Aug 2, 2025

Cats, Books and an Abstract Background

Hello everyone. Today is the start of a new challenge at Allsorts and Helen is hosting. For her optional theme she chose "Animals". Lots of options there but you can also go with the "Anything Goes" option to be entered into the prize drawing or to be selected in the Top 7. We have prizes from Lavinia Stamps.

Last month for my birthday I treated myself to a few new Lavinia stamps and thought this challenge was the perfect reason to ink some of them up. 


I've loved these cats - Hocus and Pocus - from when they were first released last year. I also knew I needed this book stamp - Wizardry - when I first saw it on someone's card a few months ago. Then on the background I used the stencil called Abstract also by Lavinia. You can purchase these stamps directly from Lavinia if you are in the UK and there are several stockists here in the US as well, I love ASC Supplies as they offer free shipping. Not sure how they can do it with the constant rise in postage fees but free shipping is so appreciated these days!!

I first started by stamping the books and cats onto my card front and stamped the books onto a post it note and fussy cut to make a mask. With washi tape and the mask in place I inked up the bottom portion using a Lawn Fawn stencil and Tea Dye Distress ink. After removing the washi tape I inked up the rest of the card using Lavinia's Abstract stencil and Mustard Seed Distress ink. 

I thought the card needed something more so I decided to stamp  Field Grass also by Lavinia around the books with the book mask in place. 

For the sentiment I chose "Have a Purr-fect Day" from the set Fun Felines by Penny Black.  I added a few black enamel dots as embellishments, matted it onto light brown card and then a white card base. 

This post does 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 your support!


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20 comments:

brenda said...

Can't think of a better use for Birthday money Ellie and what a pretty scene you've created with the,. the PB sentiment compliments puuuurfectly (sorry, couldn't resist!).

B x

Linby said...

The cats look great with the books and your stencilled background. Wonderful choice of colours too.

Amy Johnson said...

Happy Belated Birthday. Your card is so cute. I love anything with kitties!

Pauline C said...

Lovely feline card Ellie, the cats and books work so well together and the stencilled background complements it perfectly xx

Donna said...

Stunning card, I like how you did the background to make a table top and wall Ellie. I placed my first order with ASC stamps on your recommendation, great selection, prices and they ship fast!

Gail L said...

Awesome card!
I love the books!

Craftyfield said...

Great choice of stamps! Great scene you have put together, Ellie! x

EmmaT said...

Purrfectly pawsome kitty card

Diane said...

I love everything about this, it is purr-fectly awesome!
Thank you for joining our challenge at Stencil Fun!
Diane SF Co-Owner
{Nellies Nest}
{Stencil Fun}

Lynne said...

A fab design and love those spiky looking cats.

Sarn said...

A gorgeous cat scene. Fab card.xxx

Liz said...

Wonderful card Ellie, I love the design and the stencilling is beautiful.
Liz xx

Elaine Stark said...

A super card. I love the match you have made and the colours. Thanks for joining AYLI challenge. Elaine

Leanne said...

Purrr-fect card, nicely done.Thanks for sharing it with us for our challenge this week at Krafty Chicks Challenge. Leanne DT Member/KCC

Andrea D. La Vigne said...

Such a super cute card, Ellie! As a lifetime member of the Crazy Cat Lady Society (Texas chapter), I ap-purr-ove. 😊 Thanks for sharing. Take care, & have a great day!

kiwimeskreations said...

What a purr-fect card Ellie - love those two cats, and how you have used them. Your colouring on the book pages is stunning
Blessings
Maxine

Doreen said...

Lopve the cats and stack of books, a gorgeous card.x

Sarah said...

All kinds of interests covered here Ellie, cats, books and magic!! What a lovely card and the inking, as always, is fantastic x

Anke said...

Was für eine witzige Karte, der Spruch ist ja genial und der Hintergrund ein Traum.

LG
Anke

Carol said...

What a fun scene you have created! The combination of bright colors and silhouettes in black is fabulous! Books and stripes were used successfully too. To be eligible for a prize or to be out guest designer you can only share at 5 challenges including ours. We appreciate you playing along at Time Out!!!

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