Hoppin' Along in MFT Style!

Well, My Favorite Things is "stylin' and profilin'" with this here Blog Hop, wouldn't you say? If you just joined us, please go to Kim's blog and start at the beginning. Ya'll don't want to miss what's coming from MFT for July! There are 4 new stamp sets and a new Polkadot Ribbon Nest that will be available tomorrow, July 1st after the release party which starts at 9 pm EST (5 yds. each of 5 different polkadotted ribbons! Ya'll know I'll have to have this!). For this card, I've used the new Puttin' on the Glitz set. I thought it would be fun and a little different to include the large sentiment (I love it!) in the same panel as our glamour girl and keep a lot of white space to complement the brown and peachy colors. Her dress and hat are paper pieced. You can find an awesome tutorial for that by Joanne HERE.

In fact, if you like challenges, Paper Piecing is this week's "My Favorite Challenge" over on SCS and you can find out all about it HERE. You even still have a couple of days to play for a chance at winning! Never heard of the My Favorite Challenge/Sketch Challenge and Chatter Thread? There's a new one every week! Two challenges in one thread AND there are prizes to be had!

Ok, you've been here long enough and I understand--you don't want to wear out your welcome, so you need to move along! Head on over to Paula's Blog, Paper Possibilities, for some more Fabulosity!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Sentiments and main images can live in harmony on the same piece of cardstock. Try stamping them together to make one main panel.

Stamps: Puttin' on the Glitz (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Shimmery Dark Brown (unknown source), Perfect White Paper Panels (MFT), Laundry Line (My Mind's Eye), Cameo Coral (SU!)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Chocolate Chip, So Saffron (SU!)
Accessories: Copic Markers, Lace, Dk. Chocolate Satin Ribbon, Brown Adhesive Rhinestones, Jody Boosters, Sponges

It's TCP Tuesday!

Well, it's time for TCP Tuesday. Jen is our Hostess with the Mostess today and has come up with a summery color combo that just screams, "HOT"! Speaking of screaming hot, it's been hitting a bazillion degrees here in North Texas almost every day for the last few. So I thought I'd share a few "Texas-isms" we use quite often down here to give ya'll a better idea of how hot it really is:

Hot as a two-dollar pistol.
It’s hotter than whoopee in woolens.
Hotter than a preacher’s knee.
Hotter than a fur coat in Marfa.
It’s so hot the hens are laying hard-boiled eggs.
It’s hot as a summer revival.
Hotter than honeymoon hotel.
Hotter than a burning stump.
Hot as a pot of neck bones.
Hotter than a stolen tamale.

Ya'll like that? My favorite is the last one! That's why we like to wear dresses, too--they have built in air conditioning. Now that we're all sweating (and it's not because we've had our eyes on Tim McGraw for too long), it's time to cool off and go stamp in the air conditioned luxury of our studios. I hope you head over to Jen's blog and check out all the details on how to play and what's at stake for today's TCP Tuesday Challenge! As Paris Hilton would say, "That's HOT"!


SUSIE Q-TIP: Use a tracing wheel (from your sewing supplies) to create a pattern on your card or project. It's a very subtle treatment, but a lot faster than piercing one hole at a time with a Paper Piercer for a similar look.



Stamps: Relaxing F-7467, What Part of Meow C-7459 (The Cat's Pajamas)Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Summer Sun (SU!), Rasberry Fizz, White (PTI), Berry Sweet (K & Company)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop Square Nestabilities, Swiss Dot Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Circle Punches, Copic Markers, Tracing Wheel, Pink Adhesive Rhinestones, Yellow/White Polkadot Ribbon, Pink Button, Hemp Twine, Jody Boosters, CM Black Fine-tip Pen

*Quotes provided by Barry Popik

A {Slice of Life} Sketch For You To Try

Well, how's ya'll's summer going? I don't think we've had a single day so far that we haven't done something. The girls are really holding me to our "Summer Schedule". We've been swimming, rented movies, gotten lots of slushies, went to the movies, played and hung out with all of their cousins at least once a week, had friends over, went shopping, had a party, and have even caught the girls being thoughtful to one another (but only on Thursdays). We've had lots of fun, I must say. However, yesterday was the day that I felt my first twinge of "I'll be glad when school starts back up". It was the day of questions, over and over. Even the same ones. We were in the car running errands yesterday--only two places to go, and Audrie AGAIN said, "Where are we going?". Um. Hello, for the fourth time, we are going to sign you up for VBS and then the library to get YOU some books to read (yes, she's going into kindergarten and is already reading--YAY! Just had to share.). I think my friend, Lynda Benden put it best when she said that she feels like she is being pecked to death by DUCKS this summer! I finally know what she meant by that as I had quite the pecking yesterday! I'm exhausted now!

Anyway, I thought this would be a great sentiment to use on today's card I made for Jen's Sketch for You to Try. It's from the brand new set that just released last night from Verve called Forever in Our Hearts (the release party was a fast one!). It's geared toward sympathy cards, but I think there are several verses that can be used for more than just those type of cards. This one works for ya'll to have sympathy for me, right!? I think I'll send it to myself for a little encouragement. The flower was made with my Slice machine that I haven't used in a while, but is still one of my favorite gadgets in the whole wide world.

So today we are waddling off to my nephew's birthday party, I have a brunch to go to tomorrow with some fun stamper friends (maybe I'll get some pics?) and then next week, it will start all over again. I'm sure ya'll are right there with me (we're all in this together, right?!) and I'm sure I'll be fine, I just need a "Do Nothing Day" (or two or three). Oh, the pecking...peck, peck, peck. I love my ducklings, though, and will miss them when they start school.

Speaking of all being in this together, here's the rest of the "flock's" creations for you to "peck out" (check out):
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Carole

SUSIE Q-TIP: I've found that watching the Disney Channel is excruciating after only an hour or so. I'm banning it for the day today and quite possibly the week. I'm pretty sure if I hear canned laughter one more time, I'm going to throw up in my mouth. Are ya'll with me on this?

Stamps: Forever in Our Hearts (Verve)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Pure Poppy, Berry Sorbet (PTI), Very Vanilla, Old Olive (SU!), Aqua (Core'dinations), Little Girls (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Rectangle Scallop Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Slice Machine/Noteworthy Card, Sewing Machine, Vanilla Thread, Arches Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Cream Grosgrain Ribbon (Offray), Glue Dot, Jody Boosters, Corner Rounder Punch

Have You Had Your Verve Fix Today?

Well, have you? Have you had yourself a little Verve "fix" today? If not, I can help ya'll out with a little shot in the arm. The Sneak Previews started yesterday over on the Verve blog. Julee's got 3 large sets being released on Friday along with several Plain Janes ya'll are going to need to get your hands on. Here's what I had to say about the new set called Just for You:
Well, I couldn't help myself. Don't tell anyone, but I usually have to go "in order" and finish up a project I'm working on before starting a new one. But not this time. I just had to use this new Just for You set as soon as I had a free moment. I shoved everything aside and made a tiny spot on my desk to work this card out. I have to say, I think this set is my new favorite (arent't they all?). Before making any Verve cards, I always check out what our Diva, Amber's got going on over on the SCS forum with the Viva La Verve sketches. BINGO! Her week three sketch for June (VLVJUN03) called for a circle and a lot of white space. A perfect match for this card! I did fudge it a little bit and used Confetti Cream (or white?) instead of pure white. I really like the "organic" look to it with the yellow and the natural colored buttons. OH and it smells like chocolate! The sentiment is embossed with scented EP. Sorry ya'll can't smell it through your computer. Scratching and sniffing your monitor is not highly recommended.

Join us in the Verve forum on SCS tomorrow night for the Release Party. There's also a giveaway on the blog with all the Sneak Previews and Julee has also come up with 5 sketches to play with during this entire release week for even more chances to win the new sets. Check them out HERE--They're great!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use a dry embossed panel as your main image to highlight your sentiment. Also, scented embossing powder DOES burn and smell up your studio. I know this for a fact and I don't want to talk about it.

Stamps: Just for You (Verve)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Confetti White (SU!), Lemon Tart (PTI)
Ink: Versamark Dazzle (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Scallop Square, Scallop Rectangle and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Hearts Embossing Folder, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Heidi Swapp Distressing Tool, Chocolate Scented Embossing Powder (Gel-a-tins), Vintage Buttons, Yellow/White Check Ribbon, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

TCP Tuesday and Some Great News

Well, I spent most of the day yesterday, just hanging out with the girls. I also managed to upload a bunch of stuff to Splitcoast (I get so behind on doing that--Am I the only one?), so be sure and check out my gallery. While doing that, we watched Night at the Museum (the first one). It was the first time I had seen it and I have to say, I LOVED it! I don't know what took me so long to see it. Now I really want to take the girls to see the other one that just came out (or is it out yet? I don't keep up with that stuff so much). I didn't mean to make this post about movies, but while we're on the subject--ya'll HAVE to see UP! It was so cute, sad, funny, exciting and heart-warming. I don't want to give any of it away, but if you have been on the fence about seeing it, GO!

Anyway, I don't have a card ready yet for TCP Tuesday as I had to work on something else, but I wanted to be sure and help spread the word about it. Toni is the "Hostess with the Mostess" this week, so be sure and check out her blog HERE for all the details. Ya'll will love her inspiration photo!

And now for the GREAT news for all ya'll local DFW girls (and boys?): We finally have a new LOCAL SCRAPBOOK STORE in town! It's called Scrapper's Boutique and it's the cutest little shop in North Richland Hills right on Smithfield Road off Mid-Cities. Cherie has only been open since the last of May (why didn't I know that sooner?) and she is going gangbusters. Why? Because she's the only LSS this side of the middle of nowhere besides the big stores like Michael's and such. Personally, I'd rather support the small business owner. Be sure and check out her website and blog (she's still working on it) and give her a big hello and welcome. Space is limited, but if you're interested in crops, give her a call to reserve your space. Another perk? Jen will be teaching several classes there, including Copic and project classes. Me? I may dive into teaching card classes as well. So exciting! I hope you check it out.

Ok, well, I'm taking the girls today for a little treat. With it being "Tuesday Toy Day" at my house according to our "Summer Schedule", I thought I'd let them pick out something small at Target. Audrie HAS to have a fuzzy Pet Shop and Lindsie wants to see if they have any cool Hannah Montana stuff. They're so excited. (I am too. This means they will be busy playing with their new finds the rest of the afternoon and I can play with MY toys as well!)

It's MFT V.I.P. Day!

Well, it's MFT V.I.P. day! Today only (Monday), you can take advantage of the VIP package that includes this stamp set I used here called "Catch Some Rays" (a brand new Who's That Girl Stamp Set that won't be released until July) and a very fun Polka Dot Ribbon Nest in perfect-for-summer colors. You can find it HERE. If you decide to be a V.I.P., not only will you get this stamp set and ribbon nest before it even comes out, but ya'll will also get to partake in the PERKS! Check 'em out:

VIP perk #1: You get our newest WTG? set in your hot little hands one week before anyone else even sees it!

VIP perk #2: Should you wish to purchase the One-Click Collection within the first 48 hours of the release on July 1st, you may switch out your VIP WTG? set with any other set on the site by mentioning your selection in the comments section of that order.

VIP perk #3: A FREE Hit the Beach stamp set(value $9)

You can also post teasers of your creations using the new WTG set along with the design team and upload them for all to see at the release party if you so choose! How cool is that? So, don't you want to be V.I.P.? Join the ranks and savor the perks! Just don't forget, the V.I.P. package is only available for ONE DAY and that's TODAY (June 22nd)!!

Ok, well, I'm off to finish up a few projects that ya'll are going to LOVE! At least I do anyway. Lindsie is getting a summer cold and we are just going to hang out here and take it easy today. I've still got some fun news to share for all ya'll locals so stay tuned!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Make a beachy "sand" scene by tearing Kraft cardstock and sponging Close to Cocoa along the torn edge.

Stamps: Catch Some Rays (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Kraft, Summer Sun (SU!), Mustard (Coordinations), Rasberry Fizz (PTI), Sunshine Lollipop (Sassafrass)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Close to Cocoa (SU!)
Accessories: Labels One Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine, White Thread, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Copic Markers, Button (MFT), Pink Twine, Polkadot Rasberry Fizz Satin Ribbon (PTI), Jody Boosters

A {Wish Big} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I've said it before, but this time I really mean it: I've got to make this post super duper short! I have big plans for today, but I can't reveal what they are in case I have a certain reader that may find out. I'll tell ya'll all about it some other time. Anyway, I hope you enjoy today's Sketch for You to Try from Jen. I have to admit I had a little trouble with it, as I just didn't have a "vee-yuh-sion" for it when I took my first few glances at the sketch itself. That's how it usually works for me. I look at the sketch presented and I can totally picture what would go where, and I have that initial idea and I run with it, tweaking and positively making changes as I go. This one? I got nothin' and I even looked at it for a few days before I actually sat down to make this card (ahem, last night at 11PM). Now, that doesn't mean that ya'll are off the hook--give it a shot. You may "see" your card right off the bat. Me? I think I'm just tired and have a lot going on with what I have to do today. It's gonna be big and "fully awesome"!

Here's what the other SFYTT chickies came up with. I'm sure they had no problems!
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Carole (actually, she may not be playing today as she is on her way back from Flo-rida!)

SUSIE Q-TIP: I just don't have time to write about it now, but I have GREAT news for anyone in the North Tarrant area of Fort Worth (and farther out, depending if you want to travel)! It's gonna be big and "fully awesome", too!

Stamps: Star Prints (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Bashful Blue, So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Chocolate Chip (SU!), Sunshine Lollipop (Sassafrass)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Scallop Circle and Circle Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Star Punch (Fiskars), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Silver Brads, Corner Rounder, Vintage Button (PTI), Rustic Twine (PTI), Glue Dot, Jody Boosters

I'm MOXIE FAB!!!

Well Jen called me at 8:30 AM yesterday morning absolutely demanding I go to Cath Edvalson's blog, Moxie Fab World (she's the creative editor for PaperCrafts magazine). She wouldn't even let me tell her about something cool I saw on Betsy Veldman's blog! I figured she was wanting me to see that she had (finally) won some blog candy from her or something unrealistic like that (she never wins). So when I was finally able to get to Cath's website, I poked around and scrolled down and saw MY VERVE FATHER'S DAY "POPS FOR POP" PROJECT!! She featured me (and several of my friends) on her blog! You can find the post HERE! Be sure and leave a comment over there, saying which project is your favorite (ahem, mine..) by midnight MST on Sunday, June 21st (Father's Day!) to win a cool Moxie Fab prize! I still can't believe I'm Moxie Fab! How cool is that!?!

Hoppin' and Splashin'

Well, it's time for another blog hop from My Favorite Things! To get started at the beginning because you don't want to miss a thing, visit Kim's blog first and then follow along the hop to the end where you'll possibly be sweetly rewarded! Ya'll already did that? Well high five to you! I have a couple of projects to show you with each of the two new sets that will be available tonight in just a couple of hours.

This first one is a cute little girl out splashin' in the rain in her yellow slicker (of course it had to be YELLOW!). The set is called "Rain or Shine" and is simply adorable! I will definitely be using this one again! Here's a close-up view of her. I bought some new blending stumps (isn't that the funniest word?)--the ones from Taiwan that are supposed to work better and wouldn't you know it, there is definitely a difference! What a difference a stump makes! Anyway, she was super fun to color with my Prismacolor Pencils and a little OMS, but markers, chalks or paper piecing would be just as fashionable.

This next project uses the new "Coffee Flopsey" and I can already tell it will be a personal favorite of mine! I decided to alter an International House coffee tin and put him on the front. I found some fun single serve packets of coffee and flavoring that truly I didn't even know existed and added them to it along with the ribbon and little tag. I hope my neighbor isn't reading this, as this is going to be a birthday present for her very soon.

So your next stop on the hop is Paula over at Paper Possibilities. I still have a lot to learn about Prismacoloring and hope to one day learn more from the best (her), so no comparing ok? It's definitely not apples to apples at this point. More like apples to prunes!

Oh and be sure and welcome our newest design team members as you hop along: Kathy Daume' and Barbara Anders!

The Ants Get Their Marching Orders

Well, yesterday morning while fixing my daily bowl of Special K, I was near our sink in the kitchen and I saw an ant. And then I saw another and another and another. Yes, they had come marching in, one by one, we believe through a crack around the kitchen windowsill right above the sink. So we started by just mashing them, thinking there were only a few. I ate my Special K and went back in, only to find they had brought their whole family for a picnic on and around our counters! I don't ever leave food out, so I'm not quite sure what they smelled (do they have noses?) that attracted them to my lovely abode. So since they weren't retreating any time soon, of course we grabbed for our handy dandy can of "Country Fresh" scented can of spray ant killer. We sprayed it all around, killing a few and then resprayed each one individually off and on all day each time we saw a "new face". Eric also went to Home Depot and picked up some ant hotels, but they never got to "check in" for their little vacation, as they were so overpowered by the "country fresh" air that they decided being outside instead of in was a better deal. They had their marching orders. I told them to jump and they said, "How high?".

Coincedence that this card is perfect for this post? Totally. I did this one a few days ago before the invasion for the My Favorite Things release. This is actually a "Who's That Girl?" set called Let's Picnic. It includes our favorite lady having a picnic, some food items and these little ants. This was the first card that came to mind when I saw the set! So maybe it was just a glimpse as to what was to come! Maybe I jinxed myself. I hope you don't have any qualms about making your own little "Moveable Feast" card. I'm sure it won't bring you the same karma. (I don't believe in that kind of stuff anyway. However, I'm certainly glad (Hoorah, hoorah!) 'they all went marching (back) down, to the ground, to get out, of the rain, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom, boom...'

SUSIE Q-TIP: How do you keep your white scraps stored so that they are ready to thumb through for your next card? I just keep a little square tupperware dish on the corner of my desk that holds all my white, vanilla and confetti white pieces and scraps. If I have one a little to large to put in there, I go ahead and cut it into a smaller piece. I will eventually use it. I also have extra white circles in there already cut for a jump start on my next project needing a circular panel.

Stamps: Let's Picnic (MFT)
Paper: White, Pure Poppy (PTI), Tea Party (Imaginisce), Chloe's Closet (MM)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine, Brown Thread, Red/White Gingham Ribbon, Copic Markers, Button (MFT), Hemp Twine, Glue Dot, Jody Boosters

Well, I realized last night that a bunch of pictures and cards, etc. I need to post about are on my other very dead computer! So until I get them all re-photographed, uploaded, and edited, I don't have much to show ya'll. It's on my list of things to do today, as I'm finally getting used to this laptop. So for now, all I have is a
SUSIE Q-TIP and it's more of a "hey, did you see this?".

SUSIE Q-TIP: SO, 'Hey, did you see this'? LOL!! I added a widget to my sidebar. It's the new "follower" thingy that everyone cool has. So of course, I had to get it too! My sister, Sara, told me it was a must. I hope you will add yourself to it!

I'll be back soon!

A {Rocky Poppy} Sketch For You To Try

Well, it's been a long week! The first full week of summer vacation for the kids and we were blowin' and goin' all week. Monday was swimming, Tuesday shopping, Wednesday a sleepover at our house, Thursday, kids over to play, but Friday I got a reprieve and told the girls we weren't doing anything! So let's back up to Thursday--It stormed and stormed and stormed some more. We started getting nervous about some flooding issues we have with some city drainage, so Eric came home from work just in case we needed to tear our fence down to let the water drain from our back yard, thus saving our house from flooding once again (our house was 95% flooded two years ago from it). In all that chaos, the power went off and on and off and on and in the meantime, my desktop computer died. We have a laptop that my almost brother in law had given us, but it had no CD ROM drive, so we couldn't load anything onto it or get on the internet. So since Eric had come home anyway just in time for the rain to stop (nice), he was my hero and got this laptop all fixed up for me with a trip to Best Buy for the drive. He spent 80 bucks on it but that's not bad to get a free laptop up and running! It's our first laptop and I have to say there is a bit of getting used to with it. I wish my hands were smaller for this little bitty keyboard for one thing and it's doing some quirky stuff when I type, so disregard any errors!

Anyway, only by the goodness of Eric getting me "connected" again am I able to offer ya'll my sample for Jen's Sketch For You To Try. It's a super easy sketch and with the three panels in the background, I decided to combine it with the My Favorite Things challenge (MFTMFC2)that Joanne had issued a few days ago which was to use three different patterned papers and they couldn't be from the same "line". AAACCCKKK!! I colored my little Poppy with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS. I'm trying to get better, but I think I need to re-examine my ink for that and the stumps I'm using as I don't think I'm getting very good results with each of them. I may need to ask a few of the "masters" at Prisma coloring: Paula and Megan (waving!). They totally rock!

Here's some more SFYTT samples that rock too!! We hope you get a chance to play along this week using your favorite keyword--SFYTT!
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Carole

SUSIE Q-TIP: Don't forget about the once ever-popular Sakura Stardust Glitter Pen. I used it on this card to totally dress it up and it's really cute in real life. I even drew with it along the main panels More Mustard border for a little extra zing. Speaking of zing, if you're more of a glitter person, then be sure and check out Joanne's How'd They Do That tutorial over in the MFT forum, where she's showing lots of ways to use glitter for the glitter-impaired like me.

Stamps: The Poppies (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Basic Black, More Mustard (SU!), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Rasberry Fizz (PTI), Designer Series (SU!), Pink (ecg), White Out Hoopla (We R Memory Keepers)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop Square Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Stardust Pen, MFT Button, Rustic Twine, Organdy PD ribbon, Glue Dot, Jody Boosters

Verve Project Parade--Day Five

Well, in case you haven't been aware, there's a Verve Project Parade going on over on the Verve Blog with some goodies to be had. It's my turn to post, so here's all I had to say 'bout that: How are ya'll liking all the "Father Knows Best" projects so far? LOL! Really, the project doesn't have to be a "father/dad" thing. Jen came up with a great way to encompass all the men in our lives by officially calling this Project Parade "It's a Guy Thing". I think "Boys Will Be Boys" would have suited it as well! But for me, I wanted to create something fun that my girls could give to their dad. They loved this idea and are almost certain he will share it with them! I was in Target buying some totally unrelated stuff, but had this project on my mind. I had thought up a completely different idea, but wasn't crazy about it when I passed the soda aisle. "DAD's" Rootbeer immediately came to mind, however they didn't have it. Neither did our local grocery store.

So I settled on this little four-pack of Boylan Old Fashioned Soda (I've never heard of it either, but what dad doesn't like to try new drinks?). I thought it was cool that it still had the word "boy" in the name of it and I liked the writing on the bottles.

I went ahead and used the same color scheme they had going on with it (worked for them, right?) and drew my inspiration from the original packaging--layout and all! I used two new stamp sets--Dad's Day and Up, Up and Away, and two older sets--Snowflake Splendor and Seeing Stars (one of my all time favorite Verve sets) and simply made panels to cover the sides. Anyway, this project didn't take hardly any time at all. The most time was consumed looking in the two stores up and down the soda aisle for the DAD's Rootbeer! Do they even make it anymore?

So, how would you like to play along with us? Do you have a special guy in your life (Dad, Husband, Grandpa, etc...) that you'd like to create a project for? This is the time to do it!

To play along, just make a project or card that fits your style and celebrates a man in your life. Verve Stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em we love to see 'em! Then just add a link to your creation to the Mr. Linky form in --->{THIS}<--- post before 8PM Mountain on Saturday, June 20. Two lucky participants will win a stamp set of their choice from the Verve Store. We've also hidden another $25 gift certificate somewhere along the parade for a random commenter. So if you like what you see, be sure and give a little shout out in the comments of each post! Have fun and good luck!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Everyone needs a good star stamp set (or two). They are completely useful for masculine cards, birthday, Fourth of July, Father's Day, and Christmas, just to name a few occasions I use mine for, not to mention just to make fun embellishments for all sorts of cards. I have Seeing Stars and Polka Stars from Verve along with a Fiskars star punch that fits the larger one perfectly, making my life easier (I really need a smaller one, too!). Both things are a great investment and I highly recommend them.

Stamps: Dad's Day, Up Up and Away, Seeing Stars, Snowflake Splendor (Verve)
Paper: Basic Black, Soft Sky, Very Vanilla (SU!), Pure Poppy (PTI)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Tempting Turquoise (SU!), Pure Poppy (PTI)
Accessories: Fiskars Star Punch, Circle Punches, Scallop Circle Punch, CM Oval Cutting System, Sewing Machine, Black Thread, Black/White Striped Ribbon, Rustic Twine (PTI), Jody Boosters, Old Fashioned Soda Four-Pack

TCPTUES62 ~ I'm The {Big Top} Hostess With The Mostess

Well, I know ya'll have been anxiously awaiting the next challenge to be doled out from The Cat's Pajamas. Wait no more, it's my turn to be the Hostess With The Mostess and as ya'll know, I do the stamp challenges around here. This time I chose PENGUINS because I think everyone will like them! I love how this card turned out. I used the colors from last week's TCP challenge and now I think it reminds me of a circus! Maybe it's the ribbon? Also, I know I talked to a few of ya'll as to what stamp sets you have and are your favorites. I can't find the emails (I have about 2000 in my inbox--they just build up and I forget about the delete button!), so if there is something you're dying to use, email me and I'll try to use it on one of my challenges! Be warned though, since I'm the ringmaster, I'm gonna HAVE to put the Happy Camper set on the list somewhere very soon (I think I'm having withdrawels from it), so if you don't have it yet, you NEED to get it! You'll love it!

So use any TCP PENGUIN stamps for your card this week and follow (the bouncing ball--sorry, it just came out!) the instructions below as to how to play.

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, June 13th.
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 TCPTUES62 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 coloring an image that has any type of round surface (balloon, head, clothing, shoes, etc.), leave just a bit of it white to denote light hitting certain areas of the object. I haven't done this too much before, but I really like the look on this balloon with it. Did ya'll think I put Crystal Effects on it? Tricked ya!

Stamps: You Say It's Your Birthday, Smells Like Cake (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Barely Banana, Tempting Turquoise (SU!), PTI White, Fruitcake (Basic Grey)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilites, Cuttlebug, Swirls Embossing Folder, Copic Markers, Clear Button, Turquoise Button, Rustic Twine (PTI), Striped Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Jody Boosters, Glue Dot

A {Half Price and Sore} Sketch For You To Try

Well, it's been a few days since I last blogged. I've been a busy girl and really haven't had much time to craft. You see, my husband has been asking me over and over, "When are we going to have our garage sale"? I just keep flopping all over this way and that, saying (whining), "I don't knowwwwww. It's such hard work, whaaa whaa whaa..". (Ya'll get the picture, right?). So this past Monday, he just came home and said, "Hey, I took Friday off this week to have our Garage Sale." Well, alrighty then and so it was decided. So that's what I've been doing, hemming and hawing as to what to sell, getting the permit, change, signs, tags---aaaaaccckk! So because I'm me and LOVE to wait until the last minute for things (especially the bigger jobs), I spent from 10AM to 12:30AM Thursday in my garage, cleaning it out, sorting stuff, and getting all the tables ready. All by myself, thankyouverymuch. You can do the math, but it was like a 14 and a half hour workout. We had our sale yesterday and are continuing it today, but needless to say, every fiber of my being is sore, including my toes. Not to mention that I am now sick due to all the dust and dirt I stirred up and Claritin isn't touching my allergies. All I can say, is that we better do better today than yesterday, or I may start to think Garage Sales are not worth the effort!

Anyway, here's my card for Jen's Sketch For You To Try today. I just couldn't stand it anymore and finally got my (old lady) Tea For Two set from Papertrey in the mail the other day. These leftover scraps and colors just jumped out at me and the teapot just looks so relaxing about now, that I figured it was a good choice for today. So I guess I better go push my wares for a little bit and then it's off to the Great American Scrapbook Show in Arlington with Jen. I hope my sore legs can take it. My tip for today contains some garage sale etiquette that you are to follow from here on out, so be sure and read on, my friends!

These girls will sure drive a hard bargain when it comes to creativity, so be sure and do a "drive-by" to each of their blogs for more SFYTT inspiration:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Carole's out of town, so we're letting her off the hook this week.
Ope, it's the first of the month, too and we have a new Guest Designer Star--Ashley Newell! Go Ashley! Check out her creation on Jen's blog, too!

SUSIE Q-TIP: If it's marked a DOLLAR, NO, I AM NOT SELLING IT FOR FIFTY CENTS!! I LOVE to spend an entire day marking things as to what I'd like to get for them, only to get half or nothing! It's my favorite. I'm pretty sure I'll have someone today ask to pay half of something marked twenty-five cents. You do the math. IT'S A GARAGE SALE, PEOPLE--THE STUFF'S CHEAP ENOUGH ALREADY!! And there, they go, walking away from a Winnie the Pooh book for a quarter...not a good enough price. Seriously. I feel sorry for their kids. They probably have to play with toilet paper rolls because they came free with a 4-pack. Oh, but only after they peel the two-ply apart to make it go further, thus making the kids wait twice as long for the beloved cardboard roll. I can only imagine. Ok, I'm done now. Just had to get that off my chest. Thankyouverymuch. See anything you want?

Stamps: Tea For Two (Papertrey)
Paper: Kraft (SU!), Pure Poppy, Rasberry Fizz, White (PTI), Small Black Dots (MM)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Pure Poppy (PTI)
Accessories: Circle Punches, Sewing Machine, Brown Thread, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Buttons, Black Brads, Rustic Twine, Red/White Gingham Ribbon, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

Hop 'Til You POP!!

Well, it's MFT BLOG HOP time! I hope ya'll are enjoying the My Favorite Things Blog Hop so far. If you are just joining us and feel like you've just walked in on a party you weren't invited too, be sure and go back to Kim's blog to start at the beginning for the full effect (I'm only the fourth one on the list, so it won't take you long to catch up) and of course you're invited! MFT is releasing 3 new sets this month along with some new ribbon and bling, all of which you can get your hot little hands on tomorrow night at midnight. My fellow design team members are totally rockin' this release, don't you think? I'm trying to rock it too, with this little girl from the new set called "The Poppies". She is having so much fun bangin' on the drums! This is what I felt like when I played Rock Band at my sister's house a few weeks ago! I'm absolutely positive I looked this cute! REALLY! For some reason, I don't think ya'll believe me. Anyway, I stamped her out four times to get this result. Can you count them? Once on the main panel, once to make a mask to do the skully background, once to pop up the drum and once to paper piece the drum with the fun paper. Did you follow all that? That's ok if you didn't. Here's all the really important stuff you need to follow! (There will be a test at the end--not hardly, try BLOG CANDY at the end of the HOP!
Sah-weet!!):

1. Please join us for the release party. It's from 8-10 PM EST on Wednesday, June 3rd. HERE'S the party thread on SCS.
2. Our 2 new Sweet Sixteen DT members will be announced during the release party that have been chosen from the MFT Stamping Idol final four contestants. So exciting! I can't wait!
3. Don’t forget that the winner of this month’s One Click Challenge will be announced – they’ll win the full release for free!
4. Time to POP on over to Paula's Blog, where she's sure to WOW you with her mad coloring skills!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When making your own embellishments (which by doing so, you are going green and saving money), run them through your cuttlebug or embosser of choice to add a little dimension.

Stamps: The Poppies (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Regal Rose, Basic Black (SU!), White MFT Perfect Panels, DP by Anna Griffin
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Pumpkin Pie (SU!)
Accessories: Spiral Edge Punch, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Houndstooth Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Star Punch, Circle Punch, Flower Brads, Adhesive Rhinestones, Prima Flower, Jody Boosters

A Grillin' Guy Sneak Peek From MFT, Or Is That My Hubby?

Well, it's Monday and time for another of Jen's Sketches For You To Try! No wait, that's on Saturday. Oh yeah this is the card I was GOING to post on Saturday, but didn't for some timing issues! So, I guess ya'll get a double dose of the same sketch from me (I just want you to see how versatile it is--yeah, that's the ticket!). Actually I'm giving you a little sneak peek at what's to come this Wednesday from My Favorite Things--The first "Who's That Guy?" set, subsequently called "Who's That Grillin' Guy"!! I know who it is!! This card would be a picture of my hubby last weekend on Memorial Day when he grilled anything and everything that used to walk on 2-4 legs from our freezer. He's a big Texas Longhorns fan, so I thought it would be fun to ink in the lettering on his shirt. It was so tiny, but I did the best I could (ya'll can click on the picture for a more detailed view). I used Copic markers for the most part on the coloring, but shaded over it with Prismacolor Pencils in some areas(no OMS). I like how the grill turned out! The blue and the apron is paper-pieced and I used an old friend, the Black and White Gingham mini ribbon. Hello, old friend! Anyway, stay tuned tomorrow evening for the MFT Blog Hop, with 3 new sets being released on Wednesday! I really love this set, but you are going to FLIP over another one of the new ones!!! Ok, gotta go and kiss the cook (again and again and again...)!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I don't have the new little "medallion" Nestabilities shapes that make the little "pinked" edged circles (yet). So for this, I went ahead and glued the kraft sentiment to another larger black circle and snipped little tiny triangles all the way around the edge. It didn't take that long to do and since it is a small embellishment, my imperfections don't show as much (I hope!).

Stamps: Who's That Grillin' Guy (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Basic Black, Kraft, Bashful Blue (SU!), Handkerchief Print (unknown)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Argyle Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Circle Punches, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Copic Markers, Prismacolor Pencils, Black CM Fine-tip Pen, Black/White Gingham Ribbon, Jody Boosters