Man, oh man! Do I have a bunch of good stuff to share with you today! An excellent way to start off the New Year, if I do say so myself. Thus, I shall quit chattering and get down to business.
First things, first: it's the first Mojo Monday of 2012, so I've got a brand new sketch to share with you. Take a look...
And guess what, you lucky ducks? Alma gave me a special dispensation to give you an extra early SNEAKY PEEK of one of the new sets and dies being released on Tuesday, January 10th by The Cat's Pajamas! Sneaky Peek Week doesn't actually begin until tomorrow, but thanks to my friend in high places, here's a look-see at the new FEELIN' CUPIDY stamp set and HEART ROSETTE CutUps die, using this week's Mojo Monday sketch:
You know that sentiment makes you want to break out in song: "Love hurts... love scars... love wounds, and mars..."
Isn't Mr. Bunny-as-Cupid a cutie? But watch out for those pointy heart arrows... I colored Bunny Cupid with Copic markers and gave his wings a coat of Stardust Stickles. I used the new HEART ROSETTE CutUps die to create the quarter-circle layer laid out in the sketch. I kept it flat, but it folds up to make a beautiful, easy Rosette, as I'm sure you'll be seeing in TCP Sneaky Peeks during the course of this week.
Of course, you'll want to go by the Mojo Monday blog for all of the details about how to play along with this week's sketch and kickstart your Mojo in this fine New Year. And - bounus! - it's PRIZE WEEK! If you participate and your card is deemed one of the Mojo-est Of Them All, you win a FREE stamp set of your choice from VERVE STAMPS! Surely that beats many things, including a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, no? For more visual inspiration, visit my fellow Mojo Makers to see how they interpreted this week's sketch:
Changing subjects: in one of my few posts from last month, I shared with you the news that I had to put my beloved German Shepherd, Gretel, to sleep at the end of November. I was absolutely heartbroken as Gretel was truly my canine soulmate. The peril of being a pet lover/owner is that you know your time with them is limited, and barring a tragedy, you will eventually grieve their passing. It's the circle of life, and all that Lion King-y stuff.
I guess you could say my husband, Sean, is kinda like Rafiki, because look what he presented me with on December 22nd:
A 10 week old, male German Shepherd puppy! We've named him RINGO (after Ringo Starr - I'm a big Beatles fan, you know. Plus, it's a good dog name in that it's two syllables and ends in a long 'o' as recommended by the Monks of New Skete, an order of Monks that breed German Shepherd puppies and the authors of several books like How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend and The Art of Raising a Puppy).
Look at that face!
He is a nipping, rambunctious force to be reckoned with, let me tell you! And he's doubled in size, already. Look at those paws - he's going to be H-U-G-E! We're having a great time with him, even as I'm getting up in the middle of the night to take him outside to go potty.
I think Sweet Pea kind of likes him, too...
Awww! :)
Lovely take on the sketch Carole! I might I say Ringo is such a cutie! You are so right after losing one it seems like there could never be another but we somehow manage to open our hearts! Here's hoping you and Ringo have many wonderful years together!!
Posted by: Lori U. | January 02, 2012 at 07:25 AM
It's a wonderful tribute to your furry friend that you've welcomed a new four legged child into your home.
I love your card, a winged bunny, how cute!
Posted by: Allie Gower | January 02, 2012 at 07:52 AM
Oh my ... what a teaser! Your card is adorable! I want that set of stamps ... and you are going to make me wait half a month? No really, thanks for the sneak peak. And your pics of your really cute "new best friend"! Happy New Year!
Posted by: Tina | January 02, 2012 at 08:38 AM
luv your super sweet card, but I seriously became distracted when the puppy pictures appeared...teeheheh..I luv puppies.....sooo cute!
enjoy *~*
Posted by: teresa kline aka va.sunshine | January 02, 2012 at 08:55 AM
Your card is adorable and so is RINGO.
Posted by: Lisa Lynn | January 02, 2012 at 11:20 AM
This is the cutest card! Awesome colors, patterns and fussy-cutting! Love that image. And your new dog is the cutest, too!
Posted by: Cyndie | January 02, 2012 at 01:17 PM
What a cute card and a cute dog! Looks like love is in the air. Ringo is a fantastic name for such a cute dog, I'm a big fan of the Beatles too!
Posted by: Tina Campbell | January 02, 2012 at 03:57 PM
Your new puppy is SO CUTE!!!! I just want to give Ringo and big huge hug and tummy rub!!!
Hugs
Karen
xo
Posted by: Karen | January 02, 2012 at 04:18 PM
love the card, must have the stamp.
god bless your new fur baby.
Posted by: chris v -easily amused | January 02, 2012 at 06:39 PM
I treated myself to a bit of me time tonight, and reading your mojo post was first on my list! Your Cupid card is just as sweet, neat and complete as they come, my dear, and I am a smitten kitten...can you say Ringo love?! Yeah you!
Posted by: Amy Rohl | January 02, 2012 at 08:28 PM
Happy New Year Carole! What a wonderful post...the card is too cute, and your new pup is so sweet! Enjoy! :D
Posted by: Kimberly Gajewski | January 02, 2012 at 09:27 PM
Your card is too cute, Carole...and Ringo...well, he is just adorable!! I love your photos so much, and I have a huge smile on my face. Thanks for that!
Posted by: Rose Ann | January 02, 2012 at 11:06 PM
SO super awesome... I KNEW I could count on you Carole to give me a peek see at TCP new release!!!!! <3
Ringo ROCKS and Sweet Pea may "tolerate" him but will be his buddy... I'm sure there will be some set ups comin Ringo's way! LOL SO like kids!!!!!
Posted by: KelliJo | January 02, 2012 at 11:46 PM
Oh Carole, your card is adorable! I am going to be placing more TCP images this year!!!
Your new puppy is so stinkin' adorable too! I love puppies! Glad that the two are getting along like old buddies! That's sweet!
Posted by: Dawn Easton | January 03, 2012 at 06:40 AM
'I'm young, I know, But even so....
I know a thing or two - I learned from you'
Hahaha!! It's true Miyagi;) I have learned alot from my master;) Love the new pup- your hubby sounds like a sweet man:) Love the peek as well- and Happy New Year to you and the family!
Posted by: Jenny Peterson | January 03, 2012 at 09:17 AM
What a darling image and card. It looks wonderful! Your new puppy is so cute!
Happy New Year!
Hugs and smiles
Posted by: Beate | January 03, 2012 at 11:10 AM
Hii Carole!!! I just wanted to drop in, tell ya I miss ya and wish you a happy new year aand then I tripped over your adorable card and then the even more adorable pictures of your new puppy!!! OMG he's just too cute!!!! All the best to you and a happy new year!!!!!
Posted by: Sony | January 03, 2012 at 12:16 PM
ACK! Your card is cute, but pretty close to being overshadowed by these darling pups. So cute and sweet, even with sharp needle teeth.
Posted by: alma de la rosa | January 03, 2012 at 12:33 PM
I am a new found TCP fan, and I love your creations! Thanks for the sneak peek...my very first TCP order should be arriving this week!
Posted by: Michelle Sturgeon | January 03, 2012 at 12:40 PM
Love the sketch, can't wait to get my card done! Ringo is super cute!! We certainly miss our 2 German Shepherds...someday soon we'll have another!
Posted by: Amy West | January 03, 2012 at 03:16 PM
Ok I love your card it is too cute! But on to that puppy! We have a German Shepard too, from Germany, I think I heard or read about the Monks where you got Ringo ( Great name) . Oh he looks just like ours, did . I don't have to tell you he will be the best dog you ever have. So smart., and loving .I have a picture of our Major on my blog. ENJOY!!!!!! Don't want to upset anyone, all dogs are wonderful!
Posted by: marybethL. | January 03, 2012 at 05:51 PM
Oh Im sorry I did not read your first paragraph , about loosing you other dog. So sorry for your loss!
Posted by: marybethL. | January 03, 2012 at 05:54 PM
Hello!
Wonderful card - I love the cupid! Your new dog is so beautiful - you are a lucky lady! Wishing you a happy day!
Hugs,
Barbara Diane
Posted by: Barbara Diane | January 05, 2012 at 10:10 AM
Too cute...I would love for you to link up with my new card making meme, 52 Card Pickup here...http://www.oldbackporch.com/2012/01/52-card-pickup-week-1.html!
Posted by: Patrice | January 06, 2012 at 11:11 AM
Congrats on getting a new puppy, it is hard to say good bye to those beloved pets. Sweet little stamp image too, cute new release!
Posted by: peggysue | January 08, 2012 at 10:12 AM