This month, I am using Ebay Giving Works to donate a percentage of each of my auctions to Phoenix Landing, a non-profit, all-volunteer, organization that promotes and protects the welfare of parrots. To find out more about Phoenix Landing, visit their website: http://www.phoenixlanding.org

I had an informal "poll" on my Facebook page recently to see what birds everyone would like to see me make, and when the Spix's Macaw came up several times, I was inspired to give them a try! I had actually already picked the Moluccan Cockatoo as my Bird of the Month, but it's been so long since I have created a "new" bird that I've never sculpted before, so decided to have TWO different species for this month!

Did you know that the Spix's Macaw is one of the world's rarest parrots? They are extinct in the wild, and only around 100 or so are in captivity. Extensive efforts are being made to increase the population, and hopefully eventually bring them back to their native home in Brazil.

The Spix's Macaws on auction for the next six days include the following: bracelet charm, charm with leash, choker necklace, pendant on cord, pendant without cord, Rainforest design pin, glass beaded bracelet, and a glass beaded necklace/earring set!

The Bird of the Month is the beautiful Blue Throated Macaw!

I haven't had any macaws on sale for a while, so I've listed a charm, choker necklace, glass beaded bracelet and a glass beaded necklace/earring set for auction on eBay and end on Friday!

I have also created three unique pendant necklaces featuring some "abstract parrots", made using many bits of "scrap clay", all rolled together to form some unusual and eye catching designs!

I typically wait until I have quite a clump of many bits of leftover clay from custom orders, and then squeeze it all together in different ways. It's always a fun surprise to see how each one turns out, and certainly makes each piece one-of-a-kind!

The birds could represent a variety of parrot species based on the body shapes, it's just up to your imagination! These pendants are on sale on eBay until Friday.

In addition, there there is a new assortment of bird poop jewelry available! I find that whenever I need a break from sculpting custom orders, making some "poop jewelry" is a fun change. ;) Apparently, I'm not the only one around with a slightly bizarre sense of humor, since I can't seem to keep these crazy creations in stock! You've asked for more, so here they are! This collection of pins, pendant, charm, choker and magnet are now on sale until Friday on my eBay Auctions. As I did last month, I'm using eBay Giving Works to donate at least 10% of the proceeds of all of this week's auctions to The Oasis Sanctuary! It's a perfect time to think about holiday gifts, and this is a great way to give back to bird rescue at the same time!

Parrot Toy Angels is an all-volunteer organization committed to providing toys, food and other avian supplies to companion birds in difficult situations.  Life-altering changes, natural disasters or an organization’s lack of funding all can have a negative emotional and physical impact on both birds and companion caregivers alike.  Parrot Toy Angel Projects help ease the burden for the generous individuals & organizations that provide safe havens for birds in need.  

Parrot Toy Angels annual Spring Auction is going on from Thursday, May 7 - Sunday, May 17, 2009 (12:00pm PDT) on eBay: http://stores.ebay.com/parrottoyangels

There is a wonderful assortment of bird related items, things for your feathered friends as well as items for humans too, with all proceeds going to help the birds! I've donated a few pieces of jewelry, I hope you will go take a look at the auctions, and get your bids in soon!

Have you heard about the Parrot Lover's Cruise? It's the first fund raising cruise to benefit parrots in the wild, and takes place from Oct. 24th through Nov. 1st, with stops in Cozumel, Mexico, as well as Limon, Costa Rica and Colon, Panama.  It sounds like it will be a fantastic experience for bird lovers, not only with the exciting excursions like the Rainforest Walk, but also with several speakers giving bird related lectures while on board, as well as some fun raffles! I won't be going, but I will be donating some jewelry, so if you will be on board, check it out!

For more information including speakers & topics, itinerary, pricing and all other details, check out the website: www.parrotloverscruise.com

I wanted to let everyone know about an online auction that will be held from June 25th through July 2nd to benefit the evacuated animals of the devastating Cedar Rapids flood. The website is located at: www.iowafloodreliefauction.com  - please stop by and view the photos and stories of the many people and pets affected by the flood.

Over 40 vendors and artisans have donated items, and all proceeds will go to the "Friends of the Animal Shelter Fund", which has been set up to help these pets. I am happy to be able to participate in this worthwhile cause and have donated the Congo Grey bracelet shown below as well as a light switch plate, so I hope you will go visit the auction, bid high, and help the animals in need! (If you aren't looking to purchase anything, but would like to show your support, you can make monetary donations through the links on the website or by sending in a check to the foundation.)

Thank you!