Wee!Art Original Pet Portrait Giveaway

Mammals are pretty darn Important here at the Lilypad.

We currently have four cats in regular Fur Suits and two cats in Sparkle Suits who have moved on from their Fur Suit-life to a Leisurely and Beautiful Life at a place we like to call Sparkle Pond.

Did I forget to mention that we also have a bunny?

Anyhow, one of our Sparkle Cats, Jobie, who left his Fur Suit in January of 2008, left behind
May 1st as the Official Sparkle Jobie Feast Day. May 1 had formerly been his birthday. We keep the day as a Celebration Day in his honor.

He demands it.

A Wee!Art Sparkle Jobie!

So, on Friday, as Blisschick and I were sitting in the rabbit room with Miss Lilly (who is certainly the reincarnation of Jobie without a doubt), Miss Zoe, who was of course also in the room, but who was sitting in her hay box munching, said between bites of chamomile flowers and rose hips, "What are we doing on the Blog to celebrate Jobie's Feast Day?"

Blisschick and I exchanged surprised glances. Not only had Miss Zoe come up with a brilliant idea, she came up with a brilliant idea that didn't involve...well...herself.

A Wee!Art Black Cat with Lotus

That's not to say that Miss Zoe is in any way a self centered bunny.

We'll leave it at that.

The idea we came up with, then, is to offer a Wee!Art Pet Portrait Giveaway.

Here's how you participate: After you finish reading this post and contemplating what a wonderful bunny Miss Zoe is (that's a Very Important Part of the process overall, mind you), after you do that, then write us a couple of sentences about a Fur Companion you had or have that meant or means the World to you.

OK, it doesn't have to be fur. It could be fur, feathered, or scaled. It could even be hairless. I love those hairless cats, don't you?

Anyway, write a comment to Zoe and me describing whoever this is and we will enter you in a drawing to win one of two Wee!Art pet portraits like you see pictured here in this post and at my etsy store Ordinary Enchantment.

Only, it will feature your little critter, whoever it may be.


That's all there is to it!! Write a comment and you're automatically entered in the drawing.

Everyone who enters will have their name written on a slip of paper and Miss Zoe, herself, will choose the winners this coming Sunday, May 10th at 5 PM.

So easy! Miss Zoe is accepting entries starting.....

NOW!!

Zombie Bunnies?

When I first started writing this blog, the idea was to feature Art and Mammals Everyday.

That has pretty much held true.

Though, lately, I don't feel as though I've been sharing too much Art. It's been Mostly Mammals.

"Really, there's nothing wrong with
Mostly Mammals," says Outdoor Yard Bunny.
"Seriously."

I suppose part of the reason is simply that, now that Spring is here, I haven't been working on my own Art as diligently as I do in the Winter. When the Sun comes out, it can be hard for me to be inside Painting and Drawing rather than sitting in the yard watching Birdies. Or planting stuff for Miss Zoe (and Outdoor Yard Bunny) to eat this Summer.

You know how it is.

But, just because I am slacking a bit in this early Spring season, it doesn't mean other people are.

For instance, I got a comment a couple of weeks ago on my Facebook status, which had something to do with (what else?) BUNNIES taking over the world.

[An aside: Imagine a world ruled by BUNNIES. Just for a moment, put yourself in that world. It's so peaceful and soft, and snugly and warm. Ahhh...]

Anyhow, the comments took a turn, somehow, (and who knows how these things happen), to Zombie Bunnies.

One of my Facebook friends, Noreen Finn, who is a local Erie artist whose painting I totally love and admire, responded with a post about her Zombie Bunny Gadget Cozies.

"Wait. Back up. Zombie Bunnies?
I don't really think that's an appropriate topic for discussion.
This blog needs to be stopped if talk has turned that way."

I know, Miss Zoe. But you haven't seen Noreen's Zombie Bunny Gadget Cozy.

A Regular Bunny Gadget Cozy from Noreen's shop.

I think she's fresh out of Zombie Bunnies right now. But, not to worry-- they are custom made! You pick the felt colors! You pick the fur color! Totally Fun!!! You pick the Regular or Zombie Animal of your choice!!! What could be better?

Your iPod told me to tell you that it wants to be zipped into the pink fur of a cozy rabbit. Or an owl. Or a panda.

Check out Noreen's etsy shop, BirdonaFernStudio. Do it now!!!

I don't care what Zoe says. I'm saving up for one.

Wee!Art

But first.. a quick update regarding Monday's post:

Treehousejukebox Emma asked via a comment, "Was the ring found?" (referring of course to the ring that was dropped down the toilet on at the library on Saturday when I was working.)

The answer to that question was almost as amusing as the event itself (though I realize I am easily amused).

When I got to work yesterday, I had received a note re: Restroom Man from our Maintenance Guy that read, "Tell [Restroom Man] to call the Water Waste Treatment Plant and ask them to keep an eye out for his ring."

And I immediately pictured a veritable treasure trove of the items that may wash up at the Water Waste Treatment Plant, and how many guys who work there have girlfriends who have been presented with those "gifts" (or would they be "re-gifts?"). I immediately picture a young man presenting his fiancee with a lovely engagement ring, and she, in her innocence saying, "Oh honey it's lovely! Where did you get it?" and him shuffling his feet around and saying, "Oh, you know. I got my sources..."

"And, again, I say: This is why cats don't wear rings."

Yes, Miss Lilly. We heard you the first time.

In other news... I may or may not have mentioned that I had the opportunity on Sunday to make a bunch of new stuff for:

Ordinary Enchantment, The Store
(our new adventure in the world of Etsy.)

Along with some cool new pendants, we are introducing(... drum roll, please...)

Wee!Art

It's small! It's cute! It's affordable! And Wee!Art is 100% collectible, original paintings by Miss Zoe and me. Sometimes Miss Lilly helps. (For instance, this weekend, she sat on my painting table many-a-time as I worked. For anyone who's unawares, in the Cat World, sitting or standing by constitutes "helping.")

The other cats and the Blisschick just walked by occasionally to offer constructive criticism. Or, to meow. Or, to ask for food.

Wee!Art is cats!

Wee!Art is bunnies!

Wee!Art is just plain FUN!!

And, it's wee.

More Hours in the Day, Please!

Weekends just go by too quickly. It's as if they have no regard for us, no regard for our needs.

What is that about?

Of course, I also had to work at the Library on Saturday.

It was a busy day that included a man who was wagging his finger with one hand and a cigar with the other and yelling in what sounded like Klingon at one of computers, (which, incidentally, he wasn't using-- it was just an innocent bystander, poor computer).

It also included terribly long lines at the Circulation Desk, and a lot of grouchy people who were insistent they "they had never checked that out." Riiiiight... then it was either a) your stunt double, or b) your evil twin?

When five o'clock rolled around we were all so relieved.

Security Guard and I waited for the last guy to leave, a man who was using the public restroom in the lobby. Restroom Man.

As we waited, we reviewed the day and decided that we were just glad it was time to go. It was after 5, and it had even been a struggle to corral everyone out with their DVDs and bestseller mysteries.

We caught sight of Restroom Man in the corners of our eyes, and we moved toward the already locked doors to let him out. But, Restroom Man stopped us cold by yelling, panicky, from across the lobby, "Hey! I dropped my ring down the toilet! Could someone get it out for me?"

Security Guard and I exchanged knowing glances and sighed.

It had been that kind of day.

In this case, does Saturday really count as a Sacred Weekend Day?

"That's why cats don't wear rings," Lilly said stretching out her fingers.
"Too easy to lose them in the... you know...the box."

Good point, Lilly. I'll pass that on to Restroom Man.

Luckily, we had Make Your Own Pizza Night at Miss Kitty's house (Miss Kitty being my favorite chef) to look forward to.

There was homemade dough (or, "Ho-made" as the pizza shop down the street used to advertise on their front picture window. We steered clear of that for obvious reasons...), and every topping you could imagine wanting.

After Pizza, there was Americanized Bollywood in the form of Bride and Prejudice and Red Velvet Cake, which I'd never had.

All in all, Saturday ran the gambit.

That left one day only-- Sunday-- for making some new stuff for our new etsy store, petting and playing with mammals, talking to and spending time with the Blisschick, frolicking in the sunshine, making a couple of Rabbit and Cat Movies (stay tuned for those later in the week), catching up on emails, etc. etc. etc.

At some point, Miss Zoe checked my email and said, "Health Coach wrote. He wants to know how the exercise is going."

Oh, yeah. And exercise. Don't forget that. (It was a lovely day for that, though.)

"You'd better get a move on.
Come on-- bust a move!" says the Task Master.

I'm looking forward to this coming weekend, though.

It's an extra special holiday, what with the Giant Bunny and all.

And, no Library for three days. A few days away will be a Good Thing. No grouchy people (I won't promise no grouchy bunnies or kitties), no rings in toilets.

Just Art and Mammals, Everyday. Just like it's supposed to be.

The Magical World of Shrinky Dinks!

Yesterday was between 18 and 2o degrees Fahrenheit here in Erie, Pennsylvania. But, as I am so completely tired of riding the bus to work, I broke out my bike, Captain Janeway, for the ride to the Library.

My bike, Captain Janeway, the coolest bike on the planet.

Why do I mention this, you ask? Why do you care how I get to work?

Well, you probably don't care. But, in light of last Friday's post, where I shared some of my "collections" (i.e. my cat whiskers and found-on-road dolls), I felt like it would be prudent to share today's find from my ride home:

Would you call her two faced?
Or, is she just cracking a smile?
Poor thing.

But, that's not what I really want to write about today. (I think I just heard Miss Zoe sigh with relief.)

"Yes, what a relief that we're not going to discuss
dirty things found on the side of the road.
Now, who has my morning banana chip?"

No, in fact what I wanted to write about is this:

I need your help. Again.

I know, I know, you're probably getting tired of me asking questions. Well, I've really only asked the one. You know, about my logo. And I got so many great comments, that I thought I'd ask some more stuff.

So, here it goes.

A couple of days ago, I got a commission to make a new milagro pendant. A stomach. With intestines. Very cool.

I am thrilled about the commission. I love to draw guts and body parts. I never knew that about myself until recently.

(Don't worry-- I'm working up to the question. Were you wondering? I thought since Zoe was taping her nails on the writing table, that you might be, too.)

And, of course, I make my pendants with Shrinky Dinks. Shrinky Dinks are the best, aren't they? I have so many great childhood memories with Shrinky Dinks. And the Easy Bake Oven. And the Play-Doh pasta making thingie (remember that?). OK, enough reminiscing.

As you may well know, Shrinky Dinks come in sheets. And a stomach with attached intestines is really only going to take up a small portion of one sheet.

Here's where you come in.

Blisschick has been urging me for some time now to make animal milagros as memorials. Great idea, Blisschick.

What animals should I make? I mean, I know what Miss Zoe and Miss Lilly would say, but what are your thoughts?

Should these animals bear little wings like angels, or should they just be the animals themselves with no frills or additions?

Also, besides animals and body parts, milagros cover a lot of territory.

What other ideas for helpful milagros might you have? Remember, they are for helping with anything. They are little talismans (talismen?) intended to focus your intentions and help you through difficult periods in your life or the life of someone you love.

Any ideas? Anyone? Anyone? Bueller?

Neither snow, nor rain...

We don't always get the most thrilling mail here at our little mammal-filled abode we like to call Lilypad.

I often look forward to the Val-Pak coupons if that gives you any idea.

This past Friday, we even got someone else's mail. The fact that their mail wasn't exciting either was some comfort to me.

But you know how the saying goes-- when it rains it pours!

On Saturday, we got a mailbox full of love! Makes sense, since it was Valentine's Day.

"I don't remember authorizing
any Valentine's Day spending. Hmph!"

First off, there was love from Party in My Pants (PIMP). Luci Daum, PIMP extraordinaire, sent us these awesome Short and Fat prototypes for, well... that time of the month. If you haven't checked out Party in My Pants or you don't know what this picture below depicts, then you need to check out the PIMP site immediately!!! I mean, like, right now!!!!

Seriously, girls, you have to try these.

Next, and also from Luci, is this Great Kitty Cuff:

Just a little something Luci whipped up in her spare time.

She sent one for Blisschick and one for me. I haven't taken mine off (well, except in the shower) since it arrived. Just look at those grouchy cats! Awesome!

And, now, introducing (Squishy) Frida Kahlo from bluJAY studio:

"Soy Libre" is written on her little dress. Sorry-- blurry shot.

This sweet little doll was my actual Valentine's Day gift from Blisschick. We absolutely love Frida. Besides being of our favorite artists (and, I know, a million other people's), we also greatly admire her as a person. Someday, we want to go to Mexico to see where she lived and worked. (Seeing wild monkeys would also be a MAJOR BONUS!)

Last, but not least, is this totally funky laptop sleeve made by Janine King Designs for my computer, Jing Jing. Because I still have that (sometimes pesky) full time job, I often take Jing Jing to work with me for a little writing and creative time on my lunch or dinner break.

Really, can you blame Jing Jing for wanting to travel in style?

Funky fun, yes? YES!

Wait, you didn't think we forgot Miss Zoe did you? Seriously?!?

Well, then take a gander at this here giant box being guarded by none other than the Lovely Miss Lilly:

What's in the box? Sweet Hay for the Sweetest Rabbit from Sweet Meadow Farms, that's what!

Time for a cocktail, Mr. Postman. We got our money's worth out of you!

Logos, Ethos, Pathos

Even when one studies at the feet of Miss Zoe's Great Wisdomosity,

one can still have Confusion.

So, I need your help.

Blisschick said to me the other day, "Frog," (she calls me Frog), "I think you need a new logo for your Etsy store."

It was a good point.

We hurried up to get our Etsy store, Ordinary Miracles, open right before the holidays, and because we hurried, which is our usual M.O. because we tend to be forgetful and do everything at the last minute, I drew a little rabbit on a moon logo to stick up for the time being.

But now, it's time to try to make a more permanent logo. Therefore, this weekend, while I was also working on a logo for a friend's blog as a birthday present (more on this logo to come later, as it's a present and MUST NOT BE REVEALED :) ), I thought I would try drawing a few things for myself.

So far, I have four ideas, which I drew and took pictures of. Here they are:

Number one:

Number two:

Number three:

Number four:

Time to vote. Tell me, honestly, which one(s) is (are) your fave.

Or, would you vote then all off the island and hope for a new one to wander onto the beach?

Come on. Be honest. I can take it.

A penny for your thoughts...

V-day

This morning as I was freshening Miss Zoe's hay, Miss Lilly jumped the gate into the room. She ran right over and leaped into the window seat to observe the outdoor goings on.

"He's a cute one," Lilly said to Zoe.

Zoe twitched her nose as she jumped into the pile of fresh, sweet hay with herbs (her new fave).

"What does he look like?" she asked.

"You know," said Lilly, "Brown. Fuzzy. Long ears. Cute hop. He might be good for this year."

"What are you guys talking about?" I asked, not sure I really even wanted to know. I should probably mind my own business.

"Valentine's Day!!" they yelled in unison. "Zoe wants to find just the right valentine this year," Miss Lilly said with a smile and a wink.

Far be it from me to judge the mating habits of a bunny. But they reminded me of one thing: V-Day is on the way. Which reminded me of something else.

New Valentine's Day stuff in my Etsy store, Ordinary Miracles.


Maybe you have a brown, fuzzy, long-eared, cute hopping person in your life that you need to buy for? Or, maybe you know one who needs to buy for you?

Here's some highlights:

All I have to say is, WOW!

"What did you say?" Miss Lilly said while practically choking on a crunchy cat food morsel.

"I'm pretty sure you heard me," I said, pretending not to be totally excited. (One has to show some sense of decorum, after all.)

From the next room, Miss Zoe echoed a similar sentiment: "What are you talking about?"

Miss Zoe in an indignant pose.

"I know, I know," I said. "It's completely and totally weird and cool and crazy. But I just sold a little piece that I made up and painted and had on my Etsy store to Courtney Love Cobain. You know-- Courtney Love Cobain?"

"Yes, yes, of course," said Miss Zoe, her nose high in the air. "Of course we know Courtney. She totally rocks. I love Hole." Miss Zoe does have wide musical tastes. (Note her use of the royal we.)

Well, of course she knows. She is a rabbit of the world. And, she loves sassy female musicians.

Zoe is the one that told me to write up the slip to order Courtney's book Dirty Blonde for the library (where I work). It has since been stolen and reordered a few times. Who would have guessed?

She's also the one who sat with me a couple of years ago when I was devouring bios of Kurt Cobain. Zoe loved Kurt-- he had and loved a rabbit after all.

Anyway, that was a pretty major thing here in this little house. Rather surreal.

And just in case you need a little something for a special someone, check out the updates coming in another day or so to my Etsy store, Ordinary Miracles. Valentine's Day is fast approaching. And what else says "I love you" like an anatomical heart?

Not much, in my opinion.

Coming on Wednesday: News of my weekend past. Good stuff, that.

Back to Basics: The Birds and the...Bunnies?

Zoe approving (sort of) of this post.

Obviously, we love bunnies at our house. Also cats. But another thing we can't get enough of is birds. An ideal summer day at our house includes a fair amount of time spent outside in a chair or on a blanket with binoculars nearby and at the ready. We have a small city park by our house that helps us to attract all kinds of songbirds, woodpeckers, and raptors to our tiny yard. And we love it.

So, it stands to reason that we also adore Birdchick's blog. On her wildly popular blog, she writes about birds, bees, and her bunny, Cinnamon (and the occasional martini!). Cinnamon has since developed her own Disapproving Rabbits blog and some totally awesome disapproving rabbit merchandise.

(In fact, I'm wearing one of my Disapproving Rabbit t-shirts as I write this. Yes, I have more than one. Zoe was so excited about it that she bit a hole in the one I'm wearing the first day I had it on!)

Go to Birdchick now and get your own!! C'mon. You know you want it.

This daily dose of disapproval entertained us immensely, so when Birdchick (a.k.a. Sharon Stiteler) asked for photographic submissions of "your own disapproving rabbits," we and Zoe answered the call. Before we knew it, our Zoe was being featured in Sharon and Cinnamon's book, Disapproving Rabbits. We received an autographed copy in the mail for our part. (That was a thrilling day!)

We felt really happy for Sharon and for the whole of the world's bunny population-- "We're finally getting the attention we deserve!" shouted Zoe when the book came in the mail and I held it up so she could see her picture. She followed up that sentiment by whispering in my ear with an idea to paint a portrait of Cinnamon to send Sharon and her husband, Bill. We only hoped Cinnamon would approve:

Thanks, Zoe. That was a good idea.

Sharon sweetly featured the above Cinnamon portrait on her website a couple of times. It still shows up occasionally in various pictures on her blog.

Then, a couple of weeks ago, I got an email from someone named Carly who had seen that portrait of Cinnamon from a year or so ago, and she told me that ever since then, she and her husband, Art, had wanted to have a portrait of their bunnies done. Carly and Art are talented artists, too, among many other things. (See Carly's website here, and her etsy store here. See Art's etsy store here).

I always feel honored when I'm given an opportunity to paint for other artists. Zoe and I set to work on a portrait of Derby and Petunia straight away. The result is was mailed out this past week:

Petunia (left) and Derby (right).

My thanks to the bunnies of the world for being so delightful and for bringing so many wonderful new people into my life. :)