Mrs Meow portrait by the drowsy chaperone

The U.K. and Ireland are both well known nations of pet lovers. We adore our dogs, cats and other assorted beasties we share our home with. We spend silly money on their food, beds, toys and let them sleep on our sofas and beds often causing rows between husbands and wives, but the pets always win. What is it about our four legged friends that in a couple of hundred generations have gone from helping us hunt, to being totally and utterly pampered and in some cases totally ruling the roost?

Myself, I have Mrs Meow. She has bizarre origins, and came to us as a stray, explained here, and wormed her way in slowly, and now sleeps on my bed every night. She has a very kind nature, never ever scratches, even when she’s unhappy about getting her flea drops on, or collar adjusted, or a fur tatt snipped off, but she does have a very snooty, grumpy face. A face that makes her absolutely perfect for the new pet portraits that I am backing to be huge gifting trends for this Christmas for pet lovers.

The Drowsy Chaperone are a group of lifelong friends who started their pet portrait business together after making a print of one of their own dogs, loving it, and realising if they got so much enjoyment out of a design like this, other pet owners probably would too. Since then they haven’t looked back, and have been able to open fulfilment centres in both the US and Europe, so turnaround on prints can be pretty speedy. They say 1-2 weeks because they prefer to underpromise - my print came in a couple of days.

The process is simple. You take photos of your pet, and with The Drowsy Chaperone it can be more than just a cat or dog, they accept other animals too. These need to be good quality photos as they will be printed in a large format, but they will let you know if they aren’t suitable. You then choose from ‘Female Portraits’ or ‘Male Portraits’ to choose the ‘costume’ your pet will be wearing in the print. I choose Mrs Meow to wear ‘The Princess’ costume, I think she looks very fancy!

Mrs Meow as ‘the priNcess’ by the droWsy chaperone

There are many other ‘olden days’ renaissance era outfits, but also police uniforms, an astronaut spacesuit, a butler’s garb, a Sheriff, and a Lieutenant. It’s up to your which persona fits your pet the best.

Then you choose the size of canvas you want to order. All prints are made with high quality inks that never fade, on 1.5 inch stretched canvas frames complete with hooks for hanging. There are four sizes to choose from. The print is very professional, and nice and clear. I am absolutely delighted with mine, it fits right in with my kitsch home and the colouring and likeness is just perfect.

I can see these being a fantastic Christmas gift idea for a loved one who dotes over their furry friend. It’s certainly something to buy the person who has everything too; no-one has a museum style portrait of their Schnauzer dressed as a 16th century courtier.

So if you want to get your shopping started, or better yet, transform your own pet into a masterpiece, The Drowsy Chaperone have been so kind to give me a discount code for World of Kitsch readers to get 10% off their order when they buy a print. Just enter the code worldofkitsch to get your 10% off and do share with me your print over on Instagram, I would love to see what you choose.

You can also follow The Drowsy Chaperone over on Instagram to see their pet portrait transformations, and keep an eye out for competitions.

My lovely friend Laura invited us over to the huge new Poundstretcher and Pet Hut store that opened last month here in Bangor. She helps manage the quite frankly gigantic superstore, and Michael & I called over to check out the bargains.

We loved the Hello Kitty collection they have for your own little kitty cat. I want to buy the bed for Mrs Meow.

The collection also has pet bowl mats for just £1.99 to help keep your kitchen floor clean, as well as scratching posts and boxes.

There are lots of other designs if you want something more chic....

... or seafaring.

Or just silly.

The Pet Hut also has bargain pet foods, treats, and basics for all types of animal, even princess hamsters.

The Poundstretcher half of the store has a massive selection of groceries and homewares as well as toys, stationary, clothing, and seasonal products. Here are some fun items we spotted.

Lots of gorgeous, chunky wool as well as other crafting supplies.

A whole row of kitchen brights. Great to jazz up your parlour this dull autumn.

We found tonnes of great Christmas present ideas at super prices. These cuddly cushions were just £3.99

And these flapping slippers are only £4.99 compared to the tv advertised ones which cost at least twice that.

Cute reindeer print bobble hats, I wouldn't mind one myself but I have a notoriously huge head that doesn't fit normal person hats. Shush- it's a seriously ailment!!!

Super cute stocking filler hot water bottles. Perfect present for grannies. Reduced to £3.99

Very Cath Kidston without having to spend £25

There are lots of little gift sets too at great prices. Good presents for teachers, Sunday School leaders, aunties etc.

Put a fox on anything and I'll want it. These felt bags for £2.99 are a steal.

Lastly some kitschy Christmas decorations. They've a whole aisle of your usual tinsel, baubles etc at great prices, but these couple of items stuck out as I've never seen them elsewhere even at a higher price.

In love with these candy cane solar lights. Going to get myself some for the front garden and four of them for £5 is grand.

Lastly these 3D decorations caught my eye as they are so tacky and kitsch (sorry, Laura!) but in the best way. Proper, old school 1970s' style over the top Christmas. I love them.