OH MY! I LOVE hippos (not sure how many folks knew that). Along with an early pig fascination, hippos are my greatest love and check this lovely baby out:
Qowzer! Isn’t she amazing? First, run (don’t walk) and bid on her here! If I had some extra cash, I’d run right now! Here’s some more images of her! Proceeds go to the EIF National Colorectal Cancer Association.
I’ve been reading Dot Lewallen’s blog for a while and she does some amazing inspiring work, but this is not only fabulous but goes to a great cause. This is a little “why” off of the “Beading for a Cure” site:
Layne’s Legacy is an annual beading challenge dedicated to raising money for the National Colorectal Cancer Research Association in honor of our friend Layne Shilling, who lost her battle with colorectal cancer in November 2002. The premise of the challenge is simple: participants purchase a kit which contains a variety of beads. Each kit is identical. At least one of each bead type must be used in the finished project and the beader can only add one other type of bead to the project (but as many non-bead items as they wish). The completed works are as varied as the beaders who created them. In the past we have had jewelry, sculptural work, and decorative items.
When the projects are all finished, they are auctioned off on eBay and all of the proceeds (minus operating costs) go to the NCCRA, donated in Layne’s name. This is our way of honoring the memory of a wonderful beader and good friend. Even those who never had the chance to meet Layne have joined into our cause. It’s a wonderful feeling to be able to use your artwork to help find a cure for something as insidious and devastating as cancer.
If you want to drool (for the purpose of a wonderful cause) go check out their galleries. One thing I find about craftspeople and artists is that (for the most part) they are a generous and giving group. I think something like this reminds all of us how important it is to give a bit of yourself.
On a quick personal note – LOTS going on here. I have not been stitching at all – which probably isn’t good. But today I’m going to start my April doll. It’s been a very intense month and so I have a feeling this spirit doll will have plenty to say.