YAPPING CAT STUDIO

Orange ya glad its Blue

Fall is in my brain.  But my hands are working on Christmas.  It's a very weird place to be in.  I have Christmas spread from the kitchen table to the laundry room.  In various stages of 1.  paint drying, 2.  glitter drying, 3.  paint and glitter drying and so forth.  I have much to show you, but not yet.  You must wait.  LOL.  Mean huh?  Some would say yes. 

But back to Fall.  I re-vamped my little Fall notions kit.  Put it in a less expensive container, made it cheaper and then crammed some more stuff in it.  Go figure.  But its really cute.  And I know, you need this stuff to work on right now!  LOL.

 

Here's another shot:

 

Here's the stuff in it:

 

It's over in the Etsy, if you just can't live without!

But back to the other part about Fall.  And color combos.  I love color.  It just makes me happy.  And Fall to me, always speaks of orange.  But lately, well, I've been into blue.  I know, I know.  I think the mags and designers have been pushing it for so long, now its finally sunk into my head.  So, without further adieu...orange and blue.

 

Hideously ugly...and yet, it speaks to me.  LOL.  Scary I know.

 

Even more scary...there are four!

 

Waltzing little french peeps.  I love the orange and blue in her dress.

 

Little Boy Blue?  No. Red.  But I think that when I finally decide to make something with this...it will be wonderful with blue.  Love the icky frame!  Perfectly grotty! 

Orange you going to have a good day?  I hope so. 

Guilty of Neglect

Yes, that's me.  Guilty.  I'm bad.  Really I'm a bad owner.  Someone should stop me.  Make me see the error of my ways.  I've been so neglectful and it shows.  Because when I hit my Google Analytics last night and saw that my Etsy shop viewing had dropped a whopping 56%, well.  I hung my head in shame.  I'm a bad Etsy shop owner! 

 

But!  I hope to make amends!  Truly I do.  And over the next few weeks I plan to add lots of weird and wonderful vintage and supplies goodies to my poor, mis-treated shop baby. 

Above is a new item I just listed tonight.  Is that not gorgeous?  I thought so.

The photo does not do it justice.  The colors are bright and beautiful.  And her handiwork was flawless. 

I think this was meant to be a boudoir pillow.  But the linen is so sheer.  And a beautiful shade of mint green. 

See? 

Addition #2.  Fun.

#3...ewww.  Creepy.  Fake hands of any kind creep me out!  Totally.  Maybe because I saw this as a child.  Yep.  Scared for life.  LOL.

 

Cottage Cute! To go to my Etsy, click on the cute kitty button to the left. 

So, if any of this intrigues you, go check out my newly loved on  Etsy.  And look for more weird and wonderful later this week.  I've got tons of things to list....honeycomb favors, vintage favors, cool Christmas vintage supplies and much more.  You'll be amazed.  And I'll be a better shop owner.  You could give me a hand.

Ew.  Or not! 

(Sorry.  Halloween humor there.)

M is for ....

Moneypenny?  Me?  Noooooo...Monogrammed. 

So when I get tired of working on books.  I switch.  To monogrammed Christmas ornaments. 
Believe me, these go waaaaaay faster than the books.

Lots!

These sage green ones are really pretty in person.

But these white with silver are my faves.  Very wedding-ie looking.  Would be great for that First Christmas together. 

Since I can do these so fast, if you are interested, you'll find em on my Etsy shop.

Happy its Wednesday!

I have a Notion

Notion.  Small useful items.  Sundries.  Or maybe it should read "un" useful items.  I mean they are useful, but for some of us, they are just pretty and fun to look at. 

And with those thoughts rattling around in my head  like bb's in a tin can, I decided I wanted to assemble little packages of notions. 

 

And I don't know really WHY these thoughts came into my head.  But I have long since admired the work of Kaari Meng at French General.  Her little color palettes (in the book, starting on page 20) always have inspired me and I wanted to do something similar. 

So, as I have been estate shopping and such lately, much like a little magpie, I have gathered little bits and pieces here and there.  Sometimes with a theme in my head, sometimes not.  Later things would just come together once I got them all home. 

But they have been very satisfying to play with.  And while I have a bit more practice (and gathering of things) before I can attain to her level, well, we will call my little notions "a work in progress". 

 

This was the first one I played with today.  I called it "Turkey and Pumpkin Pie".  Yeah, I often crack myself up.  But all the shades of pumpkin, gold and brown just seemed to lend themselves to that feel.  And since buttons are possibly "popped off" at Thanksgiving, well, just seemed like a fun thing to do. 

 

Found this at one of the last estate sales.  Were these not fun to play with as kids?  It just seemed to be to perfect to put things into.  And that and the finding of the wee Turkey, were what started us down rocky, rose path of this gathering.  Scary huh?  This is probably more of the inner

workings of my brain than you want to know.

This was much along the same lines.  Another child's baking toy.  And bits and pieces gathered here and there for "colors of the Season".  And as I make the final packaging on these, I can see I might have to just tuck a few paper things in, here and there. 

 

This one really went to my head.  And it all started with that pile of wee buttons.  At the shop where I like to find my buttons at, it is stack after stack of organizers.  Each organizer is filled by color.  I happened upon a particular box filled with all of these colors. 

I thought they were dreamy and they made me think of faded elegance, old taffeta, rusting skirts, vintage pearls and perhaps a party from a long time ago.  And that is what started this gathering.

 

The base is an old Victorian photo frame backing.  And I've added bits of old seam binding, and old rhinestone button, old lace and even a broken strand of "pearls". 

 

Kinda fun. 

 

But this little gathering has been "speaking to me" for several weeks now.  And as I ran across something that seemed to fit in with the group, I tossed it into the growing little pile.  I love yellow and grey (gray?) together.  The coolness of the gray again'st the sunny yellow...just makes my brain happy. 

 

And those wee flowers are very vintage.  And very sweet.  

 

And I know, to some this is sacrilege.  Naughty me.  Yep, I (ok, not me, I made my Dad do it) cut up a vintage ruler.  I know.  I'm sorry.  But!  C'mon, you know these little bits will be so cool in a book or an art piece or even wire-wrapped for a necklace.  I'll take the blame.  Naughty, naughty me. 

So, that is the story here in the Studio for today.  Hope your weekend has been a fantastic one.  And if you want to see more, I've thrown these into my Etsy.  If you have a "notion" to look.  :D

Bad Mood? Just go see Julia.

Gah.  I was an absolute grumpus this morning.  Poor Sweet Hub had to bear the brunt of my bad attitude and overall frowny demeanor.  And I was in this state for no reason in particular other than I just worked myself into a bad mood, bah! humbug.  LOL. 

But Dad offered to take us to the movies this afternoon.  He wanted to see the new Brad Pitt flick.  I could not bring myself to sit through that.  No offense to QT, but I think a bad mood does not need to see killing and the likes of all that stuff.    So I went and saw this again instead.  Yep, twice now.  And it was the perfect remedy.

But, now that I've begun reading THE book, I knew that that was not just any blue Buick being lowered onto the docks in France, but indeed, "The Blue Flash" itself.  I swear I grinned like a dope when that scene came on.  Just cause I knew that one little tid-bit that I had not known before.  As I've said before, my simple mind is easily amused. 

But the movie was equally good this time, if not more.  And yep, I still teared up at the ending.  And when we left the theater, I wanted to go buy flowers, and cook fish in butter and make a beef stew.  Yep, I did.  So, I bought some basil in hopes of making some Bruscetta tomorrow for lunch.  We have one fresh tom left over from last Sat's Farmer's Market.  So, we will see.   

And today, just a few new things on Etsy.  I found all of these at the last sale I went too! 

 

This P. Kaufmann fabric piece is so gorgeous!  Very french.  Oui!

 

Only to be out done by this very girly, square, floral wreath!  Pretty in Pink. 

 

But this dolls dress was the "piece de resistance"!  So cute.  The details were what I really fell in love with.  Well, they were red.  LOL.  I just think this would be so cute hanging on a wall.  Or over a child's toy, red, ironing board.  I could not believe that I snatched this up before someone else did.

I grabbed all of these at the last Estate/garage sale that I attended.  Most of the other stuff, pillows, sign, etc.  I kept for myself.  These three things are on my Etsy.  I just put them there now.  And I have a few other things that I'll be putting on my Etsy later this week.  Buttons, some neat destash packets and hopefully, Itsy Pumpkin Canvases. 

But for now, I guess I'll go and have sweet dreams of France, fresh flowers and fish, cooked in butter.  Lots of butter. 

New goodies on Etsy

Thank you all so much for your wonderful well wishes.  They've helped!  Truly.  While I'm not 100%, each day, is better and better.  I understand that the back pain can last up to 6 weeks, oh joy.  Oh well, such is the stuff life is made of. 

I dig drag my sorry butt to the puter last night and work on my Etsy.  I finally got that bag of estate sale goodies sorted out.  Hey, I might even get some painting done today! 

 

Here's just a few of the things that I've put out.  Much more to go though.  Hope to get the rest added on sometime this week.

 

I never ever find cool stuff like this.  Until now.  I just loved the graphics on this.

This one too!  These are in excellent shape too.  Wouldn't they make a great page in an altered book?

 

I bought these just cause I liked the box.  LOL.

 

Loved the colors.  Would be a great collector piece.

 

These two were sweet.

 

uhm.  These were just odd.

 

And these...I have'nt a clue.

But if you see anything that strikes your fancy.  It's all Here.  Just check out my Etsy.  And I'm off to paint some pumpkins. 

Wrapping Ribbon

When I get an order for ribbon, I hate to just stuff it in a cello bag.

 

Too me, it should go on a fun tag of some sort.

 

See?  Isn't that much more fun?

 

Then into a bag and out to YOU!

***Edited to add*** - the image of the cute little girl is from Sandra Evertson's book called Birthday's.  It is a book of ready to use scrapbok pages.  Some have asked, and did not want anyone to think that I was stealing artwork.  :D

New Goods on Etsy

Well, the Studio Party has been a blast and I'm (always late as usual), still making the rounds.  Everyone has some amazing spaces that they create it, that's for sure.  So, while I still "party", here's something else going on in the Studio.

I've spent the last few days loading up my Etsy shop.

 

There's hand-painted goods.  New ribbons.  A bit of the odd, vintage thing here and there and a sale on some old goods.  So take a peek if ya like.  Fall ribbons are on the way.

Ribbon-a-holic, that's me!

Thank you all so much for your kind comments and words about "the procedure".  Truly, it has made me feel 100% better about the whole thing, so I thank you all most profusely.  That is what I love about blog land, lots of friends to lean on or ask advice of! 

So continuing the vein of "happy thinking" this week, LOL.  I'll share one of my other "happy things".  Ribbon.  What is it about ribbon that just pulls some of us in?  I know I just love it.  Not sure if its the color or the texture of combo of both,  but, it just reels me in each time. 

So, to justify my ribbon addiction, since I bought more than I needed last time at Market, I thought I might put more of it onto my Etsy Shop.   I tried to find some that I just can't find anywhere else.  Especially the two-tones,  I never see these elsewhere.  So how does the old joke go, one for me, one for you, two for me, one for you, three for me, one for you....and so on.  LOL.  But take a peep and you'll see why. 

This gorgeous Taffeta just made me think of our favorite Queen, Marie Herself.  Surely this blue is a color she would have dearly loved.  It's rich and gorgeous and just a hint of shimmery purple to boot.

And I don't know why, but I thought of Razzles candy when I saw this one.  Is it blue, is it plum?  Or both?  The label says blue on one side, red on the other, but to me, it's just lovely.  And wide.  I've gotten where I really love the wider ribbon. 

And this one...oh...like a Summer Sunset...pinkie, coppery and just a shimmer of lime.  It will take your breath away.  And again, a wider ribbon.

And speaking of summer...think of a juicy, red, summer watermelon or strawberry and you will think of the color of this gorgeous, crushed silk ribbon.  This time I went with a more narrow width on the crushed silk rather than the wider.  But equally lovely.  I thought these smaller crushed silks were a good substitute for when you want seam binding, but can't find that color.

And this one....oh my.  Think of the palest, softest, pink rose petal color and this ribbon captures it perfectly.  I can hardly wait to use this on tags.  It's simply divine. 

And I've got more ribbon for Fall.  As well as some other Fall goodies too.  I'll try and get those posted later this week.  Before the "you-know-what".  LOL.

Thanks for taking a peep.  And Happy Tuesday. 

Summer is Flying By!

Hard to believe that the middle of July is almost upon us!  Time is just flying by isn't it?  Summer will soon be over and the holiday's will be oh so near. 

I'm trying to wrap my mind around Christmas and Fall crafting, but a wee bit hard to do in 100 degree weather.  How are you inspired to craft this soon?  Some hum Christmas Carols, but to me, that's just annoying any time of the year.  LOL.  Turn the AC down and pretend its cold outside?  Good, but not energy efficient.  I guess one just has to wrap their mind around it and think wintry thoughts. 

But speaking of Fall and Christmas Crafting...I will have some fun, exciting news to share, hopefully in a month or so!  A year in the making and I can hardly wait to share!  But until then...

... since I have not been crafting this week what have I been doing?  Shopping!  LOL.  I do love Etsy.  And look at this great chalkboard tag I found at OliveRue!  Crystal does some of the cutest little chalkboard items you have ever seen.  And I'm such a sucker for chalkboard!
 
I bought these for Christmas gifts...but thought they would be great for organizing too!  Love this one for keeping my tea towels and kitchen linens all in one spot.  Handy for guests that feel the need to clean (don't I wish).  And this way, they don't have to rummage in my drawers.  LOL.  And I think a few of these cute tags will find their way into the studio as well. 

Go check out OliveRue and see what Crystal is up too, she has some cute stuff.

And speaking of Etsy and holiday crafting, check out my Etsy.   I'm having a "Christmas in July" shop.  I've loaded in some new ribbons and some fun craft things.  Anything to feel cooler and inspired in this wicked, hot, summer (which will soon be over) weather. 

Cute Ribbon!

Love this red and white polka!

Would these not be great mixed in with a garland? 

I sat and punched this one night from a huge stack of used vintage Christmas cards.  So hey, I'm "green" and re-cycling.  LOL.  Great old images, reminds me of my childhood. 

Hey, it's waaay to early to hum carols, in fact for me, always too early to hum anything.   But how about a cup of cocoa?  And we can turn the AC way down low!  And pretend to "let it snow, let it snow, let it snow". 

Think frosty thoughts and Happy Weekend!