Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Blessing of the Animals

When Jeanette Chaney of Country Design Style suggested a group of pet-loving bloggers get together for an event benefiting shelter animals, I knew I'd want to be involved. 
Having lived with, and loved, many furry rescues over the years, this was a cause after my own heart. The tour involved shopping at a local thrift store which supports an animal shelter and creating a post about how you incorporated your item in your home. 
Sadly the nearest such store was a bit far away from me, but it just so happens there was a fundraiser at nearby Animals in Distress, (a local rescue sanctuary) where I was able shop the "flea-less" market, buy homemade treats and participate in the Blessing of the Animals in their wonderful facility, all proceeds benefiting their four legged friends.The delightful minister blessed the shelter residents as well as the visiting pets and the blessed furry friends received their own St Francis medal.
For more info on the tour and to see the schedule of bloggers click HERE

clockwise from top left: the shelter is nestled in a beautiful park-like setting; a pool for the animals' hydro therapy, Anton; now a happy rescue success; was brought to the shelter ill and unable to walk; in the lobby delightful pet themed goodies and handcrafts for sale all raise money for care of the cats and dogs.
A feline friendly kitty room with steps to a ceiling high glass enclosed kitty catwalk lets feline residents explore from above. Genius!

   

Boo Bear Blessing Keepsake



When our Boo Bear arrived one day in our yard, injured, aging and as we later discovered, deaf, we knew she was ours for keeps but she would need lots of extra TLC. Fortunately, she acclimated quickly to indoor life; she now rules the roost, demanding only certain flavors of food (salmon yes, flounder no), hogging the blankets and holding her own with four other very feisty felines. Though happy, advanced years and a rough start have brought on health problems, so I figured she'd be a good candidate for some divine intervention. Not keen on traveling, and to avoid any unnecessary trauma for all involved, I substituted her photo to be blessed in her absence.



Using the medal Boo Bear received, photos, scrapbook supplies and images from the Graphics Fairy, I decided to create a keepsake for my furry friend.
Shop windows, Venice Italy CPaul2013 background imageitalophiles.com
Just returning from Italy, I used the beautiful and whimsical dolls, cards and puppet theaters I saw there as inspiration. I found a small shop in a side street featuring everything cats! Cats!

I spray adhered the images to sturdier paper board and cut an opening out of the large image, creating a frame for a diorama, leaving about two inches on either side to fold back.
 I added some color accents to the frame image with light watercolor washes and painted in Boo's pupils to avoid a zombie look! 
With the magic of hot glue, I added feather wings and some accents to the frame. Layering the image of Boo with rolled up cardboard as a spacer, created a dimensional effect. I then simply glued the front and back together.
A simple white bow and faux pearl accent the medal


image Graphics Fairy

Though most notably associated with the feast of St. Francis, the Blessing of Animals is a tradition celebrated by animal lovers from a variety of faiths and cultures around the globe and often coincides with 




Catnip tea anyone?
Cardboard Box turns Kitty Suite
  Crazy for Cats? Pop over and see more pet themed projects at   PennyWise's post from earlier this year  Creature Comforts 















24 comments:

  1. What a wonderful keepsake of your sweet kitty's blessing. Love it!

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    1. Thanks Sheila!
      I just wanted something whimsical and fun to fit her personality!

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  2. Love your keepsake and what a great post! What a sweet and lucky kitty to have found you to be her forever family. :) I love this blog tour!

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    1. Thanks Julie!
      Such fun to see all the bloggers' furry friends on the tour!
      We are glad Boo found us too (and 4 others) She's a biut of a Diva so I wanted a craft to fit her personality -lol

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  3. Love your post and what a nice keepsake....so nice to be on tour with you...Tammy

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    1. Thanks so much Tammy and glad to be on tour with you also- so fun to see everyone's furry sidekicks!

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  4. Christina I couldn't wait to read your post. I knew it would be magical. It's so great to get the opportunity to care for an older or needy animal. Too many are lost too soon. I love your blessing for Boo! Thank you for joining our blog tour.

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    1. Thanks so much Jeanette!
      The tour has been wonderful- thanks to your doing!
      you are so right about older animals- we've had so "senior" pets touch our lives :)
      Love meeting everyones pets - Can't wait to see tomorrows posts

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  5. They even have a therapy pool for the animals at the sanctuary!!! And that glass encased cat walk must be very popular :) Love your kitty keepsake, how cool that you got the inspiration from your trip to Italy. So glad to be doing this benefit with you for such a great cause ~ Amy

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    1. Thanks Amy!
      I know - the place is like a resort- I tried to convince my husband to build catwalks at our house but it was a no- lol-
      Thanks for your visit and kind words- the tour has been such fun for such a wonderful cause!

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  6. What a sweet post. Thanks for sharing this wonderful post. I love being a part of the blog tour with you.

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    1. Thanks so much!
      This has been such fun - seeing everyone's projects and four legged friends!
      We should do it every year!

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  7. Just beautiful & so special Christina. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Thanks so much! Anything animals is right up my alley!

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  8. Oh how pretty! That is such a great way to commemorate the blessing. laurie

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    1. Thanks Laurie- this was the first time I'd been to a Blessing of the Animals - so delightful!

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  9. Christina, What a wonderful Mom you are! Great post, and fun tour! ~Tammy

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    1. Thanks Tammy! Our furkids have us wrapped around their little paws :)

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  10. We have some folks in our community who have been wonderful in caring for homeless animals - brilliant! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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    1. Thanks for visiting Kathy! I love to hear about other communities which support animals :) I'm afraid I'm the "cat lady" of our neighborhood (they just keep showing up!) Thanks for hosting your weekly parties - always a great collection of blogs!

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  11. What an inspiring post. I love what you created for your precious Boo Bear, at first glance I thought it was her sitting in the box:-)

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    1. Thanks so much Betsy!
      If it was a real box she would indeed be sitting in it hahah
      So glad you liked the project!
      Cheers!

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