Learn How To Paint a Portrait of Your Cat or Dog

March 26, 2014
Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

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.

Filed Under: Pet Crafts & DIY, Pet Deals Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Mom Corps YOU: Career and Freelance Tools & Training + Special Discount #MC

February 11, 2014
Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

As a work-from-home freelancer and blogger, I’m participating in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Mom Corps YOU. I received a free trial subscription to facilitate my review and a promotional item as a thank you for my time. All opinions are 100% my own.

momcorps tools

If you’re reading this, then you’ve probably already figured out that I’m a blogger, but you might not know that I also do freelance work from home to help pay the bills. It all began shortly after I was laid off from my full-time corporate marketing job a few years ago. It had been years since I’d even updated my resume! I’d been in the same career and industry for so long, and there were so many people out of work at the time, that I found it very difficult to find a new full-time job, and decided to try working for myself.

Little by little, I’ve been building up my own business, helping brands and other small businesses to promote their products and services with online marketing and social media. I love the flexibility and freedom that freelancing offers, but it was really tough figuring out how to get started,

I didn’t have access to a lot of resources or support, which is why I was super excited when I was recently invited to try out Mom Corps YOU — an online community designed to help women with professional development, start a new business and lots more! Mom Corps believes that work-life satisfaction is best achieved when you can take ownership of several key areas of your life, including career, finances and health & wellness, and this subscription-based community provides education, resources and tools to help you do just that.

momcorps you

I’ve been using the tools and resources at Mom Corp YOU and am really impressed with the range of webinars, articles, templates and checklists available. Whether you’re a mom who is looking to return to the workforce, someone who’s always wanted to start her own business, want help learning to better manage household finances, or need to develop more work-life balance, there’s something for everyone! They’ve also got forums so you can chat with other members, and Live Chat to connect you with a Mom Corp Recruiter.

Another thing I love is that it’s designed to be flexible, so you can take advantage of most of the resources on your own schedule using your laptop, iPad or pretty much any device that can browse the web. I recently enjoyed a Mom Corps presentation on Freelancing and got some great tips and new ideas.

mom freelance class

Right now, Mom Corps is giving our readers access to a very special offer so that you can try out Mom Corps YOU for yourself. Go HERE to sign up for an annual introductory subscription for $99.99 ($149.99 reg) or $19.99/month. You’ll get full access to everything including Mom Corps Job Recruiters, help with resumes & interview questions, how to use LinkedIn for networking, templates for business plans, and lots more. Be sure to check out the new course Resumes that Get Results Webinar on Tuesday, February 11th!

Filed Under: Product Reviews Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Watch FREE Online DIY, Craft, Cooking & Photography Classes Anytime!

January 29, 2014
Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Baby, it’s COLD outside! If you’re going a bit stir crazy being stuck indoors, or are just looking to learn some new skills or start on a fun new project, you don’t want to miss the FREE mini-classes available online over at Craftsy.com!

free bag-making class

With the FREE Bucket Bag Class, you could make a super CUTE bag for the dog park or handy storage bine to keep all your fur kid’s toys and gear together! In addition to needle crafts including knitting, quilting, sewing and crochet, you can also learn cake decorating, photography, perfect pizza making, fondant basics, and a bunch of other FUN stuff.

Woof Woof Papa is always on me about being more careful when I’m chopping things in the kitchen, so I’m interested in the FREE Knife Skills Class…check it out:

knife skills class

Craftsy also offers reasonably-priced full-length classes online and with all their free and paid classes, you do them on your own schedule, and on any laptop, computer, table or device you want. You can watch and restart them as much as you want and even ask questions and get tips from the instructor and other students. I’ve done the online Knitting course and love how easy it was to follow and how well-done the whole thing was!

Visit Craftsy HERE to check out all the FREE mini courses and get started on a fun new project of your own!

Filed Under: Deals, Pet Crafts & DIY Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

Holiday Giveaway: Win The Little Blue Dog Three Book Series for Kids!

December 3, 2013
Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

Kid's Book Giveaway: WIN The Little Blue Dog Series!

We’re super excited to be working again this year with children’s book author, Karen J. Roberts! She’s the creator of The Little Blue Dog series of books and we’re bringing you a chance to WIN all three of them in time for the holidays. Promoting compassion for animals and responsible pet ownership, Karen’s books are sure to become favorites of all dog-loving kids:

The Little Blue Dog
2013 National Indie Excellence Award Winner

Based on the real life story of Karen’s adopted dog Louie, The Little Blue Dog is the first book in the series. Fall in love with Louie as he shows courage and hope for a second chance as a shelter dog.

The Little Blue Dog Has a Birthday Party

The second book in the series, readers can follow Louie’s journey as an adopted shelter dog. He continues to warm our hearts with his gentle nature and generous spirit.

The Little Blue Dog Goes to School

The third book in the series, The Little Blue Dog Goes to School teaches children about tolerance and the important role service and therapy dogs play in our lives.

karen

About the Author:

An avid animal lover and pet owner her whole life, Karen J. Roberts became active in animal rescue in December of 2011 when she adopted her little dog Louie from the Northeast Animal Shelter in Salem, Ma. After losing both her parents to cancer in the previous year, she felt an overwhelming need to do something positive. Adding Louie to her family sent her on a mission to find a way to help the countless animals who end up in shelters across the United States through no fault of their own. She wrote The Little Blue Dog as a way to tell Louie’s story and raise awareness and funding for animal rights and rescue organizations. Learn more at her book website: http://thelittlebluedog.com/

Her Mission:

Creating books for kids with lovable characters in engaging stories with a message of kindness, humane choices and the importance of compassion for animals to provide our younger generations with the tools to effect social change.

Check out Karen’s books on Amazon. You can read the reviews and order copies. They make great gifts!

Enter to WIN The Little Blue Dog 3-Book Series for Kids

[Read more…]

Filed Under: Giveaways, Holiday Gift Guide Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Adopt a Virtual Pet — Animal Jam FREE National Geographic Game Site for Kids!

October 25, 2013
Some posts may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure.

free pet-themed games for kids

Does your kid LOVE animals and games? What kid doesn’t! Here’s a super CUTE and fun FREE online animal game site for kids of all ages courtesy of National Geographic. Animal Jam is an online virtual playground for children who love animals and the outdoors, and is the result of an ongoing creative collaboration between Smart Bomb Interactive and National Geographic Society. I just had a look around and looks so fun, I can’t wait to play when I finish my work LOL!

This cool portal provides a fun, exciting and educational environment for kids to play online, while inspiring them to explore and protect the natural world outside their doors. And since it’s from the animal and nature experts over at National Geographic Kids, you know it’s also a SAFE online environment designed especially for children. Signup here to play for FREE…as with most game sites, there are optional paid features so be sure to have a look around and supervise your kiddos to get them started.

Filed Under: Pet Deals Tagged With: , , , , , , , ,
« Previous Page
Next Page »