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Cats Already Rule The Internet. Now, Cat Shows Do Too!
Stressed out by election anxiety? Scientific studies show that looking at pictures of cats helps reduce tension. That means now is the PURRFECT time to check out the fabulous multitude of cats competing for prizes on The Cat Fanciers’ Association VCC web site! (vcc.cfa.org)
VCC stands for Virtual Cat Competition—the cat fancy’s solution to self-reinvention in the midst of Covid-19 isolation. Originally conceived to help promote the enormous variety of pedigreed cats to the public, VCCs have exploded in popularity as in-person cat shows vanished due to the pandemic. One recent event drew 796 entries from all over the world. That’s a lot of kitty pictures!
According to CFA Marketing Director Desiree Bobby, most VCCs raise funds for cat-related causes. Spectators can vote for their favorite cats and prizes go to the most popular cats. Money raised supports organizations like local shelters, a charity that helps provide assistance to cats affected by wildfires and other natural disasters, and most recently, a research project devoted to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Sphynx (hairless) cats.
These events aren’t just parades of pedigreed cats, though. They feature “fun” classes, providing cat owners an opportunity to showcase their feline travel buddies, agility antics, costume contests, and just plain kitty weirdness. Some competitions have featured celebrity guest judges, such as Steve Dale (certified animal behaviorist and radio/TV personality of www.stevedalepetworld.com), Kate Benjamin (cat style expert, designer and blogger of www.hauspanther.com) and Trisha Seifried (a professional animal trainer and talent agent of www.catbosstv.com) presenting their top picks on video.
The virtual excitement culminates in December with CFA’s International Top Cat Challenge, a massive event featuring twenty conformation judging rings and an exciting array of fun classes. The “CITCC” is the brainchild of breeder-exhibitor Lorna Dawn Friemoth, whose intention was to attract people who have never heard of cat shows or pedigreed cats and enable them to easily explore all the breeds CFA recognizes. The event also celebrates mixed-breed cats, who can compete in the Household Pet classes.
Iris Zinck, chair of CFA’s Virtual Cat Competition Committee, expects the enthusiasm to continue far beyond December. “The cat fancy has never before been so accessible to so many people,” she says. “This isn’t just a placeholder for regular shows, it’s something new that offers the online public a whole different way to share their love of cats!”
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Learn to draw the fundamentals of the human form with The Art of Figure Drawing for Beginners
Mastering the human form for portraiture is one of the most challenging subjects for a beginning artist to learn. Packed with practical instructions, helpful tips, and fundamental techniques, the comprehensive, The Art of Figure Drawing for Beginners (Walter Foster Publishing / November 3, 2020 / US $21.99) is your essential resource for learning to draw the human form and poses with ease.
The Art of Figure Drawing for Beginners features instruction for learning how to render the head, body, and extremities using very basic shapes, as well as drawing mannequins placed in a variety of configurations. The book’s informative, easy-to-follow content covers figure drawing essentials, including:
- An overview of basic anatomy
- Natural variations in shape, texture, and proportion
- Helpful techniques for rendering humans in single and group poses
- Information for working with the tools of the trade.
Whether you are a beginning artist, art enthusiast, or serious fine art student, The Art of Figure Drawing for Beginners is a must-have reference.
The Collector’s Series offers approachable, step-by-step art instruction for a variety of mediums and subjects, such as drawing, oil, acrylic, watercolor, cartooning, calligraphy, and more. Perfect for beginning artists, each title features artist tips for drawing or painting anything and everything from people, animals, and still life to flowers, trees, and landscapes.
THE ART OF FIGURE DRAWING FOR BEGINNERS
By Gecko Keck
On-Sale Date: November 3, 2020
$21.99 US · $28.99 CAN · 144 pages · Paperback
ISBN: 9781633228818
Walter Foster, an imprint of The Quarto Group
About the author
Better known by his pen name, Gecko Keck is a stalwart on the German creative scene. As early as 1989, he founded an agency for caricatures and illustrations and got to know about production as a graphic designer. He has been a freelancer again since 1993, and has created over 5000 design drawings and over 300 models for the popular Kinder surprise eggs.
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Own less. Do more – Nomadix, The Only Towel You Need
After so many unexpected things happened in 2020, we have to rethink about our lives. I believe, you are like me, we were all expecting for a brand new and wonderful decade at the end of 2019. But who knows, our year of 2020 would be like this. We stay at home, we wear masks to go out, we can’t hangout with friends, and we even hesitate to visit our parents. Sorry to be so sad, but the year of 2020 gives us a lesson, we don’t need too much things in our life and we need to protect our earth.
Part of living with less means using what you already have. You never waste a thing. With so much plastic waste floating in our oceans and trashing our communities, Nomadix has committed to using post-consumer recycled materials for everything they make. And since their fibers are designed to dry quickly and resist bacteria that cause towel funk, you can wash less and save precious water.
All of Nomadix products are made using
certified post-consumer recycled plastic
and contribute to 1% For The Planet.
Through years of research and development into turning recycled plastics into durable and versatile fibers, developing responsible manufacturing practices, avoiding harmful dyes that waste and pollute our water, Nomadix protects the world we love and live together at.
The Only Towel You Need™ is a high-performance yoga towel, beach towel, and travel towel all-in-one. Nomadix designed this product to be versatile without sacrificing performance, so you can own less and do more. Made with post-consumer recycled plastic bottles, these towels are durable, lightweight, and buttery soft. They pack down small for easy travel so you can take them on any adventure. They are sand resistant, quick-drying, and super absorbent.
Here are some of my favorite designs
CALIFORNIA FLAG TOWEL
$ 39.95
THE GO-ANYWHERE, MULTI-PURPOSE TOWEL
59 PARKS COLLECTION US MAP TOWEL
$ 44.95
THE GO-ANYWHERE, MULTI-PURPOSE TOWEL
VICE YELLOW TOWEL
$ 39.95
THE GO-ANYWHERE, MULTI-PURPOSE TOWEL
LULU’s Pick
STRIPES RETRO TOWEL
$ 39.95
THE GO-ANYWHERE, MULTI-PURPOSE TOWEL
- Made with post-consumer recycled plastic bottles
- Single sided print
- The perfect size (30″x72.5″)
- Sand resistant
- Pet hair resistant
- Super absorbent
- Quick drying
- Moisture activated slip resistance
- Butter soft
- Durable
- Lightweight
- Packs down small (3.5″x7″)
- Weighs 17 oz
- Imported
Nomadix has collaborated with some of their favorite brands to help spread the message and give back. One of their biggest partnerships is 1% for the Planet, which commits them to donating 1% of their sales — not just profits — to environmental causes. Nomadix’s partnerships with organizations like the Surfrider Foundation and Fifty-Nine Parks not only help them make inspiring new products, but a portion of sales goes directly back to environmental causes.
Protecting the places that inspire Nomadix, whether it’s keeping the trails clear, the beaches clean, or mountains capped with fresh powder, is a part of the calling. Be a part of the change with Nomadix. Join the likes of Subaru, New Belgium, Patagonia and more by collaborating with Nomadix for custom made towels featuring your design.
About Nomadix:
Own less. Do more. Nomadix makes quality products designed to be so durable and versatile, you only ever need one.
It’s Nomadix’s mantra. They believe that when you own less stuff, you are able to do more, see more, and live more. But when you live with less, your gear needs to be tough enough for anything that comes your way. That’s why Nomadix meticulously designed their products to hang with you through any adventure. Nomadix wants you to leave your mark on the world, not your waste. Just grab one and go.
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USING CRYSTALS IN YOUR INTENTION SETTING RITUAL
An intention setting practice is a powerful ritual that can help you achieve a happier and more fulfilling life. Intentions are, simply put, the things we want in our life. This can be money, deeper spiritual connection, romantic relationship, confidence, better health, and so on.
We all want something in our life but we don’t really sit down and define it regularly. When we just keep our intentions at the back of our heads, we are telling the universe that they are not really important to us. Undefined intentions are like fragile wishes that are broken and forgotten easily. You need to make your intentions stronger so that you can achieve them.
Crystals are great visual reminders to amplify the power of your intentions. Each crystal stone imbibes different energy. Rose quartz attracts love. Amazonite inspires courage. Citrine seeks happiness. There is no need to choose a crystal based on its healing properties. Instead, let your intuition guide you.
When picking a crystal, let yourself be drawn to the color, shape, or vibration that pulls you in. Don’t overthink. We are naturally attracted to crystals containing energy we subconsciously want to invite into our lives.
During your intention setting practice, hold your crystal in your dominant hand and say your intentions out loud. You want the universe to hear you, not your neighbors. Repeat your intentions to yourself and fully attach this message with your crystal.
Every time you see your crystal, it should remind you of your intention. Place your crystal within sight or carry it in your pocket. The easiest way is to wear your crystal as a bracelet or a necklace so that you are always reminded of your intentions.
Using crystals or healing stones in your intention setting routine connects you to specific energy and guides you in your journey to self-improvement. You can use your crystals to help you get through your doubts, worries, and anxieties along the way.
Crystals draw your focus back to your intentions, magnifying your thoughts and helping them manifest quicker. They are an easy and beneficial addition to your meditation and intention setting ritual.
Karma and Luck is a spirit-centered modern lifestyle brand offering jewelry curated by intention and high-vibrational home decor inspired by timeless traditions.
Handmade in the Far East, these trees are also known as Feng Shui Trees. The particular stones on the tree help to manifest what you wish for in your life as well as help to balance areas of your home.
LOVE HARMONY FENG SHUI ROSE QUARTZ TREE
This tree sits upon an agate slice. The Love Harmony Feng Shui Agate Tree is made of hand wrapped copper wire with Rose Quartz leaves. This Tree of Life is also known as Feng Shui Tree and helps with balancing areas of your life and home. Rose Quartz is the stone of universal love. It restores trust and harmony in relationships, encouraging unconditional love. Rose Quartz purifies and opens the heart at all levels to promote love, self-love, friendship, deep inner healing and feelings of peace.
Rose Quartz Copper Tree Features:
- Tree of Life Symbol: growth, deep grounding, fertility.
- Size: Small – 5, Medium- 8, Large – 10 Inches Tall
- Agate Slice Base
- Hand wrapped Copper Wire
- Rose Quartz Leaves
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE FENG SHUI TREEIn loving unconditionally, we discover the immense depth of our hearts. Attract only the things which represent genuine soul food with our Feng Shui tree, blossoming with lovely Red Tourmaline leaves. These mighty stones will help to enhance and nurture all the social relationships in your life and it also helps to get your thoughts in order. The delicate beauty of this Tree of Life constantly reminds you that you must find unconditional self-love before you can love anyone else.
- Tree of Life Symbol: growth, deep grounding, fertility.
- Red Tourmaline Leaves: self-love, positivity, strength.
- 8 Inches Tall Feng Shui Tree of Life.
- Hand wrapped Copper Wire.
- Wood base.
- Glass Casing.
- “Manifest Your Dreams” card and envelope included.
THE LIGHT MAKER FENG SHUI TREENothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. Citrine, a powerful self-cleansing crystal, the star of our vivacious Tree of Life, is here to awaken your mind and get your creative juices flowing. A greater level of happiness and self-esteem is achieved just by looking at this magnificent Feng Shui tree, evoking the feeling of joy and attracting wealth along the way.
- Tree of Life Symbol: growth, deep grounding, fertility.
- Citrine Leaves: happiness, positive energy, imagination.
- 18 Inches Tall Feng Shui Tree of Life.
- Hand wrapped Copper Wire.
- Citrine Stone base.
- “Manifest Your Dreams” card and envelope included.
GUIDED BY GRACE ROSE GOLD BRACELETWe are guided by the grace of the Universe; all we have to do is listen to its messages. Our lovely Guided by Grace Rose Gold Bracelet brings an influx of joy, positivity, and love of all kinds – self-love or love of another into your life. Tourmaline will help to enhance and nurture all the social relationships in your life and it also helps to get your thoughts in order. This delicate jewelry artisan piece will not only make your experiences, connections, and virtues deeper, but it will also make them purified and strong.
- Tourmaline Stone: unconditional love, self-reflection, balance.
- Rose Gold Beaded Bracelet.
- Size: Stretch 6.5″ – 7.5″
- Culture: Handmade in the Far East.
SOUL’S COMPASS MALAYour highest truth is your soul’s compass. Amethyst Stone and Evil Eye symbol mix is a genuine combination for your well-being. This spiritual duo facilitates easy communication and acts as a light at the end of the tunnel in tough situations. Wearing our soothing mala, your soul will be fed with nothing but calmness and tranquility. At the end of the day, gazing at a happy Daisy charm is symbolic of love. This bright, cheery flower is a vibrant sign of life, love and simple joy.
- Evil Eye Charm: deflect negativity.
- Daisy Charm: innocence, playfulness, simplicity.
- Amethyst Stone: calming energy, stress relief, health.
- 925 Sterling Silver Mala Prayer Necklace.
- Length: 34″
Shop with a good intention at Karma and Luck.
“Karma and Luck believes in giving back to the community by supporting social awareness. As an international brand dedicated to uniting cultures and promoting wellness, they are proud to partner up with Three Square to help feed families in their local community.”
CEO, Founder, and Spiritual Leader- Vladi Bergman
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Sigfus Designs: The Jewelry Brand Embracing Inclusivity with American-Sourced Materials..
It is never too early to shop around for beautiful and unique holiday gifts. Local designs always catch my eyes more than the market brands since myself is an artist, I love artistic products. Today, I would love to introduce a jewelry brand that has very unique and cute designs. It is not only good for the holiday gifts, but also for birthdays, anniversaries or any other reasons. Sigfús Designs creates fun and whimsical pieces that are as uplifting as they are lightweight to wear. In these tough times, this jewelry designer believes no matter how hard life can get, a bold pop of color and a beautiful statement piece can be just what you need to take on the day — no matter who you are.
Handmade in Tucson, Arizona, this earring-focused collection is a little bit desert, a little bit retro, and a whole lot of rock and roll. More importantly, Sigfús Designs is an all-inclusive brand. Meaning that every ethnicity, size, shape, etc. can truly rock these trendy pieces.
Sigfús Designs offers the earrings that look ceramic but are actually made out of American-sourced polymer clay. Why use this material? Not only is it lightweight to wear, but it’s very durable with less chance of breaking.
Sigfús Designs owner and maker Lauren Valenzuela sees polymer clay like an artist does a blank canvas. She makes each piece of clay into a unique accessory and even mixes her own colors using spices such as Turmeric and alcohol ink. Some earrings also incorporate resin, wood, lucite, wire, and other elements.
Some of her best-selling earring styles include:
· Stella
Sigfús Designs is sold in over 200 shops and boutiques nationwide as well as overseas. For more information, visit https://www.
sigfusdesigns.com/. My Favorite styles:
PNEUMA ARCH
$28The earrings are made of polymer clay and brass, they are light on the ear and finished with titanium, nickel-free ear posts. All earrings are designed and made in my Arizona studio. Please mind the handmade nature of all Sigfús jewelry, slight variations may occur compared to the picture.
LARGE WISHBONE EARRINGS
$40Measurements
2.75 inches height x .1.5 inches widthThe earrings are made of polymer clay, they are light on the ear and finished with titanium, nickel-free ear posts. All earrings are designed and made in Lauren’s Arizona studio. Please mind the handmade nature of all the jewelry, slight variations may occur compared to the picture.
About Sigfús Designs:
Founded by Tucson, Arizona native Lauren Valenzuela in 2018, her brand name Sigfús is a family name that traces back to her Icelandic roots, paying homage to her lineage. Lauren began working with polymer clay and her craft has only expanded. As a believer in diversity and inclusivity she takes her restaurant and foodie background with her into the jewelry making process adding turmeric, black pepper, and dried herbs to her designs. Her business is also community-oriented offering business mentoring and online classes.
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Learn to draw in just 10 steps! TEN-STEP DRAWING NATURE AND PEOPLE
Learn to draw your favorite plants, animals, and people in just 10 simple steps with the new books in the Ten-Step Drawing series, available this September from Walter Foster Publishing!
Designed especially for aspiring illustrators, doodlers, and art hobbyists, the fun and approachable books in the Ten-Step Drawing series encourage new artists to get acquainted with the basic principles of drawing so they can learn to create art with confidence. Ten-Step Drawing: Nature and Ten-Step Drawing: People are sure to encourage even the most reluctant artist to break out a sketchbook and doodle to their heart’s content. So grab a pencil and start drawing!
With Ten-Step Drawing: People, learn to draw the figure from head to toe, step by easy step. From eyes, lips, noses, and ears to hands, feet, and clothing, beginning artists will delight in rendering a variety of poses and expressions.
By Mary Woodin
September 1, 2020
$14.99 US, $19.99
Paperback, 128 pages
ISBN: 9781633228825
Walter Foster PublishingFeaturing illustrated tutorials for drawing faces, features, and figures, Ten-Step Drawing: People breaks down each subject into ten simple steps. All you need to get started is a pen or pencil and a piece of paper!
With Ten-Step Drawing: People, learn to draw the figure from head to toe, step by easy step. From eyes, lips, noses, and ears to hands, feet, and clothing, beginning artists will delight in rendering a variety of poses and expressions; as well as how easy it is to recreate them in ten simple drawing steps. Handy prompts help encourage artistic individuality and include helpful tips for drawing other subjects not featured in the book. Approachable text and step-by-step drawings make learning to draw fun and easy, and the portable format allows for spontaneous drawing wherever you may be. So grab a pencil and start drawing!
Designed especially for aspiring illustrators, doodlers, and art hobbyists, the fun and approachable books in the Ten-Step Drawing series encourage new artists to get acquainted with the basic principles of drawing so they can learn to create art with confidence. Ten-Step Drawing: People is sure to encourage even the most reluctant artist to break out a sketchbook and doodle to their heart’s content.
Also available in the Ten-Step Drawing series: Flowers, Animals, and Nature.
About The author
Justine Lecouffe is an artist, illustrator, and graphic designer based in London, UK. She creates digital and traditional hand drawings encompassing fashion, beauty, architecture, and travel for clients in a wide range of industries, from book publishing to branding for jewelry and fashion designers. Her work has been published in a number of books, including Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls, and her major clients include Apple, O2, National Trust, NHS, Redbull, Nivea, and Pandora. If you’d like to find out more information or see further examples of her work, find her on Instagram @justine_lcf.
With Ten-Step Drawing: Nature, learn to create an array of 60 animals, insects, and plants, step by easy step. From dragonflies and birds to flowers, feathers, and shells, nature lovers will delight in the varied selection of subjects.
By Mary Woodin
September 1, 2020
$16.99 US, $22.99 CAN
Paperback, 128 pages
ISBN: 978163322469
Walter Foster PublishingFeaturing illustrated tutorials for drawing 60 different animals, plants, and insects, Ten-Step Drawing: Nature breaks down each subject into ten simple steps. All you need to get started is a pen or pencil and a piece of paper!
With Ten-Step Drawing: Nature, learn to create an array of animals, insects, and plants, step by easy step. From dragonflies and birds to flowers, feathers, and shells, nature lovers will delight in the varied selection of subjects; as well as how easy it is to recreate them in ten simple drawing steps. Handy prompts help encourage artistic individuality and include helpful tips for drawing other subjects not featured in the book. Approachable text and step-by-step drawings make learning to draw fun and easy, and the portable format allows for spontaneous drawing wherever you may be.
Designed especially for aspiring illustrators, doodlers, and art hobbyists, the fun and approachable books in the Ten-Step Drawing series encourage new artists to get acquainted with the basic principles of drawing so they can learn to create art with confidence. Ten-Step Drawing: Nature is sure to encourage even the most reluctant artist to break out a sketchbook and doodle to their heart’s content. So grab a pencil, get out in nature, and start drawing!
Also available in the Ten-Step Drawing series: Flowers, Animals, and People.
About The author
An artist and illustrator based in Suffolk, United Kingdom, Mary Woodin specializes in painting natural subjects and produces artwork for everything from stationery to ceramic tiles. Mary’s interest in the outdoors has inspired a number of publications, including The Painted Garden Cookbook (a collection of illustrated recipes produced in her own garden) and Drawn to the Country. Her most recent clients include Waitrose, Tesco, Grand Central Publishing, and Country Living magazine. For more information, visit Mary’s website: marywoodin.com.
About The Quarto GroupQuarto creates a wide variety of books and products, with a mission to inspire life’s experiences. Produced in many formats for adults, children and the whole family, their products are visually appealing, information-rich and stimulating.
The Group encompasses a diverse portfolio of imprints. Subjects range from Art ‘How-To’, Graphic Design, and Home Improvement, to Cooking, Gardening, Motoring, and Crafts.
Quarto sells its products globally in over 50 countries and 40 languages, through a variety of sales channels, partnerships, and routes to market.
Quarto employs c.330 talented people in the US, UK, Hong Kong and Australia. The Group was founded in London in 1976. It is domiciled in the US and listed on the London Stock Exchange.