YAPPING CAT STUDIO

OUt and about

Sweet Hub and I took the day off Friday and headed to BIG Downtown to see the J.M.W. Turner exhibit.  We had not taken a day off together in ages.  And the day was gorgeous.  Perfect for getting outdoors. 

Turner was a renowned British artist who's use of color and light revolutionized landscape painting.  Many of the pieces are huge.  But the way he interplayed the light, be it in the sky, the valley or the ocean waves, truly breathtaking. 

We enjoyed the exhibit greatly.  And got a big kick out of the school children that were also having a field day.  Many were oblivious to the surroundings, but you could see a few of them..wide-eyed and taking it all in.  One teacher had them all sit in front of key paintings and would point out facts and ask questions.  Made me wonder which child would be influenced most by this day and would it lead him or her down a path to creating art of their own.

For me, the gift shop is too much fun.  Look at these purchases.

Of course, we had to bring a prezzie back for the "kids".  I knew Boy Cat would love this bouncy, rubber ball...that LIGHTS UP.  And he does.  He loves to carry it in his mouth and to chase it.  He does not like to swipe at it though.  Each time he does he shakes his paw in annoyance.

I thought these were too funny.  I picked the most appropriate.  I did stop short of buying the scented pencils though.  Sweet Hub informed me that they were stinky.  And they were.  But still kinda fun stinky.

Isn't this gorgeous?  Looks kinda like an aquarium seascape or something.  This is a huge window that one looks out while enjoying a little snackie from the cafeteria.  Well, I did anyway.

These blown-glass pieces were huge.  At least three times larger than the human head.  And the colors were just amazing.

Well, I hope you enjoyed our little "back-yard" vaca day.  Thanks for coming along.

Come on in

I enjoyed making the litle bird collage so much and since I rarely ever keep anything for me, I decided I would keep this one.  I embellished a little stand for it and now it is sitting in my teeny, tiny entryway. 

This entry is bitsy.  As in itsy bitsy.  But, it lets in lots of light and the furries love to look out the two windows.  One for each. 

Here, I'll give you a quick tour.  Really quick.  As in, don't even blink or you will miss it.   

I usually change the scape on this shabby little chest to reflect the seasons.

I had originally intended to repaint this little chest o drawers black.  But when I slid it into this space to see if it fit,, well, I kinda liked it the way it was.  And thus it has stayed.  I love shabby, I just tend to gravitate towards the darker colors.  I'm toying with the idea of painting the mirror frame a solid color, like a red.  I dunno.  What do you think?  I have a lot of red in the kitchen and living room (which are all open and can be seen from the entry way).  Now look down.

Here's my rug.  I LOVE this rug.  I love the quirky colors.  Sages, and golds and blacks and oranges and red.   And the scalloped edges.  Best Home Goods store find yet.  Now look up and to the left. 

Bird picture...second best Home Goods find.  Love that.  My little weird bench is perfect for guests to throw purses and coats on.  The color in the entry is a soft, faded gold. Martha Stewart paint.  Can't remember the name.  Can't decide if the bench needs a cushion or not.  Now look to the right again.

And here we are back where we started.  Told ya it was mini. 

So, what do you think on mirror frame color?  Red or solid yellow gold?  I can't decide.  The brown transfer ware plate is a new flea find.  Getting so hard to find brown t ware cheap.  This one was, but its in pretty bad shape, but that's OK.   I like it anyway.

I embellished the little stand with some old millinery and old seam binding and some torn raw silk.  May do some more.  If you would be interested in one, drop me an email.

Well, hope you enjoyed the mini tour.  Happy Monday.

Would'nt it be lovely?

Tina (over at Paper Mojo) and I have been throwing around ideas for a Texas retreat for altered art.  Anyone interested?? We are wanting to find out how many out there would be who would want to come and play paper with us..Are you game?? Let us know what you might like or if you would be interested...We'd both love to hear from you. 

Why should all the 'up north' gals have all the fun?? It just seems to us, that there is nothing down here in our great state where we all can get together and make some goodies and learn some new tricks, meet each other, eat some junk food, swap some cool stuff and have some fun!...What do you think?

And would anyone be interested in a Cowgirl swap??  Run back over to Tina's and let her know.  She's thinking about hosting one. 

Often, while I'm literally waiting for paint to dry, I will begin to play with whatever elements are on the desk at the time.  Such was the case with this.  Everything just sort of fell together.  I think it will be cute in a little stand.  I love to not only watch the birds, but to hear them as well.  Two simple pleasures indeed.  Three, if you count that they also serve as "cat TV" to our two brats. 

Let us know if you would be interested in the retreat.  And of course, it would be open to all, not just Texas girls!  The more the merrier! 

Happy, sweet May Day to you!

...you must have someone to divide it with. - Mark Twain

A little May Day card.  Thougt this little guy was charming.  This piece has a neat, plastic charm that goes in the top, but I took it out so it would scan better. 

Thank you for all the well wishes on the birdy-finger, it is healing nicely.  And yep, trying to create, slowly, but surely.

Wishing you a joyous May Day full of lots of baskets of flowers and someone to share it with.