Sampler Platter?

There are days when I just can't make up my mind. I want something but can't narrow it down to one thing. It's when I opt for the Sampler Platter. This group has a lot to offer. Many talented artists have come together here to share their knowlege and expertise.

I've picked only a few of many wonderful works and put together a Sampler for you to get a "taste" and browse some wonderful work. So click on the keyword under the pictures to see more from each artist!



Angels



Pink



Goddess




Mercat



Snowy Day



Star Gazer




Castles



Coneflower


Tulip



I hope you've enjoyed my little "sampler". If you're looking for more art created by this group, you can click this logo, too.

I'll be back on the next 31st with more wonderful work by The Designing Artist's Womens Group!

Review of White Lies & Custard Creams

I first talked about this book the other day on the DAWG BLOG- but Wow!
White Lies & Custard Creams by author Susan Alison is one of the best books I have read in ages!
I couldn't stop reading from beginning to end! This story has it all- warm wit, humor, romance, & quirky characters -all centered around an action packed, riveting tale that is sure to please right up until the very end!
I absolutely will highly recommend this book to all of my friends and family!
Hats off to Susan Alison on this one!
I can't wait for more books from this talented author !!!!

Bountiful Sale on ETSY

There are a bunch of artists from the Dawg Team and the ACEO Bounty Competition that have decided to have a "Bountiful Sale". Right now there are more than 10 shops having sales from October 30th 2008 - Jan 1st 2009. Each shop will have different sales, some of them changing every week or just staying the same. Check out these shops weekly to get the best deals.

artistsuetaylor
BaRbaRaGIOrDaNoArt
Lazyhawk
lyekka


I have joined in this joint effort BOUNTIFUL SALE. I am offering FREE SHIPPING on all of my bounty aceo cards and I have a special section of art cards that are 50% to 75% off. There is also a section of card sets with 4, 5, 7 and 10 original art cards for under $10.00. Follow my etsy link on the right to my shop and check out my sale sections.


ACEO stands for Art Cards Editions and Originals. They are highly collectible pieces of art. There is only one rule, that they are 2.5 x 3.5 inches - trading card size. They are made in any medium, and range in price from .99 cents 100's or even 1000's of dollars.

The ACEO Bounty Competition was started in April 2008 by Etsy member bellsakabin, and ever since then the participating artist have been producing some amazing work. Type in aceo bounty challenge in your search to view current bounty cards and check out this thread to comment and find out how you can win thousands of aceo bounty cards. Home > Community > Forums > Promotions > ☆ ☆   Competition “ACEO Bounty” Challenge   ☆ ☆


Here are a couple of my newest aceo cards:

Congratulations to One of Our Own DAWG Members

I am continually amazed at the creativity of all of our DAWG members, so this week it is no surprise that I wish a hearty congratulations to our own Susan Alison on the publishing of her first book,

"White Lies & Custard Creams"

I hope you will all join me in congratulating Susan on this wonderful and monumental accomplishment! She has warmed our hearts with her whimsical Border Collie paintings for years, so it especially endearing to see her branching out in other creative areas of the arts as well!

I have read Susan's work in the past and enjoyed it tremendously, so I cannot wait to begin reading this one too!

I hope you will take this opportunity to order a paperback or buy one of her ebooks today!

Buy "White Lies & Custard Creams" today by clicking on the title!

PayPal is also accepted at the site- which just thrilled me! Yeah!

But stop by and get your own unique copy today!

Caramel Popcorn

Mom’s Caramel Corn Recipe

1 c. light Karo syrup

2c. brown sugar

2 sticks Parkay Margarine or butter

2 tsp. vanilla

1 can sweetened condensed milk

Nuts, chopped (optional)- Cashews are very good

salted white popped popcorn-(about 3c. unpopped)

Boil brown sugar and Karo syrup together for 3 minutes; remove from heat. Add 1/2 lb. butter, 2 teaspoons vanilla, and 1 can sweetened condensed milk. Bring back to a boil stirring constantly-then immediately remove from heat. Pour over salted popcorn; stir in nuts and coat evenly. I spread this out on wax paper and let cool completely, then store in air tight container- very good.

New Christmas Cards!

Hello All!

I have been making new Christmas Cards for the holidays!

I hope you will drop by my Greeting Card Shop and check them out!

Scratchboard

Hello My name is Darlene Howell I am fairly new to this Blogging stuff but I thought a great idea for a Blog would be a Little how to scratchboard. I have been creating Scratchboards for a few years now and I find it very rewarding.

Scratchboard can be done on either a blank white surface that you paint or ink then scratch out your highlights or the way I normally do it is I start with a preinked board. Ampersand makes a great Board for this called scratchbord. It is a sturdy board with a layer of white clay then a layer of ink.







I usually start out with the basic outlines just so I know where everything is going to be Sccratching out the lines with an exacto knife usually very lightly at this stage.



Then I start from Left to right filling in the highlights as I go.







Then I go over it making sure there are no adjustments I need to make and if so I can reink and rescratch.

Here is the finished product.



I then spray it with a spray varnish to protect it.

Susan G. Komen Foundation What are they?

For more than 25 years, the women and men of Susan G. Komen for the Cure have pioneered the breast cancer movement. Today, we make up the world’s largest and most progressive grassroots network of survivors and activists, working together to end breast cancer forever.
While we’re known for our support of breast cancer research and community programs, we consider sound public policy an equally worthy goal.

Through Komen Champions for the Cure(TM), we use the power of activism to achieve important legislative objectives at federal, state and local levels. We work to cultivate and maintain strong relationships with decision-makers and community leaders, encouraging their active engagement in the breast cancer movement.
We’re on a mission. Join us.
Our history as a grassroots movement demonstrates the collective power of individuals to bring about change. Add your voice to those of more than 100,000 other Komen Champions by joining our virtual advocacy forum at http://www.actnowendbreastcancer.org/. To get involved in your local community, send an email to policy@komen.org for information.
Together, we can shake the halls of power and speed our journey to a world without breast cancer.

Make Breast Cancer a National Priority
We need your help! Take action now. Visit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Advocacy Alliance. Tell our nation's leaders, "I Vote for the Cure."
The Komen Advocacy Alliance engages policymakers and opinion leaders at all levels of government to advocate for an increased investment in breast cancer research and greater access to breast health services for all women. For more information, visit http://www.ivoteforthecure.org/.

The Breast Cancer 3-Day® is a 60-mile walk for women and men who want to make a personal difference in the fight against breast cancer. Participants walk 60 miles in three days and help raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research and patient support programs.
Each night of the event, walkers experience an incredible mobile city that's more than just sleeping tents and warm showers, where they can eat, relax and renew their spirit with their fellow walkers.
The Breast Cancer 3-Day benefits Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the National Philanthropic Trust Breast Cancer Fund.
For more information visit www.the3day.org, or call 800-996-3DAY to walk the Breast Cancer 3-Day in a city near you.

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The Promise Shop

http://ww3.komen.org/PromiseShop/

Your purchase will support our promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever.

About Breast Cancer
The place to go for all of your breast cancer questions.
Are you newly diagnosed with breast cancer or has a loved one shared the news that they have breast cancer? Have you heard some news about a new treatment option that you have questions about? Or are you just looking for some information about breast cancer? You’ve come to the right place. Welcome to About Breast Cancer, your source for up-to-date information on breast cancer. Here, you’ll find the latest information on diagnosis and treatment, risk factors and screening, including our Breast Cancer Risk Factors Table, and a host of other topics—like complementary therapies, life after treatment, and quality medical care.

Need to talk? Call our breast care helpline
Need to talk to someone in person? We’re here Monday-Thursday from 9 am –7:00 pm EST and Friday, 9 am – 5:00 pm EST -- TDD available. Se habla español. Call 1-877 GO KOMEN (1-877-465-6636).
Share your thoughts online
Share your thoughts on being a friend or a family member of a breast cancer patient. Read about what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. Our discussion forums are a place for learning and sharing based on topic. You are welcome to contribute or just read what others have written.
Message Boards
What Co-Survivors need to know…
Co-Survivors – family, friends, health care providers or colleagues – are sources of many different levels and types of support for a breast cancer survivor through diagnosis, treatment and beyond. There are as many ways of being a co-survivor as there are people! Thoughtful gestures big and small mean so much to survivors, whether they’ve just been diagnosed or completed treatment years ago. Thanks for the strength, love and support you show in ways big and small by being a co-survivor. Learn more about our Co-Survivor Program

Established FactorsRecognized as linked (or not linked in some instances) to breast cancer.
Approximate risk of breast cancer
BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation
Strong increase in risk
Carcinoma in situ
Strong increase in risk
Family history of breast cancer
More than one immediate family member
Strong increase in risk
One immediate family member
Moderate increase in risk
High breast density
Strong increase in risk
Hyperplasia (benign breast disease)
Atypical
Strong increase in risk
Usual
Moderate increase in risk
Personal history of cancer
Strong increase in risk
Childbearing
Not having children
Moderate increase in risk
Having a first child after age 35
Moderate increase in risk
High bone density
Moderate increase in risk
Radiation exposure or frequent X-rays during youth
Moderate increase in risk
Age at first period
Weak increase in risk
Age at menopause > 55 years
Weak increase in risk
Alcohol consumption
1-2 drinks / day
Weak increase in risk
2-4 drinks / day
Weak increase in risk
Ashkenazi Jewish heritage
Weak increase in risk
Birth control pills (current/recent use only)
Weak increase in risk
Being tall
Weak increase in risk
High socioeconomic status
Weak increase in risk
Mammography (radiation exposure)
Weak increase in risk
Postmenopausal hormone use
Estrogen only
Weak increase in risk
Estrogen + progestin
Moderate increase in risk
Breastfeeding
Weak decrease in risk
Abortion
No increase or decrease in risk
Hair dyes
No increase or decrease in risk

Probable FactorsRecognized as linked (or not linked in some instances) to breast cancer, although not as definitively as established factors.
Approximate risk of breast cancer
High levels of blood estrogen
Moderate increase in risk
Weight gain
Premenopausal
No increase or decrease in risk
Postmenopausal
Moderate increase in risk
African-American ethnicity
Premenopausal
Weak increase in risk
Postmenopausal
No increase or decrease in risk
Body weight
Premenopausal
Moderate decrease in risk
Postmenopausal
Weak increase in risk
Physical activity
Premenopausal
No increase or decrease in risk
Postmenopausal
Weak decrease in risk
Blood organochlorine levels (exposure to certain types of pesticides and industrial chemicals)
No increase or decrease in risk
Breast implants
No increase or decrease in risk
Electromagnetic fields (from utility wires, electric blankets, microwave ovens, fluorescent lighting, etc.)
No increase or decrease in risk

Possible FactorsRecognized as potentially linked (or not linked in some instances) to breast cancer, but need more study before solid conclusions can be made
Approximate risk of breast cancer
IGF-1 hormone levels
Premenopausal
Moderate increase in risk
Postmenopausal
No increase or decrease in risk
Light at night
Weak increase in risk
Red meat consumption
Premenopausal
Weak increase in risk
Postmenopausal
No increase or decrease in risk
Dietary fat consumption
Weak decrease in risk
Carotenoid intake
Moderate decrease in risk
Dairy consumption
Premenopausal
No increase or decrease in risk
Postmenopausal
No increase or decrease in risk
Deodorant use
No increase or decrease in risk
Aspirin use
No increase or decrease in risk
Fertility drug use
No increase or decrease in risk
Fruit and vegetable consumption
No increase or decrease in risk
Glycemic load/carbohydrate intake
No increase or decrease in risk

Factors with inconsistent results or insufficient evidence
For these factors, there are very few studies to date and/or results are highly inconsistent. More research is needed to comment on any potential relationship.
Antibiotic useBody care cosmetics containing parabens Bras or under-wire bras

Breast size Caffeine Cell phones French fry consumption Hair Relaxers
Left-handedness Plastics Secondhand smoke exposure Smoking Soy intake

StressTrauma to the breast

Take the time to read and be informed! Get your mamogram Today!

FUZE Beverage

Susan G. Komen for the Cure is proud to partner with FUZE Beverage as the newest National Sponsor of the 2008 Komen Race for the Cure® Series. With the mantra of ‘Drink Positive – Do Positive,’ FUZE is committed to bringing a healthy 'infuzion' of energy to the Race Series and the breast cancer movement.
In August 2008, FUZE introduced a Pomegranate Acai Berry beverage called Empower in celebration of Komen for the Cure’s promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever. FUZE has made a $650,000 donation in conjunction with this program.
For more information about FUZE Beverage, please visit www.drinkfuze.com.
Komen Race for the Cure® Series Sponsorship Information:
Sponsorship Active: January through December 2009Total number of years as a Race sponsor: New in 2008
Program Information
Program Name: EmpowerBenefit to Komen for the Cure: $650,000 guaranteed donationSuggested Retail: $1.49Guaranteed Donation: $650,000Product Available for Purchase: Grocery, club, mass, convenience and drug stores nationwideProgram Active: August through December 2008Total contribution since program’s inception: $650,000Total number of years for program: New in 2008

Autumn Glory

There is just something deeply inspiring about Fall. As artists I often wonder if we feel it more acutely than everyone else.

This time of year always brings out the poet in me and brings me back to one of my favorite poems by Joyce Kilmer:

• "I think that I shall never see
• A poem lovely as a tree."

One of my favorite things about fall colors is driving in the country side and taking it all in with my family along for the ride.

We are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful country! There are natural wonders everywhere and it seems like even the most mundane of commutes, like to and fro work, can be enhanced if we only pause long enough to enjoy the view.

So get out there, go for a nature hike. Watch how much your children and grandchildren love the leaved and wonder about acorns, and take a cue from them. Fill a vase with leaves and pine or whatever inspires you. Then, make it into the most glorious still life tribute to Fall we've ever seen!

Happy Fall Y'all!

From Missouri,

Crystal Gail

DAWGS ARE Quilting For A Cure

Just wanted to let our readers know that some of our DAWG group members have decided to get together and make a wall hanging to auction off as a charity for Breast Cancer Awareness. I am in the middle of piecing this wonderful miniature quilt together as I am tyiping this Blog. This little quilt has 16 lovely ACEO sized quilt blocks and will be completely hand sewn and hand quilted. It will be a one of a kind collectors item for sure! I will be posting pictures of this quilt as soon as I have the entire top pieced together. I am half way there right now. But keep an eye out on our Blog because I or Lisa will be posting a link when the quilt is placed on auction on Ebay. Hope you will have the chance to bid or at least help us out by watching the item and spreading the word when it is available! This is for a wonderful 'cause! Breast cancer touches so many lives of our families and friends, so please help us to raise money and awareness about this fundrasing event when you see our posting! Thanks so much! for stopping by! T Moody

Photography By Papermoondelights

PAPER MOON DELIGHTS
Check us out on Ebay
Click on our Name for our Sales

Photography has been my one true love that has never been tiring for me. With my creative flows I get tired and have to walk away from them sometimes to get my battery recharged, BUT not with photography! I have a camera no matter where I go! There is alway a picture to be taken of something or someone no matter what! :) That I would share a few of them with you!

There are always so many things that capture my eye, and my camera just has to snap a photo of it!

All our Prints are for sale Just email me at lparker1116@yahoo.com

What captures the attention of one person's eyes surely will not captures the others, but I have a love of so many things surely I capture someones attention with my photography! I just know it gives me pleasure to see the beauty when I look at them over and over!

Marble Falls Overview Two by Barbara Haviland

This is the second time I have done this painting. This time I used Black, White, Yellow Ochre, Cadium Orange, and Burnt Umber. Such an interesting palette. It measures 14"x11" and is available for purchase. Click on the image to see it bigger.
Thanks for looking
Barbara

ZENTANGLE

Today I thought I would share with you a great site I found. In the Bounty Thread on Etsy we were challenged to do a Zentangle. Since I did not know what that was I googled it. It sounds like a wonderful Artform to learn and possible share with your children and grandchildren.

What is Zentangle?

Zentangle is an easy to learn method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. It increases focus and creativity. Zentangle provides artistic satisfaction and an increased sense of personal well being. Zentangle is enjoyed by a wide range of skills and ages and is used in many fields of interest.
We believe that life is an art form and that Zentangle is an elegant metaphor for deliberate artistry in life. Explore our web site and learn how you can use this wonderful and uplifting discovery and to see examples. http://www.zentangle.com

Characteristics of Zentangle

Intuitive Artform
With Zentangle, anyone can create beautiful images from repetitive patterns. This method is easy to learn and easy to do. And even though it is a specified series of steps, it results in a creative expression that transcends its own rules.
Fun and Relaxing
Zentangle provides a fun and lighthearted way to relax and intentionally facilitate a shift in focus and perspective. Zentangle is unencumbered by dogma and cost which can weigh on other approaches. Nevertheless, Zentangle is sufficiently structured and organized so you can enjoy and benefit from an activity that otherwise might be considered whimsical.
Abstract
You cannot fail to create a Zentangle. That is because a Zentangle is meant to look like a Zentangle. It does not need to look like anything else and has no up or down.
Unexpected Results
Zentangle is an unusual approach to art because you have no idea what its result will be when you begin. Your creation is not restricted by your expectations.

Ceremonial
Zentangle is an artistic meditation that supports relaxation, focus and inspiration and can be a wonderful daily ritual. Zentangle's philosophy, symbolism and metaphor is elegant and profound. There is much to discover about life and one's self through this simple act.

Timeless
Creating designs, manipulating symbols and putting pen to paper is part of our human heritage. In a time of keyboards, computer mice, and cell phones, Zentangle allows a return to a comfort and familiarity of timeless, basic creativity.
Portable
Zentangle provides an easy to learn method of relaxed focus which can be done almost anywhere, alone or in groups, without any special abilities or costly equipment.

Quality
Zentangle is elegantly designed, crafted and presented. If you are going to do something, then do it with the finest tools and materials available. We use the best paper and pens available to ensure your Zentangles will be a respected and treasured work of art. Unlike other methods of relaxation and focus, Zentangle yields a fruit which is beautiful and can be appreciated, collected, chronicled and reflected upon for years to come. Using fine materials is an act of respect for yourself and respect for your art.

Non Technical
Zentangle is not limited by technology. Your creativity is not directed by how someone else wrote a particular program, nor does it need batteries or electricity. Zentangle provides a counterbalance to our increasing use of computers, mice, screens and keyboards. It returns us to that fundamentally human behavior of manipulating symbols and putting marks on paper. Zentangle is not pre-programmed. Your creativity is your only limit and Zentangle has a way of increasing and inspiring expression of your personal creativity.

Empowering
To learn that you can deliberately relax and intentionally direct your attention while creating beautiful works of art is an empowering and uplifting experience

Art by AnnaMarie Armstrong

Commissioned Piece

It's always so much fun to create a custom painting for a buyer. This piece is a 11 x 14 watercolor.

My Parrot Poppy had some Cardnials make a nest in front of his window. This ACEO watercolor I painted from one of the many pics I took. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=280277497435&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

Poppy watched over the babies like they were his :)

Thanks for stopping by our blog.

Susan Alison paintings - warning - no dogs!!!

Just to show you a picture that DOES NOT HAVE A DOG IN IT!!!! I'm just proving that I can in fact paint a dogless picture.

However, should you wish to view four dogs playing Scrabble, then do go to my dog blog at www.MontyandRosie.blogspot.com to see them.



Honestly - it took two packets of custard creams to get the perfect half-eaten one to paint. It's true! Two packets. The things I have to do for my art. The sacrifices, the onerous duties, the trauma of it all...... I'm gonna go lie down to recuperate.

Click here for ebay auctions and Buy it Now items

Click here for collieish present ideas at Cafepress

And here for my shop on Etsy


And to prove that wasn't a fluke here's another dogless picture called 'Table for One'



This picture is a good example of painting 'negative spaces' - that is, you paint the shapes around the space you want left eg in the tablecloth and the chair - you're painting the holes not the actual item.

Still Life "wendy's Patio"

Hello All
I almost forgot to post on here today. I have been so busy helping my husband clean up our trees that fell during the Hurricane Ike. This oil painting is done in oils and measures 10"x8" and was done plein air at my daughter's home.
Barbsgarden's blog I hope everyone has a very blessed day today.

thanks for looking
Barbara

Altered Art Works

Paper Moon Delights

I enjoy creating Altered Art ACEO, They are so much fun to see what the creation will be once they are finished. Here are a few of my latest ones on ebay.

Happy Hour With Cleopatra Click For Auction

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State of Alert Click Here For Auction

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Check out all my auction here

http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/papermoondelights

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women and the second leading cause of cancer death (exceeded by lung cancer in 1985). Breast cancer is three times more common than all gynecologic malignancies put together. The incidence of breast cancer has been increasing steadily from an incidence of 1:20 in 1960 to 1:7 women today.
The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that each year over 200,000 new cases of breast cancer will be diagnosed and over 40,000 patients will die from the disease. Breast cancer is truly an epidemic among women and we don't know why.

Early Signs
A lump is detected, which is usually single, firm, and most often painless.
A portion of the skin on the breast or underarm swells and has an unusual appearance.
Veins on the skin surface become more prominent on one breast.
The breast nipple becomes inverted, develops a rash, changes in skin texture, or has a discharge other than breast milk.
A depression is found in an area of the breast surface.
Women's breasts can develop some degree of lumpiness, but only a small percentage of lumps are malignant.
While a history of breast cancer in the family may lead to increased risk, most breast cancers are diagnosed in women with no family history. If you have a family history of breast cancer, this should be discussed with your doctor.
"Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram." —National Breast Cancer Foundation

MAMMOGRAMS

I encourage women over forty to have a mammogram each year and all of you, men included, to examine your breasts monthly. Each year, about 200,000 women (and 1000 men) are diagnosed with breast cancer and about 40,000 women die of the disease. But we are learning ways to fight back.
Did you know that there is a cheap, effective therapy to prevent breast cancer that has no side effects and that this treatment also reduces the recurrence of disease among breast cancer survivors? It's true and you're already doing it. Exercise, such as walking, reduces the risk of developing cancers in general and recent studies have proven that moderate exercise prevents breast cancer.

While doctors aren't exactly sure how exercising reduces the risk of breast cancer, they do know that obesity is linked to cancer and that overweight women have higher levels of estrogen, a hormone that supports the growth of the most common type of breast cancer. We all know that exercise and eating fewer calories are the keys to weight loss, but women of all sizes and ages can reduce the risk of breast cancer by exercising.

In a variety of recent medical studies, we have learned that regular exercise started as young as twelve will reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by as much as 23%. Breast cancer survivors who walk or enjoy other moderate forms of exercising three to five hours per week are 50% less likely to die of breast cancer that those who are sedentary.
No matter your age, all women benefit from exercise and the more consistent you are, the more you gain in terms of protection. The most benefit results from a moderate- intensity activity such as brisk walking for thirty minutes a day, five days a week. That's a two mile walk with Leslie- something most of us can achieve or work up to.

There is good news regarding breast cancer. Early detection through self breast exams and yearly mammography saves lives and now, we have a simple, safe, and effective weapon against this deadly disease: exercise. I encourage each of you to keep walking - it could save your life. Remember, I believe in good health and believe in it for you!

Go and click here everyday to help give Free Mammograms to women that can not afford them.

Early Detection: Do You Know The Facts?
The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that each year, over 200,000 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer and over 40,000 die. One woman in eight either has or will develop breast cancer in her lifetime. Approximately 1,700 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 450 will die each year.
If detected early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer exceeds 96%. Mammograms are among the best early detection methods, yet 13 million U.S. women 40 years of age or older have never had a mammogram.
The National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend that women in their forties and older have mammograms every one to two years. A complete early detection plan also includes regular clinical breast examinations by a trained medical professional. Monthly breast self-exams are suggested in addition.
For more information about breast cancer, see our About Breast Cancer page or this Healthology page.

Breast cancer is not exclusively a disease of women. For every 100 women with breast cancer, 1 male will develop the disease. The National Breast Cancer Foundation estimates that approximately 1,700 men will develop the disease and 450 will die each year. The evaluation of men with breast masses is similar to that in women, including mammography.
The incidence of breast cancer is very low in a person's twenties, gradually increases and plateaus at the age of forty-five, and increases dramatically after age fifty. Fifty percent of breast cancer is diagnosed in women over sixty-five, indicating the ongoing necessity of yearly screening throughout a woman's life.
Breast cancer is considered a heterogeneous disease, meaning that it is a different disease in different women, a different disease in different age groups, and has different cell populations within the tumor itself. Generally, breast cancer is a much more aggressive disease in younger women. Autopsy studies show that 2% of the population has undiagnosed breast cancer at the time of death. Older women typically have much less aggressive disease than younger women.
Facts
Every two minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer.
One woman in eight who lives to age 85 will develop breast cancer during her lifetime.
Breast cancer is the leading cause of death in women between the ages of 40 and 55.
Seventy percent of all breast cancers are found through breast self-exams. Not all lumps are detectable by touch. We recommend regular mammograms and monthly breast self-exams.
Eight out of ten breast lumps are not cancerous. If you find a lump, don't panic-call your doctor for an appointment.
Mammography is a low-dose X-ray examination that can detect breast cancer up to two years before it is large enough to be felt.
When breast cancer is found early, the five-year survival rate is 96%. This is good news! Over 2 million breast cancer survivors are alive in America today.
Risk Factors1
Early onset of menses and late menopause: Onset of the menstrual cycle prior to the age of 12 and menopause after 50 causes increased risk of developing breast cancer.
Diets high in saturated fat: The types of fat are important. Monounsaturated fats such as canola oil and olive oil do not appear to increase the risk of developing breast cancer like polyunsaturated fats, corn oil, and meat.

Detection Plan
An Early Breast Cancer Detection Plan should include:
Clinical breast examinations every three years from ages 20-39, then every year thereafter.
Monthly breast self-examinations beginning at age 20. Look for any changes in your breasts.
Baseline mammogram by the age of 40.
Mammogram every one to two years for women 40-49, depending on previous findings.
Mammogram every year for women 50 and older.
A personal calendar to record your self-exams, mammograms, and doctor appointments.
A low-fat diet, regular exercise, and no smoking or drinking.
How to Conduct a Breast Self-Exam
In the shower: Fingers flat, move gently over every part of each breast. Use your right hand to examine left breast, left hand for right breast.
Check for any lump, hard knot or thickening. Carefully observe any changes in your breasts.
Before a mirror: Inspect your breasts with arms at your sides. Next, raise your arms high overhead.
Look for any changes in contour of each breast, a swelling, a dimpling of skin or changes in the nipple. Then rest palm on hips and press firmly to flex your chest muscles. Left and right breasts will not exactly match — few women's breasts do.
Lying down: Place pillow under right shoulder, right arm behind your head. With fingers of left hand flat, press right breast gently in small circular motions, moving vertically or in a circular pattern covering the entire breast. Use light, medium and firm pressure. Squeeze nipple; check for discharge and lumps. Repeat these steps for your left breast.
Common Myths
MYTH: Finding a lump in your breast means you have breast cancer.

The History of Artist Trading Cards

Artist Trading Cards have been actively produced since the miniature portraits of the Victorian Era and then a type of business card of the Impressionistic Artists. During the Impressionist Age artists traded art cards among themselves to study each other's style and techniques. Art cards or miniatures where the rage in the 16th century. They were mostly portraits and they were sold, not traded or given away. They were the first wallet "photos". Men would have nudes painted of their Mistresses on art cards. Historically there were few standard rules or guidelines to art trading cards, and many variances in sizes can be seen in older cards. The standardization in size of baseball cards is credited with creating the standardization in size for art cards. Today the only rule for these cards is their 2.5 by 3.5 inch size (64 x 89 mm), same as baseball cards.

ACEO or Art Cards Originals and Editions, are the miniature works of art that the women of DAWG group are actively creating. ACEO's originated when some artists began to create cards to sell. The practice is meant to explore the miniature in art, circulate small works more widely, as well as to allow anyone that wants to join in the art card trend.

Make sure that you visit the artist sights listed here, to view some of these wonderful works of miniature art. With the countries financial crisis an utmost concern among all of us, our pocketbooks will definitely be tight this holiday season. I can think of no better holiday gift than a piece of original art, all at a very reasonable price. ACEO cards start as low as $4.99 with free or reasonable shipping. Most artists are willing to wrap up your purchase and mail directly to the gifts recipient in a Holiday Card. Just ask! These art cards fit nicely into an inexpensive frame made for wallet size photos or can be matted to fit a larger frame. Art is always a wise investment, and in todays troubled economy it is even more so.

Here are a few of my Fall aceo cards for you to enjoy. I am working on several new ones, as well as more Holiday Theme cards in the next months. Come view my shop often, as the cards are original and one of a kind, so you don't want to miss out on the purchase of your favorite one!