Sunday, 15 March 2026

Cats, Cocktails & Cowboy Boots

As Julie's 60th birthday approached, a group of her friends got in touch and asked me to design a birthday card to mark the occasion. A whole range of ideas was suggested for the design, but the list was eventually whittled down to a few of her - in Julie's own words - "crazy hobbies"!
I was told that Julie adores her two cats - one black and one tabby. She's also into weightlifting (free weights, no less!) and is apparently a master bartender. More recently, she has taken up line dancing via YouTube videos - and says she absolutely loves it. I was also asked to incorporate a 60 somewhere in the design.
I decided to depict bespectacled Julie with her beloved kitties in her arms. In front of her sits the barbell she trains with. Behind her, I added tiny cocktails, complete with umbrellas and coloured straws, along with a large flat-screen TV playing her favourite YouTube line dancing video. I also included a big pink 60 to highlight her milestone birthday.
It seems that Julie was thrilled with the card. Her friends sent me the photo, shown near the top of this post, on the evening of her birthday celebration, and then Julie herself followed up with this lovely message:
"Hi Lisa, the card you made for my 60th birthday is fantastic! Thank you so much! My kids were amazed by it because they said it perfectly represents me and my latest crazy hobbies. I'm going to frame it."
Sticky Mud and Belly Laughs

27 comments:

Shiju Sugunan said...

This is amazing. You managed to turn all her hobbies into such a joyful piece of art.

Villrose said...

Lucky Julie! Love this card!
/Irene

eileeninmd said...

Another cute birthday card. The kitties are adorable. I think Julie will be very happy with this card. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Take care, Happy Sunday! Have a great week.

Tom said...

...we all need a few crazy hobbies, I may have more that a few. Be well.

David M. Gascoigne, said...

You do a wonderful job of integrating lifestyle into these cards. The personality of the individual really come across.

EricaSta said...

She looks younger. Happy Birthday. Another beautiful card, greatful papercut.
Thank you for sharing at MosaicMonday ❤️
Greetings by Heidrun

Linda said...

Such a beautiful homemade card, and the kitties are adorable.

an artist reflects said...

Wonderful! Lovely creative card with her and her hobbies ~ ^_^

Yvonne said...

You really nailed it. The card looks amazing.

Marilyn @ MountainTopSpice said...

Such a lovely card that you made for this lady, and your design really speaks to who she is! You do fantastic work!

Hels said...

Friends, hobbies and beloved pets are perfect. But hehind her, you added cocktails with umbrellas and coloured straws - more exotic and delicious :)

Veronica Lee said...

This is wonderful-- you’ve brought all of Julie’s hobbies together in such a fun and creative way.
You really have a gift for capturing people’s personalities.

Joanne said...

Aw, that is wonderful! It must be so gratifying to know your art work is loved and so often displayed by those you make cards and such for.

Kim Carberry said...

What a great card and I love Julie's crazy hobbies. hehehe She looks very happy with the card which is no surprise.

Carol On The Lake said...

I love that you had her holding the cats she loves as well as symbols of her hobbies. You always make your cards so special! #MMBC

jabblog said...

That is a really special card. I'm not surprised Julie was delighted with it. I would frame it, too.

Breathtaking said...

Hello :)
A lovely card with Julie's beloved kitties and her latest hobby of bar tending with the cocktale glasses included is a nice touch. Of course she was thrilled with your creative card.and I think it is great.

Jennifer Wise said...

This is so beautiful, Lisa. What a fun card! The kitties "intertwined" in her arms looks so complicated to me--you're amazing! :) Happy birthday to Julie. Visiting from the Busy Monday link party.

Esme Slabbert said...

You are so talented to incorporate all her favourites into this amazing card.
Thanks for sharing at HIH 628. If not already, please share SSPS with us https://esmesalon.com/seniorsalonpitstop/ Mon through Saturday

Handmade in Israel said...

Thank you for taking the time to write such a nice comment, Esme. Can I please ask you to avoid including any links in the future. Many thanks.

VeggieMummy said...

What a fantastic card, with so many amazing hobbies beautifully represented. I initially looked at the card and thought that the person didn't look 60 .......... but then the photo of Julie shows that she really doesn't! Maybe I should take up line dancing! xx

Laura @ Our Grand Lives said...

You found a way to incorporate all of Julie's passions and loves into one spot and you did so beautifully! It must be a special feeling when the recipients of your artwork share their thoughts with you and knowing that they love your interpretation must be a very satisfying feeling!

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

That is a lot of personality in both the lady and the card! It turned out perfect...

Gina said...

You captured a lot of birthday joy in that card! So creative and clever. (:

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

What a beautiful card! You are very talented...Thanks so much for stopping by!! I appreciate t...
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog

Keith's Ramblings said...

Oh my, that's amazing! It's a card she'll keep on her wall for ever to be sure.

Jayne said...

What a wonderful card, Lisa! Love the details. Also love that she has 'crazy hobbies' lol.
Julie looks amazing for 60, may I add! xx