Update about my cat, my computer, my shop and more...

Hello friends & fellow Catlanders -

I wanted to write to update and catch up on things with everyone about why I haven't been around lately as it's been a long time since I've been active here and other sites I frequent.

Reason being .... my computer died - again - and it was dead for quite awhile.
This is the 2nd time my computer has died this year. Really annoying to say the least!

But fortunately - and finally - I got it back up and working the other day. A-freakin'-MEN!

Also - my cat, Ms. Abbey, was very sick last weekend and had to go to the animal ER, so I've been spending most of my time taking care of her since she was released from the hospital. Though I'm very happy to report that she seems to be doing better so far. Thank goodiness :)

But I'd like to ask of my close friends - please keep Abbey in your thoughts and/or prayers, and to send her positive vibes, so that she will recover quickly and that she won't have to go back to the animal ER again as she's not 100% better just yet. Thanks sooooo much everyone!

Below is a sweet and funny photo I took of Ms. Abbey about a week before she got sick. I caught her on top of my art desk again. She likes to check out all my supplies and watch the neighbors two cute pups (as they do with her - I call Abbey and my neighbor's dogs - "window friends") but Abbey especially enjoys scenting the tops of my paint brushes and colored pencils. I liked this photo and thought she looked adorable - so I wanted to share it here for you to all see...

Abbey feeling crafty and looking so cute and happy on top of my art desk

(As much as Abbey likes to check out my art and craft supplies - I always keep anything that could be dangerous - such as paint, varnishes, razors, etc... safely away from her in the desk drawers!)

In better news .... I've also been a bit extra busy these days because my brother is getting married soon, so I've been attending lots of pre-wedding events (and birthday parties too for family members and friends) It's been a very happy and exciting time - but a busy time too.
I'm sure in the future I'll post photos from these events, and of course, of "The Big Day" too!!

Also.... I wanted to post about the latest news regarding my Etsy shop,
"Jane Diamond Designs"
For those who may not already know - I have temporarily closed down my shop since the economy has been hitting me really hard personally (as it is with most people I know to some degree or another) and my money is so tight right now. All my listings and re-listings at Etsy were adding up, along with buying materials for new items for my shop. Combined that with my finances being in a crunch outside of Etsy, everything was just getting really difficult to get by in general money wise. So I took time off of Etsy to get my finances in better order.

But - as soon as I do re-open my shop, I will be sure to announce it here!
As of now - I'm thinking I'll probably re-open my shop in August or September. And I'm thinking of possibly opening a whole new shop altogether because I'm wanting to expand the types of items I create and sell. As of now - my idea for a new shop would be to continue to sell all of the feline themed items that I'm known for - like my cat painting prints, ACEO's, handmade catnip toys, pendant necklaces, etc... but then also adding new items with more variety of different animals, themes and styles. But whether I re-open my shop - or open up a brand new one - I will let you all know here as soon as I do. I'm really looking forward to getting back to work at Etsy since I miss it so much! I already have some Victorian style Halloween Cat themed items I will be listing - like this festive feline ACEO that I made:

"Happy Halloween" - black cat ACEO
by Jane Diamond Designs

so definitely keep an eye out for that and more fun Halloween feline goodies from yours truly!

Lastly - since my computer died - I have a lot of catching up to do.
Like with the Etsy forums, the Etsy street teams blogs and message boards for
"Etsy For Animals" (aka EFA) and "Vegan Etsy", Flickr, Myspace and replying back to all your comments here at my blog. Thanks so much for your comments that you have posted here - I have read them all - just haven't had a chance to reply back yet. I also need to catch up with my convos, PM's, emails and more... so I hope you all understand why it will take me a bit longer than usual to reply back.

It's been soooo frustrating having all these problems with my computer, in part because I fall so behind with everything going on - but I will reply back to everyone soon and am looking very forward to catching up with all my friends, and your furry families, too :)

Til later...

Many cheers and best wishes from Catland,

- Jane

Farm Sanctuary needs your help!

** Double Your Gift
& a Member will Match your Donations until July 1st **

As most people know, one of my favorite animal sanctuaries is "Farm Sanctuary".
I have much love, respect, support and admiration for them - for their endless dedication in helping our precious and beautiful farm animals friends by rescuing them and providing them with a care-free, happy, loving and safe home!

I received the following info from Farm Sanctuary, and wanted to add it to my blog in hopes of bringing more attention to the help that they need!

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"Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter is in need of urgent repairs and infrastructure upgrades to ensure the safety of the animals who call it home. For several years, we have done everything possible to get by with minor repairs and maintenance—even as the number of rescued animals has continued to climb.

But we cannot go another season without significant repairs. To keep the animals safe we must address these maintenance issues and protect these sweet beings in need of our care. We have received estimates that it will cost upwards of $200,000 to complete these urgent projects. So, on behalf of the sanctuary residents, we ask for your help.

Thankfully, a dedicated, longtime Farm Sanctuary supporter has generously agreed to MATCH all contributions made by July 1 up to $25,000. That means you have a unique opportunity to make your gift go twice as far for the animals who call the sanctuary home! For every $1 you donate online, Farm Sanctuary receives $2.

For more info please visit our blog or click here:
http: / / action. farmsanctuary. org/ site/ MessageViewer? em_id=10761.0

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While my money is really tight right now due to the poor economy, I will be donating what I can to this cause. And for those of you who may be in a similar financial situation, yet still want to help, if you can't donate a lot of money (as cliche' as it sounds) I truly believe that every little bit counts! And with your donations being doubled by a Farm Sanctuary member, that will be even more helpful to the repairs and maintenance needed there, and in turn, to the animals that reside there too!!

For more info about Farm Sanctuary, go to:
http://www.farmsanctuary.org/

I hope you can help me help Farm Sanctuary in any way you are able to!

And ...
look for my upcoming posts here regarding updates about my Etsy shop, precious little lambs, view some new fun fotos, and much more...

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

My Etsy shop update & Video of the Week

Hello friends -

I wanted to post that I'm on vacation until May 10th, but decided to keep my shop open. As it's stated in my shop info:
"Any items purchased prior to April 25th have already been shipped out. And any items purchased from now until may 10th, will be shipped out after May 10th upon my return."

I am very happy to say that since my last post here, I sold my pendant necklace of "Cinci the Cow" (see more info and the photo of it in my post below this one - thanks :) Proceeds from that sale will benefit the animals at Farm Sanctuary - my very favorite farm sanctuary that I hold in high regards and respect for all they do to help animals. And an additional 10% will to towards the "Etsy For Animals" (aka EFA) charity of the month too!!

While everyone knows that cats are my favorite animals (in case you haven't noticed by now ;)

I love all animals and have always adored farm animals, especially goats, so it always makes me feel good that I can help Farm Sanctuary through my handmade goodies I create and sell - as well as for "Harmony House", a no-kill cagless Cat Shelter that I do commissioned cat artwork for, and the EFA charities through my work at Etsy!

And speaking of Farm Sanctuary - my video of the week features two of Farm Sanctuary's newest residents at their New York location - Fiona the pig and Jack the goat. I saw this video the other day and these two cuties just melted my heart. So I wanted to share this video here. It's wonderful and makes me smile to see just how happy Fiona and Jack are at their new home. And how adorable is Jack's sweater? This video is soooo precious - I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do ....


For more info on Farm Sanctuary, please go to:

www.farmsanctuary.org

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Another Update, New Etsy Items & Video of the Week

'Ello Everyone -

Again, it's been quite awhile since I've updated my blog. I'm sorry I've been so behind with replying back your comments here, but I wanted to let you guys know that the main reason is because my computer is having a lot of major problems! I actually started writing this post several days ago and it's taken me that time just to complete it.

Lately, my computer keeps booting me off and freezing up on me. I wish I had a dime for every time this has happened cause I could probably retire off of that - seriously! There's been soooo many times I've had to re-boot my computer around 4 or 5 times just to access the internet - and then times I do get on the internet, it boots me off or freezes up, often as fast as within just 30 seconds. It's also running really slow. Basically - it doesn't work about 98% of the time.

This is the same exact problem I had with my old computer before it eventually crashed and died - and now the same thing is happening with my new computer.

Suffice to say it's been very annoying and frustrating, especially since my job at my Etsy shop is solely done on-line, including the photos for the items I sell at my shop.

And it's also why I've been behind with my feedback and convos there - as well as other places I frequent on the net - like my e-mails, this blog, Flickr, myspace, the Etsy forums and several of the Etsy message boards and blogs of teams that I'm a member of, animal charities, shelters and sanctuaries that I work for and/or donate to - plus much more......

Hopefully I will get my computer fixed soon so that I can reply back to all my friends here, at Etsy, and catch up with all my other favorite on-line activities.

I'm actually very surprised I've gotten this far in my post here without getting booted off

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Though fortunately yesterday I was able to complete a listing at my Etsy shop. It's of a new necklace I made in honor and memory to "Cincinnati Freedom" - aka "Cinci". I had completed the necklace and posted it on Flickr awhile ago, but it wasn't until yesterday that i was finally able to list it.

I was very touched by Cinci's story and made a necklace featuring a beautiful photo of her. 20% of the proceeds from the sale of the necklace will go towards Farm Sanctuary - my very favorite farm sanctuary that I support through my work and donations.

Cinci was a very courageous cow who escaped a slaughterhouse by jumping a 6 foot fence! She was fortunately rescued 11 days later and from there, resided at farm Sanctuary where she finally had the safety, love and freedom that she sought and fought for! The amazing and compassionate people at Farm Sanctuary made Cinci feel right at home and she also bonded with the other cows there, forming close and tender friendships with them.

But tragically, 6 years later, Cinci was diagnosed with spinal cancer which spreads fast in cattle. While her passing was very sad and heartbreaking, Cinci's fellow cow friends kept close by her, watching over her, licking her and keeping her calm until she passed away.

So when I heard of her recent passing, I wanted to make this necklace in her honor and to also remind people of the importance of the will to live, courage, strength, freedom and love - something that all humans can relate to and strive for.

Below is a photo of the necklace featuring sweet "Cinci"

Handmade "Cincinnati Freedom" pendant necklace
proceeds go to Farm Sanctuary

I also have a couple new items in my shop as well that I hadn't posted in my blog here yet...

"Le Chat" - handmade and handsewn lavender sachet

Handmade and handsewn "Koi Fish" catnip toy!

To see these items above and much more in my shop, please go to:

http:///www.janediamond.etsy.com

Thank You!

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Anyway - I hope you all understand why I haven't been as active on-line as I normally am - and I want to thank all of you for being so patient with me while my computer is being bipolar.

Lastly....

below is my video of the week - "It's No Good" by Depeche Mode

I've been in a Mode mood lately, loving their new single, "Wrong", and looking forward to the release of their new album, "Songs of the Universe", and tour too!

I love this song by Mode and the I think the video is really campy, cheeky and fun - enjoy!

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Brief update

It's been quite awhile since I last posted here in my blog. Normally, I don't post or write too much about my personal life, but wanted to let my friends and fellow Catland readers know why I haven't been on-line as much lately.

As some of you already know, I had a concussion a few weeks ago, and since then, I've been really busy since going back and forth to my regular doctor and my new Neurologist to manage the pain since I was initially seen in the ER.

I have been getting better and better as everyday goes by, and for the most part, I feel pretty much recovered. But my doctors are keeping a closer eye on me since I had a concussion back in 1999 after a 2x4 fell off a building and landed on the right side of my head. That concussion was a lot worse than my recent one, but because the blow to my head from the 2x4 was so severe, it gave me a post concussion nerve disorder that I still deal with to this day. So I was afraid I'd get that nerve disorder on the left side now, but so far, it doesn't appear that's happened, thank goodness since that nerve condition is often debilitating since it's soooo painful.

Also... an old friend of mine, Rachel, recently passed away. So I've been trying to process and digest that. It came as a big shock since it seemed like one minute she was here and fine, and the next minute, gone. Obviously, I've been very very sad and heart broken about this, and miss Rachel already so much! I just can't make sense or understand it right now. I guess part of me is still in shock. She was a lovely person, inside and out, so caring and loving, and a very good friend to me, and I feel so sad that I'll never see her again.

The only thing that is of some comfort to me about her passing is I believe that she is now with our mutual and close friend, Tim, who passed away many years ago. I truly hope they are together in heaven, cause Rachel and I often talked about our memories of Tim and how much we missed him, so I'd like to think they are with each other again. In Rachel's memory (and Tim's too) here is of cute and fun photo of us around the time when we all first met - and a pretty photo of Rachel from last year.

From left to right - Rachel (RIP) Tim (aka Timmm - RIP) me, and Randy
during happier and care-free times!

Rachel in 2008 - RIP always my sweet dear friend

So due to those reasons, I've sort of been keeping to myself, taking it easy per doctors orders, and trying to deal with these issues the best I can. During this time, I've also been working on some new items for my shop that I hope to list soon. I've been working on some new catnip toys, and all my catnip toys (and sachets) are not only handmade, but also handsewn, and sewing has always been relaxing to me, so it's been helping me to relax and get my mind off things for awhile.

I feel bad that I'm sooo behind in my e-mails, feedback and convos at Etsy, but I've just been so emotionally and physically drained right now. But I'm sure once I feel better, I'll get back on track and have more time to reply back to everyone and also be more active with the groups, teams, message boards, websites, blogs and more, that I'm a member of.

In the meantime, I'm wishing all my friends well, with much love to you all!

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Video of the Week - She Sells Sanctuary

Lots of catching up to do here at my blog, with new updates about my Etsy shop and my art in general, but I'm tired tonight and have a busy day ahead of me tomorrow, so I thought I'd post my video pick of the week -
"She Sells Sanctuary" by The Cult
off their album, "Love".

I'm choosing this because I've been listening it to more frequently these days, and it's one of my favorite songs to hula-hoop to as well.
"the world turns around"...

I also have fond memories of this song from back in the 80's when this first came out. There were two clubs that I hung out at back then, "McGreevy's" and "Medusa's", that had teen nights which catered to punk rock and new wave kids. Both clubs played this song a lot, it was a big hit with the kids in the underground music scene at the time. And I remember my friends and I (and everyone else for that matter) hitting the dance floor whenever they played this song. So it still has that nice warm nostalgic feeling for me when I play it. This song just never gets old to me. I still have it on vinyl when it first came out, and now in 2009 I have it on my iPod too!

Enjoy.....

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Cat Tats

Even to my own surprise - after all the years of being a huge cat lover (since I was a young girl) and all the years I've had tattoos (since I was 19 years old) it still surprises me that I don't have a tattoo of a cat!

I've always wanted one of course, but with all the beautiful cat designs out there, it's hard to know where to start and which design to pick.

Lately, I've been itching to get another tattoo - and obviously I want one of a cat. A cat tat is looooong over-due.

Some people get tattoos on a whim, but I think about mine for a long time before getting them. And I'm glad that I've always done it that way, since in retrospect, I can recall tattoos that I wanted in the past, that I'm really glad I don't have now.

Anyway, I've been looking for some designs of cats that appeal to me and wanted everyone's opinions on which one(s) you like, and which one(s) you think would look best on me. Keeping in mind though that the tattoos I already have are black and grey. Personally, I'm just not into colored tattoos, so keep in mind which one(s) do you feel would look best in black and grey.

I have narrowed my choices down to three cat designs, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions - thanks everyone!!!

3.) If I were to get the Louis Wain design pictured above, I would not have the text in it - just the cat, vases with flowers, and mice.

NUMBER 3 WON :) I STILL HAVE TO GET IT THOUGH

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

CALLING ALL KITTIES...

Do your cat(s) have "Jane Diamond Designs" catnip toys from my shop?

And do your cat(s) like to model?

If so - your cat could be a model by having their photo featured in a future listing at my Etsy shop! Their photo would be included the next time I re-list the same catnip toy like the one that your own cats have! Also, your cat's name will be credited (as well as your name if you like) in the information provided for the listing.

My cat, Ms. Abbey, posing with one of my handmade catnip toys!

She's such a fabulous feline model :)

you can find this image in my listings for my catnip toys

and your cat could be next!

So if you're interested in having your cat as a model for my shop, please send me your feline fotos via a convo at Etsy at:

http://www.janediamond.etsy.com

or at my e-mail address, which if you don't have, feel free to leave a comment here for it.

Thank you!

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*** More of my Etsy shop updates and other posts about various things in my life coming soon! ***

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Video of the Week - Pride (in the name of love)

This is my pick for the video of the week -"Pride (in the name of love)" by u2

I've always loved this song and it's also meant a lot to me since it's about one of my biggest heros, Martin Luther King Jr.

He has been a hero of mine since I was about 12 years old, and has remained one of my biggest heros to this day!

Plus I thought it fitting as my video for the week since this past monday (the 19th) was Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Delayed Update.....

I wanted to update my blog real quick to let all my friends know why I haven't been as active here, or the many other sites I frequent.

As some of you know, my dad was very sick for quite awhile and was in hospital - it was very serious, and also a scary and stressful time for my family, and for my dad too, obviously. But he's out of the hospital now, and is doing much better - thank goodness!

But then my precious 19 year old cat, Ms. Abbey, got very sick too and I had to take her to the ER. Since then, Abbey is also doing better, but still recovering - so I've been staying at home a lot, taking care of my sweet 'golden girl' ;)

And then my bi-polar computer started spazzing on out me - it didn't work half the time, and when it did - it would boot me off at random times - until it finally died. so annoying! So I've been without my computer for awhile now, adding to yet another reason why I haven't been on-line much (I'm currently writing this from a computer cafe) but I should get my computer fixed and back at home early next week. xx. So, thanks everyone for your understanding and patience regarding my current circumstances :)

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However, with all the stress over the past few months - not all was lost. I had a fuckin' fabulous, amazing, and crazy fun time at the ohGr show late last month!

In the future, I really want to make a separate post all about it, accompanied by the photos and videos I shot that night, cause it really was soooo amazinG - seriously. that show blew my freakin' mind!

But suffice to say for now, it was truly one of the best shows I've ever seen (which says a lot considering just how many shows I've seen in my life) and I was sooo happy that night that my face actually hurt from smiling so much. I also took tons of photos and videos before, during and after the show which I'm still hoping to post soon here and my Flickr page. But in the meantime, here's a photo that my friend Miche took of me with my Dlovely friend Ogre after the show.

<3>

Ogre + I - huGsville - 2008

Til later....
Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Hello everyone! It's been quite awhile since I last wrote here in my blog. Mostly due to personal reasons and being so busy in many aspects of my life.

But now that things are starting to feel a little less overwhelming, I wanted to post my thoughts about animal rights relating to Thanksgiving....

 

 With Thanksgiving approaching, I find myself thinking about what I am thankful and grateful for. And I'm looking forward to a home cooked meal and being with my family and friends.

However, I can't help but also think of the millions of turkeys that will be tortured, abused and eventually slaughtered at the hands of cold hearted "humans". I think of it every year. And sadly, the slaughter of turkeys does not just happen at Thanksgiving, it happens everyday, all around the world. Suffice to say I am thankful that I am a vegan and do not support the horrific and inhumane treatment that turkeys go through to ultimately become part of the traditional feast for Thanksgiving.

I recently came across this undercover video which documents the harsh realities of what goes on to turkeys behind the closed doors of factory farms (the video is posted below) Farms are often depicted as places where animals roam free in the sunshine and live happy carefree lives. Well, this couldn't be further from the truth! The video below shows "The Truth". The truth of what these factory farms do not want you to know about and do not want you to see!

This video is from PETA, an animal rights organization which some people do not support. However, if you watch any other footage similar to this one, from any other animal rights organizations, sadly - you won't see anything different. The same type of abuse and slaughter happens at factory farms, regardless of what organization is documenting it.

I want to warn you that this footage is very hard to watch. It is highly disturbing and truly heartbreaking. But "The Truth" needs to be seen and heard. Without it, you'd never see the struggles these birds have no choice but to put up with - no matter how hard they struggle - the brutal and horrific treatment they have to endure everyday - and you'd never hear their screams of pain, confusion and fright these animals go through as they are slaughtered without watching the video.

While I am adamant regarding my beliefs and support of animal rights, I am not a vegan who tries to convert other people into vegetarians or vegans. I don't force my personal beliefs and life style choices onto other people, but I am very open to talking about it if other people want to talk about it and/or have questions about it. And I'm also very open about it here since this is my personal blog that I use to express my feelings, thoughts and more, about a variety of things in my life...which is in part of why I'm writing about this here.

I do realize and respect that everyone has their own life, have their own feelings about animal rights, and have their own personal choices regarding what they eat. I also realize that even some people who love animals, eat meat or dairy due to medical or religious reasons.

But, I hope that whatever your stance is about animal rights, that you will watch this video, take it into consideration and give thought about what you see in this footage. Because I think it's safe to assume that whether you're vegan or not, most of us would agree that NO animals should be treated like this - ever!

I want to wish everyone a blessed and very Happy upcoming Thanksgiving!

And to my friends who are fellow vegans or vegetarians, keep up the fight for the love of our precious animal friends!

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

World Farm Animals Day & other random updates

 

October 2nd is
WORLD FARM ANIMALS DAY
 

A time dedicated to exposing, mourning, and memorializing the needless suffering and slaughter of the more than 55 billion cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and other sentient land animals in the world's factory farms and slaughterhouses. It is a time for all to speak out against the atrocities and brutalization of animals raised for meat, eggs, and dairy.
The annual occasion is observed with activities in all 50 U.S. states and two dozen other countries. The date marks the birthday of ethical vegetarian Mahatma Gandhi.

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So with "World Farm Animals Day" coming up soon, me and many of the other talented, creative and compassionate members of the "Vegan Etsy" team will be supporting this day through our own Etsy shops!

Since I'm a huge animal lover, vegan and long-time supporter of animal rights, especially with a soft spot for farm animals (I love goats and llamas the most :) I really wanted to help out. So I will be having a special promotion at my Etsy shop.

"Cash" - a cute little lamb at Farm Sanctuary
Between October 1st and October 7th, I will be donating 20% from sales from all of my items (save for the commissioned items that I did exclusively for "Harmony House Cat Shelter") to Farm Sanctuary, my favorite farm animal organization. You can learn more about them at:
www.farmsancturay.org

I've been so busy working on new items for my shop lately, especially with Halloween coming up, but I'm going to try to squeeze in some other items that will feature the animals that are saved by, and are now living in happiness and freedom, at Farm Sanctuary. And from the items I make featuring the Farm Sanctuary animals, I will be donating 40% of those proceeds to Farm Sanctuary as well.

"Missy Elliott" - a very happy and hip (hop;) looking goat at Farm Sanctuary

So I will continue to be very busy with work, but it is well worth it to help the animals in need through the process!I hope you will stop by my shop, "Jane Diamond Designs", to help the farm animals of the world in need, and also to shop for cool cat handmade items that I created for you and your feline friends at:
www.janediamond.etsy.com

And to learn more about and/or join the "Vegan Etsy" team, founded by my sweet friend Molly, please go to:
http://www.veganetsy.etsy.com

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Also, I've been putting the finishing touches on my first "Cool Cat Customer of the Month" feature, and it will be posted within the first week of October. So for that month, the feature will be about my good friend Katie (aka "mishkat" at Etsy) and her cute kitties, so definitely keep an eye out for that! It's going to be a very fun and frisky feline feature :)

Well, gotta go back to work now to finish my items for my Etsy shop (I *finally* found my battery charger for my camera - YAY! - I had been looking for it for over 2 weeks now and was starting to think I had just lost it) so I'll be very busy not only finishing my new items, but also taking lots of pics to uploaded to my shop sooooon! So be sure to check out my shop at:
www.janediamond.etsy.com
in the next couple days to see all my new and cool items, thanks!

Til later...

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane