"It is well to remember that the entire population of the universe, with one trifling exception, is composed of others." A.Holmes

Tuesday, January 28, 2014

Tea & Crafts With the Cats

I poured myself some tea to sip from my Gracie Chintz china cup while adding some finishing touches to a flock of little sheep . I had some help with my crafting.

Yes, after finishing some of the sheep I took them into my sun-room to photograph in natural light so I could post them for sale in my Etsy shop and look, peek-a-boo ! Miss Marple was supervising the whole procedure making sure none of the little sheep strayed from position. She is very good at whacking them around if they do. Sometimes she even helps them get away , to their detriment. Good thing there is a shepherd there to guard them. ( And I don't mean the little porcelain one. )
On the very same day I finished up a few wool needle-felted balls. I had help there too.
Blizzard personally checks each and every wool ball out by batting and rolling it around. If the ball has jingles in it he double and triple checks it , enjoying my game of seeking it out after he is done. You can see Blizzard is sitting next to a blue bin where the wee little sheep are placed for their protection after they are completed. I have learned the hard way NOT to leave the little sheep unattended if the cats are prowling the house.
Just minding her own business ? Hardly, she is supervising the terrarium projects I have going on...
...with some help from Blizzard. I'm not sure if they think the resin mouse in the terrarium is real, but I do know they'd love to sink their paws into the mosses . If you look closely at the window behind Miss Marple you can see the cats have thoroughly decorated the window with little nose prints, the higher row of prints being those of Blizzard. I suspect the terrarium will be thusly dotted soon.
And then there are my weaving projects. I completed 3 rugs last week all with plenty of help from Blizzard. He holds the loom down for me. At 16 plus pounds, he's very good at this.
"Cats can work out mathematically the exact place to sit that will cause the most inconvenience." Pam Brown  ~ But that being quoted, you can tell I love having my cats in, out, and round-about me. As I write this Blizzard is holding my husband down in the recliner , stretched full out on my husband's lap. They are taking their evening nap together. "Dogs have their days but cats have 365." Lillian Jackson Braun
I enjoy this teacup, one of a set of 4 rose-chintz patterns from Gracie China. It is not only beautiful, with it's rose patterns, but when I hold it up to the light it is slightly transparent. Also, this is a sturdy teacup , a quality I need when working around my cats who love to check out my dishes but pay them no mind if they decide to have a spat about who gets to sit closest to me. I have had to remember to place my teacups firmly toward the middle of the work table to spare them such disasters. We don't have too many broken dishes from the cats, I am the klutz, but several close calls taught me well.

I would like to mention a blog I love, written by a cat lover who also enjoys her tea time. Deb at  'Just Cats'* writes not only about her cats, but also about the cats she encounters in her cat-sitting business. She also has some very good tips and info regarding cat care, and some common problems people face with their cats & kittens. "The smallest feline is a masterpiece." Leonardo da Vinci

I am linking up once again with these ladies for Tea-Time Tuesday :


21 comments:

Terri said...

Hello Kathy,
Your kitties are so adorable! Oh my but you are a lucky mama! Your tea cups would need to be sturdy with these inquisitive dears.
Your Gracie tea cup is very pretty! I do love that company and I have several of their pieces too. The sheep you have made look so sweet! Oh my! You do a lovely job on them.
Hugs,
Terri

Nib's End said...

After reading about all of your lovely projects, I need to sit down with a cup of tea. I love the image of the cat holding the Beekeeper down so that he can nap. Sounds like you might need a catnap yourself soon.

Martha's Favorites said...

Hi Kathy: So very cute and love that tea cup. Have a great week. Blessings, Martha

Timi said...

Those little sheep are so cute!
And Blizzard found the perfect place! :o)
You've got very good helpers :o)))

Anonymous said...

I am relieved to know I am not the only one with nose prints on my windows!!!
Nice to see Blizzard and Miss Marple supervising your work.
Looks/sounds like you have been busy and productive on these winter days.

Anonymous said...

p.s. I love Deb's blog, too.

Deb said...

Your cats are so beautiful and obviously content. They do find their humans very entertaining, don't they? I could not imagine getting anything done around our home without their supervision. Love the photos and thank you so much for the mention. I think owners give up far to soon on their cats when changes show up when there are steps to take to rectify the behaviour. I hope my 'tip' helped someone out there. I appreciate you passing it on. Btw..our cats love those jingly balls. hugs, Deb

Connie said...

Your cats are the best of helpers and companions. I'm sure they provide lots of entertainment for you in addition to being good supervisors. :)

xinex said...

Cute cats and I love the terrarium and the chintz teacup....Christine

Sandra @ Thistle Cove Farm said...

Kathy, a thoroughly enjoyable post of the days that make up your life. I want to die the day after I can no longer have a dog or cat, yes, I care for them that much. Since Dave's death, God has used my animals to keep me sane and moving forward.

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

Good morning Kathy,
Your wee sheep are so very cute! As are your kitties. The Gracie teacup is lovely and adorned with beautiful roses. It's always a pleasure to have you come to tea, my friend. I enjoyed your post very much. Have a lovely day.

Blessings,
Sandi

Bernideen said...

I really enjoy seeing your many handcrafted creations and your skills abound in many areas. Also, lovely teacup (I sell these in my shop) and kitties! I love seeing all your hobbies and passions.

Anonymous said...

Loved this, Kathy! You had all my favorite ways to spend a day: with cats, crafts, tea - and inspired by the Lord with skills - completed projects ready for Etsy! Yes - I MUST "favorite" your shop and finally add one of your sheep to my humble collection by Easter! I use needle felting techniques in my floral frill creations - love working with the wools and making beautiful things with my cats and tea by my side. God is good!
Joy!
Kathy

Judith @ Lavender Cottage said...

The sheep are so adorable and I could see them become a kitty play thing if left out.
After all the crafting you do, I'm sure a cup of tea is well deserved.

The Charm of Home said...

What cute sheep! They are adorable!
Sherry

Tea in Texas said...

Love your Gracie tea cuo and saucer! The chinz pattern is a lovely way to enjoy flowers. Your cats are precious and so playful and it is so great you included them. I appreciate your kind thoughts on my blog. I really hope you have a great week!

Pam

Karen said...

Hi Kathy,
I love that Chintz teacup. It is just beautiful and my you are talented! Those wee sheep are so cute! Thank you for visiting me and leaving such kind words. Have a wonderful week! Take care,
Karen

Karen said...

I know you are thankful! It's hard to get good help like that these days! Our neighbor's cat likes to 'assist' me as I bring in the groceries by weaving between my feet :)

Poppy @ With a Dash of Color said...

Love the pretty Chintz tea cup!Those sheep are absolutely adorable....how creative you are!And your kitties are little darlings! lovely post! Have a wonderful week! Hugs, Poppy

Tea in the Library said...

omg! Nose prints on the window! I sooo relate. I just ordered a flock of sheepskis. Love them!

Unknown said...

I love your cats, your rugs and your tea cups! It's always wonderful to spend time with you. ~Blessings!