Faucet Rack

Yesterday I finished a project I've had in the works for years. A long time ago I found these faucet hooks, and knew I would use them to great effect. Our laundry room/mud room has been in need of sturdy hooks for the dog leashes. I saved a few pieces of the wooden pallet my kiln was delivered on, thinking I would use them for something.

Combining all the parts, plus a few screws and a molly bolt (most of the screws went into studs), and ta da! we have a faucet rack!

The hooks accommodate the leashes nicely, and I can even hang my saddle bag.

I'm pretty pleased with the results, and feel justified in holding onto the faucet hooks for so long, waiting for their perfect purpose. I'm also thrilled that I was able to repurpose some of the pallet, to which I have an irrational sentimental attachment.

Sacked Out

So happy to be home.

Reunited

The pups were just as happy to come home as we were. Above is Angel sitting in the front, since there isn't any room with Mato and his tongue in the back, below.

Angel has a habit of "huffing" the air conditioning. I don't know whether to worry about that or not.

Mato had to roll all over the bed to make sure he was really home.

It's nice to have the whole family together again.

Shop Crush: Native Vermont

I have a new shop crush. I have noticed the shop's pieces before, and even recognized the brand over time. I have mentioned the shop on my blog before. But a few days ago, I found myself browsing the shop, and I had to do a full post on nativevermont.

It may have been Ryan Fowler's treatment of dogs that first caught my eye. By now we all know I am a sucker for dogs, especially Labradors. Aren't these just the perfect depictions of the outdoorsy breed? I also love how the pieces are advertisements.

This simple maple leaf channels Vermont's reputation for stunning autumn display, which speaks directly to my affinity for the season.

And how cool are these bears? Again, the leaf and advertising themes, plus the assonance of Leaf Peeper makes it even better. And you can't tell me you don't want to join this black bear for a swim. If polar bears are your thing, nativevermont has you covered. I can't get over the fantastic colors and texture in these pieces. I would love to know more about his process. From what I can tell in the shop, the originals are made on canvas with a combination of collage and painting techniques. I have a soft spot for foxes, too. They are, after all, practically dogs. The fox below is so charming I think he and his crow friend with mistletoe would look great all year 'round.

And this chilly fella with a snowy background would be equally welcome in my home, no matter the time of year.

All of the nativevermont pieces speak to that little girl inside me who used to run through the woods, and considered the outdoors a second home. This Lake Dunmore piece takes me back to memories I'll have for the rest of my life.

I'm sure many of you will recognize this whale, as I've seen him on the Etsy front page a number of times. The listing references the story the artist heard from a friend about a whale encounter on a kayaking trip. These are the kinds of details you just can't replicate with mass-produced art, right?

The nativevermont shop also offers typography collages that can be personalized. These remind me of the bus rolls and other word art I've previously blogged about. Be sure to check out all the fonts nativevermont has available. I see from the shop announcement that nativevermont is traveling and moving its studios currently, so if you make an order, it may be a little while before your original can be sent (but prints will be sent right away - yay!). I just couldn't wait to share the shop with you, though. I love the subject matter and the recognizable style - they hit just the right spot.

Art For Dogs

I knew I had to do a post about this shop as soon as I saw it. I've done posts on decorating with dogs, but what about decorating FOR dogs? Wouldn't your hounds love some artwork that fit their tastes? Run over to straydogarts and fetch a Kong or tennis ball. There is a whole section of Art For Dogs. Sniff around the website, too. Meanwhile, I'll be looking for the perfect spot on the wall... maybe above the leash rack in the mudroom...

Evening Family Portrait: Early March

Earl Grey

Yesterday I came home to such a delightful surprise. A coyote named Jean-Luc had traveled all the way from Michigan to see me! I suppose I shouldn't have been surprised that such a curious explorer would travel so far. It seems that though he is often traversing uncharted territory, he doesn't mind sitting down to a cup of tea. Earl Grey. Hot. I'm so charmed I just had to make it so. He has a handsome, inquisitive face, cocked at just the right angle to demonstrate his intelligence, courage, and command.

And I just love his tail, don't you?

Jean-Luc has a special place in my heart, and I have told him that he may stay with me in between his trips afar. We can sit back, have some Earl Grey, talk about new worlds and civilizations, and archaeology, and settle in to read some detective novels. Just to pass the time before he must be on his way again; he is a wanderer at heart. To find your own furry friend, visit everyeskimo. She has critters of the canine, ursine, and elaphine varieties, and more. I promise you'll find a friend who will squeeze into your heart. Their sweetness and the detailed biographical information gives these guys such personality.

I Met Someone At The Dog Show

New at Three Potato Four. This bulldog reminds me of a certain maniac dog I know...

(Bonus points if you know where I got the title for this post.)

Banish Gloom, Spread Joy - With Dog Decor

I recently bought two vintage magazine ads for dog food. I think I am going to frame them in simple black frames, and hang them in the pantry above the bin of dog food. The cocker spaniel and basset hound are perfect models in the first ad. And I am a sucker for large breed dogs, so this St. Bernard begged to come home with me, too.

These vintage ads satisfied too many of my perpetual hankerings (dogs, vintage, funny vintage...) to leave in the antique shop.

Mud Run Hollow

Someday I will have a fence around my yard. And my dogs will run freely in the yard. And it will become a mud pit. And I will wish I had bought this fantastic vintage sign from Three Potato Four to mount on the fence.

Coasting into the Shop

I have another batch of slate coasters, almost ready to be listed for the shop. I'm also working on some marble and travertine trivets - in the past I've only had slate trivets. So I'm excited about expanding my horizons there.

I couldn't do it without my trusty assistants...

Scotties

The Scottie story:

This morning, one of my dogs got loose. My husband called me, and since I was only a few minutes away from home, I turned around and came back home to help corral her. Apparently the situation had been complicated by two Scottie dogs who appeared, distracting our dog.

I went inside, grabbed a harness and leash, and a fistfull of dog treats.

When my dog saw me, she ran straight at me, and I was able to get her harness attached to her and give her a few treats. The Scotties came along, too, so they also got treats. I asked my husband where he found these two little guys, and he said they just showed up. I had never seen them before, and I keep pretty close track of all the dogs in our neighborhood.

Neither of them had a collar on, so there were no tags to check.

It has been raining and very muddy lately, so these two were very wet, and very dirty. They even had leaves and large burs stuck in their previously well-groomed coats. They had obviously been traveling through the woods.

Since I had no clue as to where these two came from, and no one was emerging from the neighboring homes to claim them, I escorted them to our house, grabbed my keys and loaded them up in the car.

We drove to the Prince William County animal shelter.

They were both exhausted from their roaming adventure so far, and while one curled up on my leather jacket in the passenger seat, the other laid on my left leg and rested his head on the car door. Both of them slept for most of the trip. I guess Scottie legs aren't meant for long distance travel.

I dropped them off, and was relieved to find out that they were both micro-chipped, so it was likely that their owner would be found. I took down the numbers assigned to them so I could periodically check in on them. Realizing that I was way too muddy to go to work, I went back home to quickly change clothes. As I was leaving again, I noticed a woman driving a mini-van very slowly through the neighborhood. Suspecting I knew why, I followed her and pulled along next to her when she pulled over to let me pass. "Are you looking for two dogs?" She replied, "YES!" "Scottie dogs?" "YES!" I told her that I had found them, that they were wet and dirty, but that they were safe and I had brought them to the shelter. She was quite relieved, and directly to go pick them up. Later, when I came home from work, I found a note and two flower baskets on my porch.

I am so glad they got to go back to their loving home. They do live in my neighborhood, though quite a ways away, and had broken the gate at around 7:00 this morning. I have a bit of a reputation for finding lost dogs... the last one was a pitbull puppy whose owner I found after bringing him into the office with me for the day. I don't think I see any more lost dogs than anyone else, I just think that I stop for them more often. And it helps to keep dog treats in the glove compartment, just in case...