Category Archives: handmade gift items

Back to the Drawing Board, or is that Archaic?

My cats were expecting a good DIY craft show but were disappointed, and you can see that Giuseppe is not happy. Neither am I. “Back to the drawing board” was a phrase we used to use when things were largely designed on paper on a literal drawing board, though now it’s largely computerized. Making things […]

Open House and a New Shop Display

Jelly Bean and Hamlet inspect my display.

I had a little open house this past weekend, and established my living room/office as a little shop for local people to visit any time I’m here. It’s an event, and a change, I’ve been trying to find the time to set up and I’m happy to have it now. Christmas in July! Studio Sale […]

Decorate Your Summer Table With a Tortie Tablecloth and Placemat

Handmade of unbleached cotton muslin, this little accent tablecloth is 36″ x 36″ and has the same image, “The Roundest Eyes”, printed and hand-tinted four times, one on each corner. It is signed and dated below the design and has my handwritten “label” reading “handmade, hand-printed, hand-painted” and the year. Washing instructions are included on […]

Peaceful Nap Feline Votive

I see things others might recycle or throw away as creative possibilities. I save jars and use a fair number around the house for storage and for projects in my studio and recycle the rest. For years I’ve considered ways to make votives with my artwork just like the ones I’ve received as gifts and […]

New Handmade Feline Gifts at the HCMT/Pittsburgh C.A.T. Spaghetti Dinner May 20

A few more things I’ve been wanting to make and couldn’t wait for the studio remake because the HCMT/Pittsburgh C.A.T. Spaghetti Dinner is this Sunday! Black Cat Collection Cabochon Pendants Like so many other items, I’ve been envisioning this style of cabochon pendants with my art and photos in them for quite a long time. […]

Time for Flowers, Crocheted Washcloths and Patterns

Inspired by the flowers in my garden as they bloom from spring through autumn, I designed these crocheted washcloths to brighten up your a or kitchen or anywhere in the house—and not just as washcloths, but to crochet in different yarns and different sizes to make items from tiny sachets to throw rugs, or to […]

Rennerdale Church Spring Arts & Crafts Fair May 5

Display at the Rennerdale United Presbyterian Church Art & Vendor Fair

Rennerdale Church Spring Arts & Crafts Fair Saturday, May 5 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. First United Presbyterian Church of Rennerdale 151 Noblestown Road, Rennerdale, PA 15106 www.rennerdalepresbyterian.org I’ll be outside in my tent! This event I’ll feature “felines and flowers”, both my inspirations from my cats and from nature and wildlife. I’ll be introducing […]

Flowers for Spring, Keepsakes for Storage and Gift Boxes

Something to look forward to—months of flowers! These large and small keepsake boxes are detailed with prints of my artwork and specialty handpainted finishes that coordinate and make the box unique. Some are the blank papier-mâché boxes from the craft store, others are made from vintage cigar box keepsakes. I use soy-based acrylic paints and […]

Pet Search Spring 2018 Art, Craft and Vendor Show Saturday, April 7

SPRING 2018 ART, CRAFT and VENDOR SHOW BENEFITTING PET SEARCH and HOMELESS ANIMALS Date: Saturday, April 7, 2018 American Legion, 168 Park Avenue, Washington, PA Time: 10:00 am-4:00pm I’ll be there with all my handmade goods, artwork, books and greeting cards, things you’ve seen and all new things as well—including inspirations from nature and wildlife […]

“Big Nap” Decorative Dishes

Jelly Bean’s roundness is a little exaggerated but it really was a big nap. Another one of the feline shapes I love. “Big Nap” decorative dishes are based on one of my brush pen sketches, each one handmade, hand painted and unique, reflecting my influences from Japanese brush pen art, Theophile Steinlen, and Andy Warhol. […]