Construction on the Kelfla Craft & Fiber Hut

Well, OK....It's just a shed, but I'm still super excited about having my own place to work on fiber projects and whatever else I come up with. As always, DH is busy helping make things better.  Thank goodness for him.

Although I'll have to share my "creativity hut" with holiday decorations, long forgotten sports equipment and empty computer boxes...I can hardly wait to be able to have a dedicated space for fiber storage, a spinning wheel, and an endless supply of craft magazines and supplies.  

Hopefully, we'll be finished within the next two weeks.  A lot of our schedule depends on how tough a semester Brian has.

Then we can begin on the next project:  a deck around the shed so I can sit on the front porch and spin in the morning sun. 


But...as hubby says..."One thing at a time."  

Cavalry Group

I received my Cavalry Group membership packet in the mail yesterday.  Yay! 

The Cavalry Group is part of an additional part of my project that focuses on self-protection and a better sense of security for my rabbit enterprise.  

Of course, nothing in life is 100%, but I feel a bit better knowing that I can have a team of experienced people by my side if I were to be in need. 

They are a private member-based company focusing on protecting the right to animal ownership. They have a network of attorneys who are focused on animal ownership and animal issues. They have programs available for hobby and commercial animal breeders.  

Local Rabbit Club Meeting About Cavies

One thing I really like about our local all-breed rabbit club is that each month we learn a little something new. Kudos to those folks who plan each month's presentation, game, or activity. 

Last night we attended our monthly local rabbit club meeting and learned a bit more about cavies.  ARBA Judge Michael Franke gave an excellent presentation, teaching youth and adults about cavy body type, fur, and general care.  Right now, our activities are geared towards preparing our youth for Convention.  

Here are some things that I didn't know about guinea pigs.

•  Four toes on the front feet....only three on the back. 
• How much I liked the Abyssinian breed.  DH shook his head "no" from the back of the room.  
• Roan is a white intermingled with another color...and my favorite color variety.  
• They are only allowed two teats; anything more or less is a DQ...but they can raise 3 or 4 babies easily with no problem.    
• Cavies become sexually mature at 3 weeks...so separate at weaning.  
• After a 70 day gestation period, they are born with fur and eyes open...similar in development to a six week old rabbit. 

By the end of the presentation and  hands on piggie time, most of the kids were begging for a cavy.  I have to admit that I really wanted one too. 

Next month's activity....Bunny Bingo.  I can hardly wait! 

Wait A Minute...You're Not An Angora!

We got a message from a family friend this weekend.  She has moved out of town and rabbits are not allowed in her new apartment.  

She called us to see if we would be able to locate a home for her rabbit.  I couldn't say no...because it is a dwarf hotot! 

If I ever start a non-Angora breed, it will be a dwarf hotot.  They are soooo cute!  

Of course, I jumped at the chance to take it in.  The little guy immediately found a home with my son, but I got to enjoy it for the weekend. 

It's A Long Way To Wisconsin...But Worth Every Mile

1280 miles

Recently my daughter and I took a little trip north to Superior, Wisconsin to visit one of my mentors, Terri. Terri has an English Angora blog that has been very helpful to me as I learn.  I have talked to Terri many times about my Angora rabbits, but we have not had the pleasure of meeting in person.  She had a few rabbits for sale and I wished to check them out...and learn a bit more in the process. 

My family thought I was a bit nuts to drive that far to just look at rabbits, but it was much more than that.  We attended one of the Wisconsin shows (5 shows in weekend) and I got to see what shows are like for Angora folks in other parts of the country. Plus, I soaked up valuable stuff that I would have never gotten otherwise. 

Helping a new friend with her Himalayans

It was a real learning experience to watch Terri prep her rabbits for the show.  I have to say that she was just amazing... always unfrazzled amidst a whirlwind of activity.  I could only stand around awestruck.  I really appreciated that she took the time to teach me along the way, too. I learned a lot.

 I also got to meet some other really nice Angora folks with beautiful rabbits, Deb and her daughter Alicia...and also Pam, who taught me how to needle felt. Such nice people!  I felt very welcomed...and was so excited to share in their day. I wish I lived closer OR could teleport. 

I ended up with two more wonderful rabbits to add to my herd.  I picked up a black pearl junior buck for my pearl line herd sire and a senior REW doe.  Both bunnies are gorgeous.  Princess Grace is very nice, even clipped down.  

Our favorite rest area...in Iowa...so cute and very clean.

I did fall in love with one of Terri's REW bucks.  I just couldn't keep my eyes off of him. I thought I didn't like REWs, but after seeing a REW in full coat in real life...I see what all the fuss is about.  There is nothing like a big, glorious, white cloud of a rabbit...and not cirrus clouds either, but big puffy, crawl in and sleep cumulus clouds. Spectacular!  It was the most beautiful thing I've ever seen. I wish I hadn't been to wrapped up in everything to take pictures during the show.  I was just too busy soaking everything in. I did brought home his mother, though. Maybe one day I'll get lucky!

Welcome to the Herd!

We've got a few more rabbits to welcome to the herd! Our last litter is now 16 weeks old. We ended up with 3 black bucks and a chocolate sable doe.  One of the boys is going to a wonderful fiber home. He's a big, fluffy ragdoll who will no doubt make his new family so happy. 

Kelfla's Cricket - Chocolate Sable EA

After much thought, I've decided to hold on to the chocolate sable doe for our pearl program.  She is developing a nicer body type and the best furnishings.  But the real reason she gets to stay is because she is the sweetest little doe, coupled with a good type.  She and the little fiber buck are the most people focused of the litter.  They get so excited to see anyone when they come to the rabbit room and run to the front of their pen for a pet. 

The other two boys...I just couldn't make my mind up on.  Kingfish definitely has a better body type, but might be the messiest little buck ever.  His density is wonderful...but he's like a 5 year old...who just got done playing tackle football... in a tuxedo...on a rainy day.  What a mess! 

Now Bruce Lee will make a nice show rabbit personality wise; he has a decent body...and he's not near so messy.  I had originally sold him as a show bun to a very nice lady.  Her plans have changed and she's not moving to Texas after all.  She gave him his name.  My family liked it...so it stuck.  I will hold on to him for a bit so Kingfish has a buddy to go to shows with.