Sunday, December 28, 2008

This Month's Obsession - HATS




It's just impossible for me to sit still while watching TV, even the new Blu-Ray Hi-Def blah blah blah movies, so I got out one of those round hat making looms and some fat Wool-Ease yarn and have been making hats. Lots of hats. This is a small sampling of the hats - I need an intervention to stop this hat-making madness...

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Bee's Bobbseys Win


It's like the Bobbsey Twins grew up! Great idea, Bee!

Sister Bee is the Winner of Week Ten - Necklace Contest.

I am going to take next week off - my 50th birthday is on Wednesday, and I have to lose 17 more pounds to complete my New Year's Resolution for 2008 to lose 15 pounds by the time I turn 50!!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Winter at Two Dog Pond (so far...)


Especially for my family in Southern California - those in Seattle are experiencing more snow than we are and retain bragging rights, but here is a tiny tour of Two Dog Pond in the Winter...

Above is the view from our great room - lots of birds....
In the Summer we use enjoy this chiminea while sipping Two Dog Pond wine...


... the Beach area. OK, so technically it's not really a beach since there's no sand yet, but someday....

The Pond Chica Casa is "toasty" on the inside - the stained glass windows are completely frosted over....

Rumple waiting for me to catch up and go down to the pond


Reese absolutely loves the cold weather!

Monday, December 22, 2008

Week Ten - Necklace Contest

It is so cold out here at Two Dog Pond {it's exactly 0 degrees right now} that I thought I just had to find a beach scene for this weeks contest!
The "rules" are posted on the right side (look to the right of your screen) -
So - put on your thinking stocking caps and enter as many times as you would like!

Friday, December 19, 2008

Some Other Things...

First - I have to say THANK YOU to my sister Elisabeth who was here this week visiting from N Hollywood - I was so swamped with orders and she jumped right in to help me get things done and out on time. Then she wrapped all my Christmas presents, baked cookies and stamped bags! She had just been in Bali for two weeks, so was cooled down again by our 2 degree weather and snow. Thank you Sister!! I seriously could not have done it without you! I forgot to take a picture of us in our matching Mrs. Claus pajamas slaving away in the Two Dog Pond micro sweatshop, so you'll just have to imagine it. Meanwhile - this is a bracelet I made for Lisa at RetroStyle - it's hard to see the images, but the picture of the kids are a hoot! I'm hoping she loves it and adds lots more fun stuff to it.

Winner From The Pines

Congratulations to Cheryl - From The Pines for winning this week's contest! Again it was a toss up between a few - but not Bee's "My Feet Hurt" - for pity's sake, woman! {just kidding - she's my seester - I won't make fun of anyone elses comments...} But really - this is harder than it looks! All these clever quotes and flits and floats - it's hard to choose. You're all winners, but Cheryl wins the necklace...send me your address From The Pines and I'll send you a necklace from Two Dog Pond. rachel@twodogpond.com

Monday, December 15, 2008

Week Nine - Necklace Contest

In my haste to attempt to get all the Christmas shopping done in one day, I totally spaced off posting this week's contest picture. Last week's was so bizarre, that perhaps something sweeter and gentler will make us all feel better.
Sincere apologies to Vikki and Miss High for making you wait for it, but don't you love this old postcard?

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Whoa Nellie! She's the Winner

Congratulations to Jenny S - "Whoa Nellie" says it all!
Send me your address so I can send you your award winning soldered glass pendant on a chain.


Wear it with Pride, Jenny S!


***In my wildest imagination I cannot figure out why anyone would set up at studio shot of this scene - any guesses?***


Special Thanks to everyone who came to the Two Dog Pond Open House at the Liberty House on Friday - WOW! What a successful and fun day! Thank you.
....and now a word from our sponsor:
{Blatant Self Promotion}
And remember that starting again in January I will be doing Home Party/Open House/Trunk Shows with benefits for the hostess. No sales pitches to sit through, no half cooked foods to eat, no candle-scent induced headaches - just shopping with your friends.
Let me know if you are interested and I'll send you a brochure and when you're good and ready - we'll set up a time!
{Back to our post:}
Thanks to everyone who was brave enough to have played this week - at the Open House I heard someone say "I just don't get her humor" - hey - it's not always easy to be me.

Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Another Place to Shop!

Melissa from Allure called me and asked me if she could sell my soldered glass charms at her wonderful shop! Of course! It's a great boutique-type shop with amazing clothes and fun accessories - you'll love it! And now when you're there, you can also buy Two Dog Pond jewelry.
Check out her webpage here: Allure Apparel & Accessories , and if you go there - tell her Rachel sent you.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Week Eight - Necklace Contest

Whoa! Time got away from me today...it's late afternoon and I just realized it's a new contest week!
Here's this week's picture:

All you have to do is make a comment with a suggestion for the back of this image - something you would like to wear... The winner gets a free necklace. See the rules for details - oh wait! There aren't any details, just have fun!

The winner will be chosen on Saturday since I have an Open House all day Friday - which you are all invited to!

Saturday, December 6, 2008

You Are Invited

Due to unforseen circumstances blah blah blah I won't be participating in the Columbus Craft Fair on Sunday. Yes - it's the biggest, best show ever - and I'm sorry I won't be there, but blah blah blah so I can't.


However - Because so many of my friends and local customers have asked when I was going to have an Open House, I scheduled one at the Liberty House in Seward. It's decorated for Christmas, (my house isn't) and it's conveniently located (my house isn't) and the gift shop is full of unique gifts, antiques, woolen mittens made from upcycled blankets, and all kinds of other cool gifts. (I don't have a gift shop - yet.) So:
Please come! Friday - December 12th from 10am until 6pm(ish). I will have tons of soldered glass charms, earrings and other beautiful and affordable gifts. Bring your friends - coworkers - family and enjoy the ambience of the Liberty House Bed and Breakfast while shopping.

Friday, December 5, 2008

Week Seven Winner, Take a Bow Vikki

Congratulations to Vikki for winning the Week Seven Contest by submitting the winning phrase "Live the Dream"
for the back of the pyramid skiers pendant.
Thank you everyone!
Come back on Monday for Week Eight of the Name that Pendant Contest.
You, too, could be a winner like Vikki.
"You can't win if you don't play!"

Pleasant View Art Gallery


Congratulations to Joni Kaylor on the official opening of Pleasant View Art Gallery. If in Lincoln, go visit her and enjoy some wonderful art. Leah of Moxie Photo has cards and journals there, Juli Pooster has beautiful silver jewerly, there is a plethora of fabulous gifts available in the gift shop (including Two Dog Pond soldered charms!)

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Ornaments for Pleasant View Art Gallery







There is a new Art Gallery in Lincoln called Pleasant View Art Gallery. It's in the Haymarket area, right above Crescent Moon Coffee. They are having their "opening" this Thursday night - so if you are in the area, stop by and see the wonderful art and shop for my fabulous charms! These ornaments are one-of-a-kind with images of Joni's art.



Monday, December 1, 2008

Necklace Contest - Week Seven

Remember when you were a kid and your parents took you to some giant man-made lake in Florida where there were pyramid water skiiers and you wanted to be one? Now, instead of being the skier, you can come up with a clever saying for the back of this potentially witty and wonderful soldered glass necklace charm and if your entry is chosen, win one! The contest rules are on the side.... put on your thinking caps (but don't get stuck on the sailor in diapers...)

Friday, November 28, 2008

Week Six Winner Is....

Seriously - this was a tough one...I had to call the boys in to help me decide. There were four top choices - Jenny, Lauren, Vikki and Miss ScrappyJ - all great entries! but - we went with the one we thought would appeal to the masses the most - Congratulations goes to Lauren for her entry of "Vanity is my favorite sin". We like the fact that it implies that the wearer has other sins she likes also - but that one is her favorite...
Miss Lauren, wherever you are, congratulations and please send me your address so I can send you a lovely sinful necklace! rachel@twodogpond.com
If you would like to purchase one of these necklaces for just $10.00, click the Buy Now button:





Hey! Watch This!

Does anyone else still play with the dry ice that comes with the Omaha Steaks? My sister sent us a delicious box of steaks (a box of delicious steaks?) in case we get tired of turkey leftovers...Sam said he had never played with dry ice before! Wha?? So....Auntie Rachel said "hey - watch this" and the fun began.

Monday, November 24, 2008

Necklace Contest - Week Six

Completely different picture than last week...
The rules remain the same - but - see that large pinkish space at the top of the car? I removed the word "Vogue" and left it open for suggestions. So - you can think of a phrase/word/quote for the back side and a bonus word for the front if you so desire.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Broken Lamp Shade Jewelry

Recently we moved my mother to a one-bedroom apartment which meant chosing things she loved to move and 'gifting' the extras. She had a Victorian looking lamp with a foo-foo glass shade she loved because my father had given it to her years ago. The glass shade/globe was broken, so my sister and I convinced her not to move it, but to let me make her some jewelry to wear out of it. I just finished it .... pearls and all.

Friday, November 21, 2008

It's a TIE!

This was the hardest picture yet - so everyone that came up with anything is a winner! But - two are getting necklaces: Sarah Rising with her entry "After today, I'll bet Santa takes a shovel to the reindeer stalls to fill your stocking." - Bill Watterson; and Mollie Spieker with her entry of 'For a moment, Santa pondered his own spotty past.' (in real life these charms are not so blurry...) Thanks again to all who played - and remember - Monday is a new contest! Jill (I mean Jenny..) intends to kick everyone's b*tts and win - put your boots on ladies!

Monday, November 17, 2008

Winter Skies

I went outside to play with the dogs right at sunset - then ran back in to grab my camera...
The reflection of the sunset in the kitchen window was like an impressionistic painting - very cool!
Then the dogs started turning into crazy werewolves, so I kissed them on the head and went back inside....besides - Rumple was doing that laser-eye thing...
"Look at me! I can stick 2 tennis balls in my mouth"
"So what? I can stick 4 doggie treats, a shoe, a shovel and a hat in my mouth."

Necklace Contest - Week Five

With Christmas right around the corner, I thought we should do a Holiday Necklace. This Victorian postcard image is quite bizarre... not your typical jolly St. Nick card!
Anyway - the contest is this: think of a clever saying/quote/word/short story to put on the back of this image. Enter as many times as you want {especially since this image might haunt you this week and make you think of all kinds of things...}. On Friday the winning entry will be chosen, posted, a necklace made out of it and mailed to the lucky winner!
And yes - there will be glitter on this one.

Friday, November 14, 2008

Stand Up and Take a Bow!

Did you see Leah and Jill both slide in at the last minute? Both with sassy comments - - but I absolutely LOVE this one - it's a Helen Keller Quote : "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing." Not that we recommend the Helen Keller blindfold, look ma no hands or underwear while riding a motorcycle, but that is a good quote. Thank you Leah!
You are the winner of week four's contest.
Thanks to all who played and remember to come back next week for week 5. It's going to be a Christmas charm.....in a spooky sort of way....

The Two Dog Pond Micro Sweatshop


It's a busy day in the Two Dog Pond Micro Sweatshop. Kim, the City Girl Gone Country (above) and Sam are helping me get ready for the The Seward Junior Women's Club Craft Show in Seward tomorrow. It's HUGE!
Kim has been working with me for a few months - cutting glass, organizing charms, drinking dessert cocktails with me, you know - the essentials!
Besides painting the great room - Sam has been recruited to put tags on the chains - AND - he's taking care of the Pond Chicas! They love him and lay eggs for him better than for me.
{There's been some crazy Union Talk going on around here - they're threatening to picket for better desserts and left-handed supplies}

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Work in Progress

Sam is painting the great room a beautiful shade of dark brown/gray that exactly matches the mortar between the stones of the fireplace. It's a work in progress so you can still see where the paint is wet, but I am really lovin' it.

Monday, November 10, 2008

Necklace Contest - Week Four


Don't you love this image?!
It's a vintage advertisement for motorcycles - I just removed all the words - so now YOU can come up with a clever saying for the backside. If you aren't familiar with the contest, you think of some clever saying or quote or word that describes this image. Enter as many times as you like! The winning entry will be chosen on Friday. Winner gets a soldered glass necklace with this image on the front and their saying on the back! Free! To Wear and brag about! {and, of course, say "I got it from Two Dog Pond. You just tell her what you want and she'll make it!"
~:BONUS CHALLENGE:~
To really engage your brain, come up with a short story describing this scene using seven words or less. Hard, yes, but quite fun!

Friday, November 7, 2008

New Ornaments



I just finished this ornament. I realize it would look better hanging in a tree, but it's too freaking cold out to go take photos. Anyway - it's a photo of my son when he was 1 sitting on Santa's lap. Terrified. At 2 he was still terrified, at 3 I was sitting on Santa's lap with him - then he smiled...and Santa? well, let's just say there was a bottle of Smirnoff under the tree that year...

The ornament - the front is a 3"x1.75" bevel which catches the light beautifully - I added some pounded scrolly wire and some vintage chandelier crystals. It's hanging from a red satin ribbon - ready to make some Pollyanna rainbows all over the pine needle riddled floor under my tree. These will be added to my website as soon as I can get someone to go outside to take a decent photo. Hey Leah....

Meanwhile - I just ate the rest of the peanut butter. We got Mom moved to a new apartment after her bout with pneumonia, then broken ribs, then worse pneumonia... My nephew Sam is coming to hang out at Two Dog Pond for a while - I'm hoping to get him to work in the Two Dog Pond Micro-Sweatshop we've got going in the basement....I'm almost caught up on orders, so if you've been waiting - "it's almost done"...Rumple (the puppy) has now eaten everything in the garage. He's still alive after eating 3 fat candles, a windshield wiper blade, a box of smooth black rocks (for a mosaic I was going to do), 2 small shovels, Tim's favorite fishing hat, my snow boots, and several pieces of firewood. Reese? He ate two of my chickens. They are so tame that they just "jumped right in his mouth" at least that's what he claims....All in all, Life is Good!!

Mary - You are the Winner!

Miss Mary is the Winner of Week #3's Pendant with her entry of "To have faith is to have wings." That is just so true. {Or as we Lutheran's like to say "This is most certainly true"}
So - Mary - just e-mail your address to me and I will get your necklace right out to you!
Again - thank you to everyone who entered - lots of good quotes!!! any of them would make a good backside of this necklace - it's hard to choose.
Next week ~ put on your sassy thinking panties...I'm picking a doozy of a picture!

Monday, November 3, 2008

Necklace Contest - Week Three

Let's go a little different direction here - the last two images were quite "Westerny", which is my favorite, but not everyone else's.... so here's a more Victorian style image taken from a vintage postcard....
Rules are posted on the right side - Just come up with a clever saying for the back of this necklace image - enter as often as you'd like - invite your friends to play -

Winner gets a free necklace!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

CASA Event Today

Today is the "Boutique" sponsored by CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for children) in Seward. Miss Moxie, Leah, and I will be there from 9am - 2pm along with other vendors selling our products to support this incredible cause. Come see us and join in the fun! The best part of the day for me is hanging out with Leah! You should see the new journals she's creating - it's what all my kids are getting in their Christmas Stockings!

Friday, October 31, 2008

And the Winner of Week Two is:


High Desert Diva with her entry of

"Elegance does not consist in putting on a new dress".

Love it!!

...and then I just had to add another line....


Again - thanks to everyone who participated! This was great fun - but hard work choosing from all the great entries!

I'll be posting another image on Monday - come back and play again!

Miss High - please send me your mailing address so I can get your necklace in the mail to you!!
rachel@twodogpond.com

Monday, October 27, 2008

Necklace Contest - Week Two

This is one of my favorite images - isn't she great!
{and remember - if you would like to purchase any of the winning necklaces or one with your own saying on it, they are only $10 - just let me know!}
So - think of a sassy or clever or life-changing comment to put on the back side and submit it here. The winner will be chosen on Friday! Complete rules are posted on the right side of your screen....

Friday, October 24, 2008

And the winner is....

LISA B with her entry of "Girls just wanna have fun"!
AND - We have a bonus winner for "Thinking Outside the Box" - JOY! with her suggestion to make it one of those rear-view mirror dingles with the words "Queen of the Road". It's like having the Patron Saint of Reckless Driving {hey - that would have been good on the back too} with you. I'm sure that next time I get picked up for Reckless Driving, I'll - - I mean - if I ever get picked up for reckless driving, I'll show the nice officer this dingle and he'll let me off with a warning.

Thanks to all who entered - there really were a lot of great ideas. We'll do it again on Monday!

On - and Lisa B - please send me your address!
rachel@twodogpond.com