Target Has Cheese

Well, I told ya'll that I'd try and post again today and I've barely made that happen! I have to admit, I'm getting a little bored with making Halloween cards and really wanted to take a break from doing so and use a different color palette as well. I hope ya'll are ok with that! So I pulled out a favorite set from My Favorite Things that actually hasn't seen that much ink. I don't know why? It's called Feelin' Fruity and has all these really cute smiley fruit! So I used the apple and made sort of a teacher-y card and used some of my favorite October Afternoon paper. Ya'll likey?

I don't have much else going on right now, but something funny did come up the other day when I took my oldest daughter, Shelbie to Target to pick up her Amoxicilin prescription. She had laughed at me earlier for calling hair straighteners "Flatteners". That doesn't sound odd to me at all. Does it to ya'll? So we had had this conversation about them and the different brands of them--Revlon, Conair and CHI. I need one, so that's how that all came about. We were standing in line at the pharmacy and from that vantage point, Shelbie spied the hair "appliances". Then she said, "Look Mommy, Target has CHI's". But when she said it, I thought she meant "CHEESE", as in cheddar. I'm sure I had the most dumbfounded look on my face when she revealed the obvious to me. Everyone knows Target carries cheese--hello--let me feel your forehead again, child! Plus it struck me as odd in that very moment as to how she knew I needed to pick some up. That was my little secret. So then I "got it" and we got so tickled there in the line at the pharmacy, that we made quite the scene. I'm sure the pharmacist was wishing she had prescribed us both some muscle relaxers. Or no, sleeping pills. Just shut us up.

I know I failed ya'll earlier and forgot to add my SUSIE Q-TIP! They are quite the hit, or so I'm told! So I decided to be extra generous and double up on this post.

SUSIE Q-TIP: I really like the look of the piercing all the way around the large layer of a card. It gives it just enough of a little touch.
Try it.

BONUS SUSIE Q-TIP: Target carries cheese. Target also carries CHI's. Pharmacists don't think that's too funny and they will try to shove your medicine across the counter fastly to get two howling, laughing idiots out of their face as soon as possible. Next time you're at Target, try it. In fact, I dare you to ask an associate where the cheese is located and then tell him you meant the other kind of CHI's, but don't clue him into what you mean. That would make for a fun romp at the store, I guarantee it.

Stamps: Feelin' Fruity (MFT)
Paper: Basic Black (SU!), Ripe Avacado, Pure Poppy (PTI), Cream Perfect Panels (MFT), Cherry Hill (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, 1/8" Hole Punch, Red Brads, Copic Markers, Black Stitched Ribbon (PTI), Adhesive Rhinestones, Jody Boosters

A Few of My Favorite Things

Well, I realized yesterday that I am really behind. It's been a nagging feeling I've had for a little while, actually. Well, all month, really. And now this week is crunch time for a few deadlines. This one is the first clear card I've ever made. It turned out kind of cute, but it was kind of hard figuring out how to attach everything. I gave up on trying to keep it "clean" on the inside (which is what I do with all my other cards). So now I need to go back and make a panel the same size as the front and put it on the inside to hide all the glue dots, brads, etc. Does that stuff bother ya'll, too? These are some more of the "extra" stamps from the Party Girl set from MFT. I put Glossy Accents from Ranger on everything. So fun!

So I'm really trying to save some time and make this short and sweet, but there are just some things you have to say, right?!! This one is one of my favorite Halloween projects! It's a little wall hanging I made using the "extra" stamps from the "Ghoulish Label Set". The main black piece is a black chipboard square with the four circles cut out. I simply laid it on top of my vanilla piece and lightly traced the circles in pencil so I'd know where to stamp the images. Then I made the base and added the Thickers glitter letters and the ribbon hanger (also MFT). I LOVE that ribbon and I've almost used it all up! whaaaaaaa!!!

Now, this little tag, you've probably seen before. It was in the MFT newsletter at the beginning of the month and it was an inspiration piece for one of the challenges this month. HERE'S where you can sign up for the newsletter if you don't get it already! It's down at the very bottom of the page, but well worth signing up for and you'll be informed of specials and more inspiration! For this tag, I used the Coffee? Tea? set and it's pretty big. I loved mixing all the pinks! The cups are actually individual stamps and I just masked them to make them stacked up! I also added some of my favorite things--buttons!! (MFT buttons, of course!)

Anyway, I thought I'd show ya'll these before I forget (again!). I may have another post this afternoon,too!! See? Can we say BE-HIND???

Stamps: Party Girl (My Favorite Things), Polka Dot BG (SU!)
Paper: Clear Cardstock (CHF), Pure Poppy, (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Heidi Swapp
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), White Craft Ink
Accessories: Labels 8 Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Circle Punch, Copic Markers, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Red Jewel Brads, Adhesive Rhinestones, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Jody Boosters

Stamps: Ghoulish Labels set (MFT)
Paper: Basic Black, Very Vanilla, Pumpkin Pie (SU!), Halloween (Martha Stewart)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie (SU!), Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Black Chipboard, Sewing Machine/Black Thread, Circle and Scallop Circle Punches, Cropadile, Thickers (AC), Silver Brads, Wide Black Stitched Ribbon (MFT), Jody Boosters

Stamps: Coffee? Tea? (MFT)
Paper: Basic Black (SU!), Rasberry Fizz (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Designer Paper (unknown)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Scallop Scissors, Circle and Scallop Circle Punches, Cropadile, Copic Markers, Buttons (MFT), Ribbons, Twine, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters, Corner Rounder

Ready for the Witchy Ball

Well, I guess my blog is still here. The reason I say that is when I went to write my post last night for the TCP Haunted Hop, Blogger had sent me a message that my blog had been reported as Spam! So which one of you did that? Does someone have it in for me? Just kidding! I think it had to do with me putting a lot of links in my posts and then some kind of filter Blogger uses flagged it mistakenly as a spam blog. That was scary, because it said that they needed to review it and if it came up "spammy", they were going to DELETE my blog altogether! That would be a SAD SAD day in Susieville. But it looks like we're back to normal, so onward and upward we go.

Anyway, I have a fun little project to show ya'll today. It's been a while since I shared anything from Glue Art and Paper Studio, so when I got the assignment to make something fall or Halloween, I couldn't wait to get started on this larger Dress Form I had from them. The Dress Form comes in three different sizes and in three parts for ease of decorating. In fact, they are on sale right now! This one is the biggest one, standing about 20" tall, put together.

I painted each piece black (I had to. Audrie had colored on the base with red crayon!), and then covered the bodice and base with some cool paper I got at The Scrapper's Boutique over in NRH. Then I thought it would be fun to paint some orange stripes on the stick part to resemble witch's stockings!

Then I started on the skirt. I sewed gathering stitches across the top of 3 different kinds of tulle (I wanted to be sure it was nice and poofy!) and pulled them until it was gathered enough to fit over the dress form. I then had to pull the stitches just a bit more to tighten them up and then hand sewed them down to anchor the gathered stitches. Hot glue helped me out at this point as well, as I glued down the gathered area. Mission accomplished: it's poofy all right!!

I added some fun rhinestone spider brads from Making Memories to the skirt part and the middle of her Prima flower to finish off her big orange satin ribbon belt. I just couldn't pass those up when I saw them at Michael's! They're from their new Spook Alley line. So cute!

For the last touch, I used a blank wood bat and painted him black. After that dried, I covered the top of it with glue and dumped this perfect PURPLE German Glass Glitter from The Cat's Pajamas on top of it. It matches the glittery purple tulle perfectly! We then left the house to go eat dinner in order to let it dry. That was an important step. When we got back, I cut the swirlies with my Basics 3 card and my Slice Machine, added the orange Prima flower with another sparkly spider and hot glued it onto her shoulder for a nice broach!

So my little witchy is ready for the Halloween Ball! I think she turned out so pretty! I'd love to make another one and make it super scary!! Now I just need to make a pumpkin coach like Cinderella had and we'll be all set!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I have a glass glitter warning label for ya'll:
It's GLASS! 'Nuff said.

Stamps: None
Paper: Basic Black (SU!), Ghoul Talk (Fancy Pants)
Ink: Black Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Dress Form (GLUE), CM Circle Cutter, Sewing Machine/Thread, Rhinestone Spider Brads (MM), Black and Orange Paint, Wide Satin Ribbon, Prima Flowers, Wood Bat, Glitter (TCP), Slice Machine/Basics 3 Card, Hot Glue Gun

TCPTUES78--A Haunted Hop!

Well, welcome to our TCP Tuesday Haunted Hop!! Since I'm the Hostess With The Mostess this week, the Hop will start right here with me!! This week's challenge is to use any stamp or stamps from the Fright Night set from The Cat's Pajamas. With my card today, I'm also giving ya'll a little preview of the new alphabet set coming next week called Baby Doll. I've also used some buttons from the new Hocus Pocus button collection coming along with that release.

Today's Haunted Hop includes a PRIZE giveaway!! Here's how you can win:You must leave a comment on each blog in the hop, starting with mine for your chance to win this month's KITTY KAT PACK!!
The Kitty Kat Pack will include:
The Fright Night set
Hocus Pocus Buttons
Hocus Pocus Glitter Pack (like THIS one but spookier)

Alma will be choosing a random commenter and posting it to HER BLOG sometime on Friday, October 2nd.

This time for the Haunted Hop, we are also featuring some very talented SWANKY STAMPERS (past TCP TUESDAY winners). So your next stop is Jenny Gropp. She's One Krafty Kat!!

Ok, now if you want to play in the TCPTUES78 Challenge, and we hope you do, here's the scoop on how that works and what's at stake every week (There have been a couple of changes. You no longer need to link to the Hostess's blog. Rather, Alma will have a "guestbook" on her blog to "sign" when you upload your card and there will be no deadline--YAY!):
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. There is no deadline to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on ALMA'S blog by signing and linking to the "GUESTBOOK".
5. TCP stamps are not required, but are appreciated, EXCEPT on STAMP challenge days when a specific stamp or stamps will be required.
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 TCPTUES78 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: Use alphabet stamps to create one-word or short sentiments for a bold statement for your card.

Stamps: Fright Night (TCP)
Paper: Kraft, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black (SU!), Plum Pudding (PTI), Trick or Treat (Fancy Pants)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Pinked Circle and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Hocus Pocus Buttons (TCP), Hemp Twine, Plum Pudding Stitched Ribbon (PTI), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

A {Seeing Eye Tree} Sketch For You To Try

Well, Saturday is finally here. This has felt like a long week for me for some reason. Maybe it's because it was one of those two steps forward and three steps back kind of weeks for me. I really didn't get a whole lot accomplished like I should have, but a break every now and then is ok, too! All week, I've been wanting to change out stuff in my house, but I don't tend to spend a lot of money on that kind of thing. I look for ways to use stuff I already have or try to find treasures at the Goodwill store that I can paint or redo to bring new life to it. No treasures were to be found this week, so I decided to rearrange our living room all by myself, out of the blue. Our living room is configured in such a way and our furniture is really big, that there's not much I can do as far as rearranging goes. But I did it anyway. It looks really bad. Eric and the girls like it, though, so it's staying this way for the time being. I'm too exhausted and have too much else to do to put it back anyway. At least it made me break out the shop vac (our vacuum sucks. No wait, it doesn't) and vacuum under the cushions and sweep and mop the floor under the furniture! I'm also $3.42 richer. Almost enough for a Starbuck's.

Jen's Sketch For You To Try this week was a perfect opportunity for me to make a card I've been thinking about ever since she and I took a trip to a local scrapbook store and I saw something similar to this tree with the eyes on it on some packaging. I knew the spooky tree from Too Cute To Spook (My Favorite Things) would work perfectly for it! I heat embossed the tree in black, and I just needed to add the googley eyes and the sparkly rhinestones to it for a fun effect! I know it's kind of goofy, but I like it!

Anyway, I tried to be all domesticated, it just didn't work for me this week. There are still some things I'd like to do to spruce things up in here, but they are all "projects" and I'll have to make time to do them soon. If there is anything picture worthy, I'll share it here! Meanwhile, I've got to go spruce myself up and get ready to head off to a birthday party for my niece at the ice rink. I hope to blog again tomorrow and show ya'll something I DID manage to make for GLUE that I'm super excited about!

We'd love it if you played along in the sketch with us. Here's some more inspiration if this tree card just ain't doin' it for ya. (totally understandable):
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly

SUSIE Q-TIP: If you don't like how your sentiment looks or it needs to be "reconfigured" to fit a certain shape, try stamping it out and cutting it up before adhering it.

Stamps: Too Cute To Spook (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black (SU!), Cream Perfect Panels (MFT), Esmerelda (Reminisce)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black and Versamark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: CM Circle Cutter, Corner Rounder, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, 1/8" Hole Punch, Heat Tool/Black EP (Judikins), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Orange Polkadot Narrow Ribbon (MFT), Googley Eyes, Orange Brad, Orange Adhesive Rhinestones, Jody Boosters

It's TCP Tuesday!

Well, I made it to the grocery store yesterday. I went to the dreaded Wal-Mart which is a rarity for me. I really don't like that store for various reasons, but I was trying to get a little more for my money, plus I just wanted a little break from my usual trips to Albertson's. My last trip there a few days ago about did me in for them for a little bit. It was nothing they did. It's a nice store and I love that I know where everything is. Are ya'll the same way? So here's what I experienced a few days ago at Albertson's:

I had the girls with me and we were walking past the bakery area. There was a mom and her daughter (about age 12) back there looking at the cakes. The young girl grabbed a piece of the "sample" bread, took a bite of it (didn't like it) and then she put her bitten out of piece right back down on the display rack!! I was appalled, especially at the fact that she was looking me right in the eyes as she did it and her mom saw her do it and said nothing! I let the bakery lady know what happened and she took care of it. Just think if you were with your young kiddos and they happen to pick that back up and eat it without you seeing where they got it!! GROSS!!

So that happened and by that time, we were done shopping. As we walked down the aisle to get to the front of the store, I see chicken wing bones scattered all down this aisle, all over the floor and randomly on the shelves and products. It looked like someone had a buffet at the grocery store! I think they picked the paper towel aisle because, as we all know, those are quite messy. I wouldn't have been surprised if it was the same mom/daughter duo. DOUBLE GROSS!! So that got a wink to the mananger from me at that point. He just shook his head, apologized and went back there to clean it up himself. I think I'm done with that store for a little while.

Lindsie and Audrie couldn't believe that someone would do either of those things! I'm so glad they recognized that that was so wrong! Quite the teachable moment!

Ok, so enough of my rant, today is TCP TUESDAY!! Joanne, the newest girl to the Cat Pack has brought us an outstanding color combo for our challenge today. I don't have a card done yet, as I'm working on a project I need to get finished for GLUE, which ya'll will get to see very soon. Hopefully I'll get one made up a little later. Anyway, head on over to Joanne's blog for all the info on how you can be so swanky and her wonderful sample!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Please don't use the grocery store as your buffet. The idea is to purchase your food and take it home to eat it, or at least snack on it in the car on the way home.

BONUS SUSIE Q-TIP: Sam's has lots of free samples, especially on the weekends and if you feel the need to munch while you shop, you can even probably get a whole meal out of it there, if you happen to be low on dough. However, as do most stores, they appreciate you putting your trash or unliked food items in the trash, and get this, they provide trash cans just for this reason!! The $2.48 Pizza and drink combo isn't bad, either.

The Definition of Fashion

Well, a brand new week is upon us. As I stayed up until one o'clock last night watching "Untold Stories of the ER" on the Discovery Channel, I decided that this week, I would try to be better and blog more often. I don't know why a man's leg covered in maggots, or a giant boil on a bodybuilder's behind would trigger that thought, but it came to me nonetheless and I'm going to try and stick to it. I have lots and lots to show, so that won't be a problem.

But first, I thought it would be fun to share a little bit of what I found as Lindsie's homework assignment from last week. We discovered last Friday morning, right before she went out the door for school, that she had overlooked writing the definitions of her spelling words. So she was able to complete it at school, but without the use of a dictionary (she was in the gym waiting for the first bell to ring). Here's just a few that cracked me up:

Stapler--something that helps you make stuff
Fantastic--an emotion that makes you feel happy
Cracker--a food that is in the shape of a square and that is salty
Pavement--the stuff that makes concrete

and here's the best one that is SO Lindsie!:
Fashion--something that looks good on you and you think is cute

According to this definition, Lindsie is ALWAYS in fashion! I can't wait to see what her words are for this week and get a load of her very own definitions of said words. So adorable!

Anyway, this girl is stylin'! This is by My Favorite Things and is from a fun stamp set called Party Girl, illustrated by Amanda Baird. I colored her up with Copic markers and used the "out of the box" technique (which I love to do!). You can find a tutorial for what that is HERE. Her boots, bow, necklace and gloves are covered in Red Stickles for extra sparkliness. A few changes are coming to MFT. You can take your guess as to what that may be HERE for a chance to win some great stamp sets! OH! AND an new challenge/contest for ya'll to participate in that will be lots of fun--the ins and outs of So You Think You Can Stamp will be announced on October 7th! I know all you MFT junkies will love it and if you have yet to become an MFT junkie, you should see what it's all about. It will really take your stamping to the next level (and make you an official junkie)!

Ok, it's been fun talking to ya'll this morning, but I desperately need to go to the grocery store! We're out of (whispering) toilet paper!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use a scallop border punch to create a unique edge to your cards. A scallop border punch is defined as a punch that makes scallops along a border. (per Lindsie) Just fyi.

Stamps: Party Girl (MFT)
Paper: Basic Black (SU!), Pure Poppy, White (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Garden Party (MM)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior)
Accessories: Scallop Border Punch (Fiskars), Copic Markers, CM Black Fine-tip Pen, Red Stickles, Red Adhesive Rhinestones, Red/White Polkadot Ribbon (May Arts), Jody Boosters

A {Rulebreaker} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I know I'm a little late in getting this published, but my husband, Eric was on the computer paying bills. We decided to do that first this time and THEN have a little play money rather than the other way around. It's not near as fun, though. I hate being a grown-up. So here's my card for Jen's Sketch For You To Try today! I thought this sketch was going to be a dud for me, but turns out--I really liked it and see lots more possibilities with it! I know I could have jazzed this one up a lot more, but the simpleness to it is what I'm drawn to this time (even with it's naked buttons). I have to say, this card did cause me a couple of injuries. I really tried to not have those buttons naked for several of ya'll's sake. I did tie some twine through the extra black and brown ones, but really didn't like how it looked, so when I was cutting it off, I managed to stab my index finger with my Cutter Bee scissors (very sharp). Great, and thankfully no blood got on the card! My other injury has me a little more concerned. You see, I'm taking Cipro (also used to treat Anthrax--really) for an infection, and apparently, one of the side effects is "tearing" of the tendons. Well, I was trying to squeeze my glue out (playing roulette as to whether or not the lid would just pop off from the pressure-kinda fun), and my wrist just completely gave out. Torn tendon? Nah, but now I know that it really could happen! It just feels a little strained--I guess I'm a weakling! So it's too bad that now is not the time for me to start a heavy exercise regimen. Darn a monkey!

So, more about this card--Last night was Verve's newest release! Six sets and one Plain Jane. I had yet to play with this one, Wishing You , and decided it would look great in the main panel. It's a set that "works". The "Wishing You" is the main piece and then there are all sorts of "endings" that coordinate with it. I love that you can do this and stamp the different parts in different colors. And the font? Oh.My.Word. So cute!

I wanted to take a little space here to tell ya'll thanks so much for all the congratulatory wishes on my becoming "DIRTY"! I still can't believe it and I hope to make ya'll all proud! Speaking of dirty, it's about time for me to go and wash the car--it's filthy!! Much dirtier than I am.

Ok, so here's the deal. We want YA'LL to play in the Sketch For You To Try Challenges as well. All you have to do is make a card using Jen's Sketch that you can find HERE, upload it to Splitcoast using keyword SFYTT and then feel free to link it to her blog as well. We love to see ya'll's work and you never know when she may be in need of a Guest Designer (I bet she looks in that gallery first!). Here's a little more inspiration for ya to get your mojo a-go-go!:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly

SUSIE Q-TIP: I'm sure I'm breaking some rule here (hi Jody) about using white with a paper that calls for cream. Join me in breaking the rules and mix the two. Be a rebel. I'm not responsible for consequent injuries.

Stamps: Wishing You (Verve)
Paper: Kraft, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black (SU!), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Patterned Paper (unknown)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories: Scallop Circle, Labels Three and Circle Nestabilities, Swirls Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Buttons, Felt Flower (Creative Cafe), Twine (PTI), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

Jumpin' in the Dirt Pile

Well, I have a confession to make. I've been keeping a HUGE SECRET from ya'll since JULY!!!!! Who knows what happens on the 15th of every month? Yes, your mid-month bills come, Papertrey has a new release, you get a paycheck to buy that new release (forget the bills!). What else? Well, if you're a FAN CLUB member on Splitcoaststampers, the newest Dirty Girls get revealed and that month's gallery is opened up for oogling and drooling over. It's totally acceptable, although just like Apple and their iPhones, I am not responsible for water damage to your computer.

Why am I telling ya'll something you already know? Well, there's just a tiny part you DON'T know----I'M GETTING DIRTY STARTING THIS MONTH!! Somebody pinch me, because I still can't believe it's true!! I'm completely honored and elated to be on the Dirty Dozen! I've secretly hoped it would happen to me for the last couple of years and my dream is finally coming true! It's been so hard to keep this a secret, especially from a few of ya'll who are my closest stamping buddies, but Jenn has this "policy" you know!

Anyway, I hope you are a fan club member and you can come see what all these amazing women have come up with for this month's gallery. It's awesome and I can't believe I get to rub elbows with these incredibly talented ladies!! (I also can't wait for my little avatar label to change from "Die Cut Diva" to "Splitcoast Dirty Dozen"! That's just going to make me tickled pink every day!)

OH yes, and here I am in all my gray streaked glory!! Now ya'll know why I "happened" to get my hair cut last week!! haha, ya'll had no idea!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Join the Fan Club if you haven't already.

A {Hairy Scary} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I got my hair cut yesterday--finally! I let it get just a bit out of hand, as in it's been about five months since I had a haircut. When that happens, I tend to put it up in a pony tail every day just to get it out of my face. Then I have really frizzy little baby hairs that halo around my face and it's never quite long enough in the back, so it always falls out on the bottom. To me, I think it always looks like I've just ran a couple of miles in the humidity. So pretty! I so wish I could pull off the super smooth pony tail that's actually a fashion statement. My hair is really thick (which I do love), so I don't think that will ever be a reality. Did ya'll know I have a gray streak in my hair and it started coming in when I was about 22? Right up at the top in the front. Twenty years later, I've decided to embrace it rather than fight it anymore. I really like the fact that Stacy London wears her's so proudly and I've decided I will do the same for the time being (As soon as these highlights grow out)! I'll upload a new picture soon, so ya'll can see me in all my gray glory!

Anyway, it's time for Jen's Sketch For You To Try. Again, I went for a simple look to this sketch (maybe because it was super late when I started making it? You'll never know.). I just came across these stamps from Inkadinkado the other day and had forgotten that I had them. When I saw this little guy, I knew I had to stamp him out! I digressed a little from the sketch, as I don't have a "real" embellishment where the star is, but the knot of the ribbon is making up for it, just a bit moved over.

So we have another little girl's birthday party to go to today. It's at "Sweet & Sassy" in the mall. Lindsie is so excited and is going to get all dolled up and I'll be taking Audrie to get some Italian Ice Cream...YUM! Hopefully no one will ask me if I'm her grandma! My highlights are still blonde, you know, so I can't look that old!

Check out my SFYTT sister's sweet and sassy creations too. We hope ya'll will play along! That's why we do this--to inspire YOU! Now go get busy!:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use your kid's craft supplies for your card, like the googly eye seen here. Go ahead and claim the new glitter that comes with Tooth Fairy Barbie for your stash. It's justified. Think of the clean-up this will save you after your precious angel accidently dumps it into her brother's lego bucket. So worth it and I don't even have boys.

Stamps: Ghouls and Goblins (Inkadinkado)
Paper: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie (SU!), Vintage Cream (PTI), Martha Stewart
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Flower Die, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Black Square Brads, Buttons, Black Twine, Copic Markers, Googlie Eye, Black Grosgrain Ribbon, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

The Cat's Pajamas Bid Farewell To Summer

Well, do ya'll have one of "those faces"--totally recognizable and has really never changed since birth? Well, I must. On Monday, Eric was home for the holiday, so we decided to go see the newest Harry Potter movie. We had never seen one of them at the movie theater, we always just buy them as they come out, so this was a treat! So we went to the little kiosk ticket machine and bought our tickets. When we got up to the "ticket-taker" guy (a man about 55-60), he looked at me and said, "Hey, I know you"! Me? Really? I don't recall hanging out with older men!? He asked me if I used to work at Kroger. Um, nope. However, at that point it was only natural for me to disclose that I did work at Winn-Dixie for four years, but that was when I was in high school for heaven's sake! (I'm now 42 and have lived in the same general area since 1979.) Slowly, I started to recognize him too, and I'm pretty sure he worked there as well, although I think that might have slipped his mind already. I remembered him with a huge smile and little round glasses--sort of a cross between John Denver and a Muppet. Anyway, I used to get recognized like that all the time, as I know I was quite the character when I worked there and I drove a high profile vehicle--a red 1970 Chevy pickup. Here it is 25 years later (he thought it was only 10 years ago) and there are still some out there that think I should be checking out their groceries. (Yes, if it rings up fifty cents, that does make it two for a dollar, ma'am. New math. I've got lots of stories.) Amazing. I don't know if I can take much more--first being asked if I was Audrie's grandma last week and now being recognized from where I worked in my high school days! What to make of it? Un-believable!

Anyway, I've got a few swanky things here from The Cat's Pajamas that kind of say "summer" to me, but I am ready to be done with this heat, so I'm dedicating them as my little "goodbye to summer" here in the land of susiestampalot. Both projects were made with stamps from TCP's last release. This first project is a Beach Bag tag that I made using a nametag holder from Wal-Mart. These are so fun to make and they take very little time! I still want to make some for my girls' backpacks this year with their names on them.

My next project is a cute flag banner. Wanna know where I got the inspiration for this? The Disney Channel's The Suite Life On Deck with Zack and Cody. So I guess having that on so much this summer did have an upside. The flags are the actual nautical symbols for T. C. P.--Tango, Charlie, Papa. I found the cording (finally) in the home fabric section at Hobby Lobby. I had to throw that tidbit in there, as it may be significant to some of ya'll out there. It was hard to find in just the right width!

So I better get off the computer now, as I'm trying to still get on a schedule. It's almost time to eat lunch and I don't want to miss that, you know! Oh, but don't forget, you have a couple more days to play in TCP Tuesday for that Swanky Cat Cash. Find all the details on Leigh's blog HERE.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Make sure that when you make a little bag tag like this that the cardstock piece is actually small enough to slide into the plastic sleeve easily, especially if you have lots of embellishments and dimensional things on it. Don't ask me how I know this. I don't want to talk about it, but you may be able to see some evidence by clicking on the picture.

Beach Bag Tag
Stamps: N-9670 CL Fun in the Sun (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Soft Sky, Summer Sun (SU!), Enchanted Evening, White (PTI)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black
Accessories: Plastic Badge Holder (Wal-Mart), Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Copic Markers, Candy Sprinkles Ribbon (RB-01, TCP), Cropadile, Binder Ring, Flower Rhinestone Brad (Doodlebug Designs), Glitzy Glitter (TCP)

Tango, Charlie, Papa (TCP) Flag Banner
Stamps: S-9668 CL By the Sea (The Cat’s Pajamas)
Paper: Pacific Point, Basic Black, Summer Sun (SU!), Pure Poppy, White (PTI)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Real Red (SU!)
Accessories: Scallop Square Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Pinking Shears, Cropadile, Copic Markers, Circle Punches, Foam Boosters, Large Silver Brads, White Cording (Hobby Lobby)

A {Get Along Little Doggie} Sketch For You To Try

Well, you know I told ya'll yesterday that I had lunch dates with my two favorite elementary schoolers. It was a little hectic getting to McDonald's, sitting down and having lunch with Audrie for thirty minutes, going back to Mickey D's and getting back to the school in time to make it for Lindsie's lunch. My timing had to be perfect. Audrie has the earliest lunch ever--10:42 AM. And even though I was in the drive-through line at 10:24 and tried to order a Happy Meal, they told me I had to wait 6 minutes before I could order lunch and made me get out of line. It's still a mystery as to how they make that "magical switch" from serving breakfast to lunch, but there must be something very special about it, that it can only start at 10:30 on the dot. The only thing I can think of is that the minute hand on the clock must be connected to the grill so that it won't turn on until precisely at 10:30:00:00 AM. Wow.

Anyway, I have to be somewhere this morning at 10 o'clock on the dot, so I need to "get along little doggie" with the latest Sketch For You To Try from Jen. These are just a smidgen of the cutest images ever from Whipper Snapper's Singing Cowboy set. My card today is very "stampy". I covered a chipboard star with Kraft (it was yellow), and stamped the little musical notes on it. On the twill, I stamped the stars, I repeated the stars on the Chocolate layer and heat embossed them in clear and even the main panel is made with 3 different stamps. That's 6 images on one card! I'm pretty stinkin' proud of myself on this one!

Ok, so here's what happened after I ate lunch with the Kindergarten set yesterday: The kids were all lined up, ready to head back to their classroom. I was standing there with Audrie and saying goodbye. The curly-headed, long-haired, red-headed little girl in front of her turns around to me and says, "Are you Audrie's Grandma"? I said, "No, I'm her mom"! Yep, that was me yesterday--insulted by a 5 year old. Needless to say, after I got home from my lunches yesterday afternoon, I applied for every reality makeover show on TLC and the Style Network.

Now it's time for ya'll to head 'em up and move 'em out and check out my other SFYTT (your favorite keyword) sisters and see what they rustled up for this week's challenge:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly

SUSIE Q-TIP: When using a cream (or even kraft) color for your main panel, use a white gel pen to add little highlights here and there to your image. It stands out against the cream and looks nice and bright.

Stamps: Singing Cowboy (Whipper Snapper)
Paper: Kraft (SU!), Enchanted Evening, Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream (PTI), Chloe's Closet (MM)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel, Brocade Blue, Cool Carribean (SU!), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox), Versamark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Labels One Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Brown Thread, Deckle Scissors, Heat Tool, Clear EP (Stampendous), Copic Markers, White Gel Pen (Ranger), Chipboard Star, Twill Ribbon (Martha Stewart), Aged Copper Brads, Stipple Brush, Button, Glue Dot, Scrapper's Floss (KF), Jody Boosters

MFTSC97--I Did It, Plain and Simple!

Well, the second week of school is almost over for us. Homework for both the kindergartner (really!) and the third grader is already in full swing. I can say our afternoon/evening routine...we've got it down to a science. It's a little more hectic on Wednesdays, when Lindsie has gymnastics, but if I have the presence of mind to put dinner in the crock pot those days, I'm golden. Now let's just talk about the daytime hours when Susan is here alone while the kids are at school. I have no routine. I'm floundering around. Oh, I've got plenty to do, but I don't know what it is...When I have lots to do, I don't know what to do first, so I think and think about it and then do NOTHING! And it's not like these things I need to do are these great big overwhelming tasks. It's everyday stuff...sweep the floor, dishes, laundry. I do like the fact I can do my stamping during the day instead of into the wee hours of the night, but I still don't do that at the most opportune times. I'm sure Eric likes that I don't turn on my heat tool while he's trying to sleep and dreaming of burning me with it! I think what I need is an old fashioned routine. I know my mom (hi mom) often has told me her mom used to have a set routine, like laundry on Mondays, ironing on Tuesdays, worked in the yard a certain day, etc. Does anyone do this anymore (besides spending a whole day ironing)? If you've got any great ideas or tips let me know before I end up wasting this entire school year floundering!

Anyway, one day this week, I did nothing but stamp. Still didn't get too many projects done (I spent WAAAY too much time trying to make a template for something I ended up trashing), but I did manage to make this card for the Sketch Challenge for My Favorite Things. I thought the sketch was a perfect time to try the ribbon pleating technique I learned about and LOVED on Lisa Johnson's blog, Poppy Paperie HERE. It just makes me want all the colors of the stitched Papertrey ribbon, so if you don't like yours, I'll be happy to take it off your hands. I placed the new Spooktacular Swarovski crystals from My Favorite Things on each of the spiders' booties to make them super sparkly! I'm lovin' the sparkles here lately! In fact, I just ordered THESE, too!! I love that they come in different sizes and will be stalking my mailman very soon!

Well, I do know I need to go get in the shower (I usually do this earlier, but Eric let me sleep in this morning. Darn him!). My plan is to make eating lunch at the school with the girls on Fridays part of my "new and improved" routine. Once I figure out what that looks like.

SUSIE Q-TIP: If your stitches from your sewing machine start to look at bit wonky and crooked and you know it's not your skillz (because you've been sewing since you were six years old), check the manual about changing the tension of your upper or lower threads. Just so ya'll know... I did this AFTER I made this card.

Stamps: Ghoulish Labels set (MFT)
Paper: Basic Black, Pumpkin Pie (SU!), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Plum Pudding Bitty Dots (PTI)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Pumpkin Pie, Elegant Eggplant (SU!)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Black Thread, Tracing Wheel, Spooktacular Swarovski Crystals (MFT), Plum Pudding Stitched Ribbon (PTI), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters

A Spooktacular Blog Hop from My Favorite Things

Well, BOO to you!! It's time to sit back and have a little fun--it's MFT Blog Hop Time! You'll want to start at the beginning on Kim's blog, HERE to be able to enjoy all the spooky sweet goodness! Don't fear the unknown, but somewhere along the hop, one of us has blog candy! However, WHO the candy giver is and WHO the winner is won't be revealed until tomorrow night at the release party! So you'll want to be sure to leave a comment on every blog to have the most chances of winning! It's like a MYSTERY LOTTERY STAMP WINNING machine!
For my blog hop sample, I used two of the new sets--The tombstones come from the Ghoulish Label Set, but the majority of the scene was made using Too Cute To Spook (which is also a sentiment included in the set!). This set is an "MFT Presents Stephanie Fizer" set, and also includes the cutest little witch you have ever seen! It will be available tomorrow night at the end of the release party for $15.95. I know you're going to love it! The tree is a solid image unlike any other and was so easy to heat emboss and get a really black perfect spooky tree!

Be sure and join us tomorrow night starting at 8pm EST over on the SCS forum for the most fantastic release party for My Favorite Things. It's going to be right HERE.

Anyway, I don't mean to scare you off so soon, but it's time to sweep the cobwebs around here, so you best leave before the walls of this house start breathing or you start sneezing. Your next haunt is over on Michele's blog, Paper Cuts HERE!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Putting brads in corners where you messed up your stitching is a beautiful thing.

Stamps: Too Cute to Spook, Ghoulish Label Set (MFT)
Paper: Pumpkin Pie, Kraft, Basic Black (SU!), Lemon Drop (K & Company), Vintage Black Stripe (The Paper Studio)
Ink: Palette Noir (Superior), Versamark (Tsukineko), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: CM Circle Cutter, Sewing Machine/Black Thread, Black EP (Ranger), Heat Tool, Copic Markers, Silver Brads, Button (MFT), Black Hemp Twine, Skeleton Ribbon (Cosmo Cricket), Glue Dot, Jody Boosters