YAPPING CAT STUDIO

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! 

ADD + Monday = Nothing Done

Thank you all for your sweet comments regarding my post on my Mom.  And while I usually don't blog on things quite that personal, it was good therapy to tell you about her.  And to remember her in that way.  Thank you again for all your sweet comments.  It helped with the missing. 

Today has been a typical Monday.  And I've run around hither and dither.  Getting nothing accomplished.  Seems to be my MO lately.  Not even White Chocolate Cappuccino helps me to focus.  ADD?  Beginning to think so. 

*sigh* Did this pile of stuff make it to kit status today as it was supposed to?  Uh, no. 

Did any of these get magnets glued upon the back?  Uh, no.

What did I do all day you ask?  As will my hubby in about two hours?  I have not the foggiest, I say.  I know I wrestled with Etsy for over a few hours this morning.  Breezed through blogs, sans commenting, which I hate to do.  I did run the Orek about a bit.   And cleaned the guest bathroom.  But sorry Tee, you might be snoozing on the same sheets as last time, minus the chocolates on the pillow.   LOL.  Well perhaps I can at least get some dinner fixed. 

Oh well, its Monday.  Apparently a...

Happy (ADD, that's me!) Monday.

A few "fleas" for Etsy

Just a few more things I'm throwing onto my Etsy.   I think all of this, everyone has seen before.  But just some things I want to get cleared out of the studio. 

 

Wonderfully shabby, these would make the cutest little bud vases.  Or a great holder for your German glass glitter.  **Edited to say these are sold!  Thank you! 

 

She always reminds me of Maria A.  But I guess she never really swung on a swing did she?  This is the sweetest little compact and I love the colors. 

 

And speaking of crowns, these are the ugliest coasters I've ever seen.  But it was the Crown on the font of these promotional coasters that I feel for.  Wonderfully shabby eh?

 

And these are so pretty.  Be aware, they have a wee bit of cat hair on em.  Hey...it is Yapping "Cat" Studio after all.  LOL.

As much as I loved the Record book, thought I would see if anyone else was interested.  If not, then I can keep it.  But I think it is meant for more talented hands than mine to do something wicked cool with it!  :D  Would make an awesome journal.  **Edited to say, this is sold!  Thank you!

 

Great pages.  And they are pristine.

 

Hope you enjoyed my Flea Market today.  I'm trying to clean out the studio.  And just like a real flea, hey, I'll haggle.  Drop me an email if there is something you can't live without and want a better deal.  I'll see what  I can do.  Thanks for looking.

Happy Wednesday.

Is this a no-brainer question?

Pretty packaging.  For or against? 

Not that you want anything that you order to come in ugly packaging.  There is always the "plain brown wrapper".  But we won't discuss that.  LOL. 
I guess what I am asking is this.  If you know that your Etsy order is going to come wrapped "special" and that you might get a little "sumpin, sumpin" extra. are you more willing to order that Etsy goodie? 

The final packaging is not really something that I have control over at my booth.  However on my Etsy and Glitter and Grunge, I'm working out the details as I learn.  It's a little more time and money to put in the extra details, but to me, it's just good customer service.  Or is it better to "brand" everything with a simple matching (logo) and color that always lets the customer know it came from "ABC Store".

Was curious (or just plain nosy, if you rather) what your thoughts on this little dilemma were?  I'd love to know what you think?  Hope not too hard to think of on a ...

Happy Monday.  :D

**Edited to add:  Holy Cow!  I forgot to announce the winner of the Paper Cowgirl Giveaway! It's Tammie Jo @ TJ's Sweet Home!  Congrats Tammie Jo and thanks for playing.  Send me your addie!  

The colors of Spring

And yet how elusive the actual season seems.  It's been odd weather here, to say the least.  Still very windy and even chilly most of the weekend.  And yet I managed to the get the Mother of all sunburns Friday at Canton.  Ouch.  I'm still whining about it this morning.  LOL. 

So to take my mind off the burn (and itch - holy cow - is that EVER annoying), I've just been sitting and looking at these.

These little" be-ribbon-ed" tags are kinda like potato chips.  Once I started making em, well, I could not stop.

Some are blue with blue birds.

Some have violets.  Some are pinned with a vintage pin.  Some have hand-written verses on back. 

And if you have ordered ribbon from my Etsy lately, your's are going out today.  I'm off to make more!  And to look for the bottle of vinegar spray. 

Happy (itchy) Monday.  :D