Thursday, June 26, 2008

Furr Babies

I just love pets but unfortunately over the years I've developed an allergy to my furr babies. Talk about unfair! A couple of years after bringing my most recent cats into the family, I saw a major increase in allergies so off to an allergist to find out the problem. To my surprise, one of my many reactions was to cats and dogs. I just couldn't believe that was even possible since I'd owned several over the years without any problem. Well, what to do? Keep them and live with it, of course. LOL

It's now been about 15 years with my furr babies. Recently I noticed our little girl, who was the runt of the litter, was looking more fragile than normal and started drinking a lot of water. Unfortunately, we have discovered she probably has renal failure other wise known as kidney failure.

Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Singing Button

I just love fun tutorials and things you can do with your children. Parole de pate's blog site has a lovely and fun project for a singing button. My goodness, that takes me way back. I remember making them from real buttons and seeing this tutorial using polymer clay just added another wonderful dimension.



The blog is in French but you can always use a translation site to get it in your language.

So go have fun! Make a fun toy...and if it's just for yourself...well, I won't tell because I think I'll make one just for me too!!!

Monday, June 09, 2008

Pass the Hat - CERF

Everyone has heard the expression "starving artist" and in the craft world it has been a common practice for artists to "pass the hat" for those who are going through difficult times.

In 1985 Carol Sedstrom Ross and Josh Simpson decided to tap into this generosity and founded CERF (Craft Emergency Relief Fund). Their mission? To strengthen and sustain the careers of craft artists across the United States. It is a non-profit, tax exempt organization and the only one of it's kind in the United States.

CERF also provides a voice in government and public policy as well as building alliances with other organizations in the effort to make awareness of the concerns of the craft community.

There are a couple of publications I would suggest you may be interested in. Cerfnews is produced twice a year and Cerfe-news is produced semi-monthy. If you are interested, please visit and sign up for more information at their sign up site.