Pittsburgh. The Smoky City. Iron City. And while technically Steel City is no longer befitting, say what you will, The City of Champions has held on to their football. Pittsburgh fans have oft been deemed the most loyal in all of footballdom. Even their Fidos are fanatics. Meet Jerome, No. 1 Bichon-Shih Tzu Steelers fan. Yip!

Jerome

Jerome

His Animal Print is a compilation of several photos submitted by Brooklyn-resident Sam, for her friend’s birthday. “Little Jerome is wearing a Pittsburg Steelers jersey. She  [birthday girl] is a big Steelers fan.” Earlier, I’d said, “Sure I can paint Jerome, he’s cute in his Bears gear.” I was kindly corrected. Blaspheme.

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Today, a funny thing happened. Well, it actually started last night when I checked out The Squeeze’s new pad. Though he had a key, the electricity wasn’t on yet, so we lurked about pointing his dim, blue-lit flashlight. His new space is a blank canvas, save for the leftover space-heater, and the little pile of metal parts propped on the porch banister. Gadora fondled a piece (I have no idea what it was intended for) and placed it on the railing so it looked like a set of robot eyes. Cute! He said it would be, “The Keeper of the Porch.”

This morning, too bright and way early, Gadora set out to organize a pile of magazine’s I’d been stashing. As I flipped through an old copy of Tribeza, a lil Austin glossy, I spied an ad for Haven Gallery. Amy Flynn’s “Bashbord” Fobot (not pictured here, or anywhere other than the ad, I looked!) was recognized as featured artist.

Bothesda 2 by Amy Flynn

Bothesda MD by Amy Flynn

Gadora needed more. “Bothesda, MD” (above) upcycles a tobacco tin, pool ball, lamp parts and hydraulic fittings. He was born 10.15.09. You can read more about him on her blog: Amy Flynn Designs.

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Post yoga Monday night, Gadora sifted through a nearby Goodwill for a few items on her list: the right woven basket for that still-in-progress egg-carton tentacle light, a suitable coffee table for a “crackle finish” commission, and anything that “wanted” refashioning. Soaked in sweat, I decided to come back Tuesday for a closer look.

The next evening, clean and clear-headed, Gadora returned for a pair of simple copper planters which read “Made in Turkey” underneath. I wanted the pine coffee table that could pass for an exact match to the one I’d refashioned last spring. Once there, only the planters remained. Noticeably upset, a worker approached and asked if he could help. Not unless you can locate that coffee table, no.

Piano bench ~ BEFORE

Piano bench ~ BEFORE

He disappeared for a moment, and returned with this here piano bench. Hmmmm, not on my list. But with the deal we struck it was practically free, so Gadora now has a lightweight piano bench to refurbish.

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My BFF recently added a simply lovely four-poster bed from Four Hands in her master suite. There’s ample space for a seating area in her expansive room, Gadora proposes, and inquired, “How do you feel about slipper chairs?” She likes. Scoured the internets yesterday looking for both inspiration, and an affordable option, so I might present several for The BFF to consider…

Suzie Page on Apartment Therapy

Suzie Page on Apartment Therapy

Late yesterday Apartment Therapy posted a house tour by Austin’s own Adrienne Breaux and it is LOVELY. While the wall color is stunning, it is the pairing of the room’s two feminine chairs that caught my eye. Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a slipper chair as “an armless upholstered chair with short legs. Originally used in the bedroom, slipper chairs are now used as accent seating in living rooms, family rooms and even offices.”

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Gadora’s been perusing the local book stores lately. A little birdie told me there’d be an Animal Print mention in Watercolor Artist magazine’s holiday gift guide, but they’d all been sold or were awaiting current issue. After a few fruitful days in North Texas, Gadora returned home to find two copies addressed to my attention…

Watercolor Artist holiday issue

Watercolor Artist holiday issue

Watercolor Artist ran “Audry ~ Cairn Terrier” as the barks-person, hers is a darling Animal Print for sure! Thank you so much Jessica for the mention. It is truly appreciated.

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