One World One Heart 2011!

Warm greetings to new friends
and old pals from around the world! Welcome to my little corner of the blogosphere. I hope you enjoy your visit.

I am delighted to be participating in the One World One Heart event once again...for those who are new to the event, it is an international "open house" involving hundreds of different bloggers from around the world, each offering a special giveaway that ends on February 17.

My name is Susan Faye and I share my home in the Pacific Northwest with my cat Buttonwillow and a room full of really great art supplies. I adore art, cats, handcrafts, Mother Nature, chocolate, gardening, and of course, blogging! My goal is to put a smile on your face with my creative endeavors.

This year I will be offering THREE different door prizes as follows:

Prize Package No. 1



Bunny Delight: A Rhonda Rabbit Bookmark (sorry--beloved antique book not included), a set of 6 little gift cards (blank inside, each measures 3-3/4" x 2-1/8"), and a Rhonda Rabbit Lavender Dream Pillow (9" tall), filled with lavender to give you the sweetest dreams... all made with love by me!


Prize Package No. 2

Wearable Art! This prize package features a pendant and earring set for cat lovers...I've taken mini prints of my artwork and preserved them under crystal-clear glass, then made them into a sparkling pendant and pair of dangle earrings on sterling silver earwires. A 24" silvertone petite ball chain will be included.

Prize No. 3:

A $30 gift certificate for my Etsy shop . The winner will be able to choose from jewelry, art prints, catnip toys, lavender sachets and other handcrafted gifts.

Blog writers and blog readers alike may enter and I will ship prizes to anywhere in the world. To enter, please leave a short comment at the end of this post (one entry per person, please). Giveaway ends on Thursday, February 17 at 6:00 P.M. Pacific Standard Time. Each entrant will be assigned a number, and the winning number for each prize will be selected using a random number generator.

Please make sure that I have a way to contact you if you are the winner, such as a link to your blog or e-mail address included in the comment. Winner will also be announced in a blog post on the evening of February 17th.

Also, if you encounter trouble with the Comments feature, please contact me by e-mail with the word "OWOH" subject line, and I will add your entry to the list (without your email info). You'll find an e-mail link at http://www.SusanFaye.net

ABOUT ONE WORLD ONE HEART: Artist Lisa Swifka is the organizer of the event and her vision is "to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. ..It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way." To find out more about this event and other participants, visit One World One Heart
(but be sure to leave your comment/entry at the end of this post first, before you are whisked away!)

Thanks for visiting! Come back soon!

Year of the Rabbit and A Perfect Hare Day

The Year of the Rabbit begins next week with the Chinese New Year on Feb. 3 and you certainly don't want to be without a special somebody with which to celebrate . That's why Rhonda Rabbit has put together this easy tutorial on how to create the Perfect Honey Bunny.

First, take one basic bunny.

Add some dashing dashes and convoluted curves...

...then fill in with some true blue hues on a handsome hare who happens to speak French.

He also loves to cook gourmet treats and grow organic herbs in his solar greenhouse.

Voila! Meet Lorenzo Lapin.

Thanks for visiting!

Studio Assistant Spotlight: Gilbert and Benny

My studio assistant Buttonwillow (pictured, right) takes her job very seriously and always enjoys hearing about studio assistants who are equally devoted. She was delighted to discover Gilbert, a fellow fluffy bi-color cat who is a no-nonsense assistant to Artist and Photographer Catherine Panebianco.

Gilbert, who an un-named source described as "constantly irritated" (Gilbert prefers to think of it as "fiercely businesslike"), shares the studio with Benny, a handsome and very laid-back Labrador retriever who occasionally enjoys modeling for the camera.



Recently, Catherine commissioned one of my custom portraits as a Christmas surprise for husband George:

"Both my husband and I think it's hysterical that Gilbert is in George's arms, because really the cat has a massive love/hate relationship with my husband." She laughs that the portrait is "probably the only time George will be seen actually 'holding' Gilbert."

"Benny is the laziest (but incredibly lovable) lab. He's 10 now but has really always been an old soul. Both George and I are huge supporters of our local Humane Society I take photos of the dogs for their website ...we've always been involved either volunteering or on the board."

Catherine specializes in playful, contemporary images of cats, dogs, and any other beautiful thing that tickles her fancy.

She says, "I think photography should be fun and expressive. Take photos of what you love. Whether it's a pet that makes you laugh, a flower whose color makes you happy or a person that catches your fancy, express yourself like I do through photography."


Click here to enjoy Catherine's beautiful portfolio of images: Panebianco Photography. You can find out more about Catherine and see more beautiful pet images on her blog.

Thanks for visiting!

dog-in-glasses photo copyright C Panebianco all rights reserved

The 365 Challenge

As Noah Scalin can tell you, setting out to do a daily project for a year is a crazy but rewarding challenge. Noah is the brains behind the Skull-a-Day project and author of 365: A Daily Creativity Journal.

"A daily project is like a marathon. It's a ridiculously daunting task, but making an original creation every day gives you an incredible sense of accomplishment. It also forces you to push beyond your mental and physical barriers (especially the ones you've erected for yourself). You'll be amazed at what you produce and what you learn about yourself in the process."

I'm thrilled that 365 Cat Ladies and Friends was featured on Noah's blog yesterday! You can take a peek here: 365: Make Something Every Day. While you're there, check out all of the other 365 projects that have been featured; you might just get inspired to start your very own!

An International Event For Bloggers: One World One Heart

As an enthusiastic blogger, I am once again very excited to be participating in One World One Heart -- an international event involving hundreds of bloggers from around the world, each offering visitors a chance to win a special "door prize" of their choice. This is its fifth and final year and it will run from January 30th to February 17.

Artist (and Cat Lady) Lisa Swifka is the organizer of the event and her vision is "to bring bloggers together from around the world who may never ordinarily meet. ..It closes the gap of the blog community and enables us to interact, discover new and wonderful people, and in the process possibly win a prize or many prizes along the way."

I'm putting together an extra special "Door Prize Package" so be sure to check back on January 30th to see what you will have a chance to win.

You must have an active blog to be a participant in One World One Heart; to find out more, visit the One World One Heart Information Page

Thanks for visiting!

The Catnip Chronicles: Photo Verification of Customer Satisfaction

My studio assistant Buttonwillow takes her job as quality control supervisor very seriously. Each new batch of catnip that arrives is thoroughly tested for aroma, potency, and crazy-making properties.

That's why she (and I) are always delighted to hear from satisfied customers and particularly pleased when photo verification is received.


Cat Lady Sue recently wrote: "I ordered some of these to give to friends with cats -- and, oh my goodness -- I gave one to our cats three days ago and the kitties take turns with the toy -- I have never seen them like ANYTHING this much! "

"Hello, Kitty is the one who most 'appreciates' your handiwork. She lies on her back and holds the little catnip pillow over her face, using both paws -- she looks the way I do when I have a headache and am using a heating pad."






Hello Kitty shares her life with a small zoo of other cats and dogs. Sue says, "A friend who saw the pictures says that Hello, Kitty is doing a zen-like mantra of 'I am an only kitty' when she holds the catnip pillow to her face!" Wishful thinking!

"Hello, Kitty came to us after being rescued from a car engine . She had ridden at least 12 miles in the engine before the people discovered it -- she evidently joined them when they were at the grocery store and parked near a dumpster. The girl who got her out said that they had no clue what her 'real' color would be as she was totally covered with oil. She is very affectionate but is not the 'brightest bulb on the porch' -- engine fumes,probably!"

Here is one of Hello, Kitty's housemates, Tig --"The Three-Legged Wonder Cat". According to Sue she appreciates the catnip toys also, but is taking some time out from all of the fun to help with the laundry.



Thanks for visiting!

Winter Blues Begone!

With three feet of snow on top of the burrow, Rhonda Rabbit has found the perfect solution to melt away any mid-winter blues: Redecorate! It's as easy as hopping over to her computer, placing some orders, then waiting for the intrepid mail carrier to arrive (a Snowshoe Hare-Lepus Americanus-of course!)

First, she'll sip some chamomile tea out of her new mug that she ordered last week...

Bunny Love Coffee, Tea, or Cocoa Mug...The perfect size for your favorite morning beverage or late night brew. Large, easy-grip handle. Treat yourself or give as a gift to someone special. Measures 3.75" tall, 3" diameter; Dishwasher and microwave safe $13.99 at Cafepress

Then she will start with the kitchen and pick out this framed tile for the wall above the sink...

Bunny Love Framed Ceramic Art Tile...Frame measures 6" X 6" x 0.5" with 4.25" X 4.25" tile; Constructed of stained Cherrywood; Two holes for wall mounting $11.99 at Cafepress

And now for the living room...How about a cheerful coaster for the coffee table?

Bunny Love Ceramic Tile Coaster...measures 4.25" x 4.25"; Four felt pads protect your furniture from scratches. Dishwasher safe. Not for use with abrasive cups and mugs. $6.50 at Cafepress

And a colorful print for the wall above the sofa...

Honey Bunny 8" x 10" Art print... heart-felt message for your special honey bunny; A great way to brighten up a child's room or nursery...This cheerful 8 x 10" inkjet print is printed on high quality matte photo paper with Epson Durabrite Ultra inks. Print will be signed at the bottom. . $12.50 on Etsy

This little fabric ornament might look cute next to the bathtub, and it smells pretty too!

Lavender Scented Valentine Ornament... This hand-crafted fabric ornament has a ribbon for hanging and is filled with fragrant lavender... a great gift for your favorite honey bunny or sweetheart! It measures 4" x 2.5", not counting the ribbon hanger. $6.00 on Etsy

And now for the boudoir...Rhonda thinks this whimsical pillow would look great on the bed to brighten up the room...

Bunny Love Throw Pillow...Add stylish fun to a kid's room or den. It measures 18" X 18" with an 11" X 11" image area and is made of ultra-soft brushed twill with a sturdy canvas image area. Ships with pillow insert. Removable zippered cover for easy laundering. $19.99 at Cafepress


And the finishing touch will be this lavender-filled Dream Pillow, which will sit right next to the bed. She wishes she had one already, as she feels a nap coming on. Sweet dreams, Rhonda!
Lavender Dream Pillow... This petite pillow is filled with a generous helping of high quality lavender buds. Place it by your bedside-- according to folk wisdom, lavender's aroma aids sleep and relaxation. The pillow is 9" tall x 5.5" wide.. $12.00 on Etsy

Hope YOU are safe and snug in your burrow.
Thanks for visiting!

Evolution of a Knitty Kitty

Remember Lilly? She's the knitty kitty who never met a ball of yarn she didn't like. Among her other interests are history and anthropology and she discovered that Wikipedia says:

"The earliest known examples of knitting have been found in Egypt and cover a range of items, including complex colorful wool fragments and indigo blue and white cotton stockings, which have been dated between the 11th and 14th centuries CE." What they don't point out is that the Egyptians revered felines, and it's an obvious conclusion to Lilly that the first knitters were cats.

She thought you might enjoy seeing the evolution of a knitty kitty:

Start with a basic cat...

Add some knitting needles and the idea for a sweater...

Let her pick out a ball of yarn in a favorite color...

Then set her free to knit away to her heart's content.

(Just don't set her free in a yarn shop. Whatever you do.)

Need an extra-large tote for all of that yummy yarn you've acquired? This LILLY KNITTING TOTE is now available in my Cafepress online shop. Roomy, it features side panels for extra support and an inside lining for water resistance and simple cleaning. With durable straps (and pockets on the outside and inside), it's a great bag for all your knitting needs.

• 100% cotton (14 oz.) canvas
• Dimensions: 12" x 16" x 5¾"
• Outside pocket with Velcro® closure
• Inside pocket with flap
• Available in 3 colors

Support Your Local Feline Fella--A Tale of Cat Tats

Cat Lady Samantha grew up with a dog and didn't really care for cats. That is...until she met Feline Fella Dan almost nine years ago.

Sam tell us, "Dan grew up with cats and shortly after getting married in 2003 we decided to adopt Hondo (the gray tabby). And it's true, cats ARE addicting!!" Hondo was adopted from Fancy Cats Rescue.

Soon to follow were Boogers (on Sam's shoulders), Fido (the tuxedo cat) and three Ragdoll cats-- Pork Chop, Tiskers, and Mittens. The newest member of the family is puppy Ethan, a lab mix, who is soon to be a year old.

Lest anyone doubt his devotion to his feline friends, Dan, a police officer, found a way to proclaim his feline fella status to the world:

"My husband loves his cats SO much that he has Boogers, Hondo, and Fido tattooed on his left arm (he wants the other 3 cats on his arm, but I said maaayyyyybbbeeee later!!!) :D

"Dan is a cop and recently made it onto the S.W.A.T team. During the S.W.A.T. school, they were giving him so much crap about his cat tats, that at their graduation the squad presented Dan with a white stuffed cat, as they felt so bad for teasing him (EVERYONE knows he's a cat lover). So crazy cat ladies and crazy cat husbands unite!"

Thanks Dan, for showing us that a "tough guy" public servant can also be a big softie with a big heart! We salute you!

You can find out more about Sam and Dan's furry family on Catster.com. Here is Booger's Catster page where you can find out how he got his name, and find links to the other cats' profiles.

Thanks for visiting!

And the Winners Are...

Last week you were asked "How Do You Feel About E-readers Like Kindle?" in a Very Scientific Poll (multiple answers were allowed).

• No one thought "They are the end of civilization as we know it"
• 50 % said "Give me a traditional book any day!"
• 35% said "It's a cool way to carry around a library in your pocket"
• 25% said "I love anything that encourages people to read"
• 20% meowed "I don't read books. I'm a cat."

Three names were chosen at random to win a set of 6 personalized bookplates (they get to choose from 12 different designs) and they are:

Pam, who "loves a good book". Be sure to check out her beautiful beadwork at Queenie's Beads, and her lovely ceramics at Country Maid Garden & Gifts

Cat Lady Jennifer, who is "mom" to eight cats and who said, "I vote for the real book any time, hands down! I also, however, voted that I like anything that encourages people to read." You can find out more about her and her many artistic endeavors at JenniferLynn Productions

Wife and husband book review team Karen and Gerard, who also voted for a real book. They live with cats Spunky Doodle and Manny, and have a book review blog called Grab A Book From Our Stack.

Didn't win? Personalized bookplates in 12 different designs are available in my Etsy Shop at this link: bookplates.

Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who participated for your input!

Counting Blessings

Last week I posed the question: "what if you had to choose 5 blessings to fit on a tiny pendant?" in the blog post Gifts and Blessings

What would they be?
Here are some of the responses:

family,
friends,
cats,
dogs,
furbabies,
health,
wide open spaces,
exciting destinations
a warm house,
great art supplies,
mother nature's beauty,
sunshine,
contentment
Courage,
Patience,
Love,
Strength
Faith
chocolate
quilting,
books,
a cold beer on a hot day.

It was no surprise that "loved ones" of all kinds - friends, family and furbabies - topped each list. Thank you to everyone who shared their lists here, on Facebook, and on The Hive!

Speaking of counting blessings, meet Rhonda Rabbit. She is the 14th child of 23 siblings, so she has a LOT of blessings to count. The 5 blessings she would choose are:

Her family
Her friends
Her posy patch
pink hearts
Her sweetheart Lorenzo

She has been working on some very special Valentines with a very special message for all of her loved ones. Here is what they look like:

She hopes you like them!



Rhonda's valentine art is available as a print in my Etsy shop, and as a card (blank inside) in my Cafepress shop. Enjoy!