Tamagotchi ( •ॢ◡-ॢ)-♡

The Tamagotchi (たまごっち Tamagotchi?) is a handheld digital pet, created in Japan by Akihiro Yokoi of WiZ and Aki Maita of Bandai. It was first sold by Bandai in 1996 in Japan. As of 2010, over 76 million Tamagotchis have been sold world-wide.[1] Most Tamagotchis are housed in a small egg-shaped computer with an interface usually consisting of three buttons, although the number of buttons may vary for different variations.

According to Bandai, the name is a portmanteau combining the Japanese word "たまご" (tamago), which means "egg", and the English word "watch"(ウオッチ uocchi).[2] Consequently, the name is romanized as "Tamagotch" without the "i" in Japan. But recently in Japan, the romanized name has changed to the American "Tamagotchi" with the i. At the end of most Tamagotchi character's names, excluding some newer characters like Makiko, is 'tchi' or 'っち' in Japanese.

A dog’s seeing eye dog

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Lily is a Great Dane that has been blind since a bizarre medical condition required that she have both eyes removed. For the last 5 years, Maddison, another Great Dane, has been her sight. The two are, of course, inseparable. (via Weird Universe, Daily Record, The Sun)

ILLUSTRATING WITH THREAD AND PINS

The images within post are from various art installations and projects by Debbie Smyth. View more of the artist’s work at her blog.

Notes about Smyth (from bio published at New British Artists):

Debbie Smyth graduated with a First Class Honours Degree in Contemporary Textiles in 2008. She has exhibited widely since then, selling her work to the public as well as being commissioned for a number of corporate projects from the New York Times to the Dorchester.

Her playful yet sophisticated artworks are created by stretching a network of threads between accurately plotted pins. Leaving loose threads implies movement in the picture and Debbie has a keen eye for storytelling in a simple, contemporary manner. She documents the everyday from walking the dog and birds on telephone wires to well known sayings.

Debbie also undertakes large scale installation pieces, the threads of her compositions stretching from one wall to another, from floor to ceiling. These unique illustrative works lend themselves to architectural spaces, exhibitions and corporate headquarters.

Artwork © Debbie Smyth
Link via Designaside

Incredible Wildlife Photography WILDLIFE

WILDLIFE — BY STEPHANIE 

Canada goose protects her young

Ever have one of those moments when you think to yourself, “Boy, I wish I had my camera?!”  Well, you can enjoy the good fortune of the photographers who were not empty handed when they shot these amazing animal pictures.

These high-speed images are treasures that tell stories we rarely get to see – let alone capture – in stunning detail.  Incredible wildlife photography like this takes a steady hand and sharp eye.  And perhaps just a bit of luck!

Bringing home the bugs....

If you oohed and ahhed over the first couple of pictures, you might have to prepare yourself for the next image…. open wide!

All in one bite?

The best wildlife photography is often expressed through the unexpected.  Like these giraffe kisses for a squirrel!

Hey! How well do I know you?

What is more adorable than a curious monkey – particularly one that wonders what all the photography fuss is about?

Among cute animal photographs, you’ve gotta agree… this one tops the charts!

Ready for my close-up!

Looks like a Chorus Line is coming to a desert near you!  These foxes appear to be warming up with some synchronized stretching and yawning.  All together now….

Synchronized stretching

This gazelle is probably thinking that grooming is for the birds!

A little more to the left, please

Stunning pictures of animals are often captured in high-speed.  You can practically smell the dirt and feel dust in your eyes when you consider this image of two greyhounds closing in on their target.

Who would believe that a rhinoceros could be so precious?  Baby animals, no matter their species, make wonderful photography subjects.  Especially when a mother’s love is so obvious.

Baby and momma rhino

You thought those greyhounds above looked fast?  I’m not sure this mouse will get away with the stolen kitty kibble!  And just check out the look on the cat’s face.  Can you say intent?

The expressions say it all

This trio of owls in a Pacific Northwest forest is the epitome of wild beauty.  Just imagine coming upon this scene while walking through the woods.

Owls in a fir tree

Yikes!  Another example of perfect photographer timing.  What a lucky killer whale…. fast food!

Penguin's final dive!

Kung-fu squirrel executes a perfect split between the birches!

Master squirrel

It must be getting closer to spring!  Little lamb jumps for joy, thinking about fresh clover and a warm sunny spot to rest later.

Hooray for springtime!

I’m not sure if this last image was photoshopped or not (my guess is “yes”).  Either way, the artistry of this photograph is incredible.  Here’s your chance to use the words “frog” and “beautiful” in the same sentence…

Incredible wildlife photography

Creative Guest: Watermark Tee by Sweet Verbana

 

 

 

 

Here's what we're making today:

 

What I love about this project is that it's completely customizable. I used favorite quotes to decorate my shirt but you could also use song lyrics, bible verses, favorite book excerpts, etc. You can also choose whatever color you like. I think it would be a very kid-friendly project as well. There are so many possibilities!

 

Materials:

 

Elmer's Blue Gel Glue (it must be the blue gel, white won't work)

 

Fabric Dye (RIT is my tried and true brand)

 

A white cotton Tee, Tank, Dress etc.

 

Tutorial:

 

If you're unfamiliar with Batiking, it's a method of dyeing fabric in which you create a design with a dye- resist. When you dye your garment in cold water, all will be colored except where you've placed your dye resist. In traditional batiking, you would use wax as a resist. I tried this out and found it to be messy and difficult to control. Using store bought glue is much more convenient and very easy to control.

 

Step 1: Prepare

Wet your tee with cool water and place a water resistant board between the layers of fabric. I used the lid of a bin.

 

Step 2: Design

I'm not much of an artist, so what worked best for me was writing favorite quotes right across the front of the shirt.

 

This quote was found via Pinterest

Source

 

You could also try drawing a simple design like my very amateur sailboat:

Let dry completely. This will take several hours.

 

Step 3: Dye 

Your dye bath should be prepared using cool water. Experiment with different amounts of dye until you find the right concentration. Keep in mind that the color that comes out of the dye bath will be a couple of shades darker than the dry, finished garment.

When you get the color you want, lay your tee flat to dry.

 

Step 4: Wash

When your tee is dry (to let the dye set) soak it in cool, soapy water for about 15 minutes. This soak washes the extra glue out. Throw it in the washer and dry as you would normally.

 

 

Step 5: Wear and Enjoy!

 

I'd love it if you'd stop by over at Sweet Verbena and check out my other DIY fashion tutorials