YAPPING CAT STUDIO

Just a few minutes in the Studio today

I got to play just a little bit this morning and could not resist making this little guy into cupid.  When I saw him (off of someone elses blog as a give-away) I just knew he would be perfect to play the part. 

Marie.  She's a little fuzzy.  Today was such a gray day, hard to get clear pics. 

I think she needs some "bling". 

And I always love this little sad faced boy.  He's a great stamp that I got from Oxford Impressions.

I like to make a stash of tags, make copies and apply those to card stock and then keep em on hand for when I ship out ribbon.  Always fun to wrap it around a cute tag. 

And speaking of ribbon, I just put several new spools on Etsy tonight.  I restocked on some of the crushed silks, as well as some new Spring colors (Robin's Egg Blue and Spring Green - so sweet with a ruffled edge).  But this...

This is my favorite.  Fun and flirty.

This too!  Ruffles and plaid...just stinkin cute!  

Happy Friday today!

Ice? Only in Tea please!

Today we are bracing for colder weather to move in.  The skies are dark and cloudy and it is thundering, as a huge line of storms move our way.  That's not so bad.  'Cept it is supposed to turn to ice later tonight.  Possibly.  I like ice.  In my tea.  But NOT to drive on.  Specially Texans.  We don't get that you can't do 70 mph on it.  And I'm not really in the mood to have a car smoosh at this point and time.  But as usual, I digress.

 

Yesterday was NOT icy, or as chilly.  And Sweet Hub and I took a little field trip to McKinney.  Was so much fun to get to meet Cindy for lunch (we met at Spoons, best bacon sandwich I've had in ages!) and putz around the town.

These images are all from Carolyn's booth at the Antique Company Mall.   Lots of great shopping and cute booths there.  Carolyn's booth is filled to the brim with lots of great funky, junk at awesome prices.

Lots of lovely, beckoning spots here and there to dig through.  She really has some beautiful display work and she told us that her hubby does it all!  How cool is that?

He is very good.  Lots of layers and nooks and crannies that draw your eyes in.  LOVE that wonderful, floral door stop.

Carolyn has a great mix of vintage and paper goods that inspire one to run home and create.  Which I did.  I'm going to try and convince her to be a vendor at Paper Cowgirl (Carolyn!  Hint! Hint!  :D ). 

Ella Elaine is there as well.  But I stupidly forgot to ask her if I could take any pics.  Her booth up front was done in taupe with the sweetest touches of Robin's Egg blue.  Perfect for Spring.  I was in heaven, I tell ya.

And Cindy's booth is a confection colored spot of vintageie goodness too!  Loved these sweet hangers.  My gran used to sit and do those all the time.

Sweet little stamped muslin bags tied with strips of fabric. 

It was very much like her, happy and bright and cheerful!

Loved this typewriter.  So awesome.

We were disappointed that Smitten was closed.  But that just gives me an excuse to head back up that way another time soon. 

Always fun to get together with bloggie friends.  Ang and her delightful daughter came to see me on Tuesday and hang out in my town.  And that is something I rarely get to do...shop in my own town.  LOL.  And always great to hang with other bloggies. 

Well, here's hoping there will be no ice tonight 'cept in my Diet Coke or Tea.  Hope it is toasty warm where you are.  I'm off to turn on the Christmas Lights and make a pot of veggie soup.

Candy is Dandy, But...

...books is better!

As a kid, anytime I had some money "burning a hole in my pocket" as my parents would always say, well, I ran to the candy store.  But now, that I'm older, I don't know about wiser, my candy choice runs to the visual variety.  And I run to the bookstore.  For eye candy. 

Santie brought me a little folding money for Christmas and since I've been "budget challenged" ever since the ULO (unfortunate lay off) of Sweet Hub, well you can bet your bottom that I hit the Barnes pdq.  

I had seen this softbound book reviewed in one of the Somerset mags (sorry, can't remember which one), and Jenny hit the nail on the head with this one. 

Authors Elsebeth Gynther and Christine Clemmensen do not disappoint. Instructions are clear and concise with instructions from beginning to end on basically how to collage.  Visual stunning as well. 

Perfect for a beginner or for someone who needs a kick in the old creativity pants (such as myself). 

Next up is MaryJo Koch's Collage Journals.  I'm such a fan of MaryJo's and have been for ages now.  And this book is just gorgeous.  Lots of great projects to get your art juices going (wow, that almost sounds gross eh?). 

And yes, say it with me in an annoying falsetto....freebies in the back!

Niiiiccce. 

And now under the category of good things come to those who wait. 

I have been waiting for this particular book for evah!  And truly, my little heart skipped a beat when I saw it on the Half Price books shelf last Sat.  And when I can get a $30.00 book for $7.98...well, icing on the cake. 

Carolyn helps you get past the usual "gift bag with tissue crammed on top" standard of gift wrapping. Using gorgeous papers and embellishments, she makes the presentation of the gift almost as equally good as the gift.  And don't we all love presentation?  That's half the fun.

Seriously.  Ad dog biscuit.  Is that sinkin cute or what?

And not just wrapping, but she gives ideas for the entire party from invites to cake to decor. 

Great color combos...

...and just visually fun. 

Ribbon....drool.

And this was my favorite.  What a great looking gift for birthday or the new bride.  And I'm so into yellow, black and grey right now.  Thanks Sis (eye roll). 

Are ya still with me?  Can you absorb a little more?  THIS is the most enjoyable RH I've seen in awhile.  For me, it was awesome from front to back.  Reminded me HUGELY of our beloved MECH mags.

Great article on Paris to the Moon gift shop.

Cool home decor with lots of coluhhh.

And darn it, its just FUN!  And two things I love are color and fun.

And if you are still with me, last but not least on our eye candy tour is this pretty.

I was one of two lucky peeps that won Tricia's giveaway of her Blissfully Traveled magazine.  I chose the March/April 2009 issue as my prezzie.

Tricia picks a locale, heads there and then gives you the skinny on great shops and finds in the area.  All in a beautifully packaged magazine.  One of the highlights of this issue is Curious Sofa. 

As well as several others in the Kansas City area.  Tricia sells her paper beauties in her Etsy shop.

And just a quick thank you to say thank you.  :D  Thanks for all the Etsy love this week.  I've got several orders to get out this morning and I know stock is running low.  I've got lots of goodies to load up and I hope to be able to do that later tonight. 

But now, I'm off to package orders.  And having been wonderfully inspired, hopefully, they will be packaged awesomely!  :D 

I Need You!

Eek!  Posts have been erratic lately and I truly apologize.  But between work, Dallas Market (which I had hoped to post about, but uh-oh, no pics) and this, I've been a wee bit busy lately.  No time for studio fun.

"This" being The Best Little Art Retreat in Texas!  So this is where you come in.  I'm looking for teachers.

Event dates are June 25th - 27th.  . We will start that Thursday evening with a meet and greet, classes on Friday and classes on Saturday. There will be many more details to come.

Right now, I need some teachers. If you would be interesting in submitting a project to teach at Paper Cowgirl Art Retreat please contact me at [email protected]

The deadline for submissions is February 20, 2010. I need a GOOD, CLEAR photo, description, materials, what you will supply, what the student should bring, class time length, cost and tell me a little about yourself and if you have teaching experience.

Paper Cowgirl is the "Best Little Art Retreat in Texas". We are known for our camaraderie, great food, excellent teachers and all around good time.

Come be a part of it all.  I look forward to hearing from you.

 

LITS

Haiti should have been enough. 

Enough to remind me that LITS.  Life is too short.  Too short.  

I found out this morning that my friend Gina's sweet husband (who was only 39) passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack.  Gina and I "met" years ago in an on-line chat shop for retailers.  She is the sweetest gal.  Then, my hubby and I got to actually meet her in real-life when we had a short vaca in Arkansas.  Her shop was adorable (as was she) and she spoke in glowing terms of her hubby, her in-laws and her life there.  (Her family owned a theater and they did performances and dinner, if memory recalls).  It sounded wonderful.  I was shocked and saddened, this morning,  to hear of her husbands passing.  My sympathies go out to her and her two small boys.  I can't even begin to imagine what she is going through. 

And so it reminds me.  Again. 

People, LITS.  Life is too short.  Too short to be bogged down with petty annoyances, silly disagreements, stupid stuff.  Anything can be worked out, it just takes a little communication and love.  Especially between friends.  And isn't that what we are supposed to do?  Love one another. 

LITS.  

And fragile.  And unexpected.  

And things like losing Tee, Haiti and now this, brings it all home.  

life is too short.

Its a Virus....

...and we think we (well, not me) but the poor puter is infected.  I think its going to puter hospital and I may be gone for a day or two.  Boooo!  Hope to be well soon.

Hearts and Junk

Both seem to be all over the Studio.  Still playing with Valentines.

And threw some new junk into Etsy.

Cute, vintage, stitched scalloped trim.

Just what you need for cutting out all those paper hearts.

And some place to stash all the ones you get!

Just perfect, for this month of hearts, love and roses! 

Vintage Valentines touch the Heart

There is something about vintage Valentine cards that are just so sweet and happy!

Maybe it is the fond memories of grade school.  With your decorated paper sack (which was what we used) or shoe box.  Anticipating how many you would receive.  Of if that special someone would give you a Valentine.  And cupcakes.  We always got to have a cupcake party on Valentines day. 

At one of the last Estate Sales I went too, a woman had several bags, obviously vintage and I thought I would share a few.  Above is a classic of course!  Especially for me, Charlie Brown was a biggie as we were growing up.  As we will see, the themes of old vary greatly from today's product tie-in themes. 

Something about this little weenie dude just cracks me up!  I think its the fork.  Or the scowl on his face.  Or both. 

OK.  This one was just scary.  WHAT is she supposed to be?  I found this more creepy than sweet!  LOL.

Hmmmmm. 

Clowns also kinda fall under the creepy category.  Ewww.

Cards with girls.

Bears and Bunnies (which must have been a big theme).

And cards with glitter.  I don't know about you, but I always felt extra special if I got a card with glitter.  Much like Hallmark cards today, a card with glitter to me, meant someone cared to send the very best.  Ah, the mind of a 9 year old.  LOL.

But now, my adult mind likes these the best.  Something sweet about that wee owl with the big eyes.  The sweet chicken, the winsome donkey.  The drawings were just so sweet and innocent.  These are my faves now.  Will the kidlets of today or even 50 years from today, look back at Hannah Montannah Valentines with such fond memories?  I wonder.

If anyone is interested, I have TONS to sell.  They are on my Etsy.  I may take a few and make a banner...would be bright and cheerful for such a dreary, chill day.  

Nay-kid House

Or nekkid, depending upon your pronunciation preference. 

But isn't that how your home feels, after you take down the Christmas goods?  Kinda, well, naked.

Every year I drag my feet to put it up, and then, I drag my feet to take it down.  I drag my feet to put them up, cause at work I've usually been looking at em since August.  Then, when time to take them down, I find that I've gotten used to them.  Kinda like keeping someone's pet for awhile.  You just get used to it. 

And overall, Christmas decor, just makes me happy. 

But today is the day and down it comes. And it does allow me to see some of my favorite things again.  Here, I'll give ya a peep.

My kitchen colors are leaning more towards black and red and cream...with a dash of sage green and yellow.  Different, but I do love the richer colors.  Isn't that chalk ware sheep too sweet?  Flea Market for a dime.  I almost felt bad, like I should have given her more money.  And that bit of artwork is a Mary Kay Crowley whose work I adore.

A vintage sugar bowl full of grottie, old silver spoons.  I have a thing for sugar bowls and creamers.  I'm not sure why.  I bet Freud could come up with something interesting thoughts though.  LOL.

See, I liked chickens ever BEFORE I started playing Farmville.  LOL. 

Another cute chalk ware piece that I love.  As well as that tiny, ironstone coffee mug.  It's only about 2" tall.  And my one beloved, Emma Bridgewater piece.  Oh Emma, I love your cute little pottery pieces.  I just wish I could afford more. 

But what I can afford is DT.  LOL.  And I do love me some Dollar Tree.  This wicked cute black and white towel is DT.  But I'm afraid to wash it!  LOL.  I washed a red and white plaid one and now it's pretty much solid pink.  LOL.  I guess the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.  LOL.  The white plates in the hutch are DT too.

But these two have sentimental value as well as being cool.  The marmalade jar was a gift from Sweet Hub.  And the little house was a gift (OK, not so much as gift, as "I whined and she gave it to me" from Tee). 

So there you have it.  Now, I'm left with this mess.

Which must be boxed and put away.  Which leads us into the next foray....

Vallie-tines! 

Don't cha love it? 

Did you Know...

...that 7 Gypsies had a blog?  How cool is that?  I've been a Gypsies fan for evah, since I first stumbled into a little stamp shop in a neighboring town.  I thought it was the coolest stuff I'd ever seen.  I still do.

So imagine my JOY when I found the blog.  Wish I could figure out how to work my side bars so I could add their button.  Oh to be computer savvy.  Its on my wish list. 

Anyway, I was inspired by these over the Christmas holiday.  But already being in a Vallie-tine mood, I went with that instead of Christmas.

I think it is so cool how certain color schemes appeal to some, but not to others.  For me, red, black and cream is just so my thing right now.  You should have seen me drooling over the red dishes at Tarjay today.  It was sad indeed.  LOL.  (I have a "sorta" new black dining room table). 

What looks like a photograph (little girl cupid - above) is actually a stamp.  I've never used it much, but I love the results.

I'm pretty sure I stole the above image off of someone else blog (please forgive me) but she was so cute.  And she fit the criteria of red, black and cream.  And polka dots.  Did I mention polka dots?  I'm a sucker for those, especially red and white.  And another cute find at the big T today was the cutest red with huge white polka d's!  Just too stinkin cute.  But I digress.

She has a string tied around her heart (like a string on her finger) and the back reads, "remember to be mine".  I'm going to try and get some sort of little kits together if I can.  Cause I think these would make great cards. 

Do you think that Christmas is about brotherly love?  Then the next holiday is Vally-Tine, which is about a one-on-one love.  The singular love that keeps your toes warm at night.  You would think that would be Sweet Hub.  But nope.  His feet are colder than mine.

That would be these two!  And here lately...it's definitely been a "two cat night" (as opposed to a three dog).  LOL.  We are just trying to stay warm here at the Yapping Cat house.  Brrr.  Another cold one tonight in the teens.

Happy Friday!