I walked into my studio early last Sunday morning to discover that my darling little Gussy kitten had knocked all the boxes of cardboard off the top shelf in my studio. These boxes were full of large cardboard pieces from boxes I had broken down. Ooooh, what a mess!! 

It was completely my fault, I know, because I had hidden some cat toys up there – things I don’t want them playing with without supervision. That boy watches my every move, I swear. 

There was cardboard strewn about the room, almost to the door, and other heavier boxes were blocking the bathroom. It looked like a little tornado had gone through the room, a little Gussy tornado. I had to dig my way through the mess. 

As I was picking everything up, I thought it must be a sign that it was time for me to get these cardboard pieces cut into size. I was going to get to it the following week, but it didn’t make sense to put it all back, only to take it back down in a few days. 

So, I got to work. I cut most of it up to use in my packaging when I ship paintings. I don’t know if you’ve purchased so called “rigid” mailers in the past couple years, but the prices keep going up, and the mailers keep getting flimsier. Even though they’re still called “rigid”, they’re now as thin, and bendable as a Priority envelope. They offer no protection.

It’s pretty much impossible to find rigid mailers anymore unless you can find a seller who still has old stock on hand. So, I’ve been saving & using recycled cardboard to fit inside the mailers to keep the paintings on paper & cardboard from getting damaged in shipment. 

I also cut up some 4x4s, 4x6s, and quite a few 8x8s to use for new cardboard paintings, which I prepped with a mixture of gesso & paint, so they’re ready to use.

What a dreaded chore it was, which took all day, and into Monday. I got a horrible backache, and could barely walk the rest of the week, but hey, I got all the large pieces cut down to size. Gussy slept through all the noise I was making. He obviously was exhausted after making such a mess. 

I found him sleeping on my pillow, no less 
He has some nerve,
that boy.
😹😸😻😺

What I’m watching: Pugsession – hilarious! Only 2 episodes of Succession to go. How in the world will they clean up the horrific mess of this family in that short of time? There’s no way. I think we should all demand at least one more season. 😉 

Chit chat with Granny Pat – YT recommended this dear lady to me, and I’m obsessed with her now. She is 87 years old, and what a positive, sweet person she is – with oodles of southern charm. I love listening to her stories, and what a memory!! She vividly remembers things from 70 years ago. I absolutely adore her.

Not only that, but I’m learning about antiques from her, which is another passion of mine. It’s not something I usually talk about here, but one of my side gigs is buying, and reselling vintage & antiques – glassware, clothing, books..you name it. 

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I’m posting new artwork every day here in my shop. Shipping is free within the USA, if you purchase art directly from me. I also sell originals & prints on eBay and Etsy. You can get some great deals on my weekly eBay auctions and/or on some of my flash sales I have on Etsy.

As always, if you want to say hello or have any questions you can write me here. I love getting email, and hearing from you. 

Other places to find me online. 

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