Those of us who have dogs and cats as pets know that these furry creatures are far more than mousers and guardians for our homes. These animals become our solace in times of sadness, our comfort in times of stress and our source of daily joy. They are far more than just animals; they are our friends and valued members of our family.
We are owned by two cats, Just Jack and Goofy, and I have scrapped their lives from the day we brought them home. While their album is not as detailed as those of my son and daughter, I do record them often as I know the time I have with them is limited and I do not want the joy filled times I have had with them over the past nine years to fade.
The Boys, as we call them, are so tolerant of my camera often in their face. They take this loss of privacy with humor and often even pose for me, little hams that they are. I have found over time, that there are a few tricks to getting good shots of pets. I had to get The Boys accustomed to the click of the camera and the flash first of all. I used the reward system and gave them a treat whenever they did not bolt when the flash would go off. They eventually settled down and no longer race to hide under the bed when they see me coming, camera in hand. A second trick is to get down to the pets level. I take a lot of my pet shots on the floor at their eye level or looking up at them. One of the best tips anyone ever gave me for taking good pet shots was to use the sports mode on my digital camera. This enables me to get clearer pictures in case the pet decides to move.
Our pets put up with so much from us: Halloween costumes, Christmas decorations we won’t let them nest in and holiday trees we frown on them climbing, neck scarves and fancy collars we make them wear…we owe them an album all their own, don’t you think?
Are you ready to see more special projects featuring our furry friends? Read on but be warned you will be subjected to many ooh’s and aah’s!
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 | My Dog Card Beginner Project Zoom in to view this project closer Make this project: |
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 | Meow Kitty Can Beginner Project Zoom in to view this project closer Make this project: |
Supplies for first four layouts designed by Jules Eickmeier:
Just Jack:
• Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
• Chipboard: Thickers letters (American Crafts)
• Fabric paper: self-adhesive (June Tailor)
• Patterned paper: PDQ (Bisous)
Trick or Treat:
• Embellishments: Trick or Treat and Happy Hall-o-ween (Cosmo Cricket)
• Gems: assorted
• Patterned paper: Halloween papers (Rusty Pickle)
Dear Santa:
• Cardstock: Bazzill Basics
• Chipboard: letters and ornament
• Patterned paper: Christmas (Cosmo Cricket)
• Ribbon
Cats Rule:
• Chipboard: letters (Making Memories)
• Patterned paper: holiday (Scenic Route)
• Stamps: acrylic
Jules Eickmeier has been scrapping for about 12 years and has taught paper crafts both in Florida and nationally for the past 6 years. She designs for Kit n Kaboodle Kit Company and teaches for the company as well. She lives in a small fishing village on the Gulf Coast of Florida with her husband and two fur babies, Just Jack and his litter brother, Goofy. She is a retired English teacher enjoying life in paradise.
To find the products mentioned in this article and shown in these layouts, check with your local scrapbook retailer. Browse our Premier Retail Stores for coupons to a store near you.
