Friday, May 24, 2013

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)
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 



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




45 comments:

  1. I LOVE THIS POST!!!!

    I am so sorry I missed it, oh my gosh I screamed and frightfully giggled about your poor husband sampling what was left out........ oh my goodness!

    Your kitty looks a little like my Romeo. I think they would be the best of friends!

    Kitties and tea. Seriously great loves of mine, too!



    ReplyDelete
  2. PS

    You absolutely must share this on Tuesday over at Rose Chintz Cottage for Teatime Tuesday - everyone will get such a kick out of it!!!!

    Hugs,

    Michele

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha- Thanks so much Michele!
      I think i will share it!-I follow a lot of tea related blogs so it might be a fun! Of course tea purists might not approve :)
      I laughed too but felt terrible for my husband, next time I'll label something if its on a dinner plate not intended for human consumption :)
      So glad you enjoyed the post- I'd love to see a photo of Romeo!
      Cheers

      Delete
  3. This was so cute. I love what you did for Chloe. She will look like royalty when she naps now. Very clever. The kitty treats look interesting. I owned a dog biscuit company for years and we did have some cat treats also. They were basically salmon or tuna mixed with a bit of flour, egg and cheese, rolled out and made into fish shapes. Too cute. Thanks for sharing this post. I'll pass it on to my friends. Hugs, Deb

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Deb,
      Yes she thinks she's royalty already so I figured it would be fitting!
      How fun to have a pet treat business!
      These were made of tuna, cornmeal, flour, and water. Chloe liked them but the others weren't too impressed - lol!
      So glad you liked it- I know you're a cat person :)
      Cheers!

      Delete
  4. That is amazing! You really have FUN! It looks like everyone is spoiled at your house...as it should be! Happy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hahah- Yes you're right- or at least the four footed household members are quite spoiled! :)
      Thanks so much for your comment and so glad you enjoyed the project!

      Delete
  5. This has got to be one the BEST projects I've ever seen. My cat loooves those big boxes, but I've never gotten around to actually making one look pretty.

    Kristin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Kristin!
      yes our cat was not giving that box up-I had to do something hahah
      So glad you liked the post- the project's pretty easy to do if you want to give it a try- I have to try some different styles for the other 3 furry friends now- lol
      Cheers!

      Delete
  6. Chloe seems to approve!

    Your poor husband!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I think Chloe does approves but cats can change their minds-
      I'm sure my husband is thrilled I'm sharing his embarrassing moment with everyone- lol
      Thanks for visiting!
      Cheers

      Delete
  7. How clever you are in make the perfect napping place for your kitty!
    The bit about hubby and his tasting gave me the giggles....I have a hubby that would have done the same thing as he has such a sweet tooth he wouldn't have been able to help himself. lol!
    ♥ Jil

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Jil,
      Haha- I think he thought they were cookies- I assumed the mouse shape would give it away- live and learn :)

      Delete
  8. I love this post. My kitties like having tea with me, too ... but they don't have that marvelous bed. I'm not going to show them -- they'd be jealous! Thanks for the tutorial. I'll be giggling all day about your hubby sampling the kitty treats. Well... if it's in the kitchen it should be for him -- right???!!!!!!! Spending part of Tea Day with you has been a delight.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much,
      So glad you enjoyed the post. I'm sure my husband is thrilled I shared this less than proud moment with everyone haha
      It's nice to know others enjoy tea with the Kitties- mine like to be in the middle of whatever I'm doing of course
      Delighted you stopped by
      Cheers :)

      Delete
  9. Oh what a great idea and it turned out beautifully ! I have 2 kitties that also love to snooze in boxes and I am going to try to make one of these. If the cats don't use it, it can very well serve as a doll house for granddaughters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Kathy!
      My cats adore boxes! - wrapping Christmas presents can be quite a challenge haha
      I love the idea of using it for a doll house! I'd love to see photo of your project fi you give one a try :)
      Thanks for visiting!
      Cheers

      Delete
  10. Hi Christina,
    Your kitty house is so cute and I'm wondering, does Chloe actually nap in there? I hope so because you sure put a lot of effort into making it for her. I had to giggle when I read that your unsuspecting hubby sampled a cookie! Poor guy! Loved your kitty tea! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Thanks for coming by for tea and have a wonderful week.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Sandy!
      Yes , it was a little questionable at first but Chloe has decided she likes the remodel and is snoozing there- (I'll post a pic when I get a good one) I think the lingering aroma of spray paint put her off for a bit and was worried this project would be headed for the recycling bin-haha but all is good! Also happily, the hubby has received from his cat treat disaster-haha
      Thanks for hosting your fun parties- It was funny, Michelle from the Finch's Nest suggested I link to your tea party in the first comment :)

      Delete
  11. Wonderfully written post! Very delightful to read. First, your revamped cat box is fabulous! What a wonderful idea. I have two yorkie sisters who could do with some new digs : )
    Thank you so much for sharing your great project. Chloe does look happy there.
    And your kitty tea party! Oh my! lol! That picture of Angel with her tea cup could go viral it is so amusing!
    Hugs,
    Terri

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Terri,
      I'm so glad you enjoyed the post!
      The project would be perfect for small dogs as well- I just love yorkies!
      Yes, Angel is quite a character- cats can be such challenging photo subjects, I wasn't sure what to expect :)
      Cheers!
      Christina

      Delete
  12. Love the home you made. It is so cute. The tea is perfect. Have a wonderful week. Blessings, Martha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Martha, so glad you enjoyed it!

      Delete
  13. this is so stinkin' cute, and hilarious about your husband! you are a great cat mom!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much!
      Some think I hover dangerously close to crazy cat lady territory lol!
      but we love our little rescues!
      Cheers!

      Delete
  14. Your kitty tea is so sweet, as is the kitty palace you made. All of the grandchildren while in the crawling stage ate some of the kibble out of our dog's bowl - and none of them howl at the moon. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much!
      So glad you enjoyed it-
      I'm relieved to hear about your grandkids- that's too funny!
      Cheers

      Delete
  15. I love it! (and am hysterical that your DH tried the treats! LOL!!) Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop- I will be featuring your post this week, so please come on by to grab a Featured button!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Kathy,
      So glad you enjoyed the post and am thrilled to be featured on your party! I will be labeling all my not for human treats from now on! lOL
      Cheers
      Christina

      Delete
  16. Wow, Christina. It look amazing. Great job.

    Happy Pink Saturday. I am so glad you were here to celebrate Pink Saturday's 5th Birthday with us.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Beverly and congratulations on your 5 year anniversary!

      Delete
  17. Wonderful post! This made me smile! I love your creativity - I will be featuring your post in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Kathy!
      I'm delighted to be featured on Home and Garden Thursdays!
      So glad you got a smile out of my post and thanks again for hosting your weekly linky parties!
      Cheers-
      Christina

      Delete
  18. Wow, is a great idea. You are very creative and a wonderful artist, your work is very beautiful. Kisses from Spain.

    This is my blog: http://redecoratelg.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Maria!
      I'm so happy you liked the project! I Love Spain! My husband was born in Jaen Spain :)
      Cheers!

      Delete
  19. Okay...so I laughed OUT LOUD...at your husband...oh my that is the funniest post I've read today! visiting from Graphic's Fairy-your traffic should be significant...love the July 4th cones as well as all the post inbetween. Lyndaoflakeland.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much Lynda!
      I'm sure my husband's delighted I shared his oops! moment with everyone hahaha-
      I'm so glad you enjoyed the posts and hadn't realized that I was featured on Graphics Fairy - whoopee!
      Thanks again for kind comments :)
      Cheers
      Christina

      Delete
  20. Great post!
    Toooooo funny! My husband has done the same thing. I make organic treats for my dog (he has horrible allergies) and he has his own cookie jar on the kitchen counter. All the jars look the same so I put a "label" on it. Hopefully there won't be any more confusion.
    I LOVE the cat palace! What a great idea!.... even though I don't have a cat. I have a 97 lb Boxer pup! I would be hard pressed to get him into such a place. He would tear it to shreds.... then lay in the middle of it. He'd look at me with those big brown eyes and say "what"?
    Nice to meet you! Hope you will pop over and visit me, too!
    If you scroll all the way down on the first page you will see my little (big!) Prince..... His name is Sir Archibald.... Archie for short.
    Have a great weekend.
    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Elizabeth!
      I now label everything too! - there's always craft projects and kitchen "experiments" lying around the house! LOL
      The cats seem happy with their new digs-but I think you're right- pups might need something sturdier- I was worried as the cats love to shred things too- our sofa for example :(
      I would love to pop over and pay a visit to Sir Archibald (the cutest name ever!)
      Thanks so much for stopping by!
      Cheers
      Christina

      Delete
  21. This is just adorable! I think in my next life I want to come back as your cat! Cheers.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL Thanks so much! They all showed up as rescues and now they run the place :)

      Delete
  22. Your so clever and your pet bed is beautiful! I too had a good laugh at your poor hubby's expense but only because I could see my hubby doing the same thing! I never met an animal lover I didn't like! My pets are also pampered and I love each and every one of them to death. I have dogs and sadly only one cat left. I lost two of my cats within a 3 month span earlier this year. One to cancer and one to kidney failure but they both had a long happy life one being 19 and the other not far behind in years. My last surviving cat is also getting very old so he won't be long to follow. I may make a version of your pretty pet bed for my spoiled rotten little dog! She thinks she's a princess any way and rules the roost even though I have a lab and 3 other dogs all of which are bigger then she is. Thanks so much for sharing and for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much for your kind comment- so glad you enjoyed the post!
      So sorry to hear of the loss of your pets- we just recently lost one suddenly and lost one a few years ago with kidney failure too- it's always so heartbreaking. Right now we have three - one with diabetes and two more that are deaf and up in years but they are still feisty!
      The bed is the perfect size for a little dog! Seems sometimes the littlest dogs have the biggest personalities! Would love to see if a photo if you try the project! :)
      Cheers!

      Delete

Love to hear your comments and suggestions! Because of excessive spam we are currently asking for that pesky word verification