Bon Voyage Friends

There are a few dogs at work that are moving away. One being an absolute favorite of mine, Razor. My day got brighter just seeing his face waiting for me in the play area! I've known him for a few years now and it's going to be so weird not seeing him every week at work. I am so very sad about it.
I wanted to make him a going away card...although he can't read. I wanted his parents to know how awesome of a dog they have, that he made an impact on us and that we are going to miss him dearly!
Same with another Camper of ours, Tucker. He's such a sweet boy...I'll be sad to see him leave Camp as well.
After making these, I got into a groove of card making! I made a few others as well!
They are all made on watercolor paper. I used a Papermate Liquid Expresso pen and watercolor pencils.

Ride it like you stole it!

Finished a new piece yesterday. A co-worker has a paralyzed dog named Megan. Megan's back legs do not work. Her momma does everything she can for this little girl! She has a wheelchair and is clinical trials too. (If you'd like to learn more about their story, here's the link to a lovely article on them!)
Megan is a little speed demon in her chair!

Elvis

Finished Elvis' pet portrait the other day. It turned out really well! His mom really like it!! :)

I met Elvis 5 years ago, when I first started working at Camp Ruff It. He is such a special dog to me. Helping take care of a dog a lot throughout 5 years is one of the best parts of my job. I get to see them grow up, get to know their personality, bond with and love them like they are my own. I love it.

Next up: I have so many ideas for new projects!! I just don't know which to choose first! :D I'll get back to you on that one!

Bookmarks

A somewhat recent project of mine....These were my place cards for my wedding in August. I made bookmarks using some pink textured paper. I stamped them in acrylic paint with stamps that I have made. I love the way they turned out!

Currently, I'm working on a pet portrait of a Westie named Elvis! Should be done soon!

Pictures of...

The Japanese Chin is ChiChi, another dog that has passed. I love how hers turned out. And her parents absolutely loved it.
The horse is Autumn. A former coworkers horse. This is one of my favorite portraits that I have done. I love it! The bottom drawing is Koukla! :)

Looking Good!

I've gotten a few pet portraits done recently! I will have to post pictures soon.

I also made an unexpected sale! A while back, I did a pet portrait of this dog that passed named J.D. His dad came into work with his new puppy (who is too stinkin' cute by the way!). I tried to give him the portrait as a gift, but he insisted on paying for it! That was not my intention at all, but it was so nice of him. He's such a sweet guy that loves his dogs so much! I am glad I was finally able to give him the portrait and I hope his family enjoys it!

I also walked into work one day and found out that I had 3 inquiries about pet portraits that day!

I have a new opportunity now too! Something a little different and big! I will explain later!      

Things are starting to take off. I'm surprised and so happy that I am able to do this! It's amazing!

The New Year So Far...

It's been crazy! I've gotten a lot done and still have a lot to do. I have finished a few pet portraits and have gotten a lot further on a couple others.
We had started art class back up for a little while and now have decided to take a little break again. Especially since I will be super busy planning a wedding!!! Joe proposed!! (don't know if I mentioned this before!) So I'm going be a busy bride to be!
I am going to make a conscious effort to post more. Now that spring break is over at work, I'll have more time to get a bunch done!

New Experiences

I recently participated in Holidays at the Haight on Friday night. It's a holiday market with vendors of all kinds. It runs Fridays and Saturdays in December.
I only signed up for last Friday and this coming Friday, December 14th. It was kind of last minute and also my first time doing something like this, so I didn't want to overwhelm myself.
There weren't many people there but it was still a good experience. I had quite a few people interested despite that. Hopefully there will be more next Friday! I will also be setting up my space differently. At the last show, I wasn't sure how much space I was going to be working with. Now I have a much better idea of what I want to do!

Holidays at the Haight
166 Symphony Way
Elgin, IL 60120
Free admission / Free Parking

Friday, December 14th / 4-8pm

October!

Oh, I'm such a slacker with posting on here. I really have to work on that. :)
I have gotten another pet portrait done, Theodore. I love how this one turned out. I think it's my favorite portrait that I have done. And it's a cat, not a dog!
I'm in the process of working on a few more right now, the husky is still in progress, Spencer and Autumn. Along with my dad's tattoo sketch, which he was giving me a little shit for. I'm sorry dad, but I have a very limited  amount of free time! Especially last month and this one now, with the Halloween party & such.
I'm working on some awesome Halloween projects right now too. This year our decoration theme is a haunted forest. :) I just need to get paid so I can go get some supplies!
On another, unrelated to my art, note..I got a promotion at work. I am now a manager at the doggie daycare. :) so happy. Last month I got the opportunity to work at an animal shelter, which I loved! But then it got my bosses at the daycare to see how valuable I was there I guess. I talked with them about a manager position, which one boss was like maybe eventually. So I said, ok keep me in mind but I'm going somewhere I can advance. Next day-I'm manager! Bam. So I sadly had to leave the shelter. But I do plan on volunteering! Just have to get through this month.