DIY Handsome Cat / YOU ARE BLOWING MY MIND Handbag

Feb 19, 2013 | DIY

beauchatbag_done4I picked up this iron-on decal set last Spring when I visited Japan.

Japan is such a treasure trove of nonsensical English.  I find it summarily hilarious.

beauchatbag_materialsSo of course I could NOT pass up this “Beau Chat” iron-on decal.  I am a crazy cat lady at heart (who happens to unfortunately currently reside with this crazy Ewok-lookalike dog instead of a big pile of cats, which is my someday personal goal).

So I can only surround myself with cat-themed items and try to be consoled in the meantime.  A stern-looking tabby sporting the crown jewels is an excellent addition to my collection.beauchatbag_done1

I figured the title of this iron-on image was French.  “Good Cat,” I believe, unless my French is really terrible (which, okay, it is…a kind reader told me it is “Handsome Cat.”  Whoops.).  “Since 1902” it also proclaims in English (making it one very OLD handsome cat, apparently).

beauchatbag_done2 And then follows a chopped-up paragraph in German.  I don’t speak German, but the online translator says it is something about being outdoorsy, wine, and making a blunder over a duration of time.  Maybe.

beauchatbag_done3But the back of the bag is the best.

My cat is only active at night.

YOU ARE BLOWING MY MIND

I mean seriously, who could resist a bag that accuses people of blowing the owner’s mind??!?  I always feel that my mind is blown by the amazing-ness (and sometimes craziness) of other people.  I think this accusation is excellent in a proactive sort of way.

beauchatbag_step1I made the bag following a pattern from a Japanese pattern-book I have; you could also use this pattern here and come up with a similar result.  beauchatbag_step2The faux leather handles were also from Japan; you can buy similar ones here.  The grey Essex linen I used for the outside I bought from this Etsy shop (I LOVE this stuff!), and the toile-print lining I bought from the fabric store.  beauchatbag_step3The iron-on is of course uniquely Japanese, but you can find something similar here and add some crazy paragraphs in a variety of languages on the computer if necessary.beauchatbag_step4

This little, crazy tote is the perfect size for a quick run out, or just a wonderful conversation-starter.

beauchatbag_done5From one crazy cat lady to all of you~

xo
Carly

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DIY: 40’s-Style Cute Kitty Beret for Halloween

Oct 26, 2012 | DIY

Now that the weather’s cooling down, I want a cute little hat to wear – not something chunky and heavy just yet, but something that adds just a little bit of warmth.  Something polished, and maybe even a bit kitschy.

And I just LOVE me some kittehs!  I am such a crazy cat lady.  I used to volunteer in Hawaii trapping feral cats and adopting the kittens out to loving homes.  Then I got Cat Scratch Fever.  True story.  Anyway.

Cat-themed merch was all over the runways and is now in stores for Fall (check out this lovely printed Wildfox sweater and Romwe’s knockoff oh-so-similar version).  So, inspired by berets I’ve been seeing in my Japanese magazines, I decided to create my own Kitty version.  And it’s my first foray into wet wool felting and hat-making.  So stick with me and I’ll show you how!

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DIY Painted Kitten Tee: Easily Transfer Designs to Clothing with DecoArt Ink Effects

Jul 13, 2012 | DIY

I’ve been ogling kitten tees as of late…I’m a total crazy cat lady (except I live with my Hub’s dog…go figure).  So the best I can do is a little kitten of my very own..on a T-shirt per se.  But being as type-A as I am, I just couldn’t settle on a design I liked.  Some were too twee for me, some t-shirts weren’t loose enough, or were too short, or too pink; some had writing on them, some had ugly cats…and wouldn’t ya know it, it is now the middle of Summer and I am still hankering after a watercolor-style kitten t-shirt.  So I decided to DIY!
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