Welcome to the Funamals Blog


Welcome to the Funamals Blog
Funamals is a company that represents the whimsical artwork of Amy DeCaussin.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

"i've got something to say!"


Animals are always talking.  Are you listening?


My Mr. Mikey always has something to say.  He does this little dance and he will come closer to me and bark a little.  Then he will back up and tilt his head.  If I start to talk back to him, its almost as if he cops an attitude.


Conversations between animals are the best ones to watch.  They are so honest with each other about how they feel.  Its that honesty that can make us laugh.  Often, I think we are really laughing at ourselves because in a way, observing honest emotions in animals can expose our own.  Observing animals more often will teach you more about yourself and other human beings.  This conversation between creatures is something I see myself examining in my artwork more and more. 

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Life in the Moment


Rose Beerhorst is an artist that I really admire.  She has the kind of work that rewards you when you look closer.  





If you study them closely, you get the sense that there is something meditative about her work.  This reminds me of the time I spent studying at Ox-Bow Summer School of Art.  There they emphasize a sense of "being" with your work.  It looks like when she makes a piece, she sits with it for a long time.  She puts a lot of thought into it.  She laments each element, each tiny detail.  


Rose works almost entirely with recycled materials.  She reuses what is already available.  Even the buttons are reused.  Most of them are vintage.  This is why I say that Rose represents "life in the moment."  Her used and vintage elements add a story and a history to each piece while her young ambition adds a sense of new ideas.  These two qualities combined play into what I receive as something contemplative in her work.  She seems to reflect a calm hora, carefully soaking up each moment in life.  Perhaps Rose has a little wisdom beyond her years.


You can shop Rose's work at sockmonster.etsy.com

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Graduates


Congratulations to all of the recent Grads.  Now what do you do with that tassel?  My boyfriend, (class of 2010 Grand Valley State University), proudly tied his to the light string in the closet.  This makes the light easier to turn on and provides a useful way to display and enjoy your achievement. (even if it is just in the closet)

Thursday, June 23, 2011

The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee: Quiet on the Set

This is so adorable! I just had to share :)

The Itty Bitty Kitty Committee: Quiet on the Set: "OK, Kittens. Gather 'round. We're on day three of our FUNdraiser, and so far we've raised 5.5 squillion, which is really amazing. We ..."

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

...So I got a New Cell Phone...

(I switched to AT&T)




Now I have a Samsung Evergreen
What is really neat about this phone is that 70% of the handset is made of post-consumer recycled materials.  The package that it comes in is recyclable and and printed with soy inks--a very earth friendly choice.  It also comes with a bag that you can put your old phone in and send to be recycled.  You don't even have to pay to send it!

AT&T has a Recycle program for old phonesClick Here for more info

AT&T and the Environment Click here

Monday, June 20, 2011

Refresh
Simplify, Pay Attention to the Details

Left to right, a tuna fish can with a melted candle by Hippychickcandles, a plant growing roots in a vase (from my mom), my wonderful french press from Art of the Table  and my fresh ground, fair trade coffee from Global Infusion.

Your personal time is essential to your health and productivity.  A great way to utilize your "me" time so that it creates a positive and lasting effect on the rest of your day is to rearrange your spaces.  A few things to keep in mind are to work towards simplifying your surroundings, and pay attention to the details.  Often I find myself delighted by the small things I have placed in my house.  Taking time to glance over at them makes me smile.  


Mini Deer are from Rebel.Reclaimed

Sitting on my window sill, next to my succulent plant is a small herd of tiny little deer no bigger than a finger tip.  The area which they occupy is kept simple and clean.  From far away the window sill is peaceful.  Move closer and this small discovery creates a new level of interest.  

Oil Painting on the left is by Cam Decaussin

Not all simple delights in detail need to be small.  Take for example this yellow end table.  This setup is one of my favorite spots in the house because it is simple and delicate.  I bought this outdoor furniture table from a thrift shop for $5.00 and painted it yellow.  Its thin legs and see through top highlight the wood floor underneath.  My decorating often derives from my need to have an "anti-cluttered" space.  Seeing the clean floor through the table as I walk by never ceases to satisfy me.  The picture frame and the lampshade play into the delicateness of the table top.  The elephant figurine complements the rest of it, adding a playful element, keeping the space from being too boring for my taste.  This also allows the house to be decorative, but still child friendly.  My 16 month old nephew enjoyed playing with the elephant this morning.  If there is anything delicate in the house, there are plenty of durable decorations to keep him occupied.


This table is from VintageGoodies.

 Here are a few more examples of some fun details I have added in other places around the house.  The tiny deer shown above sits on a table in the living room while the plastic roosters below inhabit the window sill in the bathroom.

I rearranged the living room this afternoon.  I took out a large coffee table (which was added to the bedroom) and placed three small tables in the room.  This round black table as a find from a local thrift shop.  It had a broken leg that I repaired and then painted it black.  I really enjoy its simplicity and elegance.  I added a mint colored piece underneath from a local shop called Rebel.Reclaimed and placed a fern from my mother inside of it.  The mint colored doily on top is actually a hot pad that my Grandma made me.  We keep our tv remotes in a colored bowl when they are not in use.  "Everything has a place and everything in its place" is a great expression to live by to help you create a nice zen feel to your house. The table in the background was purchased from Vintage Goodies.

design by Bree Veenstra



Even my beta fish has enjoyed my refreshing decorations.  I placed potted plants on different levels next to his bowl.




My grandma makes beautiful dish clothes and I have one in almost every color.  I use them too.  I always keep a clean on inside this ice cream cone dish, another fun detail, this one in the kitchen.



Thursday, June 16, 2011

Finding Peace in Watercolor

"The Beach Blissed Seals" is a painting I just finished.  It is one of the largest watercolors I have ever done--a full sheet of Windsor Newton Watercolor paper.  Recently I have decided that I want to focus on my watercolor over all of the other artwork that I do.  Clarity in my focused direction came like a part in the clouds.  An amazing peace and calm came over me once I realized this.  The seals in this painting reflect the mood.




Craft Sanity on Take 5

Great Summer Crafts for Kids!

I know this is from spring break but these are brilliant ideas for summer fun with your kids. I love Jennifer! She always has the best ideas :) Check out the new summer issue at the Craft Sanity Website.

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Welcome to the New Blog!

I am so excited to share the new and improved Funamals blog.  Feel free to look around and check out whats new.  Follow our blog and share it with your friends.



Dress My Rescue News & Updates: 5 Reasons I Adore My Senior Pet

Dress My Rescue News & Updates: 5 Reasons I Adore My Senior Pet: "Today marks the end of Adopt-A-Senior-Pet month and I wanted to send a little tribute out to my favorite senior girl. Six years ago, we a..."



Just wanted to share this blog posting by Dress My Rescue