Love and Loss

I’ve been avoiding writing this post as I knew it was going to be really difficult – and I’ve been proven correct as I’m in tears just looking at this photo. Nearly two weeks ago (I can’t believe it has already been that long) we lost the newest addition to our family, Ethel. You’ll remember I wrote about her not too long ago – with such excitement, hope, and possibility for our family. Ethel proved to be exactly everything we hoped for when we rescued another dog. While timid and shy in the beginning, she opened up to Olive almost immediately and I gained her trust quickly after. I called the three of us the sisterhood. We spent every day together – and I found absolute joy in watching Olive and Ethel together. They were the perfect pair. They played, they cuddled – and above all, provided me with such love and happiness. My heart was so full.

This image of Olive and Ethel together was the very last picture I took of little Eth. It was the day she got out. What’s so strange is that I remember just staring at her throughout the day thinking about how much I loved her and how cute she was. At least I can say that on our last day together – and our two months together – I loved her with my entire being. I hope I gave her the best part of her life she knew.

Italian Greyhounds are accustomed to bolting – and while with my parents Ethel got out – and was missing for three nights and two days. We searched night and day for her – these were easily the hardest moments of my life so far. You see, our dogs are like our children – and the thought of her slim frame being out alone was more than I could bare. The first day she was gone we hired a pet detective to track her scent and help locate her. Her suggestion was to put sheets with my scent down with food and water in an area where we were tracking her scent. The next morning, one of the sheets was covered in little black hair – I was certain she had been there. She knew I was looking for her. So Olive and I set up camp in this greenbelt in a Dallas neighborhood and watched that spot for 21 hours. We didn’t move. We stayed out over night. There was nothing.

It was that next morning that I received the phone call from the kindest man who had the bad news. He had found her on Wednesday morning in the road. Out of the kindness of his heart, he stopped traffic to pick her up and take her home. Her collar had fallen off, so he had no one to call. He buried her in his yard. Friday he finally saw our signs we had posted and was able to call me and identify her. While this ended the way I would never have wanted, I am so grateful to this man that took the time to respect my little Eth and give her a proper burial – so that ultimately we could take her home. My dad did the hardest thing – he went and got her – it was indeed her – and we will be able to have her remains now (she was cremated).

Sometimes I feel so silly over my sadness – thinking “she’s just a dog.” But the thing is – she wasn’t just a dog – she was my little girl. She was perfect for us. But those two short months we had her were the best two months, and I am so grateful to have had those. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Travis and I know this had to have happened for a reason, we trust it’s part of the plan from the Big Man upstairs. And we keep focusing on that. Love is a powerful thing and comes in all sorts of shapes, sizes, and beings. Love came to us in Ethel, and I’m so thankful for that.

Friends :: Cakewalk Bake Shop

I’ve been meaning to introduce a new little series on the blog for a bit called “Friends of Blue Eye Brown Eye.” There are so many talented, inspirational, and fantastic people you need to know about in our area – and I’d like to start sharing them with you! First up: Cakewalk Bake Shop.

I wanted to introduce y’all to a new friend of mine in Fort Worth – Emily of Cakewalk Bake Shop. She just started her business and she is such a talent. Gosh knows I have a sweet tooth – and what I love about her work is that it is a) awesomely unique b)colorful and funky and c) tastes really gosh darn good. So if you have the need for really different sweets – or something delicious, be sure to check out her website.

Little hearts

I adore these little hearts from etsy shop LBCpaper.

Date Night

After Renegade Craft Fair wrapped up Sunday night Trav and I decided to stay in town for a fun date night. We followed the suggestion of a friend and went to El Arbol for dinner and sat under the glorious oak tree on the patio. The food was divine. And so was the company.

Adopt a shelter animal

October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog month. As y’all know, I’m quite passionate about animal rescue. Heck, if it wasn’t for animal rescue, I wouldn’t have this thing in my life:

So I wanted to share with you just a few local animals from Petfinder that need forever homes.

Baby Ruger, available in White Settlement {so cute!}

Apollo, available in Fort Worth

Mackenzie, available in Fort Worth {she’s tempting me}

Lukas, available in Dallas

Polly, available in Dallas

There are so many good ones out there. Adopting Olive is one of the best things we’ve done so far in our lives. Couldn’t live without her.

Cute cute

How cute are these tiny fabric flags? Perfect for cupcakes, party decor, or even your succulent garden!

Find these flags – and much more cuteness – at Hooray The Shop.

Images via Hooray The Shop

Letterpress classes

Before I took a trip to Portland to learn letterpress from the best over a year ago, I was always so curious about the process. I’ve found that there are very limited letterpress resources in DFW, so I’ve decided to start offering letterpress classes for those of you who would love a glimpse into this printing technique. Starting October 6th, I’ll offer them on Wednesday evenings (or other evenings subject to availability). To learn more, click here.

I promise you’ll learn something new and have fun!

Tiny bunting

A little pic of a project I’m working on. Tiny bunting for a baby shower invitation. I’ll post a picture when it’s all finished!

Baker’s Twine

I love it. Can’t get enough. And about a year ago it was hard for me to find. Some of y’all have been asking where I buy mine so I wanted to share a few places where you can buy this glorious crafter’s favorite.

The Twinery

The Twinery is probably my favorite source for red baker’s twine these days. Their Maraschino is so bright and vibrant, I just love it. Unlike other baker’s twine that is mostly white with just a little hint of red, this twine is bold and beautiful. Follow The Twinery on Twitter because they’re always posting discount codes. When they do, I stock up!

Divine Twine

I used Divine Twine’s aqua and orange twine for our wedding back in March. Their aqua is my favorite that I’ve found and their spools have lasted me an eternity. She also carries black and grey twine, which I dig.

Knot and Bow

Glitter Twine? Yes, please! I found Knot and Bow last week via Twitter and have been pretty obsessed since. Erin is so nice and she has the most excellent packaging supplies in her etsy shop. This Glitter Twine is among some of the things I ordered from her shop and I cannot wait to use it over the holidays. In addition, she also carries lovely classic spools of baker’s twine in reds, blues, and browns.

Good ol’ Martha

Hop over to your local Paper Source for Martha Stewart’s baker’s twine. I stocked up last Christmas after the holidays when it was half off! Look out for that again this holiday at your local Paper Source. If you’re not close to one, you can buy it here. If you’re looking for a baker’s twine with just a touch of red, this is for you. The spools last a pretty long time, but I have to admit: they’re hard for me to get going! I have ended up with some crazy knots with this brand.

Happy crafting!

IndieGenius

Friday afternoon my friend, Sarah, tipped me off to this really nifty up-and-coming endeavor in the Bishops Arts District. Their tagline says it all: “It’s like the Urban Bazaar, but with air conditioning.” What it is is a 5,000 square foot space where local artisans can rent little pods and create their very own boutiques. I was immediately enamored with this idea and applied Friday evening. And I’m excited to announce Blue Eye Brown Eye will have a spot! Stay tuned for more details as the space is to open in October. And if you’re a local artist or crafter, apply! What a great opportunity!