Creating the "Kitty" - Arts and crafts items with a feline theme

Just as my blog title and name suggests (as well as the name of my Etsy shop) I am a cat lover! Probably destined to be a crazy old cat lady. As I create jewelry, try new crafts, share ideas with fellow crafters and navigate other sites and blogs for other kitty-crafts, I thought this would be a great new subject for my blog. Following, you will find various items I have created; jewelry for my Etsy shop, items for a cat-themed swap, ATC cards, and more (and some pictures of my 4 furry children; Mamala, Ollie, Twinkie, and Fava) :). I would love to hear your comments regarding this article and also any links you have for kitty crafts or pictures of items you've created, etc.

A scissor cover and pin cushion created for a swap.                 I-pod cover custom-made for a friend.

 These items were made for a kitty-themed swap for a graft group to which I belong; I made the necklace from Shrinky Dink material and beads and the handle notebook using a composition book, scrapbooking paper, ribbon, and buttons.

"Hello Kitty" design jack-o-lantern, created (with assistance) by my step-daughter for last Halloween. The first one she ever carved! :)

 "Flat Cat", ATC's (Art Trading Cards) for a swap with a "flat pet" theme. I used friendly plastic to create the pets in different breeds.

Retro, glitter kitty rings and necklace for my Etsy shop.

                        White kitty necklace created from polymer clay and painted (for Etsy shop).

 This is Mamala (pron. mom-a-la). She is 17 years+ and diabetic. She is the queen of the house! Still very active and she loves to play with and talk to her 'milk rings' (that come off gallons of milk :)
Here she is, supervising some sewing!

This is all four of our cats, taking over our bed! LOL - Mamala is in the top left, Twinkie (her son) on the top right, Fava is on the bottom left, and Ollie (21 lbs.!) on the bottom right.

Thanks for visiting! Happy Creating!

Tutorial: Easy Satin Flower Pin

I started making these a little while back to add to my jewelry offerings on Etsy, and I decided it would make a great first tutorial, so I hope you find it helpful and as easy as I have! They're great little adornments for a plain t-shirt, sweater or hat -- you can even make several of the same or different colors and put them together!
I use a satiny material (doesn't need to be "true" satin) - in fact, I bought whatever I liked/was on sale that had a shiny and a dull side). 
For this tutorial, I used 1 color of material, but I have also created the flowers using 2 colors of fabric such as mocha and cream together. 


You will need the supplies shown in the first 2 photos: a small portion of the satin-type material, scissors, a pen, lighter, several items of various diameters to trace; paint bottles/spools, etc. (you can free-hand it too - the circles need NOT be perfect by any means), a straight pin, a bit of thread, glue, a pin back, and a few fake 'gems' or even a button for the center.

1. Draw/trace anywhere from 3-5 concentric circles on the fabric (the more circles, the fuller the flower) then cut out.

2.  For this step, you may want to practice on a scrap circle first. You will use the lighter to 'melt' the edges of the circle and keep them from fraying; this will also make the fabric pucker and curl, giving it more of the look of a petal. Move quickly! If you hold the lighter in one spot for too long, it will blacken the fabric. I have found if you glide it along the edge, a little at a time, this works best.


3. Assemble the petals the way you like them best, pin in place, and sew together with a few stitches. Then add the pin onto the back (I prefer to sew that on as well).

4. The last step is to embellish the center with a few little fake gems, pearls, or even a nice button!

I hope you've found this tutorial fun and inspiring! If you try it, please contact me! I would love to post photos of your results or a link to your page or blog!

Happy Creating!