Buds and Blossoms Treasury - Part 1 and 2

Two very beautiful treasuries created with the entries to the April Challenge. Thanks everyone for your participation. And thanks to the EFA Challenge Team who puts it all together.

Daisies - Catnip Toys - set of 2 by Missminoes' Shop

These bright pink flowers are filled with catnip. In between those spring sunshine naps they provide for some enthusiastic feline playtime. Set of 2 handmade crochet cotton cat toys, in the shape of a daisy. The balls are about 1.5" (3.5 cm) and filled with catnip wrapped in cotton fabric for sturdiness. Cats love the smell of catnip. By wrapping it in the fabric they will be attracted and interested in the toy, without getting too much catnip frenzy at once. 100% of proceeds of cat toys go to the animal shelter in the artist's hometown. On other items 50% go to animal charity. Either to the same animal shelter or to the charity of the month. This months charity (Animal Ambulance in Alphen) was her choice.

Any Occasion - Set of Two Handmade Cards - Glitter Daisies by Ensorcelledminds' Shop

These daisy cards are a reminder of spring linen because they are fresh and clean. The cream coloured lace border also adds to the "linen" feel. The pattern paper is turquoise with sand coloured designs. The glitter adds a shiny smooth finish to the daisies. The artist is hosting upcoming card-making and paper craft workshops for charity. She teaches workshops for SOAR: Southern Ontario Animal Rescue, which is a small, volunteer only dog rescue that uses foster care volunteers to find forever homes for dogs. Some items in her shop also support SOAR with a percentage of the proceeds.

This buds for you Schnauzer Earrings by Tinyartjewelry's Shop

Cute little schnauzer offers a flower "bud" or two to his lucky owner. Sort of earrings that make you feel happy just looking at them! Image part of earring measures 1/2" x 7/8" and are hung on goldplate earwires. Tiny little green glass beads add a springlike accent.

All proceeds from this item go to EFA's Charity of the Month. The artist has worked in years past fostering Italian Greyhounds for Midwest Italian Greyhound Rescue and donating jewelry. Though unable to foster now, she still helps with homechecks and occasional vet checks. She donates to Handmade for Hounds jewelry as often as possible and is trying to find a way to be even more active with EFA. She also tries to talk to anyone when the opportunity arises about the need to educate themselves before getting any pet and tries to steer them in the direction of adopting.

Bloom Where You're Planted - 3PC Flannel Sheet Set for American Girl Doll by Chicadolly's Shop

Bright and cheerful, this mod pink print is sure to please your little girl and her doll. This set includes a pillow case, top sheet and pillow slip style fitted bottom sheet with ample room for tucking under. Made for American Doll beds, please measure your mattress to be sure of proper fit. This item is 100% cotton flannel and can be machine laundered. All seams have been reinforced to hold up for a lifetime of play. This item was made for the EFA April Challenge and 10 % of the profit from this sale will go to: The EFA March Charity of the Month for April which is Animal Ambulance Alphen, chosen by Ama of http://missminoes.etsy.com.

Kafir fig. Original coloured pencil drawing by Kraftikats' Shop

Beautiful, sunny, daisy like flowers of the Kafir Fig or Hottentot Fig as it is also known. An original watercolour pencil drawing drawn on grainy Fabriano paper and as this plant grows low and spreads like a carpet it lends itself to this rather stylised image quite well. The artist looks after her horde of animals although sadly, 3 of her 10 indoor cats have left them recently. I suppose they have their own little destinies too but it´s painful nonetheless. The 3 outdoor cats are still doing fine and enjoying the better weather!!

Pitbull Party (aka Springtime Staffies) set of Six Adorable Cards by Scrappyrat's Shop

Can anyone resist that little concerned wrinkle right in the middle of a Stafordshire Terrier's forehead? Each card is hand-collaged and full of fun. Bright, vibrant colors and tons of fun embellishments make these cards stand out way above the average off-the-rack kind.

The artist has a foster home for Carolina Pet Rescue (she currently fosters rats and other rodents), and has been working in rescue for nearly all of her adult life. She's volunteered both as a foster and in administration (answering phones, doing intake/adoptions, screening potential homes, etc.), and has worked as a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. She founded a NC animal rights organization (Carolina Animal Activists Together--now Humane Carolina) and received the Kelty Award for Outstanding Animal Activism. She offers items on her website that raise money for EFA Charities, including her Yummy for Dogs cookbook which always is sold with 100% of the profits received from its sale going to animal rescue and advocacy organizations. She also donates handmade items to animal rescue and advocacy organizations that request them for fund raising. It's a way she can use her creativity to further help animals and that kind of thing makes her very happy. :)

Mother's Day Card-Wishing You a Beautiful Day by Deborahjulian's Shop

This is a Mother's Day card created from the artists original art work "George Dreams of Matisse". Much of her work is inspired by her cats George, Billy & Sammy. This card shows George sitting near a window with bright colored flowers spreading into the interior space from the flourishing landscape on the other side of the window. We are all ready for spring to come into our lives! The artist has been a life long animal lover. All of her cats have been adopted from rescue organizations. She has volunteered as a dog walker for the Humane Society of New York. Her current favorite animal charities are North Shore Animal League, Neighborhood Cats, and Alley Cat Allies which she contributes to as often as possible. She hopes to bring her Etsy sales to a level where she can contribute a good amount to the animal charity of the month.

Flower pot dog screenprinted ladies organic cotton hoodie by Thedoghouse's Shop

This item features a hand printed image of a collie dog peeping over the top of a flower pot filled windowsill to see inside. The artist is inspired predominantly by greyhounds, in particular her own 2 dogs, Max & Molly. She creates & screen prints each design by hand onto ethically sourced clothing, homeware & accessories. She is passionate about greyhound rescue & donates a percentage of her profits to the local rehoming charity, Gracehounds (http://www.gracehounds.plus.com), where Molly was adopted from & with whom she is a volunteer dog walker & foster carer.

Recycled Handmade Vintage Embroidered Linen into Designer Pillow Pinks by Busybeehive's Shop

Recycled vintage springy colored floral hand embroidered linen that was recycled into a designer pillow case.

The artist volunteers for 2 rescues at the moment. Roses Rescue in Rootstown Ohio.www.rosesrescue.net and has also worked with www.PAWSOhio.org, she also donates quilts and a few years ago a stained glass panel for them to auction off. She would also like to donate 20% of this pillow case to the new Charity of the Month if it sell in the Month of April.

Pink Tulip and Cat Tote by Catcalls' Shop

Bright pink tulip buds ready to burst in spring! Look at the loving little kitties! How we love our cats...and this tote certainly makes that statement! Hand-stenciled kitties and appliqued polka dot hearts adorn this lovely spring-like tote. Big bold pink tulips are the backdrop for these black and pink painted silhouettes with lavender and pink ric rac stitched over them. Pretty plum flowers line the inside and were used for the straps as well. All cotton and hand washable! Let your love for cats and springtime be 'mewed' to the world!

10% of all sales go to my local humane society, http://www.geaugahumane.org/index.html

Sunny Skies Ahead - fabric cuff by Thoseparasoldays' Shop

This embroidered bracelet was made especially for Etsy For Animals' April challenge "Buds and Blossoms". The cuff is hand sewn almost all the way through and made from little scraps of cotton, cotton blends and synthetic fabrics. A light, sunny shade was chosen for the base and then apliqued beautiful bright blues for the wings of the birds! The colourful inspiration this time came from the hanging gardens of Babylon; a sense of magic and spring romance under the desert sky... The artist works with the feral cat colonies on the Spanish Mediterranean coast, helping out where she can.

A Walk Through The Garden, 8x10 Fine Art Print by Thebluewindmill's Shop

This digital photograph is a colorful print of pink polka-dotted flamingos walking through a lush flower garden, full of daylillies and petunias, under a beautiful blue sky. For the month of March and April this shop will be donating a portion of it's proceeds to the Marine Mammal Center who rescue seals, sea lions, and other aquatic animals. Some of the animals are treated for demoic acid toxicity which is caused by an excessive growth of algae blooms in the ocean due to fertilizer run-off along the California coastline.

Yellow Visitor by Humanecreations' Shop

Every year I plant a Butterfly/Hummingbird garden and it is such a thrill when the sun is shining, the first flowers bloom and the first little guys find them. Then when later I find Monarch butterfly larva and cocoons I am enthralled and estatic! It means my "Buds and Blossoms" have done their job and have helped these precious, fragile creatures survive one more year. The artist used to foster dogs and cats for a rescue group. Did newsletters, helped with fundraisers for rescue groups. Trained, worked as and taught professional pet grooming and animal care. Has had family members from numerous species throughout her life. Crocheted many "Snuggles" (flat pet beds/mats) as part of the Hugs 4 Homeless Animals online program and donated them to various animal rescues. Currently still has various species as family. Volunteers with House Rabbit Society of MO, St. Louis chapter, as the webmaster. http://www.hrsmostl.org and still makes and donates "Snuggles". Now has an equine nephew, "Toby" that she is trying to help support as mentioned on her Etsy profile.

Rainbow Bird Brooch by Veganessa's Shop

Wear your Rainbow Bird Brooch with Pride. Adorable white bird made from white acrylic felt, decorated with rainbow striped ribbon, and a scattering of red, light lime green, and translucent beads. Adorned with a funky red flower button. It has a small blue bead for an eye. There is a metal brooch pin securely stitched on the back. It is slightly padded. A very colourful bold brooch.

Veganessa''s other shop http://midnightrabbits.etsy.com donates 100% proceeds from sales to the EFA charity of the month.

Car Seat Blanket coverLarge 'Guava Candy by Barkingdogblanket's Shop

Dog blanket made with Aloha Print fabric which is inspired by the beautiful flowers and plants that are in Hawaii : ) Ginger began making dog blankets for her beautiful Heeler girl Rockie to protect the car and furniture - Rockie and Ginger were "Team Rockie" Pet Visitation Team through the Hawaiian Humane Society. Rockie passed away in October at 15yrs but her memory lives on in her blankets and in the donations made in her memory. Ginger donates 5%-10% of sales and volunteers at her local Hawaii Humane Society and Oahu SPCA as a dog walker and kennel cleaner. She also has a shop on 1000markets which has more of her blankets. barkingdogblankets.1000markets.com

Blueberry Lavender Spring Owl Pin by Mvegan5's Shop

Sweet vintage and new findings come together in this unique, fun pin, perfect for Spring and Summer, measures about 1.25" long, second photo is an example of the pin backing. 50% or more goes to the EFA charity of the month, see shop intro and http://efaartistshelpinganimals.org for more info.

Finger Crocheted Rasta Red, Yellow and Green Vest, Layering Piece by Aldanamica's Shop

This very cozy round shaped vest is a one of a kind piece. It is crochet with 2 strings of yarn meaning it is thicker and the warmth is doubled! It is handmade using a method I call finger-crochet. Finger-crochet is just like crochet with needles except it's done without using needles, only hands and fingers do the work. The center of the vest looks like a zinnia. And its surrounded by green which makes it look like its in a garden.

10% donations to EFA Etsy for Animals Charities.

Meow Magnet No. 9 by Gogobadger's Shop

From the "Meow" collection. One-only designs from snippings and clippings from magazines and fabric, preserved into colorful, whimsical and utilitarian items, in this case a magnet. 2.25" with strong magnet at back make magnets, each with a "happy pet" look. And this one is two kittens exploring the great outdoors :) The artist and her partner are happy parents of 3 adopted animals(2 dogs, Jack & Murphy, and a rabbit, who usually goes by Bugs). They donate regularly to ARF, and she is looking forward to being active in EFA.

Summertime - Pink Polymer Clay Flowers and Swarovski Crystal Sterling Silver Earrings by Beadedtail's Shop

Pretty in pink! Dainty pink polymer clay flowers are handcrafted by Chris of Crafts by Chris. Silver toned accents and pink Swarovski crystals provide the right touch. The earwires are sterling silver. Length of the dangled earring is approximately 1" (2.5cm). From the top of the earwire to the bottom bead is nearly 1.5" (3.8cm).

A portion from the sale of these earrings will go to benefit animal awareness causes.

Crazy Daisy by Heathrock's Shop

Add a little sunny madness into your life...An original, hand painted piece of art from the mind of me! :) This shop donates to animal charities and continues the fight for them. The artist is also searching for volunteer work.

sunflower belt buckle - SOLAR POWER by Lonesomeroadstudio's Shop

"Bring me the sunflower crazed with the love of light." - Eugenio Montale. A bright and beautiful golden yellow sunflower graces the "Solar Power" belt buckle by Lonesome Road Studio. The original artwork is affixed to a cast pewter buckle that measures 2-1/2 inches by 3-1/4 inches (6.2cm x 8cm) and will fit either a 1-1/2 inch (3.8cm) or 1-3/4 (4.4cm) inch wide belt. High-gloss epoxy resin protects the artwork with an extremely durable finish. 5% of the purchase price of all belt buckles will be donated to a local no-kill animal shelter in the artist's area, Pet Project. There is no county animal shelter in the area and the small no-kill shelters are the only way that these animals can be placed in good new homes. Pet Project was previously located on an area property rent-free; however, they were forced to move to a new location and now have to pay rent. Many businesses in the Ottawa, Illinois area are raising funds to assist Pet Project with their new expenses and Lonesome Road Studio is a part of that effort.

DELiGHTFUL DAiSY white 'n purple TAGUA NUT PENDANT by Brizel4theanimals' Shop

This wondrous multicolored daisy flower pendant will surely brighten your day ! Made from Tagua nut... an eco-friendly renewable petrified wood from the Amazon rainforest... six natural white tear shaped tagua beads have been sewn together and embellished at the center with a PURPLE spiral. The pendant measures approx 2 1/4". This adjustable necklace is strung on a complimentary faux swede color ribbon. Brizel, aka Nicole, works to provide a safe loving home for her animal pack (2 canines, 1 feline- all rescues); participates in EFA's COTM program; and volunteers for EFA'S MONTHLY CHALLENGE.

Pop Art Pets in Oil by Kneedeeporiginals' Shop

This piece features a big, bright lily, and it's also a pet portrait listing, which both fits the theme and is promoting animals! The title of this particular piece is Life in the Garden. The artist is currently involved in a fundraiser for a local Humane Society... Art Unleashed http://www.forsythhumane.org/ And will also be singing at a Community Music event with her band sponsored by the community church. The money raised will benefit two local non-profits... the first is the Animal Rescue of Stokes County, which she tries to support with sales from certain paintings listed in her Etsy shop, and the other is the local nursing home, where proceeds will benefit the residents who often have no money and no family able to provide for them. She sings twice a month for these wonderful old folks. Here's a link to ARSC: http://www.animalrescueofstokescounty.com/ and a link to the music event on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=359255327955&ref=mf

ENCAUSTIC ORIGINAL OUTSIDER ART TOKEN OF LOVE 2 ROSE BOUQUET CONTEMPORARY ABSTRACT by Johnniebelinda's Shop

20"x16" original abstract encaustic floral series on clayboard. Beautiful vivid abstract long stem roses's are captured in this one of a kind art piece. This painting will be delivered in black contemporary frame, ready to hang.

20% of sale this will go to http://bestfriends.org/