A Big Change

Take Your Dog to Work Day // Custom Framing // Ammo the Dachshund

As many of you may already know, I spend most of my weekdays working as a shop dog in a custom framing shop. For the past 7 years I’ve had the very important duty of shop greeter, making people smile on a daily basis! Even though I’ve been doing an amazing job, mom says this year I’m going to get a little help with my job when my new sister comes to the shop to help me handle all my duties. To make some room at the shop for an extra “employee” it was time to make some updates to our work space.

So here’s what my shop used to look like:

Shopping small businesses

A Big Change - New Studio 3 Shop Layout

Oh The Places You Sleep: Vol. 15 with Ammo the Dachshund

Things were about to change though….

A Big Change - New Studio 3 Shop Layout

Over memorial day weekend dad came in with all his tools and a whole stack of ikea boxes and we got to work building. I spent some late nights at the shop that weekend, but in the end it was worth it!

A Big Change - New Studio 3 Shop Layout

The new design table for all my customers to order their framing on turned out fabulous, even if dad built it a little too tall for us short “people”.

A Big Change - New Studio 3 Shop Layout

A Big Change - New Studio 3 Shop Layout

With a whole new look to my store there was only one thing left to do….

A Big Change - New Studio 3 Shop Layout

…Zoomies!

A Big Change - New Studio 3 Shop Layout

Now that things are back to business as usual, I’m back to my post at the front door waiting to greet all the customers.

A Big Change - New Studio 3 Shop Layout

And you know what, I’m really starting to love this new bigger space. There’s even more room now for me to stretch out for belly rubs!

So what do you think, do you like my shop’s new layout? Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

 

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway

Disclaimer: This post and giveaway is brought to you by Paint Your Life. All opinions are my own, and I only share products I think you and your pets will love.

Shopping small businesses

As many of you may recall I spend most of my week working at mom’s custom picture frame shop. So over the years I’ve developed a love of the arts. So when my new friends over at Paint Your Life offered to do an oil painting of yours truly I said “why of course the world could use more paintings of me!”

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

Over at Paint Your Life they have a whole variety of different art mediums you can choose, and not only can you commission a painting of your pet, but they can even paint people too.

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your LifeFor me the hardest part was then choosing what photo I wanted them to paint my portrait from. Goodness knows my mom has thousands of pictures of me from over the years.

So the really neat part is you can actually send Paint Your Life several photos and they can recommend which one would make the best paintings (but ultimately the decision will be up to you).

I combed through years worth of pictures and picked out a few that I thought would be fun to hang on my bedroom wall.

 

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

After sending them off to Paint Your Life they recommended I get my portrait painted from the one of me sleeping on my dog bed. Which is great, because that was actually my top pick too!

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

A couple weeks later they sent me an online proof to approve, which I could either accept or even request additional changes to be made. As I suspected though, it came out fantastic from the start so I had them ship it to my door right away!

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your LifeWhile I certainly knew I’d love my painting, it’s great to know that Paint Your Life offers a 100% Money Back Guarantee. So if you aren’t happy they will redo it or refund your money in full.

Shipping is also always free, and you never have to pay for your painting in full up front. (just 20% down).

Regardless you always have plenty of time to request changes and review your painting before it even ships to your door, and the whole process is extra simple through their website!

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

The likeness is uncanny don’t you think? (It’s even more beautiful in person!)

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

When you order your painting from Paint Your Life you can even choose to have it framed or stretched onto stretcher bars, however since I do work in a picture frame shop I decided I could do that part for myself (well at least make mom do it for me). So once my painting arrived I set out to pick out a frame!

Affordable Pet Portraits + A Giveaway from Paint Your Life

I narrowed my frame picks down to two…but I can’t decide! So you’ll just have to help me choose by leaving a comment below on which one you think I should put on my painting – the grey frame or the teal with grey liner?

You can grab your very own pet portrait (or any portrait for that matter) from Paint Your Life, and as a bonus save 40% off your next order with code AMMO40

You can even ENTER TO WIN A CUSTOM PAINTING FROM PAINT YOUR LIFE! (a $299 Value)

To enter simply use the widget below. This contest is open to Worldwide readers too!

Ammo the Dachshund

Never want to miss any of the adventures (or giveaways) on my blog? Make sure you sign-up for e-mail updates! 
Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

 

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Birthday Week isn’t over yet my friends! We’re just getting started! Today I’ve got a super fun tutorial for some DIY Art you can make to brighten up your own home.

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

This DIY Dog Bone Art is easy to make, and so fun and cheerful too!

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

DIY Dog Bone Art Supplies:

*affiliate link

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 1: Choose 2 milkbones and spray paint with your favorite color

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 2: Optionally you may choose to paint your frame the same color as well, or leave it as is.

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 3: Once your paint is dry, remove the glass from your frame and add either a piece of colored mat board (which is what we used) or some colored paper. If you use colored paper make sure it’s glued down to something stiffer like a piece of cardboard.

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 4: Using an adhesive, glue your milkbones in place on the frame.

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Step 5: Hang and enjoy!

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Just remember, even though your milkbones are now painted, they still smell like cookies to us dogs! So don’t display them anywhere your dog could get to them.

Mom has already told me many times I can look, but I can’t eat! (Apparently this art project isn’t interactive).

Birthday Week: DIY Dog Bone Art

Despite the fact that this new DIY Dog Bone Art isn’t edible, I have to admit, it does add a little happy to my home!

Do you have any dog inspired art hanging in your home?Ammo the Dachshund // Blog Signature // Celebrity

Check back later today for some super adorable throwback puppy photos and videos of yours truly. It’s so adorable, you’re not going to be able to stand it!

Photographer’s Muse

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

For Christmas my mom got some new photography gear – mainly some fun studio lights that we can mess around with.

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

Of course I volunteered my services immediately as super model while she practices getting better at using the lighting. I’m so helpful like that.

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

Only eventually I noticed that I wasn’t the only subject she was photographing (the horror!) as items for mom’s business began to take center stage.

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

Don’t worry though, because I know just how to get the attention back to me!

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

It’s called sad puppy eyes…and you could totally learn a thing or two from me in that department.

Photographer's Muse // Ammo the Dachshund

And when all else fails, flop on the floor and throw a temper tantrum. WORKS LIKE A CHARM.

P.S. want to shop for these fun photo mats and more, check out my mom’s online shop! And sorry, adorable photos of me aren’t included.

Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Gifts for your Valentine

Did you know that Valentine’s Day is almost here? That’s right, it’s just a short week away! So if you’re still in need of something for your sweetheart I’ve rounded up a few LOVE-ly things from my online shop that are perfect to gift to someone special this year. Check them out below….

New in the Shop! Graphic Dachshund Prints! via Ammo the Dachshund // Flying Hero

New in the Shop! Graphic Dachshund Prints! via Ammo the Dachshund // Flying Hero

Flying Hero Etsy Shop // Ammo the Dachshund

Flying Hero Etsy Shop // Ammo the Dachshund

Flying Hero Etsy Shop // Ammo the Dachshund

Flying Hero Etsy Shop // Ammo the Dachshund

Flying Hero Etsy Shop // Ammo the Dachshund

Check out these goodies and more in my Etsy Shop, Flying HeroAmmo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Personalized Dog Line Drawing Art

Lets face it, personalized art is just oh so much fun – add a dog to that and it’s totally got my tail wagging!

With a selection of 24 tail-wagging dog breeds, you can celebrate the arrival of a new pet or honor a longtime family friend with a customized pen-and-ink pet drawing from Grandin Road. You can also get personalized cat portraits too!

Friday Fetch: Personalized Dog Line Drawing // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Personalized Dog Line Drawing // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Personalized Dog Line Drawing // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Personalized Dog Line Drawing // Ammo the Dachshund

Friday Fetch: Personalized Dog Line Drawing // Ammo the Dachshund

You can fetch your own personalized dog line art drawing from Grandin Road for $49. Ammo the Dachshund

Birthday Week: Dachshund Art Giveaway

Welcome to Birthday Week! Each year I celebrate my Birthday, which is on October 5th, during the first week in October! This year I will be turning 5 and I figured there was no better way to start off the Birthday Week celebration then to giveaway some goodies to all my fans!

Birthday Week: Dachshund Art Giveaway via Ammo the Dachshund

So I rounded up some of my favorite Dachshund Prints to giveaway to two lucky readers!

Birthday Week: Dachshund Art Giveaway via Ammo the Dachshund

First up we have a lovely Dachshund Sleep Study Print by Kimmy Hogan from White with Three! Modeled after her own mini dachshund, Rio, this sleep study documents 8 of the many contortions that us doxies love to sleep in.

Birthday Week: Dachshund Art Giveaway via Ammo the Dachshund

My mom helped me custom frame my own dachshund sleep study, and now it’s happily hanging on my office wall!

Birthday Week: Dachshund Art Giveaway via Ammo the Dachshund

Next we have a cute dachshund print by Debbie Sampson! You might remember I shared my own custom framed print by Debbie a few months ago, which is now hanging in my office at home!

A Dachshund's Art Gallery // Ammo the Dachshund

And now for your chance to win some happy dog art for your own walls!

TWO Lucky winners will receive one of the Dachshund Art Prints Above.

Here’s HOW TO WIN:

For this giveaway we will be using Rafflecopter. We only use this information to contact the winner and we never share it – so not to worry. Two winners will be chosen at random and you will be contacted via e-mail to claim your prize. All the winners will also be announced on this blog post once the giveaway ends. Open to US Residents Only. Winners must claim their prizes within 48 hours of being notified or prize will be forfeited. Good luck! **Art Prints do not come custom framed, but if you are in need of framing, make sure you check out my mom’s shop!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for celebrating my Birthday with me! Make sure you stop by all week long to see what else I have in store! Ammo the Dachshund

Painting for a Cause

Ammo the Dachshund Artist

Lately I’ve been busy painting up a storm, readying myself for the Spring Doxie Fest, an event to benefit the dogs that I’ve been asked to attend and perform at.

Ammo the Dachshund Artist

These magical paws of mine will be painting for a cause on Sunday, April 21st in Bel Air, Maryland for their annual fundraising event.

Ammo the Dachshund Artist

If you are in the area I hope you’ll stop by and meet me! The event will be held from 11 – 3pm, with lots of fun contests for your dogs, as well as venders and entertainment for all! Find out more HERE.

Here’s a video from back when I first learned to paint:

My artwork and lots of doxie merchandise will be available for purchase at the event. I donate a percentage of all my sales to animal rescue groups.

Ammo the Dachshund

Flying Hero Shop Launch and Giveaway

Some of you may have noticed already, but I’ve been keeping a little secret for the past couple of months, I’ve decided to open up my very own Etsy Shop, Flying Hero!

Flying Hero Etsy Shop via Ammo the Dachshund

Aptly named after me, your friendly neighborhood flying hero, my etsy shop will be selling cute photographic prints, cards and even calendars (coming soon) with my mug on them!

Flying Hero Etsy Shop

ammo the dachshund super hero

My mom and I have been creating, making, and selling greeting cards in our retail shop for years now – but we decided it was high time we make them available to everyone.

Flying Hero Etsy Shop via Ammo the Dachshund

So if you are looking for a way to bring laughter, smiles, and little dose of cuteness to those that you love, make sure you check out Flying Hero. In the coming months we hope to have more items available for purchase.

Flying Hero Etsy Shop // Ammo the Dachshund

And not to worry, I’ll still be working my painting magic with the amazing Painting Ponies. So if you are interested in original artwork by yours truly, be sure to stop by the Painting Pony Etsy Shop.

ammo the dachshund painting

Now because it’s Friday, and because I’m super excited to share with you the launch of my new shop, I wanted to give you an even bigger reason to smile today. I’ve decided to give away one of my brand-new DREAM BIG prints to one lucky reader.

Dream Big Dachshund Print by Ammo the Dachshund // Flying Hero

**This Giveaway is no longer accepting entries**

Here’s how to win…

PRIZE: One Dream Big Print from Flying Hero
TO ENTER:
 Comment on this post (you must comment on the BLOG – not on our facebook page) with the words “DREAM BIG” and….
BONUS QUESTION:
 Tell me one of your biggest dreams. Maybe you want to travel the World, or go skydiving, or perhaps you want to conquer your fear of heights. No dream is too small!
GIVEAWAY CLOSES:
 Friday, September 7, 2012 at 9:00am EST
NUMBER OF WINNERS:
 One
PRIZE SHIPS:
 Anywhere in the World! Yeah!
RULES:
 one entry per e-mail address. Winner will be selected using random.org (meaning the winner is drawn at random) – and will be announced shortly afterward. Good Luck!

 

P.S. Make sure you head over to Under the Blanket and check out their write-up on my new Etsy Shop! They are oh so sweet that I can’t help but blush! Ammo the Dachshund

Artsy Fartsy

Don’t worry this isn’t a stinky post – although if they invented scratch-n-sniff computer monitors I’d totally be able to share all my favorite stinky smells with all of you! Now wouldn’t that be fun!

No, instead I’m going to share with you my new rubber stamp! (the unscented version at least)

ammo the dachshund stamp

How great is that! My mom helped me make it, and even though she thinks it’s a little rough around the edges still, I think it’s fabulous! You better believe I’ve been stamping all of my toys so Trooper can’t steal them!

Me and mom have been on an artsy fartsy kick lately – so much so that we rearranged my little corner in the shop that I share with the ponies.

ammo the dachshund and painting pony

Isn’t it cool, we now have walls to hang up all of our artwork (nevermind the fact that we had to drive 2 hours to get them!). Mom says we even get to test out our new walls when we set up our booth at the Ludwigs Corner Horse Show (and the Chadds Ford Dog Days of Summer Event) in a couple of weeks.

I can’t wait, because when we travel it means one thing and one thing alone……

…..WAY MORE COOKIES!

 

You can check out all of my artwork here.