Creature Comforts

Whenever I return from any shopping excursion, I can count on my cat Chloe to immediately hop into shopping bags, commandeer  boxes, and investigate our newest purchases; her latest fascination being one of those repurposed boxes used in place of shopping bags at Costco and big box stores.

As much as I enjoy having "eclectic" decor, a cardboard dish soap box just wasn't cutting it in our living room and as our beloved feline showed no sign of relinquishing her new favorite nap time spot, we popped a blanket in it for the time being and figured a remodel was our best bet.

The smallest feline is a masterpiece
          Leonardo da Vinci

I used 18th century garden follies as inspiration (I know, it's a stretch)

These delightfully detailed renderings are from architecturalwatercolors.com

Feline Folly

I used:

the aforementioned sturdy cardboard box

decorative wood accent

joint compound 

assorted paint

Flexible moulding

old Christmas ornament for finial

cat figurine, mini artwork and accessories

scrap faux fur and gold trim

assorted spray paint

some of the supplies

I first cut an opening below the handles to enlarge the  "windows"

I then coated the box with joint compound to create a stucco-like texture and let dry thoroughly

 (the instructions said 24 hours). Once dry I spritzed the box lightly with some left over faux stone spray outside and a quick coat of white on the interior.

Chance of rain brought my painting projects into the makeshift studio/garage. I sprayed the moulding and finial and a plastic cup with hammered copper and gold 

I cut the moulding in half with a small hand saw (no need for perfection- the ends won't be visible, and inserted them corner to corner to create an arched roof, discreetly attached in place with clear shipping tape. 

Using hot glue, I attached a spruced up plastic cup and holiday ornament finial. I also spray painted part of an old dimensional a wall paper border the same coppery color and ran it around the top with glue. Finally, I popped the wood accent over the entryway.

 The Dollar Store Cat was cute but got a quick spray of white and stone paint and a small flower pot pedestal for a more garden statue finish. I then added a scrap of a faux $2 fur coat from a thrift store's discount room and a framed mini color copy of one of my cat paintings.

I glued on white drinking straws as window panes. I accessorized for curb appeal and waited to see if the "client" was pleased.

more inspiration:

Amazing luxury pet beds from $145-$5,500 (yes that's thousand)

http://www.beyondthecrate.com/precious-palace-houses.html

IT'S A PET PARTY

Love Pets of all kinds?

Pop over to Annies 13th Birthday and Pet Party  to see the most adorable four footed guest list at 

sew many ways

Teatime with Kitty

Created using images from Graphics Fairy

While there are dozens of doggie treat recipes for fido, I struggled to find as many homemade options for his feline friends. Luckily I stumbled onto this site called simplypets.com featuring a menu of cat pleasing treats and even catnip tea! Thus the Teatime with Kitty idea was born.

Mousy Crackers are a hit

The best of both worlds: a tuna flavored "mouse" cookie. Using the Cat Cracker recipe, I molded the dough into rough mice shapes and added treats for ears before baking. While admittedly not the finest looking rodent, the treats were met with some approval from our furry friends. I also cut much smaller more snackable size treats from the same recipe.
Always check with your vet to be sure homemade treats are ok for your furry friend- 
some may have food sensitivities

Being naturally quite shy, Angel took her catnip tea under the dining room table

*PLEASE NOTE:*

I left the treats, covered on the kitchen counter unattended, and when my husband arrived home, accustomed to my unusual culinary creations being left about, he unknowingly "sampled" one. Apparently they are not as palatable to humans. 

Fun Cat Fact:

Many sources, including thepetwiki.com confirm that not only was Winston Churchill a fan of cats, but that he would on occasion have his feline friend sit in on cabinet meetings and at times at the dining table.

PennyWise Tips

If a pampered Pooch is also on your guest list you can whip up these easy Dog treats in a Jar from our holiday Not-a Creature-was-Stirring post- just click link for details and instructions.

Or perhaps you might like to celebrate your beloved pet with an easy Pet Sihouette made with scrapbook paper on mini canvases or old jar lids.

I'll be linking up to Pink Saturday and more fun parties. Check out our "You're Invited Page