JULY SPECIAL

BUY-TWO-GET-ONE-FREE on all sale jewelry in my Etsy shop. Check out the "on sale" section. Lowest item refunded back thru PayPal
http://tuscanroad.etsy.com

My Babies Are Almost Grown Up!

The boys are now about 8 weeks old. Every day, their looks change as they shed the fuzz and get their feathers. As the feathers thicken, their spots are now showing. We still call them punk birds because they still have fuzzy down on the tops of their heads, but it probably won't be long before that is gone too.
They practice flapping their wings alot. They can now do "soft" landings from their stick or from a table and we often hear them jumping around in their large box.
My guess is we won't have them too much longer, as they will be ready for the flight cage where they will spend about a month before being released.
We leave on vacation for Thailand July 12, so it will definitely be before then. When we return on the 28th, We will get to see them be released. That will be bittersweet, as we have grown very attached to these gorgeous creatures. Barn owls do not imprint, so our closeness will be a memory only in our minds, but a lovely one!

Featured Artist for June 26-July 3

The featured artists for this week are husband and wife team Larissa and Eric of Reef Botanicals. If you're interested in only the finest, pure natural ingredients with no synthetic, artificial coloring or fragrances, then this is the shop for you.

And if that is not enough, between the two of them, they have taken up latch hook, knitting, acting, building, fine arts, baking, cooking, face painting, henna artistry, beer brewing, photography, candle making, and now soap making. If it involves creating something, it's likely they have tried it!

To learn more about this creative team and their luxurious handmade soaps and personal care products, check out their blog or their website.

Foot Stomping Tantrum

Ok, so I came down this morning and the birds were making their usual "I'm hungry" grunt. In addition, they were literally stomping their feet...much like a child having a temper tantrum. It was absolutely halarious! So they promptly ate two chicks each, then were completely happy. To this point they pretty much stand flat footed, so this morning I introduced them to a tree branch. Balance is something they definately need to work on, but they were interested.
Their growth and development is so rapid and we can't get enough pictures. One wonderful thing about Barn Owls is that they don't imprint, so we can love, hold and be very hands on. Then once they're released, they forget it all.
Here's the latest photo op of Bill and Bob. By the way, Bill and Bob could actually be Billy and Bobette, as it's nearly impossible to tell at this age. But at this point, they just seem to match their guy names!

Growing So Fast!!

Every morning when I come downstairs, as soon as I say "Good morning boys", they start grunting, making their hungry sound. We have been able to count five distinct sounds: grunting (hungry), trilling (content, just because), laughing (only when a piece of food is in their mouth), chattering (when grooming each other), and hissing (which is halerious because it sounds like a broken toilet).
These birds have such amazing personalities. We adore them and even though their visit will be short, it's such a joy knowing this rehab will enable them to return to their natural environment.

Owl update

The guys are growing so unbelievably fast-must be all those mice and chicks! Fuzz is being replaced with feathers daily. To be able to care for these beautiful creatures has been an absolute joy and priviledge. Stay tuned....

Featured Artist for June 12-19

Robin Hartman of Snips & Snails is one busy gal: wife, mother of two, artisan AND part time college English professor. She hails from Wilmore, Kentucky and as she states, "I've been involved in crafts ever since my tiny little fingers looped balloons around a clothespin and called it a doll. I have been cross stitching for six years and designing patterns for five years."
In addition, her unique jewlery designs are delightful. Check them out at her Etsy shop here, and her blog is full of fun and informative info.
Here are a few of my favorite designs:

New...Lariets

Ok, so I have started making lariets. Here is my first one, a special request from an educator friend of mine. What do you think?

Our Owl Guests

We've had Bill and Bob for a week now and they're actually starting to look like owls. They're adorable and they start talking to us when they here our voices-especially in the morning..."feed me, feed me". That is Bill on the scale for his daily weigh-in.

Meet "Bob"

Ok, so my 17 year old son Tanner has received a Federal Fish & Wildlife permit with the State of Calif and is also licensed with Fresno Wildlife & Rehabilitation. He just received two baby barn owls to rehab. They have faces only a mother could love, but we think they're adorable. This is "Bob" (4 wks).
More to come...

Featured Artist for June 5-12

Stephanie Gardella of Dream Again Jewelry is an amazing talent who resides in Modesto, California. Being the first born girl of seven, Stephanie learned to love and appreciate pretty things at a young age. She has been a jewelry artist for 17 years and is going strong. Her style is feminine, romantic and beautiful. She creates pendant necklaces with cameos and lockets as well as chainmaile and vintage inspired jewelry pieces.
You can check out her work at her Etsy shop, or her Blog
And here are a few of my favorites: