Kitty Cat Love and a Mural

by Barbi | Sep 24, 2024 | Illustration, Just for Fun, Let's Chat

We have two cats; Tiger and Nickels. Tiger is my oldest daughter’s kitty and we got her as a young kitten at PetSmart in Kanata, she was part of the Ottawa Humane Society community program. We had visited the main branch but she did not connect with any available cats or kittens. However, on a visit to PetSmart, my daughter fell in love with a kitty immediately and Tiger the kitten was happy to accept her love and come home with us.

Nickels is my youngest daughter’s kitty. She asked for her kitten a few years later. However, we were not in the dreaded kitten time of the year so I advised her of this but she was not deterred. I gave my mom speech about how it is important to make a connection and that sometimes we need to be patient just as I did for her sister during her kitten search. This time the main branch of the Ottawa Humane Society was where her kitty was but he was not a kitten but about a 2-year-old cat. She made an immediate connection and proudly named him Nickels and brought him home.

Nickels

Now Tiger is 13 years old and Nickels is about 9. Tiger being the older of the two is starting to show her age a bit but loves to scratch her cat trees. My hubby had made a wonderful area for them some years ago but it was starting to get very worn and Tiger was having some issues with a couple of the features. So I decided it was time for new cat trees and to add some fun decor elements. We had won an awesome cat bed from Black Diamond Cat Trees a while back and found it to be very well made, the cats loved it and it was standing up well to their scratching. So it was an easy choice to purchase from this local company again. I picked out a nice trio of cat trees and 2 wall beds. Some may say I went overboard but hubs would be wrong. 😉 I was looking to give Tiger some lower spaces as well as higher elements that she could easily navigate. And a couple even higher for Nickels if he chose.

They are built to order so there is no instant gratification here but the wait is so worth it! I chose delivery and when they arrived I thought I may have gone overboard. I stuck to my plan and my oldest daughter and I managed to get them upstairs and then arranged them in the cat’s area much to her surprise. I can be fierce and was determined to get this project going so we got the cat trees where they needed to be!

I had very loose ideas of the mural in my mind and I did do some sketching but I was not committing to them. I love flowers and love drawing them. The little mushroom cat scratching post inspired the flower garden idea. Our kitties do not use this at all. This is purely for our amusement as a fun decor item.

Mural day came! Tea was steeping in my thermos mug, water in my water bottle and all my black paint pens collected! Time to get to work! I first found the studs about where I thought we would install the wall cat beds and marked them with chalk. Then I did a loose chalk sketch. Chalk is a great sketching material and I simply took a damp cloth and wiped away any lines I did not want. Once I was satisfied with the chalk sketch I lightly took away some of the chalk with a paper towel so that the paint markers did not get too jammed up with chalk dust. It still happened now and then but that was easily solved with a damp paper towel and a reload of the marker tip.

Tiger

I did not take any video or photos of my process as I just wanted to enjoy the process and get this project done. I find it difficult to both document and create plus where the mural is was not easily accessible or very roomy. So creative flow and safety were top priorities. No accidents while creating here!

I so love how this project turned out, it is a joyful feature in our home. The kitties love their new cat tree and scratching posts. The wall beds are used by Nickels occasionally as he is not allowed upstairs all the time. He can be a bugger. Tiger does not appreciate his playful antics and so we make sure she has peaceful daytime naps and meals.

Right now in Ottawa, and across the country, we’re facing a serious pet overpopulation issue. This doesn’t just affect cats and dogs, but also small animals like rabbits, rats, and other rodents. There are rescues for all kinds of pets, and every one of them is struggling—whether it’s a lack of fosters, funding for vet care, or not enough volunteers. Some rescues have even had to stop taking in new animals or shut down temporarily. It’s heartbreaking for everyone involved, especially the dedicated people working so hard to help.

If you’re thinking of adding a pet to your family, please consider adopting from a rescue. Consider volunteering your time, or even just donating to support their efforts. Every bit helps in tackling this ever growing issue.

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Be Whimsical. Be Sassy. Be You!

Written by Barbi

More From This Category

Kitty Cat Love and a Mural

Sep 24, 2024

We have two cats; Tiger and Nickels. Tiger is my oldest daughter's kitty and we got her as a young kitten at PetSmart in Kanata, she was part of the Ottawa Humane Society community program. We had visited the main branch but she did not connect with any available cats...

Kitty Cat Love and a Mural

Sep 24, 2024

Kitty Cat Love and a Mural

Sep 24, 2024

Inspiration Fuel: A Trip to NYC

by Barbi | Jul 2, 2024 | Let's Chat

Sometimes you just need to hit NYC! Museums was the name of the game for this trip. Hubs joined me so that meant even though we travelled via plane and then a taxi to the hotel in Manhattan that didn’t hold us back from a 2 transfer subway ride to Coney Island Friday evening! Hee, Hee. My hubby loves to see as much as he can during travels to other cities. Entertainment parks are not my jam especially after a travel day but the vintage vibe of the theme park was cool to see. The beach was huge! It seemed to go on forever! I enjoyed the quieter space of the boardwalk. Nature and less people (crowds) more my thing. Hubs loves crowds and the excitement of events and such. So we work it out. 😉

Saturday, we had our breakfast at our hotel, the Concorde Hotel. Wonderfully, there was a beautiful Mural by Raisa Nosova. I so enjoyed the colours, energy and motion in this work. The days adventure began at The Art Students League of New York a wonderful Art School complete with a well-stocked tiny art supply store in a beautiful heritage building. They had a gallery as well so we checked that out after a recommendation from an enthusiastic local. It reminded my of our treasure the Ottawa School of Art. Next, the Museum of Arts and Design (MAD). We found stunning art pieces, thought-provoking exhibits and wonderful jewellery in the gift shop. One piece, a funky hot lips ring, from an artist from London, UK, Solange Azagury-Partridge caught my eye. I fell in love with the solid hot pink. It will be a staple accessory for me no doubt. Then off to MoMA The Museum of Modern Art! One of my very favourite museums and my second time visiting. It is always full of amazing art of all kinds which I love to see. Yes, there were pieces from Vincent van Gogh, Monet and Dali (my fav of the 3) with many people around Starry Night. However these are not usualy the pieces that are the highlights for me. Yes, their work is wonderful and important but not my thing. I know, What?! This is the best thing about art it is all subjective. It’s a personal opinion what is great, good or not either or more. My favourite piece this trip was Hide and Seek by Pavel Tchelitchew. It caught my eye because it has so many layers and dimension I had to view it each time we went by as everytime I would see something different. So Cool!!

Break time! We enjoyed a most delicious late lunch at Il Gattopardo (https://www.ilgattopardonyc.com/) absolutely delicious, Italian food done right and well! Once we were fuelled and rested from our lunch break, we headed back to MOMA for last of the exhibits we hadn’t yet seen. It is always nice having a good and comfortable hotel because I needed a rest from the days fun!

Last adventure of the day, in the evening a short subway ride to Canal Street (Whoa, so busy!) to find our way to the Museum Banksy. Hubs found this one, I had forgotten all about a Banksy Museum being in New York. I love Banksy’s work and messages so a highlight for sure. Museum was set up well to get the feel of the environments that which Banksy’s art is found. I love Museum catologues and so one came with me. It is awesome that this one, all proceeds go to SOS Mediterranee.

Sunday. It was time for the whole reason of this trip! I found out about the amazing English artist and stage designer, Es Delvin through a Netflix series called Abstract, The Art of Design. (A must-watch series as far as I am concerned). And loved her process and work so when I saw an exhibition dedicated to her work I had to go. So off to the Cooper Hewitt we went. Here is the link to the exhibit: https://www.cooperhewitt.org/channel/es-devlin/. I really enjoyed this exhibit, it featured 3d printed displays as her work is very big in scale, temporary (concerts or plays) or located in other parts of the world. I enjoyed hearing about the story behind the projects and designs. I had to get the book and album so I could bring the inspiration back home and to the studio. The other exhibits were also well done and fascinating. The building itself was something to see as it is housed in New York City’s landmark Carnegie Mansion. The stunning orginal woodwork was of course an art form itself. The rest of the day we took in a bit more of the city, Hubs really wanted to go to White Castle as we continued exploring we happened upon a huge food market that closed street for many many blocks. For out last evening in NYC, we enjoyed margaritas with a light supper at Taco Mahal in the Hell’s Kitchen area.

This trip was inspiration Fuel! And I can’t wait to take time in the studio over the next while to process it all and create! This trip was a good reminder for me to make time to go to our local art museum, to travel now and then to inspiration of all kinds in and out of my city. And also to simply take time to fuel inspiration and my spirit.

Be Whimsical. Be Sassy. Be You!

Written by Barbi

Dancing in September!

by Barbi | Sep 5, 2023 | Let's Chat

Hello again. Wow, another summer is nearly done! (I can not bring myself to say end of summer until the official end of summer!) This is a very new time of year for me. There is no back to school for my family this year. I have been a career Mom so this represents a big, awesome change. It feels like Freedom! Equally feels very weird!

I tell my girls all the time, life is for exploring and nothing needs to be completely figured out rather it can be a progression. As they ponder their next steps I am too. I know exciting times are approaching for my studio and I. I am here for them! I am spending more time in the studio, taking time to think and breathe. Which is code for; I have been organizing the studio and have started to get back to a routine that includes daily creating. Of course, there are many kinds of lists being created too. I love a good list! I have to get things out of my head otherwise I find at this point in my life these thoughts will leave quickly. 😉

If you are in Back to School mode, I am wishing you and your family a peaceful transition. And sending a reminder to take some time for you too, don’t forget your care.

During the summer, I enjoyed a trip to New Brunswick to visit family. And I also made a point of relaxing too. The hotel’s beds were so comfy and I took advantage of it. No rushing out of the hotel for me on this trip. I also was a tourist and did some touristy things like visit the Saint John City Market. I purchased a photo collage of front doors of historic homes and buildings from Canvas Pictures, artist is John Baxter. Such a fun reminder of this trip especially because I do love architecture and have been known to take photos of doors myself.

I travelled with my awesome daughters. We enjoyed a week of gorgeous weather but not typical of Maritime weather. Hot, sunny is just not the norm there so I had mixed feelings about that. On previous trips it was nice to get cooled off. We did get a maritime welcome on the second day St. Martins. Plenty of rain and fog as we arrived by the afternoon it was sunny and warm again. St. Martins is a beautiful place. An old fishing village that still has an active harbour, a beautiful covered bridge and lovely shops throughout the village. I purchased another piece of art at Sandpipers, a colourful moose by artist, Hannah Hicks. The beach features caves and a large rocky shoreline with a couple of restaurants overlooking the beautiful ocean. Of course, we enjoyed a delicious meal complete with seafood chowder. Oh, Yum!

Right now, I am wishing for time to slow down, just a little, so I can fully savor the last moments of summer. As the days grow shorter, I am also looking ahead and preparing for my upcoming fall/winter events. It’s time to get my secret garden ready for the colder months. Often, there never seems to be enough time for all the things I wish to create, play, and explore. But I am determined nonetheless!

Red Raspberry Studios returns to the Red Trillium Studio Tour this Fall. It is being held during the weekend of October 14 to 15 with studios open from 10 am to 4pm. Please save the date, bring a friend or two, comment and share the tour’s social media posts. During the tour weekend you will explore West Carleton during a truly stunning time of the year. And while you visit artist’s studios, you see where and what they are creating. I would love to see you on the Tour!

You can keep up with News from the Studio by signing up for the newsletter below. Check out the event calendar and subscribe too.

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Time Flies. Make sure to have some Fun!

by Barbi | Feb 6, 2023 | Let's Chat

Wow, time flies! I hope your transition into this year has been a peaceful one. It is quite amazing to me that it is February! What have I been up to? I have been getting much needed rest and relaxation on my extended break. I have also been sitting in reflection with lots of inspiration coming my way. I even managed a quick getaway! Thanks hubby!

I was not away from my beloved studio too long during my break. I can never be away for long instead I have been enjoying creative play. During these sessions, it has been so nice to not have a mission or needed task. So freeing and energizing! Not a surprise. I have to remember to take my own advice and make time for creative play!

During my sessions of reflection and inspiration, many thoughts and ideas came to me. One hard truth is that my energy banks are in need of refueling and have been for a while. And some of last years announcements did not come to be. That is a-ok. Sometimes we find ourselves with no more room on our plate and we must put some things aside or even completely take them away. I hope you have been able to take some time to reflect, to see what can go, be added or be adjusted in your life. This practice can help to create some space and hopefully free up some energy. If you find some, may I suggest you use that energy for you! I am reminded of the “put the mask on yourself before another” safety instruction. In this theme, let’s get to a big news item!

You may notice Commissions are missing from the main menu. I have been thinking about this big change for some time. This was not an easy decision, it took me a long while as well as a great conversation with my oldest daughter. I am pausing commissions for 2023 and honestly not sure when they will return. I will reassess at the end of the year. I take my time with commissions and never want to rush my process. I do not typically lean into perfectionism but with commissions I very much want the receiver to LOVE their piece, so I tend to stress a lot. I just don’t have the energy reserves for that part of my process. I have so enjoyed creating each and every one of my commissions despite the self-inflicted pressure. I feel so very honoured that many of you have shared and trusted me with your amazing, inspiring, and emotional stories. So to all of my fabulous commission clients, Thank You so very much!!!

This needed change makes room for new things! Here is some of the fun I am thinking of!

More Greeting Cards and Art Prints designs are coming!
More product designs coming in my Art Merchandise line!
Upcoming Workshops with a Fun New Option! Details coming. Hint: If you are a newsletter subscriber you already know. 😉
Bascialy, Look for New product launches and refreshes!

Upcoming Events!!

Lets Create! Art Journal Sessions! (Previously via ConnecTV) These are moving to Red Raspberry Studios Facebook page. Last session was February 8th at 3:00 est. Here is the replay on Facebook.
Lets Celebrate Galentine’s Day! Join me via Zoom for a Love Note to You Session. This event is free! You won’t need fancy or specialized art supplies. But you will need some. See Details here.

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Be Whimsical. Be Sassy. Be You!

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The Holiday Season is Here!

by Barbi | Dec 6, 2022 | Holiday, Let's Chat, Products in the Shop

December first is when my family kicks it into Christmas! The outside lights likely have been on for a few nights already. Hubs would love to turn them on the day after Halloween. I like to keep it closer to December as it makes is more special for me. Maybe it’s all my time spent in retail during my youth but holiday music, the lights and stuff, just December for me. I love the Christmas spirit: the giving, the hope, the love, the cozy wintery evenings spent with my family … the stuff sometimes not as much. Which brings me to some holiday season thoughts…

As you go through these next few weeks remember true gifts are from the heart, which I think is time, especially in this day and age. Family and Friends really want to connect, to spend time together. Gifts are secondary and optional. Yes, of course, I would love for the Holiday shoppe to be empty at the end of December. And that my events are well attended. But the hustle and bustle should not take you or your bank account out. So hugs to you all. Make December and the Holiday season what you need them to be. And when and if you shop, please shop small and local.

This leads me to my website, decorated for the Holidays and with an updated Canada post option. Another shipping option, if you are in Ottawa is our local delivery service, Gopher it. An excellent service, Same Day and Regular are options that I have used often. And have saved me so much time when I have. Of course, studio pick up is another option. And you can always reach out if you want or need another shipping option or if you have any questions.

Whimsical gift-giving options for you!

My Newest Whimsical Holiday Lady celebrates Hanukkah! She appears on Mugs and Greeting Cards. I have created a Holiday character since 2018! So there is a whole series now. I just glanced over to see them arranged on their shelf and that brings me a lot of joy. A teachers gift, a gift for your bestie, stocking stuffers. I think this line is a perfect gift for many. 🙂
I just released my first 8×10 prints! I am excited to bring this option for art buying/collecting to you. Prints are a wonderful gift, easily shipped and easy to frame with ready made frames.
Original art – smalls, mediums and large! The functional and joyful cloud ladies are perfect gifts. I have a small inventory because this series is getting a total redesign there will not be any more until spring! Ladies in Red are gorgeous pieces each invoking feminine empowerment; youth, zen, joyful, sassy, independence, and flow. A few inky ones are also available.
I still have a few stunning brooches! I commissioned these stunning pieces from a local artisan, Kunda art. These beautiful brooches will complete with joy any holiday (or everyday) outfit!
Art Merchandise. What does this mean? These products are ones manufactured elsewhere and are printed with my designs. Fun items like notebooks, throw pillow cases and holiday stockings too. You must be aware of deadlines which are fast approaching. For Canada & USA, next deadline December 12 for Express Service only for small orders (1-5 items). For more details, see Art of Where’s Holiday Deadline Blog Post.
New Downloadable Colouring books!! I was inspired by a in studio shopper to make my “Let’s Colour” Colouring book available as a download. You will be able to purchase as a download, the book will then be sent to your inbox and then you can print it out. This is only for personal use, not for resale. Makes for a fun last minute holiday activity with your kiddos and family or for you to find some quiet zen time in the hustle and bustle. If you would like a hard copy, the Maker’s Hub in Winchester is the place to go. As of this posting, they have 6 copies, the very last copies.

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Be Whimsical. Be Sassy. Be You!

Written by Barbi

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