Saturday, March 12, 2011

Meet Michelle

First I must make a confession. I love eBay. I could sit up all night scrolling thru eBay and bidding on fun, unusual things. I've found some neat things and I've had some winning bids. We'll talk about the losers some other time.

A few years ago, before the pups were born, I found this adorable item on eBay. I had to bid on it because Porties are well known as accomplished counter surfers and this portrayed actual Portie behavior. I fell in love with it immediately.
Several people felt as I did and we got into a bidding war, but happily, I won.
When the piece arrived, I had my first introduction to the wonderful talent of Michelle Toland. It started me thinking about other common behaviors and ideas popped into my head. Fudge liked to stand at the side of the tub when I took a bath and 'talk' to me. I pictures Samba and Fudge playing with a boat in a bathtub. I contacted Michelle and described my idea to her. Many emails flew back and forth along with some photos and.....
here it is.
These mean so much more to me because they represent my actual dogs. They are one of a kind, special pieces. Our collaboration didn't stop there.
Back on eBay, I found this Christmas piece. Who better to help Santa deliver toys than a couple of Porties
I missed out on winning a set of Porties sailboat ornaments, so an email to Michelle brought another set to me and look, it's Samba, Fudge and Noah on the boats.
Who could resist a Portie playing with her teddy? Not me.
I thought it would be fun to have a Portie surrounded by tools of the trade. This bench turned out even better than I had imagined. That's Samba amidst the fishing equipment. This is a picture frame and I have a photo I took of old fishing boats pulled up on shore. I plan to print it and stick it in the back of the bench.
This is a cute piece with a Portie and a couple of gulls on a rope covered piling. The dog is holding a fish.
This is a large piece of a couple Porties in a basket trimmed with lighthouses and anchors. I love the pieces that showcase the breed's true function.
This is another picture frame. I have some good shots I took of the dogs on the boat. I'll crop one and stick it in here.

This year I had an idea for a special Christmas gift for J. She loves to play golf and Splash and Gracie love to ride in her golf cart. Michelle and I sent lots of emails back and forth. I asked if she could do Splash driving a golf cart. I sent her a picture I'd taken of the two dogs sitting in J's cart.
When it was finshed and Michelle sent photos for approval, I was delighted.
She had Splash driving the cart and Grace is sitting on the other side, holding a club. Last week we celebrated a late Christmas with J and the dogs. She was as pleased with this special piece as I was.

Michelle does a variety of dog breeds including many types of Terriers. If you would like to contact her drop me an email and I can put you in touch. You can often find her dog sculptures on eBay.

17 comments:

Tracy said...

Sue,
I have to admit that I too am a little addicted to E-bay...I've layed off lately but it's very enticing to try and get a winning bid. But I do love to find all kind of unusual things and not pay a great deal for it...
I love the collections but the one that caught my eye was the frame on the boat....

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Wow, you have quite the impressive collection there. We can't possibly pick a favorite but the bathtub one would be close.

Elaine Pritchard said...

Thanks for introducing us to such a talented artist - love those pieces.

Marjie said...

Those are really cute. Your love for the Porties is very evident, and I find the counter surfing and bathtub pieces hilarious.

Nicki said...

Those are very cool. Love the bathtub one. I have a sculpture of Oreo someone had made for me that is very special too.

Bella Roxy & Macdui said...

That's wonderful to find someone who can put your ideas into practice! They're beautiful. Who needs e-bay?

XXXOOO Daisy, Kendra & Bella

Two French Bulldogs said...

Very cute!!
Benny & Lily

Stella said...

All so cute! I must admit I love the first one best, the old fashioned cupboard with the hungry dogs and the cookies!

I used to do a little ebay selling and buying, but I haven't for a long time. Maybe time to start again!

Cheers and hugs,
Jo, Stella and Her Z-ness

Wyatt said...

Very Very Wonderful! Does she do Airedales?
Wyatt's Mom
wyattsriot2010@gmail.com

Molly the Airedale said...

Michelle does fabulous work! What wonderful collectibles!

Love ya lots,
Maggie and Mitch

Rocky Creek Scotties and Rocky Creek Ramblings said...

I've always wanted one with Java and the three Scotties (Lilly, Piper Carrleigh) on our Polaris - can you send me her website address?

Thanks

Dexter said...

Those are beautiful sculptures. Congrats on the bidding war.

Mango Momma

Thor and Jack said...

Those Portie sculptures are fantastic!

Thor and Jack

SissySees said...

What fun!! I love the very personal pieces the best.

The Knight truly had something very near an eBay addiction when he was recovering from his hip replacement. Now, it's still his thing... when I see something I want, I just email him the link and he does the rest.

Beyond the Dog Dish said...

I avoid ebay - it's bad for my health. I love your clay dogs and now you have put my health at risk. I find an urge to go off and search for little cavaliers to make my own collection.

P.S. I saw beautiful Portuguese Water Dogs at the largest indoor Canada dog show this weekend. They were as gentle and playful as I imagined!

Yoda_the_Dog said...

We love them!

Anonymous said...

I love Michelle's work. You have quite a nice collection. I'd love to have a golden collection