A {Fast and Easy} Sketch For You To Try

Well it's Saturday and time for Jen's Sketch For You To Try over on her blog, iheart2stamp.com. I have to admit that I made this card last night around 10PM and I was in a hurry and it only took about 20 minutes. I'm gonna tell you why--There are several reasons for my card coming together in two shakes of a sheep's tail and making it look so last minute, but here's my top five excuses.

1. I made another card several days ago for today and it's all ready to go that features a sneak peek at some new MFT stuff, but I had to hold off for various reasons and not show it today. You'll get to see it Monday hopefully!
2. I needed to wash my bras in order to have a clean one to wear today to the North Texas Shoebox Swap. (That's where I am with Jen if ya'll are reading this on Saturday.)
3. I had to go to Sonic and get a Dr. Pepper Blended Float.
4. I got my nails done earlier Friday afternoon and didn't want to stamp and get them messed up. (Hence the sentiment only card and hardly any brads--I SO wanted to put them in each corner, but I thought that'd be pushing it.)
5. My pillow really wanted my head on it.

I'm sure I could think of umpteen gillion more reasons, but these are the high notes of most of the truly legitimate fake ones.

Anyway, now that you heard my story, I think you'd like to move on to my friend's blogs and see what they've created (and I'm sure spent a lot more time on their cards than I did)! This really is an easy sketch and we hope you play along, using your favorite keyword--SFYTT when uploading anywhere.
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Carole
It's also Julie Lacey's last day with us as Guest Designer. Be sure and give her some going away kisses over on Jen's blog, too.

SUSIE Q-TIP: This embellishment is kind of big (ya think?). So to make sure it wasn't going anywhere, I punched two holes in the back of my top card layer and strung my twine up through it, through the middle holes in the flowers (some come like that or you can just punch them too). To secure it, I used a button and ran the twine up through it, tying it in a knot and then a bow. Then just a bit of glue or a glue dot under a piece of the large flower was all I needed to keep it from turning.

Stamps: Beautiful Kindness (Verve)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Confetti White (SU!), Rasberry Fizz (PTI), Carolyn Gavin Greenhouse (K & Company)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Corner Rounder, Slot Punch, Silver Brads, Prima Flowers, Brown/White Polkadot Button (The Paper Studio), Rustic Cream Twine (PTI), Jody Boosters

It's The Cat's Pajamas Release Day!

Well, today is the day. The Cat's Pajamas has just released their two new sets--Happy Camper and Nightie (the first alphabet set)! Today I have my favorite project that I mentioned earlier in the week that I could not wait to show ya'll! Sorry to gush, but I just love love love this project!

It started out as an idea for little postcard notes that a "happy" camper could send back home, but as ya'll know, sometimes a project takes on a life of its own. So it became a little journaling album that you'd send a little "happy" camper off to camp with in hopes of it being completed and brought home as a keepsake.

The back of each card (not pictured--so mad I forgot!) is reinforced with more of Cosmo Cricket's Mr. Campy papers and could totally accomodate a picture to go with the facing card. It makes me happy just looking at it! Don't you love the Nightie Alphabet set?

I only used it for the main words, and handwrote the others on each card for variety (and so it'd fit on some of the cards and they all had to match). However, the letters are just the right size for this kind of project or scrapbooking which I used it for HERE.

I put all the cards together on a binder ring to make it more of a little book and it fits perfectly inside the tin. I didn't do anything to the tin itself. I liked it plain for this theme. I did make the band that goes all the way around it in the middle and it just slides right off to open the tin.

The ribbon, vine ribbon and button are all from The Cat's Pajamas as well. Yes, Alma is now going to sell her exclusive ribbon and button collections on her site. These two are from the new "Great Outdoors" collection which are fabulous! Anyway, I hope you get a kick out of this fun project and check out the new stamp sets for yourself. While you're at it, check out some of the other Design Team members and see what they've done with these sets for your viewing pleasure. You can also go to the TCP Gallery HERE. Drooling is totally acceptable.

SUSIE Q-TIP: When doing an intensive project like this, keep it on the simple side (to whatever degree you see as "simple"). Use repeating themes and layouts to save time.

Stamps: Happy Camper S-9667 CL , Nightie S-8636 CL (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Very Vanilla (SU!), White (PTI), Rust (The Paper Source), Mr. Campy (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Always Artichoke, Wild Wasabi, Chocolate Chip, Ruby Red, So Saffron (SU!), Chestnut Cat’s Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Clear Hinged Tin (PTI), Oval/Circle, Scallop Oval/Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Circle Punches, Cropadile, Corner Rounder, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Copic Markers, Binder Ring, CM Fine-tip Pen, Scallop Scissors, Great Outdoors Ribbon/Buttons (TCP), Jody Boosters

Verve-y Wednesday

Well, I'm frantically getting ready for the North Texas Shoebox Swap this weekend. I've got my card all made, but in case you don't know how these things work, you have to make as many "kits" for your card as the number of people who will be there. That means I have to make 48 card kits. That's a lot of cutting, just so you know! So I'm about 90% finished, after only getting my card all picked out and all figured out on Monday. I miscalculated on some designer paper i needed from Michael's, so I'll be heading there (for the umpteen gillionth time) this afternoon, and will hopefully get it all squared away tonight. Speaking of cutting, last night was fun. I went and got my hair cut and blonde highlights put in. It's been years since I did the highlight thing. I'll have to get my blog picture all changed out real soon so ya'll can see. Then Friday morning is Mani-Pedi day. I never do that either, although my Wal-Mart feet need it more often than not. Next week is the eyebrow wax (but that's as far as it's going--no Brazilian for me, thankyouverymuch!).

Anyway, I hope you didn't miss the great release that Verve had just last Friday. It's one of the best so far (but I say that about all of them I think!). This release includes six sets perfect for the men in your life, but some versatile enough for a girlie-girl card too! (Sounds like a deodorant commercial--"Strong enough for a man, but made for a woman".) In fact, Julee is have a wonderful Memorial Day sale now through May 31! ALL stamps are 10 - 20% off! My first card uses the new Up, Up and Away set and Amber's Viva la Verve Sketch for the first week of May (VLVMAY01) and the second one is a Father's Day card using the new Protector set. Two totally different looks, huh! That's what the hairstylist told me last night. She said she wished she had her camera with her and she would have taken a before and after picture---what a difference! Now I can really use the excuse of having "blonde moments"!! Better to blame things on being blonde than "senior moments", right?

SUSIE Q-TIP: Sometimes having a button and whatnot in the middle of a bow can make the bow tilt down just a bit from the weight. A good way to solve that problem is to hide one glue dot just behind the bow's knot. I made a rhyme.

You Color My World Card
Stamps: Up, Up & Away, Sweet on You (Verve)
Paper: Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery (SU!), Main Street (Treehouse Mem.), Bitty Dots (PTI), Garden Party (MM)
Ink: StazOn Timber Brown (Tsukineko), Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Ribbon, Button, White Embroidery Floss, Copic Markers, Jody Boosters, Glue Dot

Protector Card
Stamps: Protector, Seeing Stars(Verve)
Paper: Always Artichoke, Kraft, Very Vanilla (SU!), Denim (Core'dinations)
Ink: Always Artichoke, Not Quite Navy (SU!), Chestnut Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Star Punch (Fiskars), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Ticket Corner Punch, Pewter Brads, Dimensionals

It's TCP Tuesday!

Well, did everyone have a good holiday weekend? Sometimes that one "day-cation" is all you need to recharge! We had a great day yesterday. The weather was beautiful and Eric grilled every piece of meat we had in the freezer! I love the fact that our dinners for this week are already half done! We did a lot of chicken breasts, so I'm thinkin' chicken fajitas, chicken ceasar salad, grilled chicken sandwiches, what else? MMMMM!! So today it's time to get back in the swing of things. Feels weird, like summer should have started already. I'll actually be glad when the kids get out of school (until I start hearing, 'I'm bored'!). Anyway, I wanted to make sure ya'll remembered that today is TCP Tuesday! This week, Ana is filling in for Toni (whose house got struck by lightning). It's an inspiration challenge and you can find out all about it HERE on her blog. Be sure and read below on what to do once you've completed your card and all the swanky fun stuff that goes along with playing.

1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, 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 to THIS POST by midnight Saturday, May 30th.
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 TCPTUES60 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. HAVE FUN!!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When I was making this card, I didn't have "just the right shade" of yellow (imagine that). So to pull it all together and make it match a little better, I used the same Copic marker I colored the cake with (the darker one), and colored just the edge of the scalloped circle. I also "highlighted" the words in the sentiment. It totally helped to bring my differing shades of yellow into balance.

Stamps: You Say It's Your Birthday (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Lemon Tart, White (PTI), Black Small Dot (MM), Tulle (American Crafts)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop and Circle Nestabilities, Flower Dies, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, 1/8" Hole Punch, Copic Markers, Stardust Gel Pen, Stardust Stickles, CM Black Fine-tip Pen, Button, Hemp Twine, Black/White Polkadot Organdy Ribbon, Glue Dot, Jody Boosters

These Things Are In My Way, But Not For Long

Edited to Add: These things are already sold!! Stay tuned as I hope to have more stuff on here for sale soon.

Well, I've been meaning to get around to going through all my stuff more thoroughly, but this is as far as I've gotten. I know. Pretty bad. I started this pile on the floor and now I'm tired of stepping over it/moving it to get to other things. So I'm going ahead and putting them up for sale here in hopes that I don't bust my butt on them first as I'm not that coordinated.

Since I use Nestabilities now for all my shaped die cuts, I have no need for these punches. It's the coveted Giga Scallop Square and Giga Scallop Circle Punches from Marvy. They are going for $10 each, or $18 for both. You pay shipping, $5.

I have never used wheel stamps and don't ever intend to. I think someone gave these to me and there they have sat. It's 2 regular handles from Stampin' Up! and these three wheels. No, I don't know the names of them. Take all of it for $5. You pay shipping, $3.





If you decide to take the whole shootin' match (please), you can have the lot for $25, and I'll cover the rest of the shipping cost (USA only). This will be on a first come, first serve basis. I'll take paypal only. If interested, please email me. You'll find the link to the right. Yep. Over there.

A {Stinky} Sketch For You To Try

Well, yesterday was a big day at the Liles household. Eric and Lindsie were off to work and school and Audrie and I hit the door running by 8:30. We went to a stamping garage sale (got a few things), went to Michael's (got a few more things), went and got Audrie's hair cut and we were home by 11:30. I've been having computer issues with my wireless signal and AT&T finally confirmed what I'd been thinking was the problem all along, sent me around the world through the phone lines, only to find out what I needed I HAD to order online from their store and then "all I have to do" is call billing and get reimbursed. Yeah right. How am I supposed to order something online when I can't GET online? So we hopped in the car again and went to Radio Shack and bought a new USB Wireless Adapter. It's all hooked up now, and works great. Only thing is, I'm out $45 that was supposed to go towards our Disney Christmas trip. Mickey and Minnie are NOT happy about it. That all left me without any time and busted my whole plan to make teacher gifts for Audrie's preschool graduation that was later that evening.

Anyway, after the day I had, last night's event of her graduating was just what I needed to realize all that didn't matter and I just soaked in every minute of the ceremony. Even the mayor was there and interviewed Audrie, asking her "what she learned in preschool". She said (loudly into the microphone), "Lots of stuff". It was a proud mommy moment! We came home, I went online (yay!) and went to the Verve Release Party (ya'll NEED to see the new stuff HERE), and got busy finishing up my card for today. That was the most jam packed day I've done in a long time! I really like Jen's Sketch For You To Try this week, and it was another perfect opportunity to share this stinky little guy from The Cat's Pajamas being released on the 29th. The right-hand edge of the sketch calls for you to do "something different", so I decided to run my sentiment along it beside a scalloped border. Oh and see the vine ribbon and buttons? TCP will be debuting these new swanky embellishments on the 29th, too. They coordinate perfectly with the new sets. I hope ya'll get a chance to play with this sketch--it's an easy one! Now, since I had such a big day yesterday, can I just chill today? We'll see. I've still got a big list of things to do. For now, I'll just sit here, "stinking" about how time just runs like water, and how big my babies are getting. It stinks.

Be sure and take a walk in the woods with lots of "pomp and circumstance" and hike on over to see what my other SFYTT sisters have cooked up. I'm sure they all make the dean's list.:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Carole (speaking of stinking and "runs"--beware)
Also, Julie Lacey has another fabulous sample on Jen's blog HERE.

SUSIE Q-TIP: I hope you can see my little "Just sitting here stinking" sentiment running repeatedly up the right side of my card. It was sort of an afterthought. The brown "wood" designer paper had already been glued down to the yellow. In order to not get part of the sentiment on the yellow edge, I took a scrap piece of paper and put a little repositionable adhesive on it, stuck it down over the yellow and onto my desk so it wouldn't move. Then I stamped the sentiment right onto it. Sort of like masking. Now it looks like I planned it to be there all along! When making a repeated sentiment like this, don't forget to start in the middle for even spacing and work your way out to the sides.

Stamps: Happy Camper (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: So Saffron, Chocolate Chip (SU!), White (PTI), Mr. Campy (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Threading Water Border Punch (Fiskars), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Sewing Machine, Brown Thread, Copic Markers, Great Outdoors Vine Ribbon and Buttons (TCP), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

The Three Little Bears Stage a Grizzly Comeback

Well, sorry friends, but my blogging time has been little to none this week as I am getting a bunch of stuff made up for some new releases coming your way! One of them is for The Cat's Pajamas. Two new sets are making their debut on May 29th. This new set is called "Happy Camper" and contains the cutest woodsy animal images you have EVER seen! Jen had put a bug in my ear about somehow trying to get this little bear from that set to depict the "Three Little Bears" from the old storybook. So I hibernated on that idea for a while. I beared down and came up with a plan...and it was a grizzly one. I was going to have to "stage" this scrapbook page (gasp!! arg!!). Well, we don't own a copy of the "Three Little Bears", so we loaded up in the car and went to the library. We clawed through several books, and found all sorts of bear books, and at the last minute found the one we were looking for. (Who'da thunk there'd be a bear market on "The Three Little Bears"?) We came home, got our hairs all brushed and then Audrie sat down to "read". Lindsie got in on the action and helped with the staging of picture number two, creating a circle of bear books that they "casually" read while moving their bodies like the hands of a clock.

I snapped the photos, they went back to not-pretend-playing and I went to work. I have the neatest little mini HP photo printer, so I was able to print my pictures up really quick. After that, the layout came together fairly fast. I masked the bears in the oval, placing them a little higher and lower to make them look like Papa, Mama and Baby Bear. I stamped the lettering too, with TCP's very first alphabet set called "Nightie" (makes me snicker). Anyway, I love, love, love the way this turned out, even if it is "faked". I can barely contain my excitement for my next TCP project I'll be sharing with you (sometime next week). But for now, I'm off to hibernate on some more ideas. It seems to work....

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use smaller stamps to create a background on a scrapbook page or card, making sure the ink you use doesn't overpower your main ideas, pictures or images.

Stamps: Happy Camper, Nightie (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Dark Brown, Rust (The Paper Company), White (PTI), Chocolate Chip (SU!), Mr. Campy (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Chocolate Chip, So Saffron (SU!), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Oval and Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Sewing Machine, Black Thread, Threading Water Border Punch (Fiskars), Copic Markers, Sponges, CM Black Fine-tip Pen, Great Outdoors Ribbon and Buttons (TCP), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

MFT's "Fill Your Jar" Blog Hop

Well, isn't this a fun and "jarring" blog hop? I hope you started at Kim's Blog which is where the "Fill Your Jar" Blog Hop began. Scurry on back there if you didn't, and ya'll can catch up with me when you make your linky way back here. Okay? Moving on...Have you heard the latest? My Favorite Things is going to change the way you gift!! I've been so excited about this and could not wait to show ya'll this project! Kim will be releasing two brand new mini sets, Time for the Bubbly Label and Teacher Label along with these fun and just-the-right-size plastic jars tonight (May 20th) at midnight EST. I love the size of these jars, because they are not so big that you break the budget just filling them but yet they are big enough for more than you think! I also LOVE teacher-y things, so I decided to make this jar into a very inexpensive gift for Lindsie's second grade teacher, using the Teacher Label set. I went and found this little sticker book at Michael's and cut the stickers up into strips that I could then roll up and stick in the jar.

There's 2000 stickers in there! However, I did the math and that won't even last a full year for a classroom of 20 if the teacher gives a sticker to every student every day in their folders. Isn't that crazy? It made me realize that teachers DO need a lot of everyday stuff and not just candles and chocolates! That's changing the way I gift right there from now on, especially for teachers!

Well, in my house the "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie" philosophy always comes into play, so of course, one thing led to another and I had to make a matching little bag for Lindsie to present her gift in. It's really just a white lunch bag cut down and covered on the front and back to match my jar. The jar fit PERFECTLY in there on its side (yay, me!). Then I made some score lines for the gable-type fold, rounded the corners, and cut the oval handles out with my Nestabilities. EASY!

So in "teacher-talk", let's review our little nifty-gifty:

Jar...$3 (comes in sets of 4 for $12)
Teacher Label stamp set...$9 (everyone needs to have a teacher set on hand)
Stickers...$3 (of course you can get them even cheaper)
Paper, Lunch bag, buttons, tools and supplies...if you read this blog, you already have all that, so that's already paid for, so consider them FREE!

That comes to a total of PRICELESS for a handmade teacher gift WITH perfect packaging! (If you really break it down...If you were to make all 4 jars it would be approx. $8.25 per finished and filled jar or less and only a trip to the dollar store once for the stickers!!) You can't beat that with a stick! Or a ruler. Sorry if this sounded like that "new math" word problem stuff. LOL!!

Okay, the bell has rung and it's time to head to your next class!! Make your way quietly down the hall to Joanne's blog for her "show and tell"!! SHEESH!! I said QUIETLY!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When adhering cardstock to a curved surface, go ahead and slightly bend it to match the shape of the jar or container (not so much as to cause creases, though). This way, the cardstock will not naturally want to pop off of the curved surface you need it to stick to because it wants to be straight.

Stamps: Teacher Label (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Summer Sun (SU!), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Pure Poppy (PTI), Chalkboard (Provo Craft)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Jar (MFT), Lunch Bag, Scallop Square, Circle and Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Scallop Circle and Circle Punches, Corner Rounder, Copic Markers, Xyron 510 and Xyron Sticker Maker, Office Clips, Prima Flowers, Buttons (MFT), CM Black Fine-tip Pen, White Inksentials Pen (Ranger), Pure Poppy Stitched Ribbon (PTI), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

A {Stuffy} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I had no business going to garage sales yesterday in the north Texas snow storm. A cottonwood pollen snowstorm that is. One that has made me miserable. If you have no clue as to what I’m talking about, it’s these white puffs of cottonwood tree seeds/pollen (there’s debate about this) that are flying around everywhere and it literally looks like it’s snowing. Makes my allergies go crazy. I know I shouldn’t have been out in it, but I wanted so badly to get out and hit a few garage sales while all the kids were at school. I guess I was feeling lucky, like I knew there was something out there calling my name. Well, LUCKY I was! Only folks like ya’ll can appreciate how happy I was when I left only my third garage sale of the morning (and last—I didn’t want to push my luck with the “snow” and start feeling worse). Wanna know what I found? TWO boxes of 250 each of A2 size white envelopes (the exact size us cardmakers use)! Wanna know how much I paid for them 500 envelopes? Only six bucks. I got the deal of the day!! Sa-weet!! When am I going to use 500 envelopes? Over my whole lifetime, but hey, would YOU have passed them up? I didn’t think so. Anyway, I just had to tell ya’ll—I knew you’d understand.

It’s a little ironic how I got all those envies, and my card I have for you today for Jen’s Sketch For You To Try is a longer card that of course won’t even fit in one! As I was putting it together, I realized I needed more card, or to make all those circles smaller (I cut them out first). Well, I wasn’t about to cut circles and distress and do all that again, so I opted for the larger canvas. My friend, Nancy (phantom on SCS) had sent me her new Shady Tree Studio Fruit Basket stamp set along with the matching veggies a while back and I haven’t had a chance to use them, but with this sketch, I knew I could work it out. I went for a vintage look and colored the cherries with straight Prismacolor Pencils—no OMS, remembering how I used to practice shading circles in pencil all the time when I was little. I think I’ll be doing a little more of that type of coloring—it was very relaxing (in between sniffles). Anyway, I’m staying in today and avoiding the cottonwood snow. I’ve got some envelopes to stuff and my head to unstuff.

Now don’t forget to check out what my other SFYTT sisters have come up with. They may not have as many envelopes as I do, but neither rain, nor wind, nor sleet, nor snow, nor dark of night, they deliver on their creativity. And be sure and use keyword SFYTT when uploading your card to SCS, so we can see it!:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Carole
Also, Julie Lacey has another fabulous sample on Jen's blog HERE.

SUSIE Q-TIP: When shading with colored pencils (Prismas in this case), try using black as your darkest color value and blend your other colors out from the black to your “light source”. It looks really bad at first, but once you start coloring and blending the image more, it will take on a “real life” look and you really won’t see the black any more. As always, you can click on my pictures for a more detailed view.

Stamps: Beautiful You (Verve), Fruit Basket (Shady Tree Studio-CHF)
Paper: Basic Black, Marigold Morning (SU!), Vintage Cherries (Graphic 45), Hall Pass (Foof-a-la)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Versamark, Chestnut and Chestnut Roan Cat’s Eyes (Colorbox)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine, Black Thread, Detail Black EP (Ranger), Heat Tool, Prismacolor Pencils, Vintage Buttons, Black Hemp Twine, Wide Black/White Gingham Ribbon, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

A Cool Virtual Shopping Experience!

Well, yesterday, Alma told us about this cool "Virtual Stamp Convention" happening over on the Rubber Stamp Chat (RSC) website. It's going on from May 14th through May 18th and I know you don't want to miss it!

Just like any other convention there will be lots of great companies offering some fabulous deals. But unlike other conventions there will be no tired feet, or jostling for that last stamp. You can go to the convention virtually (in your jammies even!).

The Cat’s Pajamas will be there too! We are offering an outstanding 25% off everything in the shop to RSC customers. That includes the already discounted Kitty Kat Pack.


Ready to shop? Alrighty then!! Here's the link: RUBBER STAMP CHAT
Details and the special discount code can be found on the RSC site in the Convention Hall. On your mark, get set, go!!

A Buttony What's Up Wednesday at MFT

Well, Happy Wednesday! A while back I did a "few" cards with a handmade embellishment I dubbed as my "Ribbon-Button-Loopy-Thing-Tied-With-Whatever Embellishment". Since that time, several of ya'll have requested instructions on how I make them. I was just about to write up a blog post about them when I was asked to do a tutorial, "An Interview With A Button", on the MFT "How'd They Do That?" forum over on Splitcoast about ways to use buttons (because I'm so buttony!). What perfect timing! I LOVE using buttons and when Kim announced that she was going to start carrying them, I was even more enamored with them with all their fabulous colors and the value of an entire level cupful!

Check out MFT’s Cup ‘O Button offerings HERE. So if you are still interested, I'd love for you to hop on over and check out my tutorial right HERE and you too can make your own "Ribbon-Button-Loopy-Thing-Tied-With-Whatever Embellishments"! I've also highlighted a technique on how I altered the button in the flower center on this card and listed several other common and unique ways to use buttons on that same post. Then, if you are so inclined, we'd love it if you played along in the challenge and conduct your very own "Interview With a Button". You can find all those details HERE on the Challenge thread. I'll be checking in on the MFTWUW23 Gallery often to see your creations!

SUSIE Q-TIP: It's a matter of preference, but it doesn't bother me to not have anything strung through a button on my projects. However, if you like it and feel the need for it, DO IT! Remember that the knot doesn't always have to be on the face side of the button. They are awfully cute with the little "X" sewn onto them and knotted on the bottom out of sight. (Note to self: Get some linen thread--so much easier than embroidery floss!)

Stamps: Snuggle Bunnies (MFT)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Kraft, Pretty in Pink (SU!), White Perfect Panels, Chocolate Kiss DP (MFT)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Scallop Square Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Sewing Machine, Thread, Prima Flower, Copic Markers, MFT Ribbon and Buttons, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

TCPTUES58 ~ My Mod, Mod Stamp Challenge

Well, once again it's time for TCP Tuesday brought to you by The Cat's Pajamas. I'm your Hipster Hostess With The Mostess today, so I'm sure secretly you are super excited to hear this and like to play in MY challenges the best and can't wait to get started, so I'll make this pretty short. I'm just kidding--they are all grrrreat! (just a little "cat talk" if you get my drift.) I've had It's a Mod Mod World the longest--Alma gave it to me last year when she came to Texas for the Arlington Stamp Day. It was my first TCP set to own. Other than that, I had only used images that other people had stamped for me and had challenged me to use (Hi Alexis!). I have always loved the retro feel to this set, but just haven't had a lot of opportunities to use it, even though it's one of my very favoritest stamp sets ever.

SO, today's challenge is to use any stamp(s) from the IT'S A MOD, MOD WORLD set. As you can see here, I used the rocket and masked it to have Poochie going up into outer space. I cheated just a little and added a sentiment from the Puppy Love set, so if you need a sentiment only from another TCP set, that's ok this time. However, since this is a "stamp challenge", use of this set is required to be considered in the running for the prestigious title of "Swanky Stamper" of the month and all that Cat Cash. Anyway, here's all the details about this challenge. Thanks for playing and I Ruff You!! (I'm sorry I forgot to color your nose in, Poochie!)

1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, 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 to THIS POST by midnight Saturday, May 16th.
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 TCPTUES58 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. HAVE FUN!!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When making a little notched end banner for your sentiment, add a little depth to it by leaving the notched end free (not gluing it down) and curling it slightly upward.

Stamps: It's a Mod, Mod World, Puppy Love (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Ruby Red, Basic Black (SU!), Aqua (Core'dinations), White Perfect Panel (MFT), Cool Dude (Prima)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Labels 3 Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Spots and Dots Embossing Folder, Copic Markers, Silver Brads, Clear Ghost Shape Star (Heidi Swapp), Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Jody Boosters

A {Swashbucklin'} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I guess I have some "'splainin'" to do as to why this is a wee bit late. Arr!! It's all legit, I promise (like this has never happened to YOU!). Here's my story and I'm stickin' to it: I had the perfect opportunity to stamp and make my Sketch For You To Try card last night, as I took the girls to Open Gym night again to play until 10 PM. After dropping them off around 7:30, I came home and went straight to my desk and started pulling things out to work with, and had a pretty good idea as to where I was going with my card. That's when it all started going south. Nothing was working. The stamps, paper, cute ruffly trim (I was going for a pink and kraft baby card)--NOTHING! So there it was, still in bits and pieces at 9:45 and I had to go and get the girls. I trashed the entire thing. After we got home, I stared at my desk blankly and then decided to just go to bed and "sleep on it". That I did. So in the "twinkly-sort-of-asleep-but-waking-up" time in bed this morning, I had a "vee-yu-sion" (a vision) and completely "saw" this card. No, I didn't just pop out of bed and put it together, I STILL had to have my coffee first--gah!! (like you wouldn't have done the same thing!). Anyway, it's a combination of today's Sketch For You To Try from Jen, Tuesday's TCPTUES57 color challenge (that you can find all the details about HERE on Toni's blog), and Thursday's Ways To Use It Challenge WT217 from Julia over on SCS. That's some pretty complicated thinking before I even wake up if I do say so myself! So that's it. Can you relate?
Have a swashbucklin' day! Time to go scrub the deck.

You may have already headed to my matey's blogs for their samples, but just in case you need another look at their "booty", go check them out:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Carole

SUSIE Q-TIP: When pulling the lids off of your Copics (or any markers just to be safe), it's a good idea to NOT do this anywhere near your image you are coloring. They tend to splatter sometimes and I've had more than one project ruined by not remembering to do this. Grrr!! Sometimes you can blot the mistakes with a Colorless Blender, but that doesn't always work, especially if it's a darker color.

Stamps: Errol, Pirate Booty, Swashbucklin' Day, Skully (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Kraft, Basic Black, Night of Navy (SU!), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Christmastime (American Crafts)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Labels One Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Scallop Circle Punch, Circle Punches, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Copic Markers, Green Dotted Button (TPS), Navy Ribbon, Black/White Gingham Ribbon, Hemp Twine, Silver Brads, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

More MFT, Please? OK, You Got It!

Well, you missed out on a good time if ya'll weren't at the hottest and loopiest release party on SCS last night. Yep, I'm talking about the My Favorite Things "Girl's Night In"! It was fun chatting it up with everyone, seeing all the design team's fabby creations and (for me) getting some good tips about flat irons for my hair! I need one so bad since I no longer have access to Shelbie's (our oldest daughter) CHI since she moved out. My hair gets so frizzy sometimes, you'd think I'd stuck my finger in a light socket! So I was thinking I'd get one for Mother's Day. Got any good suggestions for one besides a CHI? I don't want to spend so much money on it---there are other things to be had--like STAMPS!!

Speaking of, what did ya'll get or plan to get from MFT's new release? I think they are all great and I'm not just saying that 'cuz I'm on the team. This has been one of the "funnest" releases for me! I had a blast creating my samples. Today, I'm sharing a baby card I made using the Snuggle Bunnies set. It's really versatile and the other main image can even work for a card for your hubby or boyfriend, your child or anyone you like to "snuggle" with.

After I made this card, I had the idea to make a matching door hanger for a baby's room. I just love the way they turned out with all the sewing, piercing, distressing and inked edges. Very shabby-chic, I think! I also got to use my new Blossom Nestabilities. I'm loving that shape! Anyway, after telling Eric about my flat iron dilemma and how much I NEED one, he said that it didn't sound like a very good Mother's Day gift, that it was more of a necessity and to just go get one for myself. OK! So now, maybe I will get to get some new stamping stuff after all! Oh wait, I need a pedicure, a haircut and highlights, too!! Can we do all that? Pleeeeeeasse? It's necessary that the princess looks good for her blog readers, you know.

SUSIE Q-TIP: It's ok to run ribbon around a panel of your card without a bow or a knot. Sometimes the softer look of it speaks for itself.

Stamps: Snuggle Bunnies (MFT)
Paper: River Rock, Blush Blossom (SU!), Perfect Panels White, Chocolate Kiss (MFT), Nana's Nursery (DCWV)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Chocolate Chip (SU!), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Blossom and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, CM Circle Punch, Sewing Machine, Thread, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Heidi Swapp Distressing Tool, Liquid Applique, Heat Tool, Ribbon and Buttons (MFT), Flower Button Brads (MM), Jody Boosters, Glue Dots

MFT Blog Hop Time!

Well, if you've made it this far along the hop, you get a gold star! You are just about at the end. If you've missed out on the fun so far, head on over to Kim's blog to start at the beginning and I'll see you back here in a few minutes! I'll wait for ya!...Ok, well hello again! We're hopping and highlighting the four new sets debuting tomorrow night at My Favorite Things. This set is called Owls and Bluebells and it's just the sweetest set with some very cute "all occasion" sentiments to use when you just want someone to know they are being thought of. Can I get an 'Awwwwwwww!?'?

Along with this month's stamps come several new products that are MUST haves! Among my favorites are (of course) the new Spring and Summer Cup 'o Button Packs. I've used a yummy green one here. The color combos are amazing! Speaking of buttons, you'll have to be sure and join me next week when I will do "An Interview with a Button" and help you discover new ways to use them over in the How'd They Do That forum on SCS (you don't have to try and remember, I'll let you know the details soon enough). Anyway, we hope you'll join us tomorrow night from 8-10 PM EST in the SCS Forum for this month's release party! You can go there also to see the special deals Kim has in store for you as well, including one especially for Moms or future Moms!

So could this hop have been any better? I think this is one of my favorite MFT releases to date! Well you've got one more stop to make and that's over at Paula's blog, Paper Possibilities. I do believe she's got a little somethin somethin for you to try and win, so don't abort the mission just yet!! Thanks for hopping by!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Cut a Nestabilities shape in half and hide the cuts behind another shape to "elongate" it. Here, I used a Labels One (pretty much a square), cut it in half, separated them and glued the two pieces to the back of the circle towards the edges so that it would show more and give it more of a rectangular appearance.

Stamps: Owls and Bluebells (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Ruby Red, Bashful Blue (SU!), Blue (unknown), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Passport (MM), Bed of Red (foof-a-la)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Circle and Labels One Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Sewing Machine, Thread, Hemp Twine, Wide Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Button (MFT), Silver Brads, Glue Dot, Jody Boosters

Birthday Flopsey--an MFTeaser

Well, I've been working really hard on a bunch of My Favorite Things projects since Saturday. I can't wait to show ya'll! Some I'm more excited about than others, but that's just the way it goes. There's a new release coming to you Wednesday, May 6th, with the release party starting that evening from 9 PM EST to 10 PM EST. I should be there, barring any internet issues. (I'm having trouble again with it just dropping my signal for no reason!)

For this new Birthday Flopsey, I decided to use several things that I hadn't used in a while--Prismacolor Pencils, Skinny Grosgrain Ribbon, a new Fiskars border punch, a Cuttlebug flower border embossing folder, and some Cuttlebug flower dies that I don't think I've EVER used! The paper is from MFT and it's called Chocolate Kiss. Ya'll are going to love it, especially if you're a pink and brown lover like me! Anyway, stay tuned a little later this evening when a very fun My Favorite Things blog hop goes LIVE at it's new time...10 PM EST (That's 9 PM for me. Gotta keep all that time warp stuff straight, you know.) Ok, gotta go, I want to make just one or two more things before tomorrow night's big reveal!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: If you've cut your image "outside the box" and then want to mat that image, be sure and put the "cut out" part at the corner of the mat cardstock so that you will not have to cut those sides. This way, the only straight edges you will have to cut are the regular ones.




Stamps: Birthday Flopsey (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Regal Rose, Pretty in Pink (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels, Chocolate Kiss DP (MFT)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Fiskars Border Punch, Cuttlebug, Flowers Die, Flowers Embossing Border, Button, Pink Grosgrain Ribbon, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Jody Boosters

A {Princess Makeover} Sketch For You To Try

Well, who feels like a princess today? Actually, not only do I feel like one, but I am one every day. Just fyi. Just so you know. With Saturday, comes Jen’s Sketch For You To Try and I thought I’d give Dress Up Lily a little princess makeover in pink and yellow. This card is a little hint at something that I’m keeping secret right now until it’s time to share. You can call it a Royal Secret if you want, but I’ll let you know what it is as soon as I get the ok.

Anyway, I’m off to have a Royal Ball cleaning the bathroom and doing laundry. Or would that be called a Royal Bowl? I guess everyone has to start out as Cinderella.…




Get the Royal Treatment by checking out what the other SFYTT girls came up with this week.
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Carole has left her castle for the moment, so you can just give her the Royal Flush (just kidding, Carole! Just fashioning a little poetic license) and visit her on Monday when she is back from her enchanted weekend. Also, a new Guest Designer is joining us for the month of May and it's Julie Lacey. WooOHOooOOO!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Add a “glow” around an image with Prismacolor Pencils. Blend it with odorless mineral spirits for an awesome faded effect. And yes, it’s ok to use the pencils AND Copic markers on the same image. Just be sure to use a non-smearing ink such as Palette Hybrid from Superior. I get mine from Papertrey.

Stamps: Dress Up Lily (Pink Cat Studio), Essential Sentiments (MFT)
Paper: So Saffron, Regal Rose (SU!), White (PTI), Sonoma (Scenic Route), Tinted Medallions (g.c.d. studios)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Butterfly Punch (Martha Stewart), Copic Markers, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Glass Rhinestones, Adhesive Rhinestones, Button, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Jody Boosters

Just Call Me Girl Friday

Well, being how it's Friday, I thought I would show ya'll another card I whipped together yesterday using some more of this "Girl Friday" paper from Cosmo Cricket. I am so glad I got the entire "crafting kit" when I was down in Waxahachie the last time shopping at The Crafty Scrapper with my mom. I have used so much of it already and with the kit, I don't feel like I have to save it so much since I have extra. Anyway, I hope ya'll can stand another card from me using it since I love it so much! I did this little card in about 45 minutes. I had seen a layout similar to this in one of my PaperCrafts magazines and couldn't wait to try it, so off I went. Hmmmm, what was that sitting on my desk? Girl Friday paper. Verve Wishful Elegance stamps. Leftover Verve Elegant Flower from my last project...already cut out (could it be any better? See? I've told ya'll to save your "leftovers"!). Perfect.

The little tag really sticks out quite a bit from the card, but it's totally unmailable anyway with the giant bow, that it really didn't matter. It's only 4.25" square, but is really girly and fun! Well, I'll keep this short--lots more creatin' to do today. And yes, that paper is still on my desk, and yes, I may have to use it some more.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Make rounded panels with a large plate or the large circle from the Creative Memories cutting system and incorporate them in your card for a new look.

Stamps: Wishful Elegance, Elegant Flower (Verve)
Paper: Berry Sorbet (PTI), Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: CM Circle Cutter, Scallop Scissors, Slice Machine/Basic Shapes 1 Card, Noteworthy Card, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Hemp Twine, Berry Sorbet Swiss Dot Satin Ribbon (PTI), Glue Dot, Dimensionals