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Oct 25, 2021

Cat Lovers Hop 2021

Hello and welcome! 

I'm so excited to be participating in this year's Cat Lover's Blog hop!! I first discovered it last year when it was at the end and too late to participate, but made note to keep an eye out for it for the following year, and that time has arrived! 



I feel right at home on this hop with all the cat loving card makers and if you too are a cat lover and would like to participate, you can check out all the details here on Janis's blog Her Peaceful Garden. This is the 7th year of cat lovers hop, I must have been living under a rock for not knowing about it sooner! She has lots of sponsors lined up and anyone can join in with a card during the time frame of the hop, which ends on October 30th.

Do you ever completely finish a card, take picture and then you're just not loving it?? Well, that's what happened to me with the first take of this card (shown at the end of this post),  not sure what exactly it is, maybe the designer paper, but in any event, this post is later than I had planned because I completely re-designed the card. You can see the original make at the bottom of the post. 


So here is my second take on the card:


This stamp set - Penny Black Gather Around - was from last year's Penny Black release but when I finally decided to order it last year, it was out of stock. This year I started looking for it ahead of time and I was lucky to have found it. Unfortunately it's once again out of stock at many retailers, there is one available through an Amazon seller


Related Products:



I stamped the image on Bristol Vellum paper using Versafine Onyx ink,  then colored with distress inks. After re-thinking my card design, I decided to fussy cut the image using my Cutterbee scissors.  

To make the background I used a brick wall stencil (Options HERE and HERE)   and Pumice Stone Distress Oxide ink. I also used the floorboard from Penny Black's Floor Die set to add to the scene, also inked with  Pumice Stone ink. 

The fun sentiment is from Penny Black from the set "Dear Santa". It works so well for all kinds of cute images not only for cats :-) You can take a peek at it below. The image does lead to Amazon when you click on it, where it will be easier to read all the fun sayings. 



Oh, and I used the Classy Stripes stencil on the very top of the card before stamping "Dear Santa". "Please Define Good" has been stamped with Versarmark ink on black cardstock and then heat embossed using detail white embossing powder.



Leave it to me to add the sentiment crooked and when I tried to straighten it, a little bit of paper got torn and so I ended up removing the sentiment and adding a snowflake border die (old - options) behind the sentiment to cover it up. LOL, but I do like how it turned out now. 



               >>>>>>>>Ad: Scrapbook.com Holiday Cardmaking Sale Going On Now!



If you are a regular blog reader, then I'm sure you've seen photos of my cats before, and they are on the side bar, but here are a couple more.

This is one I shared when we first adopted them in 2010. They've surely grown into their ears :-)

And here they are all grown up. This is Thomas. He loves to chase away the squirrels in the backyard and loves to wake us up at any time during the night. 


Surprisingly, Fussy's fur turned a bit more brown-ish as she's gotten older. She is our shy kitty and for some time she would only come out of her hiding place when it was time to eat. She's turned into a very snuggly kitty and now only hides when we have visitors. 


And here is the rejected card. I think it's a combination of the floor die I used and the patterned paper I used to frame the image that makes me not like it. It just doesn't look right to me, but thought I'd share it anyway since I went through the work of photographing it before changing my mind :-)



This post may include some affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you purchase something through the links. As always, this is at no cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting this blog!


I'm also linking up here:
Penny Black Saturday Challenge - PB Stamps // Simon Says Stamp - AG // House That Stamps Built - Funny or Snarky // The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge - AG Christmas // Everybody-Art-Challenge - Fun with friends // Cute Card Thursday - AG // Critter Crazy Challenges - Critters // Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper - Patterned Papers // Happy Little Stampers Dies // Jingle Belles - Creatures // 

Always AG and Link Parties: 

Taylor Made Cards 4 U // Crafter's Castle // 613 Avenue Create opt. twist watercolor // Crafty Creations // Creative Moments // Lemon Shortbread // Through The Craft Room Door // The Corrosive Challenges // A Bit More Time to Craft // A Perfect Time To Craft // Classic Design  Challenge * // Crafts Galore Encore // DL.Art Linky Challenge // Love to Craft // QKR Stampede // The Creative Crafters // World Wide Open Design Team Challenge // 

Dare to Share //  Sunday Showcase (first Sunday) // Inspire Me Monday //  Link Up Potpourri  // Hello Monday // Random-osity Good, Random, Fun // You're The Star Blog Hop Link Party @Stonecottage Adventures // Anything Goes with Your Hosts @ My Random Musings // Jenerally Informed The Happy Now // Shelbee on the Edge Spread the Kindness //  Effortlessly Sophisticated // Wonderful Wednesday // Classy Flamingos // Thursday Favorite Things // Little Things Thursday // Encouraging Heart and Home @ Slices of Life   



46 comments:

NanaConnie said...

I absolutely adore both of the cards, Ellibelle, but I do like the snowflake border. The image is so cute and the sentiment is purrfect! Visiting again from the Cat Lovers Hop.

KT Fit Kitty said...

Hello there, Ellibelle! I'm so happy you found the Cat Lovers Hop! You will be right at home! Your card is sooooo cute, but then again, so was the original version. I think I do like the revised one better, so you made a good decision. I like the stamp you used, and it was well worth the wait - it's no wonder it keeps selling out! Your kitties are adorable - I love seeing them as kittens and now as adult cats. My only remaining kitty turned 17 last month, so he's getting up there in years. You can enter 5 cards in the hop so I'm hoping to see you again :-)

Bunny said...

OH boy I know what you mean about making a card and not really liking it. I have one right now that's still sitting on the table and it's probably going to be picked apart and some will go in the recycle bin.

I actually like both versions of yours. The floor and molding looks good on the first card. Very creative.

Who doesn't love Penny Black too. You have so many cute PB stamps. I just purchased 3 new ones thanks to an enabler named Loll Thompson. I'll be showing those next month.

This is my first year playing along too so we'll both be having lots of fun. [Bunny]

Nina B said...

Sweet Mischievous Christmas kittys!! 😽

Pauline C said...

Very cute card Ellie … love those PB kitties with the sentiment you have chosen ..the original one was great as well 😀
Pauline x

Suzanne H said...

Beautiful kitties! I'm glad you showed both cards. I'm always second guessing myself. I like both of them.

Leslie said...

Waving Hi from the Cat Lovers Hop! Your cards are adorable! I would have a hard time picking my favorite of the two, though! And your fur babies are gorgeous!

Karenladd said...

Both versions of your card are lovely but I think the final version really showcases the sweet kitties and makes them stand out! LOVE it, and the photos of your own cats.

mandysea said...

Its so lovely to see kitties and their stories on hops... I so love this! Thomas sounds like he has spirit! We dont have squirrels here (australia) and I'm sure its a fun sport for Thomas! Fussy, is more like my Minnie... and with the time and love, they learn to trust and its beautiful. I adore your card, and yes the extra layering made the difference. How cute are those naughty little kittens!! Happy hopping visit from Cat Lovers Hop!

brenda said...

A lovely post, gorgeous photos and a pretty card Ellie. Rather like those sentiment, wonder if they are available in the UK, will check it out as I am needing to re-stock stamps.

B x

Jackie C said...

Very classy & fabulous!

This is a smashing project!
We do love to see all the entries at Classic.
Thank you for sharing in our challenge at Classic Design Challenge
We really appreciate you joining in.

Jackie DT

kiwimeskreations said...

Love your final card Ellie, and I can understand you not liking the first one - nothing 'wrong' with it, it's just not that likable...
Your Thomas looks like a 'twin' to my Tinker but for the eye colour - Tinker's are amber not green!! Love that soft caramel colouring.
Stay safe
Blessings
Maxine

Makira said...

This card is precious! 💚💚💚 Your cats are sweet as well. Cheers, MK

Jennifer said...

Aww look at the cute kitties!

Jennifer
Curated By Jennifer

Twórcze pasje Danki said...

Hi from the Cat Lovers Hop! Cute cards and sweet cats.

crafty-stamper said...

Great CAS card and love the cute kitty garland.Thank you for joining us at 613 Avenue Create and hope you will join us again
Carol DT x
Love the original one too
Carol x

Jyoti said...

The cards are so pretty :) Cats are very sweet. Lovely Post dear! xoxo
Allurerage 
Thetrendybride 

Crafting Queen said...

Love your card, it's too cute. Love your beautiful kitty cats as well. Thanks for joining TTCRD and 613 Avenue Create. Anesha

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

Cute image and design. Nice work. Thank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Annette DT / Admin / Registered Owner for https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/

Annettes Hobby Rosettes said...

back again, and again, beautiful. Nice work. Thank you for sharing in our challenge at Classic Design Challenge we really appreciate you joining in.

Annette DT

Becca Yahrling said...

I think both cards are beautiful! Just different looks using
the same stamp set (like Suzy P. does - one set five ways! lol).

Glittered Paws said...

I really like both cards - and these kitties are up to mischief aren't they. Love that you included pictures of your kitties. Thanks for joining us over at The House that Stamps Built this week.

Chrissy said...

Adorable image and card, love the embossing too and cute phots of your kitty's..
Thank you so much for joining in with us at 613 Avenue Create..hope you will play along again..

Luv CHRISSYxx

Surekha Galagoda said...

Dear Ellibelle
what a coincidence. I linked the card I submitted to Cat Lovers Hop and From Darlenes hop I got your link and You are also a cat Lover joining in the fun. Both your cards are superb and love the cats peeking from stockings. Tc stay safe

valscraftings said...

Love these kitties and stockings fabulous card! Lovely pet cats x

Tee said...

Great post, love your cat pics they are awesome! Dear Santa define good card with the kittens hanging from the stocking is adorable too!

pilch92 said...

How did I not know about this hop? Your kitties are cuties. And I love the card.

Heather said...

I agree, your remake is the better option. In fact, it is quite gorgeous!! Adorable image; they could be my boys, except all three are orange stripeys! One is older so he probably wouldn't be getting into trouble, but the two younger brothers definitely would be! I love how you add the stencil at the top; it's so elegant, and I think the snowflake border really adds to the design--fortuitous mistake there! Gorgeous card all around! Thanks for playing with The House That Stamps Built.

Catnip and Kitty Whiskers said...

Your cats are beautiful! So glad you are getting to play in the Cat Hop this year! It's a lot of fun! Love both your cards! Beautiful coloring and both backgrounds are terrific! That was genius to use the snowflake border; fixed a boo boo and added so much to it at the same time!

Crafting With Jack said...

You have beautiful cats. Love your kittens and stockings card. I like both versions, but I think the floor paper is a bit distracting, which may be what puts you off it.

Michele K. Henderson said...

I love this adorable image of the Christmas kitties! How wonderful! I must also compliment you on your spectacular hosts too! Take care!

Joanne said...

Your second take on the card is just beautiful (though I would have liked the first take too if I didn't have the two to compare!). Your kitties are adorable.

Uschi said...

Great card! By looking at the image I really can imagine which great fun those little kittens are having. I like your colouring. It fits the image really nice. And I adore this stoney background. It completes the image. Thank you for sharing your card with the 500 th EAC challenge.
Hugs Uschi

Ida said...

Your kitties are so adorable!
So is your card. - I like both versions. On the one you didn't like perhaps a lighter color on the floor die.

Carole J said...

Popping in from the Cat Lovers Hop to admire your gorgeous card - I love it - it is elegant and fun at the same time. Beautifully crafted, as is all your work, Ellie. I adore your real kitties. xx

ike said...

Such super cute cards - I like them both.
Your cats are adorable - very handsome :-)
Visiting from the Cat Lovers' Hop.
Hugz
IKE =^..^=

My Challenge Blog
My Shop
My Blog
FB Fan Page
Cat Lovers Challenge Blog

Fikreta said...

so adorable card!
cute kitties!
Hello from Cat Lovers blog hop!

Leigh S-B - The Sharpie Domino Queen said...

LOVE your 2 furrbabies and both versions of your kitty card...huge fan of Penny Black's kitties here!
Thank you for hopping to LeighSBDesigns Inspiration Blog for the Cat Lovers Hop, your comments are most appreciated!
Leigh
https://LeighSBDesigns.blogspot.com
https://www.Etsy.com/shop/LeighSBDesigns
https://www.LeighSBDesigns.com

Claire said...

Hello Ellibelle, your card is full of fun and mischief with the trio of kitties playing and I'm sure all us cat lovers have witnessed this kind of Christmas carnage... Both cards are fabulous but I've been in that position many times, we are our own worst critic. Thomas and Fussy are very photogenic, handsome pair x

My Side of Oz said...

Yes, Santa we need clarification! So funny and totally realistic with those kitty shenanigans! Beautiful card!

Denise Bryant said...

Love the kitties on your sweet card! Adorable!
Beautiful pics of your kitties too!

Christi Conley said...

Both your cards are lovely, but I am SO guilty of doing the same thing - even ripping the paper and adding something to hide it!! I loved reading about your furbabies :) Here from the Cat Lovers Blog Hop ~ Christi

Janis said...

Oh, what a delightful card, Ellibelle! I love both versions of your card, but the second one is my favorite because it seems more open and airy.
Your kitties are so gorgeous. Love seeing their baby pictures and the more current ones. So sweet.
So glad you found our Hop. I am thrilled that more and more cat people seem to be finding it each year and returning. Our fabulous sponsors are getting more actively involved with it, too, and spreading the word. So it is gaining traction and that is very exciting!!
Many thanks for joining in the 2021 Cat Lovers Hop.
<3 J

jwoolbright at gmail dot com
HerPeacefulGarden.blogspot.com

SmilynStef said...

that is some serious fussy cutting perfection ... so very glad you joined our Creature Feature at Jingle Belles

lauren bergold said...

oh WOW... so many cuuuuuute kittehs, including the ones on that fabulous card! i love how you've built a realistic scene for them... and of course it's the perfect sentiment! so pleased you could join our celebration of christmas critters at JINGLE BELLES!

Gale said...

What an adorable card Ellibelle! And I love all the pics of the kitties. Thank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Gale DT for  http://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com.au/