A winter sky of delicate blue, falling snowflakes, and an open expanse of pristine snow for you and your pets to explore. What will you add? This is the perfect place to make snowmen or have an epic snowball battle.

Rare earth elements have made significant contributions to the development of high-tech industries, particularly in the field of functional ceramics. The addition of rare earth elements to raw materials can significantly improve the unique functions of these ceramics. Functional ceramics is a new type of ceramic material for meeting the developing needs of computer science, automatic control, sensing technology, bioengineering, environmental science and other fields.

During the last 30 years there has been a surge in the applications of rare earth elements and their alloys in several technology devices such as computer memory, DVDs, rechargeable batteries, autocatalytic converters, super magnets, mobile phones, LED lighting, superconductors, glass additives, fluorescent materials, phosphate binding agents, solar panels and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agents. The most abundant rare-earth element is cerium, which is actually the 25th most abundant element in Earth's crust, having 68 parts per million (about as common as copper).

Here's a fun, customisable fridge magnet for your pet!
On a slightly more serious note, all sorts of gadgets and devices are powered these days using magnets made from rare earth metals. These metals are being utilised increasingly in very high-tech systems and their success brings a boost to the economy. Rare earth magnets are made from the elements neodymium, iron and boron and so are known as NdFeB magnets. NdFeB magnets are the strongest magnets you can get (except for superconducting magnets). Rare earth metals are now utilised to improve the efficiency and performance of numerous technologies, including the magnetic technologies that power hybrid and electric vehicles, aircraft controls, loudspeakers, mobile phones, wind turbines, loudspeakers, factory automation equipment and robots! Rare earth metals have enabled the miniaturisation of all of these systems, making smaller, more compact components.

Are these cats saying "See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil"? Dear me, no! I imagine our ginger friend on the left is saying, "Dude, where's my breakfast?" The innocent looking feline in the middle is thinking: "Why doesn't this human put the fire on?" And the grey cat is wishing you would stop whatever pointless activity you're engaged in and set his clockwork mouse going, or dragging a lure across the carpet for him to pounce on.

Like many Commonwealth countries, Australia's flag depicts the Union Jack. The large Commonwealth Star beneath the Union Jack represents the Australian States and Territories, and the Southern Cross refers to Australia's geographical location.

Why, there's no "r-egret" when you meet an Egret!

EEK! OK, wait, that's a spider web, but I don't see the web owner, so I'll browse this web and enjoy the beauty of the dew on the gossamer threads, quickly, before the owner comes home!

Iridescent white feathers do not immediately come to mind when someone says "Peacock" but there's an intrinsic beauty to the absence of color.

Nothing sings to the heart of a young pet like the beauty of a horse, a pinto or paint, the true wild mustang of the wild west.

These clouds are so inviting, fluffy and soft. I wonder how it would feel to walk upon the clouds. Would the feet sink deep into the cloud or would your feet skim lightly across the top? Would you become tired like you do if you walk for a long time on the ground, or would you be able to walk and never tire, no matter how far you went?

Bolts of energy, radiating light—flung downward from unseen hands—pierce the land.

... what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight
O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming.

Our images in this chapter of "Elements" range from the exciting and dramatic to sweet scenes suitable for decorating a young pet's bedroom! There are flashes of lightning, dark, lowering clouds and seascapes, then calming rainbow scenes. Then scenes of flight, whether by helium balloons, birds or aircraft, from a 1940s biplane, a commercial airliner and exciting swoops and dives from an aerobatics display team!

Exotic tropical fish and other critters who live on the water, such as a frog on a lilypad, a dignified swan and a heron at daybreak on a misty river, plus man's best friend enjoying a swim start off our collection of images celebrating the element Water. We can see a cute little ladybird apparently drinking from a raindrop! There are also misty, dew-rimmed flowers. fronds and fruit, and of course, beautiful aquatic sights such as a waterfall and ice floes.

A graceful mansion house in buttercup yellow, with an imposing portico and adorned with red, white and blue flags.

This rural white church in New Hampshire might be small, but it makes a big impact in the community. The minister shares sermons encouraging its members to show God's love to everyone. It lives that out by having a weekly meal of sharing where anyone can join in bringing nearby residents together for a delicious meal and meaningful connections.

A lovely Cherry Blossom tree blooms in Nomahegan Park, one of 36 Union County parks that encompass 6,200 acres. This park is located in Cranford, NJ. Featuring scenic trails, a sports field and a playground. A lovely place to have lunch or a leisurely walk around the two miles of pathways which connects to the Rahway River Parkway.

The Turkish flag consists of a red field with a white crescent moon and five-pointed star placed slightly off-centre. The design derives from the original Ottoman flag dating from the 1700s. When the Republic of Turkey was established in 1923, it took as its flag that which was used by the Ottoman Empire. During the dozen subsequent years, various refinements were made to the flag, for example, the specific shade of vivid red that was to be used. The present flag design was first approved in 1936.

Canada is a vast country with a huge amount to offer. Ontario is known for its forests, wildernesses and abundant wildlife, yet 40% of the population lives here. The capital, Ottawa, is modern and multicultural, as is Toronto, which is not far from Niagara Falls and the USA border. Quebec has a predominantly French-speaking community but a good proportion of inhabitants are of Irish descent. Quebec City, the capital of Quebec, has an old-world European charm, as does Montreal. Three-quarters of the world's maple syrup is produced in Quebec! British Columbia, Canada's westernmost province, has immense mountains, deep forests and dramatic coastlines, and Vancouver is a delight. Alberta: three words--Banff National Park! See the amazing Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies. Then Saskatchewan, where you can enjoy unique landscapes with road trips, hiking, enjoying incredible sunsets and sunrises and abundant wildlife. Polar bear safaris can be undertaken in Manitoba, or how about a trip to the Royal Canadian Mint? Then there's Newfoundland and Labrador: "Anything but Ordinary"! How about a spot of whale-watching or iceberg-viewing? The Maritime provinces are the furthest east, consisting of New Brunswick (apple-picking, leaf-peeping, motorcycle routes); Nova Scotia (sailing trips, lighthouse-spotting) and Prince Edward Island (golfing, fishing, farming communities). Then to the north are the three Canadian territories. The Yukon offers experiences from the aurora borealis to beer festivals! The Northwest Territories is the dream place for anyone fond of the outdoors. Then Nunavut, where you can experience dog-sledding, snowmobiling and kayaking!

Is this pattern from the (faux) hide of a cow or is it an ink blot go awry? Only the designer truly knows.

I guess I must be bored. I'm sitting here staring at the ceiling, trying to see if there are any animal shapes in the plaster.

Just hear those sleigh bells jingling Ring-ting-tingling too Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you
Outside the snow is falling
And friends are calling, "Yoo hoo"
Come on, it's lovely weather
For a sleigh ride together with you

Self sustaining and fully stocked, these long term pets live a quiet and restful life during the long winter months!

Another lounge complete with reading materials is bright and reminds them of the snowy landscapes they traveled through during the day. The carpet is soft and white as snow, but definitely not as cold - perfect for grabbing a sofa pillow and stretching out on!

The Frozen North is home to many wonders - and many dangers. The Frigid Wood invites explorers with whispers of adventure and treasure, but few pets can brave the freezing temperatures and return home.

1 SM for nothing? Well nothing is quite useful when you have to replace something you wish you hadn't used as a background :)

What could be more wondrous than the vast canopy of the heavens stretched out over a frozen tundra with no light pollution? Trillions of glittering jewels illuminate the sky, pinpoints of sparkling light that have travels for millions of years to reach your eyes. In the perfect stillness, you are enveloped in awe.

A versatile plain coloured background for all your art pieces.