Vintage Ramblings

Blue Snow

2012-01-25T06:23:00.000-08:00

It's been a wet winter without much snow.........we did get enough to play in the other day. We made odd formations using a bucket, colored water in a spray bottle, and iceicles off the roof. They got washed away the next day in the rain. I'm sure a few passers-by thought.........."now what is that woman doing?"

Leopard Santa

2011-12-03T21:41:00.000-08:00

So far I have not been able to find a leopard Santa for the 2011 Christmas Season. Click here to view the last posting on my blog to see my Santa collection..........I'll keep looking............all the ones I've seen I have already!

Leopard Pumpkin

2011-10-15T16:19:00.000-07:00

Last year a friend of mine saw a leopard pumpkin at Michael's craft store. She asked me if I had one..........I didn't........and I couldn't believe that I didn't. (You've seen my collection of leopard Santa's on this blog haven't you?) So....I made myself one. Everyone looks great in leopard prints! ....don't you think? I bought one of those pre-lit white pumpkins at a "to be un-named" big box discount store. The rest of the supplies I had at home. I realize that not everyone has leopard print tissue paper sitting around.........but I have lots of it! I had to dig through my drawer of craft supplies to find my Mod Podge. I kept my fingers crossed that it wasn't all dried up, and miracles of miracles it wasn't. I love Mod Podge by the way......I used it back in the late 60's. (No this wasn't my bottle from the 60's!) Now it comes in all kinds of varieties.........glossy,matte finish, outdoor, sparkle! I would have loved sparkle Mod Podge back then! Those were the days..........the original smiley face, peace signs, In-A-Godda-Da-Vida.........sorry.........took a psychedelic trip back in time for a second. Okay, I ripped the leopard tissue paper into 1-2 inch pieces and slapped in on my pumpkin and brushed the podge on each piece, overlapping them until the whole pumpkin was covered. Once dry I applied another coat of Mod Podge to give him a nice finish. I outlined his pre-cut mouth, eyes and nose with a permanent marker to set off his mischievous grin. I think he looks terrific. I did a small black end table, and a cute vintage sewing box using the same technique. They are fun accent pieces. Go ahead.......find something and cover it with leopard print. It fits in with every decor. Really! If you don't have time to make one.......I have some for sale in my Etsy shop. CLICK HERE .

Bright Idea Sunset on Lake Erie

2011-07-27T19:18:00.000-07:00

I took my camera to watch the sun set. I saw this done once and just had to try it. Sunset over lake Erie. I tried to be inconspicuous as I took the picture of the sunset through the light bulb. Little did I know my BIL and his wife were also at the park watching the sunset and snapped a picture of me taking a picture!
They wondered what the heck I was doing.

Tire Rim Hose Reel

2011-07-09T20:30:00.000-07:00

You can recycle an old tire rim to hold your garden hose. Clean up the rim and spay paint it a color to coordinate with you home or garden. Mount it on a tree or fence.

Hang your garden hose on it!

But.........if you hang it on a tree..............50 years from now it might look like this!.

Broken Birdbath Collection

2011-06-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

I can't tell you how many times the neighborhood squirrels have knocked over my pottery birdbaths and broken them............oh yes I can........I saved the pieces and made an outdoor vignette out of them! I have a few more scattered around the yard. Recycle, upcycle....never throw anything away that may have another life.

Balloon Arch and Column Kits

2011-06-07T08:24:00.000-07:00

Good Day!

These Balloon Arch & Column Kits from Inflate & Create aren't vintage, but I'm going to ramble about them anyway because they are terrific! We've used them for Grand Openings, Anniversary Parties, Prom, Car sales, Weddings...you name it. They are easy to assemble and they look like you hired a balloon decorator. The kits are available for foil and latex balloons. The foil balloon kits use foil cluster balloons and stay inflated for weeks. The latex kit use standard 11" balloons that are available in a variety of colors for your event. Check out Inflate & Create's web site. Balloons definitely add some fun to the party and bring attention to your business.

cocktails

2011-02-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

Okay.........time to start my "walk photo" series again. I took a walk and look what I found

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Hello 2011

2010-12-31T12:42:00.000-08:00

Here is my tribute to the upcoming year. Make the most of it. Don't forget to appreciate your vintage friends and possessions.

Devils Food Rolo Cookies

2010-12-01T06:11:00.000-08:00

Can you tell I've had a sweet tooth lately? I picked up this recipe from one of my fellow Cleveland Handmade team members. I can't remember which one, so if it was you, please fess up so I can give you due credit. These addictive cookies are easy to make........just the way I like to cook!

1 Box of Devils Food Cake Mix
2 Eggs
1/3 Cup (generous) oil
1-12 oz bag of Rolo Candies

Mix the cake mix, eggs and oil until it looks like dough. Take a scant teaspoon of decadent smelling chocolate mixture and wrap it around a Rolo candy. When covered, roll in your hand to make a nice ball. Place balls on ungreased cookie sheet in a 350 degree oven for 9 minutes. Leave room on cookie sheet for balls to spread.

I just made these cookies again. So easy....but somone got into my rolos and I didn't have enough. So I used some Holiday white chocolate Candy Cane Pepperment Hershey's kisses instead. OUTSTANDING! Let me know what else you have used in the middle of these chocolate treats!

Art of the Day

2010-11-10T09:54:00.000-08:00

I have two grandsons that took paint brush to hand.

Does his technique and style remind you of anyone?

photo of the day

2010-11-10T09:47:00.000-08:00

I've been neglecting my blog and my walk and ride photos.

Here is one to help catch up....it's a new category. ART! This is a painting my grandson did. I love it...........probably because it is a new take on an animal print.......and mostly because my grandson painted it.

Tin Whistle

2010-11-02T19:08:00.000-07:00

My grandfather used to entertain us with this limerick. I had not heard it in years and years until my Dad repeated it the other day. Nice memory!

I bought a wooden whistle, but it wooden whistle. I bought a steel whistle, but I steel couldn't whistle. So I bought a tin whistle, & now I tin whistle!

Carmel Corn Pops Mix

2010-10-07T00:24:00.000-07:00

I came home from getting a haircut yesterday with a recipe for Carmel Corn Pop Mix. My stylist is a terrific cook and has a great collection of recipes, especially snacks. If you're wondering where I got the fantastic bowl in this picture...I bought it from jd wolfe pottery on Etsy. It is my favorite snack vessel. Autumn is a great time for sweet salty snacks. Here is what you need:

4 C. Corn Pops Cereal

1 stick butter

1 C. Brown Sugar

1/4 C. Kayro Corn Syrup

1 Cup peanuts, cashews, or mix your favorites

1/4t. baking soda

1/2 t. vanilla

Bring the butter, brown sugar and syrup to a boil, stirring continually, in a medium sauce pan. Lower the heat and boil for 5 minutes stirring occasionally. REMOVE FROM HEAT and stir in the vanilla and baking soda. Put the corn pops and peanuts in a large bowl or pot and pour the hot mixture over and stir all together. Once mixed, spread on a greased cookie sheet and put in a 250 degree oven for 1 hour. Stir occasionally. When done remove immediately from the cookie sheet and dump into a Tupperware bowl or plastic bag. I waited too long and couldn't get the stuff off the cookie sheet! I had to put it back in the oven to soften up. You might want to double the recipe, it doesn't last long!

Wedding Brooches

2010-08-28T13:24:00.000-07:00

I was contacted, on my Etsy shop, by Kristen, a bride to be. She was interested in pins for her and her bridal party. She had chosen very chic black retro style dresses for her bridesmaids. She wanted 3 custom brooches for her bridesmaids, incorporating each of their favorite colors mixed with crystal rhinestones and pearls for the individual girls. One with touch of emerald, another with a sprinkling of ruby red, and one with yellow gems. They would all be different but have a similar feel. Kristen was going to be married on the northern coast, which can be chilly, and had bought a terrific faux fur shawl on Etsy to go with her dress. I had been working on a black, white and crystal brooch incorporating feathers. Once I showed it to Kristen she said it would be a perfect piece to pin on her shawl. I had to agree. Perfect! Once the wedding was over she'd be able to wear a piece from her wedding ensemble any time she wanted.. .... I just heard from the new bride. She had an amazing wedding and wanted to share with me wedding photos showing the vintage collage brooches I had created for her. I was thrilled to get the images of the beautiful bride and her friends. They look marvelous and I'm so happy to be a small part of her special day. Kristen, I wish you and your husband a wonderful and happy life together. Enjoy! I have her permission to share these photos with you.

Sour Cream Blueberry Pie

2010-07-17T19:57:00.000-07:00

My stylist did it again! She gave me another terrific recipe. She knows I have a sweet tooth and I like "easy to make". This sour cream blueberry pie is fantastic, fast and easy to make.

1 CUP SOUR CREAM

2 TABLESPOONS FLOUR

3/4 CUP SUGAR

1 TEASPOON VANILLA

1/4 TEASPOON SALT

1 BEATEN EGG

Combine the above ingredients and beat with a mixer for 4 minutes or until smooth.

Then fold in :

2-1/2 CUPS BLUEBERRIES (1 Pint works fine)

Pour mixture into a 9" pie shell and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 25 minutes.

While baking mix up the topping:

3 TABLESPOONS FLOUR

3 TABLESPOONS BUTTER

4 TABLESPOONS CHOPPED PECANS

3 TABLESPOONS SUGAR

Cut the butter into the rest of the ingredients to make a nice crumb topping.

Sprinkle the topping over the top of the pie and bake for another 5-10 minutes.

Let me know how you like it! It's good warm..........but I like my pie cold right out of the frig.

Note: I tried this recipe with sliced strawberries instead of blueberries........really good!

Ride Photo in BLUE

2010-06-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

We got a good ride in yesterday....of course I had to stop and photo a few things that struck my fancy. I love the blue of this water tower against the blue sky. People pass this water tower everyday.......how many stop to notice?

Bradford Pears

2010-05-24T19:23:00.001-07:00

The Bradford Pears were blooming a few weeks ago. The tree lined street looks like it has a snow covered tunnel.

WALK PHOTO

2010-04-28T18:29:00.001-07:00

Okay.........so I'm trying this walking thing.......I tripped on the sidewalk and almost fell on my face because I had my hands in my pockets. I think I'd rather ride my bike, but today was a little chilly for a ride. I did walk by the red bud tree again. Look, the whirly birds are developing.

WALK PHOTO

2010-04-17T19:27:00.001-07:00

There is a home in my neighborhood that has glass stars embedded in the sidewalk. I just love to walk by the house. They always have something unusual in their front yard too. I appreciate the creativity they display.

WALK PHOTO EXPLOSION

2010-04-10T16:51:00.000-07:00

I put on my walking shoes today and went back to find the tree with the red buds. I found the red buds had exploded into a fireworks like array of tiny leaves. You just have to stop and notice things like that....the awakening after a long cold winter.

Ride Photo

2010-04-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

I either walk or take my camera for a bike ride. I can venture out a little farther on my bike....more photo oportunuties. I took a quick ride to the lake the other night .....It was overcast and the lake was gray........but I snapped a shot of a nice chippy rusting railing.

WALK PHOTO

2010-03-23T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was all set to continue my walking routine.........then the weather took a nose dive........back into cold, windy and wet.......ah........Spring time on the North Coast. Today the temperature tolerable but on the bottom end of my comfort zone for walking, 50 degrees, so out I went. The skies were bright and the red buds on this tree really stood out against the sky. A photo opportunity.

Check back with my blog for more WALK PHOTOS.

WALK PHOTOS

2010-03-19T06:06:00.000-07:00

A fellow Cleveland Handmade member has extolled the virtues of walking to me.......so now that Spring has sprung, I'm bound and determined to take more walks and reap the benefits. I don't like to walk alone, so I'm going to take my camera with me and snap a few photos to share with you. My POW (picture of the week) photos will be replaced by my WP (walk photos)! Here is what I saw yesterday.........

Broken China Mosaic

2010-03-02T15:54:00.000-08:00

I get so much traffic to my broken china mosaic countertop that I thought I would update with more pictures and move it to the top of my blog.

I've always wanted to post this somewhere. Now that I have a blog........here it goes!
My sister-in-law, Kelli and I made a broken china mosaic counter around the sink in my guest bath.
We broke all my leopard china plates and mixed them with old rose china. I love leopard print (if you have not noticed!) and roses. It took us about a month but it turned out great, and we made some great memories while working so closely on it. I added a piece of wood cut with a nice curve on top the straight back splash. Then we glued the broken china right over both. Kelli did a great job on the portion behind the faucet. She added pearls and rhinestones among the broken china. This is one creation I am most proud of. I decorated the bath to resemble an old French hotel room.

POW - Picture Of the Week

2010-02-20T17:42:00.000-08:00

You know Spring can't be far away when the Primrose makes an appearance at the market. It makes a perfect buffer on the window sill when I'm looking out at the snow.

POW Picture of the week

2010-02-09T16:42:00.000-08:00

It was hard to take a picture this week without snow getting into it! My lion door knocker is wearing a snow mask! I promise I'll get more interesting pictures next week! If you are somewhere warm.......enjoy it!

POW

2010-01-25T18:21:00.000-08:00

Here is my photo of the week. Look at the eyelashes on this wee one. I photoshopped it a bit to get the look.

POW

2010-01-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

Well........last year I vowed to post and contribute to my blog more often........didn't happen. I only had about 20 posts last year............so, I'm going to try again.....I follow a blog where the creative and eloquent blogger posts a POD.....photo of the day........I'd love to follow suit, but I am going to be more realistic and post a POW.......photo of the week. I enjoy taking photos of bits and pieces of my surroundings, life, things and people that I love. Here we go with my photo of the week.........two weeks late! Enjoy!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T18:30:00.001-08:00

My Studio Tour

2009-10-03T19:35:00.000-07:00

I'm participating in the Quilting Arts/Cloth, Paper, Scissors open studio event this weekend. They want to celebrate the release of their current magazine by getting folks all over the world to open up their studios! My "rhinestone workshop", as I call it, is ever evolving. I spend a lot of time creating my wearable art from vintage pieces and I love to be surrounded by things that I love and inspire me. I have a need to be organized, but I admit, my work space tends to get a bit cluttered up with shiny bits and pieces. One wall of my workroom is full of chains.........beaded and vintage. I'm always on the look out for unique and functional storage. My favorite is my jadeite green drawer box. It is from an old hardware store. A couple of coats of sealer gave it a nice sheen. It goes with me to all my art shows to hold supplies. Having a dedicated work space where I can leave out my work in progress is a luxury I apprecite. Visit my Etsy store to see what I create in my workshop. I'm off to check out other studios and get more creative ideas! Cheers!

Open Studio Tour

2009-10-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

The good folks over at Quilting Arts/Cloth, Paper, Scissors are hosting an open studio event this weekend. They want to celebrate the release of their current magazine by getting folks all over the world to open up their studios! Sounds like fun…what a great way to see alot of studios!

promise

2009-09-24T18:58:00.001-07:00

I promise I'll post something new soon. I'm taking pictures of some of my favorite vintage items.

Pickle Bucket Water Feature

2009-06-17T19:46:00.001-07:00

I've wanted a little water feature in the flower bed by our front door for a couple of years. We get so much shade there that flowers just aren't an option. I wasn't sure how to go about creating it, so I just put my rock collection in the bed and hoped someday I'd get around to it. Well today was the day! It all came together. After doing a little research I came up with a plan. I discussed it with the husband (he hates to be mentioned in my blog!) and before I knew it this morning he was digging a hole for the bucket. We used a 5 gallon pickle bucket with a lid and buried it in the bed. We placed a fountain pump in the bottom of the bucket and drilled several hole in the lid. Two of them a little bigger, one for the electrical cord for the pump and one for the flexible hose for the water outlet. We cut a large square of heavy duty plastic and cut a hole in it just smaller than the diameter of the bucket. Once the bucket with pump was in the hole we draped the plastic over the bucket and snapped on the lid. Then we back-filled around the bucket with dirt under the plastic....being very careful not to get dirt in the bucket. The idea is to create a drain pool for the water to get back into the bucket. Then we filled the bucket with water. With helpful direction from family we arranged the rocks on the bucket lid and around the plastic sheet to hide it. My rock collection that I have been collecting for years came in handy. Some were from my Mother-In-Laws old homestead and some were picked up on trips and vacations. I had a couple of special rocks hand picked from Fish Creek, Wisconsin. We hid the plastic hose between the rocks and wedged it in between two flat rocks so the water would cascade down like a little water fall. With a lot of adjusting and rock placing we came up with a combination that worked. Once the fountain was complete we added a couple of ferns, some hosta and some mulch to the bed. A design on a nickle and pickle bucket project! It makes a nice welcoming feature by our front door.

Spring Bling

2009-05-02T11:25:00.000-07:00

I'm starting a new line of neckware that resemble mini versions of my Vintage Collage Brooches. These new pieces can only be worn as a necklace, unlike my pins that can be worn as a brooch or a pendant. I always add a bead or two to one side of the chain. A sexy little sparkle on the side of your neck. These are smaller and lighter in weight, perfect for summer months when we often don't wear clothes heavy enough to support a brooch. Keep checking my Etsy Shop for new pieces. I've sold two already before I could list them! This is my version of upcycling!

Broken China Teacup Mirror

2009-04-11T11:14:00.000-07:00

This was one of the first pieces my sister-in-law made. She cut the vintage tea cup in half and used handles from others on the bottom of the piece. I've had so many views on my broken china post so I thought I would post more of my favorite pieces. Hopefully it will inspire you to create.

Officially Spring

2009-03-30T17:12:00.000-07:00

Now, I feel better.......it is officially Spring when my little patch of crocuses pops up and looks so beautiful! The sun was out today so they opened up wide for the photo shoot. They come back year after year without needing any tending, feeding or encouragement. I love these guys!

We made it!

2009-03-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Wecome Spring
The long, hard winter here in Cleveland has us dreaming of spring. It's here...we made it. Check out my Etsy shop for pretty pins with floral themes for spring. A new brooch on your Spring coat will make you look smashing!

Announcing the Gentleman's Brooch

2009-02-05T18:09:00.000-08:00

It occurred to me that I am missing a target market. Men. Today's men are secure enough to take a leap with fashion. The gold chains of the 80's may be gone, but what about a lapel pin? Something small, just to set you apart in a room full of "suits"....a conversation starter for a first date, or to pick up a date (you know most women love jewelry..they will notice it...and want to borrow it!) ...........Something for your casual wear that makes a small statement about the man behind the denim or Carhartt. I've decided to launch my Gentlemen's Collection on ETSY. These smaller sized collage pins will be made from small vintage treasures and have a tie tack type pin with a clutch. Made with a man in mind, but perfect for the women who is more comfortable with a smaller pin and less bling. They can be used as a tie tac, or pined on a hat, lapel or vest. Let me know what you think! Great idea, or is it down there on the fashion list with plaid golf knickers?

Grand Opening of Valerie Tyler Designs Retro Collection

2009-01-31T18:40:00.000-08:00

I'd like to help celebrate and promote the opening of my fellow Cleveland Handmade artist, Valerie Tyler's new Etsy Store. My love of vintage and retro leads me right into her shop. She is a talented artist and does a terrific job creating pieces with the time tested classic feel. She's stocked her store with all sorts of vintage style goodness, including some classic black and white pieces in her Classic Noir Collection, Art Deco and Retro Mod style jewelry, jewelry with a touch of yesteryear and Victorian flair, and pieces with a nostalgic look. Check out her blog before Feb. 8th for a chance to win one of her creations. Here’s a few examples of what you can discover:

Serve up some snow

2009-01-22T15:14:00.001-08:00

Anyone care to sit down and devour some of this snow? I know it's only January and there is a lot of winter left...BUT.

The upside side to the snow is that I am getting a lot accomplished indoors. I have new ideas for brooches and other repurposed jewelry. Stay tuned. I'll post them here soon!

In the meantime. Enjoy the snow. I think tomorrow will be warm enough for me to take the grand kids sledding.....then later the temp will drop. Artic deep freeze.

Something Special

2008-12-09T16:24:00.000-08:00

The following story was sent to me by a customer who bought one of my pins. I was so moved by the memoir. It made me feel wonderful to know that I created a piece that could touch someone in this special way. Enjoy the story.

AS A TYPICAL WOMAN- I LOVE JEWELRY. THE BIGGER, THE SHINIER, THE KIND THAT IS SO EYE CATCHING I RECEIVE MANY WONDERFUL COMMENTS ABOUT IT.
I ATTENDED A BENEFIT FOR EMH IN LATE OCTOBER 2008. ONE OF THE FIRST TABLES I WALKED BY, CAUGHT MY EYE. “MARY”, A FRIEND OF MY CLOSE FRIEND HAD A FABULOUS TABLE OF JEWELRY.
I KNEW IMMEDIATELY I WOULD PURCHASE ONE OF THE PIECES. THE ONE THAT I
TRULY LOVED, WITHOUT REALLY LOOKING AT ALL OF THEM, WAS A PIN.
MARY EXPLAINED THAT SHE USED ESTATE JEWELRY TO CREATE EACH PIECE OF ART. SHE WRAPPED IT UP AND I WAS ON MY WAY.
THE FIRST TIME I WORE THE PIN WAS FOR MY MOTHER'S 90TH BIRTHDAY. IT LOOKED STUNNING AGAINST THE BLACK JACKET I WORE. AND YES I RECEIVED MANY POSITIVE COMMENTS.
AS I PREPARED TO PUT THE PIN ON THE SAME JACKET FOR OUR CHRISTMAS PARTY,
I WAS STOPPED COLD IN MY TRACKS.
THE PIN CONTAINED A SPARKLING BUTTERFLY. SINCE 1995 THEY HAVE HELD A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART. A SMALL BUTTERFLY WAS THE FIRST THING I SAW AFTER WE BURIED MY DAD AT THE CEMETERY. WHENEVER I SEE ONE, I THINK OF HIM.
ALMOST A MONTH TO THE DAY OF BUYING THE PIN, MY HUSBANDS MOTHER DIED. AS WE WALKED AROUND HER HOME AFTER THE SERVICE, I NOTICED ALL OF THE HUMMINGBIRDS IN PICTURES AND STATUES SHE HAD COLLECTED. HIS MOM WAS A SMALL GENTLE WOMAN WHO LOVED GODS LITTLE CREATURE – THE HUMMINGBIRD . SHE HAD A FEEDER OUT HER BACK WINDOW AND WOULD ALWAYS MAKE SURE IT WAS FULL OF SUGAR WATER.
AS I PINNED THE PIN ON MY JACKET, THERE NEXT TO THE BUTTERFLY WAS A SMALL HUMMINGBIRD.
DAD AND MOM ARE TRULY LOOKING DOWN ON US AND SMILING.
I WILL DEFINITELY BE WEARING THE PIN MORE OFTEN.

2008-11-28T16:48:00.000-08:00

A gift from the Vintage Brooch Company is perfect for that "hard to buy" for gal.

Neckwear Display

2008-09-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

I found this great hook at Marshalls and knew It would be a terrific way to display necklaces at my next show. A piece of scrap lumber, some end caps and crackle paint....all done! A perfect vintage looking display for my vintage repurposed necklaces.

Cedar Point

2008-08-14T17:12:00.001-07:00

We had a great day at Cedar Point. Here are some photos showing how I saw the rides.

Happy 4th of July!

2008-07-04T20:13:00.001-07:00

Every year I try and take pictures of the fireworks. This was the first time I had a picture turn out!

Cloud Formations

2008-03-02T17:49:00.000-08:00

I was working outside today and happened to look up. These layered cloud formations stretched across the entire sky! It was so unusual looking. I hardly go anywhere without my camera.........I'm glad I had it with me! Take a look!

Winterscape

2008-02-26T17:25:00.000-08:00

What a terrific day to take pictures of the snowfall that stuck to everything outdoors. I love the way the snow balanced itself on the wire fence. You just don't see this in Florida! Okay......now that I have pictures it can go away and warm up!

Leopard Santa's!

2007-12-04T15:19:00.000-08:00

My Leopard Santas

I had a few requests to show my leopard Santas! Most of you know I have an affinity for leopard print. I'm not sure why........I always have. I think it is a soothing design, looks great with everything, and on everyone............even Santa. I an an extensive collection of Santa's, but in the past few years I limit my collecting to finding one special leopard Santa a year. This year I have my eye on one on Ebay........but he is 42" tall and storage is becoming a problem.

I'll know when I see the right one. Here are a few.

This next one really isn't a Santa..........more of a spicy sexy angel Christmas Dog! I just loved her boots. I am still trying to find a pair like them!

See...........Leopard Santa............what did you think?