The making of a catnip mouse

I just wanted to share the fun process of making my Parisian Catnip mouse. Most people probably don't realise how much work goes into making one mouse. This time around I decided to make 10 at a time.

My first step is to gather and cut all the necessary supplies; fabric, ribbon, catnip and jute. Some are pretty small like the noses. I always cut a few extras since they seem to disappear when I'm not looking.




Then I sew all of the mouse's accesories to the fabric. I have to make sure to leave a small opening to be able to turn the mouse inside out and then to stuff it with catnip.




In case you were thinking I was drinking on the job, I use the shot glass to measure the catnip. So with my trusty shot glass and measuring spoon, I make sure each mouse gets the same amount of catnip.

On occasion, my supervisor, Melvin, stops by to do a quality check.



Next thing you know, I've already completed 10. After the final inspection, I package them in plastic bags to preserve the freshness of the catnip.




A few of these lucky mice are heading south of the border to a fun boutique in Louisville, Kentucky called the Makery. They are also always available in my Etsy shop.

A wonderful gift

A few days ago, I received a wonderful package from fellow etsian Andee. She had sewn me a funky scarf made with recycled t-shirts. This scarf is so unique and eco-chic. I can't wait to wear it. Thank you again Andee.

Be sure to check out her Etsy shop Dandee.




Pssst, love her label !!!

My sewing room

Tonight's supper

Roasted vegetables stew with couscous. MMmmmmm!



This recipe was really easy.

Brown meat and then simmer in beef broth (about 2 cups) and a dash of dried thyme for 90 min. Roast vegetables in 425 oven for 25-30 min depending on vegetables. I used carrots, tomatoes, mushrooms and onions. Here's the secret - before placing in the oven drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Then add to beef and voila!

In each bowl, I drizzled a bit of balsamic vinegar and topped it with couscous.

My first collage

So last night, I decided to embark in the collage world. I gathered all potential material; old craft books, fabric swatches, buttons, glue stick, watercolors and paper. I was ready.

I started dabbling in my paint, testing it on various types of paper. Next, I cut a few pictures I liked. I was now ready to "colle" after 20 minutes of testing the waters. I mean how hard can it be - just glue stuff together...right!

WRONG! my glue was chunky, my paper was curling and my patience was running low. This is not how I had envisioned collaging. It was much more relaxing in my thoughts.

Now it's hard to pinpoint exactly what I don't like about it. I just don't like it.

The only thing I like about it is my title "making a dress" which was the name of the chapter so I have more of those. Phew!


This little adventure reminds me of the first time I sewed. I was following instructions for "skirt" pattern and when it came time for the fitting I realised I had made myself a pair of shorts. LOL.

I think I need to go shop for some inspirational supplies on Etsy. So far I've found some great vintage maps, old bingo cards, ledger scribblings and some Amy Butler paper.

My new Flickr group

I recently joined a new Flickr group called Treasuries Rock. It's basically a group of Etsy members who love to look, pick and comment on Treasuries. It's a great avenue for promotion. They've been able to snag 3 treasuries so far and I've been included in all of them. I wish I could repay the favor but I always seem to miss the treasury opening lately. Thanks to RoccaDesigns, Copper Springs Leather and kari1121 for including me. :)

Stanley, the little black and white skunk from the Weird Bug Lady, is so cute.




I just love the fabric used in the first row.



I love so many things in this treasury: the ring by RoccaDesigns, the lovely earrings by SherryTruitt, the truffle pendant by Coonies and the chunky scarf by TheRusticOwl.

4Paws on TalentDatabase's fashion channel

Talent Database is a artist directory and talent search engine. Artsits, publishers, promoters and fans can create a portfolio. They have a popularity rating called POP that I still haven't figured out. Here's my neglected portfolio:

Etsy Treasuries

Today, I was lucky enough to find myself in two treasuries.

My "borrowed" granny chic

After reading that granny chic was named by Canadian House and Home as a trend to look for in 2008, I decided to "borrow" a few things from my mom. Finally, a trend I can follow for free. Yay!


You can find out more about up and coming trends for 2008 on my favorite style blog Poppytalk.

In the press

Last December, I was honored to be featured on 3 websites:

Erica, from FiddleLee, interviewed me for her blog, Etsy Treasures.

Then I was featured on a great canadian blog Smidge .

My Santa mouse was featured on a great cat website Modern Cat .

My first post

As part of my New Year’s resolution, I’ve decided to start a blog. I’m amazed at how easy it is.

Here’s what you can expect:
- updates from my Etsy shops: 4paws & tangente
- my crafting attempts (and maybe even my mom’s crafting attempts)
- cool Etsy finds
- design trends