Lil Something New For You

I thought I would have a little fun and show you guys how I do a painting in stages. This is a watercolor / burned on paper mixed medium. It is somthing I hope to do a lot of this year. so injoy and please feel free to comment. to look at more of my art please visit: www.pigatopia.artfire.com

Disaster Preparedness

Emergencies come in many forms, and they may require anything from a brief absence from your home to permanent evacuation. Each type of disaster requires different measures to keep your pets safe. The best thing you can do for yourself and your pets is to be prepared.

For helpful tips please visit: http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/disaster-preparedness/

Green Onyx and Copper Tree of Life Pendant

I have always loved wire and glass art. This awesome artist obviously loves her work. artist says:

Beautiful tree grown from wire and stone, captured in a copper hoop.

Trunk is twisted from 28 gauge copper wire and the crown sports lovely green onyx stone leaves. The tree is captured in a 1 3/8" hoop made from 16 gauge copper wire.

The pendant is suspended from a 16" copper chain with a 2" extender and lobster claw clasp.

for more awesome art from this artist please visit: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&page_no=3&display=20&op=new&sterm=&sort_cats=7&seller_id=89789&sc_id=0

Pigtailz Junction Sanctuary

Pigtailz Junction Sanctuary, located in Scottsville, VA, is the home for over 80 pigs. This is neither a public sanctuary nor a safe house to hold pigs until they are adopted again. This is their final home - never to fear abuse or feel unwanted again!

The majority of these pigs are potbellies. Besides potbellied pigs, Pigtailz Junction is also the home for Ossabaw pigs, Kune-Kune pigs, feral pigs from Arizona and Florida, and farm hogs. Several special needs pigs also find their home with us.

Pigtailz Junction is privately owned by Mary Ann Piatkowski and funded solely by donations. Purchases from www.pigstuff.com, the largest online store specializing in pig items, also help support the Pigtailz Junction herd, as proceeds are used solely to offset feed, medical, and housing expenses.

http://www.pigstuff.com/pigtailz/index.htm

Gold Horse Head on Glass Pendant by MysticPrism

What an awesome pendant. I was looking for fellow artist to feature and found these awesome glass pendants. artist says:

Sparkling 22k Gold horse head, hand painted and kiln fired on fused cobalt blue glass. Set with a gold plated bail. This pendant is approximately 1 inches wide by 1 1/4 inches tall including bail.

Please note that glass is extremely difficult to photograph with color accuracy. While great effort has been made to represent the colors accurately, monitor variances increase the difficulty of accurate colors. Transparent glass also has the ability to change hues based on ambient lighting.

This listing is for the pendant only. The large bail will accomodate most chains.

for more from this awesome artist please visit: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=2683437

Launching The New Year Pigatopia Style

Hello everyone I hope this year brings you love n happiness. I have done many contest in the past. For this contest I am going to change it up a bit. I want you to help me pick a name for my new shop. This is meant to be a fun. Like all contest in the past the pigs will be picking the winner. I will carve a number in a apple for each person who enters and let the pig pick the winner. This does not mean this will be the name I will pick for the shop. SO have fun picking names. you can enter on either this blog post or you can post on comments in facebook linkage.

Keep this in mind when picking name look at my art:

http://fineartamerica.com/profiles/shannon-ivins.html

http://www.pigatopia.artfire.com/

http://www.pigatopia.etsy.com/

If you were going to name the shop that would sell my art what would you call it? maybe you have a direction you would like to see me take my art this year. Please remember this blog is family oriented so keep it clean please. The winner will be winning a 9x12 watercolor portrait. on 400 series paper. If I get over 25 entries I will add another painting. DRAWING will be on Feb. 17th The limit to what I can paint is only limited by your imagination ;8)

Vegas Pigs as Pets http://www.vegaspigpets.org/

I just spent a bunch of time reading and watching the videos on this site and I love it so informative right to the point. The #1 Reason People Give up their Pigs:
Did you know an unspayed female pig goes into heat every 21 days?
Did you ever smell an unneutered boar? Do you think dogs humping everything is unacceptable behavior? Pigs are 10x worse!
No pig makes a good pet if not spayed/neutered!
NOT TO MENTION... IT'S THE LAW HERE IN VEGAS!
You cannot own an unfixed potbelly here without a permit!
And, if you see a piglet for sale is under 8 lbs, do NOT buy it! It's too young and yes, it's also now illegal for anyone to sell a piglet under 8 lbs!
Please See our Veterinarian Page for specialists who can help you!

The following video is of Tank (the terror), he was not even 6 months yet, dumped off at a shelter just because of this non-stop aggression and hormonal behavior! If you fix your potbelly piglet as young as possible, you will never have this problem! They not only make a better pet, it will be almost half the price! We can eliminate the need for so many unwanted pigs if owners and breeders would
just fix their pigs when they are piglets! Spay & Neuter please!
And before you just turn your pig into a shelter, please read this... for more on the top 3 reasons please visit:

http://www.vegaspigpets.org/

GOTH BEAUTY Brazillian DRAGON and HAWK Agate TREE OF LIFE Agate

Looking around artfire tonight and found this awesome artwork.

artist says:

* It is said that trees are the earth's effort to speak to heaven. I call these my TREE OF LIFE agates. It is truely one of a kind. This tree has roots that are growing over two rocks that I found on Assateague Island. They are polished smooth from the many years of being in the ocean. Near the roots; is a dragon ready to take flight. In the tree tops is a hawk or eagle keeping an eye out below. The agate is approximately 4" round. Wire, solder, copper & stones comprise this piece. No glue is used at all. Everything is soldered together. There is a wire heart with the letter J which is my signature & truely created from my heart. With this piece is a note card that will say:

* Tree of Life on Agate *

* Agate is one of the oldest recorded stones. Agate is associated with strength, gives protection & inner vision.
It has been said that trees are the earth's effort to speak to heaven.
* Dragons, it has been said, have the same senses as humans do ~ sight, smell, touch, hearing, & taste. But some dragons have a sixth sense, which is being able to read the emotion of another being. Some are fire breathers, like the Red Dragon or Fire Drake. They are mystical & take people to another World.
Enjoy!

For more awesome artwork from this artist please visit: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=1758515

Wire crochet Bollywood cuff in summer colors by Catswire

"Tujhe Dekha To Yeh Jaana Sanam ...."

Yes, I admit it, this cuff does remind me of Indian summer and Bollywood with its bright orange, red and yellow colors.

catswire hand crocheted it from orange metallic coated copper wire and worked in silver lined red, yellow, orange and clear beads.

The cuff is 7.3 inch or 18.5 cm long, 1.1 inch or 2.8 cm wide and finished off with a silver colored lobster clasp.

Pink and Dichroic Glass Heart Pendant by SpiritEssenceArt

Soft pink glass heart with striking accent pieces of Dichroic glass fused on top. This caught my eye right away what an neat pendant. It has all of my favorite colors. Please visit www.SpiritEssenceArt.artfire.com for more of these awesome products.

THINKING OF GETTING A "TEACUP" - MICRO-MINI - POCKET-SIZED PIGGY????? by scampp

Wilbur, a "miniature" pig...at just a few weeks old.......NOW.....on the right, is the same pig at only 3 years old. visit http://www.scampp.com/TeacupPigs.html and watch the video and read some of the articles http://www.scampp.com/ Remember, do not believe breeders that tell you a pig will stay tiny. Breeders will often misinform you of proper feeding instructions for a potbellied pig in order to attempt to keep the pig tiny. However, a underfed pig is a very unhealthy pig and
can be aggressive due to being hungry all the time -

In Memory of Andrew--Beau Beau Bags-Rice Therapy Bag in Michael Miller First Sights--pig and scene by MLM

These little Beau Beau bags are perfect for those little 'beau beaus'. Okay, I know, what is a "beau beau"? Well, I grew up not saying "boo-boo" but "Beau Beau" (pronounced like Beau Bridges, the actor!) Don't ask me why, maybe its a southern thing....that's just how we said it!

This little beau beau bag is 5x5 inches and made from Michael Miller's First Sights cotton. Both serged and machine stitched for security. The bag is filled with rice and you can microwave the bag for 30 seconds at a time until it reaches the heat you'd like for your beau beau. Or, store it in the freezer as my son likes to use it as.

This bag is special. All net profits of the sale of this sale will be donated to a very special family, the Akin's. Here is part of their story--
"Andrew Preston Akin was born June 5, 2007. At 10 weeks he became very sick and almost died of liver failure. We soon learned that the cause was a genetic disease called HLH." His brother also carries this genetic mutation. You can read all about Andrew's story at http://www.carepages.com/carepages/babyandrewakin/patient and drop his family a message of hope.

All net profits of the sale of this sale will go straight to Andrew's family to help with the cost of medical, travel, and other expenses naturally acquired during the care of a sick child.

September 5th, 2009, Andrew has left this world and fought a hard fight. We will continue to create and sew in Andrew's memory, and for his big brother, Matthew, who is still fighting the good fight. please visit: www.mamaslittlemonkeys.etsy.com for more awesome products

Rooterville Sanctuary

it has beena little bit since I visited http://www.rooterville.org/ I foudn some really cool stuff there. I found a site for vegan products and recipes. I read some really awsome animal stories Rooterville is a beautiful place, providing safe haven for over 100 rescued animals. They provide medical treatment and proper nourishment for unwanted, abused and abandoned animals of all species, particularly pot bellied pigs, as well as assist in the rescue, transport, placement and spaying/neutering of rescued animals.

Hawaiian Paradise Hand-Poured Soy Candle in a Coconut Shell by skyline candles

Wow a Candle made in a coconut shell!! This is skylines candles Hawaiian Paradise nestled in this sweet coconut shell! Hawaiian Paradise is a smooth Tropical blend of coconut, mango and sweet citrus! Reminds me of a good tanning lotion! Hawaiian Paradise is blue in color and is a must have for any beach lover!

All of our candles are made with 100% all natural soy wax and in small batches to ensure the finest hand-poured candle.

Why do we use soy? Soy is an all natural product grown here in the United States. We feel that it is very important to support our local farmers and buy all natural soy wax that is grown and produced here in the Great USA! Soy candles also burn clean and are a healthy choice for you and your family! Our coconut shell candles are 6oz candles get between 40 and 60 hour burn time.
Each coconut shell is wrapped in tulle with a custom label, ready for gift giving!


Skyline Candle Company makes the very finest quality hand-poured candles available. Our candles capture the warmth and fresh mountain aroma of the Shenandoah Valley, making your house feel more like a home. for more of these awesome candles please visit: skylinecandlecompany.artfire.com/

Farm Sanctuary Our 2009 Walk Results Are In

The annual Walk for Farm Animals is one of Farm Sanctuary's most important outreach events each year. In addition to educating people about the realities of factory farming, the Walk helps raise money that supports our farm animal protection work, literally saving innocent lives with each dollar raised. Over the years, the Walk has helped to underwrite our mission.

But, honestly, this year we were a little nervous. The economy tanked, people were out of work. We just didn't know if our supporters would be able to be as generous with us as they always have been in the past.

Well, it's my absolute pleasure to be able to report that the Walk raised more money than any previous Walk, and we also had many more people participating.

We raised in excess of $330,000 (gross income), and more than 3600 people took to the streets to send an incredibly powerful message of hope for farm animals.

Every single person who participated — whether by organizing a Walk, taking part in a local Walk or donating to the Walk — has helped us make a difference in the lives of farm animals. And every dollar raised counts equally to support the work we do. for more about this awesome story or others like ti please visit: http://www.farmsanctuary.org/

valentines day tags by Lovetostamp

These are so awesome. How cute and creative.

These tags are truly one of a kind. Lovetostamp hand cut these tags from cardstock that she hand walnut stained! Since she did cut these by hand they are not the exact same size but the difference can't be told unless helf together in a stack! she also cut the corners so they are not perfect but I feel this gives it a great feel and look to them!

Measures 3 1/8 in x 2 1/4in! You will recieve a set of 6! The heart was stamped and embossed with clear powder then I ink over in the pink to fill in the areas that were white! I then inked the edges of the scalloped circle and the tags in red and finished them off with happy valentines day in black!! for more of Lovetosamps awesome items please visit: www.lovetostamp.artfire.com/

lovetostamp.artfire.com

New Little Orphan Hammies Website

WHat an awesome place. Lil Orphan Hammies has a new and wonderful website. You can go and see pigtures of the pigs and thier cute and creative houses. Sue Parkinson is also a fellow artist. I have a couple of her shirts and I love them. Lil Orphan Hammies goes above and beyond when taking care of these piggers. Check out the new site I think you will love it as much as I do.

http://lilorphanhammies.com/

Simply SMmss Accessories

These are so cute. I love styling my hair what a cute addition to any hair style.

These snap clips are made to order so each one can be a little different. for more of these awesome items please visit: www.smiss00.artfire.com

Pig do's and Donts Tips to help Keep Your Pigger Family Healthy

SO I wanted to help you know what to do for your piggers and what to not do to the piggers so this might be a long one here we go.

First question I am getting a lot would be "Winter is coming what should I do to help my pigger stay warm". There are 2 ways to help outside piggers stay warm and safe. You can use Hay in the pigger houses or you can use blankets and heat lamps. now NEVER mix the two. If you use hot lamps do not use hay because of the risk of the hay catching on fire from the heat lamps. Hay works very good because the piggers own body heat is insulated in the hay NEVER use wet hay or moldy hay mold is bad to breath and wet hay takes heat away from the pigger. having more then one pigger in a house allows them to give each other body heat. But as you might kow not all pigs get along. ;8)

Next I get lots of questions about what is god to feed piggers and not feed piggers. Now when it comes to plants pigs seem to know what is very bad for them but please if you know a plant is toxic do not plant it where the pig can get to it. It is not worth the risk. A piglet under a year of age can eat a 1 cup twice a day, This includes the snacks and but you will want to decrease this as the pig ages and doesn't get up and move as much. The most important thing to remember is that your pigs are very intelligent animals and if they are not enriched with things to do they will be come board and start sleeping a lot. This will cause them to put and keep the weight on. So in a days time your piglets should not get over 2 cups of anything to eat. If they graze you have to calculate that in as well and cut back on the pelletsNever free feed a pig, they will eat until the throw up. Make sure they get plenty of exercise to keep them fit and trim. A fat pig is really an unhappy pig and it causes all kinds of health issues.

DO NOT for any reason let your pig get Moth Balls They are very dangerous to you and your piggers they cause cancer in humans and will kill your pigger.

mushrooms can be toxic in a pasture, melarmine from the recalled pet food, any tomato leaves Tomato plants like pepper plants are part of the night shade family they are very toxic to humans and piggers the fruits are fine no plants please.

Not to much starchy foods and limit fruit because of the sugar content. I can tell you I found out the hard way about the fruits. Fruits are jam packed with vitamins HOWEVER the sugar content rots teeth and very fast there is now why to brush there little teeth so the sugar stays on he teeth. I have a pigger that had to have 6 teeth removed (all my pigs are rescues from bad lives so this stuff sadly happenes) a couple weeks later I brought that pigger back to the vet because her face was stil swollen. They had to remove part of her jaw because it died. she is doing fine now and looks great, so please give your piggers veggies not much fruit.

I cannot express how impotant it is to have fresh water for piggers to drinka nd bath in. Besides drinking water (use flat bottomed shallow pans made for watering small stock and put out multiple dishes in case they tip one over.) they need water for cooling off.
A stream, a pond, a wading pool, or a mudhole can all provide the necessary hot weather relief. Pigs cannot sweat or pant; they must have water they can immerse in to cool off. This is essential. Heatstroke is common. And they must have mud. Just water is not enough. Mud provides insect protection, sunscreen and lubrication to prevent scaly skin. For the best pool money can buy go to PAHeartland for their specially manufactured piggy pools. They have soft sides for easy entrance and napping, are low and skid proof so pigs aren't afraid to step into them and are virtually indestructible. Easy to empty and clean every day as well. (PAHeartland@earthlink.net)

Info for this blog was provided by the following: http://www.hamalot.org/, http://www.gallastar.org/, http://www.farec.org/, http://www.9sites.com/,

Swirled Green Leaf, Wire Wrapped Polymer Clay Pendant by EmilyClaireCreations

Hand-formed copper wire leaf wraps swirled green and brown polymer clay. The leaf is sealed with a satin gloss polymer glaze, and embellished with copper glass seed beads.This generous leaf pendant measures approximately 3 1/4" in length, and 2" in diameter.Unique and lovely one of a kind pendant, just like a leaf found in nature. Black satin cord included with purchase (not shown) for more of these awesome items please visit: http://www.artfire.com/users/emilyclairecreations