Saturday, July 27, 2013

It's Time For Summertime Greens

I've been kind of pressed for time lately but I've managed to squeeze in a few minutes to feature some of the works from the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild  on Art Fire.  The topic this week is Green.  Here are a few works featuring the color of Summer.

Here is a Lime Green Pendant and Earring Set From TTE Designs that evokes feelings of the beach and tropics.
From Kimi's Jewelry From The Heart, I found these gorgeous butterfly rings.
These adorable little Turtle Earrings from Amazing Designs would be perfect for anyone from 5 to 95.
And finally I chose this Red and Green Necklace from Art Asylum to round out my selections.
I hope you'll visit these shops and see the amazing things being created with polymer clay.




Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Summer Time

As the heat of summer hits its height, I start thinking about the beach.  Here in New England, that means crowded beaches and cold ocean waters.  I love going to Maine to enjoy time at the ocean.  You can still find some beaches that are somewhat deserted.  My husband and I found one not far from Portland ME, and no, I'm not going to name it because we like it the way it is. 

But thoughts of the Maine beaches starting me thinking of some beachy and summery items that I've found on Art Fire.  I'm a member of the Polymer Clay Smooshers Guild  and wanted to highlight some of the beach related items that can be found in some of its member's shops.

So here goes - get ready for the beach!

First up is this Pebble KeyChain by Beadcomber
Its simulated beach stones are made from polymer clay but they look like the real thing!  A lot lighter than carrying stones around, as well!

This Blue Flower Necklace by Blue Morning Expressions  conjures up warm and sunny summer days!
This Gilded Rose Stripe Ladybug Garden or Plant Stake by Harrison Hollow Designs
Is the perfect little critter to decorate your deck or garden.
And I just had to add one of my own items that I love.  I've made a number of these earrings in different styles and colors but these Stripped Flip Flop Earrings by  Wyvern Designs 
are some of my favorites!

So get out there and enjoy your summer, for as we up here in New England know, the summer's beauty and warmth is but fleeting.  We'll soon return the cold harsh winter.





Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Dog Adoptions From Local Animal Shelters

Let me preface this piece with the disclaimer that I think all those animal shelters out there are doing a wonderful job.  They care for and look for homes for numerous unwanted(by some) animals out there in this hard, hard world.

That said, I'd like to rant a bit about their, sometimes, unrealistic rules and regulations for a adopting a dog.

My husband and I recently adopted a Lab mix from a local shelter.  The shelter had some rules.  He was 3 months old and luckily I was only working part time so I was able to be home with him for a good portion of the day.  He's now 11 months old, housebroken and I just dismantled his crate yesterday because he's being such a good boy when left alone. 

The reason behind this rant  began when my son, who is in his thirties and is a responsible adult with a full time job and  owns his own home, started thinking about adopting a dog from a New England animal shelter.  He'd like a young but not too young, medium to large, male dog.  He works full time so the dog would be home alone for 8 1/2 to 9 hours a day.  But apparently animal adoption facilities do not think this is a good idea.  He has been told by several that he's not home enough to adopt a dog.  That a dog should be alone no more than six hours a day.

What planet do these shelter people live on?!!  According to their rules, only the independently wealthy, the unemployed, or stay at home Moms can adopt one of their dogs. 

I know these rules were made up with the best intentions, but they are unrealistic and unreasonable.  I don't know too many people who can afford to leave their job to adopt a dog and if they did, both dog and human would probably end up living on the street.  A fenced in yard can be cost prohibitive for some people and the lack of that feature should not be a deterrent to adopting a dog.  No wonder there are so many dogs in shelters.

I would like to be able to get this message to all the shelters out there.  Yes, there is good reason for some rules about the adoption of animals but there are dogs in shelters who are missing out on good homes because of some of your arbitrary rules.

Yes. a dog should not be left alone for exceedingly long periods of time.  But I've had dogs that were alone for 8 to 9 hours a day, who did just fine in my home and were loving and social animals.

Yes, a fenced in yard is wonderful, but my dogs have gotten their exercise through walks and interactive play without a fence. 

Shelters need to reassess their rules and let hard working loving people adopt some of their dogs.