YAPPING CAT STUDIO

Happy 4th!

Happy Fireworks! and Hot Dog's and Happy Birthday America!

We sat out on our driveway last night and watched the fireworks that were being shot off at the school stadium.  Best seat in the house.  And for as hot as the day had been, it was actually pleasant outside with a slight breeze. 

Busy, busy, busy.  Finally recovered from the party.  It was a grand time.  And many thanks to missy Vanessa for putting that fun shindig together.  And I won prezzies.  Dang.  I should go play the lottery.  I've never had this kind of luck.  So, thanks again Vanessa.

Still grabbing craft time hit and miss when I can.  Here's a little sneak peek again of that swap for the ever patient missy Andrea.  Hoping (famous last words) to go out Monday.

Sorry, kinda blurry there. 

Hope everyone has a grand 4th and weekend with lots of lemonade and watermelon and summer fun!

Come to Tea!

It's time.  It's here.  Let's have some fun.  But before we get started.

I thought we would have a little tea and snack ourselves, before heading over to Vanessa's.  Earl Grey is my favorite and these ginger hearts are delish.  Let me get you a cup.  And keep that Hare out of the butter.  Or is it Hair.  Well it's the same thing isn't it?  A hare has hair.  One must say what they mean and mean what they say.  Or at least that is what the Hatter always says.  Let me show you what I made to wear.

It's a hat. My Mad Party Hat. 

The red poppies?  Oh, I'm not sure.  I think I got confused.  They are from another story about a girl in a blue and white pinafore that gets lost in a magical land.  But she had the most gorgeous shoes.  To die for.  And yikes.  I think someone did.  Can you say "melting"?  But I digress.  I'm sorry what did you say?  Mr. Hatter, please stop singing, "Twinkle, twinkle little bat so loudly, I can't hear!".  Now, do go on.

Oh you want to see it closer, of course.  Here you go.

I think it was "Twinkle, twinkle little bat" that got Mr. Hatter in trouble in the fast place.  Something about Murdering Time, I think.  And they've been cross with each other ever since.  Pity.  And Poor Alice, she does look board doesn't she?

Someone will have to tell a story.  Maybe that will perk her up.  Do wake the Dormouse and see if he will tell us a tale.  Oh!  Watch for his tail.  It's almost in the butter.

What's that?  He's still asleep...and muttering about "M's"?  Bless him.  We will just let him sleep.  We really must be going.  Or we will be late.  And I hate being late. 

Well, we had better dash.  I'm sure Vanessa has "much of a muchness" going on.  I can't wait to see.  What?  The Hare and the Hatter are trying to put the Dormouse into the Tea Pot?  The Cheshire Cat is in the butter?  Oh leave them to it.  I think Alice has already left and so should we.  Let me grab my hat and let's go.

Let's go to the party!

Etsy and the Queen!

Much like the White Rabbit, that fell with Alice through the hole, I find myself scurrying around today.  Attempting to get much done in a short period of time.  But thats me, always late. 

And that little white rabbit and his gang of friends...the March Hare, the Mad Hatter and that poor pinched, pinched Dormouse have been very much on my mind as of late.  As Vanessa's party draws near (tomorrow!) there is much activity in the studio this afternoon.  And I have enjoyed re-reading passages from the book.  "I see what I eat" and "I eat what I see" are they the same thing?  I guess we can ponder more tomorrow. 

For now, here are a few things that are headed to my Etsy.  Much thanks to the talented and lovely Heather for puttin on my buttons here.  And setting up my banner there.  She is always awesome.

Our hanging, "Wish to wear a crown plaque".  Ah.  But we do not wish, we simply do.

A sweet crown magnet.  Sorry I only have one of these available.

Lovely boxed set of coasters.  The lid says, "The Jewel Box".  Speaks of 40's glamour.

This sweet compact with a lovely lady having a grand time in the garden.  Her picture is on fabric and is slightly padded.  Could the lady be Marie herself?  One can only guess.

This (to me) lovely fan.  Surely almost loved to pieces.  It's wooden handle worn smooth from use.  It's fragile, linen paper torn and tattered.  Truly faded elegance.  One can only guess at the opera's or dance's that it has attended.  Or secret kisses it has hidden.

An oh so vintage book of Paris Postcards which depicts the park and the castle of Chevreny.  Or Pare et Chateau De Cheverny, if you will.  Twenty one, shabby postcards in black and cream. 

While I did not list these on Etsy, I have an assortment of crystal (like) salt shakers.  Got glitter?  Then you need a salt shaker.  Give me a shout (email), I'm selling em cheap.

And more.  So please go over and take a quick peekie. 

I'm off to get my party finery complete.  Till then.

Summer time living...easy?

I thought it was supposed to be!  The song says so. 

Well, this weeks seems to be at a run.  Which is frustrating, so I'm trying to catch bits of studio fun when and where I can.  What I really want to do is to lock myself in, with the AC wonderfulness, a cup of White Chocolate latte and create like crazy, but not this week.  Not this week.

Here's a tiny little sneakie peekie at one of the things that I am working on for Andrea.  I run so behind in my swaps.  It's a wonder anyone will swap with me.   But I thank you for doing so anyway, cause I always try and send good things back.  Anyway, I am enjoying playing with the cowgirl theme and hope to be able to get this all out to her by Friday.  That's the goal anyway. 

I often wish I had two desks in the studio.  One for paper projects and one for painting projects.  While this is not a new design, I'm thinking of painting a few more like it for the booth and maybe Etsy. It's a piece I did for Enchanted Cottage a few years ago, but I think it is still pretty today. 

I love sparkly.  Karen's blog banner cracks me up.  (Go check her out!) And I love crowns.  My avatar wears one.  I would too if they would not stare at me in the grocery store.  Perhaps when I'm old.  Like the Red Hat ladies.  I will be an Old Crown Lady.  LOL.  Sorry, I digress. 

Little crown buttons.  Sweet.

Sparkle, sparkle.  And another little crown.  All on muted shades of pink and brown and cream.

   

Actually got to sit a minute yesterday to discuss with Sis and Brooke our creation ideas for the Mad Hatter Tea Party at Vanessa's.  Brooke already has a wonderful idea and there is a little sneak peek on her blog.  Yes, I'm envious.  Clever girl. 

Well, lots to do and little time to do it in. 

Happy Wednesday. 

Gorgeous!

is the best way to describe this:

The glorious photography.  Favorite Things.  The recipes.  The home decor article (wish there were more of that and less of the clothing).  This is truly the Victoria magazine of the past.   

Kathryn Peter's, White Wash article was lovely.  As was the story on the San Francisco shop Bell'occhio.  As well as a wonderful highlight on The Paris Market & Brocante in Savahhah, GA  that just intensified my desire to travel to the south.  And while this was not the full blown entrepreneurial issue of the past, it did not fail to inspire. 

I have to be honest and say that the last issue had me concerned as to whether the new publisher would be able to live up to the task of reproducing my beloved mag.  But this issue.  This issue has me filling out my subscription card. 

Happy Monday.

OK, now I'm just braggin'

Poor Sweet Hub.  He really is feeling quite left out.  As he brought in yet another two packages last night.  He exclaimed, "that's it!"  LOL.  As in, that's it, I'm going to have to send myself something in order to get some mail.  Poor guy. 

One of the packages was my much awaited, greatly anticipated Marie Claire Idee's mag.  I got a subscription with my bday money.  Its almost becoming impossible to find on the mag rack.  And that magazine never fails to inspire.  Wish there was an English version.  Oh well, I only look at the pictures anyway.   

The other box.  Absolute adorable-ness.

You see.  I won. 

Here's a little close up.

This is my favorite panel for some reason.  And to whom do I owe this wonderful bit of cuteness?  That would be Darly at Daisys Little Cottage.  Thank you honey, I love it.  She says its just paper and glue, but as we know, paper and glue can be magical.  And I think this little banner is.  I know this will be inspiration indeed above the old art desk.

Don't forget Saturday, June 28th is Vanessa's party.  I've got to try and put something fun together.  I do love an Alice in Wonderland theme.  I think this will be a blast.

Amidst the balancing of the checkbook and dealing with insurance and an insurance man and all that fun that comes with those things, I did manage to do a wee bit of creating.  Just a wee. 

This appears to be my new favorite quote.  At least it seemed to show up on everything I did today.

And while I was not really keen on the way either one of these things turned out.  I figure just making something, is well, part of the process.  Not all the dogs at the dog show are gonna be blue ribbon winners.  Or something like that.  LOL.  In other words.  Yeah.  These BARK.   

You know how it is.  Somethings you make that you love.  And somethings are lukewarm.  But its always the process that I enjoy and I guess in the long run that is what counts.  Whats that saying, "its not the destination, but the journey".  yeah...that sounds better than the dog show reference. 

I think.  Let's get ready to party.

**Edited to say, "oops! was only about a week early on the party".  Yay!  More time to create.   

A little of this and that

Well the spoilage continues. 

I did an ATC Swap with cutie pie Sandy.  I loved this ATC about free cat rides.  Cause well, it's about a cat and it happens to look like one of my cats.  Sandy had them posted on her side bar and was looking for a swappee, so I was at the right place at the right time. 

Here is what I sent her out today.

I did a couple of ATC's.  I'm trying to not be so "anal".  And I tried to do something a little out of my norm.  I love the one on the left.  (Click to see larger).  And I loved the "idea" of the one on the right, but it just did not come out like I had hoped.  But it's OK.  I tucked in a couple of tags too. 

More mail spoilage:

Look at these fun, cute things!  Sweet Michelle at 3rd Eye Muse, had a birthday and I got a party favor.  How cool is that?  So many cute, fun goodies in here.  And the most delicious Lemon Poppy Seed cake.  Thanks girl!  Too fun and too delish!  But look at this.

This is the coolest thing!  She drew this.  Drew it and then went back and stitched the "Yapping Cat" on top.  Isn't it awesome?  Do you see the cat face?  She just put an incredible amount of work into this.  I was totally blown away.  Thanks honey, I love it.

I wanted to say thank you to sweet Lynne Laura over at A Romantic Nest for passing onto me the Arte y Pico award.  That was so very kind of you and I surely do appreciate it.  I will try and sit down next to decide who I want to pass it on to and tag some people as well.  Thank you Lynne Laura.

And I'll leave you with one last ting. 

I just had to show off how cute one of the butterfly clips looked atop a gift bag for a Sis.  I could have fancied up the bag even more, but I think it is sweet when you just want something plain and simple. 

Happy Wednesday.

I wanna be a Cowgirl!

So says the song.  And I have always wanted a pair of Cowgirl boots.  But, sadly, I'm pretty much a city slicker.  LOL.  But that is why I thought it would be fun to take part in Missy Tina's Cowgirl swap that she hosted a few months back. 

So, here is what I received from the lovely Andrea!  A box of generous and cute goodies for my "inner" Cowgirl! 

Look at everything she sent me!  She went above and beyond.  She had some of the most clever and crafty ideas.  (Start at the top and go clockwise and click on pic to make larger).  Andrea sent me the cutest star shaped mirror.  So cute.  And the little book, she used Tina's logo on it.  And a wonderful keepsake box, the top slides open.  Some of her artwork talked about a man named Rogers.  Wonder if the same Rogers that built the hotel here?  I guess Roger's is a pretty common name.  A belt buckle.  Yellow Roses!  Yellow Rose of Texas, of course!  A cute little scroll that reads, "Five Generations of Texans Can't be Wrong".  Got a big kick out of that.  Lovely ribbons - vintage and wide and lace.  A sweet little child's boot with a collage on it  (that was packed in that beautiful tin) and a lovely boot chain.  As I said, she was too generous!  Not that I'm complaining. 

See the cute scroll?  The base of it is a tiny rolling pin!  Clever girl!  I loved it. 

This was my favorite thing in the box.  She altered this cute little boot chain.  Sorry, I could not photo well, but she did a teeny-tiny collage in that gold heart.  Just adorable.  I will probably wear as a charm bracelet, since I don't have boots.  Isn't that sad?  A Texas gal with no boots.  Every year I ask, but Santa (Sweet Hub) always seems to forget.  Maybe this year. 

Loved this little book too.  With the charms and dangles at the. The little tag is sweet.  Italian?  I think.  And loved the Cowgirl ribbon.

The little child's boot was so tiny and perfect. 

This was Andrea's first swap.  She went above and beyond.  All of her things where so very clever and cute and she totally captured the spirit of the swap.  I'm blessed indeed.  Actually Tina says I'm spoiled.  OK, I can go with that one too. 

Thank you so much Andrea.  As usual, I'm perpetually behind.  But hopefully yours will go out this week. 

And I've been tagged twice last week.  Twice.  Cute little Laurie Anna tagged me to say six unimportant things.  Heck, don't I do that on every post?  LOL.  And my cherry cutie Dolly tagged me for 5 questions.  Really guys, I've run out of weirdness.  Oh there's plenty more, but none that I want to share.  So.

Six Unimportant Things:

1.  My right foot is bigger than my left.  Very annoying when purchasing shoes.  Flips are not a problem.

2.  My Sweet Hub calls me the Emelda Marcos of Flips (as in Flip Flops).

3.  I keep a Trapp Honeysuckle candle in my dresser drawer and sniff it for aromatherapy.  Reminds me of my childhood.

4.  I love cilantro and my Dad hates it.  So, where did that come from? Mom was not a huge fan either. 

5.  Mom and I used to go eat Mexican Food every Wednesday.  It was our standing date. 

6.  I hate summer.  I'm a fall gal.  Through and through.

Now questions, per Miss Dolly.

1.  What was I doing 10 years ago:  Starting Yapping Cat, my wholesale biz of gifts and painted home decor, in Austin.

2.  Five things on my to do list:  Scrub the bird bath.  But that would involve going outside in 94 degrees.  See above.  I hate summer.  Finish laundry.  Get things ready to mail out.  Cook dinner and hang some clothes up.

3.  Snacks I enjoy (when I'm good):  Fresh fruit (one of the things about summer I do enjoy), light Popcorn, ice cream, cookies and chocolate.  When I'm bad:  Doritos, Doritos and oh yeah Doritos.  And Chocolate cake.  And little Debbies Swiss Rolls.  Those are the best.  But I digress.

4.  What would I do if I were a millionaire?  I have no earthly idea.  Seriously.  Probably same thing I'm doing now.  But I would buy expensive sheets.  A really high thread count.   

5.  Five places I've lived.  Texas.  Through and through.  But I would not mind Maine.  Not at all, cause I bet it's a lot cooler than 94 degrees there.  And they have a beautiful Fall.  : D

Roses and butterflies

Just a little peek at some new things I've been playing with.  Little butterfly clips.  I thought they were pretty and fun.

Thinking about putting magnets on a few of the backs of some. 

One of my customers, who bought some of my paper bird clips on Friday, was telling me that she intended to use her clips as gift package closures. 

I think these would be really cute for that. 

Well, hope all are having a nice weekend.  As our we.  A lazy, staying in the ac, cause it's 92 degrees out weekend.

Paper, Felt or Paint?

As in Paper Hat, Felt Hat or Paint Hat.  These seems to be the hats that I'm tossing on and off this week.  Running from one medium to the next in an effort to get lots of things done at once.  Got some painting done the past few days. 

I'm in a "nest" mode.  Always. 

Got some cool buckets over at my favorite hobby store.  The one that has a lobby.  And I love the way these buckets turned out.  If I do say so myself. 

The afore mentioned store,  had some cool shapes and I loved the color.  Here's how they look in the newly "fluffed" booth. 

Nice and summery I guess.

I did several small 5x5 canvases which were so much fun to do.  I left some "clean" and scuffed up one with some ink.  I rather liked the scuffy one better.  But that's me. 

I think the bucket color mixes well with anything.  Browns or black or cream.  But it always makes me nervous painting on tin....the whole "stickability" issue.  I sanded em lightly and covered with a polyurethane...but still...ewwwwwww.

I like the way everything came together.  All the sweet colors. 

But then we go to:

Brights!  And since I'm also in a fun and funky mood, I decided to have fun with these little frames and do em like leopard print, only really really bright.  I thought they turned out, well funky. 

And wouldn't you know it.  I decide to go really fun and put a zebra heart on this on.  A gal had it in her hand, but then set it back down.  I teased her about not buying it.  Cause it's cheap.  And hand-painted.  LOL.  She said she loved it, except it had a zebra heart on it.  LOL.  Now that's my luck.  I'll have to do some without.

And wanted one little area to look like a little bakery.  With cake stands and my cupcake canvases.  It's OK, but still needs more stuff in it.  I will have to head back to the "lobby" store, to see what other kinds of goodies I can find to embellish. 

And, last but not least...here's the studio after the painting session.  Trashed.  And only with a 2" space to work in.  But as my talented and lovely, friend (and co-worker) Ruthe says, because we were discussing the status of trashed studios and creativity, "Artistic Miracles occur in Two Inch Spaces".  I couldn't agree more my dear friend.  Couldn't agree more.

**Edited to add:  Since I've put all of this stuff in the booth, I won't be running any of it on Etsy.  But if you are interested, shoot me an email.  Hey, its cheap.  And it's hand-painted.  LOL.