A Chocolate Card

I did a card for Karla's Aunt Caroline (of Karla's Cottage). This card is made out of chocolate clay. I loved doing this as I have done chocolate clay in a smaller version but not a big card - once again I have been stretched creatively here in Blogland. I did send a smaller version of this card as a backup just in case.

I have been busy with this and my mermaid swap and of course, squirrel feeders. Not to mention putting out all the seed and nuts for the birdfeeders and squirrel feeders. What hungry little critters and getting quite rounded. Certainly a well fed bunch!

Yet another Birdfeeder...

And an adoreably cute little non-feathered visitor! Hmmm, looks like he might be needing his own little diner, plus he might have some hungry friends. So, on to another woodworking project - a squirrel feeder.




Here is the most recent finished birdfeeder added to the metal pole. I have really liked helping to make these. Power tools are loud and well powerful, they take some getting used to, but it is fun to learn more skills. The painting is the best part though.



Now, on to study some squirrel feeder woodworking plans...

A Bird at the Birdfeeder

First, this is the next birdfeeder on our assembly line. Yes, we are just cranking these on out! This is a great springtime project and Earth Day project (we are using old paint in the garage for this one). It appears to be puce but actually has a gorgeous pale green tint to it (some colors just do not photograph well).

After we put up the first birdfeeder last week Hubby would rush to the window to see the feasting feathered friends - only there were no shows. It was as if we had opended a bird diner and no customers were coming in. He was so disappointed - so - I, very sneakily, ran out and put an adorable little chick (fake of course!) on the feeder as if he were perched there (with the help of some 'duck' tape).

I did have to contain the guffaws as Hubby went to the window and saw this little sweet fellow indulging in some bird seed. Hubby was so excited and ran out there only to discover my ploy. Later that day some real birds did end up eating at the birdfeeder.

That is good as we are working quickly to get the second feeder out there.

He is hanging on even with a strong gust of wind!

A Birdfeeder

We completed this Gazebo Birdfeeder. This was one long project but well worth it. This has taken all our creative energies this week, now with this done I can concentrate on some upcoming swaps!

More Birdhouses!

My Hubby saw the blah birdhouse I redid for the Bling Your Birdhouse Blog Party. He was so impressed he got out some wood and made several more.
A Lavender one and...

Here are four more posing in a line up. He is cranking these on out. Hey, uh Dear, what am I going to do with all these birdhouses? How about making something else?

Our little garage workshop...he started a birdfeeder - a Gazebo Birdfeeder - something I have always wanted.

I am painting this soon-to-be Gazebo Birdfeeder green to match the trim on our house. The birds will be dining in high style.

Lumber is super cheap now due to building taking a back seat in this economy. This is so much fun to do and I am getting out there in the garage workshop also, learning a few power tools.

Faux Fur may not be Fake

Ugh, I could have sworn that sometime last year I heard someone utter be sure you buy fake fake fur and not ‘fake’ fake fur. Horrors, it turns out some faux fur has been actual dog fur. I am not talking about a canine cousin of dogs as in dog raccoon but domesticated dogs. Seems this was easier to ‘produce’ than any synthetic fur.

I was actually going to get in a supply of fake fur for any Santa’s I would make for the holidays. Not now. When you get respected news organizations reporting on this you know something is going on. This dog fur is coming from China (hmmm, they seem to be bringing us so many chest clutching scares – what with the lead toys and dog food scandal).

And on another note about dogs – today (April 4, 2008) Oprah has a show devoted to her beloved dog Sophie who passed away recently. In this tribute show she is revealing what goes on in puppy mills. This is a topic near and dear to me as I have a puppy mill rescued dog named Silkey.

Both of these important dog topics are something that we don’t just wring our hands about and wonder what can I do? Being consumers we can make all the difference by being informed and making purchases based on information.

We don’t buy pet shop puppies (there are so many wonderful pets at your local shelter) and now I will be very careful to buy fake faux fur. One exciting trend…faux fur from organic cotton – and this stuff looks fantastic, would make a fabulous trim on a Santa’s coat. But, do I tell Hubby now that a faux fur Jacket by Loyale at $340.00 would be bought to cut up for my fake fur stash? Maybe I better not! Or maybe I should find a cheaper way to get the organic cotton faux fur.

Seems now the key thing is to specify what type of faux fur you want. I do not want any fur in my faux fur.

Easter Basket Swap

My basket ready to go, look at the little faces peeping out - excited about their trip to Australia!

This is the beautiful basket Linda sent me:

Linda was assigned as my Easter Basket Swap buddy. This was my very first swap and it was so much fun. I got to meet an international e-friend, but more exciting her basket had an Australian flair that I truly enjoyed.

What fun to have a big box arriving and opening it up. Hubby and me immediately ate the huge chocolate bunny she included. I unpacked everything and would later sit down to truly enjoy the experience she sent me.

Me and my new pals Kanga and Roo sat down together (I love them). I simmered the delicious tea (even had a little sugar cube packed with it) and sipped and read the postcards she sent of her town. Kingaroy in Queensland is where she lives. I looked at her beautiful card she made for me and sorted out the eggs of many varieties she sent. A rose bookmark, a little pillow with my initial, and even some footies were among the things she sent. And paper items for crafting. Thank you Linda!

And I must mention what a doll she is. My basket got to her on Monday the day after Easter. This was our first ever international shipment and she did not get it in time. I felt so bad I sent her a 'sussie' - a little extra gift. She was so nice about it all - she is a great e-friend.