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Crafting With Scraps

What do paper napkins, a worn-out tote, and paper off-cuts have in common? They’re all part of today’s year-end “ScrapHappy” post, a challenge put forth by Kate at Tall Tales of Chiconia.

My friend Pauline sent me these cat napkins several years ago after a kitten with perfectly divided facial markings stowed away in my husband’s car.

Original art by Rosina Wachtmeister.

We kept her, of course, and named her Tessa. Pauline had the napkins in her craft stash, but once Tessa arrived, she sent them my way.

A tortoiseshell cat lounging comfortably in a woven basket, playfully twisting on her back with a green wall backdrop.

I’ve moved the napkins around my craft room, pulled them out several times, then put them away again. Pauline was a dear friend and a good soul. She was crafty, clever, and wise. We met through blogging. After she passed, these napkins seemed too precious somehow. I can hear Pauline telling me to get over myself and to get on with it, so today I turned two of the napkins into cards.

Early next year, I will send the cards to Pauline’s daughters in New Zealand. I’ve made two, and hope to make a few more.

The tote bag came from my friend Marcia, who lived part-time in Madrid for several years to be close to her son and grandson. I used the cotton tote as intended, but after a wash, it lost its stiffness.

A cotton tote bag featuring a black silhouette of a stretching cat with the quote 'Mi trabajo es dormir, alguien debe equilibrar las energías del planeta.'
Translation: My job is to sleep; someone has to maintain the balance.

The image delights me, and I couldn’t bear to toss it, so it sat for a time, too. I’ve turned that muslin scrap into a toss cushion, using the last of my pillow forms. Kismet.

A decorative cushion featuring a black cat silhouette and a humorous Spanish text that translates to 'My job is to sleep, someone must balance the energies of the planet.' The cushion is sitting on a gray couch next to a purple pillow.

The off-cuts of Christmas paper make the perfect bookmark, and since I regularly replenish a supply in our Little Free Library, I enjoyed using these scraps with some seasonal flair. There is very little “make” here, just a punch at the top threaded with a bit of cord. I stamped “Peace” in black ink, a sentiment worth sharing, and one that offers hope.

And on that note, I hope you and yours are managing during these emotionally challenging times.

You can see what others are up to for ScrapHappy day at the links below.

Kate, Eva, Sue, Lynda,
Birthe, Turid, Tracy, Jan, 
Moira, Sandra, Chris, 
Claire, Jean, Dawn, Gwen,
Sunny, Kjerstin, Sue L, Vera, 
Ann, Dawn 2, Carol, Preeti,
Viv, Karrin,  Alissa,
Hannah and Maggie

Thank you, Kate.

16 thoughts on “Crafting With Scraps”

  2. You have done a wonderful job of using scraps of every kind. Pauline still tugs at my heart daily as well. I like the fact that you are going to send the cards to her girls. I wonder about them all the time too.

    Did you put the wrapping paper on card stock or just use it as is?

    I’m curious as to the kind of books you put in your little free library. I’m eventually going to do another purge and no one up here reads. :(

    Tessa is such a good model there in her basket. Hugs. m

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  6. Tessa’s markings are wonderful, it looks like they were painted on. The cat cards are delightful, creative and unique. Her daughters will treasure them. Love the cat cushion and the message.

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  10. Pauline would be delighted with the use you have made of her napkins. I loved reading her posts and she left comments that were so positive and caring. Thank you for bringing back some memories of this very special lady. I hope her daughters are doing okay.

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  13. Hi Alys. I love how you always manage to make something pretty and/or useful out of bits and pieces. I am sure Pauline’s daughters will be very touched to receive those cards. I wonder if they are crafters too? Love the photo of Tess too. She is just so pretty! 💕

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