Learn How To Paint a Portrait of Your Cat or Dog

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learn to paint pet portraits

I’m a big fan of web-based and self-paced learning, and it’s amazing what you can find online these days! I love watching YouTube How-To videos, but what’s even better are the FREE and low-cost classes that you can find over at Craftsy.com. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve taken their Online Knitting Class using my iPad in my spare time, and found it super fun and easy to follow. Their special software makes it really straightforward and organized to follow, and you can use a PC, laptop, tablet, or even your SmartPhone to take online lessons on your own schedule.

I was looking to see what’s new over in their course offerings and spotted a GREAT new class especially for Pet Lovers! It’s Pet Portraits taught by Pat Weaver, and it’s on sale for $19.99. That’s 33% OFF the regular price of $29.99 and you get:

  • 6 HD video lessons with anytime, anywhere access
  • Downloadable class materials, including supplies and a color wheel
  • Over 2.5 hours of close-up instruction
  • Answers from Weaver in Craftsy’s virtual classroom

learn to paint a pet portrait

One really cool thing about Craftsy classes is that once you buy one, it’s yours to keep and take over and over again anytime you want. You can skip around in the lessons, or do them in order from start to finish. When you have questions or need help, you can post messages for the instructor and other students. You can also see photos that other students post of their finished projects, which I find great inspiration. They also offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee!

Class Description

Capture your darling dog or cat in a lovable, lifelike work of art! Join renowned animal artist Pat Weaver and discover how easy it is to photograph, sketch and paint your pet. Find out how to select the best source photo for your piece, and discover Pat’s easy process for quickly and accurately sketching any dog or cat. Use a simple template and transfer method to translate your sketch to canvas, and then explore value and color. Work with acrylic paint to mix lovely grays and neutral hues that are ideal for animal features and fur, and practice painting expressive eyes with realistic warmth. Follow Pat through three demonstrations as you create your own pet portrait, using loose, fluid brushstrokes to develop fur and whiskers and layer colors for a dimensional effect.

Keep in mind that you will need to buy a few art supplies locally, but the instructor has a downloadable list of everything you’ll need. You can also read reviews posted by other students. One review I read says that this was “the best class I’ve ever taken” which is pretty high praise, indeed! Head on over to Craftsy and check out the Pet Portrait Class while it’s on sale!

Not ready to buy a class yet? Check out the FREE Mini-Courses available to everyone at NO cost. It’s a great way to see what Craftsy is all about and how it works.

Unleash Your Creative Genius and Become a Self-Published Author or Artist with Blurb Books

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Ever had a great idea for a book but didn’t know how to get it published. Maybe you create amazing recipes and food photos, or want to put all your best sketches or stories together in a permanent binding. Or how about turning your pet photos into a children’s book!?! Talk about a cool DIY project! Check out this self-publishing success story for some more great ideas and inspiration on how to get started:

Blurb author Kal Barteski is a maker extraordinaire whose creativity knows no bounds. She’s a working designer, painter, storyteller, book creator, TEDx speaker, and calligrapher who can now add “video star” to her resumé with this Blurb book-maker profile. Watch the first installment in the new Canadian Author video series with a look at Kal’s creativity.

No doubt you’ll be inspired to make your own book with Blurb. 

80% OFF Dean Russo 23″x18″ Pet Art Prints $24.99 ($125 reg)

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dean russo pet print sale

Animal and art lovers, don’t miss this new Dean Russo sale going on over at Groupon.com right now. You’ll get $100 OFF your choice of pop art print from this well-known pet-friendly artist. Last time I posted a similar deal, it sold out quickly, so be sure to head on over and browse all the designs so you don’t miss out on your favorite!

big soul

This is one of MY personal favorites, but they are all special in their own way. I’m thinking that ANY of these prints would make a super thoughtful Valentine’s Gift for any loved one, or important pet person on your list!

Whether you’re a cat person, or a dog lover, there is something for everybody. Returns are free with purchase, so there’s no risk if you order and change your mind once it arrives…but seeing how gorgeous these prints are, I doubt that will be an issue!

russo cat print

Each Giclee Print is 23″ (L) x 18″ (W) x .05″ (H) on Archival-Quality, Acid-Free Paper. Visit the Deal Russo Pet Art Sale to browse them all now!

Adorable Etsy Find: Every Dog Is A Good Dog Dry Erase Message Board

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good dog dry erase memo board

Are you a fan of Etsy? I am! I spend way more time than I should, browsing all the unique items and hand-made goods…you just never know what you’ll find! And I love the idea of supporting small business owners, crafters, artists, moms and other individuals doing their thing! I’ve been finding so much good Etsy stuff recently that I started an Etsy Finds Pinterest Board so I can keep track of it all. Here’s something I stumbled upon today and thought I’d share with you.

It’s a super CUTE dry erase message board! Don’t you just LOVE that face?!? Even though the coloring is different, the expression and eyes just remind me so much of Daisy! Go here to check it out. The artist is Ginger Oliphant, and you can go here to read all about her work and her Etsy shop GoingPlaces2.

Got a favorite Etsy find or Shop? Let us know so we can check it out!

Super Fun Find: Adorable Dog Garden Sculpture $19.99 ($35 reg)

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garden dog sculpture

I’m super excited about this find today over at Zulily.com and ordered MINE before posting just to be sure they didn’t sell out before I got one…it’s just SO adorable and reminds me of Daisy with those black eyes and floppy ears. She’s got a very colorful personality, too!

Anyway, now that I’ve secured one for myself I can give you the scoop. Just head on over HERE to snag one while they are available. This whimsical garden sculpture is 12X12 and constructed from iron. It’s on sale for $19.99 ($35 reg) and it’s also one of those rare finds that you just don’t see every day! Shipping is $5.95 but then you’ll get free shipping on everything else you order today so it’s worth it to look around.

As with all deals at Zulily, this one is on for 3 days only or until sold out, whichever comes first. Zulily is a members-only sale site but it’s free to join and I highly recommend it. Some of my other favorite finds there include a Cuisinart Griddler Machine, Juice Organic Beauty items, a Bluetooth Shower Speaker and some other fun items, too! Visit Zulily to shop all their sales for mom, baby, home and pets.