Craft With May

Hey all- over at www.fiskarscrafts.com we do weekly ‘downloads’ every other month. All kinds of crafting, and in a format that you could save to your computer or print if ya want! Scrapbook layouts, techniques, jewelry, sewing, paper crafts, cards…it’s different every time! I love working behind the scenes on these, but today I’m the one sharing my ideas.

http://www.fiskarscrafts.com/projects/t_feb09download.aspx 

Yes, there’s a page with our (almost) dog Minnie in there… it was made on the 3rd day she was here. Guess I need to do a second page that says “and then she was not our dog” or “dog for a week” or something. Not now though- don’t want to do a downer page!

Anyhow, you can check it out at that above link- 3 new layouts with the fabulous Fiskars goodies just for you! I’ve got a few random stickers (new CHA) like some that I used in the download- if you’d like to win just leave a comment here!

scrapbooking in season has started – AND BPS is giving 1 free seat away right now! (plus you can check 3 layouts that are in class…)

http://bigpicturescrapbooking.typepad.com/scrap_big/2009/01/layouts-galore.html

First off the winners from my last post: Syeda (stamp/oval punch) and Amy Harle e-mail me (mflaum (at) comcast.net to claim your prizes! congrats!!

#2: Well the dog didn’t work out. It’s sad, but she was very high maintenance and nobody was going to be real happy since either she was going to have to be penned up a lot, or my kids were going to be neglected. (sigh) But it’s ok.  I was real sad yesterday to take her back… but it is for the best.

#3: Scrapbook In Season starts today!! you can still sign up at www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com – come join us! It’s so fun- I’m way excited! I’ll be posting a layout here this weekend featuring product from the sponsor of this week’s class prize: Cosmo Cricket! That’s right- each week one of my fave companies is sponsoring a prize or two. FUN!

Ok, well I’ve got to go get caught up on a bunch of stuff- see you soon!

#1: My new on-line class with BPS starts THURSDAY! (check it here: http://www.bigpicturescrapbooking.com/seasons.php ) It’s going to be so much fun- I’ve got prizes to give away every week (yep- for real!) + we’re having 2 crops, there are 14 handouts total… oh yes- it’s going to be so much scrap-tastic fun! There’s still time to get signed up- I am getting SO EXCITED! Speaking of class- I’ve got a sort of seasonal mess on my desk and I think I’m going to use it for my next layout as inspiration. See-

Cute- no? I’m way into the ladybugs (Heidi Grace) and I’m trying to decide what photos I want to scrap.

#2: want to win this SWEET punch just released today at CHA?

#3: Or how about these stamps that coordinate with this punch?

Just leave a comment here with which prize you’d like to win and you’ll be entered! I’ll draw a winner on Tuesday or Wednesday… good luck and happy crafting!

I know there are good reasons for getting a purebred dog from a reputable breeder, and I know from firsthand experiences that some rescue groups/shelters STINK. Yes, some of them do have crazy hoop jumping and rules that make even me- the die hard “rescue!” dog girl irritated.

That said, if you’re looking for a pet for heavens sake go down to the shelter, contact local groups, and try your hardest to give a home to a dog in need.

Our dog Jake (may he rest in peace) was a dog nobody was adopting until I fell in love with him and convinced my fiancee to let him come home. I can promise you no dog could have been better or more of a champion than him. In fact, I’ve had a really awful six months since he died. I still get teary eyed just thinking about and missing Jake and while I know nobody will ever be him, I also know that somewhere a dog needs us as much as we need a dog. My friends it is that thought that has me hopeful for a new furry friend at last.

Yes, it is important to do your homework and know what you’re getting into. You need to figure out what will and won’t work for you. Excessive shedding? bad with kids? loads of slobber? A dog like that wouldn’t be happy with us. But there are breeds that would, and the search has been narrowed. Oh- there was the day I was begging for this bulldog mix puppy, and another for this Bernese mountain dog mix… neither of which could have worked. Since I have done my homework in addition to a lifetime of having dogs I didn’t let my fantasy get past ‘oooh she’s so cute!’ and we all were saved from a bad match.

But there are dogs just right for us. In fact,  I’ve been working with a breed rescue group and waiting for the right dog for us. A purebred rescue is a new thing for me- and while some of them aren’t very open to actually adopting their dogs (it sounds crazy- but I swear some groups would rather leave all dogs in foster homes!)  I’ve been very blessed to find one that is FABULOUS, and in fact tomorrow we might just be meeting with a dog just right for us.

Wish us luck…