End of Summer, foster kittens, Home repairs!

Hello August! I swear, this month gets warmer each and every year now. But soon, those autumn temperatures will be joining us shortly. The trees foliage has not started yet but the leaves are beginning to fall.
I had some short staying visitors ~ foster kittens! They arrived at my home as orphans and just 5 weeks old. They were sisters and it was unknown what happened to their mother (or any other litter mates). The runt of the two had some special needs that I was informed of. She seemingly was much smaller then her sister and had a underdeveloped jaw. She may have other issues yet unknown, since she was quite small.

the littlest one, named Felicia

her sister, Freida

Needless to say some fosters have more challenges then others. These two were not litter trained at all. Despite my best efforts they returned back to the shelter about 9 days earlier then expected. I tried my best, had two littler boxes, they had their own room - but as a volunteer I could only do so much. Also a concern about Felicia not growing as fast as her sibling was something the shelter wants to address. I volunteer for a no-kill shelter which never turns away special needs or special medical care pets. I can pop in whenever I want to check on their progress!

In the meanwhile, I had been doing small home repairs and redecorating! If you ever have a house you will know how daunting even the smallest of tasks can be. I wanted to re-paint the closet shelving along with re-paint the closet door in our bathroom. My husband kindly stripped the old paint off the door - turns out, it was solid wood. I picked a pale blue shade since the walls are a pale grey colour. I've been posting with updates of my project on my Instagram page for my crafting. It did come out nicely and I'm happy we did this ourselves!

the before and after of the closet shelving

before the finished project

I decided to add something to hang my many hair decorations up on. I decided on cork board and floral pins! It was very affordable and an easy project for any novice to try. This way my barrettes, clips and other hair decorations are easily visible. And the floral pins have a pearl faux end to them, so you can hang elastics easily. It made for a simple way to display things without needing any nails or tape to keep the cork board in place.

square cork board and large floral pins

the finished project

easily find hair items and can move the pins as needed

I hope you have been enjoying the end of summer where you live. We have had some record breaking hot days here and I'm happy they are behind us. It won't be long now and we will all be bundling up in layers and the foliage will be here! Com on autumn, I am looking forward to you arriving!

Cat rescue group, bandannas

The cat group I took a hiatus from in early summer? Well, I've returned! Can't stay away from those homeless kitties for too long. I'm helping with adoption events and some sewing. They have additional sewing & crafty volunteers, so I am not overwhelmed by the requests.

So here are a few photos of them in the stylish bandanna I am making. They are on lingerie elastic, so they are never tight and fit like a collar.

This white kitty is my own cat, Howl. He pretty much models anything I make ~ he loves the attention and not having to get up.

The holidays have begun

Well the weather outside... can't make up it's mind! We have had hail in October, early snow storm in November - now it goes between late spring-like weather to winter again. And when it gets cold I just want to stay snuggled in a warm blanket and hot tea.
I have been working on a few things. I finally listed my necklaces in my Etsy shop ~ two have sold within the first week! So do stop over and grab one before they are gone. All hand crafted by me and from a smoke-free home.

my cat eye glasses necklaces

my round glasses necklaces

only two mustache necklaces are left! 

My newest crafting pursuit has become felting with needle. I had tried this at one time many years back (more then a decade ago) and wanted to try it again. I found an adorable hedge hog kit with all the tools I needed: felting needle, colored wool and a foam square pad for working on. I found my kit at Michael's craft stores and was able to use a 50% off coupon for it. The supplies are very affordable and the kit is a wonderful way to start learning.

felting hedge hog

I decided my hedge hog needed a texture for 'fur' so I am using wavy, textured yarn. I made my ears from flat felt (sold in a 8x11" square) then used the needle to attach them. I have started watching video tutorials to learn new techniques and projects to make. I like videos by Flying Mio and also ones by Maqaroon. They are really easy to do once you have a little practice, you can make almost anything with needle felting! 

Malea the cat, adopted! 

And a happy announcement! After more then a year in foster homes with my feline rescue group, Malea the cat has been adopted by a friend of mine. She is considered a senior cat since she is older then 5 years in age. She had grown a tad chubby and had to be put on a special cat food and diet. But have no doubt, she is the sweetest girl with the most friendly demeanor. I'm so happy she has taken to her new family without a hitch. If you are able to this winter season, please donate or volunteer with local charities and groups that have meaning to you. The only way these groups succeed is by help from volunteers and donations. Have a safe, healthy and thankful holiday weekend! 

Cute kitten Monday!

New year right, so new things might be in the works! Not only do I have a good S*A*L*E going on (my shop HERE 15% Off) I have already made two sales this year! I hope a lot of my goods go to new homes so I can make room for some new items.
Also, my big goal: I hope to get involved with a local animal shelter. I have mentioned in the past I enjoy volunteer work, such as fostering kittens. You welcome in a kitten up for adoption, they become socialized and learn the ropes. Here are two we fostered being adorable!

Tohru (girl) was adopted out quickly

Sookie (girl) was our first *foster* and also adopted quickly

I know, look at the faces! I take the photos myself, send them to the person in charge of their web page and they share them. This helps the kittens become featured on the page for any upcoming adoption events. 

But yes, back to what I'd like to do. I'm going to talk to a person about possibly donating handmade toys for the kitties awaiting new homes. I also want to offer up my photography services ~ take pics of cute kitties playing with toys. I can use my Facebook fan page to show off these adorable boys and girls with my donated toys and link directly to the groups page! I think it would be a great match: my hand sewing talents for kitties in need, then use my own page to help them get adopted out and bring attention to the group. 

I have to arrange to talk to the right person in charge to see if this can be done. If it can do this, you will be seeing some "Awww! So CUTE!" photos on my fan page and here. Maybe I will make it into something like 'Cute kitten Mondays' to start off a week just right.