tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81210114178917047202012-02-13T03:39:50.098-08:00...or, my artsy life in the catnip forest.Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.comBlogger1611100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-71775528796346174402011-11-29T11:53:00.000-08:002011-11-29T12:01:29.403-08:00

Who doesn't love birds, especially Christmas birds (four calling birds, three french hens, two turtle doves, and a partridge in a pear tree...)?  These paper bird tags are designed to be reversible, perfect for hanging from wreaths and garlands, and twirling about in doorway and window decorations. Sew the buttons to the wing pieces before attaching to the bird. I've made a downloadable bird

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-77577546661891497102011-10-11T16:36:00.000-07:002011-10-13T09:01:12.751-07:00

I'm healing from recent right hand surgery - yep, my crafty ways have resulted in carpal tunnel syndrome and two trigger fingers for each hand. Aside from 3 frankenstein scars and stitches, I'm doing fine and able to type, do moderate graphic work, and very little else that requires my right hand or both hands. Mr. Catnip is keeping up with all of my chores and weight-bearing responsibilities,

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-36338132902317707782011-09-29T16:29:00.000-07:002011-09-29T16:29:03.658-07:00

Here's a mini how-to for turning small fake pumpkins and gourds into treasured autumn and Thanksgiving decor through decoupage. I've used Japanese yuzen papers in fall colors and motifs - maple leaves, chrysanthemums, acorns, gold, red, orange, green, and cream. Detailed instructions for decoupaging eggs abound on the web and youtube. I just adapt the paper size to fit the object.  The smoother

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-60731207048338219922011-04-06T15:23:00.000-07:002011-04-06T15:26:09.569-07:00

 Fern Cottage Tags Now that the egg season is almost over, I've managed to squeeze in a few new paper tags sets made from my own digital collage sheets, a new decoupage tin, and I'm working into the wee hours on digital collage sheets. I've been playing catchup at listing goodies in my Artfire and Zibbet shops. I'm planning a craft tutorial for my decoupage ornaments (the Christmas tree type).

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-18620754010188462112011-03-02T11:56:00.000-08:002011-03-06T11:05:04.459-08:00

It's another busy season of laying papering Easter eggs. Though my fingers often ache these days, I really enjoy the process of decoupage - combining, cutting, and applying beautiful papers for the transformation of simple pieces of wood.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-59284277265513199142011-02-16T15:11:00.000-08:002011-02-16T15:11:44.735-08:00

I've been busy with painting and papering eggs for Spring 2011 and here are just a few of several new sets for this year available in my Etsy shop.  I hope you enjoy the images, and find some spring inspiration!  Red and Pink Origami Decoupage Easter Eggs Bluebell Painted and Speckled Nest Eggs Music Sheet Decoupage Easter Eggs Lavender Painted and Speckled Nest Eggs

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-84759255972852643952011-01-12T12:24:00.000-08:002011-01-12T12:24:24.907-08:00

Continuing with documenting my creative processes for my Artfire Handmade Artifact, this post is about my decoupage wall art from tin plaques. I like to use a deckled edge so, after printing my digital art to size, I use a ruler to tear the card stock. The longer the edge, the easier to tear, so I always tear the shorter ends first.  I cover the tin with Mod Podge, place the print, and use a

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-17248262271229451342011-01-08T21:09:00.000-08:002011-01-08T21:09:34.443-08:00

I'm thrilled to note that another customer sent me a photo, via Etsy feedback, of how she used my Pink Heel Sock Monkey Tags as part of the place settings for a sock monkey themed birthday party AND she blogged about all of the party decorations, many from Etsy shops, here. I can only remember one of my childhood birthday parties, and it, too, featured monkeys (as in, a barrel full, all over

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-31559960478250106982010-12-28T10:14:00.000-08:002010-12-28T10:17:04.247-08:00

My customers often tell me what they plan to do with their purchases from Catnip Studio, and sometimes they send me a photo. My cream and green speckled eggs were used to great effect in this gorgeous decorative bird's nest!

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-44309013823917512452010-12-08T10:31:00.000-08:002010-12-08T10:33:52.444-08:00

One of my favorite fellow paper crafters is Karen of Mrs. Kwitty's Cottage. Her charming fabric accessories and paper goods may be found in her Etsy shop and her Artfire shop. Receiving goodies from Karen is always like Christmas, no matter the time of year!  Above is her beautiful paper box to hold and protect my recent purchases. The layered papers compliment her bird tag perfectly. The

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-16102838400251999402010-12-07T10:32:00.000-08:002010-12-07T11:01:17.062-08:00

My mom gave this to me after having found it in the Storage of Lost and Forgotten Things. I remembered it, sort of, as something my grandmother had made circa 60's maybe early 70's. My sister and I may have even painted it, but memory fails me. Funny, but handy, that she kept the magazine page stored with her crafty Santa. I also remember the chalky and colorful paints she often used - I think

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-51275432539093059902010-12-06T12:09:00.000-08:002010-12-06T12:09:06.616-08:00

From e-mail. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A Different Christmas Poem The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light, I gazed round the room and I cherished the sight. My wife was asleep, her head on my chest, My daughter beside me, angelic in rest. Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white, Transforming the yard to a winter delight. The sparkling lights in the tree I believe, Completed the magic that

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-16489204620424897672010-12-02T15:34:00.000-08:002010-12-03T11:55:07.954-08:00

...but first, some studio news. The hardscape around my new studio is completed, but I'll wait for spring to share photos. I've been busy with crafting for studio orders, Thanksgiving houseguests, and decoupage eggs for the upcoming Easter season. One of my goals for 2009 was to get my Artfire shops in shipshape and filled with listings, and I'm happy with the progress I've made at

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-55274624759809188982010-09-28T09:40:00.000-07:002010-09-28T09:43:04.297-07:00

Most of the small storage in my studio is thrifted treasure that I've repaired and painted, like the wood tabletop rack, skinny wall shelf, and spice rack. The old glass canning jars are married to orphan pottery lids. The old lidless bean pot holding colored pencils was a junk store find. I love how it has all of the bright colors of my studio! This glass-paned door was architectural salvage.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-33979043090181919372010-09-12T15:08:00.000-07:002010-09-28T09:09:51.598-07:00

Ribbon rolls before. Ribbon rolls after. This is the front of the stairs to the attic in my studio. The ribbon rolls are strung on skinny wood dowels from Ace Hardware. The dowels are placed into closet rod plastic caps from Walmart. This is the back of the stairs. These photos were taken before I attached a length of clear plastic sheeting to the back of the stairs behind the ribbon rolls to

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-29682023225926297522010-09-08T13:39:00.000-07:002010-09-08T13:39:35.087-07:00

My studio curtains were custom made for my windows by Etsy shop Tallulah Sophie. Robin, the shop owner, perfectly captured the bright polka dots and florals with black that I was envisioning for my new digs, and she adjusted her standard curtain pattern to fit the details of my windows and mounted hardware. They fit beautifully and the black pompom trim is so fun! Each curtain has different

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-27713543061857654912010-09-06T15:40:00.000-07:002010-09-06T15:42:44.035-07:00

It's been a long four months since my last post about moving to my new studio! In that time, between shop orders and summer vacation, Mr. Catnip and I got my studio interior mostly finished and moved in furniture and supplies. I'm still working on organization and storage, but I think it's as photo-ready as it will ever be, as I always have several projects in progress.                    This

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-44183473401907863352010-04-30T20:12:00.000-07:002010-04-30T20:12:28.256-07:00

But I'm not moving far! My studio is an upcycled shed which is now too small for all of my crafty obsessions and supplies. Things have been spilling over into our home's dining room and living room, so Mr. Catnip suggested (ever so thoughtfully) that it might be a good idea to swap out my studio and our "pantry" (read: old millend barn that houses the freezers and household/holiday storage) -

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-28981074336266866572010-04-14T11:25:00.000-07:002010-04-14T11:26:07.673-07:00

I've had more than my share of Etsy front page time, but today is the very first time I've actually seen one of my items on the front page, and it was a totally random click to Etsy's home page! My thanks to Tracey Garcia Designs, and the gorgeous work of my fellow front pagers!

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-95871380385545012010-04-13T14:58:00.000-07:002010-04-13T14:59:48.462-07:00

My love for digital collage art continues unabated, and I've recently opened Vintage Catnip at Etsy to offer my digital creations for sale, as well as continuing to offer quality freebies at my Vintage Catnip blog. I have to admit, I love clicking into my online shops and seeing all of my hours of creativity represented in each listing (don't be shaking your heads, you know you do it, too!). 

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-8263806304044067382010-04-08T15:58:00.000-07:002010-04-08T15:58:04.046-07:00

Wee, wooden eggs handpainted with three layered shades of aqua blue acrylic paint, flecked brown with a toothbrush, and sealed with Ceramcoat satin varnish. The little bird's nest is a found treasure from my backyard.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-78120833976362595982010-04-02T09:03:00.000-07:002010-04-08T18:19:13.609-07:00

The easel display is one of my decoupaged digital collage prints, Peony Birds. This little desktop dresser was a junk store find. Painted a hideous, glossy, lumpy black with warped and sprung sides, it had little appeal. With glue, a few tiny screws, and a distressed turquoise paint job (those ugly lumps  peeking artfully through the surface), it now holds my household sewing supplies. The

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-78948518839298019092010-03-14T21:45:00.000-07:002010-03-14T21:45:38.297-07:00

 Sky Origami Easter Eggs I'm still crafting decoupage origami eggs for orders from my Etsy shop, Catnip Studio Too, and here are my newest sets.  Bright Blue Origami Easter Eggs  Coral Origami Easter Eggs Teal Blue Origami Easter Eggs Old World Easter Eggs

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-30809620036456804552010-03-05T14:46:00.000-08:002010-03-12T13:56:35.560-08:00

Surprise! I snagged the remaining 4 copies from my local tiny town Walmart, and generated 7 winners as follows:  #14 Joy, #6 Starry Night Impressions, #9 Apricot Bubbles, #1 Peggy Gatto,  #10 Tiny Bear, #18 Me! (Debbi), and  #4 Bstudio. I'm busy crafting for Easter egg sales through the weekend, so I won't be emailing the winners until next week - winners, please feel free to email me your

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com26tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-87585300205705179262010-02-25T16:49:00.000-08:002010-02-25T16:52:23.006-08:00

I'm excited to tell you that my origami decoupage Easter eggs are featured in First Magazine for Women, March 22, 2010 issue, page 90! If you missed the original Many Are Called But Few Are Chosen, you'll find it here.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-15487202775845466552010-02-21T10:25:00.000-08:002010-02-21T11:13:33.919-08:00

The gorgeous colors of Neon Lights, a druzy and chalcedony sterling silver necklace from Silver Smack on Etsy, are sure to excite your basic white tee or little black dress. There are three colorways of this peacock titanium druzy bead necklace, and all of them are bold and brilliant!

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-89923747180104344642010-02-19T08:52:00.000-08:002010-02-21T10:16:35.566-08:00

I recently purchased an antique images CD from Artefacts on Etsy, and I was delighted with the crisp, clear, 300dpi high resolution images it contained! The CD images are also available for purchase as individual sheets, with a nice discount for the purchase of 10 digital collage sheets. I found the antique graphics, photos, and ornamentals to be extremely versatile, useable on the whole and

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-17950151307028775272010-02-15T15:00:00.000-08:002010-02-15T15:02:58.963-08:00

...lays eggs of a different color! I'm up to my chicken wings in decoupage Easter egg orders from my Etsy shop, Catnip Studio Too, and these are just the tip of the henhouse.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-2514220456905346482010-02-01T10:49:00.000-08:002010-02-01T10:49:42.027-08:00

Beautiful songbirds and botanical pink peonies  are harbingers of Spring in my latest digital collage, which I've printed and decoupaged onto a wood plaque that I distress painted in a gorgeous turquoise. Elements of this collage are from Land of Enchantment, FrenchKissed, Vintage Printable, and Cemerony-Share.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-15152922767935495122010-01-29T11:48:00.000-08:002010-01-29T11:48:23.035-08:00

Illuminated Manuscript Bourdon Digital Collage Wall Hanging

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-24258329558128235572010-01-27T07:38:00.000-08:002010-01-27T07:38:15.345-08:00

Artfully aged, then decoupaged onto wood plaques with distressed paint edges, my butterfly digital collage prints have taken wing in a new form.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-51530193977819753312010-01-24T23:42:00.000-08:002010-01-25T12:45:08.421-08:00

I've finished a new digital collage, which turned out nothing like it began. It started with a blue satin slipper from Darvahlous, a wonderful vintage wallpaper background from Tattered Vintage,  and a lazuli bird from The Graphics Fairy. Now, I haven't given up on the slipper or the lazuli bird, but my original plan somehow shifted into a more retrospective and personal theme of distance

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-89543110964280928302010-01-23T08:00:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:19:27.415-08:00

I recently listed a set of my bird house gift tags in new patterns and, much to my surprise, they sold rather quickly (usually it takes a while for my creations to find their new home from my Etsy shop, Catnip Studio Too). The reason why, yep, front page on Etsy the day of the sale (image courtesy of Craftcult): I am always thrilled to make the front page, and have certainly been there more

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-8357284797278407722010-01-22T01:05:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:41:10.046-08:00

Two Christmas seasons ago, a Martha Stewart T.V. Show rep did a telephone interview with me for a potential spot on the show about my decoupage Christmas ornaments. I wasn't selected for the spot (an awesome paper artist, also from Etsy, was selected), but I was excited for being noticed. Many are called, but few are chosen. This past fall, a rep from Country Living magazine contacted me about

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-33853172203071235422010-01-21T15:46:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:12:38.454-08:00

I've been busy this week working on decoupage wall hangings made from my digital collage prints.  Illuminated manuscript images have caught my eye (they are so lovely, and so hard to find quality photos of the pages that are also copyright free/public domain). This particular illuminated manuscript border came from Vintage Printable.  I am sad that I will never see one of these pages in real life

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-33280917110488493462010-01-18T07:00:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:20:08.252-08:00

As my love affair with digital collage continues, I tried my hand at a digital collage sheet (bottom of post) of my own design. It contains elements from The Graphics Fairy (pink rose), Vintage Printable (wind compass and lace), Art Freebies (script background), Antique Images (floral print background),  Shadowhouse Creations (texture background), and a stock frame from Photoshop. The collage

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-35091680989902076342010-01-16T20:37:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:20:43.397-08:00

It's too art-supplies-scrumptious to be believed, but you must see Enchanted Revelry's   giveaway in celebration of 300 followers; 40,000 hits (I know!); and his 200th post. But don't leave a comment.  (kidding)... (sort of).

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-35449060611764487442010-01-15T08:15:00.000-08:002010-01-25T12:54:38.626-08:00

1-15-10 This giveaway is closed, and the winners were selected at random.org. I'll be contacting the winners via email today. Thanks to all of you for participating, and Happy Valentine's Day! 1st:  SharDon           2nd: icandy        3rd: Graphics Fairy     4th: Kymberly 1-8-10  One of these small heart tins chock full of Valentine crafting goodies will go to four lucky Valentines chosen

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com19tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-30431504604713355882010-01-13T08:00:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:21:29.288-08:00

Black Lace Heart Tags Key to My Heart Tags Pink Lattice Heart Tags Glittered Lattice Heart Tags

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-1928883357473970852010-01-11T08:00:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:00:11.041-08:00

Don't worry - you're safe - they don't fly! Sock Monkey Tags

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-66990543196337399802009-12-31T09:57:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:00:42.872-08:00

On the brink of a new year, I've said goodbye to 2009, retired my happily depleted Christmas stock until July, and started crafting for Valentine's Day and Easter. 2010 brings new studio resolutions (more broken china mosaics and jewelry, more digital art, expand into greeting cards printed with my photography and digital art, work on my Artfire shop) and a new sales year with new goals (which I

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-328833224015484882009-12-16T11:10:00.000-08:002009-12-23T06:27:42.443-08:00

Two nights ago, after spending two hours on a new digital collage, we had a brief power outage, and I had forgotten TO SAVE MY WORK on the computer so it was all gone. I began again last night, working into the wee hours, and tah-dah, she is finished! Scheherezade contains elements from cassandra204 (figure), moxylyn (background), and Land of Enchantment (curtain, distant architecture).

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-30750215644387635082009-12-14T08:00:00.000-08:002010-01-25T12:51:54.100-08:00

I've been inspired by the brilliantly creepy and elegant long short story, Cleopatra Brimstone, written by Elizabeth Hand, and this digital collage is the result. It contains heavily altered antique images and elements from The Graphics Fairy (postcard, moth, Venus), Whimsical World of Fairies (frame), Rustic Pixel Backgrounds (background), and The Graphic Addict (roses).   ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-35377155114671976412009-12-11T17:09:00.000-08:002009-12-11T17:09:42.205-08:00

I was a perfectionist as a child (as much as one can be at a young age, anyway). The slip of my crayon outside the lines would cause me great consternation. I developed a fool-proof method to keep from making this grievous error - I would outline inside the line, and color inside that line, thus leaving a small margin for hiccups. I didn't develop this brilliant adaptation until I was 6 or so,

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-37439609717801583172009-12-01T09:39:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:39:42.276-08:00

Treasury curated by Life in the Past LaneWell, my last personal best was surpassed November 29th - not only was I on Etsy's Front Page twice in one day, but it was for the same set of Compass Tags! Treasury screen shots courtesy of Craftcult. If you're curious, check out all of the front page treasuries that featured Catnip Studio Too with this link.Treasury curated by Etsy Admin

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-71744537528427533682009-11-30T09:09:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:18:54.920-08:00

One of my Catnip Studio Too paper goods customers, Brenda, is a delightful correspondent and she recently sent me photos of what she had done with some of my gift tags. I was so pleased to see the results of her creativity and inspired embellishments that I thought you would enjoy them, too. Brenda makes greeting cards as a hobby, and I will be very excited to see her open her own shop someday.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-64833899007384450952009-11-22T22:05:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:00:11.052-08:00

Hear the Angels Calling Tags I've been working on digital collages using antique clip art, and printing the results into paper tags. I often work into the wee hours editing, coloring, and enhancing the images - time just flies by! I vaguely remember being just as enchanted by my coloring books and crayons once upon a time. Insect Tags Insect Tags Botanical Rose Tags Antique Butterfly

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-57844338681092410162009-11-21T07:30:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:23:44.313-08:00

One of my very favorite places to visit is Mrs. Kwitty's Cottage, and I'm a longtime and ardent fan of her birdy tags and fabric accessories. I recently purchased these cheery and charming red toile birdy tags, and the snaptop bag is for my digital camera (and it's a perfect fit), though it was intended for a cell phone. I must draw your attention to the bird tag packaging - such lovely details

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-80896987271050563912009-11-18T17:11:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:18:54.925-08:00

Back in September, I signed up for two ornament swaps at Audrey's Country Crafts , and by October I had my assigned swap partners. Sadly, as most of you know, my sister, Angel, fell suddenly ill in mid-October and passed away October 29th, and my swap partners were willing to wait until I could get back home and back into my studio work. I've now mailed their decoupage ornaments, and just

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-77179208455012789352009-10-30T23:40:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:24:35.320-08:00

My sister passed away yesterday afternoon. She was 48 years old. I don't have the words to describe the depth of my pain and sadness, and the devastation to her husband and 18 year old son. My thanks to all of you for your prayers and kind words. Just a quick post to tell you that I am away from blogging for awhile due to a serious illness within my family.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-65699194958785578232009-10-15T14:22:00.000-07:002010-01-25T12:54:38.628-08:00

Silver Bella 2009 - the paper arts event of the year, and LolliShops will be there representing us via our promo kits!

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-66547504580090070192009-10-14T08:52:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:24:56.655-08:00

My 200th sale, memorable on its own, made more so by the fact that it was my first big order for paper goods - 400 tags with one of my digital collage designs, created for the customer's birch-themed products. A couple of late nights to make the shipping deadline, and out the door today!

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-73241041375278044612009-10-10T10:39:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:26:01.533-08:00

I've been terribly distracted, lately, from my usual studio work. Digital collage has me spellbound - the hunt for suitable and legal images, the editing of images in Photoshop, and putting them together into something appealing. My skills are improving, and I am very pleased with this set of butterflies. I am thinking of using them for gift cards and mixed media wall art. Original background

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-73277220618246541162009-10-03T16:03:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:07:11.961-08:00

This may be a no-brainer to many, but I devised a way to use some of my collection of vintage shanked buttons as tag decorations. I didn't want to use adhesive or hot glue.Tah-Dahhh! Next, a little further embellishment.Same as first two pics above, then thread both ends through the needle. At this point, pull both thread ends through the loop as before.The little paper flowers could have been

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-47125165755153379642009-09-25T10:46:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:39:42.279-08:00

Treasury curated by JennJohn HandbagsHere are two gorgeous treasuries that made the Etsy front page on September 23rd - and Catnip Studio Too was featured in both of them! Treasury curated by Bouji & Nouna Contemporary Baby Designs

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-17538272194706779932009-09-12T11:28:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:02:02.620-08:00

 From left to right: Young Folks Picture Book for All Seasons, Daisy Chain Series, copyright 1898; Little Ones Bible Lands, copyright 1898; Wonder Book for Little Children, Christmas Tree Series, inscription 1913. On some recent antiquing jaunts I was fortunate enough to come across some tattered but terrific Victorian era children's story books with the most gorgeous black and white prints for

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-82215961543123918642009-09-06T13:40:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:00:42.904-08:00

Halloween Cat and Pumpkin Tags After getting ready for, and enjoying, family company for the past few days, I'm back on the road paper trail, again, crafting for the upcoming holidays. Here's some of what I've been doing lately - my first Halloween themed tags, available in my Etsy shop, my 1000Markets shop, and my LolliShop. Scary Owl Tags Dancing Skeleton Tags

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-8444749225866456872009-08-24T11:39:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:07:11.964-08:00

Sigh...don't you hate it when this happens?  I was soooo disappointed that one of two new additions to my gingham dog and calico cat collection had suffered damage in mailing. Of course, nothing broken ever goes back together the way it was, and there are always parts that can't be mended, or can't be found. (Hmmm, there's an allegory in there).  Allegories aside, my lame little gingham dog has

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-67032527514592241872009-08-16T23:15:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:27:10.190-08:00

 My Great Grandmother, circa 1912 The Victorian and Edwardian eras embody all that is dear today in cottage style, and the current renaissance of those eras in our pixel and physical arts and crafts reflect the elegant fuss, diminutive and layered details, rich colors (whether sepia, jewel or pastel), and  romantic overtones of a past age  reimagined. Photoshopped  using a tutorial provided by

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-30034678219754295482009-08-14T09:01:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:00:42.910-08:00

Just a quick post to show off one of my sandblasted tiles (the image is a stylized batik reindeer stolen patterned from an antique textile) set into the ceramic floor at Hanon's Floors on Main St. in Yreka, CA. The owner, Steve, is a terrific and friendly guy - he always had just what we needed for our home renovation, and I gave him the tile as a gift.  I had no idea that Steve had put it on

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-64917816532929340692009-07-17T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:07:11.967-08:00

I couldn't resist these orphan game cards from my local Humane Society Thrift Store - I know just what I am going to do with them (more on that in a future post)!

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-55371797288538917402009-07-16T09:17:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:33:27.414-08:00

More decorations from Tina of Tiny Bear - wooden clothespins and vintage spools with an expert combination of graphics, textures, and soft colors! They blend nicely with my fabric hearts, also from Tiny Bear. Antoinette Mosaic Planter The broken china mosaic vintage pottery flower pot is from my Etsy shop, Catnip Studio Too. Antique clip art images from a couple of my old books are currently

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-32959455445902564902009-07-12T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:33:46.782-08:00

This is my first mosaic birdhouse, finally completed. The banner on the front, and my ceramic "signature" on the back, were handmade for me by CMK Sculptures. Except for the mass market ceramic tile green leaves, the rest is broken china from plates and miniature teapots. Here it was a few months ago, partially unfinished. Upon delivery of this birdhouse to Ms. Lynn's Teahouse in Montague,

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-68810094495310229982009-07-10T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:07:11.973-08:00

More vintage treasures from my local Humane Society Thrift Store. I'm not sure what I'm going to do with the old badges; I just liked their bright graphics. I'm not a knitter, but knitting needles in beautiful jadite green I just had to have. I'll repurpose them in some way, eventually.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-76493788034118224532009-07-07T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:07:11.977-08:00

These hand embroidered (by yours truly, age 12) handkerchiefs were recently found amongst my mom's Storage of Lost and Forgotten Things. I made them for my grandfather back in the seventies; probably one of those gifts where it was the thought that counted ;-). Mom insists that he treasured them, and that's why he never used them (ummm, okay). Kind of like those Father's Day ties, you know the

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-28746384599381054992009-07-03T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:28:26.373-08:00

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-89334985822179048002009-06-26T08:00:00.001-07:002010-01-25T13:33:46.784-08:00

This pink-loaded broken vintage china tabletop bench is almost finished! The top is grouted, just the brace and sides are left to grout. I'll post new pictures, and a link to the listing in my LolliShop, when it's finished.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-84618914388406986912009-06-23T12:05:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:07:11.981-08:00

Old glass porch globes with flat bottoms (yessss!). Vintage orphan sugar/jam/creamer lids.Vintage kitchen melon scoops in yummy green.Two of the lids were the right size at the inner ring. Wouldn't these be great for bath crystals, lavender seeds, or loose glitter? I have none of those, so I improvised with a bag of decorative sand pebbles.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-79236763903667762752009-06-12T15:48:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:36:53.912-08:00

I decided to move the results of my fledgling beginnings in digital image editing to a new blog for just that purpose, Vintage Catnip. Visit me there for my latest free downloads of charming vintage images!

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-77878301386507127042009-06-09T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:00:11.094-08:00

I created a gift box and tag set to compliment the angelskin peach pink colors of this recently sold brass filigree necklace from my LolliShop. The necklace features morning glory and lovebird brass stampings, and palest pink dyed freshwater pearls, vintage frosted glass cabochon, and a new vintage reissue La Mode button with an etched brocade pattern. The matching bracelet is shown below.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-22895006259596209282009-06-08T08:00:00.000-07:002009-06-08T08:00:06.886-07:00

A very uncooperative guest to the catnip forest, Mr. Alligator Lizard (Elgaria multicarinata scincicauda - Oregon Alligator Lizard) was as cranky as any mega-movie star being intruded upon by paparazzi during a Sunday picnic with said star's children! Hissing (or whatever it is that lizards do) and lunging at my hand (I admit I did pick him up a few times, and put him on the lawn where he would

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-52297877837152113732009-06-07T08:00:00.000-07:002009-08-24T13:57:57.146-07:00

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-25279901761804990312009-06-06T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:18:54.931-08:00

I received a package from Denmark the other day - it was my embroidered linen hearts from tinybear! Aren't they delightful? Vintage MOP buttons and netting add to their romantic mood, and I've added an old pair of wire rim glasses and my grandmother's 1934 Graduation Memories keepsake booklet (more on that in a future post) in keeping with the vintage look of the hearts.Decorative PincushionAlong

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-25035586034891609162009-06-05T08:00:00.001-07:002010-01-25T13:07:11.995-08:00

Remember when flattened beer bottle ashtrays and wine bottle vases from stretched glass were all the rage about 35 years ago? Hated 'em then, hate 'em now. And yet...this upside down green and amber stretch glass vase from my mom, vintage ugly transformed into a garden accessory, actually looks pretty amidst the white violets, especially when it's sparkling in the sun or sprinkler mist. Makes me

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-81536503540723097302009-06-02T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:39:42.281-08:00

What can I say? I am soooo lucky, and grateful, too. This treasury of Etsy handmade art, curated by Sigmosaics, was on the front page yesterday, June 1st. My sandblasted ceramic tile is in the lower right corner.Sunburst Shell TileThis is Sunburst Shell's encore showing; the first one was back in October of last year.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-33019999988984349302009-06-01T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:41:47.716-08:00

My fleur de lis paper tags were on the front page of Etsy last Friday, May 29th. I like this eclectic pastel collection with touches of gray and black compiled by Etsy Admin.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-22003922642269400492009-05-31T08:00:00.001-07:002010-01-25T12:49:16.050-08:00

While the French Lilac blooms are already spent, our Dwarf Korean Lilac is just getting started. If you find one in your garden center, snatch it up! The aroma is heavenly, and they are remarkably sturdy. Not to mention the bell-flower-on-a-stem lavender pink flowers. And that it's a rebloomer later in the summer...

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-63079818433456052122009-05-30T09:26:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:07:11.997-08:00

I suppressed squeals of delight upon discovering these vintage beauties at our local Humane Society Thrift Store. Paper drink umbrellas, all but two unopened! Homemade Christmas brooches, I think. Only one still had the glass-headed pin.Colorful glass bead rosaries.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-43477768350488846452009-05-30T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:18:54.933-08:00

I've long admired the website, blog, and photography of Blondheart. The owner makes OOAK fine collectible mohair bears and other animals for grownups, and I am now the proud owner of one of her handmade creations - a beaded and painted mohair starfish! Here it is, at home above in my decorative bowl of smooth rocks. My photo doesn't do it justice, so be sure to visit the artist's blog,

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-332356574629420352009-05-29T08:00:00.000-07:002009-08-24T14:02:11.078-07:00

My parents have a big hen house for all kinds of chickens, even a couple of araucanas, and one (figurehead, only) rooster. My dad converted the interior walls of an old travel trailer into their roosting places, and surrounded it with a sturdy fenced and roofed chicken yard to deter freeloaders like bears, cougars, and other rural inconveniences. My mom goes through the trailer door to gather

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-91267898050179454562009-05-22T08:00:00.000-07:002009-05-27T18:24:27.944-07:00

I've been told that though our local commercial garden centers will stock dogwoods, the plant tends not to bloom here in Siskiyou County. Well, my little dogwood has proved the naysayers all wrong. Though it did not bloom last spring (one year after planting), look at it now! All I can account for is: used coffee grounds, water, shady to partial sun lawn placement, and hope.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-33900295657063319342009-05-21T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:00:11.110-08:00

...will there be crafting supplies in Heaven?

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-28057415013616113042009-05-20T14:16:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:00:11.113-08:00

Lamb Tags - EtsyMy newest animal tags - cute little lambs! These were made from hand punches - large and medium scalloped rounds, and a plain oval cut in half for ears. Lamb Tags - 1KM

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-36244366166549851952009-05-20T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:30:00.201-08:00

Blue Willow TagsMy love for broken china mosaics and plate patterns occasionally influences other areas of my crafting. I came across some willow ware rubber stamps, recently, (teacup, pitcher, plate) and just had to have them! Red Willow TagsBlue Willow transferware, or willow ware in any color, is perfect for broken china mosaics. The romantic back story combined with the appealing design and

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-71364783894904082432009-05-19T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:33:46.787-08:00

Victorian RoseThough I work in many arts and crafts mediums, broken china mosaics are my first love. I tend to work on them the most through the spring and summer months, and I just finished these thrifted silverplate trays featuring vintage broken china rose focals. The large lazy susan pedestal tray above consists of antique and vintage chinas in sage greens, burgundy reds, and golds grouted

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-26143490792922926202009-05-16T09:40:00.000-07:002009-05-27T18:24:27.946-07:00

First pickings from the vegetable garden - hot and spicy radishes!A female acorn woodpecker, at journey's end, found a place to rest at the edge of the water bowl.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-37394112730627445292009-05-08T08:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:00:11.122-08:00

May 09 - It's certainly been some time since I updated Crafting Outside the Box! Here's my most recent gift box and tag, made to match Lilac Earrings. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------Aug 08 - Now that I've discovered stamping inks, I got to thinking...what a great way to add some decorative interest to my collaged jewelry boxes! Then I took it one step

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-44797436473899480692009-05-06T08:00:00.000-07:002009-05-27T18:24:27.948-07:00

Pak Choi Violetta Our new cinderblock vegetable garden of raised beds is thriving, and 24 hours of spring rain made everything look especially lush and dewy. We made our annual trip to the garden store for hanging fuchsias and petunias, and violet volunteers (self-seeded from last year's annuals) are popping up here and there. Yay, Spring! Fuchsia Violet Bright Lights Swiss Chard

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-50992401581696648322009-05-05T10:48:00.001-07:002010-01-25T13:00:11.125-08:00

I received a lovely surprise in the mail this week - a handcrafted card from a very special customer. She used one of my cat tags, given as a gift with her purchase. I am so touched that she took the time and effort to craft something personal for me. She included a lovely, handwritten message that was just what I needed, right when I needed it. Isn't it funny how a random act of kindness can

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-50643532596141888692009-04-30T13:00:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:36:37.063-08:00

4-30 Sidebar widgets coming along, and I'm determined to finish tweaking before the weekend is over. I found even more great, and free, blog stuff at Shabby Blogs.4-29 Another late night, and all of the basics look good in both browsers. I'll be adding back my sidebar widgets later. 4-28 Addendum: Everything looks great in Internet Explorer 8.0.6001, but it's a total mess in Firefox 3.0.10, sigh.

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-35661630200981555752009-04-26T15:20:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:00:11.128-08:00

There was a storm to the south of us early last week, and it brought stunning evening skies into our view. The catnip forest is now recovering from a severe trimming by Mr. Catnip last February, though Lily gave it the cold shoulder in favor of some succulent lawn bites. Wylie, still a young man, likes to get out and about, and here he is doing his trapeze act on top of the fence. He

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-69324045968523960212009-04-07T11:14:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:00:42.943-08:00

Well, I've finished spring cleaning my studio, at last! I have more room to work, now that my new studio storage shed is finished and most of my larger supplies are in it. The outside of my studio is winter dreary, and I am so looking forward to spiffing it up with potted annuals! My jewelry station is all in one place, now, and my cut china tiles are all shelved together, resorted, and

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-29670603033787122512009-03-19T12:13:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:07:12.003-08:00

I am going to harvest these beads from this bib or collarette necklace, which looks homemade, and belonged to my grandmother. I would love to know more about them! What I can tell you: they are opaque, shiny white, and cold to touch (glass beads, maybe); they are slightly baroque (bumpy, irregular surface and shapes), which is why I haven't cleaned them as the texture is more visible;

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-64635055266310465552009-03-16T20:21:00.000-07:002010-01-25T13:34:37.489-08:00

Glass Pendants from my new Etsy shop for vintage treasures and artisan supplies, HuckleberryI've been so busy with sales (yippee!), spring cleaning/reorganizing my studio, and planning and executing new jewelry, paper goods, and home decor, that I've neglected my blog - so, to announce my return (I'm half Irish, after all), here's Catnip Studio showing some green: Belleek Broken China Filigree

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-83856265649691265432009-03-02T08:57:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:39:42.287-08:00

Finally, 2008 tax year is in the rear view mirror, and I woke up this morning to find I've missed (yet again, and as usual, sniff) seeing Catnip Studio Too on Etsy's Front Page. That would be because it was visible at 5:02 a.m., and I was asleep. Please forgive me for the shameless bragging and brazen self-promotion ;-) My decoupage ornaments are bottom center, and here's a closeup: Paisley

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-36655096630193743922009-02-18T11:15:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:34:47.336-08:00

Floral Eggs I've been so very lax at dutiful blog hopping; my apologies to all! I'll catch up soon, I promise. I'm surrounded by decoupaged eggs and annual tax paperwork, and I'm almost done with all. New Easter Eggs are now listed in my Etsy store and my LolliShop store, with more to come! Teal Green Origami Eggs Teal Blue Origami Eggs Pink Origami Eggs Cherry Blossom Eggs

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-3735399285899676492009-02-15T17:52:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:00:11.146-08:00

Finally, more snow last Tuesday, but only patches of snow remain today, in spite of a small flurry yesterday. Summer is calling me, and I answered with a trip to my studio for some jewelry creation. This carved mother of pearl starfish necklace, accented with a black opal mosaic inlay bead and a stylized sea urchin in brass filigree and pearl, is my creation for the LolliShops Co-op Ad in the

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-41370320219879735642009-02-03T12:07:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:18:54.940-08:00

I love all things birdy, and I am to the point of eggcentricity in my love for paper decoupaging wood nest eggs. My home decor shops at Etsy and LolliShops will soon be displaying Easter and Spring listings of decoupaged and glittered eggs on which I've been spending my winter evenings while watching reruns of American Idol, Frasier, Will & Grace, and The Golden Girls. My lovely assistant,

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-61016277445086086942009-02-01T13:22:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:07:12.005-08:00

It's Superbowl Sunday, and as promised, here are the Valentine-themed Free Love giveaway winners! 1st prize - Mrs. Kwitty 2nd prize - Tied Up Memories 3rd prize - Starry Night Impressions I'm feeling the love today, so I tasked my official Free Love Assistant (Mom, shown below) to draw an additional three names: 4th surprise - Sunshine and Ravioli 5th surprise - Nana's Nest 6th surprise -

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8121011417891704720.post-36733815446984241582009-01-27T07:00:00.000-08:002010-01-25T13:00:42.958-08:00

Similar to my first giveaway, there are three chances to receive one package of Valentine goodies! Just leave a brief comment, like the kind you might find on a candy conversation heart, and you're in the drawing. (U.S. and Canada only, please; I do have a budget ;-). Be sure to leave me a way to contact you, or check back here as winners will be posted on Superbowl Sunday, February 1st! 1st

Kathy-Catnip Studiohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08494802011573058411noreply@blogger.com13