednesday!

Fellow Blogger Needs HELP!

Good morning everyone! I am going to attempt to help a fellow blogger this morning.
Her name is Shannon & she is at http://livingwithapug.blogspot.com/. Shannon has 2 pugs & a frenchie, Stella, Gunther & Betty. Shannon works tirelessly helping other furry friends through the French Bulldog Rescue Network. She has a new frenchie named Large Marge!
Marge has several health problems & I have posted her story below. PLEASE, if you can, stop by & chip in to help with Marge's vet bills. So sorry I can't provide a clickable link for you but I've had problems with that for quite some time & can't seem to get it fixed. The only place it won't work is on my blog...UGH!!
THANK YOU EVERYONE!!

Marge's story from: http://frenchbulldogrescue.org/htdocs/foster/marge.html


Let's all give a big shout out to FBRN's newest member of the family, Marge! This lovely 6 year old girl was surrendered by her family because they wanted her to have more care and attention than they could provide.

Marge is already receiving lots of attention and love from her new foster family and foster fur siblings, which is helping her to come out of her shell. Despite being deaf and partially blind in one eye, Marge is a goofball who loves to play and wrestle with her foster family.

Marge has some medical issues that required prompt medical attention upon arrival. Our volunteers involved in transporting her, observed she had severely inflamed and painful ears. She was immediately whisked to the vet where she was diagnosed with untreated, chronic ear infections which caused a build- up of scar tissue and infection in her ear canals. She's currently being treated with antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and ear drops to try to open up her ear canals to give her some relief. Marge is also one of loudest breathers to join the FBRN brood. She has a hard team eating and drinking without needing to take a breath in between each bite. Upon examination, the vet said Marge needs to have soft palate resection surgery so she can live a more normal life. While she's under anesthesia, the vet will also scope her ears and see if there's any hope of restoring her hearing. And last but not least, Ms. Marge will be spayed. No more puppies for this retired mom!

If you have a soft spot in your heart for this deserving gal, please click on Marge's picture to make a donation to get her on the road to recovery.

And now....meet Large Marge!

BOOOOO!!!! HALLOWEEN IS COMING!

Good morning! I have been working on some Halloween pictures over the past couple of weeks & I am posting a couple this morning. I am going to attempt to post Halloween pictures each week throughout the month of October. I gathered some free google images & backgrounds. The doll's head I posted (some may think she's a bit spooky looking) I actually found her head in a bag in my garage. Apparently my husband bought her some time ago & stuck it away in the garage. Not sure what his plan was but I was thrilled to find her! I think he would love this picture I did with her.
Happy Sunday everyone. A pleasant day of art & football. GO PITTSBURG STEELERS!

Out with September & in with October

Good morning everyone! Here we are...just over two months til Christmas! Oh, good grief...what a thought! Two new pics this morning using some various free images & backgrounds. Both done with PSE. Today, I am going to try & finish up my fabric collage I started two months ago! Wish me luck! Happy Friday!

Dexter found Tweedles' Bubbles

Good morning world! Oh dear, is it HOT!!!Had a tough time sleeping with this weather. I am so glad it will be gone by the weekend. This morning I am posting an eyeball for your enjoyment as well as my little Dexter surrounded by bubbles. I just thought the eyeball might be fun & a little different. I believe my little Tweedles sent her special bubbles down to Dexter. The 3rd image of the young woman is from the Graphics Fairy. They were all done with Photoshop Elements.
Have a fabulous Tuesday everyone!

1ST Fall Weekend is a Scorcher

Glad to say I am heading for the coast today. The weather here will be around 100...so...there's no better time than this to escape!
The pictures this morning were done on PSE using images from morguefile.com & pdphoto.org. Have a wonderful weekend!

More Mosaic

Good morning everyone! I completed a couple more mosaic pieces yesterday & now my basket is almost full. I did one of the balls with broken glass this time & the other with the half marbles. I really like the look of both but I think my favorite is still the 1st one I did on the far right. I used no grout on that one & it looks more lively to me than the others. What's amazing is that they all started with a piece of styrofoam! I think I need to try one with some terra cotta colored grout next! Hope you're all having a creative week!

Fall is Rolling In

Good Morning! It looks like Fall is rolling in even though they are predicting a huge jump in temps by the weekend. I think it will be our last little heat spell.
I am posting a PSE pic this morning (what a surprise.) I don't think I will ever get tired of doing these. The background is from a Flickr texture group & the image was from The Graphics Fairy. Today I will be working on grouting a couple more mosaic balls. Happy Tuesday everyone!

300th post & new mosaic pieces

Good Friday morning everyone! I am amazed at the fact that today is my 300TH post on my blog since February 2008. I do love my blogging friends & thank you all so much for dropping by.
Today is mosaic day! When I was visiting my sister & brother a couple of weeks ago we slipped in a little mosaic class with Julia Jae at the Black Door Studio in Everett Wa. I am making a point, from now on, to attend one of Julia's classes on each trip. She is positively wonderful & so very generous with herself & all her supplies. I completed three pieces. These all started with styrofoam. We spread the tile adhesive over each piece & applied the glass/marbles etc. I did 2 with grout & 1without grout. They were quite fun to do. Thank you so much, Julia!!

Please Help the Dogs

How often have you had a chance to have a 20 pound bag of dog food donated to a shelter simply for writing a blog post? It’s really that easy. Pedigree has upped the ante big time. And please spread this message: The food drive is not limited to pet blogs. Imagine if we could spread this message beyond our circles and see how far it goes? The numbers could be substantial. Here is the full scoop:

Each year, more than 4 million dogs end up in shelters and breed rescue organizations. Pedigree created The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive to help shine a spotlight on the plight of these homeless dogs.
This year the PEDIGREE Adoption Drive is raising awareness for homeless dogs by donating a bowl of food to shelter dogs for everyone who becomes a “Fan” or “Likes” The PEDIGREE Adoption Drive on Facebook. So far more than 1 million bowls have been donated.

Special for BlogPaws West: For each blog that posts about the PEDIGREE® Adoption Drive through September 19th, PEDIGREE® will donate a bag of their new Healthy Longevity Food for Dogs to shelters nationwide. It’s simple: Write a post, help a dog.

It is so easy to make a big difference. Please set aside a few moments to write a post. Include the bullet points above. Copy the pics if you’d like. Add whatever you’d like in addition to help get the message out. Because this is not limited to pet bloggers, there is tremendous potential. Know bloggers in other categories that might be interested? Please share this post with them, write one of your own, and go to their site at http://www.lifewithdogs.tv/2010/09/write-a-post-help-a-dog/ on Thursday to leave a link to your post. Let’s make this huge. It would just feel great.
Please....don't miss the chance to be a part of this!

New PSE photos

Good Morning! Yes.....I am so hooked on Photoshop Elements it is ridiculous! I feel like it's one of the only things I care to do right now (aside from a little yard art that I will post soon.)
The bottom photo is from pdphoto.org & the background is from a free flickr texture group. The middle one is some type of plant background that came from pdphoto also & the image came from The Graphics Fairy. On the top pic, I believe both of these images came from morguefile.com.
Happy Tuesday everyone!

Home from the Northwest

Good Morning! I am home from Washington State & getting back in the swing again.
I had a wonderful trip. My family (plus the dogs) drove down to Oregon for the Dahlia Festival in Canby. We also met one of our fellow bloggers there....MS. TWEEDLES & her moms. We had a fabulous day...enjoying the dahlias, going out to Tweedles big forest for a visit & then a wonderful dinner with our dear friends.
Thank you, Georgie, Paulette & Tweedles for joining us!
Today's posting is all about the dahlias....hope you enjoy all the pics. I also have more on my flickr link. Wishing you all a beautiful weekend!

Happy Labor Day!

Good morning everyone! I am still in the Northwest enjoying time with my family. I am posting a couple more photos done last week. The backgrounds & images are from
pdphoto.org & morguefile.com. They have wonderful free images.
Enjoy the end of a beautiful long weekend!

New Pic of Tweedles & a Psychedelic Look

Good morning to you all! I've been playing around with some animal images & came up with a new one of my dear little friend, Tweedles! Her moms haven't seen it yet so this will be a surprise for them to see their sweet girl up here this morning. Both of these images were done on the same background. It's pretty amazing how the look differs with a little color alteration. It was a free Google background. The other image was a freebie from morguefile.com.
Happy Tuesday everyone!

New Blog Design & More PSE

Good morning! Friday has arrived & it appears to be a bit cooler today.
I did a blog makeover yesterday. I like to change it up every few months or so. I never thought the day would come that I would actually use a piece of my own art for my blog header. I've come a long way baby!
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Hot! Hot! Hot!

Well, it is going to be quite hot today....probably upper 90's here. Time for a dip in some water!! The bottom picture I am posting turned out looking like a young woman rolling into shore from the ocean. I thought she looked very cool. The images both came from pdphoto.org. They have become one of my favorite sites. The top image was done on my art paper as a background & the image was a freebie. I positively LOVE this image. I have also acquired images from other VERY generous bloggers, another one being http://thesumofallcrafts.blogspot.com/
Happy Tuesday everyone!