May 26 2008
Sweet Dreams
Marvin had his very first bath recently. He’s gotten old and doesn’t clean himself up much anymore. This behavior isn’t necessarily inherent in an aging cat, but Marvin has become arthritic and all the contortions necessary for a good cleaning are painful for him. We were prepared for a fight but, actually, I think he rather enjoyed the lavish spa treatment and all the love and sweet talk that went along with it.
The towel drying afterwards was his favorite part of the experience. Whenever he comes in the house wet and bedraggled (doesn’t seem to bother him at all–he’s such a boy!) he gets the towel treatment. We think he goes out and soaks up some rain just so he can get the towel. He doesn’t look too upset in this photo, does he? Can you see his smile?
Later, I remembered this Gary Patterson stamp I’ve had for a long time. I’ve used it a few times for masculine cards and for thanks-for-taking-care-of-me-while-my-people-were-out-of-town cards. This is pretty much what Marvin looked like the rest of the evening after his bath. He seemed very content. Making this card was fun for a change, switching gears from my usual style. I wouldn’t want to get stuck in a rut.
I watercolored the image with Stampin’ Up! inks on 90# hot press watercolor paper. The background is two pieces from my scrap drawer – a retired wheel called Bold Blooms. Most of it is covered up but better here than in my scrap drawer. The background cardstock edges are sponged with matching inks and the sentiment is embossed. I did a Google search for Gary Patterson stamps and it seems there aren’t many in circulation anymore. Too bad. They were some of the cutest, most comical cat images. I did find this particular stamp here, at Addicted to Rubber Stamps, which is where I got mine many years ago.
Here’s Marvin in one of his favorite spots for napping:
Thanks for visiting with me and Marvin today! I hope your week gets off to a good start and stays that way. Take care!
- Stamps: Cat Nap by Stamps Happen, Bold Blooms jumbo wheel, Riveting and Sheltering Tree (tiny flower in sentiment) – all retired Stampin’ Up!
- Paper: More Mustard, Handsome Hunter, Mellow Moss, Whisper White, So Saffron, 90# hot press watercolor
- Ink: Jet Black Stazon, More Mustard, Handsome Hunter, Versamark, Regal Rose, various for watercoloring
- Accessories: Offray ribbon, flower brad, 1 1/4″ circle punch, 1/2″ circle punch, green embossing powder, Scotch brand foam mounting tape
Marvin is lucky to have such good owners. I totally love that cat stamp and all of your coloring is wonderful. I don’t know that I would have enough patience to do all of that coloring but you certainly did a stunning job of it (as usual). Your azalea bush is glorious. I’ve tried growing a couple here in the midwest and they always die.
Marvin is really enjoying the good life - spa treatments, and such a beautiful yard to call home. It’s sad to hear about his arthritis but it sounds like he has some very loving humans to take care of him! LOVE your card - what a super cute cat image!! (if I’ve never mentioned - I’m definitely a cat person!)
What an adorable card and I love, love, love your coloring! Marvin looks so sweet and he looks beautiful in your garden area! He does look like he loves his towel workout!
Marvin looks like the most contented, well-loved cat! I love how he naps in your beautiful garden - I couldn’t think of a better place for a nap either!
Your card is adorable and what a fabulous stamp that is! Words can’t express how darling that image is, and what a shame they’re no longer available! TFS
He looks pretty content to me. And, you must not have shaved him a while back or his fur grows in very quick. Cute card inspired by Marvin too Leslie!
Oh my goodness, Leslie, your watercoloring is to die for!! What a sweet card! And I’d say Marvin has a good life.
Thanks for sharing Marvin with us! He seems like a real sweet ol’ guy! Hugs to him (and you!). xo
Oh, Marvin is a doll! Bless his heart…sorry to hear he is arthritic. He’s still a beauty! Your flowers are GORGEOUS! And I love the card with the kitty dreams stamp…awesome! Thanks for sharing your kitty with us…cats are the best!
How lucky is that cat!!!! Getting pampered like that! That card is super cute,love that stamp! And I don’t blame Marvin for napping in that area,he must feel like he’s in
heaven!! It’s beautiful,TFS!!
Leslie….ty for sharing Marvin adventures.
We had a couple of arthritic felines and they loved the attention. Good for you and your family.
I wish, wish, wish I had purchased all the Gary Patterson cat stamps!! You know the old saying - I’ll get them later!!
Again, thank you for sharing. I love that card!!
That is so sweet. I am such a cat lover and have had many old fellers myself. The card is beautiful.
Marvin is lucky to have wonderful “parents” to take care of him, and I DO see his smile in that photo!
I love your adorable card, and checked the bay for some of those stamps. There were a couple, and they sure are cute. I know my sis would love anything made with them!! (I will have to keep my eyes open for some).
I’m not what you’d call a ‘cat person,’ but Marvin definitely makes my heart smile. He looks like he couldn’t have been blessed with a better home or family. Lucky dog…er, I mean cat.
And your card is darling too! I’d love to find one like that featuring a dog.
What a wonderful card, Leslie! I just love the fat, happy cat image!
Your photos of Marvin are so sweet! I love the one of him sleeping under the azaleas! He’s one lucky cat!
Cute and adorable card (I love that stamp), Gorgeous Garden (Azaleas are a favorite of mine) and Marvin is a marvelous specimen of a furry feline. You are so lucky to have him just as he is to have you.
Leslie, I am a cat lover as well. Marvin looks so content and lovable in the pictures. My 16 year old house cat, Boots, passed away last week and I have been a basketcase for sure! Our animals become like family and it was so hard to see her go…I still have an outside cat (looks just like my Boots) and my inside male cat, Noah.
I love this card and that stamp is so adorable…Marvin is a beautiful cat!
Pinky
Very creative to post a story of your cat, and then have a card to match the story. Your card is breath-taking. The watercolouring is awesome!
Hi Leslie - I was just wondering about Marvin last week when you showed us pictures of the garden! I’m glad to hear that he is doing well. How old is he anyway? My older cat is going on 18 and I have the same problem with his fur. Good thing he enjoys getting showers, but he hates the towel…he howls when he sees it! Thank you for sharing the pictures and your adorable cat card!
PS to Pinky: Sorry to hear about the loss of your kitty, Boots. Our pets are just like our family and I hope you can cope with your loss. Take care! Debbie from Buffalo, NY
Sweet Dreams Indeed
Marvin looks so content and Beautiful! Adorable card too…love your watercoloring , tab with ribbon and beautiful BG and sponging. TFS
Now that is the cutest card I’ve ever seen and I don’t particularly like cats. Poor Marvin..we’re all into arthritis here as well so know how he feels.
my son’s name is marvin!
he likes the bath
my cat hates the bath but he feels so good after
nice card
keep up the good work
Leslie your Marvin is so cute and looks to be a very happy kitty, love his nap spot, wouldn’t mind taking one there myself….LOL. Adorable card, your coloring as always is wonderful!!
Boy oh boy - that Gary Patterson stamp completely personafies ol’ Marvin after his bath. Loved the story - the photos - and the card of course. Adorbale! TFS!
Thank you for sharing the pictures of your beautiful garden and Marvin. I too love gardening, stamping, and cats.
What a wonderful cat stamp! and it goes perfectly with the sentiment! Marvin looks just as contented being toweled down!
Oh he does look very happy, my cats hate the bath and the towel after. That stamp is just way too cute and such awesome coloring!
What an adorable image! I love the dream! And your kitty is sure lucky to have you guys! Awwww….so sweet!
Oh my gosh — your coloring on that image is gorgeous!!! The colors — how fun!!! And WHAT beautiful flowers!!! Oh my –
Hi Leslie,
I also bathe my cat. I made him a wonderful homeopathic cat shampoo. It smells so good and is very relaxing for cats. Check it out– http://selfhelpguru.typepad.com
Micha
Too funny! My cat’s name is Marvin too, he’s a tuxedo cat and I don’t know what I would do without him and his sister, Gracie. Love your pretty Marvin too.
Connie K.
What a sweetie he is! That’s an adorable card too! I used to see these stamps at Michael’s…I don’t think I own any, shame. You did a beautiful job coloring this!
Aww bless your little Marvin, he is miling away isnt he? Waht a lucky boy having a caring home.
Beautiful card
Caz
Wow, what beautiful watercoloring! Marvin looks blissed out after his bath.
If you have to get old, Marvin is living in a great place for it. He has wonderful care and a beautiful garden to hang out in. That really is a charming cat image, and your watercoloring and shading are fantastic, especially on that quilt! So much dimension. Linda