Life is art ... Art is Life

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Fun Fiber Art ~ Circles Table Runner

Happy Wednesday everyone!

We are having a whimsical day here today!

R-Chee and I have been having so much FUN making cotton circle washcloths from the Free Pattern we found on Lionbrand.com!

We chose our favorite earthy colors from their rainbow of choices of Lion Cotton and started making them in different sizes.

Before long, we had so many, I decided to crochet a matching mustard yellow border around each one and sew them together into a free form table runner for the top of my antique dresser.

I just love how it turned out!

It is so much FUN to start a project because it I am inspired to make something and then give it a brand new look in the end without ever having a plan of what it will be or look like.

The whole project was a magical journey from start to finish!

What FUN things have you been creating in your garden, kitchen or craft room lately?

Please leave me a note and let me know!

I cannot wait to hear all about it!

xoxoxox

Melissa

Tuesday, May 22, 2012

Toasty Tuesday ~ The Mother Earth Barkclava & Woofie Warmer Set!

Happy Toasty Tuesday everyone!

The month of May is a wonderful time of year as Mother Earth transitions from a cold Winter into a blooming Spring!

The mornings are still cool enough for Barkclava dog hats & Woofie Warmer neck warmers.

Here is our latest design inspired by Mother Earth!

The Blue Tweed / Green Tweed / White combination

represent the Blue Oceans, Green Land and White Clouds that make up our beautiful planet!

Our dear friend Tweedles who sees & shares the world as only a wise, gentle pug can, was sweet enough to model her new Mother Earth Barkclava & Neck Warmer set for us today!

R-Chee & I are so happy that Tweedles loves her new hat and neck warmer!

We are happy to make you your very own Barkclava, Woofie Warmer or Dog Sweater Vest anytime of the year!

Please visit our Etsy Shop to order your very own today!

We would love to make you anything you want in all of your favorite colors!

xoxoxoxo

Melissa & Archie

Monday, May 21, 2012

New Pug Painting (A84) ~ He is NOT with Me!

Happy Monday everyone!

I had so much FUN creating a these silly pug buddies for you to enjoy!

They were inspired by all of the smiles you have shared with me of your pugs and dogs enjoying their Barkclava dog hats this year!

I titled this one ~ He is NOT with Me!

I see the obvious excitement & glee in the eyes of the lucky puggy who just put on his new hat with his embarrassed brother standing right next to him feeling mortified. :)

A pug expression can say 1,000 words!

Much like sweet Mitzu who proudly wore her new sweater vest while her cousin Libby looked deflated in the background that she did not have one yet. :)

After her mom saw her face, happily Libby soon got one too!

I took photos for you as I painted to see the painting pop to life!

Here is the pencil sketch on wood of the 2 brothers...

I cannot wait to get started!

First, I start with the fur and some of the shading.

Next, I go in for the darker shapes and the expressions start popping in like magic.

Now it is time to choose the colors for the Barkclava and background.

...and finally the muzzles and smiles get painted!

I think their mouths really give away how they are feeling!

Do you think so too?

Now the final lines and wrinkles are added.

and Voila!

Pug Painting ~ Design A84

He is NOT with Me!

Is complete!

These funny brothers are now pug design A84 on my website .

It is now available for you all to enjoy on all of my products where you can choose the design.

Now you know what I did this weekend! :)

Archie and I are so excted that so many of our friends met this weekend in Milwaukee, WI at the Milwaukee Pug Fest and were also a part of the 1000 Pugs Art Book Shoot!

Please leave me a note and tell me all about your adventures!

We cannot wait to hear!

xoxoox

Melissa & Archie

Friday, May 18, 2012

Friday Funnies ~ Archie's Deep Reflections

Happy Friday everyone!

It is me...

Archie!

My dad just captured this expression I was making and said that I look very reflective!

I do not get it!

Does he mean that my face looks shiny & that I need to powder my nose?

...or does he mean that I look like the pretty photo shoot he just took of a lake in Niwot, CO?

Hmmmmm...

This puzzling question calls for some deep thinking...

I do my best thinking with my eyes closed see...

I'll just close my eyes for a minute and I am sure the answer will come to me...

ZZZZZzzzzzzz :)

xoxoxoox

R-Chee

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Friends' Fabulous Art!

Happy Thursday everyone!

I am so excited to share the art my friends have been working on and were sweet enough to share with me.

My twin sister, Melanie, makes the most wonderful bears.

This is her newest creation handmade from mohair.
The bear is fully jointed and has beautiful glass eyes.

Isn't she wonderful!

My dear friend, Georgie, made Archie and me this gorgeous yarn painting!

I jumped up & down and clapped my hands when I saw it!

It is the most amazing piece and gift! I cannot believe it is ours!

She even made us a yarn painting dragonfly and blue butterfly to float above Emmitt & make his Zen garden even more magical!

My friend, Lynne, crocheted this wonderful rainbow kitty from this fabulous free pattern she shared with me.

I cannot wait to make one too!

...and my friend, Pam M., shared her photos of her finished moss terrarium and succulents with me!

I just adore them!

Thank you so much for sharing your art with me!

I am so lucky to have all of you!

Please contact me anytime if you would like to share your projects with me!

I cannot wait to see them!

xoxoxoxo

Melissa

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Meet Humphrey ~ The Humpback Whale!

Happy Wednesday everyone!

It is me...

Archie!

You cannot see me today because I am standing in the shadow of my monsterous new humpback whale... Humphrey!

I mentioned he was coming last week when I had stars in my eyes, but I had no idea how BIG whales are! :)

Humphrey is the newest addition to our sea creature collection!

Isn't he cool?

He even has barnacles on his nose!

My momma used sequin yarn to make him so his whole body is sparkly & blingy too! :)

She found this fabulous pattern on Etsy from the same artist who wrote the snail and walrus patterns!

We had so much FUN making him!

We loved all of the guesses you gave us last week on who you thought Humphrey might be!

Thank you for always playing with us!

We cannot wait to show you the new project we are working on!

I'll give you a hint...

We are making lots of cotton circle washcloths, but not for the bathroom!

Tee Hee!

What FUN things are you up to today?

Please leave us a note and let us know!

We cannot wait to hear all about it!

xoxoxo

R-Chee & Melissa

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

New Item ~ Travel Bag ~ Makes Organizing FUN!

Happy Tuesday everyone!

I am sooooo excited to release my new travel accessory just in time for Summer!

Introducing... New Travel Cases!

Travel in style and keep everything organized!

I am so excited about these new wonderful cases!

You can use them to organize anything!

Travel • Dog Treats & Toys • First Aid • Road Trips

8" x 9" X 22" (Opened)

Secure double zipper and velcro closures.

Sleek fold out design.

3 interior pockets to keep everything organized.

Use to organize anything!

Great for travel, first aid kits, pets, kids and even art supplies!

Removable hook allows you to hang it or use the top handle to carry it as a bag.

You get to choose from any of my pug or dog paintings to put on your Travel Cases!

R-Chee are so excited to offer this fun new accessory!

He already has his favorite treats and stuffies pulled out for me to pack in his.

He is having a picnic lunch in the backyard today and cannot wait for me to pack his new bag for him!

If you would like more information about the bags or to place your order, please visit the Travel Cases on www.PugNotes.com where you will also find detailed product information & pricing.

Please contact me anytime with any questions!

xoxoxox

Melissa & Archie

Monday, May 14, 2012

New Pug Painting (A83) ~ Pretty In Pink

Happy Monday Everyone!

R-Chee and I had so much FUN making this new pug painting for you to enjoy!

She seemed to be asking for a pretty pink background to surround her and I think she was exactly right! :)

I LOVE her expression!

She has that inquistive look like she is asking if it is "Pug Time" yet.

I always think it is pug time since Archie is usually sleeping on my feet, even when I am working at my desk, but true pug time for Archie is when I drop everything and pick up his favorite toy, leash or the food scoop! :)

I snapped a couple of photos while I was painting this weekend to share with you as this little pug popped to life right in front of my eyes!

Here she is before I added her final lines and wrinkles.

...and here she is all done on my art table drying.

How FUN!

This little puggy is now pug design A83 on my website and is now available for you all to enjoy on all of my products where you can choose the design.

Now you know what I did this weekend! :)

Please leave me a note and tell me all about you adventures!

We cannot wait to hear!

xoxoox

Melissa & Archie