Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Collections, collections

I am super honored to have a Christmas bandana included in an all-Texas ArtFire collection! 
It's always an nice pat on the back when your fellow crafters and artisans appreciate what you make. SonoraKaysCreations has put together an awesome collection of handmade gift ideas for under $20 - check it out here. 
Take a look, rate the collection - you might even find a perfect gift for someone!

Now its back to my English paper....wish me luck!

Monday, November 29, 2010

Holy cow where did November go?!?

Sheesh, I can't believe it's almost December! Mainly because I have a paper due on Dec. 3rd, and it was stuck in my mind that is NEXT week. Not 4 days from now. Oh well...the end of the semester is always a bit hectic. I'll get through it somehow.

Today's Spotlight on Handmade is a clean one!   Adorable Christmas soaps with a lovely mosiac of greens and reds will look beautiful in your bathroom or kitchen.


They are a blend of spearmint, peppermint and eucalyptus oils, and to make it even more awesome they are on sale right now! Run and open Belle Journee's store right now!  These soaps are also vegan friendly, so if you need a gift for a vegan co-worker, hairdresser, etc take a look at all of the goodies in her store.

<3, Michelle & Dougal

Monday, November 22, 2010

Safety tip on using a dremel to trim nails..

I was talking to a dog groomer at the dog park the other day, and I mentioned that I was scared to use a dremel on my dog's nails. My guys have furry paws and legs, and I'm always worried that the dremel will grab some hair.


She had an awesome solution - old pantyhose! Slide it on the paw, so the nails stick out but the all the fur is contained. Absolutely brilliant - I will have to try this once I get a dremel.

Of course, you still want to go very slowly and take just a little at a time off. Can't wait to try this out though. If I am not nervous, then the dogs won't be nervous either.

<3, Michelle & Dougal

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Sweet Santa Stocking!



Here is the first of my Spotlight on Handmade series!  I seriously adore this sweet Santa stocking!




 It's perfect for a funky retro vibe, classic Christmas or any Santa lover on your list. Best of all it's handmade by a fabulous craftsperson on Artfire, Bebe Sniklefritz! See this stocking and the rest of her lovely goods at 

<3, Michelle & Dougal

 

Handmade Christmas

It seems the older I get, the more I appreciate handmade items, especially during the holidays.  In my 20's, flush with career success I would decorate via department stores. It felt wonderful to look at a tree and say "I want mine to look exactly like that!" and buy all the decorations right there.

Times have changed, and so have I.  I want my tree and my home, to be unique. The thought of someone walking into my home and thinking " oh she got decorations from Dillards/Macys/Penneys" is horrifying.


Its a bit late, but I will be showcasing a few really cool items, mainly found on Artfire and Etsy from now until Christmas. Maybe you will love something so much you just have to have it, or maybe it will inspire you to make something of your own this holiday season.

<3, Michelle & Dougal

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Two New Bandana fabrics released today!

Christmas Sweets
Two new Christmas Bandanas available today! Christmas Sweets and Penguins! I love the penguins all bundled up in scarves against the chilly wind, and those candies instantly remind me of Christmas at my grandmothers, and the ribbon hard candy she always had in a crystal box.

Now available at Dougal's Doo Rags

 
Penguins

Saturday, November 13, 2010

All I want for Christmas....

is to get snipped!    Yes, the time has come to "alter" Dougal.  He's hiking his leg up, and displayed some pretty inappropriate urges at the dog park today. My little boy is growing up!  I'll probably have it done around the first of the year, before school starts and I can take a day or two off work to keep an eye on him.  With my previous terriers, they always say to keep them quiet for a week or so, and quite frankly that is just not possible without constant crating.

 Scout needs to get fixed as well, so I think if I can coordinate it with the roomie to have them both done at the same time, that would help in their recovery.  If they both feel miserable, maybe they won't play as hard. That's my thought process anyways.

I'm waiting a little longer to have Dougal fixed than I have my past dogs, but he is so sweet that I wanted him to have a little more "man bonding" time with Scout to pick up some habits. Now that he can kickstand with the best of them, I need to start looking for a vet I feel comfortable with for the surgery.

Cheer up little brown dog, you get to keep your man bits for Christmas!  That New Year's gift will be a doozy though. : )

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Winter is coming.....

eventually! Woke up to 38 degrees here in Texas, but it warmed up quickly to 66 today. Dougal and Scout played outside for a bit, but preferred to snuggle in a blanket on the couch for most of the day.  I will be premiering a new product in the next few days - the Kitteh Kozy - a catnip mat that is microwaveable so your favorite feline can snuggle something warm and tasty!  Stay warm today, and enjoy the crisp feel to the air.

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Welcome to Dougal's Doo Rags

Good morning world!  I'm Michelle and I am owned by two terriers, Dougal and Scout. Dougal thought he needed a blog, so here we are.

Why would an 8 month old Cairn Terrier puppy need a blog, you ask? Well, Dougal is pretty grumpy and thinks some really funny stuff.  I swear he's an old man in a puppy suit.  Also, he is the spokesdog and muse for Dougal's Doo Rags.  I make dog bandanas, or dog scarfs as some of you like to call them, catnip pillows and more. I'm working on costumes and coats, but don't hold your breath waiting for them.

In addition to my duties as Dougal's keeper, I am also a full time student, part time serving wench at a local country club and much more.  I hope you check back with us from time to time to see what Dougal is up to, or what cool bandanas and toys we have for your Best Friend.

<3, Dougal, Scout and Michelle