Cats and Dogs are Like Kids...

I am not much of an "animal lover"  per the definition of some people. But it seems to me that our pooches and felines in the household develop a personality that is just too much to ignore or brush off as not lovable. They are in as much need of adoration, attention, and discipline as our children are! Whenever my husband and I get the rare opportunity to have the house "to ourselves" and have a family member watch our children- we joke that we wish we had a babysitter for the dogs and cats too.

That being said- the cats and dogs under our roof are just other members of our family. Hence- they are just as much of an inspiration to our lives and creative beings as any other living and breathing human we care about. I do enjoy trying to capture the essence of what our puppies and kitties do with some of my crafty work. The image above is of a fun project I took on to test my drawing skills. I'm definitely an amateur- but I was happy with the results.

I also enjoy creating items that the dogs and cats will benefit from themselves- toys, beds, etc. I have listed a couple of items in my shop for others to consider purchasing (dog toy and cat toy). I have also done some searching around for other fun feling and pooch items and created a great collection of family oriented cat/dog items that would make great gifts.

Do you create cat/dog inspired items? What would you find to be a better gift for a pet lover- something for the pet or something for the lover that reminds them of the pet? What do you think of my drawing/painting? I'd love your input, feedback, and comments. Share your perceptions!

Visit my shop here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PerceptiveDesigns

Visit the cat/dog gift treasury here: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTc5MzIxMnwyNzIzMTM1MTUy/dogs-and-cats-are-like-kids?index=0

I Love Garden Gifts!

I absolutely love receiving live plants as gifts from family and friends during my gardening season. I have many people think of me when going through their garden starts and it just makes me feel so good inside to know I am thought of. This year I have been blessed with some gorgeous dahlias (as you can see above), some tomato plants, some sunflower seeds, some sweet pepper starts, and a dill stalk. These sorts of gifts are amazing items that can be enjoyed throughout the growing season and, if taken care to "harvest" correctly, for many years to come.

I also love when I receive other, not so live, garden associated gifts. This year I have been given some hanging flower pots, some tomato cages, a few pots for planting, canning jars for my preservation and harvest, and for my birthday I received a lovely set of garden gloves and a kneeler. These items have come in so handy for everything I've been trying to accomplish in the dirt.

Receiving all of these items is so inspiring on wanting to give back with the fruits of what I accomplish in the garden. As my produce begins to bloom and provide it's nutrient rich foods, I have to remember how blessed I am and share the bounty that comes from the tilled soil. I am looking forward to "gifting back" to each person who has shown me kindness towards my gardening aspirations by bundling up my fresh lettuces, canning my fruitful tomatoes, and drying my delightful herbs. This will be my "thank you" for remembering me in their thoughts as well as for keeping my inpsiration on wanting to go on with the great task of gardening.

If you're thinking of gifting some garden inspired items to someone you care about- here's a great list of handmade items I have found on Etsy that are so adorable and perfect to spruce up any garden area with love!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTc5MzIxMnwyNzIwNTU1MDc1/gorgeous-garden-goodies

Delightful Potluck Dishes

I bet you thought I was talking about some delightful food ideas to bring to a potluck... But I am actually bringing to your attention a great artist of handmade dishes which I find to be delightfully designed and perfect as a 'literal' potluck dish!

Cathy, over at shop CJ Yummies on Etsy, makes each of her delightful fused glass dishes by hand and full of color. I feel that her plates are a great gift to bring a hostess of a potluck party (I know I'd love to have something like this presented to me with some sliced fruit on it!) But dishes are not all that Cathy does... you'll also find jewelry and fused glass belts! A great way to accessorize when attending a summer party!

Check out Cathy's Etsy shop, and tell her I sent you! http://www.etsy.com/shop/cjyummies

Dad and Grad Gift Idea Treasuries

Ok last minute shoppers. Here are some great gift ideas for those of you still out perusing the handmade world wondering what to get your dad or husband and what to get for the upcoming college graduate...

Tshirts a Dad Would Be Glad to Wear: http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTc5MzIxMnwyNzIyOTM5NDMy/tshirts-a-dad-would-be-glad-to-wear

One of my favorites:

And What do you want to be when you grow up? http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTc5MzIxMnwyNzIyOTM5MzY2/what-do-you-want-to-be-when-you-grow-up?index=1

Including this great Teacher art print can also be a good "end of the year" gift for a teacher from your student:

Congrats to All Dads and Grads this June! May life, love, and happiness continue to grow in your hearts as you do a good job at what you are as a hero dad and an everlearning grad!

Celebrating Milestones- Graduate Greeting Card

So many of us know someone who will be celebrating the milestone of completing an educational step in life. It is always awe inspiring to see someone (young or old) finish  a feat of learning- whether it be high school, college, or a career oriented program. When someone completes a step of learning, though small in the scheme life as we continue to learn every day, it entails a time of celebration and a show of congratulations.

A great way to show your pride for the continuing learner is through a great greeting card! My featured "Do It Yourself" idea is to create a graduation oriented greeting card for your goal oriented grad. You can find some other inspiration and the instructions on my website this week:

http://delightfullyperceptive.com/perceptive_designs/do_it_yourself_perceptive_design

Please share your ideas too!

Bouquet that Lasts- Website Update Do It Yourself Design



What girl doesn't love flowers??? Give her a bouquet that lasts by following the directions below to create a beautiful faux flower bouquet!

Materials needed:

• Faux flowers of her favorite color (found at craft shops, dollar stores, etc)
• Hot glue gun
• Green duct tape
• Ribbons
• Scissors or wire cutters

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Instructions:

• Begin by selecting and arranging flowers in your own creative way into a bouquet.
• Wrap duct tape around the "stems" of the bouquet to keep them all together.
• Hot glue any loose floral petals or leafy elements to the bouquet.
• Tie a nice ribbon around the "stems" and hot glue the bow into place.
• Present to your darling and say something corny like: "These flowers won't die- Just like my love for you!" She'll think its sweet. Lol.

Glass Gifts for Memorial Day Gatherings

With the three day weekend coming up, I am sure there are many gatherings planned for family reunions and barbeques. And many get togethers will be entailed with memory sharing of those that have been lost in service to our country so we can enjoy the freedoms of rounding up all the brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, parents, grandparents, etc. As I was perusing artists of Memorial Day gifts through Etsy, I came across a unique and gorgeous piece that just speaks to the events of this weekend. The above photo is of a small glass US flag dish made by BoJo Creations. This would make a great patio table centerpiece and a great conversation starter to talk about the artist!

I chose to hop into the BoJo Creations shop to see what other delightfully designed pieces were available, and I found there to be many colorful beauties fit to various occasions or gift types. Jewelry, dishes, and knick knack novelty. I chose to feature this shop and it's owner, Barb Barrell, on my website to honor her design and glass gift items.

Please go and check it out!

http://delightfullyperceptive.com/perceptive_designs/featured_designer