A blog devoted to the cards I make in my tiny upstairs space. When my sister stays there, she calls it an "artist's garret". I'm not an artist, but am an enthusiastic cardmaker - hence the title "Cardmaker's Garret".
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Friday 3 August 2018

Dog and Christmas Tree

How's everyone doing with getting Christmas cards made ahead of the rush?  The CAS Christmas Challenge is one way to inspire you.  This month the theme is Tree


There is lots of inspiration from the Design Team and our August Guest Designer, Barb (Barb's Studio Creations).  You have until August 24th to link up your card.

I went with a Penny Black image of a spaniel-like dog smiling up at a Christmas tree.


It's stamped and watercoloured, then trimmed with a wonky-stitched die and popped up on fun foam on a red cardbase.

I chose this stamp in honour of my dear old English Cocker Spaniel, Will, who died at the ripe old age of 14 on July 12th.  I'm missing that quirky loving dog so much after having in my life for all those years.  But he'd been declining and he made it pretty clear that he was ready to go so the vet came to my house and we sent him off easily and peacefully.   I like to think of him somewhere running on a beach with his sister Shea who died 3 years ago.  You can see the two of them in my photo on the sidebar.  And here's a lovely photo of just Will in his younger days:


And one taken just a few months ago by Loll Thompson's very talented son-in-law.  Note Will's very grey face - still a handsome boy though:


So I watercoloured the dog on my card in similar colours to Will.  Those of you who have pets, go and give them a hug - sadly they never live as long as we'd like them to, and they leave big holes in our lives when they go.





Supplies:
Stamps - Penny Black image, Impression Obsession sentiment
Ink - Archival Jet Black
Paper - watercolour paper, red cs
Size -  4.75" square
Accessories - MFT Wonky Stitched Square die, Gansai Tambi watercolour paints, fun foam



17 comments:

  1. I have so admired that puppy for awhile now, his face is so cute! Awesome card with him looking at your gorgeous Christmas tree! Have a wonderful weekend! Heart Hugs, colleen

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  2. Super cute Christmas card, Susan! Beautiful coloring on your darling pup and I love your wonky stitched border!
    Thank you so much for having me along as your GD for August!

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  3. Adorable card with a sweet puppy that does look like Will! He did a fantastic job decorating the tree!

    Will was a gentle, loving soul and I know you miss him terribly, Susan. It is wonderful that you did have so many years with him. Love the pictures of him ... when he was younger and then the recent one of you and him. Lovely. I also remember the beautiful triptych photos at your house of him running on the beach when he was very young ... those are so special as well! xx

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  4. Susan, your Christmas card makes me smile. I can see Will's personality in the little guy. We are all going to miss him, he was so gentle with the pups (Tika and Tess) even when they were getting too rambunctious.
    I love the photo's Alex took of you both, such a great reminder of Will.

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  5. You do have some of the cutest stamps, Susan and love the coloring on this. It's so festive framed in red. Love the photo of Will as well as the one with the two of you! Agree on pets not living long enough too.

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  6. Sweet dog with tree on your card, Susan! Sorry about your dogs' passing - our pets are family and we miss them so much when they leave us!!

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  7. What an adorable and loving scene, Susan! The shape of the card (square), the happy sweet dog, and the red card base & ornaments are all cute and cheerful elements.
    I'm sorry about Will's passing... He must be happily playing with Shea, and they'll be always in your heart. They're not physically here but great memory with them will stay with you forever. Hugs.. Hideko

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    1. p.s. Love the pic of you and Will taken by Alex! Are you wearing the same knit jacket!?

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    2. Thank you! We are wearing similar designs of knit jackets - up here, we call them Cowichan sweaters. I bought Will's for him as he got really cold last winter, being older and thinner. The one I'm wearing belongs to a friend. She suggested I borrow it to wear for the photos.

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  8. What a fabulous tribute card to Will, Susan! Your card is adorable and so are the pictures you’ve shared.
    I am sorry or your loss... sending hugs. xx

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  9. Thank you Susan for sharing your loss of sweet Will. Your photo with Will shows how much you cared for each other. Beautiful photo of Will in his younger days too. How wonderful the way you sent Will off to be in a better place with Shea.

    Your sweet Christmas Card with a Will look-a-like is such a wonderful tribute to your kind friend and special friendship. Again, thank you for sharing your loving story. With Love and Hugs, Nancy

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  10. You should keep this card to add to your decorations each year in memory of Will and his help in decorating the Christmas tree! I know you miss him terribly! How nice that Alex got this fantastic picture of the two of you! I can see the comfort he had in you. xoxo

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  11. Susan, such an sweet, adorable card in memory of Will. Love the traditional colors. I am so honored to be on the CAS Christmas team.

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  12. Such a personal and thoughtful card Susan. So sorry to hear the very sad news about your beloved Will. Love the photo of the two of you and one to cherish x.

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  13. What a loving tribute to your sweet puppy! Totally understand the missing him, and he was a beautiful creature. The card is delightful, and you can just feel this little puppy's excitement at the pretty tree! That is a wonderful photo of the 2 of you - TFS & Hugs. Remember the Rainbow Bridge.

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  14. Thinking of you and the loss of your Will. I've felt that pain and am now looking for another dog. Glad to see you have others. Cute pix of a dog and tree. Makes one smile.

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  15. Awww, such a sweet card and lovely tribute to your Will. A fun and whimsy card to remember his happy days. So sorry about his passing. I know how hard it is after they're gone. Hugs to you, Susan!

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