In Memory of Cotton

Cotton

Monica's cat Cotton passed away yesterday, August 17.  He had cancer which had metastasized.  He was a beautiful and sweet kitty and a great companion for Monica.

Affirmation Butterfly Mobile Video

Watch the butterflies fly!

Cats at the Calico Mall

Kitty Doll

Clutter o' Cats

The Calico Mall in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, was featured this week on the History Channel's new show Picked Off.  I happened to be there this week and snapped these photos.

Exclusive Blog Cabin 2012 Cinemagraph | Blog Cabin

Exclusive Blog Cabin 2012 Cinemagraph | Blog Cabin

Images to Accompany Half-Virtual Baby Shower

I am hosting a baby shower for immediate family only.  Since 3 (+ spouse) out of 5 siblings live in faraway areas of the country, we are sharing the party through Google Hangouts.  I'm uploading various images to help enhance the experience of the "virtual" participants.

Oragami Bugs in Jars
	Butterfly Mobile
Wicked Chocolate Cupcake with Neoclassic Icing and Bunny

The story goes that my mother went to the hospital to have me, but they sent her back home because she lived nearby and was only 4 centimeters dilated.  She went home and drank a bottle of apricot juice.  When she went back to the hospital, she was ready to give birth.  The nurse caught me before the doctor or my father were present.

Handcrafted Affirmation Butterfly Mobile

Butterflies Fly

I created this project as a unique way to include loved ones in a special gift to present at Monica and Jason's baby shower.  I e-mailed a .pdf butterfly template to each family member.  They printed them out, wrote positive messages in their handwriting, scanned the butterflies back in, and e-mailed the new file to me.  It was up to me to make the butterflies fly.

I used jewelry-making wire and pliers to attach the butterflies together.	Orlan studies how to wire a small butterfly.  At one point he jumped on the table for a closer look.
I used decoupage medium to stabilize the wings and seal the messages.

I had the mobile temporarily attached under a ceiling fan.  It was mesmerizing laying beneath it watching the butterflies dance.
	The patterned paper added a whimsical touch.