Sweet Violet Cuddlebug

It's been a long and trying week, but somehow I finally feel like I came out on top.

Last night was a close call for a bit of a superwoman breakdown.

At 1am I'm rushing into a 24hr animal emergency room begging the poor girl behind the desk to find me a doctor who treated rats... looking back now; her face was quite priceless.

Long story short; when male rats get into a squabble it's bad. Really bad, and stitches are likely. Everything worked out fine. My little furbaby is all fixed and has been spoiled all day. I think he quite likes laying on my drawing desk and getting hand fed little veges one at a time. Did I say spoiled? 

He hasn't move to terribly much but he seemed to enjoy watching me draw and color my latest digi. He'd do his cute purr and his eyes would boggle when I'd talk to him. Every now and then, he'd do a long stretch toward me and give my hand a dozen or so kisses.  It's really been sweet. 

Sad as the entire experience was, bonding with him today has just seemed to make all of the tough moments from the week evaporate. They really didn't have as much weight as I thought they did in the moment. He brought quite a bit of peace to my heart and mind. Big blessing can come in small packages.

Sweet Violet Cuddlebug Cuties

Sweet Violet Cuddlebug Cuties

 Copics:

Skin: E50, 30, 11, 13 R20

Hair: E29, 39, 23, 21

Dress: V09, 6, 12, 01

BG78, 49, 45, 01, G21, Y11

E33, Y35, YR 31, 30

 

Enjoy coloring and crafting with Sweet Violet, but please give me; Anna Stillwell at Cuddlebug Cuties, credit for drawing her.

Hugs,

Anna

Furballs In The Craftroom

I've been working on redoing my craft room to make it a bit more art studio like.

I felt that I just had to much random hobby craft supplies cluttering up every inch of my limited space. Since my main crafts are drawing and art journaling I really needed more table space than storage for pretties.

I'm in the process of reevaluating my materials. Storing some and donating others all to make room for a small kitchen table to replace my desk. The desk is beautiful but once I put a computer on it I have little room for large and unusual sized sketch books. 

My rattie furbabies are quite alarmed by this entire situation. My craft desk has been around as long as they have and it has changed very little. It's their favorite place to play. Plenty of areas to climb and a hutch to hide in.

I've been letting them explore one last time on it while I clean it off.

Of coarse a photo shoot ensued.

Bear Playing In Ribbon

Bear Getting Pets

Jasper, Hmm What's In Here?

Loki Claims My Old Pen Holder As His

Thor Enjoying a Treat

Thor, Yumm!

Bear, Mine

Bear, No Touch

Bear & Ghost, Fancy Dumbos *brothers

Ghost, sweetest little guy ever

Jasper, Oh That's Good

I think they had fun, and they loved the special treat.

They get fresh veges and fruit everyday but I keep a box of dieters sweets for them for special treats. I figure if it's for a diet they shouldn't get to plump, right? Hmm...you only live once might as well enjoy it :) They are snacking on a Weight Watchers Carrot Cake. Spoiled, I know. That's the way furbabies should be. They love yogurt too, oh but what a mess. That's a photo shoot for another day.

Have a wonderful weekend.

Hugs,

Anna

Crooked Tail

My oldest pup has a very peculiar little quirk. When it's becoming stormy outside she gets very stressed. I know this isn't really unheard of, but somehow she shows shows her emotions through her tail. It becomes crinkled and bent right in the center. The first time it happen I thought she somehow had broke her tail, scared me so bad. Over the years I've come to learn that her tail is fine she is just very stressed and needs extra cuddles (and sometimes a little hand built fort to hide in). 

Her condition however, has become a very common saying among my family and friends. It is not unheard of to hear one of us say, "my tail is so crooked right now".

So in keeping up with tradition...

My tail has been crooked for the past couple of days, gah

I'm not found of having a bent tail.

Right in mid illustration my inking pen died. It's a bummer but not really a huge deal. I drove up to the local craft store to buy another. Sold out... okay I'll just call around to see where else I can find one. No luck what so ever. 

I decided to purchase one off Amazon and paid a little extra for next day shipping. By 9pm the following day, still no illustration pen. I checked the tracking number that morning and it was in my city, so where is it? I checked the tracking again. It's in Indiana... I live in Missouri. There's a little side note. Delivery delayed, package put on wrong truck. Well mistakes happen, what's one more day now anyways.

The following day I'm practically chomping at the bit waiting for the mail carrier. When I saw his truck, I was jumping up to meet him at the door. The moment he handed me the box I knew something wasn't right. The box was much to heavy.  What on earth did they send me?

I pop it open and inside find not 1 pen but a whole variety pack. I inspect the item and find that store label is miss-marked as a single pen even though it is clearly multiples. Okay, I'll just call them and tell them they sent me more than I paid for and see what they want me to do. Hours later, I still can't find an actual phone number for amazon customer service.

After waiting days for a pen, wasting money on fast shipping which didn't show, and now not finding any support to explain that I got more than I paid for; my tail is starting to get a major bend in it. I just want to finish my picture, but I'm not willing to steal something that was mistakenly stent to me.

I finally sent them an email. Fingers crossed that it made sense. I did get my pen but if I take it out of the pack it will ruin the pack and make it unsellable. Can I just buy the pack? How much is it? ( I don't honestly know if I could even afford it, so that might not be an option.) Send it back? How long will it take to get another single pen? 

I heading out today to find a similar pen of a different brand. Creating always makes me feel better and I need some joy right now. 

The lesson I've learned; if it's important to your craft keep multiples, lol.

Stock photo of what they sent

 

I'll work it out and have a new digi soon :)

Hugs,

Anna

A Week of Sketches

I gotta admit, I've had a really nice and relaxing past few days.

It makes me feel a little guilty, but only a little; hehe.

My husband has been on a work related trip to CA, and well this pretty much left me and my little guy with the house all to ourselves.

The first night, when I tucked my son in; I looked around and wondered what to do with myself.

This little bit of extra me time started a really entertaining late night habit;

Mommy Movie Night

...

Everynight :)

(but only after my little was asleep)

I love horror movies, but never really get to watch them at the current point in time because they're not toddler friendly. My hubby, sadly he doesn't really care for scary movies. They give him nightmares; me however, they don't bother me a bit. It kinda freaks my husband out. He says I'm the only person he's ever seen that never flinches. I always laugh and tell him I'm generally okay, I understand it's make believe and made just to get a reaction out of someone. Plus when the background music changes you can kinda predict that something is going to happen, so I'm ready for it. 

I don't know, maybe I'm unique...but I accept that. 

One week all to myself. A new movie everynight.

Me and a couch full of kitties and puppies.

It was awesome.

It was relaxing. Propped my feet up and drew the whole time.

I never really made it to my desk to get anything beyond the sketching finished, but I have so many new illustrations to work with now, which is a bit exciting too.

I'll get these inked and colored soon, so that I can share with everyone.

I'm also pouring my heart into this years Christmas Angel. I really want it to be the most special and beautiful one out of the past 3 years that I've drew them.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday time.

The biggest of Hugs,

Anna

I Cry For St. Louis

Dozens and dozens of photos; all ready to post. Beautiful works of art that contain a little piece of my heart. Hours of work, moments of true happiness...

but tonight I feel the need to vary a bit from my original plan and speak from the heart. 

Truth and life; sometimes it can all be so confusing, scary, and just plain difficult. 

Tonight I cry for St. Louis, Missouri. 

My home. 

The place where I grew up. All my loved ones, all my closest friends, all my most precious memories...

Tonight I hang my head.

Moments after the Micheal Brown verdict, the hate began.

Roiting, looting; the city is practically being burnt to the ground.

We have the news on and are listening to a scanner on the computer. 

People are down, trapped, shot, dying, hurting...

It is truly like being trapped in a nightmare. 

How far will these protesters take their rage?

Who does this defend?

How does this help anyone?

Hurting people that had nothing to do with the young man?

Burning your own city? Why?

What did an auto parts store, a pizza place, or a toy store, and so many more have to do with any of this? Why destory your own hometown?

This is our home.

Tonight, we sit in fear.

Maybe 20 minutes outside of the main riots.

Friends and co-works often have asked my husband and I why we stay here.

This is our home, our people... it's just were we belong; it's home.

Yes, it is a violent area. People die and are hurt everyday. The news is always full of bizarre stories, but it's part of life here. It's truly sad to say, but you learn very early on where not to go. It's almost like there is an imaginary line and you don't cross it.

All that said, my husband and I are not delusional enough to believe that we are safe 100% of the time. Crime travels...

So tonight, we sit and wait.

There will be no sleep; no peace.

Will the angry men and women make it to our door?

Truth is, if they want the house; take it.

We have a few bags packed and sitting by the door.

Toys and clothes for my son,

a few art journals and sketchbooks,

my husbands work laptop,

and a few clothes...

our cats are already in carry carriers,

our dogs have collars and leashes on,

our rats have been moved to the living room with a travel carrier placed right by the cage.

We are ready to grab our family and leave.

Nothing else really matters.

It's just stuff... it can all be replaced.

 Every gun in our home is loaded and ready to go, which I really hate. It makes me so uncomfortable. There is a baseball bat right beside my nightstand... and truth is I am not amused by this either. I think it's ok to defend yourself, but the reality of it makes my stomach turn. 

I've never hurt anyone, I just feel I need to prepare simply because I am in line of fire.

Doesn't matter my age, sex, race, religion, opinion...

Those that are angry don't care; they are simply taking a stand, doesn't seem to matter who they hurt.?

Tomorrow, how many will be collateral damage? 

Why won't these people have the same public out cry?

They too are loved, missed, wanted...

Tonight my friends,

pray, please.

I don't care who or what you believe in. I am a Christian, and if you are not I am okay with that; as I hope you are okay with letting me rejoice in my beliefs. We are all here on this earth together. This is all of our homes. We are all different and that is a wonderful thing.

This has become a tragic event for so many people. 

It is so incredibly sad.

What does tomorrow hold?

Hopefully, we can learn from this event and move forward as a society.

Make our home a better place...

one where we don't fear what might come in the night.

We shouldn't have to be scared of what's in the dark.

I had hoped the nights of peeking under my bed for the boogieman had passed... but now; is he just waiting outside of my door? 

Do I have to face him head on to protect my family?

 My heart goes out to the family and friends of all those that have been affected by this event.

I will hold all of you close to my heart.

I will pray for peace and safety for all;

and I will cry for all those hurting.

 

Tomorrow is a new day, lets make it count.

Lets move forward together.
All life is precious.

Hugs,

Anna

 

Adopted Furbabies Inspired Art Journal Spread

I am an animal lover.

I have bought food for my dog when I had none,

 I have patted a mangy head with a bare hand.

I have hugged those that are vicious because they're afraid.

 I have fallen in love a thousand times,

...and I have cried into the fur of a lifeless 

body more times than I could bare.

I am an animal lover, my home is never quiet,

my wallet is always empty,

but my heart is always full.

~unknown

I love this quote. It rings so true to me. 

Recently, I have rescued a handful of new fur-kids.

I am truly smitten with them, but I have faced loads of stereotyped negativity for giving them a forever home.

I really don't understand the idea that some lives matter less than others.

I know that saving one animal won't change the world, but it changes the world for that one animal. Seems like you were given the ability to change a life, why waste it. 

I am an animal lover.

If you asked me what type of animal person I am...
I'd tell you I'm a cat person. There isn't a kitty in this world that I wouldn't drop to my knees and cuddle.

If you asked me who my best friend is...

I'd tell you it's my dog. We have a special bond and we are together nearly 24/7. She's always happy, always makes me smile, always there when I need a shoulder to cry on, she's my buddy.

If you asked me who my most social and well trained pet is...

I'd tell you it's my new handful of fancy rats.

Yes, I did say rats,

Fancy Rats.

This is where the negativity usually begins. I'm not expecting to change anybody's perception, and not really expecting anyone to agree with me. So far, no one has supported me in my decision to rescue them. Honestly, I'm okay with that. I too, had a bit of fear lurking in the back corners of my brain when I first came upon them, but they were in need and I'm not capable of turning my back and forgetting.

In the past several weeks they've have taught me so much about respecting animals.

They are so incredibly sweet and beyond smart.

I easily litter box trained them, they take food so softly and gentle, they come when I call them, and my most special one will run up and kiss you like a dog would. He'll lick your hands or your cheek, it's so cute.  

They all love to snuggle and will sit in your lap endlessly to get petted. 

I have zero fear of aggression from them. They'll let you give them baths, groom them, check their teeth...and not even a squeak out of them. Actually, something kinda interesting; they purr. It's very similar to when a kitty is happy. Sometimes they get so into it their eyes bug out and kind of wobble. It's one of the funniest and most adorable things I've ever seen.

They are not the evil pests that I feared.

They are just like any other animal.

They want to be loved and feel safe.

I love my new fur babies, and I'm okay with being just a little bit different.

This is just who I am, and I except that. I'm not perfect but I have a good heart.

I want to share some fun Halloween photos I took of the new little guys. 

We were having so much fun bonding and picture taking.

I've also have an art journal work in progress inspired by them.

If you are truly afraid / phobic of fancy rats, I understand. 

You may want to skip the following pictures, as I don't wish to give anyone bad dreams tonight. 

And if you can't look it's okay, I can't stand looking at pictures of spiders or sharks; I shudder every time.

This is Thor. He is my heart rat. He is so curious about everything. He spends most of the day on my shoulder then running down my arm to inspect everything he can get his little paws on. When I draw hes sits on my wrist and watches every move I make. He just like being included in everything.

Jax, my snuggler. Loves to cuddle and will except lovins from anybody. He's my biggest guy and I got a really good laugh watching how determined he was to squish is butt into this fish aquarium prop. 

Loki, super sweet little baby and so tiny. He was 5 weeks old when I took this picture. He will start purring almost the moment you touch him. He's just a very content happy little guy.

Jasper, my smallest and palest addition. Loki's brother and also 5 weeks at the time of the photo. He loves to hide in the collar of your shirt. Nothing but his little nose sticking out. 

I have three more adorable cuties, but they came a few days after these photos. I'm not sure if abused is the right term for their previous situation but they all came to me in different states of suffering. But a lot of love, bit of vet visits, some medicine and some dental work and they are all very happy and adjusting well to actually being wanted and loved. I'll have photos of them soon.

And now for the artsy stuff.

This is an art journal page work in progress.

It's dedicated to my new family members. 

Two of my unpictured ratties have dumbo ears, so I had to draw big adorable ears.

And the cuddlebug on the left would be holding Thor. This is where he is most commonly trying to explore from.

Love this Cuddlebug. Definitely going to ink her up and make her a digi soon.

Hugs,

Anna

Life Lately

Hello all my wonderful friends,

I know it's been awhile, much to long actually. 

Life has been full of challenges recently. I'm normally a happy, perky, optimistic person, but I had a little streak of sadness take over for a bit; and even though the events would have made great stories, I really didn't want to make everyone tear up day after day.

However, I do feel I owe everyone an explanation for my extended absence.

Pretty much, it started with the death of a very close family member. She had been one of my closest friends for my entire life. Her unexpected passing left me feeling so very much alone. I found myself many times dialing her number then crying as I realized that she would never answer again. It just hurt so very much.

Then, well to make a really long story short, I fractured a bone in my arm, and it hurt more than I thought a broken bone ever would. This event truly set my art back. For the first little bit it was almost impossible to create with it, but I learned, and now I feel so much better that I can use a little art therapy to cheer me up.

Finally, the topper that just broke my heart.

I recently lost a pet. It hurt like nothing I had ever felt before. She was the first furbaby to pass in my adult life. She had been a family member since pretty much the day she was born. She was an abandoned  rescue that we hand fed formula to every few hours, I was holding her the first time she opened her eyes, the first time she took her first bite of solid food, and I was holding her close while she took her last breath. I miss her so badly, words can not even explain.

So after a handful of sad events, I was a bit lost and needed to take some time. Lately though, I've been waking up with a renewed sense of life. I'm ready to jump back up and enjoy the little things in my everyday again. Ready to be a positive and uplifting person. Ready to enjoy the activities that make me who I am. 

And most of all, ready to create! 

Art is a great release,

a great source of happiness.

I've put a lot of thought into where I want to go with my creations. I want to expand from drawing and papercrafting and add art journaling and mixed media to my list. During the past few weeks I have amassed a huge amount of supplies for this endeavor. I'm truly excited to try something new and I can wait to share the outcome with you guys.

My latest Cuddlebug - Coming Soon

I'll post a list of my goodies that I'm starting out with soon, as well as a new Cuddlebug for you all, and I'm putting together a little Prima blog candy too.

Hugs,

Anna

Making a Plan

I've begun to realize that I need to plan out my blog and art time a little better.

Anything that equals me time usually comes last in the day.

So, I've been putting together a little summer plan to multitask and stay creative.

I've been making little travel art kits that can go from room to room, inside to outside, and on the road. I think it'll be helpful to have a handful of useful art materials on hand. That way, if me and my little man are outside and he's happily entertaining himself, I can craft and enjoy myself too. 

So far I have a drawing kit, a mixed media journal kit(my next crafting venture), and a car tote. They've actually been really fun to put together too, I can't wait to put them to use.  

I'll have picture of all my goodies and a supply list later this week.

On top of the art kits, I also purchased a planner. I need a little something to write blogging events in. I still need a little practice actually using it, but I have had tons of fun doodling and embellishing it. I added some drawing paper to it, that way I always have an art journal in my purse. 

I think I might make a little kit for planner goodies too. Sticky notes, stickers, multicolor pens, pretty paper... and anything else I can find.  

Front dashboard.

My tabs came out of an old 2011 datebook. So glad I saved them.

Love this sketch. Think I'll polish her up and make her a Cuddlebug soon.

Hugs,

Anna