Off in the wrong direction

Yes, I know I am supposed to be making critters for upcoming shows. It is not the time to work on a prototype of a new pattern. But the idea for the new creation was banging around in my head and it refused to go away til I did something about it, So, last night was spent drawing out the pattern. Today it was cut out from a scrap up upholstery material. Now to sew it together, maybe tweak it a bit....then see if I can get back to what I should be doing.

Holiday Happenings

Keeping busy trying to fulfill all the commitments I have made for the holidays. My Christmas cards are printed and waiting to be put together and addressed. I will post the photo cover closer to Christmas. The elf for the little elf swap( also photos later) went to the post office today and the ornament for the Teddy Talk ornament swap will go off next week. Two Blythe(doll) Christmas dresses were sent on their way earlier this week. I need to take photos for the tea party on Dec 6 and company is coming for Thanksgiving next week. Since gift giving is going to be very lean this year I have finished 95% of my shopping. I will start making goodies after Thanksgiving.
Yesterday I changed some of my artfire listings to reflect Artfire's Holiday Deals promotion. I am offering free shipping to the US and reduced international shipping on some bears and critters. Some of them are included in the photo above.
Also please check out Whats Up Dox shop. There is a raffle for a mohair Dachshund I made to benefit Dachshund rescue. Drawing December 11th.
More Holiday Happenings to come.....

Leisal a Doxie Puppy Grrl

Anyone that knows me, knows I would have to make a Dachshund Puppy Grrl. I might try a black and tan one later on. Leisal is 9 1/2" tall and created with rust mohair that has a dark back. I have made several versions of Dachshunds with this fur. It is perfect for a short red doxie. There seems to be a lot of fabric with doxies and scotties. I really prefer vintage looking fabric for the Puppy Grrls dresses. It seems smaller prints are hard to find. I have several prints in my stash and at least 3 more "Grrls" to be made. I was perusing ebay and saw a print with the Pokey Puppy on it. I think I'll check the local quilt shop to see if they carry it. I found several cutes prints with poodles but the print is too big. The poodles measure a couple of inches tall and I prefer under 1 inch for the
dresses. Let me know if you come across any cute "puppy prints".

Gabrielle Raffle for Florida Dachshund Rescue

The third annual Woof It Up Responsible Dog Ownership Day, this Sunday, November 9th from 10:00 - 3:00 at Cocoa Riverfront Park in Cocoa, FL. Gabrielle is going to be raffled off by Lorrie from What's Up Dox Dachshund Shoppe. The raffle proceeds will go to Florida Dachshund Rescue.
In truth, one of my reasons for donated her is it gives me an excuse to go to the event. Bill is not crazy about these kind of events but now we have to go. He really never complains about being dragged to Teddy Bear shows, craft show and community events.
Anyhow, if your in the area I'm sure it will be a fun day.

Interview at Dogs and Art Flickr Group

Flickr, the Yahoo photo sharing site, is a really fun place. You can upload photos, videos too, and join groups with like interests. I belong to 44 groups with varied interests from softies to Florida. One of the groups I belong to is called Dogs and Art. The members are artists that incorporate their love of dogs into their art. We post photos of our dogs and our work. The group admin Nancy(nanjodogz) decided to interview members so we could get to know each other better. She interviewed me this week and it is currently on her blog. I love looking at photos of artist's work, wildlife, babies, dogs, and even cats. I have searched photos on flickr when I am working on a project. Great for reference or inspiration!
I also wanted to note that Oscar the Dachshund, Pixie the Puglet, and Wally the Boston Terrier are now available in my etsy shop.

Pixie the Puglet & Oscar the Dachshund

I had meant to post several days ago but there have just been too many things going on. We closed on the new business on Wednesday April 30. We are now official. There are still things to do and I have a long list for tomorrow.
Maisy, the little bear in my header, is on her way to Australia. I sold her through my etsy shop. I finished 2 more little dogs and haven't decided if I'm going to put them in my etsy or try to auction them on Bid 4 Bears. The Artist Power campaign on Bid 4 Bears is winding down but I did very well. I'm hoping it continues to be a good auction venue.
I guess I'll decide this week where Pixie and Oscar will make an appearance.

Too much to do

I love this time of year - getting ready for the holidays and all that means. But I have a few other things on my plate this year. I have been summoned for jury duty next week(Nov 5). My hubby, Bill, has been scheduled for knee replacement surgery on the 12th. He has several pre op appts next week, including a class that details everything that will happen after surgery(rehab, etc). I probably will not be able to go because of jury duty and I would really like to be there. I will be taking care of him when he gets out of the hospital.

I just started an online webdesign class at ebearz university. I'm excited about it, I just hope my schedule doesn't interfere too much. I also signed up to do the Ho Ho Bearz online show Thanksgiving weekend. I need to get all my photos and descriptions ready. I am trying to finish a couple of little dogs for the show. Photos have to be in by Nov 11. I will post sneak peaks later.

On top of everything else,Lexi, one of my Dachshunds, is having heart problems. She is on meds and goes in for a recheck tomorrow.

I remember when my children were on different soccer teams and all the running around that entailed. But I was a lot younger then. I'll get through...maybe even lose a little weight in the process.