Sneak Peak – Porcelain In Progress

I've been having such a great time working on my new line of English Staffordshire-inspired porcelain pieces today! This photo shows my work table with a few small ornaments I've just finished glazing which will go into my kiln tonight for a test firing. I have numerous small dishes, plates, platters, teacups and birds, etc. that remain to be glazed, so I expect I will be very busy in my little nest for the coming weeks.

UPDATE: Many of these porcelain ceramic items, as well as my new ceramic jewelry, are now available in my Etsy shop: cynthiacranespottery.etsy.com.

Be sure to sign up with your email using the box over to the right, so you'll be the first to know when new porcelain will be available.

I wanted to share some examples of English Staffordshire china that is available from a few different shops at Etsy.com. Just click each item below to be taken directly to the seller's store where you'll find many more examples of this lovely china.

Boy with Basket
Spaniels
Tea Cup
Posy Pin

New Painting - Winter Woodland Fox

Winter is right around the corner in my neck of the woods. Winter Woodland Fox holds a most precious little red bird close to her heart to protect it from a blustery winter snow storm. This is an 8" x 10" original watercolor painting has sold but note cards are available in my Etsy shop. Soon I hope to be offering prints and if you would like to be notified when new work is available, please use the link over to the right to send me a message. To view more of my paintings just click the links over to the Right.

A Certified Wildlife Habitat in a City Garden

What is a Certified Wildlife Habitat anyway?

This is a program sponsored by the National Wildlife Federation which certifies you have completed all the requirements necessary to provide for the sustainability of various types of wildlife in your residential or commercial area. If you are feeding birds, have a birdbath and are growing trees and shrubs on your property you already have fulfilled a few of these requirements. The rest is really quite simple, and you do not need a 20-acre farm or anything close to that to have a Certified Wildlife Habitat.

Why is this important?

For me its about spreading the word on the importance of preserving and/or replicating the natural habitat that is essential for wildlife to thrive. It is no secret that across the world animal habitats are shrinking with devastating results, including the endangerment of many animal species.

There is a very small fee required for certification along with an easy form to complete on their website. You will need to upload photos of your areas which, if you are like me and love taking photos of your gardens, you probably already have! After you have completed the requirements the NWF will send you a small sign to post in your habitat. Fancier signs are also available. Below is a list of the NWF’s Certified Wildlife Habitat requirements. Each one is linked to more detailed information available on the NWF website.

Provide Food For Wildlife

Supply Water For Wildlife

Create Cover For Wildlife

Give Wildlife A Place To Raise Their Young

Let Your Garden Go Green

Magic Cat!

Meet Gypsy Kitty. A 5th generation fortune-teller, she practices her craft with an heirloom Magic 8-Ball first used by her great-great-great-great-grandkitty in 1958. Unfortunately, the only reading she gets is "Reply hazy, try again." Available now in my Etsy shop.

Pumpkin Harvest Time!

My menagerie of little animals continues to grow. I call this one Lil Punkin and painted it as a companion to Tomato Thief, one of my very first paintings. Both are available in my Etsy shop. These are one of a kind original watercolor paintings. If you would like to view more of my watercolor paintings just click one of the links over to the right.