New Pages
I am really enjoying the process of how the pages come together. It often takes several days in different layers for the pages to be completed. This is a completely new way for me to work. I usually want to get my projects done all in one sitting. Very cool stuff!

Woodcuts
I also put together a collage of my woodcuts. I used gesso for the first time as a base for the page on the right. I then wiped on and off two colors of acrylic paint. The gesso is a wonderful way to add flexibility and texture to the paper. On the left side, I used a piece of Japanese wrapping paper. It has characters and pictures all over it. I wrote words on it in india ink that I bought last year and never used. It is fun to work with. I love how it flows off of the brush and stays so dark even after it dries. I am having a great time experimenting with things I have collected and saved. Everything has its own time and place.

More Mixed Media
What fun! I created 6 random fabric pages yesterday by sewing together blocks of vintage fabric i have had in my stash. i had no rhyme or reason for what i put together, except that i like them and the colors. Well, today I realized that they are the perfect compliment to 3 of my pages, and fit perfectly in my journal. I am so excited!

Mixed Media Art Class
I am taking an art class at the Art Students League of Denver, and I am having the best time. Meeting the teacher and the other students is as much fun as creating the art. Here are a few of my favorites so far...
Oodles of Doodles, Art is in Everything! and My Fiber Art.

Wool Sheep
I love my new wool sheep. He is very puggy. I actually like him sitting so that I can see his face. I have him sitting on my desk.

Gilbert's Collage
Boy! Where did the week go? I have been so busy taking business and art classes that I haven't had time to finish the needle felted sheep I am working on. He will be done soon, so stay tuned. I had a great time in my photoshop elements class this week. I made a collage about my parrotlet, Gilbert. It celebrates the trip to CA we took to bring him home in July 2001.

Needle Felted Corgi
I just finished this little corgi. He is for my sister and his name is Moe. I tried to make it look like her little dog. I was so excited, I had to post it right away. So Melly, if you sign in before I get to give him to you... Surprise! :)

Needle Felted Pug
OK... I think I can safely say that I am addicted to needle felting wool pugs! I had too much fun! I am going to the yarn store tommrow to see what wool they have.

Collage
I continue to learn lots of fun things I can do with my art and photos using Photoshop Elements 4. Here is my first collage. You would not know it from looking at it, but this file has 21 layers to it. The background and textures are created from closeup photos of items around my house. I also used masking techniques and drop shadows to change the lighting and depth on each indiviual item. I had a great time!

Needle Felting
My Polar Bear
I took a needle felting class yesterday. I have always wanted to learn. We had so much fun. It is amazing what you can do with a lump of wool and a needle. You basically sculpt as you stab the wool and hopefully not your fingers. I am sure there will be some wool pugs in my future.

Wallace the Pig
I just finished another great cartoon pillow kit from http://www.haan.com/
What fun! I hand-sewed, machine sewed and hand-embroidered him.

Mini Pug Ball
Just as crazy... just smaller!

Life size Crochet Pug
I am so excited about this crochet pug I just finished. The pattern is the most well written I have ever seen. It is an ingenius design. You can find it and greyhound patterns at the artist's websites ... http://www.greyhoundcrafts.com

http://stores.ebay.com/Aerie-Designs

Happy New Year!

Wishing you Health and Happiness in 2007!

Melissa and Emmitt

New Year, New Stuff!
I have added 5 New products to my website that are available in all of the Pug and Pug Pal Designs! That is over 100 images to choose from!
Check it out!

Book Preview
You are the first to see two pages from my new ABC book to be released in 2007. I am so excited!

Felted Parrotlet
I created this funny bird in the same way I made the felted teddy bear. I love crocheting with wool. It is my type of favorite yarn.

Reggie the Raccoon
When I was about 12 years old, I took a Home Ec class that scared me away from sewing machines until my 38th birthday. :) I was so afraid of ruining the project, that I pretty much hand sewed the whole thing and my teacher helped me with the machine sewing. I know she was just trying to help, but i did not learn a thing.
So, the first thing I did after receiving my sewing machine for my birthday was to try and find the cartoon pillow kits we made in home ec that year. I could not believe it when I found them online! http://www.haan.com/
My project back in 1979/80 was the turtle. Today, I just finished the raccoon, and it was fun!

New Crazy Crocheted Pug Doll




Oh my! These dolls just make me laugh!

Crocheted Cotton Dishcloths
Sometimes it is just fun to create something colorful and quick. I made these dishcloths this weekend.