I have had a love of dogs all of my life. It wasn't until 2008 though that I found a way to share my love for them and joy that they give me. I've had many best friends throughout my life and each and every one of them will forever be special to me. They each had an impact on my life that no human can.

I have Rachael Ray (yes, the one of cooking fame) to thank for the beginning of Best Friends Studios. My dog-themed products began with my portrait pillows, one of which I made in the likeness of her dog Isaboo. After featuring it as one of her "Favorite Gifts" in her 2008 Christmas issue of Rachael Ray Magazine, my business was born.

I actually hadn't sewn anything since junior high but when I came across an adorable appliqued reindeer pillow that was beyond my budget, I decided to pull out the old sewing machine. With the learning curve being pretty steep, I kept at it until I was making more work that I was keeping instead of work that I was throwing in the trash. And because I love dogs so much, they became my main subject matter. That pillow that I sent to Rachael Ray has allowed me to meet some amazing people with beautiful stories of their 'best friends' of which I've been privileged to have made portrait pillows of.

Over the years I have added to my offerings. First with my ornaments and now with aprons and bags. I hope to create more unique items as time goes on.

I am also a painter and if you are interested you can see some of my watercolors on my other Etsy site: www.SansoneArtWorks.etsy.com.