Friends Enrich Our Lives...

For today's challenges, I made a tag. It's been ages since I've made a tag! Using this format was a nice change.

I started out with a manila-colored Tim Holtz Distress Tag. I inked it up directly on the tag using Distress Inkpads and a make-up applicator brush. I stamped the background curly-Qs using a stamp from the set. I stamped it three times across only inking on the first impression.

I used different Distress inks for the cat on a white sheet of cardstock. I stamped the cat's head and the triangles using other stamps from the same set. I die cut the head, body and tail and glued it to the tag. I stamped the sentiment, cut it apart and glued it in different areas of the tag. The stamps and dies are by Stampendous for Laurel Burch. 

To finish it off, I used a Gelly Roll pen in "Clear Star" and drew over some of the curly-Qs in the background and a few of the triangles of the cat's body. Then, I cut lengths of yarn and inserted them into the hole and tied them off. 

I'm sharing this tag with:

The Sisterhood of Crafters - "Ink It Up" Challenge

Tag Tuesday - "Put a Sentiment on It" Challenge

613 Avenue Create - "Anything Goes w/Optional Twist - The Sentiment As The Focal" Challenge

Love to Scrap Challenge Blog - #135 - Anything Goes

Mix it up Challenge - Anything Goes + Open Technique (mine is Direct to Paper) 

Crafting Happiness Challenge 56 

Library reveal continued. Living room teaser.

The last time we visited, I showed you our dining-room-turned-library. With just the two of us, we have no need for a formal dining area, and we have more than enough books to create a library, it seemed the right thing to do.

Last week, I showed you this cat perch:

This was my grandfather's chair.

 Then, we turn the corner:

The books on the left are mine to read; the books on the right belonged to my step-father.

 From this angle, you can see the bird cage better:

I found the bird cage at a swap meet long ago. It was marked 75¢. There was a discussion, but I still ended up paying way less than $5. I found the stand at another time, and I'm not sure how much I paid for that.

 This is what I call my specimen cabinet:

In the top part behind glass are shells and rock specimens. The exposed jars are full of naturals, like seeds and pods, more shells and a turtle shell. I have collected these type of things for a very long time. Here are some close-ups:

And, on top of this hutch is this:

A picture of weeds and another bird cage.

 Then, there is a break in this wall with an opening that goes to the kitchen. After that are more pictures all the way to the fish tank.

Notice sweet Tulip under the table. There was bound to be a photo that included at least one cat!

 And, here is the table of boxes, which I also feel compelled to collect:

Sans kittie.

Well...that concludes the library reveal. But, as promised, I will tease you with a peek at something in the PINK, yes PINK, living room.

Because we have cats, we don't have mini blinds, curtains or drapery to cover our windows. Cats consider windows their own personal live TV, and as such, the windows must never be covered. Keeping that in mind, I created a valance of sorts:

One of two windows in the living room. Both are done using similar flowers and greenery. Check out the ugly shed in the back yard. Didn't think this one through!

There are still some things in the living room that belong elsewhere. We recently purchased a shelving unit for the garage where our extra decor will go. It just needs to get a little warmer so we can move things around in the garage. When we get the living room ready, we will have a full reveal.

I hope you've enjoyed what I could show you. I also hope you can return next week. 

Where I'm showing off:
 Share Your Style #160
Vintage Charm Party #123 
Create, Bake, grow & Gather Party #305 
Snickerdoodle Create, Bake, Make Link Party No. 222 

From bird cages to boxes ... and everything in between ...