~Cheeky Monkeys~

***PLEASE NOTE: There has been a lot of downloading of the pics of my monkeys. These are my copyrighted designs and are the property of RoseCreekCottage Studios.***11-22-08 C. Buehner

I love these kinds of days: I'm 'snowed in' here in the Snowbelt. We got zonkered with about 8 inches of snow. Many schools are closed. But...I was up and in my studio at 6:30 because I'm excited about my newest design: Cheeky Monkeys! They are adorable. Each one is a One-of-A-Kind. They're dressed in vintage sweaters, and they're guaranteed to melt your heart!

I have a huge show on Sunday called Gifts From the Heart Holiday Boutique. It's a great way to 'give back' for all the gifts I have in my life. It benefits the Cleveland Clinic Children's Hospital Cancer Center. This special program of courage is for children diagnosed with cancer. It was named after Drew Hoty Bliss who grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and was a graduate of St. Edward's High School. Drew fought a brave, hard battle for nearly all of his life, but sadly lost his battle with cancer in March 2002. The bead program was initiated in 2004 with the support of funds raised by the 2003 boutique and a financial contribution from Drew's family.

The mission of the boutique is keep the bead program and the legacy of Drew alive. Each child receives a strand on which they string special ceramic beads with each bead having a different significance for whatever they endure in their cancer treatment (ie. blood transfusions, radiation treatments, bone marrow transfusions, scans, bad/horrible days, hospital stays, their birthday, even remissions, etc.). The beads provide a concrete way to record a child's journey from the time of cancer diagnosis through treatment. The bead program is an opportunity for these young patients to tell their story using colorful beads as meaningful symbols of the many steps throughout the course of treatment. We applaud them for their courage and value the many lessons they teach us as they proceed toward their path of survivorship.

Over 250 children and their families have benefited from this program to date! The boutique and basket raffle is the sole funding agent to keep this program alive. The 2007 boutique and basket raffle raised nearly $10,000.00! So....if you're in the NE Ohio area, please stop by. You'll be glad you did!