Hump Day Humor: Photo fun for Sophie's birthday.

click photos for larger view

Happy Birthday, Sophie!  Hope it's a blast!

Drawing Lab Six :: index card multiples

E and I were finally able to spend some time with the Drawing Lab assignment this week. Once we got started, however, it was harder than we thought. We were to draw the same dog over and over (20ish times) on separate index cards.

E lost patience quickly and just started drawing faster with each stroke.  His dogs gave us a chuckle as they reminded us of the dog from the Simpson's.

I found that I wanted to change the dog with each drawing.  I tried my best to stick with the same shape but it was very difficult.  I have a very hard time drawing without a direct point of reference. 

I decided that I would give my three favorites a their own collage background and color to fit their appearance.  I like them much more with these perspectives.

 Alley dog.

 Bistro dog.

 Naughty dog.

Drawing Lab is a weekly assignment link up, inspired by Carla Sonheim’s book Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists, and hosted by Angie of Angie Allen Wedding & Event Stationary.  If you want to join us, stop by Angie's blog and post a link to your work (blog post, flickr, etc.) where we will share our exercises each week.

Find Sophie's Choice on Scout's Dog Blog

Happy Thursday!

When Cyn at River Dog Prints asked if I (and/or Sophie) would like to contribute to her dog blog, I didn't hesitate to say yes.  You can now find Sophie's Choice over on her blog every other week.  Sophie has a nose for finding great handmade items for both dogs and their humans.  Please visit River Dog Prints, Dog Blog for this week's great finds.


If you haven't had a chance to get to know River Dog Prints, please visit their website.  You will find great custom paper goods including custom cards, stationary, and home products (fantastic canning tags and labels). You'll love what you find!

Custom dog houses - Sophie's choice

Having found herself in this new world of adorable, loyal, fun loving 4 legged friends (of the barking sort), my owner has naturally begun noticing all the accessories available for us.   Come on, you knew it wouldn't take long.  Fortunately, she doesn't dress me in those ridiculous outfits.  However, beyond tutus there is so much more out there.

Having come from dog royalty myself, I'd like to believe I have a keen eye for dog design.  Partially influenced by my owner, I will be periodically featuring some fabulous dog finds under the title Sophie's Choice.

Without further adieu, I'd like to introduce you to my first feature,  Best Friend's Home, a German company that makes dog houses "ranging from a puristic Bauhaus style cube to an idyllic Swedish style doghouse." [source]

Naturally, I lean toward this regal looking mansion.  As a matter of fact, I do believe that may be one of my cousins sitting here.

But of course, said owner is partial to the ultra modern Cubix.

Visit Best Friend's Home to see their other styles available.

How our dog, Sophie, became a star

Look into my eyes, originally uploaded by alamodestuff.

I was recently accused, by my uncle, of taking more pictures of Sophie than my boys. Lately, that may be true. She is incredibly photogenic (been accused of getting her for that reason, too). I actually have thousands of pictures of the boys but keep them pretty private. The boys are at the age where getting their picture taken conjures up moans, groans, and not-so-photo-friendly-faces.

Sophie, on the other hand, poses happily.

I've been surprised that Sophie has opened a new social door for me. I'm saying hello to other pet owners and striking up conversations from simply seeing a dog being walked. It reminds me of being a new parent and immediately being connected to other new parents because we were pushing a stroller.

[non sequitur but pet related: We lost our beloved crayfish, Larry, yesterday...or the day before...or the day before. Frankly, he lived longer than I had ever imagined he would. E brought him home from school 3 or 4 months ago. E is quite sad and plans a private burial and memorial service after school today.]

We've only had Sophie for a few months and she's already been interviewed twice. Scout, from Dogs Without Blogs, recently interviewed Sophie. You should see this post. Sophie is front and center, sharing her honest and sometimes snarky comments for all the world to see. What a diva!! Next she'll be requesting Evian water and blue M&Ms.

Be sure to check out River Dog Prints (adorable custom printed goods) owned and operated by one of Scout's humans, Cyn. I'm seeing some personalized Sophie stationary in our future!