Florida Vacation - Part 1

Well, it's been long since I've updated so here goes...a quick business update: my December 2008 shows all in all went well and currently I'm working on a froggy blanket for a customer that will take another few weeks to complete.

I took a vacation to Florida in March with my mom, visited my grandma, aunt, uncle and cousins. It was a lot of fun and we got a lot done in 5 days: the zoo twice, Disney (Magic Kingdom and Epcot) and visiting my aunt and uncle's 11 dogs, many birds and more.

I'll update about the Jacksonville Zoo in this post. I grew up there and they have improved on the zoo by leaps and bounds. It is beautiful and has a lot of exhibits and interactions you can't find everywhere.

Last time we were able to see and pet the stingrays they have in a petting pool but that was closed this time around. I still got to feed the lorikeets, lori and giraffes, it was a lot of fun! Of course they have jaguars on display since the football team is the Jacksonville Jaguars. The zoo is mostly broken into different sections like Australia, South America, Africa and Florida. The Florida area includes alligators, cottonmouth, panthers and many more Florida natives.

I remember the capybaras at the Jax Zoo since I was little. My uncle who took me said they are my cousin's favorite.

I also snapped a picture of the two toed sloth, definitely not an animal your often get to see up close.

My favorite things is always interaction with the animals. Sometimes it takes a lot of patience but I was able to coax lorikeets and finally the lori to sit on my hand for a drink of sugar water :o)

So, I Love Use and Versatility!

Besides versatility, I prefer something that's cool or cute rather than plain. So, here come my Wristlets/Soap Sacks. They are great for holding business cards (especially during craft fairs and such), iPods, cell phones, tissues, soap (and soap scraps) and more. I haven't forgotten the guys this time either. Guy/unisex wristlets are also available!

On another note, I've added a couple more brooches to the store. They're great for adding flair to purses, backpacks, jackets, hats, scarves and anywhere else you'd like to add a pretty flower.

Welcome Gigit the Frog!

It's time to welcome Gidgit the Frog and her water lily to the animal granny square family. I had fun creating the rows of various stitches and the 3D water lily turned out quite cool. I can't wait to add another to my repetoire in the quest for a

blanket full of animals!



As for new items, I added this brooch and more will be photographed and uploaded over the weekend. These are a lovely addition to jeans, suits, jackets, scarves, purses, backpacks, hats and more. Always strive for that little bit of flair :o)

Los Angeles Zoo

Well, of course flamingos are always in zoos and usually toward the front. They started bickering and my mom especially wanted me to take pics.

I will say we made the best of our trip although the L.A. zoo leaves something to be desired. I hadn't been there in years and they're still under major construction of a lot of the same things that are still blocked and not open. I look forward to seeing large cats and reptiles. The reptile house was closed and there were only a few through the park. Also, many animals are in fenced in cages (terrible for pics) and deep in shadow and plants. Many were hiding too. It seemed like the antelope/gazelle types were the most visible.

My mom's absolute favorite animals are giraffes and I encourage any love of animals. Not so usually seen at zoos are these Masaii giraffes :o)
I've gotten my mom pins, clothing, whatever I can think of with giraffes on them.

And last but not least are some of my favorites. I'd say my top

faves are wild cats and reptiles, also unusual animals. These two came out particularly nice :o)