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Autumn Update

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 0 Etsy, Feral Cat Crafts, Garden, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, Weather Update, Zines No tags Permalink

Holy cats, I’ve missed so many updates! As of yesterday, it is now officially autumn, so here is my autumn update covering what I did over the summer and what I have coming up.

Crafts

Autumn Update

In my last update, July 7, I was working on items for the August Mutt Market. Mom broke her wrist and was in a brace for the market, and she didn’t get to work on all of the stuff she wanted to. Here’s my market prep video, and my market recap video. I did well with some things (a few purse charms, key rings, Blind Date with Books, and lip gloss key rings, making a total of $200. Other things, like all of the Halloween bracelet stacks, didn’t do well at all. I’ve got them up on my Etsy, and they still aren’t selling.

Autumn Update

Honestly, if none of the Halloween stuff goes, I’ll break down the sets and give them in the staff member Halloween gift bags next month. I love making bracelets in general, and Halloween stuff in particular. I’m not sure why they aren’t selling. If you’re interested in Feral Cat Crafts, and whatever I’m doing with craft projects, the Facebook page for FCC is here.

Family

Autumn Update

In July, Mom and I drove down to Bowling Green to see Aunt Suzie, Gail, and Sydney. I had such a great time! Love them so much. We were also fortunate to have a few coffee sessions with Cyn and Evan. And my monthly video calls with Amy and Kat bring so much joy. Bob and I worked on various small projects around the home, but really just enjoyed spending time together. It was a great summer.

Autumn Update

Mom and I went on the annual Leila Arboretum Society Battle Creek Garden Tour again this year, and had an AMAZING time. You can see the video of the garden tour here. It gave me so many ideas, as well as recharging my soul. I used some of the inspiration to remake an old garden bed (photo of before and after, above). I made a full video as well, in case you want to see how it went. This summer was hot enough, but more than that, it was SO HUMID. The heat index was regularly over 100° and I felt like I was melting every minute. June and July were overly wet, and August was overly dry. The vegetable garden reflected the weirdness of weather, but the flower beds looked fantastic.

Zines and New Projects

Autumn Update

I have been selling a good number of zines on my Etsy, and over the weekend I completed another one. It’s painted in gouache with added photos and hand lettering. I dropped it off at the printer, and should have it back this week and maybe get it up on Etsy over the next weekend. This one is about Halloween costumes, past and present.

Autumn Update

My latest project is a new Etsy, separate from Feral Cat Crafts, called Whiskers & Words Book Club. Mostly, it’s a print on demand (POD) attempt, but there are some things like stickers and book marks. I’ll also make some bracelets (that probably won’t sell) and maybe have some Blind Date with Books or other items up there, too. The Facebook for Whiskers & Words is here, and I share all kinds of book things as well as doing my promotion for the Etsy shop.

Autumn Update

I have a few October craft projects planned, and will hopefully get some YouTube videos up for those, too. It often seems like I’m managing quite a lot online, with multiple Instagrams, Facebook pages, and YouTubes. Any time you look for advice on why stuff on Etsy isn’t selling, it’s because you need to post more on your social media! I’m managing so many different things now, I probably need Chat GPT to put together a schedule for me. It sure would be nice to see some responses from what I’m putting together, at least. Is it all just going out into the nothing of the universe?

End of May

Wednesday, May 28, 2025 0 Etsy, Feral Cat Crafts, Kitty, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, Weather Update, Zines No tags Permalink
end of may

Suddenly, it’s the end of May. The month went super fast, as happens this time of year. Why doesn’t February or March go so quickly? Anyhow, the Whisker Mixer is over. My Blind Date with a Book basket (above) was really successful and went well over value. I’ve kept quite busy, working on items for the Mutt Market booth. I had three different varieties of bookmarks created, including this one:

end of may

I’ve been making purse charms of all varieties:

end of may

Charm bracelets and necklaces:

And key chain wristlets of several varieties, including silicone beads and the sewn ones I made last year:

I know, I know. The sewn ones didn’t sell last year. Maybe they will this year? I will be making matching airpod case pouches to go along with them. I also have plans to make larger, quilted pouches. I have yet to start any of those sewing projects as I’ve been busy with beads and charms. My plan is to get these up on Etsy, and maybe sell some before the Mutt Market. I’m back to watching tons of market and studio vlog videos on YouTube which always makes me think I could be successful, except the only thing I’ve been successful at selling are zines.

Speaking of, I did teach a zine class to four middle school students at the Marshall District Library this month. Those kids were so energetic and cute, and you know how I feel about kids in general. I’ve never seen anyone so happy about using old magazines for collage.

Morris came back to us. He was adopted out nine years ago. It’s an unfortunate situation.

Overall, May was more cold that average, with three days well below average. Mom and I did the greenhouses on the 21st and planted the cemeteries on the 23rd as Memorial Day was early this year, on the 26th. I planted our gardens on Memorial Day, and I’m crossing my fingers that we don’t get another frost as this upcoming few days are cold and rainy again.

Mid March Update

Friday, March 14, 2025 0 Animals, Art Projects, Crochet/Knitting, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, Painting, Weather Update, Zines No tags Permalink
mid march update

It’s mid-March, and so it’s time for a Mid March Update. I’ve been working on various projects, and experiencing some bits of joy in between some mental issues most unpleasant. I’ll focus on the former here, and obsess about the later in a destructive manner of my own making.

Art

I’ve been making more Artist Trading Cards, both collage and some small paintings as well. My goal is maybe three painted ones a week, quick studies. Will I improve if I do this type of practice for a year? Probably not. The first three are pictured above. I rather like the one with ink on the right. I’ve used both the neocolor ii and gouache paint for them.

I finished the full-sized Who is Who zine and had 50 of them professionally printed. They are up in my Etsy store, where no one has purchased one. I have sold a couple more of the Cats zines though and might need to consider printing another round. Maybe I should just make zines about cats.

Crochet

I have almost finished the crochet baby blanket for a Board member who is going to be a grandma for the first time. It’s Lion Brand Ice Cream Baby Yarn, waffle stitch using a 5.0mm hook, and has a ripple edge. If I had yarn left and some ambition, I’ll make a hat to match. I also signed up to make eight or so crochet cup cozies for the Whisker Mixer coffee pull May 15. I can just about finish one in an evening.

Substack

I joined Substack. So far, I’m posting “interviews” with some of the shelter cats. I got one of those kiddie cameras that prints thermal black and white images for something new to play with, above. If you are interested in that kind of thing, check out my Substack here.

Misc. Other Stuff

mid march update Fanny

Mom had cataract surgeries the end of February/beginning of March. She did great with the first one and hopefully will heal up with the second with no issues (we’re only a couple of days out). She can’t bend over for a week after each eye, so I’ve been on litterbox duty with Fanny, pictured above.

The weather has been a bit better, though still up and down. In the 70s today, very cold and maybe snow tomorrow. We are less than a week until the spring equinox, so the cold won’t last forever. The maple tree buds have started to pop and the pussy willows are out on the CWBP trails.

February Update

Wednesday, February 5, 2025 0 Art Projects, Etsy, Good Reads, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, Zines No tags Permalink
february update michigan weather

Holy cats, all of January has passed. Time for a February update. It has been a busy start to the year. I’ve kicked up my exercise routine, made significant changes to my eating, been reading and working on various projects. The weather has been rough for me. January was mostly below-average temperatures, including some single-digit highs. February is also expected to have mostly below-average temperatures. It is wearing on my soul, as often happens. I have seen flocks of robins here and there, and I suspect they aren’t enjoying it any more than I am.

Zines

february update zines

So far in 2025, I’ve sold three zines on Etsy. I created the 2024 Year in Review zine (Detroit Lions had a great year, zine illustration above). I also made a fast mini-zine, Alternative Things to Celebrate in February Other Than Valentine’s Day that I included in my pen pal letters. I’m working on a mini zine on haikus, and I started the full zine about the World Health Organization. The Year in Review was professionally printed, and I will do the same for the W.H.O. zine.

One of the zine purchases was a lovely person who purchased my Cats mini zine and a sticker for her mom for Valentine’s Day. I wanted to do up a really nice package, so I made a little mini-journal as well:

february update mini journal

If you would like to help me pay for my printing costs and receive a zine in the mail, check out my Etsy store here. All purchases get a few fun bonuses added. Maybe you’ll get some stickers, or a bonus zine, or an original Artist Trading Card!

Artist Trading Cards (ATCs)

february update artist trading cards

You may recall in the past that I used to make and trade Artist Trading Cards, or ATCs. Or you might remember that I often make altered playing cards collage-style as a stress relief tool, and I even made a zine called Collage for Motivation (available on my Etsy store!). I am in an ATC group on Reddit and one on Facebook, and a few folks asked for trades so I sent out a few including these two (of three) from the series called My Blue Heart. The third one went in the Valentine’s Etsy order.

Valentine’s Projects

february update lip balm key chain

Speaking of Valentine’s Day, I always put together small packages of items for my staff members. I had been seeing these keychain charm lip balms on social media and on Etsy, and I decided to make some. It’s really fiddly work that requires good manual dexterity and good eyesight. I don’t have either of those things these days, so there’s a fair amount of frustration and swearing in the creation. I think they are cute, though. I hope the staff members like them.

Reading

february update reading

Finally, the February update for reading. I’ve listened to two of the Murderbot series audio books by Martha Wells. They are sci-fi and really short, like four-hour listens. I love them! They were recommended to me by a pen pal and I recommend them as well. I also picked up Shadows in the Ward by one of my pen pals, Katherine Anderson. It is a super fast and fun spooky read.

Misc. Thoughts

January again was a rough month. We had lots of anticipation as to what would happen after the inauguration, and the results have been even worse than I could have expected. Each day reading the news is a new horror. We are living in some weird timeline, a Star-Trek mirror universe. It is not good. So for the end of this February update, I encourage you to take time to take care of yourself and feed your soul. Just like on Twin Peaks (Twin Peaks Day is February 24), each day give yourself a present. Don’t plan it. Don’t wait for it. Just let it happen.

October Recap

Monday, October 28, 2024 0 audiobooks, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, watercolor, Zines No tags Permalink

Spooky season and the month of October has gone so fast; time for an October recap. This first photo reminds me of a stained glass window or an oil painting.

I was hoping to do something to, I don’t know, celebrate spooky season. But Halloween is three days away, so it’s all kind of missed me. I haven’t even watched a horror film. I did manage to put staff gifts together, which is always kind of fun. And I sent Halloween cards to family and friends.

I’ve been thinking of my 2025 goals and starting to think of putting together my new bullet journal. This thinking has led me to shut down my Etsy except for zines, and end the whole Feral Cat Crafts Facebook, Insta, plans for craft fairs, all of it. I did manage to get two mini-zines done this month. One is a memory zine, and the other is an instructional zine for the upcoming Slow Stitch Meditation Roll class I’m teaching at the senior center November 6. Both zines were colored with Caran D’Ache neocolor ii crayons, which I am absolutely loving. I guess you would call them watercolors, or maybe pastels?

We’ve been working on finishing up the roof project, and have started cleaning up the leaves. Soup day went well enough. I finished listening to the audiobook of “Slewfoot” by Brom, and started listening to “Fantasticland” by Mike Bockoven. Slewfoot started out pretty good, but I didn’t think the ending was great.

November will be busy, with starting to write out holiday greeting cards for work and home. I’ve got the aforementioned class I’m a bit worried about. And then there is Thanksgiving. I hope to have my holiday gift shopping done entirely by the end of November. Not sure what the election results will be, though everyone is a bit on-edge.

What are you working on?

June Update

Friday, June 28, 2024 0 Garden, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, Sew Cool!, Zines No tags Permalink

It’s time for a June update, since we only have three days left in June. I don’t know whether I’m coming or going these days. Things at work have been stressful, and honestly I’m just not feeling very well physically. I need a week where I can catch up on house cleaning, a week to fix the issues in the garden, a week to catch up on my various side hustle projects, and then a week or more to sleep. But instead I get two days here and there, sometimes over the actual weekend, sometimes not.

June Update Mutt Market prep

Mutt Market Prep

The Mutt Market is coming up August 17 and I’m working away on market prep. Once again, Mom and I have a booth in addition to my running the whole event. Right now I’m planning on selling the following:
– Swivel Snap Wristlets (8, have not made one yet)
– Slow Stitch Shopping Totes (6, have not made one yet)
– Slow Stitch Keychains (10, have made just one so far)
– Slow Stitch Brooches (maybe up to 20? I have completed 6)
– Slow Stitch Lavender Sachets (10, have not made one yet)
– Slow Stitch Meditation Roll Kits (5, have not made one yet)
– Whichever zines I have completed and have copies of, an assortment
– Leftover crochet hair scrunchies from last year
– Leftover crochet leggy froggies from last year

I had an idea and patterns for some beach towel bags, but I doubt very much I will get any of those done. As always, I have so many more ideas than I have time to work on them. I have some ideas for tshirts and more totes, but maybe I can work on those over the winter? I’m working on social media posts for all of my accounts for the side hustles, and I’m pulling together the actual set up for the Mutt Market. I got new lights for the canopy. I am planning on making watermelon and strawberry bunting as a decoration. I have a few new displays coming as well. Looking back at the photos from last year, I am not super pleased with how the table looked. Fingers crossed for this year.

Storm Damage

We had some storm damage a few weeks ago. Our big maple tree was hit by lightning. Bob did a great job cleaning everything up and is working on roof repairs. As you can see, part of the tree came right through the ceiling of the back porch and destroyed the cat tree.

June Update back porch
June Update tree

Zines

I continue to make and sell zines on Etsy. I’ve had a total of 36 sales since January 1. I also just put together a zine for the presentation I’m doing at the Marshall District Library July 9. My next zine, whenever I get back to it, is on the religion of Spiritualism. I found some old copies of TNS publications from the 1990s. I played the piano one summer for the Memorial Spiritualist Church many years ago.

June Update zines

Garden and Health

Maxy’s garden here is looking pretty good. The rest of the flower borders are not. I haven’t taken a video since May, and I really need to just so you can see the problems. We’ve had more slugs this year than I’ve ever seen in my life, and they decimated all of the annuals. I’ve tried beer traps and egg shells. Then there’s the problem with deer. They’ve eaten the ferns, all of the violas, the dianthus, and all of the coneflowers. There aren’t many flowers in the flower gardens this year. I just haven’t had the time or energy to get out and spray to keep the deer out. Thankfully the fencing is keeping the vegetable garden going though it would be better if I could get it watered. I’m really hoping for rain tonight as I have an event after work again. I just haven’t been feeling well. Lots of headaches, quite a few migraines, intense exhaustion and joint pain. I need to get some answers, as this is no way to live.

April Update

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 0 Art Projects, Battle Creek, Feral Cat Crafts, Misc. Blatherings, Sew Cool!, Zines No tags Permalink
April Update folded sleeves

As I haven’t posted since last month, it is more than time for an April Update. Things have been scattered since March. I’m hoping everything will settle out once the warm weather comes and stays. We will have a few days of lovely warm spring weather, then it gets cold again. We’ve had a freeze warning the past two days. Anyhow, the month started out with the moss terrarium class. As you might remember, I offered a private class as part of a package for last year’s Humane Society silent auction. The day came when I actually had to teach the class. The folded sleeves above were given to each of the participants. They were made from vintage children’s book pages, washi tape and stickers and included a small description of each moss in the terrarium as well as a page about moss and how to care for the terrarium.

April Update moss terrarium class

I’d teach a class like that again, but I wouldn’t do it in someone’s home. I feel more comfortable at my Mom’s church or ideally if I had a studio space.

Zine Update

April Update collage zine

I did manage to get one zine done in April. I have an idea for the next one, but not sure I will have time to work on it. Collage for Motivation and the Star Trek zine are now up on my Etsy. I’ve had a good month of zine sales as well, which is nice.

Slow Stitch Meditation Rolls

April Update slow stitch meditation roll

The weather has been too cold for outdoor work. I started on a new project, slow stitch meditation rolls. The idea is the slow stitching itself is a meditation for you, and when you gift them the roll becomes a meditation tool for the recipient. They can look at the individual bits of fabric scrap and the different stitches, and run their fingers over the different ways the fabrics feel. These scrolls would be especially helpful for someone with anxiety or dementia.

The scrolls are created using fabric scrap. For the first one I did, I purchased vintage fabric scraps from Etsy. I’ve also purchased vintage trim and lace for upcoming scrolls. However, if you have your own scrap at home, especially if it was meaningful, that would be especially nice. If I could go back in time and save scraps, these are some of the fabric pieces I wish I had in my collection:

  • the yellow and white gingham curtains in my bedroom on Winston
  • a piece of fabric from one of Hudda’s house dresses
  • a bit of my favorite skirt from junior high, purchased from Mervyn’s
  • a bit of the red upholstery fabric from Grandma and Grandpa’s couch at Long Blvd.
  • some of the orange curtains that covered the doors up north in Ocqueoc
  • a piece of the turquoise Camp Merrie Wood tshirt I wore at Girl Scout Camp

What are some pieces of fabric from your memory that you’d like in your own meditation scroll? Share in the comments below.

Misc. March

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 0 Crochet/Knitting, ephemera, gouache, Misc. Blatherings, Painting, Zines No tags Permalink
misc. march butterfly

Even though I haven’t been feeling up to it, time does move on and so it’s time for a Misc. March post. Today is actually the first day of spring, but this week is very cold. Yesterday we had snow and likely will again throughout the week. Mom and I went to Meijer Gardens to see the butterfly exhibit a week ago (photo above) and it was lovely and warm in the greenhouses.

misc. march altered playing card

I’ve been spending some time collaging altered playing cards and making Artist Trading Cards again. There’s something about collaging that is therapeutic when you just…can’t even. It’s fiddly and relaxing, selecting colors, ripping things, cutting them, gluing them, and then coating the whole thing with mod podge. I’ve had some sales of my zines on my Etsy, and I’ve been enclosing a card in the mailing. Because why not? Also, what I am going to do with them when I’m done?

misc. march star trek zine

I did work on a zine that I had blocked out in February. I painted each half-page panel in gouache. It’s currently at the printer, as I kept trying to get it to copy right and I just couldn’t make it happen. I’m pretty pleased with how it turned out, actually. Unless I get inspired though, that’s only one for the month out of two as a goal.

misc. march cup cozy

I crocheted eight cup cozies for the coffee pull for the upcoming May Whisker Mixer. This is a variegated yarn that striped so nicely and was delightful to work with. I could finish a cozy just about each evening.

Have you ever felt like you’ve died inside and you’re just waiting for your body to catch up already? See you in April.

2024 Zines Part One

Thursday, February 8, 2024 0 Art Projects, Zines No tags Permalink

One of my goals for this year is to create two zines a month. In January, I did slightly better than two. So here are my 2024 zines part one. In addition to these three, I did a completely hand-drawn piece that will not be circulated but was more of an experiment, and a fun piece for a dear friend that was just copied and sent to her.

2024 zines part one

This is a mini-zine, eight pages including the front and back cover, was made using washi tape, fancy paper, mini sticker photos, printer text, hand text and drawings. I had 50 copies printed at Allegra and have sent some out to pen pals and for zine trades. It is also available on my Etsy and I actually sold one yesterday! That’s right, first ever zine sale to Redondo Beach, CA. Super excited about that one.

2024 zines part one

Next zine up is a slightly larger zine, again eight pages including front and back cover, stapled. This zine was created with washi tape, vintage wrapping paper, vintage wall paper, vintage postage stamps, hand lettering, and the whole thing was typed up on my 1965 Olympia SM9 typewriter. Then I had it printed at Allegra as well. I have also been sending it to pen pals and in trades, but still need to put it up on Etsy.

2024 zines part one

Finally, we have Brood XIX. This is another eight page mini zine including front and back cover. It’s hand drawn and handwritten, and then photocopied on plain paper. However, it does come with it’s own sticker! Again, I need to get this one up on Etsy. I have been sending it in trades and to pen pals.

I’ve got a couple of zine ideas written down, and I am working on painting one right now. It is a slow process though. For whatever reason, February seems to be especially busy and I don’t have much time for projects as of yet. Hoping that will change a little. Keep an eye on the old YouTube channel, as I will be doing flip-throughs on these zines and a review of some excellent zines I’ve purchased or traded for recently. Hope your February is off to a great start!

Welcome 2024

Tuesday, January 2, 2024 0 Bullet Journal, Living in Michigan, Misc. Blatherings, Painting, Zines No tags Permalink
welcome 2024

Can you believe it? It’s time to welcome 2024! The holidays always go so fast. There’s just something about a fresh new year, though. Full of possibilities! You’ll see my bullet journal vision page spread above. I’ve selected my word of the year, Creativity. I let go of things I cannot control by finding peace. I find peace through my creativity. I also plan on continuing to improve my health, and getting better control of my finances. My yearly bullet journal is where I track my daily activities, as well as my progress on goals of the year. By the end of 2024, I will have increased financial security, health, peace, and creativity.

2024 Goals

Health

I made some good progress on my health in 2023. However, the older I get, the more work seems to be required to maintain. This year, I need to lower my A1C and get my LDL Calculated and Non HDL lower.

Finances

This year, I am going to track every purchase I make and see if I can’t do a better job of planning or stopping the frivolous purchases. I’m going to review my IRA and see if I can’t have a plan for better growth as well.

Creativity

In 2024, I want to get back to regular painting. I find great peace while painting. I already have a project I need to start on right away, so that will be a great start. I plan to paint one piece each month. After taking the prose poetry class last year, I have not made time to keep up with regular writing. It is important to me, and I want to place greater emphasis on it this year. In 2024, I will write four prose poems and month. By the end of the year, I will have one prose poem published. I love zines, and would like to work on creating and sharing more this year. In 2024, I will create two zines per month.

Social Media

I maintain a number of social media pages and groups. In 2024, I want to keep a regular schedule of when things get published and make sure I’m keeping up. I’d like to grow my YouTube channel specifically. Want to help? Here are the links:

Youtube

Instagram

Website

What are you doing for your 2024 goals?