Life From The Dome

Puppy Style

2011-09-15T01:50:00.002-11:00

Leo and Prudence aren't the only stylish dogs on Etsy. Check out this treasury full of them!

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/OTUyMzAwNHw3MjEyNjI3NjU/stylish-pups

Free Printable Valentines!

2011-02-08T11:24:00.007-11:00

Click the pictures, download and print. I suggest printing them on card stock or cover stock (which is actually heavier) and adding your own touches like glitter, ribbon, buttons, etc.

Some Valentine's Day Inspiration

2011-02-08T06:04:00.002-11:00

Join me on Pinterest! Click the link to see more inspiration.

My Dog is A Nerd

2010-10-17T02:49:00.004-11:00

If Leo was a human he wouldn't be as popular as he is in dog form. He'd be one of those guys that you know is cute under those thick glasses and acne riddled face. One of those guys that gets queasy when he sees deviants misbehaving and as much as he wants to be cool and fit it he must find an adult or authority figure to nark on said rebel rousers.

He would be one of those guys that is extremely sensitive and sits by himself daydreaming and writing poetry. He would get nervous and stutter when he had to speak to a pretty girl. One of those guys that you would love to hang out with but still have the urge to trip him when he walks by.

When I think of Leo I think of Christian Slater's character Mark Hunter in Pump Up the Volume. Quite nerd by day, rebel by night. Although I don't see Leo as a anarchist, foul mouthed DJ. Now I'm dating myself, yes I'm old and I used to have a humongous crush on Christian Slater. My poor Leo, I'm glad he's a dog and not a human child.

And Happy 3rd Gotcha Day my boy. October 17th, 2008 was one of the happiest days of my life.

WIN WIN WIN!!

2010-08-23T02:34:00.004-11:00

Drum roll please . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

And the winner is- Cate from Under The Blanket!

Want to win some earrings?

You can win these antiqued brass finished steel hoops (measure 1.5") with agate flowers. Here's how-

Like us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

If you are already doing one or both of those leave us a comment or retweet or share a post on either.

Each place you follow us and each comment you make will enter you once. In other words follow us on twitter & fb both- 2 entries. Leave comments- 1 entry for each comment.

Make sure to let us know you followed us on Twitter or FB.

I'll draw a winner on Friday the 27th.

The Real Not So Slim Shady

2010-07-04T02:22:00.001-11:00

I have tried the flowery, nice, life is perfect blog posts. I tried to make posts that would inspire, make people like me and hopefully buy things in my Etsy shop. That's not me. I'm not nice, most of the time. I am crafty, but my crafting involves profanity and sometimes things get broken. My life, like most peoples, is very far from perfect. This is why I never post anything. It's extremely hard for me to get all Martha Stewarty. So you're going to get the real life Martha Stewart, disgruntled, angry and greedy. Well, maybe I'm not that bad.
So this is me and my real life. If you don't like it feel free to post your angry comments I always love a good fight and I might just stalk you. :)

Who am I? I am Angelica Lynne Ross. I am 33, argh. I live with my parents, yep I live with my parents. My fiancee (or whatever I decide our relationship is at the time) lives in a barn made into an apartment because my parents won't let him live here. We have been building a geodesic dome for over 5 years, yes 5 years. It was my idea, I guess it was a bad one. I guess I should have agreed to live in a crappy old trailer at least I'd have a house. So I'm stuck living with my parents, who might just be crazier than I am, in a messy house with 2 of my cats, my mother's cat and my dog. My other cat lives with Adam (the fiancee, boyfriend, life partner, pain in my ass). I am a gardener, yes it is a profession. For some reason everyone thinks I clean houses or I don't work at all. I just drive around with weeds and tools in a rack in my crappy truck for the fun of it.

Another important thing to know about me, I don't like children. Really I don't, at all, they make my skin crawl. I love animals. Animals can do whatever they want in my house. Children are not welcome. Yes, that sounds very mean I know.

I like to be alone. I'm an only child. I've led a sheltered life. I have a few friends. I do like to cause hate and discontent with my best bud Ashley B. I have issues, but at least I admit it.

Ok, now we have all of that out of the way I will try to post something interesting, amusing and maybe you all can learn from my mistakes.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Early Spring

2010-05-19T02:49:00.005-11:00

Buy Our Toys, Help Save Lives

2010-05-01T02:15:00.007-11:00

Buy our recycled denim toys and 25% goes to the Humane Society of Knox County in Maine.

The Humane Society of Knox County was founded in 1989. The actual shelter was built in November 1991. The shelter is mainly run by Volunteers with a few paid staff members. They are always over run with mainly cats. They also take a lot of dogs from other over run shelters and from kill shelters in the south.
Knox County Humane Society is a no kill shelter.

Our sweet Josephine (she prefers being called Jo) came from the shelter.

So please help these sweeties out and buy some toys! You're pup will love you for it too. :)
The Smiling Frog Pets

SmilingfrogsPets Goes Brick & Mortar

2010-04-12T04:59:00.002-11:00

We have some of our toys in a brick and mortar shop!

Bark Place Avenue Boutique and Spa are now carrying some of our dog toys! Hopefully we do good and will have more items there in the near future.

Bark Place Avenue Boutique and Spa
130 E. University
Rochester, Michigan

If you're in the area check it out!!

Photo- Bark Plave Ave Boutique & Spa on facebook

Recycle vs. Upcycle

2010-04-11T03:51:00.009-11:00

It’s all well and good to recycle, but even better to upcycle, also known as using re-claimed materials. What is upcycle you ask?
Here’s one of my favorite definitions as defined by The Urban Dictionary “the practice of taking garbage and turning it into frankenstein objects that hippies buy.”
Pretty much it’s making something un-used into a something useful.

You see recycling takes energy, fuel and more materials. Sure you are re-using materials, but you are still polluting in the process. It still takes factories, more materials and resources to make something new from that material.

Ok, so say you have an old shirt that has a hole or stain or just doesn’t fit, but most of the material is still good. Why not re-purpose that material? There are many, many things that can be re-purposed. So the best thing to do, to create a sustainable society? Number one is if you have something that’s in good shape but you no longer have a use for it give it to someone else. That’s what Goodwill and The Salvation Army are for. If the item still has useful parts or material use it for something else. If all else fails, recycle it.

Go Green!!

I also suggest this web site for loads of go green ideas www.treehugger.com.

1. The Preppy Puppy, upcycled dog sweater by The Smiling Frog Pets

2. Tubeway Armies Arm Warmers, by Gaye Adandon

3. Reused Vintage Skirt Tote, by Wordroots

4. Ruffle Paper Bead Necklace, by Hippie Kingdon

5. Recycled Denim Dog Toys, by The Smiling Frog Pets

6. Care Bears Upcycled Dog Hoodie, by The Smiling Frog Pets

7. Lover Boy Owl, by Woolcrazy

Let ME Eat Cake!

2010-02-24T08:32:00.002-11:00

I just wanted to share a yummy, easy recipe for a mocha-ish cake. I didn't actually make it, my mother did. I did however eat quite a bit of it. :)

Coffee-Cocoa Snack Cake

Free Shipping!! Feb. 6th-12th!! Everywhere!

2010-02-08T07:43:00.003-11:00

Valentine's Inspirations

2010-02-04T04:23:00.003-11:00

Etsy Goodness

1. Love Birds Clutch by CutOutAndCollect

2. Valentine Card - City of Love by irenesuchocki

3. Under Lock and Key by Smilingfrogs

4. Neo Victorian Heart Necklace by bionicunicorn

Contest!

2010-01-27T05:02:00.004-11:00

Ok, another quick update!

A Facebook contest!! Win a custom recycled denim ball for your dog child.
Become a fan, leave a comment. Winner will be picked Friday.
Facebook

While your at it fan Prudence & friend Leo Ross! I have no idea how to link facebook stuff so you'll have to look it up. Sorry for my lack of computer skillz. :)

As provided by my right hand girl, Ashley-
Pru's facebook

Leo's facebook

Better late than never!

2010-01-27T04:47:00.004-11:00

Well, it’s a New Year and better late then never for a new blog post!!

New things have been happening in the Etsy shop.

My friend Ashley Bickford has joined us in our crafty endeavors. We are working on a line of small to medium/large sized dog clothes as well as toys and cat toys.

Ashley and I are both proud mothers of smaller sized dogs who require warm, sensible clothing in the winter. This is Maine, little dogs get cold and wet.

Halloween

2009-11-01T12:00:00.005-11:00

Hope everyone had a happy Halloween!

My friend and I took our kids, Leo & Prudence around to show off their costumes.

Pru was a punk ballerina and an adorable one at that. Leo was a sweet Pea.

To make Leo's costume I simply made a sweatshirt (out of old sweatpants) and straight stitched two half pea pod shapes on top of each other to the top. One pea pod I split open and put peas, which are just balls made from another pair of sweatpants, into the pod. I tacked the peas in, but they eventually came un-stitched with all of his wiggling around. This morning I caught him dismembering his costume, he wants the peas.

Leo's is scared of Pru, as well as all other dogs, but they got a lot of attention and pictures taken.

Here is Pru's blog- http://dearprudie.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/happy-howl-o-ween/

Leo was also on The Loyal Biscuit blog- http://loyalbiscuit.wordpress.com/2009/10/31/leo-is-a-sugar-snap-pea/

Josie (Leo's aunt, my mother's cat) also got into the action by sporting some homemade bat wings. She liked them so much we had to fight with her to get them off. I made them from 2 layers of black felt with heavy jewelry wire running through the length of them. I made a harness type thing out of lingerie elastic and sewed it to the underside middle.

Etsy Goodness

2009-10-26T17:15:00.010-11:00

1. String Art Coil Earrings- I admire anyone who can make these earrings. I bought some of these frames and for the life of me I can't figure out how to wrap them right. Love the colors in these. $10.00 and free shipping!

2. HELLO May- Because I always love AshleyG's work.

3. Silver Bobbles- This photo looks like jellyfish in an aquarium.

4. Bobby Pin set- So cute and on sale! Only $9.60

5.Petite Rose Garden The flowers in this necklace are amazing.

I'm back!

2009-10-26T17:12:00.000-11:00

So I got a new notebook, which means I have access to the internet whenever I want. Which means I don't have to fight over a computer with anyone else or attempt to use my slower than death desktop.
So what does that mean? It means I can list more items on Etsy and update this blog more than once a year!

Sales, Sales, Sales

2009-10-24T11:57:00.002-11:00

And for those of you that are still following my non-existent blog I will be posting more soon. Waiting for my new laptop to arrive, which will make having an online presence so much easier. :)

Sweet Irie: Wednesday Feature and Giveaway: Endless Whimsy

2009-03-28T15:29:00.002-11:00

Sweet Irie: Wednesday Feature and Giveaway: Endless Whimsy
Win a kitty sculpture from a fellow Mainer!

Being a smart consumer

2009-03-22T03:36:00.003-11:00

So in my quest to become a smart, eco-conscious consumer I purchased a recycled toothbrush a few days ago.

It's made by a company called Preserve, made from Stonyfield Farms yogurt cups as well as other plastics. After you're finished with it they will send you a pre-paid mailer and you send it back to them to be recycled again into picnic tables, boardwalks and decks. It only cost $3.75, which is fairly cheap considering how much all those fancy toothbrushes cost. I feel better using it. It will be one less thing that goes into the trash can.

Think before you purchase. Can this be recycled when I'm done with it? Do I really need it? How was it made, where and by whom?

Watch The Story of Stuff on YouTube. It'll make you think next time you load up your cart with cheap stuff you don't really need at the store or that dreaded big box (Walmart).

The Story of Stuff

Featured on Etsy's Finds!

2009-03-10T05:20:00.003-11:00

Today I'm featured in Etsy's finds: I Wood, Wouldn't You?

My Woodgrain embroidery, which sold rather quickly :)

I have plenty of other goodies in my shop though and everything is buy 1 get 1 half off!

Giveaway win my pin! Click The Pic :)

2009-03-05T12:24:00.001-11:00

Win a Print From Simply Sarah!

2009-03-04T02:47:00.003-11:00

Win this gorgeous fern print from my Etsy buddy Sarah. Just leave a comment and your email address on her blog.

Wake Up And Live

CHECK THIS OUT!!!!!

2009-03-03T10:14:00.001-11:00

Anthropolification Boyer Cream Cardi GIVEAWAY!!!! GIVEAWAY!!!!

Bunnies, Bunnies, Bunnies

2009-03-03T05:40:00.002-11:00

In celebration of upcoming spring, which in my opinion can’t come soon enough, I made bunnies!!

Most of them are made from vintage materials and trims. They’re kind of flat with one ear and no tails.

I’m working on more tops and bags for the shop too. I’ll be putting some things in my Dawanda shop too.

New Stuff in Shop

2009-02-08T15:59:00.002-11:00

NEW STUFF AND A WHOLE LOT MORE COMING EVERYDAY! :)

Just Some Etsy Awesomeness :)

2009-02-01T03:55:00.003-11:00

I Heart Soap

2009-01-17T04:55:00.021-11:00

I'm not a girly girl. I don't wear makeup, I like clothes but don't like to dress up. I like anything camouflage. My hair is usually a mess. I do love good smelling soap however. No matter how unkempt I usually look I do like to bathe!

Here are some of my favorite places to shop for soap.

Anderson Soap Company

Mini soaps! They are the perfect size for gifts and little guest soaps. I had a lot of them, but Adam got a hold of them and somehow he can use a whole bar in one shower. I'm starting to think he eats it.

I also love their Anise soap, smells like licorice. While I hate licorice I love the smell and you smell like licorice after you use it. I bought Adam some PBR (Pabst Blue Ribbon Soap), which may have not been a good idea. Now his breath and skin smells like cheap beer, bleh!

Adoration Soap

You need to try the Moroccan Fig Soap. Smelled so good I almost ate it!

Ok, this is shampoo not soap, but it's the best shampoo ever! I don't have anymore which is why my hair looks worse than usual.
Gudonya Salty DAWG Creme Shampoo from Gudonya Soap and Spa, LLC

Trillium Soaps

Trillium is a local soap company. They sell their soaps in a lot of local stores and have a store in Rockland.

68 Crescent Street
Rockland, Maine
207-594-5003

At their store you can get bags of soap ends. Last time I knew it was $5 a bag and you get quite a bit of soap. If you don't care how pretty your soap is that is.

Made some sweet new earrings :)

2009-01-13T08:38:00.004-11:00

I got some one part resin or craft lacquer. Anyway last night I made a bunch of earrings with it. They came out so great. I've been scared of using real resin and I really just wanted it to do some little things. This stuff works great. I dreamt all night of things I could do with it. Is that sad?

A few pairs are up in the shop now, the rest will be up later today. :)

New Year's Resolutions

2009-01-12T01:59:00.005-11:00

Well, it's more of a to-do list. I need to truly get my act together this year. All of my resolutions kind of hinge upon each other.

Blog more- Or blog period. I will try at least a few times a week. It's not hard in the winter, but in the summer when I work outside all day and am exhausted by the time I get any internet time it's not easy.

Loose weight- Isn't that every one's resolution? I need to get in shape, eat better and feel better. Then I'll have more energy to do more. A few years ago I lost about 30lbs so I know I can do it. I need to loose that extra 15lbs. When I got out of high school I worked on a veggie farm and I was rugged. I had a 6-pack and I want it back!

Get organized and de-junk. I am a pack rat and I've had enough. I'm weighed down by all my stuff. I don't need it, I'll never use it and it. Being disorganized and messy is a time waster.

Being a more conscious shopper. Also fits in with the de-junk resolution. I like sales and I buy stuff that's really cheap whether I need it or not. While I was hoeing out my bedroom I found shopping bags with brand new things in them, tags still attached.
I am going to try to buy more eco-friendly items, shop at more eco-friendly, consciousnesses stores, buy locally, buy handmade and buy only what I really need. Oh and buy things that are recyclable or re-usable.

I'll think of more later, but those are the main things I'd like to do this year. Oh and finish my house, finally!

Leo is The Loyal Biscuit's Dog of the Blog

2009-01-11T16:09:00.008-11:00

Leo got the Dog of the Blog Award from his favorite local pet boutique The Loyal Biscuit :)

CLICK

Is My Dog Spoiled?

2008-12-17T05:32:00.004-11:00

This is Leo

This is Leo's lunch. He had $8 a lb. sirloin cooked on the BBQ (only way he'll eat it) and steamed organic broccolini with shaved Parmesan cheese. I had leftover spaghetti sauce and macaroni.

So, I'm thinking, maybe I've spoiled him to much? He won't eat reheated food, he will only eat top quality beef. He will eat chicken if it's fresh cooked. He loves cabbage and steamed broccoli (with Parmesan) but only the heads. He loves peas, pea pods and sweet potatoes. Some days I just can't please him though and he gets mad and refuses to eat anything. That's when I have to break out the hot dogs. If he doesn't eat he gets shaky and if he doesn't like what I have to offer he won't eat period. Everyone says "oh he'll eat when he's hungry enough". No he won't he would just assume lapse into a hypoglycemic coma.
So yes, my dog is spoiled. I love him and I will do anything for him. He came from a kill shelter and he got a second chance. He deserves to have a spoiled life. My cats are also spoiled. They love expensive cheese. They're another story :)

2008-11-29T05:54:00.004-11:00

Free shipping in the Etsy shop plus buy 2 get 1 free earrings until the 4th! :)

Plus I am marking everything down to $1 in my supplies shop and lowered the shipping. After everything ends I'm going to start listing any supplies I have in my regular shop. The supplies shop just isn't worth the bother. I'd rather focus on making things.

The bathroom is finished!

2008-11-28T17:49:00.006-11:00

Well, the bathroom is finished, but that's it. I did it almost all myself, had a little help from my father. Only took me 1/2 hour to figure out how to put the molding in. Notice how my lovely water stained my new white bathtub already? Guess we'll have to spend a lot of $$ on a fancy water filtration system. Oh and the walls are supposed to look like old plaster and the wall with the window is crooked because the house it round.

I need a picture or photo though. I was going to put up a small oil painting I did a few years ago, but it's a little too small I think. I do have a painting I hate that I may gesso over and figure something out that would go well in the bathroom.

Next up is what I call my hallway or as close to a hallway as you can get in a dome. I bought orangey yellow paint for the walls and orangey cream paint for the ceiling. Sounds hideous, but it'll work. No one thought my ideas for the bathroom would work, but it all came together. Then comes the kitchen. I'm thinking red cupboards, but I don't know what other colors yet. I'm using recycled cupboards so they require a lot of sanding, patching and painting. Being more makes you creative!

Hopefully this link will work-
Bathroom Video

Promos in the shop!

2008-11-10T04:33:00.002-11:00

Earring Promo
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

Promos are now in the Etsy shop. In it are a few business cards to share and a free shipping coupon good on both of our Etsy shops. They're only $1 and free shipping. I'll be adding more later.

Also new stuff! We will be adding new jewelry, belts, clothes, bags and more every week!

Free shipping, get it while it lasts!

Proud To Be An American

2008-11-05T02:46:00.002-11:00

I have been pretty disappointed in America and humans in general for quite a while. Today I have hope in human kind. I was proud as I watched President elect Obama's speech last night. I have never been interested enough to watch an acceptance speech before. I watched as people cheered and cried. People of every race, every religion and every sexual preference together. It was America as it should be. To listen to a man that doesn't trip on his own words unlike what we have now. Bush was amusing but it saddened me to see such an ignorant man in such a high power.

I was shocked and scared by the amount of McCain/Palin supporters. I was scared that we would get McCain because of people's prejudiced to an African American president, with a Muslim name. This is a victory for the underdog, the unsung. I grew up in a, thankfully, gender and race neutral household, but the rest of my family was very racist and fairly sexist. I grew up naive and colorblind as a child should. I grew up thinking I was a person, not a white woman. I was shocked when I grew up and faced the prejudices people still have against women and people of other races. I thought we had come a long way, I guess I was wrong. I now feel we have made progress. I can only imagine how much hope people of color have today.

Congratulations Mr. President! I know you and your family will do America proud! I look forward to change we need it now more than ever.

Leo as Romeo

2008-11-03T07:30:00.002-11:00

Leo
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

This is Leo as Romeo. Leo is quite the Renaissance man.
It took me 5 hours to make that horrid fully lined coat. The shirt wasn't as bad, but was way to big around the neck, so was the coat. Leo has to wear a big size because he's long, but he's very skinny.

Have to make him some more t-shirts for winter and a few sweatshirts. Took me a while to perfect a pattern for him.

He didn't feel so good on Halloween though on account of having a rabies shot in the morning. No more shots for 3 years though, yay! He's happy I've decided on no vaccines except rabies, but doesn't think it's fair the cats don't get any shots at all.

FREE EARRINGS

2008-09-29T06:29:00.003-11:00

FREE EARRINGS
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

Win these earrings!

All you have to do is leave your email address. On October 11th I will randomly select a winner. While your here I hope you'll take a look around and check out my Etsy shop.

These are also available for sale in the shop!

new goodies coming

2008-09-27T04:47:00.002-11:00

new goodies coming
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

Lots of new goodies coming I promise. I'm trying to get back into the swing of crafting. I hope I can get sewing again too. My summer gardening job is slowing down, it was a busy summer. I've also been working hard on my house. I have to say I will miss summer, but it will be good to make stuff again and concentrate more on my house.

I will be having some contests to win goodies too so check back :)

Etsy Shop iadornu

2008-09-23T10:23:00.003-11:00

I should have posted this a long time ago, but I've been slacking a lot lately.

Quite a few months ago I traded some supplies from my supply shop with idornu (aka Mary Beth).

She sent me this necklace and one with a robin in it, which I don't have a picture of and another pretty pendant. Her stuff is so gorgeous and creative. I use the same findings I sell and I always find it so interesting to see what others do with the same findings.

So check out her shop, here's a sampling.

Bathroom

2008-09-08T13:17:00.002-11:00

Bathroom
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

Work in progress. I know the pictures aren't too exciting. I'm about finished now with the bathtub. I was 3 tiles short on the outside. Right now I'm painting, then I'll grout.

Never buy Lowe's Velspar paint! It's crap! It doesn't cover, it's streaky and the eggshell is very shiny. Not to mention the paint guy has no idea what he's talking about. He tried to tell me eggshell was shiny and satin wasn't. What? I have painted and bought paint before. I painted one coat of paint, which ended up being way to dark for the room (that was my bad). I think it would take about 5 coats to truly cover the wall though. The paint is shiny and still tacky! I painted it at 4pm yesterday. So if and when it ever dries I have some Sherwin Williams paint in a light blue to go over it with. 2x as much $$, but far less of a headache. I just hope it covers it and sticks to that crap. I am a little annoyed.

I will post pics when I do more. I have a lot more to do, but it's getting there.

Featured on Spotted On Etsy!

2008-08-20T15:10:00.002-11:00

The Smiling Frog is being featured on Spotted On Etsy and if you leave a comment you will be entered to win a pair of my earrings! :)

Pouches & More! :)

2008-08-10T06:47:00.002-11:00

pouches
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

Matryoshka Pouch

This was my first attempt at this style pouch and it came out perfect. My first attempt at this machine embroidered applique too. I will change the colors next time. I running pretty low on rayon thread colors though, so that doesn't help.

This one is made from a curtain weight fabric that I think I got from Goodwill. It's so vintage looking, not sure if it is though. I lined this one with a floral print and added a bunch of vintage buttons to one side.

I added awesome vintage embroidered ribbon to this one and a birdie applique. I love the background fabric. I've had it for years and haven't wanted to cut into it. I think the birds a little dark, but I still like it.

This is more fabric that I think I got from Goodwill. I will cry when this is gone. It has birds on it. I added some vintage twill tape. I think this is my fave.

Here's the inside. I'll be nice and share where I found the instructions to make these. It's such an easy method and looks so professional.

http://www.splityarn.com/split_yarn/2007/06/sew_a_zippered_.html

I have a bizilion 8" zippers so mine are sized a little different. Just adjust it to whatever size zipper you have.

Oh, and here is a hat with some super awesome vintage, printed, Goodwill corduroy.

And Leo sporting some too big leg warmers :)

The pouches will eventually be in the shop. Putting everything on sale now to clean out :)

Trade from paperwaits

2008-07-21T03:26:00.002-11:00

Trade from paperwaits
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

I traded some earrings for these goodies from paperwaits (aka Too Many Trinkets)

Two beautiful pendants and two gorgeous pairs of earrings. I have been admiring her shrink plastic work for a while and her artwork of course. Check her out!

Here's what I traded

Some Lovelies From Etsy and More

2008-07-13T08:00:00.003-11:00

Well, I've been working for the past few days. Working my gardening job that is. I made a few new things for the shop. I hope it rains at some point so I can have a craft day and the plants really need it.

Anyway I'm back off to work this afternoon. Still having BOGO earrings in the shop so don't miss out.

Here are some lovelies that I wish I could purchase!

My House Update

2008-07-10T03:14:00.002-11:00

My creation
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

Well, I haven't posted any pics of my house in a long time. Mainly because it's been 5 years working on it and I'm a little ashamed I don't live in it yet. Everyone is discouraged and no one has been working on it. It doesn't help that we never seem to agree on things. So if anyone wants to provide me with some encouragement, please do so. I need a kick in the butt! Obviously Adam isn't going to work on it anymore so I'll have to finish it.

Anyway here are some pictures. I need to find pictures of the radiant heat in the cellar floor before the cement was re-poured. It's really amazing to see.

Summer :)

2008-07-08T02:08:00.002-11:00

Summer :)
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

I got a new camera!! I asked for money for my B-day so I could get one. I so wanted a DSLR, but they are so expensive. Eventually I'll get a Canon Rebel XT, for now I settled with a Sony Cyber-shot. It takes beautiful pictures though even inside with no flash. So I can blog more now since I don't have to borrow a camera to take pictures.

Here's some garden pics and a few of plants in my greenhouse :)

The Key To The Secret Garden

2008-07-01T00:51:00.002-11:00

The Key To The Secret Garden
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

We're adding a whole lot more to the shop this week. Check out some of the vintage goodies we found!

There's more than you see here too.

I found some sweet vintage fabric I plan to make at least 1 hat out of too and hopefully some grocery bags. :)

The Smiling Frog

Been making rings like mad~ take a look!

2008-06-19T04:43:00.002-11:00

Anastasia Ring
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

The first one has a lot of faux pearls and vintage looking beads. My mother said it looks like old clip on earrings her great grandmother had.

This one has some vintages looking coin charms and flower beads.
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This one has a lot of wooden beads, some glass beads and charms. I had to add filigree bead caps to most of the wooden beads because the holes were so big headping slid right through.

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Lots of glass flowers, leaves and some charms.

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This one ended up looking like a little mini wedding bouquet. Silver charms glass flowers and leaves and a few faux pearls with pretty silver bead caps.

I'll post more as a make them. I loaded up on the ring bases. I'll take a picture of the ring base so you can see what it looks like.

All in the Etsy shop!

New Stuff Coming! :)

2008-05-29T02:44:00.005-11:00

vintage black posie earrings
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

We have new jewelry coming made from vintage parts! Here's a preview!

and a new hat!

New Stuff Up In Shop

2008-05-16T03:42:00.007-11:00

deer cameo messenger bag
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

I cleaned a lot of earrings out of the shop with the BOGO earrings deal. So I'm getting to work putting some new stuff in and taking new and better pics of the older stuff.

Here's a bag my mother made. The applique was my idea. I think it's so cute! I adore the vintagey looking fabric.

We have a bigcartel store now too. I opted for the free version for now so we only have 5 items at once. If we actually sell things I'll get the paid version. Trying to spread out beyond Etsy.

http://smilingfrogs.bigcartel.com

Going to see if I can get our web site address back too - smilingfrogs.com. I think it will just be a link page with places to find us.

Anyway that's all for now. Have to work putting in sign posts for the town today, then will hopefully get some more things made. :)

Etsy
Buy Handmade
smilingfrogsupplies

I Made Etsy's Front Page!!

2008-05-13T13:34:00.004-11:00

Wooo! I made Etsy's front page!! Came home from work, checked Etsy and there my Dew the Dew Earrings were! Made from Mountain Dew boxes. Now more people want them, that was my last pair, so I'll have to buy some soda tomorrow. Was trying to loose weight :(

Worked with my father today putting a culvert in a driveway and spreading crushed rock in two driveways. I got to try my hand at grading a driveway with the tractor. I am hoping I can do more in my father's business. He does landscape construction, but has a serious back injury. A car lift at Shepard Nissan (yes I will say the name because people should know what they're all about) fell on him 25 years ago. He had 2 failed back surgeries and has been going downhill since. A neurosurgeon is very surprised he can even walk. Unfortunately there isn't much that can be done medically for him and even if there was he could never afford it. He can't do much in his business anymore, but no one would hire him anywhere else since someday's he can't do anything at all. Anyway it's pretty depressing for everyone and I live in constant fear that my parents will loose their house.

Plus I pulled something I believe while attempting to do a sideways sit-up. The whole left side of me feels like I was kicked repeatedly. My ribs, my neck, it hurts to breathe. Consequently I was popping asprin all day long. Now my ears are ringing and my head feels weird. Is that what aspirin does?

On a happier note the fruit trees are in full bloom! I'll try to get some pictures tomorrow.
Here's Etsy's front page from this afternoon!

New Goodies Available In The Shop!

2008-05-01T17:54:00.003-11:00

Available On Etsy!

reversible patchwork hat
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

Reversible patchwork hat

One side is olive green corduroy with vintage buttons the other has random patchwork on every other section. I was going to do the other side in a calico, but I figured it needed some corduroy to stabilize it. I really don't want to have to put interfacing in any of my hats.
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Reversible paisley hat

One side a pretty cotton calico. I love this fabric it looks so vintage. The other I appliqued a paisley and added a lot of fancy stitching. I am loving my Brother embroidery/sewing machine.
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Rings- I found these adjustable rings at Fire Mountain Gems. They have two rows of rings you can attach beads too. The second ring came out better. I added larger beads, which seems to fill it in and make it less floppy.
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Reversible Dandelion Hat-

I finally used this cute dandelion fabric I got in a huge bag of fabric from Goodwill. I made a dandelion applique on the corduroy side.
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Earrings- on a flower earring kick

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Just a few of the 30 something pairs of stud earrings I made-

We're on Dawanda!

2008-04-28T17:29:00.001-11:00

Items now available at Dawanda

I'll post some pics of new stuff soon!

Buy Stuff :)

2008-04-15T16:42:00.003-11:00

Spring is here!

2008-04-14T16:24:00.002-11:00

Robin shadow
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

Spring is here! How can I tell? Birds are flying around like crazy and hitting the windows.

This robin hit my bedroom window a few days ago, tummy first. He was just a little stunned. Stunned enough to let me photograph, pat and of course kiss him. I kiss every animal, bird or lizard I can get my lips on. I need help I know.

New Shop Items

2008-04-11T03:11:00.001-11:00

Reversible Birdie and Buttons Hat
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

ALL AVAILABLE ON ETSY!

Other side of hat

Another hat

Reverse side

Some earrings

All available on Etsy

Leo

2007-10-24T03:32:00.003-11:00

Leo
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

For those of you who don't know my sweet Gunny passed away last month. His cancer had obviously spread through his whole body. Our last month together was great though. I took him to the holistic vet every week and it helped a little, but it was too little too late.

If I have to go through this again I will start with the holistic route first and do chemo as a last resort. It was a long, expensive, sleepless and well worth while 7 month fight. He went through a lot, surgery, chemo, lots of doctors visits, lots of medicines and supplements. Through it all he remained a happy little puppy. He still acted like a pup, not a 13 year old cancer ridden dog.

And with all that said I love you my pup, but the show must go on and there is an empty spot in our house and hearts.

So... let me introduce Leonardo Miguel Ross, AKA Leo. He is a pup that was saved by someone in Louisiana. He is coming to Maine on Saturday and I will be picking him up in Biddeford. He is a Rat-Cha or Chi-Rat, they think. His mother is a Chihuahua anyway and his father may or may not be a Rat Terrier. Hopefully he's not a little brat, but all of my animals are little brats anyway!

Bustle Bird Skirt On Etsy

2007-10-24T03:24:00.002-11:00

Bustle Bird Skirt
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

My mother made this. Soo cute! The softest, thin, baby corduroy, drawstring bustle back, flat front, big birdie applique.
More pics- http://www.smilingfrogs.etsy.com

Daisy Chains Earrings

2007-10-24T03:18:00.001-11:00

Daisy Chains Earrings
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

Some new earrings I will be putting on Etsy. I promise I will be updating the blog more often and get some pics of my geodome soon.

Gunny Update

2007-08-09T00:27:00.002-11:00

Gunny went to the oncologist Tuesday, it wasn't all good news. Monday night as I was bathing him I felt a lump in his groin. He had two fatty cysts removed from there before. I was hoping that's what it was, but I had a bad feeling about it.

Anyway I told the doctor. She said it's his lymph node and the one above it was also enlarged. These are the two that were about the one he had removed a few months ago. The surgeon said the one about it was slightly enlarged, but hard to get at.

The oncologist said good news is he's in perfect health other than that. His heart sounds good, chest x-rays are clear, blood work is excellent. She took an aspiration of the lymph node and we should have the results today. If it is cancer we have options and plenty of time to try a few. So
I am trying not to panic. I believe this month makes 6 months since diagnosis.

I have to get him to the holistic vet, but I just don't have the money to do it. The last resort in treatment is radiation. He would have to have it 5 days a week for 3 weeks and he'd have to have it done in Massachusetts. I'd have to take him there, that would be hard on all of us and more money than we have.

I'll do what I have to do though to keep my little boy here. So please I am begging you all to look at our Etsy shop and web site and buy something!

mod flower skirt

2007-08-05T00:41:00.002-11:00

mod flower skirt 2
Originally uploaded by the_smiling_frog

This is a skirt I bought at Goodwill. It is so cute, doesn’t fit me quite right though L . I was going to make these big flowers with embroidery around the edges and in the middles. Then I started cutting out circles and liked that better. I used grosgrain ribbon for the stems. I had to add the butterfly because I discovered a grease stain there, even though after I washed it I though it was stain free! Came out pretty cute if I do say so myself and it’s for sale on my web site .

Finally logged in!

2007-08-05T00:05:00.000-11:00

What is wrong with this thing? I can never sign in, the links at the top of the page don't work. Glad I don't have to pay for this.

Anyway I'll get some pics up soon of some things I made and my house.

I'm working on my cellar floor. Just finished filling in the cracks where the cement shifted. We're going to pour an epoxy floor.

Gunny was sick or something on Friday. He started panting really hard and I thought he was going to die. He had a low grade temp so I called the vet and got antibiotics. Of course she suggested chest x-rays to see if the cancer has spread. He was much better yesterday and probably completely back to himself today so I really don't think that's what the problem is.
It's been very muggy here for about a week, plus his chemo is probably kicking in again, and I think he may have an ear infection. Hopefully that's it. He goes to the oncologist Tuesday. Last time he got a great report, the mass was much smaller and the oncologist said he looks great. He's getting fat though, so that doesn't help in the heat.

Today is the Ross family reunion at my great aunt's on Holiday Beach. Hopefully it stays cool!

Happy Belated B-Day Gunny!

2007-05-11T05:18:00.001-11:00

A pic of my pup's 13th birthday in April. He's impatiently waiting for cake. Notice his spiffy bandana and Old Navy Dog tee.

Rainy day

2007-05-11T04:13:00.001-11:00

Yep it's a rainy day, but I guess the plants need it. At least my half dead plants I just put outside that spent the winter in the dome need it.
We have a robin family that set up house in our Rhododendron out front of the dome. So we have to quietly sneak by them. Although this morning my mother's cat ran up to the tree to get a closer look.
I will get some pics up very soon.
I would like to take my dog out in the woods for a walk, but it was pouring out and thundering a few minutes ago.
Gunny (the dog) had his second round of a new kind of chemo yesterday and I think it's made him tired. He slept from 10pm to 10am when I finally made him get up and take his meds and supplements.
Guess I'll go find some inside activities to do. I really should be sewing!