An {I Like Yellow} Sketch For You To Try

Well, today is Saturday and of course what happens here every Saturday? Ope! Yep! Ding, Ding, Ding! It's Jen's Sketch For You To Try!!! You win! Go have a cookie!! I'm making this post short and sweet (as opposed to long and boring--I hope none of my posts are that pathetic!), as I'm headed out to hunt down a new heat gun for embossing. I've now dropped mine one too many times on our stained concrete floor, so currently it sounds like it's going to launch itself into orbit any minute (but it still works--anybody want it?)! So since I'm having a stamping emergency, I thought I would just list a few of the things I like for you today so I can be on my way to rectify my catastrophic situation.

I like yellow.
I like layered embellishments.
I like my Slice machine.
I like to laugh.
I used to like my heat gun.
I like the Swiss Dots embossing folder.
I like my friends.
I like texting.
I like hot dogs.
I love sketches.
I like yellow.

I {heart} my SFYTT girlfriends.
I {heart} what they've created today. I'm sure you will too:
Carole Burrage
Amy Rohl
Kelly Lunceford
Amy Sheffer
Jody Morrow on Jen's blog (it's her last day as a SFYTT Guest Designer)

Don't miss Jen's blog candy she's got for a lucky Sketch For You To Try player this time! Be sure to upload your creation to Splitcoast using keyword SFYTT, and then onto Mr. Linky on her blog , so we won't miss your entry! Have fun and don't drop your heat gun scrambling to get it done!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When adhering a panel onto a dry embossed (Cuttlebugged) layer, be sure not to press too hard, or the embossing will show through to the top piece. Don't ask me how I know this or why I do it over and over again. I don't want to talk about it.

Stamps: Best Friends Forevah (Stamping Bella)
Paper: Night of Navy, Old Olive (SU!), Papertrey White, Lt. Turquoise (Core'dinations), Depot Park (October Afternoon)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Vanilla Cream (Storage Units Ink)
Accessories: Slice Machine, Noteworthy and Basic Shapes 1 Cards, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Copic Markers, Prima Flowers, Wooden Flower Brad, Hemp Twine, Yellow Brads, Sponge, Ribbon, Dimensionals

The Spring TCP Stamp Release Has Sprung!

Well, spring wants so badly to be "sprung" here, but we keep getting up into the 80's like yesterday, and today we revert back to the 50's and tomorrow we will be waking up in the 30's!! That's Texas weather for you, though. The old saying is, "If you don't like Texas weather, just wait a few minutes"! So true! However, for The Cat's Pajamas, spring is is full swing! Today marks the day of Alma's spring stamp release. There are three sets (The Kitty Kat Pack is only 39.!) to be had this time and they are all so so fun. I can't pick a favorite for you as they are all my favorites! The two I've featured here are Beans, Bunnies and Peeps, Oh My and Hearts and Flowers. We have that sneaky bunny again, but this time, it's not the carrots he's after, but the jellybeans in the jar! I used some great Cosmo Cricket Honey Pie paper (love that stuff!), some stitching, and the jar was just begging to have Glossy Accents added for the shiny effect. I really like this one.

This is another image from the Hearts and Flowers set. I think these two birds are the cutest! This card reminds me of the (AT&T?) commercials with "the bars" everywhere representing their service area. I know, I'm warped.
This was my favorite project for this release. I had a Dora Easter Egg shaped box that the girls had gotten some Easter candy in a few years ago. I saved it from the trash (hehe!--admit it, you've done the same thing.) I traced the shape of it onto the patterned paper (some more Honey Pie) and just covered the egg. I stamped the "mother hen" and cut her out. I then made a homemade nest with skinny strips of Kraft and then rolled them in my hands like a meatball until I liked it--nice and crinkly. I tied little hemp bows on the ends to make it a little more tame and then hot glued it onto the egg. I stuck her and her eggs in there and made the tag. Adorable!
Anyway, I have more TCP release stuff to show you, but that will be for a different day! Be sure and check out the rest of the Cat Pack's creations for this release. You won't be disappointed! I'm off to go stamp today since I cleaned the house yesterday and we have one of Lindsie's little friend's coming to spend the night tonight, so a busy day ahead....just a little chilly, but I'm waiting for that to change.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Wrap the ends of a cute brad around the ends of ribbon instead of tying a knot or bow (like above). Add another ribbon loop and then some more ribbon or twine tied around it, too, and you have the perfect place to hang a little sentiment tag.

Step Away
Stamps: Bean & Bunnies & Peeps, Oh My! (The Cat’s Pajamas)
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Barely Banana (SU!), Papertrey White, Honey Pie (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Sewing Machine, White Thread, Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Paper Flowers (Prima), White Brads, Copic Markers, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Dimensionals, White Velvet Ribbon

Hi Chickie
Stamps: Hearts & Flowers (The Cat’s Pajamas)
Paper: Certainly Celery, Not Quite Navy (SU!), Papertrey White
Ink: Certainly Celery, Not Quite Navy (SU!), Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, CM Black Fine-tip Pen, Vintage Buttons, Green Satin Polkadot Ribbon, Scrapper’s Floss (Karen Foster), Copic Markers, Glue Dots, Dimensionals

Hide ‘Em Quick Egg Box
Stamps: Beans & Bunnies & Peeps, Oh My (The Cat’s Pajamas)
Paper: Kraft (SU!), Papertrey White, Honey Pie (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Essential Glue Pad (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Dora Easter Egg Candy Box, Xyron 510, Xyron Sticker Maker, Xacto Knife, Corner Rounder, Scrapper’s Floss (Karen Foster), Paper Frills (Doodlebug Designs), Glitter, Copic Markers, Hot Glue Gun, 1/8” Circle Punch, Orange Button Brad (Making Memories), Plum Pudding Stitched Ribbon, Lavender Moon Polkadot Satin Ribbon (Papertrey), Dimensionals

Box Tutorial

Well, I knew this was going to happen!! Several of ya'll saw my post from yesterday with the cute little box I made (kind of by accident) and want more detailed instruction on how I put it together. Like I said yesterday, it's similar to Kelly Lunceford's Slider Box HERE, but I kept messing it up and came up with this version. So I decided to put together a fun little photo tutorial. Be nice, as this is only my second tutorial to make. If it seems like I left something out, please email me for clarification.

The finished measurements for this box are 1.5"H x 2.5"W x 5"L. There are 11 pictures here with instructions for each step. You can click on the images for a slightly larger view. (Please keep in mind that this tutorial/box is for personal use only and not for your financial gain.)
Ok, off we go:




I just noticed my arrow disappeared, but you can see how the flap should look in the picture above.






For the lid, the goal is to make the 5" x 2.5" area just a little bit bigger. To do this, I simply moved my cardstock just the slightest bit away from the left edge of my Scor-Pal and then scored (still at 1.5" and 3" markings, even though this makes the first edge a little smaller) and put together as normal. Do this to all four sides of the 8.5x11" piece. Next, just embellish as desired. Try it with patterned paper. I'd love to see what you create!

TCPTUES47 Is Here!

Well TCP Tuesday is here! And before you know it, a new TCP (The Cat's Pajamas) release will be upon us! This week's challenge is a sketch challenge that Carole came up with for us. It was a good one and leaves a lot to the imagination. I totally imagined it flipped on its side, so that's how I had to make this one work for me. By the way, this little set doubles as a Sneak Peek at what's to come on the 27th from The Cat's Pajamas.
It's a sneaky little bunny popping his head up covertly from the dirt and eyeballing his next "dirty job" (stealing the carrots?) from the new set, Beans and Bunnies and Peeps, Oh My!. What a fun name for a stamp set, huh? I stamped the other carrots along the outside of the box and directly onto the patterned paper on the card, as they both looked a little blank to me.
As far as the box goes, I was inspired by Kelly Lunceford's slider boxes HERE and HERE, but decided to make mine lidded instead, aka, I couldn't figure it out! (Wouldn't you know it--as I'm linking this post to her blog, I find she did a tutorial on it yesterday!--
that's how my life is going right now. I LIVE a day late and a dollar short.). I used my Scor-Pal to make both the lid and the box part. They are actually the same size, I just didn't squish the lid down all the way. I thought it was cuter like this! Anyway, ya'll are always welcome to play along with the TCPTUES challenge! Pssst!...The box holds four little Peeps perfectly!!

Here's the sketch and the details:
1. Each a week one of the The Cat’s Pajamas DT Members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme/inspiration, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project on THIS TCPTUES post on Carole's blog.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. They will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS, please use the keyword TCPTUES47 for this challenge.
8. Alma will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.
10. Oh yea…Everyone is invited to play, so HAVE FUN!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use buttons to hide mistakes (disguised as "imperfections"-ha!) in your card or projects. Don't ask me how I figured this one out. I don't want to talk about it, but I really do like all my button bling.

Stamps: Beans and Bunnies and Peeps, Oh My (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Soft Sky, Close To Cocoa, Barely Banana (SU!), Papertrey White, Honey Pie (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Close to Cocoa (SU!)
Accessories (Card): Oval and Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, 3/4" and 1/2" Circle Punches, Orange Wide Grosgrain Ribbon (American Crafts), Prima Flowers, Vintage Buttons, Brads (s.e.i.), Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Copic Markers
Accessories (Box): Same as above, but also--Scor-Pal, UHU Glue Stick, Corner Rounder

An {Obsessive} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I have a confession to make. Ok, back up...I NEED the new Damask Designs Set from Papertrey and let me tell you why. When I went to order it (finally), it was already sold out (the story of my life). So when I saw first saw it, I went and looked at ALL the samples by every single design team member (which I hardly ever do), and fell even more in love with it. I don't know why!?! Now I don't know if my obsession is fed by the fact I can't have it (right now anyway--but eventually it will be mine!! bwahahaha!!) or that it really would be a great addition to my collection. Wink!--I'm sticking to reason #2. Anyway, upon stumbling through all the DT blogs, I came across Betsy Veldman's Paper, Scissors and Superheroes Blog, and THESE little note cards she made sent me over the edge! They are so simple and shabby-chic and I love everything about them. Therefore, (as Jen can attest to), I can't get them out of my head. So my confession is that for today's Sketch For You To Try from Jen, my card is semi-cased and uses several of her elements from her sweet little notecards. Needless to say, I subcribed to her blog, too, as her newest fan. I didn't have anything resembling the Damask, so I substitued and stamped it with my Stampin' Up "Kind Thoughts" flourishy thing and embossed it in white onto the Kraft. I used the same flower idea and tweaked the ribbon treatment, but kept the color scheme somewhat. The sentiment is one of my favorites from Verve that is included in the "Beautiful You" set (which happens to be on sale right now I just saw--wooOHOoooO!). I hope Betsy doesn't mind or think I totally butchered her perfectly good notecards! I hope ya’ll forgive me for obsessing!

Are the other SFYTT (your fabulous SCS keyword) girls having an infatuation-fest? I doubt it. They do have some pretty incredible samples for YOU to obsess over, though!! Go see the sketch and what Jody did over on Jen's blog and then Amy R., Kelly, Carole and Amy S. and let them know what you think! It’s ok if you obsess a little too much and need to resort to therapy, I'll save you a seat on the couch.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Try mixing and matching patterned papers in one project. It helps me to keep them in the same color families. My sister, Nancy once told me when we were talking about clothes, “you’re not supposed to match, your outfit just needs to go together”. I still don’t wear stripes with plaid. I tried it once and I don’t want to talk about it.

Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve), Kind Thoughts (SU!)
Paper: Kraft, Regal Rose (SU!), Papertrey White, Gold (Core’dinations), Sweet Talk (K & Company), Laundry Line (My Mind’s Eye)
Ink: Versamark Dazzle (Tsukineko), Vintage Photo (Ranger), Chestnut Roan Cat’s Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Oval and Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Small Flower Die, Scallop Circle Punch, 3 Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), White Embossing Powder (Stampendous), Heat Tool, Brads, Vintage Button, Glue Dots, Regal Rose Wide Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Yellow/White Polkadot Ribbon, Dimensionals

Hey Honey, It's a Cat's Pajamas Sneak Peek!

Well, I'm so excited to finally be able to show you a card I did for the new release coming on February 27th for The Cat's Pajamas! There will be 3 new stamp sets and have no fear, Sprinkle and Poochie and the Penguins are well represented, but I also fell in love with this little image from another set called Hearts & Flowers. This is my first release for Alma since becoming a true member of the Cat Pack at the first of January. I went with the "less is more" feel for this card and really love the result (maybe I should try it more often?). As I was thumbing through a Papercrafts Magazine, I came across a similar layout as this and couldn't wait to try it. I don't think I've ever done anything on a diagonal like this! It was a little tricky cutting it, but after a couple of tries I got it right. I'm loving this Baby Bee paper from Crate Paper that Alma sent us as well--the texture of it is so yummy! The little "bee girl" and her flower are colored with Prismacolor Pencils and blended with a little odorless mineral spirits (what I often refer to as OMS, but just in case you ever wondered what the heck I meant by that, I thought I'd spell it out this time!). I even painted a little Shimmerz on her wings! I'm not too sure my hubby, Eric, would like this card. Any time he hears "Hey Honey", he tends to have selective hearing and pretends he didn't because it usually means I'd like him to do something for me (aka a chore or laundry)! Anyway, stay tuned, there's more where this came from!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Repeat a sentiment in a straight line across your project as a fun little unexpected element.

Stamps: Hearts & Flowers (The Cat’s Pajamas)
Paper: Soft Sky, So Saffron, Kraft (SU!), Baby Bee (Crate Paper)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Paper Flower (Prima), Silver Brad, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Copic Markers, Wintergreen Shimmerz, Dimensionals, River Rock Stitched Ribbon (SU!), 1/8” Hole Punch

A Twisted Blog Hop!

Well, how's it hoppin'!? HOPefully, you've made it here by way of Candice's blog, Rubbah Soul! If not, you've just hopped right into the middle of a special release Blog Hop for My Favorite Things! If that's the case, I'd love for ya'll to be able to enjoy the whole thing...you best start at the beginning over at Kim's My Favorite Things Blog so you don't miss anything!

On February 18th, My Favorite Things will be releasing 2--6x6 paper packs that are perfect for upcoming spring and summer projects (not used here, sorry--didn't receive them in time!), and a new sentiment set, Twisted Too. Remember the first Twisted Sentiment set last year? (It's in the "My Favorite Products/Tongue in Cheek" section on the site.) It was such a hoot that Kim decided we needed another and I think this one is even better than last year's! The poor little doggy in this card must have had a lot to drink and just couldn't hold it until his owner let him find a fire hydrant! It would make a cute card to perk someone up who's had a bad day or fun for a friend who may be potty-training a new puppy (also someone who's had a bad day more than likely!). I guess I have a little obsession with doggy accidents. You might recall THIS little project (heehee!) Am I twisted? Sometimes you just need something a little "offbeat" for you and your "twisted" friends (who me?) and this is perfection! Are you subscribed to the MFT newsletter, "The Brand Spankin' News"? It's our way of keeping in touch with you and is always chock-ful of fun stuff going on and special deals that Kim has up her sleeves. If not, be sure and do so HERE (towards the bottom)! Anyway, it's time for you to hop on down the line and head to StampOwl's Studio, aka Frances' blog (StampOwl) to do a little more "twistin'"! Have fun!!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Add "grounding" to an image by simply taking a black fine-tip marker and drawing in a "foreground". It doesn't even need to be a straight line. Little squiggles with dots and dashes are perfect and "forgiving". Then just color like you did when you were a kid. The sky is blue and the ground is either green or brown. (or yellow if you're standing in a doggy puddle.)

Stamps: Twisted Too, Rain or Shine, Friends Furever, Congrats All Around (MFT)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Yo-Yo Yellow, Lavender Lace (SU!), Papertrey White, Various Designer Papers
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Versamark Dazzle (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, 1/8" Hole Punch, Green Brads, Sewing Machine, Thread, Copic Markers, Dimensionals, Glue Dots, White Embossing Powder, Heat Tool, Yellow/White Polkadot Grosgrain Ribbon

Daddy-Daughter Valentine Dance

Well, I finally got around to uploading and editing these pictures that were taken at the Daddy-Daughter Valentine Dance that Eric took the girls to. Just thought it would be nice to share them here! They had a blast and I can see this becoming an annual event for them.

I do know that Audrie (the 5 year old) was a little annoyed that another little girl had on the same dress as she did--you'd think she was at the Academy Awards--that's such a "faux pas"!! I have to admit I was a little jealous of his "hot dates", so he owes me one now! We never did go see that Twilight movie.....hmm....(and I won't even make him wear a tie!)!

Anyway, stay tuned for tomorrow's post--an MFT special Blog Hop that's not for the faint of heart! This stamp set is twisted and oh so hilarious! Use it to say JUST the right thing... when the right thing may be SO wrong.

A {Forever In My Heart} Sketch For You To Try

Well Happy Valentine's Day to everyone! Anyone have any romantic plans for today? We don't plan on doing much. Eric took Lindsie (she wasn't 100% well, but willed herself to feel good enough to go!) and Audrie to a Daddy/Daughter Dance last night. They got to dress up and had tons of fun! Once I get some pictures uploaded, I'll share. It was a really special night for them. So while they were off dancing the night away (I heard they made all the dad's do the YMCA song, complete with costumes--priceless, but conveniently, there's no photos of that), I was slaving over this card...just kidding!
I had made this tiny treat box for a friend of mine with my Cricut, and loved those colors, so I just had to use them for today's Sketch For You To Try from Jen. This sketch is really quite fun and has tons of possibilities! I used all Verve Stamps again--Hundred Hearts (I can't get enough of that font!) and an oldie but goodie, Petals and Stems. I guess this could be a Valentine's Day card, but I think it reveals that I'm a little ready for spring to get here! After a 74 degree day yesterday, today it's only going to be getting up to the mid-fifties. No wonder everyone is sick around here! Anyway, enjoy your day, whatever your Valentine's plans will be!

We'd love for you to play along in the sketch. Just use keyword SFYTT when uploading to Splitcoast so we can see all of them in one "loverly" place! If you want some more inspiring samples, check out the brainchilds of these other stud-muffin stampers: Carole, Amy R. and Amy S., and Kelly!! Don't forget that this month's Guest designer is Jody Morrow. I think she's a little under the weather, so be sure and give her some extra lovin's over on Jen's blog!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Balance larger embellishments with chunky scallops and wider ribbon. If I had used smaller of each of those things on this card, it would have looked too "heavy" on the left side.

Forever In My Heart Card
Stamps: Hundred Hearts, Petals and Stems (Verve)
Paper: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue (SU!), Papertrey White, Christmas DP (Making Memories)
Ink: Walnut Stain (Ranger), Wild Wasabi (SU!)
Accessories: Slot Punch, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder/Cuttlebug, Chocolate Chip Marker, Bride's Flowers (Michael's), Silver Brads, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, White Wide Grosgrain Ribbon, 1/2" Circle Punch

Happy Tiny Heart Box
Stamps: Hey There Cupcake (Stampendous)
Paper: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Bashful Blue (SU!), Papertrey White, Christmas DP (Making Memories)
Ink: Walnut Stain (Ranger), Wild Wasabi (SU!)
Accessories: Cricut/Tags Bags Boxes and More Cartridge, Bride's Flower (Michael's), Silver Brad

Happy Valentine's Day Luv-O-Dex

Well, I hope all ya'll readers today are well and have all healthy kids right now. There is so much sickness going around and I am so DONE with it! Lindsie had a bad cold/cough last week, then Audrie ran 102.9 for 2 days, but nothing else, the little kindergartner I take care of is sick, and now Lindsie seems to be starting all over again and coming down with the flu! Seems like everyone's been sick or their kids have the flu or just getting over it! Aaaaaccckkk!! Calgon, take me away! Needless to say, I am double dosing myself with extra orange juice and drinking my Cherry Pomegranate "Immunity" Crystal Light (not that it truly has any medicinal value, but it's worth a shot, so to speak, right?). So if your fam's all healthy now, go ahead and pump up with a little extra vitamin C just as a precaution to keep yourselves that way, you lucky ducks! A little Lysol won't hurt either.
Anyway, now turning our attention to this cutie patootie project....I'm sure you remember last week when I introduced ya'll to a new kit from Glue Art and Paper Studio. (You can see it HERE if you don't recall it. I know my 42 year old brain would need a little refreshing!) I now have the finished project to show you. It's called a "Luv-O-Dex" (like a Rolodex, get it?). I decided to paint my unfinished wooden rolodex file this cute light blue and red and put some polkadots on it. I loved all the fun embellishments that were included in my kit, but added a few more to fit my color scheme.
WARNING: Making the little cards is HIGHLY addictive. Since each card only takes a few minutes, I found myself not being able to stop making them. All my Verve Valentine's stamps were the perfect match for this project and the ideas just flowed!
I also used my new "i {heart} you" stamp that I got from Stamper's Dream--so cute! (hi, Michelle!) Plus, the more little scraps I made as I went, the more I used them to make more rolodex cards! I literally had to just STOP and clean up my desk, but I think I may still sneak in a couple more.
The kit also comes with some rolodex cards (14) that have great "phrase starters" already printed on them such as "You make me laugh when..." or "Remember the night when we..." (You have to bribe me with Starbuck's or better to get my juicy details here). So Eric and I have split them up and we are filling them out to place in this little card file and we are giving it to each other for Valentine's Day. Then hopefully it will get even fuller with more little special notes to each other. I think we will put it in a special place when we've added a card to it to signal when each of us have added a fresh note throughout the year, so we will surely know to look for something new in it! (Little things like that are important, you know!)
Eventually, it would be fun to have one for each of us and our love notes to each other. Dripping with sweetness, huh? Got diabetes yet? Just kidding! Anyway, even though Valentine's day is fastly approaching, it's still a great deal for $14 and you can keep it going throughout the year as "another" fun husband and wife "activity"! Football season is now over, so I'm sure he's bored anyway. I think I'll go bathe in some Lysol now.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Whether using paint or ink, a great way to make perfect polkadots is to use a new pencil's eraser tip. Simply dip the eraser end into your medium and dot your project! Just remember the paint will take a bit longer to dry, as it's a little thicker than the rest of your painted piece.

Stamps: Hundred Hearts, Wild Thing, Hearts on Fire (Verve Stamps), I {Heart} You (Impression Obsession)
Paper: Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink (SU!), Pure Poppy, White (Papertrey), Chloe's Closet (Making Memories), Other DP (The Paper Studio)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Pure Poppy (Papertrey), Bashful Blue (SU!)
Accessories: Mini Card File (Glue Art and Paper Studio), Delta Acrylic Paint, Various Circle Punches, Various Heart Punches, Cricut and George Cartridge, Vintage Buttons, White Thread, Red/White Gingham Ribbon, Bridal Flowers (Michael's), Copic Markers, Glue Dots, Adhesive Rhinestones, Stitched Rub-Ons (Daisy D's), Dimensionals, Scallop Circle Punch, Scallop Scissors, Felt Hearts, White Gel Pen, Paper Frills (Doodlebug Designs), Valentine Buttons

It's TCP Tuesday! (And I Played!)

Well, can you believe it? I actually had a chance to play in the TCP Tuesday challenge! I'm trying to incorporate more challenges into my stamping time these days. I've been a little lax on SCS challenges, Mojo Mondays, TCP Tuesdays and other fun ones I see here and there. I wish I could do all of them, but with so many going around, I know that's impossible. How many challenges do ya'll do per week?
Anyway, the TCP Tuesday Challenge (in case you don't know) is put on by The Cat's Pajamas and is for anyone to play. This week's is a color challenge to use Red, Pink, Dark Gray and Black. I combined it with the Mojo Monday #73 Challenge, which is a weekly sketch that you can find HERE. I used the cute little "love machine" robot from the Loving Mew Cat's Pajamas set (part of the Kitty Kat Pack this month--what a deal!) and covered him with Glossy Accents to make him shiny! See? That was easy!! I love doing and playing in challenges!! Only problem is that it's an off week where I don't have a lot of projects due with deadlines, so we'll see how "easy" it is when I have that going on as well here in the next couple of weeks! Must. Try. Harder. Must. Stamp. More. Often.!
Here's the details about today's TCPTUES45 Challenge:


1. Each a week one of the The Cat’s Pajamas DT Members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme/inspiration, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project on THIS post on Jen's blog.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. They will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS, please use the keyword TCPTUES45 for this challenge.
8. Alma will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.
10. Oh yea…Everyone is invited to play, so HAVE FUN!

SUSIE Q-TIP: It truly is hard to keep up with all the various challenges for us cardmakers/scrappers/papercrafters. It may be a good idea to give yourself some freedom and set a weekly goal of only 2 or 3 (or however many you think you can do) so that you're not beating yourself up if they don't get done. It's just stamping, right?

Stamps: Loving Mew (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Basic Black (SU!), Pure Poppy, White (Papertrey), Dark Gray (Core'dinations)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Pretty in Pink (SU!)
Accessories: 1 3/8" Circle Punch, 1/2" Circle Punch, Horizontal Slot Punch, Spots and Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Silver Brads, Copic Markers, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Pure Poppy Stitched Ribbon (Papertrey), Grey Dot Satin Ribbon (American Crafts), Swirly Clip (Making Memories), Dimensionals

A {Messy Valentine} Sketch For You To Try

Well, Happy Saturday! I am so glad this week is OVER! The end of this week means I'm done with some other DT stuff I've been working on (OH, I can't wait to show you!), I've been on my diet for a whole week (with the exception of two skinny lattes), and today is my daughter, Lindsie's UIL Storytelling Competition that we've been preparing for since the first part of December! Then tomorrow, we get to finish cleaning out Lindsie and Audrie's closets and after that, I get to catch my breath! Whew!! Have ya'll just been non-stop since the first of the year? What's going on? At least I have my stamping and crafting to help settle me and keep me sane. So when I pulled out Jen's Sketch For You To Try for this week, it was a fun time to just let myself "create" and not think! I decided to use the new Bling 'Bet from My Favorite Things as I had this sentiment idea ever since I got the set. I actually stamped them on another piece of cardstock and then cut them out and filled the dots with Glossy Accents so they're shiny! I also finally got my new Making Memories Slice machine and fired it up for this fun shape for the main panel and then pierced the edges. I just didn't like the side piece of the sketch as another panel and I didn't want to cover up any more of the swirly, glittery and clear embossed paper, so I did a "faux" panel and stitched instead where one would have been. Super fun!!
Finally, if you can believe it (now don't fall over), I combined this with Julia's Ways to Use It challenge over on SCS (WT204), to layer your embellishments. I know the sketch only calls for two, but I just started layering them and couldn't stop!! By the way, i colored the polkadots on the big flower with a Prismacolor marker to make it matchy-matchy! Anyway, I like how it turned out, even though it's kind of messy. Does it work?

We have a "confession" to make---Jody (aka texasjodylynn, aka Confessions of a Ribbon Addict) is the new SFYTT Guest Designer for February. She has become a great friend of mine and her work is amazing. You'll love seeing her play along this month on Jen's blog. The rest of the team have confessed their addictions to stamping as well this week by their wonderful projects: Carole, Amy R. and Amy S., and Kelly!! We are sad to say goodbye to Shannan as she is stepping down to be able to spend more time with her family and move on with some other stamping adventures!

SUSIE Q-TIP: (I got this one from Julia Stainton a while back and just now tried it.) Intstead of a paper layer on a card, create the illusion of a layer (a "faux layer") by sewing the shape of it on your back panel as I did here.

Stamps: Bling 'Bet (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Kraft (SU!), Papertrey White, Tiny Pink Dots (Making Memories), Sweet Talk (K & Company)
Ink: Pure Poppy (Papertrey)
Accessories: Slice and Noteworthy Card (MM), Sewing Machine, White Thread, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Scallop Scissors, Heart Punch, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Prima Flowers, Felt Heart Sticker, Pure Poppy Polkadot Satin Ribbon (Papertrey), Dimensionals, Glue Dots, Red Copic Marker, Buttons

Tea For Two, and Two For Tea, Tea For You, But Coffee For ME!

Hello, my name is Susan (Susie, Sus, SusSus..you get the picture) and I'm a caffeine-aholic! So when i got this cutie-patootie new stamp set from My Favorite Things, it was cause for celebration (with a cuppa joe)!! Yep among the new sets are Digital Girl (the latest "Who's that Girl?), Bling 'Bet (the Alphabet waiting to be blinged up that is the brainchild of Jen) and this one called Tea for Two. I think it would work for tea or coffee related projects. When I was coming up with how this card would "go down", I had Jen throw out a color combo at me while we were having a phone "crafting session". She said, yellow and blue, so this is what I came up with. It's really fun in person! I used some of my new Chloe's Closet DP from Making Memories. I colored the image with my Prismacolor Pencils and was finished with it in a jiffy (maybe because I had a little too much coffee in me!)! Speaking of which, I haven't had any yet this morning and I've got a Starbuck's giftcard burning a hole in my pocket! See ya'll later!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Did you see this? My other friend and fellow Verve Diva, Jen Tapler is going digital!! Well, hybrid actually (Mom, that's where you print out your own digital papers and sometimes embellishments and create projects using those elements, so it's part digital and part "hands-on"). She has a very very simple kit for sale over on PaperCraft Planet . You download the pdf file to your computer for only $5 and then you're free to use it as much as you like (no fancy program needed)! It rocks! I plan on trying it out, when my computer printer decides to play nice and step into the 21st century! Be sure to check it out!!

Stamps: Tea For Two (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Barely Banana, Not Quite Navy (SU!), Papertrey White, Chloe's Closet (Making Memories)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Heart Blocks Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Clear Ghost Shape Heart (Heidi Swapp), Button (Creative Cafe), White Grosgrain Ribbon, Glue Dots, Dimensionals, White Brads

Honey Pie Valentine

Well I just thought I'd pop in today and show ya'll what I made when I went stamping over at my mom's house last Saturday. My twin sisters, Nancy and Sara were there, too and Sara's little boy, Edison (SO CUTE). I don't know which was more fun--the stamping part or watching that silly boy act even sillier!! Anyway, here's what I came up with using the Sweet Valentine set from Verve called Hundred Hearts. I just love it! I combined it with an old Sketch For You To Try from Jen that turned out to be perfect to highlight the hearts. (The hearts can be anything right there in case you'd like to try it.) I followed the "feel" of the card with the crosstitch paper and "faux stitched" the hearts together with my paper piercer and black fine-tip pen. I love this close-up picture of the special ribbon treatment I did, too, so ya'll get to see it! It was so simple! I taped a band of red ribbon across the entire panel. Then I took another piece of the red and folded it over, tying it onto the first piece with hemp twine strung through the button. It's pretty bulky, so a padded envelope or extra postage would be needed if you wanted to mail this card. I'm home today with a sick second-grader who is sad she doesn't get to go on her field trip to the Fort Worth Stock Show (that's what we do down here in Texas), but a little hot chocolate is doing wonders for her spirit!

SUSIE-Q-TIP: Don't forget about the option of stamping an "open" image onto designer paper and cutting it out. No coloring necessary when you do that!

Stamps: Sweet Valentine (Verve)
Paper: Certainly Celery (SU!), Pure Poppy, White (Papertrey), Honey Pie (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Oval and Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Copic Markers, Wide Real Red Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Scallop Edge Punch, Hemp Twine, Button, Dimensionals, Vintage Copper Brads, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, CM Fine-tip Black Pen