21 October 2012

Catnip Cat Toys and Lavender Hearts

A few weeks ago, my daughter Megan asked me to make some things for her to sell at her local craft fair, so, I took inspiration from my eight cats and sat down and made them some cat toys.  My cats love catnip and there is nothing more hilarious than a herd of crazoid cats charging around the house in catnip heaven (is that what a whole bunch of cats is called I wonder?) It drives them crazy ..... so with this in mind, I decided I would make some catnip toys for them. The only problem was that I didn't actually have any catnip because it hadn't arrived, so technically, they were just cat toys. My cat, who is actually named Mouse, very kindly obliged and modelled my new creations for me and the toys were a great hit even without then catnip :-)



Here's a bit of trivia ...... a group of cats is not a herd it's either a Clowder or a Glaring ......... who knew :-

I also decided to make some lovely lavender hearts for her to sell along with the cat toys. I have to confess that my first instinct was to rush out and buy some gorgeous fabric and luscious trimmings to make the hearts, however, as I mentioned in an earlier post, my ethos is now, as far as possible,  “Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without”, which apparently was a New England proverb and the mantra of the women of The Great Depression in 1930's America. I had previously ordered a kilo of lavender from the internet, and when it arrived, the package was HUGE! I had no idea how big a kilo of lavender would be but lets put it this way, I could be making lavender hearts for the next 10 years and I still wouldn't have to buy any more lavender :-)


I have to confess to being a bit of a hoarder and I have a particular weakness for beautiful fabrics and trimmings, but, despite my longing to hop in Chuck (my trusty old truck) and dash off to my fabulous local craft shop, Craft Box, in Liskeard, I went for a rummage in my spare bedroom to see what I could find. I have to say I feel very proud of myself, I admit that I bought some gorgeous mini bobble trim to finish off the hearts and some thin ribbon for the hanging loops because I couldn't find anything in my secret craft stash but on the whole, everything used to make the hearts I already had. I even recycled a fantastic Pip Studios cushion cover that my daughter Katie brought back from a trip to Germany a couple of years ago and that our dog Indie managed to put a hole in when he was a puppy. I was very proud of myself for not succumbing to the temptations of the craft shop and I really love the hearts. 

5 comments:

  1. Hello there, thankyou so much for visiting my little blog ... its nice to 'meet' new like minded people.
    Just love your little cat toys .. what a great idea.
    Looking forward to having more of a wander around your blog.

    Vicky x

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  2. You have been very busy lately.These are lovely just the job to keep your cats happy.Can't wait to see what tomorrow brings x

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  3. I made my cat a catnip toy last week ... it lasted half an hour before it was ripped apart (literally) and the catnip devoured.

    Your cat toys are so gorgeous - far too nice to be covered in cat dribble ...

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  4. What a lovely grandma you are. The cat toys you made are adorable. I especially like the little mouse, but who wouldn't it is perfection. Also, your mantel and mirror are outstanding. I found you through mutual followers and I do hope that you will follow me back. I know that I am going to enjoy getting to know you better and I'm looking forward to viewing your blogging adventures.
    Your newest blogging sister, Connie :)

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  5. I love the hearts and they sold really well and you didn't mention the fabulous aprons you have been making :) The heart smell so good that i have put one in my pillow so i'm remind of my Mooma when i'm feeling home sick! Even my boyfriend loves them where now one is hanging over the delightful cross bow bolt he has on his desk! i will be rushing out to get some cat nip to lather up the cat toys you made me as it Zombix's birthday today :) Perhaps you could do a dedicated zombix blog about him mum? Since he was a present from you - the best gift i have ever got <3 Anyway mum love you and miss you, currently have some rice crispie square cooling in the fridge for late with some wine :)Keep them coming love you No.1 follower Megan (Daughter) xxx

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