YAPPING CAT STUDIO

The Rewards of a Creative Buzz

To me, one of the best things about an art retreat is what I like to think of as the "after effect".  This is the mode that I seem to go into, for several weeks (and sometimes longer) after seeing all the creative classes, swaps, etc.  Its seems to energize my creative spirit.  Gives the ol crafty mo-jo a kick in the tush (and frankly, mine needed it!).

I starting working on a small assemblage piece.  Not sure if it will be a wand or a wall hanging yet.  And I see things that I can improve on on the next piece.  And it feels great to actually be back in The Studio again.

I even drug out a Moleskin that I had bought (when I started taking an on-line course at Paper Relics.  Hope's on-line course is really fun, btw.  I enjoyed her course very much. 

Benefitting from the creative energy off of everyone else in an art retreat is just one of the rewards of attending.  And I don't even take the classes, just imagine what I could do if I had.  LOL.  I know many mention that to get out of their comfort zone is sometimes difficult, but if you make that leap, I'm sure you will find the rewards are many.

Well, I'm off to finish tweaking my assemblage piece.  What do you think Wand or Wall Hanging?  You know I always want your thoughts!

 

-c

A Wicked Tea Decor, Part 2

As a kid, the most magical time of the year for me, was not Christmas.  Nooooo.  I adored (and still do) Halloween.  Here in Big T, we really don't get our first snap of cooler weather until mid October or so.  When I was little,  the crunch of leaves underfoot, the coolness in the air, the specialness of the costume and the joy of free candy - it was all a win-win to me. 

Halloween has never stopped being fun, and to me, Ann-Denise pegged all of those feeling exactly, when she decorated the center room of the little pink Cottage. 

It was Trick or Treat, the school carnival and the fair, all rolled into one! 

Zultan shared fortune after fortune, as the fabulous crepe paper goody boxes were waiting to be plucked by eager Cowgirls.

A few simple alterations by the MacGyver of the craft realm (aka Ann-Denise), make a former chandelier, a handy-dandy cupcake stand, just waiting to be filled.

Candy Bar! 

Crepe paper goodness in orange and black overflowed all around the room. 

Giant fuzzy spiders seemed more sweet than scary, as the other rooms received small touches here and there. 

Each place was set with great napkins, small crepe paper witches shoes, a goodie bag that resembled a broom, and fabulous crepe paper hats.  Guests also received goodie bags from Susie at Stolen Moments as well.  Small cups of candy corn added to the festive feel of the table.

And speaking of candy corn, I happen to live in the "love it camp" myself.  And what did I break my four-month diet for?  Yep, one of these babies.  White cupcakes with cream cheese icing with a white chocolate candy corn kiss on top.  Oh yeah.  It was a cake-asm.  I had to have a moment.  Well worth the cheat. 

And the other cheat?  Rosehip infused scones...with edible rose petals no less.   We did the "we are not worthy" bow many times to AD on Saturday.  And she really, really deserved each one. 

-c

Spooky Decor on the Cheap!

Hey Y'all!  Well, A Wicked Tea is a done deal and it was a fun, creative day, filled with great food, laughter and lots of cool art projects.  I thought I would share some of the decor pics, and give you a little insight into Halloween decor on the cheap.  Really cheap. 

How to transform a cute,  pink Cottage into something a little scarier, was going to be a budget challenge for sure.  But thank goodness for Dollar Tree.  My fave go to spot for cheap.  In the front room, my plan was to go  Curious Sofa neutral, with touches of black glitter for fun. 

Seasonal decor is just like everyday decor.  Take one fabulous piece, and here its the glittered candelabra, and build around it.  The ratty black mesh and moss are DT goods, as are the crows and white candles.  I dolled the large candle up with a ruffle made from book pages and glittered letters.  An old photo adds interest and the word "frighten" is for fun.  Both are inexpensive antique mall finds (under $5.00), the white pumpkins are a half off Hob Lobb deal.  They are picks, and I just pulled the stems off. 

I did get lucky on the flash cards though, that is for sure!  (The other reads, "Boo").  As well as on the cage, it was an antique mall find too, for under $5.00.  Bad condition, but workable.

If only my mantle at home were this easy to do.  Here I started with a vintage mirror, a pile of books (covers removed) that came from a thrift shop.  The black glitter spider is a Target Dollar Spot find (LOVE the Dollar Spot). and again, old photos, moss, a decorated dollar candle.  (The FAB banner is AD's handy work!).

Moss makes it creepy.

Loved the owl, may have to really buy him (he came from work).  Again, a flash card, and old photos.  I added the words to The Addams Family Song to each pic (Creepy and Spooky, Mysterious and Ooky, Altogether Kooky), for just a little fun.  

The Hypnotic Control booklet was a great Canton find...a mere quarter!  Easy to decorate the plain white candles and then drop a battery operated light into the top, for a safe, yet creepy glow.

Again, all built around the fabulous glittered candelabra!

All the white pumpkins are Michael's sales.  Here a vintage stool adds some peely texture, as does the moss.  More crows, which I love, and at a dollar each, easy to get several for a great look.

So, there you have it, a peep into my favorite type of Halloween decor.  Since we don't have little ones, but we do have naughty kitties, I really don't decorate for Halloween, so this was a great treat for me to get to play.

Tomorrow, I'll show you this one's world.  Lemme tell ya, its a great one too!  The Halloween decor of my childhood dreams. 

Till then,

-c

 

Hey Y'all!  For the next few weeks, I'll be taking a break from here.  But you can find me here! 

But, as the over used phrase goes, "I'll be back!".

See ya!

 

-c