Artworks & Shih Tzu by Kerri Houston

French Fabric Label Sign

2012-01-22T07:19:00.000-08:00

Anyone who knows me knows I have a heart for all things French. I think it all started with my bedroom furniture when I was a young girl. I am always thinking of new creations and this is the latest... my pink hand painted roses on a wooden label sign. I love the way it turned out. Tres belle!

I hope everyone is enjoying the weekend!

Kerri

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-24T17:05:00.000-08:00

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen!

Merry Christmas,

Kerri

Toy Dog Club Specialty 2011

2011-12-10T05:17:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I took Simoni to our annual specialty show (she loves meeting new people and making new doggie friends.) I always enjoy shopping, watching beautiful dogs, yummy food, and chatting with friends. I think this year the raffle table was the biggest ever!

Long Coat Chihuahuas in the ring.

This Grand Champion is absolutely adorable!

Me and Robin at the raffle table.

Me and Joyce while she was on a ring steward break.

An adorable Shih Tzu being examined on the table.

I am looking forward to our show next year!

Enjoy the weekend :)

Kerri

Gingerbread Santa

2011-12-03T14:18:00.000-08:00

This is my new painting for my front door... Gingerbread Santa. What a cutie pie?!!! I love gingerbread kids and enjoy painting them as well. I think Gingerbread kids are a cute complement to my Shih Tzu :)

Sweetest blessing for a happy holiday season!

Kerri

Disney's Epcot 2011

2011-11-27T10:52:00.000-08:00

I took a break from the studio and we headed to Epcot. The park was decorated in the Christmas theme for each country and it was splendid! Of course, everything Disney does is always top notch :)

(....here I am in France)

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

xoxo

Kerri

Pet Expo 2011

2011-11-12T10:50:00.000-08:00

Today Benz and I went down to the Happy Paws Pets Expo. We enjoyed looking at all of the vendor booths and eating yummy food... Benz especially loved all of the sample treats! LOL

My sweet boy ready to go shopping, see doggies and...

"...more treats please!"

All this fun, excitement, ice cream, and treats... Benz says its time for a nap!

Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend :)

Blessings,

Kerri

Scarecrow, Pumpkins, and Snow White...

2011-10-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

We are getting ready for Halloween. Costumes and candy corn! Simoni & I went to visit my best friend today and we had the perfect opportunity to take pictures along side her new scarecrow and pumpkins! What do you think of Simoni as Snow White? Isnt she a sweetie?!!

Enjoy your weekend!

Kerri

Happy Fall

2011-09-25T06:33:00.000-07:00

Fall has arrived. Behold the changing leaves, and enjoy the crisp breeze. Let your eyes take in the bursts of color. Transformation is afoot and hope is in the air. The delicious scent of autumn!

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower."

...and the best part of the fall season?

Pumpkin Spice Latte!

Happy Fall :)

Kerri

Cinnamon Pumpkin Dog Cookies

2011-09-18T05:15:00.000-07:00

With so much talk of fall, I could not get Cinnamon and Pumpkins outta my mind...Yum! I noticed in the morning the weather is cooler and seems to put everyone in the mood for baking. These cookies smell so good and your canine companion will love them. Perfect for the fall season too. Since I am not Suzy Homemaker, I have been painting custom orders and will hopefully get caught up this weekend with my Halloween art. I also changed my blog to a fun fall background. Thought I'd share this yummy dog cookie recipe...

Dog food recipe ingredients:
2 1/2 cups of whole wheat flour
1 1/4 cup of pumpkin puree
1/4 cup of crunchy peanut butter
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 cup of water (amount varies depending on the consistency of your dough. Add a Tablespoon of water at a time until the correct consistency is achieved)

Dog food recipe instructions:
Place all the ingredients in your breadmaker in the order recommended by the manufacturer. Use the Dough cycle. Roll out the dough with a rolling pin until it is 1/4 inch thick. Using the size cookie cutter of your choice, cut out the cookies. Place the cookies on a greased cookie sheet and bake them in a pre-heated oven for one hour at 275 degrees F. The dog treats should be lightly browned Let the cookies cool overnight before serving them to your favorite canine!

Happy Sunday :)

Kerri

A Prayer for Peace

2011-09-11T04:37:00.000-07:00

In honor of the 10th Anniversary of 9-11

"God of peace, bring your peace to our violent world; peace in the hearts of all men and women, and peace among the nations of the earth. Turn to your way of love those who have minds and hearts filled with hatred. Strengthen us in hope, and give us the wisdom and courage to work tirelessly for a world where true peace and love reign among nations and in the hearts of all." - Pope Benedict XVI

Amen!

Kerri

Happy Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

Hope you all enjoy your weekend celebrating with family and friends. The best part of any celebration, right?!! ... well, and maybe cupcakes for everybody!! Yaaaay :)

"God, you have linked our lives with one another that all we do affects, for good or ill, all other lives: So guide us in the work we do, that we may do it not for self alone, but for the common good; and as we seek a proper compensation for our own labor, make us mindful of the rightful aspirations of other workers, and arouse our concern for those who are unemployed." Amen.

Happy Labor Day Weekend :)

Kerri

Shih Tzu & Roses Picture Frame

2011-08-28T11:44:00.000-07:00

Beautiful sunny weekend here in south Florida. Reminded me that summer is almost over. Sunny cheerful days always put me in the creative spirit! I painted this adorable picture frame with sweet Shih Tzu & pink roses. One of my favorite themes to create!

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Sweetest Blessings,

Kerri

Where is the Toilet Paper?

2011-08-21T09:36:00.000-07:00

I accidentally left the bathroom door open while gathering supplies for bathing Benz. I walked by him not only once, but twice when I spotted the toilet paper missing. Did he think I wasn't going to notice? Hhhhmmm....

A-ha! There he is... the Toilet Paper Bandit. Benz must love this stuff because he ditched his favorite orange dinosaur toy.

So when I show Benz that picture of him with the toilet paper, what does he say? "No, Mommy that wasn't me... I've never seen that dog in my life!"

Well then Benz my sweet boy, don't leave the evidence hanging off your face, OK? :)

Now its bath time. Hope you all have a super week!

Kerri

Jupiter Tequesta Dog Show

2011-07-17T11:13:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a nice weekend at the Jupiter Tequesta Dog Club Shows. My son and I entered Benz in the match show and won a Puppy Group Two. This boy loves the ring and is a thrill to show!

I was able to use my new ringside table cover that I made last month. There are three sides with pockets for all my grooming stuff... and we all know, there is lots of it!

My next project will be dog beds :)

Tata for now...

Kerri

Cherish is the Word

2011-07-02T10:54:00.000-07:00

Cherish... I think any one of us would agree this word sums up how we all feel about our dogs, huh? I just finished painting a very precious Shih Tzu plaque. I added a label with definition of "cherish" and pink roses. How sweet is this?

Hope ya'all have a fun filled 4th of July weekend :)

XOXOXO

Kerri

French Labels & Pink Roses

2011-06-18T06:09:00.000-07:00

Lately I have gotten into vintage labels especially French. When I was a little girl I had off white "French Provincial" style furniture and ever since then I have always loved that style of decor. Aaaah and with pink roses...Oooh-la-la! So while the mood struck, I painted some pink fluffy roses on and old board and added glitter, then clear beads where the nails left tiny empty holes. There is a small crack in the wood which gives it that old style charm. Sweet!

"The pure soul is a beautiful rose, and the Three Divine Persons descend from Heaven to inhale its fragrance." -- St. John Vianney

Sweetest Blessings,

Kerri

Spring Sieger Shows 2011

2011-05-08T21:18:00.000-07:00

My mother and I headed to Orlando four show cluster. I showed Benz and we won the toy group as well as group placements each day. It was nice to be with my club members enjoying the show and having dinner at the buffets. Especially nice spending Mother's Day weekend with my Mommy! Here is a snapshot I took of Benz before going to the breed ring. This boy loves to show and I know I am going to have a lot of fun with him!

4 x SG1, Puppy Group Winner,

Junior International Champion

Happy Mother's Day,

Kerri

Have you seen my Lipstick?

2011-03-28T16:23:00.000-07:00

Why would you even ask me that? I am so insulted!

Every time something goes missing around here, everybody looks at me!

Funny, huh?

Sure its funny, its not my dog! If it were it wouldn't be quite so funny! However, its difficult to stay mad at a Shih Tzu, I must admit :)

Kerri

My Valentine

2011-02-12T14:20:00.000-08:00

Here is my new painting. I thought it would be nice for not only Valentine's Day, but for all year long. I just had to add pink roses and polka dots on the pale yellow lettering. Pink hearts finish the look. So charming!

Hope ya'all have a Happy Valentine's Day!

Kerri

Angels Gather Here

2011-01-09T10:12:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest painting. A cute sign featuring two Shih Tzu angels. Lightest blue background with gold lettering and gold scrollwork on the bottom. Wings have been glittered. Shabby old sign board refurbished into a treasure for years to come! How sweet is this? Custom orders are always welcome.

XOXO

Kerri

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T08:55:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish my family and friends the best in 2011. I pray that we are all safe, healthy, and renewed in faith. I know God will help me develop my talents, resources, and abilities to their best use. I will live this year humbly, and I will strive to believe that good will come from all situations we meet in 2011 and beyond...

I painted this spiritual sign to start the new year...

God is Good.

Blessings,

Kerri

Shih Tzu Holiday Ornament

2010-11-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

Here is my new Shih Tzu ornament for 2010. Pretty head study with gold glitter and beads. I love the way this turned out! It went to a wonderful home where Shih Tzu rule :)

Happy Holidays!

Kerri

Gone with the Wind!

2010-10-17T17:22:00.000-07:00

Too windy for a dog show, but I am so happy we went. Simoni won both days! I am so glad the topknot didnt blow off her head :) Whew!

Blessings,

Kerri

Autumn Sieger 2010

2010-10-04T14:57:00.000-07:00

This past weekend my son and I were in Kissimmee (my favorite tourist trap on earth) for the Autumn Sieger 2010. We had so much fun with friends and enjoying the time spent together with our dogs. Simoni and I placed in Group all 4 shows! We won two Group 1st, a Group 3rd, and a Group 2nd. We had to stay late both days for Best Puppy in Show competition. My son, Devon was showing Mick (long coat chihuahua) and they won a Group Two. Then in the evening after the shows we pigged out at the Sizzlin Grill buffet. What a nice way to end a fun day!

XOXOXO

Kerri

Fall Greetings!

2010-08-31T16:00:00.000-07:00

Fall is fast approaching. I painted this plump wooden pumpkin and added a sweet Shih Tzu to make a sign for my front door. I love this time of year. Cooler weather and my favorite holidays are on their way!

XOXOXO

Kerri

April showers bring May flowers... and ROSES!

2010-05-02T12:25:00.000-07:00

Here are the latest paintings so cheerful with pink roses done in my classic cottage style. We are having beautiful weather here in south Florida... opened the windows in my art studio and painted all weekend.

Yorkie Painting

I painted this cottage style sign featuring a precious Yorkie for my best friend, Rita Glasel. I added a touch of glitter for sparkle and a scroll with Home Sweet Home. Rita bought me bling dog bone earrings at the WPB dog show in March and I promised her I'd make a painting of her choice. Cute, huh? We have the same taste.... we both love pink and roses!

XOXOXO

Kerri

Valentine's Paintings

2010-02-14T05:32:00.000-08:00

Here are Valentine paintings featuring my canine art. The weather we are having in Florida is so cold lately, I am really looking forward to spring. I will work on a few cottage style paintings in the coming weeks :)

Maltese Valentine's Day Art

Shih Tzu Valentine's Day Sign

Blessings,

Kerri

Happy Holidays 2009

2009-12-27T15:11:00.000-08:00

I hope you all are having a wonderful holiday season. Enjoying the time well spent with friends and family. This is the best part of Christmas... to me! We all had a wonderful time cooking, eating, laughing, and reminiscing of times past :)

Me & Mom

Seasons Greetings,

Kerri

Toy Dog Club Specialty Show 2009

2009-12-09T15:26:00.000-08:00

Our show was a huge success. Beautiful dogs, vendors, friends to visit, soo much going on! The raffles? .... well that was a different story. I never win raffles! So I had a brilliant idea to put all my raffle tickets on a dog bed filled with toys over at the SouthEast FL Cocker Specialty and I lost. Just my luck! Then I bought more tickets, put all of those tickets in our raffle on a pink dog bed, and Kim Goldfarb did not pick any of my tickets. Gee Kim, didn't you see the 'pick my ticket' look I gave you? LOL! Lovely. So obviously it wasn't that great of an idea for me, but it sure helped the clubs.

I was able to get a few pictures during the show so everyone can see how much fun we have at dog shows.

Robin Comer, Joyce Soloway, and me :)

We are having way too much fun :)

Here is Joyce ring stewarding.

Here is a Champion getting ready to go in the ring.

Cute puppy resting after the show. All done. Time to relax :)

Hope you enjoyed the pictures!

Blessings,

Kerri

Sheltie Holiday Bling Ornament

2009-11-22T05:01:00.000-08:00

I love the way this turned out. Gold glitter really sparkles and sets a nice background for this charming Sheltie head study! Surrounded by colorful beads, candy cane, and my handmade ornament hanger.

I'll be at the palette this week painting up some more goodies!

XOXOXO

Kerri

Shih Tzu Recipe Box

2009-09-29T15:29:00.000-07:00

Here is an adorable recipe box I just finished. First I stained it with an oak stain, painted the top and bottom border a deep burgundy, then white polka dots. I then painted a pair of my folk art Shih Tzu on the lid. Just waiting for all of those yummy recipes!! This went to a wonderful Shih Tzu owner that lives overseas :)

TaTa for now!

Kerri

And the Winner is.... "Frankie!"

2009-07-12T17:00:00.000-07:00

Frankie won Best Puppy in Match at the Jupiter Tequesta Kennel Club Shows. I had so much fun in the ring with this boy... he has a ton of show attitude! We won a crystal ice bucket and a pretty rosette!

Best Puppy in Match... Yaaaayyyy!

XOXOXO

Kerri