Queen of the Nile

I am the Goddess of a thousand names and infinite capacity.All Her gifts are mine. All Her powers reside in me.

I am graceful, flexible, playful, and affectionate. I radiate the warmth and light of the glorious sun.

I am a protectress of women and children,a guardian of the wild. I focus my aim on my heart's desire and draw it to me.

I balance my powers of thought and my emotion. I choose the path I walk. The torch of my reason is illumined by my brilliant intuition.

I offer healing and transformation to all in need. I hold the power to shape my world.

Truth, justice and law are the natural order of my universe.Harmony arises as I attune to my divine will.

Forever Buddies

The ferret is a member of the weasel family. They are happy playful animals with curiosity of the raccoon and the gentleness of a kitten. Their historical sources suggest that ferrets have been domesticated for at least 2,500 years. Adept at tunnel hunting it is believed the ferret was used by the Egyptians as well as farmers and mariners to control rodent populations in barns and ships.

Ferrets are opportunists. They will steal anything they can drag away hiding it to stock up on necessary provisions that might be needed. Always well prepared for any situation that might appear the ferret is a helpful ally in times of hardship.

The ferret’s eyes point forward straight down their nose. Extremely focused on what is in front of them they remind us to stay centered on our goals to reach a desired outcome. Ferrets hold the power of observation. Their keen sense of smell coupled with their ability to see clearly in the darkness links them to the underworld where the secrets of creation are stored. Its intuition is sharp and its sensitivity acute. Ferrets have the ability to see and know the hidden meaning behind all things and assist those with this medicine in understanding themselves, their lives and the experiences they have, more clearly.

Ferrets are incredibly fast and agile and show us how to move with lightening speed to avoid danger.

Always remember that the ferret is a powerful ally and can help you discover a hidden part of yourself. Buried deep beneath the surface are the answers to life's mysteries. If you are having trouble understanding some part of your life invite the ferret in to your meditation, listen to what he has to tell you and act accordingly.

Someone asked me why I hadn't painted ferrets, so here they are. They have been painted on river rock that weighs 2lbs. 7ozs. and measures 5 1/2 x 4 3/4. Hope you like them. This item is $25.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Decorating the great outdoors can be fun and easy? Here are two more additions to my RiverRock collection that will awaken any area of your garden.

Garden art like all art is often in the eye of the beholder. A little imagination and a purchase from my collection can surely improve your surroundings with color and bring a smile to your face.

Perhaps, up until this point you have focused mainly on the interior of your home with art decorations. Maybe you haven’t considered garden art, however, think about it. Why do you plant flowers? I believe you plant to bring beauty to your surroundings and color into your life. There is a part of you that enjoys beauty, creativity, and the fulfillment of creating something of your very own.

Well, that’s how I feel when I create the RiverRock Critters. I paint because I truly enjoy it and know that someone somewhere feels the same as I do. Every piece I paint is made especially for someone looking for the artistic presence in their garden or home.

SPRINGTIME

Its spring time so let’s start planning where some of these lovely critters can grace your garden and add color and vibrancy. There are many ways to display your critters. The main thing is to have fun with them and create a story book land of birds, squirrels, lizards, turtles, or whatever suits you’re fancy.


Life can be very stressful, and most of us need a way to relax. The problem is we don’t really get the chance. It seems to be a forgotten art! Ironically many people feel guilty if they take time out to relax and unwind from life’s daily stresses.

In the springtime when the sun is warm, and sky is clear blue, the garden becomes a haven, and it can be your oasis. Escape, to experience a most relaxing past time. Sink in your hammock close your eyes and enjoy what you have created with your hard work and planning.

YOU’RE GARDEN

Your garden will contain both natural and man-made decorative materials. It should be decorated to bring you closer to nature and make you know more about ecology in a practical way. Gardening brings relaxation to mind. It is an art and with art pieces surrounding you it helps gather knowledge from various sources to attain mastery in this field. It also makes your family members and children enjoy their leisure time joyfully in your artfully presented backyard.

So in creating a rock garden of critters, we must aim to secure carefully a selection and grouping, an impression of boldness in the color masses. Nothing is more satisfactory when contemplating any form of garden art, than the feeling that the designer has from the beginning worked with the idea of achieving some definite purpose.

Pauline Libutti , Artist & Writer
http://www.riverrockcritters.com/

Lamb of God Wall Art

I was touched by this picture I ran across and wanted to paint it as inspiration to all that believe in the purity, simplicity, of God himself. In the safety of his arms God holds a baby lamb and the world seems to stand still, he knows he is out of harms way, relaxed, loved, and safe.

I feel I have captured the beauty, serenity, a life like image of the Creator. We are all blessed and no matter how harsh life may be remember the faith we carry within us. Everyone believes in something or someone and this carries us to the next level of our being.

This RiverRock Wall Art measures 8 ½ x 10 ½ and would be a beautiful gift for someone of faith and who desires to take their particular situation to a higher level of prayer and guidance. This image is to create faith, hope and charity into your daily lives.

Remember in the Bible God was referred to as the Lamb of God. But why did John the Baptist say that Jesus was a lamb? If you have read the stories about Adam and Eve; Cain and Abel; Abraham and Isaac; the death of the firstborn of Egypt; and the one which tells about the priests of Israel and how they served God in the tabernacle. If you have, you will remember that lambs were sacrificed.

In his agony, this soul trouble, as He looked toward the Cross, answers the question: "Why did Christ die?" He did not die, as we die, because He had sinned, but He died for our sins, the Just for the unjust. He died as the Lamb of God, the holy, spotless Lamb of God, to take away the sins of the world. He knew, going to that Cross, there would come, while hanging there, three hours during which the sun would hide his face, and in that awful darkness He Who knew no sin would be made sin. Sin, that horrible, hateful thing, would be put then upon Him, not by man, but by God Himself.

Christ died for our sins! Here is our salvation; here is our peace; here is our hope of eternal glory!

Lamb of God Wall Art
Size: 8 1/2 x 11 1/2
The item sells for $45.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Curiosity -3 D Bunny & Mouse Wall Art - Curiosity

This delightful pair stumbled across each other in innocence and inquisitiveness. I painted this wall hanging to bring to life the most unlikely pair showing their curiosity and playfulness.

This wall hanging measures 8 ½ x 10 ½ and weighs 15 ounces. It is painted with a fall motif with the mouse painted on river rock and attached to the wood background. As the mouse scurries through the leaves he meets a curious friend. I hope I have artfully brought this scene to life and you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed painting it.

This would make a wonderful gift for animal lovers and unique collectible for an enthusiast of animal paintings.

Below is a Totem meaning for each critter.

Rabbit

The Rabbit is known for its ability to procreate, its fleetness, and its movement is by leaps. People with this totem may find that their endeavors go in leaps and bounds also.

If a Rabbit totem has appeared in your life, it may indicate a need for more planning or to check those plans already set in motion. Do not box yourself in a corner.

Mouse

If a Mouse totem has recently entered your life, ask yourself if you have neglected the trivial but necessary things in life. Have you become too focused on one or two activities and neglecting opportunities around you? Or are you trying to do too many things at the same time?

The Mouse totem can show you how to focus and how to attain the big things by working on the little things.

3D Bunny & Mouse Wall Art
Size: 8 1/2 x 11 1/2
The item sells for $45.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

3 D Parrot Wall Art

This Wall Art depicts a parrot in the Tropics. I thought this would be a good background for this river rock. It brought the bird to life in his native environment.

This Art piece is in a rustic frame that measures 10 x 9 ½. The Parrot is a good size river rock that weighs 2 lbs. 2.9 ozs. He is attached to the background and can be put in any part of your home. He has been acrylic sprayed for longevity and would truly make an eye catching conversation piece. I hope you enjoy this piece as I did in creating it.

Parrots in the Tropics

Parrots are a very popular group of birds. Their colorful patterns and cute mannerisms, including picking things up with their feet and climbing with their bills, endears them to us all.

Most parrots are forest birds living in small groups or as individual pairs or families. Species that live in open grassland, however, tend to aggregate in larger flocks.

Most parrots are monogamous, form strong pair bonds which in some cases last for life which can be a considerable number of years, especially in larger species. The age record for a bird is held by a Cockatoo, with an officially accepted age of at least 82 years.

Parrots are most striking for their range of brilliant colors, which includes shades of green, red, pink, yellow, blue, purple, black and white. In some parrot species, male and female birds have the same coloring.

Parrots eat a variety of seeds, flowers, leaves, insects, grubs, native fruits and berries. Many parrots have also developed an appetite for wheat, sunflower seeds, corn and other crops.

Because seeds make up a large part of their diet, a parrot's beak has to be tough enough to crack open shells. It is also used to hold onto branches when climbing. The beak grows continually, and by chewing on hard material such as seeds and branches, a parrot can keep the size of its beak under control while keeping the cutting edge sharp.

3D Parrot Wall Art
Size: 10 x 9 1/2
The item sells for $30.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

3 D Indian Maiden & Wolves Wall Art

This Indian Maiden with wolves is another Wall Art creation of the RiverRock Critters.

It is in a rustic frame that measures 10 x 8, the rock wolf weighs 1 lb. 7 ozs., and is beautifully accented with the background painting. This item is given a 3D effect because of the one wolf being painted on river rock and attached to the background.

I truly enjoy incorporating natural wood with rock and painting a background that compliments the rock. It seems to give it a life of its own.

I hope you enjoy this piece as much as I enjoyed painting it and creating a Native American theme.


Wild Woman

Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, filled with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species. Though the gifts of the wildish nature come to us at birth, society's attempt to "civilize" us into rigid roles has plundered this treasure, and muffled the deep, life-giving messages of our own souls. Without Wild Woman, we become over-domesticated, fearful, uncreative, trapped."

Psychic Energy

This Friendly Wolf energy comes from the psychic. It is the psychic part of the Woman that knows how to shift her love, her intention, and her nurturing abilities into the form of the Wolf. Thus she comes to the village, in the form of the She Wolf or Wild Woman, to protect the children and the old ones in need.

The wolf was respected for its hunting skills, endurance, and stoicism. A wolf's devotion to family and pack, providing food for all, paralleled that of the Native American to the tribe.

Maiden and Wolf

Off into the woods they run...him now on all fours

Can she never ask the Great Spirit for her brave again

The wolves have made her journey so rich and memorable

They have a bond so strong it can never be broken

They have journeyed many mountains side by side

Many tales have been told... Will there be any more to tell

3D Indian Maiden & Wolves Wall Art
Size: 10 x 8
The item sells for $50.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Birdhouse-3D River Rock Wall Art Collection

Hello Everyone!

Here are more of my creations from the River Rock Wall Art Collection.

The first item are two sweet love birds on their perch in front of their house. I have incorporated real wood and wood branches around the birds. The birds are painted on river rock and anchored to the wood for a 3 dimensional effect. I have also scattered some planters grass at bottom of the birdhouse for a more realistic look. This item has been totally handmade and painted to enhance the rock art and create a realistic visual effect.

3D Bird House Wall Art
Size: 6 x 10 1/2
The item sells for $30.00

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The 3D Humming Bird & Lady Bug Wall Art:
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 x 1/2
Weight: 16.8 ounces.
The item sells for $30.00

This lovely picture is painted on a oval wood plaque with soft colors of lavender and pink. The hummingbird has been painted on river rock and in the upper right hand corner you can see a ladybug climbing the flower stem. The ladybug is also a river rock and the two make a delightful contrast against the painted flowers. Please enjoy this beauty of nature, wood, and art. Give it as a gift or to someone special in your life.

The 3D Humming Bird & Lady Bug Wall Art:
Size: 8 1/2 x 10 x 1/2
Weight: 16.8 ounces.
The item sells for $30.00 each

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

River Rock Critters - Pet Rock

Pet Rocks

Children love to create rock critters. As a school outing or a home project this will surely delight them. Have them collect some rocks of different shapes and sizes. After you have a rock that a teacher or parent feels suitable for painting, the project is ready to begin.

Their finished piece can be used as a shelf decoration, or make a large one that can be used on Mom's desk as a paperweight. While the average ladybug is red, let them use their imagination using several vibrant colors. Their project will turn out to be their own unique design and color scheme.


Supplies:

• Smooth, round or oval rocks, washed and dried
• Acrylic craft paint in colors of their choice
• Black acrylic craft paint
• Acrylic matte sealer spray

How to Paint Lady Bug:

1. Completely wash and dry all rocks
2. Paint rocks in desired colors, and allow to dry
3. Apply second and third coats if needed.
4. There is no pattern needed, simply paint about ¼ inch of the rock any color they choose in the "front" area of rock
5. Use a thinner brush to draw a straight line down the center of the rock, starting at the center of the base of the “head”.
6. Dip the end of a large paint brush, or the eraser end of a pencil, in black (or any color they choose) into the craft paint. Dot on the spots, reloading with paint after every dot.
7. Once the paint is dry, spray the rock(s) with acrylic sealer spray.
   Allow sealer to dry completely.
   

Important Tips:

Paint a lady bug, bee, or anything on a rock that symbolizes a critter of your own. Decorate with dots for an antenna, a straight line or a fun swirl of color. Glue Google eyes on it or paint your own. See your critter come alive with your very own artistic ability. Apply fun stickers on it or swirl colors of paint. Let your imagination run wild and you will see a pretty unique art piece that will treasured for a lifetime.

Pauline Libutti , Artist & Writer
http://www.RiverRockCritters.com/

Which is Your Type of Art Form

Art in Latin means "skill" or "craft" and it is generally accepted to be "the product or process of the effective application of a body of knowledge, most often using a set of skills, which from concept to creation adheres to the "creative impulse" of the maker." As centuries of art study reveal, art has taken many forms and has touched upon many disciplines. From the creation of a painting on canvas, wood, or rock or the design of a video game, art is now a much more generic term used to describe many of today’s human creations.

Whether or not you consider yourself to be an artist or have an artistic nature as people often claim, it is interesting to discover that your skills and abilities can help you develop products or processes that could be characterized as a type of art form. Have you ever taken a picture, created a film, painted an image on canvas or rock, performed in front of an audience -your mirror does not count- or even found a new way to use that old pair of jeans you have kept inside your closet? If the answer to these or similar questions is yes, then you are "officially" informed that you can consider yourself as a creator or better even an artist!

Due to the technological innovations used today, new art forms have been developed and thus new ways for artistic expression. The birthday card you decided to create from scratch for your friend, the picture frame you decided to "transform" so as to make it a bit more contemporary, the song you recorded while playing in your garage with the band, are all different types of art forms and should make you proud of yourself and your abilities. Moving from the "classic" forms of art, like painting, drawing, sculpture, music, literature, printmaking, and architecture, to the more "modern" types of art forms, like film, photography, digital art, installation art, performance art, land art, fashion, computer art, comics, and video games, the human ingenuity and creativity found new ways of expression. People are today thrilled to discover the gratification of being able to complete the art project of their choice while using a variety of available tools.

Since within each art form a wide range of genres exist, like for example painting includes still life, portrait, or landscape, a work of art can be anything, from a representational painting to the abstract wallpaper of your PC screen. Whether the art form you like belongs to the category of fine arts or applied arts, the big issue here is that you are a creator, a designer, a painter, a sculptor, a craftsman, an artisan in general. If your art will make you rich one day is a matter of talent and luck, but during your project's creation and upon its completion, you will experience a life changing realization; you will feel capable of accomplishing almost anything. After that entire amazing thing is your own creation!

Author: k.buchanan

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com
Copyright 2008 CraftyCritters Newsletter

Taking Care of Mother Nature

Getting Up Close & Personal With Mother Nature

What do gardening, birding, hiking and fishing all have in common? They provide wonderful opportunities to get up close and personal with nature -- to experience it on such an intimate level that we quickly realize the absolute wonder of it all -- and the need to protect it.

Gardens allow us to co-create. In a garden, we work hand in hand with nature, co-creating a masterpiece of form and fragrance, color and design. We may carefully choose each plant and flower and painstakingly plan our garden layout, but it is Mother Nature who adds the finishing touches and has the final say.

Observing the Miracles of Life
Backyard birding and wildlife gardening allow us to observe the miracles of life and to share them with our families. A few carefully placed bird feeders, plants chosen specifically for butterflies or the addition of a backyard pond all provide us with the opportunity to bring the wonders of nature right into our own backyards. 

Decorating with chimes, stepping stone, or RiverRock is all part of the beauty of your personal touch. Which birds mate for life? How long does it take for the complete life cycle of a butterfly or for a tadpole to turn into a frog? Inviting wildlife to our garden allows us to experience these miracles on a daily basis and from the comfort of our home or garden.

Experience Nature with All Your Senses
Hiking, camping and outdoor photography allow us to experience nature with all of our senses. The sights of mountains and oceans and fields of wild flowers call out to be captured on camera or canvas. Hiking an unknown trail with the sounds and scents of nature provides the opportunity for experiencing new wonders around every bend in the path. And nothing can quite compare to the feeling of sleeping outside under the stars and waking to another day as it unfolds before us.

And fishing, whether it is standing thigh high in a cool mountain stream with a fly rod in hand or strapped in to an angler's chair far out at sea, allows us to test our skills against nature. Spending time in nature restores our spirit and all of these activities soon show us the importance of protecting the environment.

Getting Outside to Experience Mother Nature
Taking care of Mother Nature hopefully encourages you to get outside and experience nature. We want you to run your fingers through the soil and dig your toes deep into the sand.; to listen to the surf and the songbirds and smell the scent of whatever happens to be blooming at the moment; And we want you to keep doing it until you see the wonder in it all - until you realize how important it is to protect it.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com
Copyright 2007 CraftyCritters Newsletter