Sleeping Dogs Studio

…yes, that’s right, I have been particularly unfaithful in adding to the Blog of late, and my guilt is driving me to tell you why!

It’s become clear as we have grown that what we thought would be a long term studio space is suddenly inadequate.  Given that it is:

1) Also about 1/3 of our house space, and the house would be way too large for us without the studio inside;

2) That there is no potential for expanding within this house…

Well – we are moving!  And all of the associated time that is involved with finding a new house with an outbuilding for a studio; prepping our current house for sale, etc.!

I don’t feel as if I’m getting much done these days except cleaning this house and filling Sleeping Dogs Studio orders – so my apologies for ignoring the Blog…

There will be more news shortly – I hope! – about the place we think we have found to be our new location – it is truly wonderful!  And in the meanwhile, I’ll do my best to add a few tidbits of entries here and there, even though they may be less informational than usual.

As a starter, I LOVE this inspirational message (click on the thumbnail to see it larger) – it was purportedly put together by three brothers who quit their jobs and went into business together after coming up with this very on target series of expressions about the best way to live one’s life:

Apparently, yesterday was squirrel appreciation day.

As its originator, Christy Hargrove, a wildlife rehabilitator from North Carolina explains, it is “an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate your tree climbing, nut gathering neighborhood squirrels”, particularly during those cold days of winter when their own supplies might be getting a little scarce.

We belatedly put out extra food for them this a.m…

In hopes that they won’t decide to help themselves!

(Disclaimer – no, none of these photos were REALLY taken at our house!)  :)

In general, the over-abundance in my life is a very positive thing.  Today’s example, however, is the inch of rain we got overnight.  That’s right, thunderstorms in January!

Followed by flood watches…

Followed by flooding…thankfully, it’s just in everyone’s yards so far – let’s hope it stays that way…

When things aren’t as crazy busy as they are at the holidays, it’s fun to explore new potential products.  This is our latest – the 4-compartment jewelry box with inspirational wording – what do you think? (To see a larger photo of each, just click on the thumbnail…)  Trays are next…

…when it’s 58 degrees and sunny in January?  I have no idea!

When you have a house with as many windows as ours – you wash windows.  And after washing them once with the leading over the counter cleaner; and again with a squeegee and the “best stuff ever” according to the hardware store employee; I went to the web to do my own research.

And found this on the Garden Web forum page:

“Add 3 tbsp. of cornstarch to a spray bottle for every 2 cups of water.  (Continue to shake the bottle in between window washing to ensure that the cornstarch doesn’t separate from the water.)  Spray the solution on the window, then take a clean, damp (NOT wet – you may have to wring it out in between windows to ensure it doesn’t get too wet), terry cloth and wipe the solution onto the window.  You should see a cloudy film appear if the solution is mixed correctly.  Take another clean, dry piece of terry cloth towel, and immediately begin to polish off the film.  Continue to wipe off the solution until the window is completely dry.  It should now be shiny as can be, and completely streak-free!”

I wish I had before and after photos – All I can do is show you the after below (pointing out the reflections of the frame, etc. in the glass!)…and confirm that it really is easy to do, much easier than the other attempts I made.

If you’re crazy enough to get the window washing bug, be sure to try the above…it will at least make the end result worthwhile.