Bobcat on Christmas Eve

Bobcat
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

It was on the far corner of the property, contrasting so nicely against the white snow, sniffing an evergreen tree. For an instant, the flicker of white under it's tail made me think I was seeing a deer. No, couldn't be. Wrong body shape and size. Was it a coyote? No. It was heavier than the coyotes I've seen recently, and again, the wrong body shape.
It was a large bobcat. It was out for a relaxing walk, smelling trees and bushes on the way, enjoying the sunset of Christmas Eve. It walked closer and closer, coming about 15 feet from the patio. I thought it would see our mad scramble for binoculars and cameras. If it did, it certainly wasn't fearful.

It was so cool to watch this big guy for a few minutes. We're all still talking about how huge it was compared to others we have seen through the years.

Our Annual Holiday Photo Card

holiday card 2009 photo shoot9
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

Hoping everyone has an awesome holiday with family, friends, and furkids!

eat, laugh, snuggle, and be merry...

Ferret Love

Tropical Ferret Pendant
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

Today Frums Glass Menagerie was featured on Scrivener's Retreat blog. We are so grateful to be featured. With all the stuff to be found on the internet, having something of mine featured is really an honor. Thank you.

I will be making more ferret pendants soon. I'm hoping to finish a full body ferret design too. Love the idea of painted Oscars and guppies too. Click here to visit Scrivener's Retreat Etsy Shop.
This ferret stuffie is available at Scrivener's Ferret. In this talented ferret lover's shop, you find some fun pet toys. They'd also make great human collectibles. I love the ratties. My dogs would love the drumstick, chicken wings, and the T-bone steak. As someone who has fed my dogs a BARF diet (i.e. raw chicken wings), it would pretty fun to see them running around the house with stuffie wings.
Check out Scrivener's Retreat by visiting her shop and her blog (links above).

A recent story of ferret love and the joy animals bring to our lives:

I met a man in the waiting room of our veterinarian's office. He was an elderly man who has a small, cream colored ferret in his arms. They were there to have it's nails trimmed. Sweet Pea and this little ferret enjoyed getting close and sniffing one another.

The man shared with me, that his wife had recently passed on. He told me of the many ways the little ferret showed how much it really missed the woman. It was a heartbreaking conversation learning the details of his years with his wife, and how he and the ferret missed her. It was also very heartwarming that the
ferret gave him so much joy, love, and comfort, helping with his grief.

Snowman and Corgi

Snowman Corgi
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

This snowman and corgi was created for my Etsy Beagle Team challenge. The theme was Happy Howl-i-Days. http://etsybeagles.blogspot.com/

Mary of Misobel on Etsy.com featured my snowman on her blog:
http://misobelstudio.blogspot.com/2009/12/cute-snowman-edition.html

It was fun to find my necklace featured among so many other wonderful handcrafted snowman.

Woodland Dachshund

Woodland Dachshund
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

This is the third finished pendant of my Woodland Pets Series. This little dog got tired of playing with it's red ball and is catching a few Zzzz's beneath a couple a birch trees.

I wonder what dreams are dancing in that little head?

Sleeps With Iggies

Sleeps With Iggies
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

I have been playing with a new fused glass technique. I've been having fun thinking of various sayings that could go on a pendant, personalized dog tags, and a lot of non dog related items too. My mind always has lots of ideas...little time to actually sit down and make them happen.

Any words or sayings you'd like to see?


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a r t 4 m i l k b o n e s - a girl & her dogs: Custom Needle Felted Dog Giveaway!

I found a great give way that is easy to sign up for and perfect for pet lovers like myself.
Imagine winning a custom felted sculpture of your dog.

I just love the felting that is currently being done by talented artists, such as You Call The Dog. I really have to resist spending money on roving and needle felting tools. The wool loving, fiber artist in me so wants to give it a try.

a r t 4 m i l k b o n e s - a girl & her dogs: Custom Needle Felted Dog Giveaway!

Glass Donations to Italian Greyhound Rescue

Glass Donations to Italian Greyhound Rescue
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

We had a great time shopping for glass this weekend. I found lots of fun stuff at our community's annual tag sale. I really like the size and color of the blue wine glasses. After I decorate them, I may never part with them.

Our weather was gorgeous. Perfect for some apple picking and hiking with the dogs.

New Designs from Frums Glass

New Designs from FGM August 20, 2009
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

Also in the design process:
1. Yorkie
2. Wire hair Dachshund
3. Short hair Doxie
4. A pair of sitting Italian Greyhounds
5. Persian Cat
6. Some fun sayings

Welcome Guests

Fawn among birch trees Pendant
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

Turn up the volume on your speakers and join this Texas breakfast. It is a cool video that I must admit, reminds me of breakfast, lunch, and dinners with my pack of four sighthounds. I'm not sure why? The long slender necks? The willingness to join us for some of our food?
Click here and pull up a chair.

Banana Blossom

Banana Flower
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

We have been growing this banana plant for two years. We plant it in our Connecticut garden each summer, then drag it inside to winter in a pot. It has been so exciting to watch it flower.
I wonder if we'll ever see a banana.

What's in the kiln today?

What's in the kiln today?
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

A quick photo before closing the kiln for firing my paintings. Some are in final kiln processing, others are in the early stages, and face many more firings. Dachshunds, a Burmese and Sphinx cat, a Llama, Great Danes, and Corgi too. I will be another 12 hours before I can peek and see if all worked as I had planned.

Greyhound Lighthouse Necklace

Greyhound Lighthouse Necklace
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

This necklace will be auctioned on Ebay, beginning Friday, August 7th, with 100% proceeds going to East Coast Italian Greyhound Rescue. They will be helping to transport four 10 year old italian greyhounds, who were in a kill shelter in one of the southern states.

The four dogs had been with the same elderly man since puppy hood. When he lost his home and had to live in his car, the dogs went to a friend, who ultimately got tired of them, and sent them to the shelter.

God bless the rescuers who have helped them and the loving people who will ultimately adopt them. Thoughts and prayers to the elderly man who had to give them up.

Sure wish we could squeeze another senior hound into our home.

Here Doggy Doggy Doggy

Here Doggy Doggy Doggy
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

Our little poodle key chain was featured on a cute Etsy Treasury.
Curated by Made with Love, Aunt Bucky, it is titled, Here Doggy, Doggy, Doggy. I think it is a lovely tribute to man's best friend and such an honor to be included.

Current Listings July 20, 2009

Current Listings July 26, 2009
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

Available this week on Ebay.

Dogs and Lillies

Dogs and Lillies
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

Our beautiful, fragrant lilies are gone. This year they did not come back up. I blame the increasing population of chipmunks, although, it may have simply been the age of the bulbs or the winter weather.

For 7 years, the dogs sat for their annual photo. I'll be planting more and hope to get our newest girl, Gemma in next years group photo.

A Vintage Touch: Blog Art Give Away.

Artist Lara Harris has opened a new store on Etsy. In celebration she is offering an opportunity to win a CUSTOM OIL PAINTING of something you TREASURE...maybe that is a special teacup , a favorite pair of heels, a beloved family pet, or any other little knick-knack that holds special significance to you! Check it out by clicking below. Good luck.

http://avintagetouch.blogspot.com/2009/06/blog-art-giveawaycustom-oil-painting-by.html

Sweet Pea, Pepie, Farfalle, and Gemma

Pea, Pep, Farf, and Gem
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

Our sweaters from A & B Originals Boutique have arrived. The dogs and I are thrilled. We love our selection of colors and the perfect fit. We have sweaters that were made by Angela of A & B Originals from years back. They have held up to use so well, and still look as good as the day we bought them. These are heirloom quality dog sweaters, which we think are just adorable on our little models.

Pekingese on Shell

Pekingese on Shell
Originally uploaded by Frums Glass Menagerie

While organizing my studio, I found this wire wrapped bead pendant, which I had made closer to two years ago. The design was inspired by a friend's little dog.
The wire is Argentium Silver, which is trademarked and patented .925 sterling silver made with the addition of Germanium. Traditional sterling silver is made of silver and copper. The addition of germanium in Argentium makes it a very tarnish resistant silver. It is really amazing that it sat uncovered, exposed to the air for nearly two years, without any tarnishing.

SilverHounds Auction for Donny

Donny was advertised as a 12 year old "Senior Italian Greyhound Free to a Good Home" on Craig's List. He may have ended up as, defenseless training bait for a dog fighting ring, but timing was perfect and he is now with the SilverHounds Organization. His medical expenses for blood tests, treatment, and dental are so very high. Generous artists and artisans are donating stuff to help raise money for his healthcare. Take a peek just for fun, or go shopping for friends, family, and yourself. I love the basset hound decoration.
Visit the SilverHounds action for Donny by clicking here.
or clicking below:
SilverHounds Auction