Mama Bird 8x10 Photograph by sue8261

This lovely piece, "Mama Bird" is by sue8261. Two years ago, this sweet curious dark-eyed junco, along with her loyal mate, built a nest in my backyard and raised an adorable baby. The devoted parents cared for their baby until it was mature enough to fly off on its own. It was a joy to follow the progress of this loving family with my camera.

I help animals through donations and advocacy. I'm always open to new opportunities to use my art for humane causes.

Dog Altered Memo Board by queenbe

I believe this piece, a collaged memo board by QueenBe, speaks of how a person's love for animals can be left unspoken, but still felt. And certainly we can all feel the love a dog or pet gives to us, without them speaking it to us.

I am continuing to donate 10% of my shop sales to the ASPCA, and am currently thinking of another animal charity to switch to for a while, since they are ALL worthwhile and needful. And I am always an advocate for adopting shelter pets, and having all animals neutered and spayed. 

Horse Love Card by epicfarms

This large 5 1/2 by 8 1/2" card by epicfarms features Rina, one of our much loved Arabians. The original "wild child", she and her mother were purchased from a large farm that had lost their trainer and was downsizing their herd. She was 3 months old when she arrived and has gone from being completely untouchable to a people friendly 3 year old. She is shown in this photo flirting with AJ, "the boy next door" :o)

Epic Farms is a small, family run 501c3 Non-Profit organization on a mission to educate the whole planet (yep, all of it) about the amazing things we have learned about horses. 100% of the proceeds from shop purchases go to this Non-Profit.

Victorian Cat Greeting Card by archticnj

I love my pets and the little cat on this card by archticnj reminded me of the mischief kittens can get themselves into.

My shop participates in the Charity of the Month. I usually give a donation to my local shelter when I have some extra cash or I bring in items that appear on their wish list. The shelter that I donate to is her in Brick, NJ.

Love Gift Tags by EllaQuaint

These tags by EllaQuaint say it all! They reflect the abundant feelings we have for all living creatures.

I continue to care for my feral cat colony, hoping they all make it through the winter. They are doing well so far.

A portion of my sales go to the EFA Charity of the Month.

I Love My Boston Terrier Painting by thebluewindmill

The title of this work from thebluewindmill is "I Love My Boston Terrier" which pretty much says it all.

I help animals by participating in EFA's COTM, serving as challenge leader, and housing my own rescue as well.

Sweetheart Dog Neck Warmer by jessicalynneart

Dogs are lovers of a great many things. Whether it be squeaky plush toys, peanut butter cookies, belly rubs, or snuggling with their human family members, dogs genuinely adore life's little pleasures. It's evident that we could learn a thing or two from our pets who like to wear their hearts on their sleeves... or their collars, so to speak. This Sweetheart Neck Warmer by jessicalynneart is a charming and cozy reminder of the unique bond between animals and people.

Each month I support the Pug Rescue of New England as well as the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals by donating $1 from every sale to one these charities. I also donate knit pet accessories and stationery to shelter and rescue auctions to help them to raise money. I recently sent a hat to be auctioned for an organization that helps to build fences for chained dogs and to educate owners on the importance of getting rid of the chain and giving dogs the freedom and care that they deserve. Aside from my work with rescue efforts, I am a vegan who blogs recipes and promotes healthy living and I am also the challenge blog volunteer for our lovely team.

Head to Head Horse Print by terikor

Love is always in the air in February and animals abound in love whether they give us unconditional love or they love each other. Depicting this months challenge theme, I chose a print I created from one of my original drawings of two horses, called Head To Head. Through these horses eyes you can sense the closeness and the love that these horses have for one another. There is a romantic quality to the simplicity of this artwork by terikor that enhances this love.

The charity I chose for this print is Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue Inc. Since the print depicts thoroughbred horses, I felt it appropriate that a rescue related to horses be the recipient of a percentage of this print. Thoroughbred Placement and Rescue Inc was created to facilitate the placement and rescue of retired racehorses.

"I Heart U" Original Watercolor by catcalls

"I ♥ U" ...it's nice to know you're loved - whether you're a cat or a person! This is an original watercolor by catcalls which I painted because I was thinking about how fun it would be for a kitty to wake up one morning and see a little love note like this!

I am the team's twitter account holder, @Etsy4Animals, and tweet shop listings and blog articles posted in the forums. I also write articles occasionally. I am thrilled that The Feral Cat Rescue Project was chosen for this month's charity, as I have followed Chriss and her work for a couple of years now and know how much she has sacrificed for the little fur friends she cares for.

Quilled Snails Love Card by FairyCardmaker

Every living thing just wants to be loved! These two paper quilled snails are happily snuggling antennae on this handmade love card by FairyCardmaker.

Why not have these creatures help other creatures? 10% if the proceeds of this card will go to the Southern Ontario Animal Rescue that rescues and fosters dogs for adoption. I teach paper art workshops to raise funds for this registered Canadian charity through the year. I even taught paper quilling and we made the same snail design you see on this card.

I Heart Flowers Silk Tapestry Box by brizel4TheAnimals

I Heart Flowers is a lovely soft fiber arts container by brizel4TheAnimals featuring hand dyed vegan banana silk in tones of purple, violet, and aqua blue... paired with pastel yellow silk sari yarn- an upcycled material made from reclaimed loom warps. It has a lid of its own which is embellished with a hand painted Czech art glass button... a blue & green heart with three flowers at its center.

This sweet Silk Tapestry Art Box measures approx: 2 3/4" in diameter x 2 1/8" high with an interior box of 1 3/8" in diameter x 1 1/2" high. Its raw silk weight is roughly 1.2 oz (34 g).

ANIMAL CHARITY DONATiON
10% of all SILK TAPESTRY BOX sales will be donated to animal charities, notably Team EFA's CHARITY OF THE MONTH which differs each month. Please visit our team's website to read about this month's charity: efaartistshelpinganimals.org/charities.htm

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I own some 20 acres up in the mountains where I have planted orchards and floral gardens. Personal funds are put towards helping to sustain this habitat which attracts birds, butterflies, bees, bats, hummingbirds... and it is also a seasonal mating ground for dragonflies ! Twilight is part of a 2,000 acre ranch out in the chaparral wilderness where wild animals still roam.

I provide a home for my animal rescues, create & maintain habitat for wildlife to prosper, support animal welfare through petition & animal advocacy work, donate 10% of my Silk Tapestry Art Box sales to EFA's Charity of the Month, and promote & support Team EFA members through Etsy Treasuries & the EFA blog. I am also Team Captain, Membership & COTM Leader & Blog Editor for Team EFA !

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Pitt Bull Mix Original Watercolor Portrait by KneeDeepOriginals

This watercolor by KneeDeepOriginals is a study of my dog Cooper. Cooper is the light of our lives, or one of them (since we have three dogs and a grandpuppy who spends a lot of time with us, and a cat), and we adopted her from a home a ways down the road when the owner could no longer care for her. She is our first pitt bull mix, and we were simply amazed at her friendliness, her cuddliness, her exuberance, her intelligence, her faithfulness, and her ability to get along so well with our other animals, including the cat!

A portion of the sale of this painting will go to my local animal shelter's renovation fundraiser. We have a large number of stray and homeless animals in our county due to folks not spaying and neutering, and some who just let the animals go. The shelter, along with our Humane Society and a nonproft animal rescue group, all work together, with a local vet, to care for these animals and to try and find them homes. Recently an art show opened at our local art gallery which benefits the shelter's renovation project. I painted two pieces specifically for this show, and all sales will go directly to the shelter. I also hung the show since the shelter staff wasn't skilled in that area. I try to be very involved with all of these organizations, either through my art or my music, or simply posting and sharing the animals needing homes on Facebook or in emails. Every effort we make is so important for these precious souls.

Reversible Valentine Dog Bandana by AstridNicoleEtcetera

My own sweetheart, Astrid, is shown modeling the Valentine Bandana from AstridNicoleEtcetera which is covered with hearts...on both sides!

We adopted Astrid in December of 2006. We wanted to give back to the shelter that took such good care of her. Our sales at her namesake Etsy shop enables us to help make the lives of the dogs left behind hopefully a little more comfortable.

Pure Romanch Feather HairFastener by NoPluckedDuck

This feather hair piece by NoPluckedDuck was designed with the impression of love and romance. The red rose in the center of the duck feathers is a symbol of that. The cruelty-free feathers are of course about my love for ducks.

I work for the Philadelphia Animal Welfare Society, but in my spare time I create these cruelty-free feather fascinators and donate 10% back to the sanctuary that sends me their naturally molted feathers.

Dogs Make Lives Better Collage Print by alteredgirl

The quote on this collage print by alteredgirl reads "Dogs are not our whole lives, but they make our lives whole" which pretty much sums up why I believe it fits the "I love animals" theme! The collage features a vintage image of a woman holding two adorable little puppies.

I currently donate a percentage of my profits to Alley Cat Allies from all 3 of my etsy stores. I also donate through my ebay sales with their 'ebay giving works' program. I have 3 rescued cats at home and have rescued 2 bearded dragons in the past. Besides those things I am a vegan.

Paw Motif Wool Scarf by knitbyvalerie

This red scarf by knitbyvalerie features not the traditional heart, but something synonymous with hearts for many animal lovers--paw prints! It is hand knit and has 14 paw prints down its entire length--a true valentine for any animal lover!

I am the blog promoter for the team as well as working diligently for local shelters and rescues that I have adopted from personally. I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone that February is National Adopt-a-Shelter-Rabbit Month! Yay bunnies!

Love Mixed Media Print by LolaLynn

This work of art by LolaLynn is dedicated to the members of EFA and all those who work passionately for the welfare of animals. The central motif of this bright and cheery image is a copy of my original ACEO, "A Heart of Love". It has been re-purposed, embellished and enhanced to make it an OOAK work of art. It will come double matted ready to put into an 8 by 10 inch frame.

LolaLynn's donates every month to EFA's charity of the Month Program. My grandson, Matthew, and I have teamed up to create the "Matthew and Me Turtle Paintings", 50% of which is donated to turtle rescue and rehab.

February Monthly Challenge Theme: I Love Animals

Do you LOVE animals?

Then this month’s challenge theme is perfect for you!

Simply enter a product that depicts your love for animals or something with a heart.

Here are a few examples

from our fabulous EFA team members:

I Heart My Dog By rubyandbeeboutique

"Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole."

Roger Caras

For the Love of Catnip by CrazyaboutCatnip

"I purr therefore I am, especially after catnip"

Cat Wisdom 101

Zebra Love By OceletEyes

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul

remains unawakened." Anatole France

Dog Portrait Eyes of Love By Knee Deep Originals

"An animal's eyes have the power to speak a great language."

Martin Buber

Share your love for the animals by entering today!

Here's HOW TO ENTER:

If you are an EFA member & would like to submit an entry, please convo our Challenge Blog Leader, Jess of jessicalynneart, with the following information:

1. PROViDE the link to an item in your shop that fits the theme or has been created for the theme.

2. EXPLAiN how you think the item fits the monthly Challenge theme

3. TELL US a bit about your work/donations/volunteer work with animals or animal charities

4. TiTLE your convo with the name of the MONTH and the word CHALLENGE, for example: FEBRUARY CHALLENGE.

Two more important steps:

5. TAG your Etsy listing with the monthly Challenge theme tag (this month = teamefalove) (see the Themes-at-a-glance list for other tags). Be sure to ALSO keep your regular team tag in place, either 'team efa' or 'team efa cotm'

6. Renew your listing !

Remember, when we've received sixteen qualifying entries... these will be featured in a Treasury and in our Challenge Competition, where the winner will get a free etsy mini 1x1 advertising slot on EFA's Challenge blog the following month.

Challenge entries are also promoted on Etsy Teams, EFA's Yahoo Groups, Twitter and Facebook... so get your entries in asap...

Looking forward to seeing your heartfelt wares

Heather of TheBlueWindmill

Monthly Challenge Leader

ModJess---Scrabble Tile Pendant---FLYING PIGGY-Blue

This happy little piggy is flying through the air, dodging clouds and having fun.

Scrabble tile pendants are fun, affordable gifts for yourself or someone you love.

These pendants are made on natural wood color Scrabble tiles (approx. 3/4" rectangular shape), adhered with non-toxic adhesive and finished with a glassy, multi-coated glaze. The bail is silver-plated and will accommodate 3mm or less chains.

I am actively involved in animal welfare/rescue here in New Mexico, and a portion of my annual profits will be donated to one or more animal charities at the end of the year. However, throughout the year, I donate art work to benefit auctions and shows, and will look forward to donating my jewelry as well.

St. Francis - the animal lover - photo notecard - 50 percent to benefit AWBAR by LolaLynn

Anyone who selflessly loves and cares for animals is a saint in my book. So, 50% of the purchase of this card will be doanted to AWBAR: Abandoned Wildlife Babies Animal Rescue.

The description is for one photograph attached to a folded 5 x 7 pale lavender card that comes with a matching envelope. This will easily slip into a 5 by 7 inch frame.

A great way to recycle: let this photo notecard become an amazing work of art! Why not use the card to accompany a gift of a matching frame.