A {Caffeinatied} Sketch For You To Try

Well, here I am, trying to get back amongst the living. It's.SO.hard! So many people have told me how long it takes to actually not be a zombie anymore after having mono. It's way too long, lemme tell ya! I can't go on like this! Another three weeks to a year? Oh no, that can't happen. I'm trying to rest, but with it being summer and trying to entertain a 9 year old and a 6 year old, I have things to do and no amount of caffeine is helping. I did manage to take them roller-skating last week, and it was all I could do to not just lay right down on the benches and take a nap. I texted Jen and told her I was dying and that I willed my new Cricut Expression to her. She didn't beleive me. She was right--I'll be ok.

Did I mention it's Saturday already and time for Jen's Sketch For You To Try? AND did I mention that this week's sketch is sponsored by Totally Stampalicious? Oh yeah, I didn't. My brain is melted. When she told me that Totally Stampalicious was our sponsor, I was excited to be able to use this little stamp set called Morning Margaret. It's so ME! There are several stamps to choose from with these "senior" characters and they are so funny! I would encourage ya'll to stop by the website and check them out. They are TOTALLY STAMPALICIOUS!

I hope you will play along this week! Just link your creation to the link system on Jen's Blog FOR A CHANCE TO WIN AN AWESOME $25 TOTALLY STAMPALICIOUS GIFT CERTIFICATE and she will announce a winner next Saturday. Have fun and good luck! Here's a little more eye candy for ya'll to see (and lots more peeks at some fun stamps from Totally Stampalicious)!:
Amy R.
Amy S. (on vacation)
Kelly
Leigh O'Brien
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock (just had baby EMMA and isn't feeling so hot.)
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins
Carole Burrage (at CHA, so she's not playing this week)

SUSIE Q-TIP: Have ya'll tried the new Fruit Smoothies at McDonald's? You should. I'm just sayin'.

A Pause for the Cause

Well, I'm sorry to have flaked on ya'll and didn't ever post a card for Julee. It's stuck on my desk. I'm at a loss. I'm mojo-less.

I'm taking a little break-i-poo for a couple more days. This mono is really kicking my bootie and I just don't have the energy to do much. I MADE myself get motivated yesterday, got excited about doing some new things for the house (living room re-do), but overdid it. My body said, "NO", and now I have a migraine. When I feel better, I will have some before and after pictures for ya'll.

I guess it's my body just saying, "Hello, I need a break!". So I'm listening. This time. For a little bit. Only.

Happy Birthday, Julee!!

Well, the Head Diva, Julee Tilman, is having a little birthday today, so a bunch of us Verve Divas and other friends of hers are surprising her with this Blog Hop Celebration! The start of the hop is over on the Verve Blog, so be sure and start there.

I had a little hiccup along the road to getting my card done just yet, but come back and see me a little later so I can still share it with ya'll! I just didn't want to miss my chance to say:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, JULEE!

WE LOVE YOU!

Next on the hop is Maureen Plut, from Buttons & Bling!

A {Want to Share?} Sketch For You To Try

Well, when I heard that this week's Sketch For You To Try was going to be sponsored by Amber Ink, I knew right away that it was these adorable Love Bunnies that would be hopping into my computer to use today. I just think they are so cute with their little whimsical expressions that can be interpreted any number of ways. This one is called Nosey Bunny. Yes, while he looks nosey, to me, he also seems a little worried that those carrots are going to bury him alive if he doesn't watch out!

The carrots are actually part of another digital image called Carrot Line. I just printed it out and cut a few of them out individually. By the way, printing these digital images was much easier this time for some reason. I think it's because I figured out how to open them in Photoshop CS3, and move them so they didn't have to print in the middle of the page! I still couldn't figure out how to make them all print at once (I had to keep running the same piece of cardstock through each time for each image), so if ya'll have any hints about that, please share! Sweet Amber also sent me THIS sentiment that she made up to use, but I am sending this card to someone as a "thank you" and it didn't quite "stack up" for that. Instead, I used this sentiment from MFT's Pure Innocence Lollipop Girl (which looks to be unavailable right now, but I'm sure we will get more). So cute. Right now, Nosey Bunny's cup overfloweth.

Won’t you come play with us? Just link your project to the link system over on Jen's blog by Friday, July 30th, at 5pm CST and you will be entered to win a $25 Gift Certificate to Amber Ink! Happy stamping and GOOD LUCK! And…don’t forget when you upload to an online gallery, please use the keyword SFYTT.

AND here's a little bit of news I'm very excited to share! Carole Burrage is back with us starting this week for SFYTT. She's a very tried and true friend and I'm so pleased she came to her senses and decided to re-enlist in SFYTT. Welcome Back, Carole! We've missed you! As always, we have all these talented ladies here to offer up their best work for your inspiration on SFYTT day. Carrot to check them out? It's ok to be Nosey. Here they are:
Amy R.
Amy S. (on vacation)
Kelly
Leigh O'Brien
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock (just had baby EMMA!)
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins

SUSIE Q-TIP: Leave the ends of your twine where you tie your buttons long. I don't have a reason for this, it just looks cute in some cases.

Stamps: Nosey Bunny Digi (Amber Ink), Lollipop Pure Innocence (MFT)
Paper: White, Kraft, Ripe Avacado (PTI), Fly a Kite (October Afternoon)
Ink: Printer, Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Oval Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Circle Punch, Corner Rounder, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, White Brads, Prima Flowers, Buttons, Divine Twine (TCP), Ripe Avacado Ribbon (PTI), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5.50" Square

It's an MFT VIP Blog Hop!

Well, it's Berry nice to see ya'll here again, only this time we are hoppin' on the MFT VIP train! Yes, it's already VIP time and we are celebrating with a blog hop to show off the new upcoming Who's That Girl set ya'll are going to need from My Favorite Things. If you just popped in here to see how I was doing, thanks Berry much, but just for grins, sit back, relax and start at the beginning of the hop over on Kim's blog to reap the best harvest of eye candy. What's an MFT VIP you ask? It is a ONE DAY ONLY product (which will be available tonight at 10 PM EST through July 21st at 11:59 PM EST). What's so cool about that? Ya'll have the opportunity to purchase the WTG set TWO WEEKS early so you can start playing with it before its actual release date! BERRY SWEET!

So let's talk about my card, here, ok? I never use blue. I take that back, I love using light blue and I can't seem to put down the aqua blue (I almost swapped it out for the aqua several times in the making of this one. Then I said, "Susan, just put down the aqua."). It's just this regular everyday beautiful blue that I never go for. Why? You tell me. So I forced myself to go for it this time and I really like the quiet touches of true-blue. Do ya'll? Anyway, I colored the non-paper-pieced areas of the WTG stamp, Who's That Harvest Girl? with my Prismacolor Pencils and Odorless Mineral Spirits (I had so much fun with the last one I did!). I added some MFT Ribbon and Buttons from the Summer and Earth Girl Collections that I LOVE! This WTG set is my new favorite. I've decided that this card sort of reminds me of a Better Homes and Gardens summer magazine cover!

Here are the contents of the August VIP Kit ($36):
Who’s That Harvest Girl?
Girly Net Ribbon Collection (2 yards each of netted ribbon in Lipstick Red, Cool Green, White Tulle, Sassy Black, Girly Pink)
5 yards 5/8” Black Saddle Stitch Ribbon
Olivia Basic Grey 6 X 6 patterned paper pad
Set of 10 Scalloped A2 Notecards in Black Linen
Garden Goodness mini stamp set (FREE, $9 value)
Additional release on VIP night:(this is amazing!)
Strawberry Carton and Strawberries Template $3.95

Ok, thanks Berry Much for stopping by, but now it's time to head on over to the coloring queen, Sherrie Siemens' blog!! Have fun!

SUSIE Q-TIP: This little stamp set includes different fruits you can stamp "into" the basket. If you don't line them up just right and happen to stamp a little too far down into the basket with the fruit, just paper piece the basket and no one will ever know. Don't ask me how I know this. I don't want to talk about it. I can't anyway, I'm losing my voice. It's Mono. :(

Stamps: Who's That Harvest Girl? (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Kraft, Dk. Chocolate, Pure Poppy (PTI), Ballet Blue (SU!), Fly a Kite, Thrift Shop (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Big Scallop Rectangles Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Circle Punches, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Copic Marker, Silver Brads, Earth Girl/Summer Buttons (MFT), Twine (TCP), Perfect Plaid Ribbon (MFT), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Happy TCP Release Day (Among Other Things)!

Well, I hope ya'll had a great time at the FIRST EVER release party for The Cat's Pajamas. The thread was going at lightening speed! However, the celebration is not completely over. It's TCP Tuesday and a bit more! Here's what we've got going on today in Alma's words:

This TCP Tuesday we're celebrating our new forum on Splitcoaststampers by mixing it up with the Dirty Dozen on their Dare to Get Dirty Challenge. The Hostess with the Mostess is our very own Dirty Dozen Alum, Leigh O'Brien. Their sketch challenge is our sketch challenge this week. Check out their challenge on the Dirty Dozen forum at Splitcoaststampers and see what the Dirty Dozen has done with this sketch.

Don't know about the Dirty Dozen? They are the elite of the elite (I'm a proud ALUM!). And you can get access to all their design challenge, creations, galleries, templates and instructions. How? Just click HERE.

Not only is our TCP Tuesday challenge pulling double duty with the Dare To Get Dirty Challenge, but we are having a BLOG HOP today as well. Since Leigh is our Hostess with the Mostess, we are starting the hop with her, so be sure and start at the beginning as to not miss any of the swank.

I've used the new set, Good Friends for this sketch since it was a good fit for an oval centerpiece. The rug, and television are paper pieced with Alma's new Wood Sheets. They are a light birch, but I simply inked the edges of the rug and sponged Walnut Stain on the TV to make it darker like those old console TV's! I also used the wood as the horizontal piece behind the oval and for several mats on the different panels of this card, inking all the edges with my favorite--Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye. I tried out the new "trend" and used a ticket shaped piece of red cardstock for the sentiment banner. I made it myself!! Don't miss all the new goodies NOW available on the TCP website!

Ok, well, that's all from me today, I need to get some more rest and kick this summer bug! Ya'll should hear my voice--I match Eric's now!! Anyway, your next stop on the hop is the beautiful and talented Julie Masse!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Make a "ticket" for your sentiment banner. Cut your paper about that small, then use a ticket corner punch for the corners. Pierce a line of holes along the short ends. Stamp your sentiment. Add straight lines to the top and bottom using a ruler and black fine-tip marker.

Stamps: K-0687 CL Good Friends (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Pure Poppy, Chartreuse (PTI), Birch Wood Sheets (TCP), Fly a Kite (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox), Walnut Stain (Ranger)
Accessories: Oval and Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Circle Punches, Sewing Machine/Thread, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Ticket Corner Punch, Prismacolor Fine-tip Black Pen, Ticket and Sodacap Brads (7 Gypsies?), 3D Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Almost Time to {Pajama} Party!

Well, it's almost time to party with The Cat's Pajamas! It's a full on Pajama Party. Party on with the Cat Pack at our very FIRST Release Party over on our new forum on SCS! There'll be games, and giveaways and sneaky peeks at our new release. And there just might be a surprise at the end. (Sorry, no cake.) Speaking of no cake, this is another Sneaky Peek using the new soon-to-be-released set, Forget the Cake. I have used LOTS of swanky goodness from The Cat's Pajamas here: New Glitzy Glitter, New Flower and Button Cut-Ups Dies, New Divine Twine, and the oh-so-fun wide Striped Ribbon that comes in a variety of colors. I colored it all monochromatically with my Prismacolor Pencils and blended it with Odorless Mineral Spirits. I LOVE coloring this way!

I really never forget the cake. I love cake. Cake is my friend, but the icing is pretty good, too. In fact, last night, I wanted some chocolate cake with chocolate icing--BAD. Eric offered to run out and get it along with some ice cream (because I'm full-on sick now). I told him to have the bakery lady write on it, "Feel Better Soon, Susan. I Love You". He just looked at me. At least it tasted yummo-licious. His excuse was that he wanted to hurry and get back so I wouldn't be by myself for very long. Ok, sweetheart. Good save.


SUSIE Q-TIP: See above. Be there or be square. Bring your own cake. I'm eating mine.

Stamps: Forget About the Cake G-0689 CL (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: MFT White Perfect Panels (MFT), White, Vintage Cream (PTI), Pretty in Pink, Regal Rose (SU!), Ducks in a Row (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Flower and Buttons Cut-Ups Dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Scallop Rectangle and Circle Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Divine Twine and Glitzy Glitter (TCP), Striped Ribbon (TCP), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

A {Wish Big} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I think I'm trying to get sick. Three days ago I started getting a sore throat, so Thursday I took myself right to the doctor (for Eric's sake--he can't afford to get sick!). Dr. Looney (yes, that IS his name and I love him--wonder why?!) told me I should wear a mask around Eric. I decided Eric can wear the mask around me (doctor agreed), so he went to work yesterday to avoid me! Haha--probably for the best. I was loaded up with antibiotics and decongestant medicine. It now is starting to hurt when I cough and feel tight in my chest. This is a bad sign. I'm supremely hoping those antibiotics kick in as we speak! Meanwhile, I have been trying to ignore the fact that I'm not feeling well. Night before last, I got a wild hair and called Shelbie up (our oldest daughter) at 10pm to go see Eclipse with me at 11pm. We did not get home 'til almost 2am. That caught up to me yesterday. Then Eric and I had the unique opportunity to have a date night last night. Here's what we did: Went to Pei-Wei, split an entree, walked next door to the book store, grabbed some stuff (I got Eat, Pray, Love) and came home and read our books. In complete silence. Yes, we are getting old. What a dichotomy of evenings.

So here we are (cough, cough), it's Saturday and time for another Sketch For You To Try from Jen. So speaking of getting another year older, this is a birthday card for the younger set (one of Lindsie's friends is turning 10 today!). We have another SUPER generous sponsor this weekend, Wild Flower Patch stamps. They carry some really cute stamps (some are even Twilight-ish!), some in red rubber with foam cling mount, but mostly they are digital. I'm not the greatest at using these. I couldn't even tell ya'll how I finally got this to print, but I'm sure ya'll would have no problems with it (I'm old, remember? cough, cough.). This one in particular really stood out to me as I think she is so cute and I can portray either of my girls' age group for their friends' birthday cards with it (although, ya'll may remember I am a non-kid birthday card giver. I had a traumatic experience once when a child proceeded to tear apart a birthday card I had toiled over in front of my very eyes.).

She is called Birthday Lilyann I'm so excited at how this turned out...kind of simple, but really fun! See the Flower Cut-Ups from The Cat's Pajamas?. Ya'll won't want to miss the Release Party on SCS on Monday night with lots of opportunities to win some swanky goodness from TCP! Speaking of winning, be sure and read up on Jen's blog how you could win some FREE digi's from Wild Flower Patch! So much going on and so much left to do...antibiotics to the rescue..PLEASE!?

We've got some more ideas to share with this sketch. I love how week after week, everyone amazes me with their creations, all different but with the same sketch. We have an awesome SFYTT team!! Go Girls!!
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Leigh O'Brien
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins

SUSIE Q-TIP: Can you tell where I cheated on this card? I was trying to use up scraps still laying on my desk from a project (yet to be shown here, but coming soon). The longer striped piece is actually two shorter ones that don't even meet underneath the main image. Same thing with the little red stripe. I'm sneaky that way. Try being sneaky too. Yep, sometimes my cards are optical illusions.

Stamps: Birthday Lilyann Digital (Wild Flower Patch Stamps)
Paper: Bashful Blue (SU!), Plum Pudding, White, Pure Poppy (PTI), On Holiday (The Girls Paperie)
Ink: Printer
Accessories: Flower Cut-ups Die (The Cat's Pajamas), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Seeing Red Collection Felt and Divine Twine (The Cat's Pajamas), Button, Satin Ribbon, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

a la mode Blog Hop from My Favorite Things

Well, welcome to the a la mode BLOG HOP for My Favorite Things! I hope you came from Jen's Blog, but if not be sure and start at the beginning on Kim's blog to see all the creations the fabulous design team has put together!

I once again used this cutie-pa-tootie girl from the Picture Perfect a la mode set.


I made the card fairly simple to bring her more into "focus".

I colored her with Copic Markers, making a shaded edge on one side and any parts underneath with a light blue. I think that makes it just pop a bit more. I love making the camera different colors and soon I think I'll paper piece it, too, just like I did the skirt.


Who wouldn't love a plaid or polkadot camera!!??


Here are some important facts to remember about the a la mode stamp sets:
--They are being released TONIGHT at 10 pm EST--Yay!!
--a la modes will be available only in rubber.
--Each set is produced in the USA using the higest quality rubber, with the deepest etch possible.
--Each image and sentiment is backed on cling foam and scroll cut, making it ready for stamping right out of the bag!
--Packaged in a super cool clear hang bag, we've also provided the ideal storage solution by including a thick laminated header card in each set that can be used to store the stamp set, in its entirety after purchase.
--only $10.95 for the 3 x 4" set.

Next up in the hop is Sherrie! I'm sure she has something "picture perfect" to show ya'll!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Try paper piecing clothing using a plaid. But stamp it on an angle to you get a diagonal plaid. It equals more fun.

Stamps: Picture Perfect a la mode (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Barely Banana (SU!), New Leaf (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Three Bugs in a Rug
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Jumbo RicRac Die-namics, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dot Embossing Folder, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Buttons (MFT), Divine Twine (TCP), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Verve Project Parade~Day Three...

Well, in case ya'll haven't noticed, the July Project Parade is going on over on the Verve Blog! We've already reached Day Three of this month's Verve Project Parade! Last time (May), I think I was last in the Project Parade, and now here I am third up to bat! Read on to see what I created....I did it all with one acrylic album, one stamp set, 3 sheets of double sided decorative paper, scraps, brads, ribbon and those $1 adhesive rhinestones from Michael's! Talk about cheap! (Warning: lots of pictures!)


Here's mine. I just have to tell ya'll that the whole time I was putting this together, Lee Greenwood was singing, "Proud to be an American" in my head over and over. (There. Now he can be a broken record in your head too! Sorry, 'bout that!) It's a good song, though.


I love this month's theme--My HERO, so I thought I'd make something fun and patriotic...gotta love the RED, WHITE AND BLUE!!!


I've known from the minute I saw this stamp set, American Hero, that I wanted to make a little mini tag book using most of the sentiments from the set. So when Jen came up with this theme, I figured it would fit right in and be the perfect thing to make!


I started working on this a while back, but had to put it on the back burner to help out MY hero, my husband Eric, while he was in the hospital getting cancer treatments. I was glad to get to working on it again and see it come to fruition, which also meant he was feeling better!


I've had the acrylic tag book for quite a while, having good intentions to make something great of it someday. (Ya'll wouldn't know that habit, now would you?) So this little book was my first choice when I was deciding the format of my mini album. I only embellished the one side of each tag, so that pictures could be adhered to the other, but it's not even necessary, as it's cute just on its own!


What really helped this project along, was just "not thinking" too hard about layouts to begin with. I stamped the sentiments and stars (all from American Hero) randomly on various papers, cut them with different Nestabilities and made some embellishments using the patterened paper I had purchased for this project (Creative Imaginations), some adhesive rhinestones, brads and one Maya Road Star stickpin (couldn't resist).


Then I just started putting things together according to what went well and didn't blend too much with the papers I had already randomly adhered to the acrylic album (used the big 510 Xyron machine). It wasn't hard to make at all! I hope ya'll like it! I'm thinking of who I can send it to. Maybe I'll just give it to Eric. (smiles) No, he's not in the military, but to our family, he's a SUPERHERO!


Be sure and visit the VERVE BLOG to find out how to play along and get your name in the hat for the Project Parade Prize drawing. All the details are over there, so git to gittin'!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When you are making a project that is a little involved and your 9 year old comes in to tell you she is bored, put her to work. She can definitely cut some die cuts for you with your Nestabilities or die cutting system of your choice. She will enjoy figuring out the right way to cut things and which side of the paper is the "right side". You will love being able to tell her to put away your tools when she is done so you don't have to.

Stamps: American Hero (Verve)
Paper: Red and Navy (Bazzill), Pure Poppy, White and Vintage Cream (PTI), Patriotic DP (Creative Imaginations)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Night of Navy (SU!), Pure Poppy (PTI)
Accessories: Acrylic Tag Book, Nestabilities, Circle Punches, Xyron 510, Ribbon, Silver Brads, Adhesive Rhinestones, Sewing Machine/Thread, Star Stickpin (Maya Road), Jody Boosters

Introducing a la modes from My Favorite Things!

Well, SURPRISE! Since this month marks the 4th birthday of My Favorite Things, Kim the owner, wanted to continue celebrating this month with something a little new and different. Introducing a la modes from MFT!! This one is called Picture Perfect. This particular set comes with the oh-so-trendy (and cute!) girl and 3 sentiment stamps. Picture Perfect and one other a la mode set will be available tomorrow night, July 14th after our a la mode blog hop! Be sure and check out Kim's blog for a list of all the DT members who are previewing this set. Then check it again on the 14th for the other a la mode set peeking tomorrow, Birthday Girl.

Here's a little more info about these "new and different" stamps:
--a la modes will be available only in rubber.
--Each set is produced in the USA using the higest quality rubber, with the deepest etch possible.
--Each image and sentiment is backed on cling foam and scroll cut, making it ready for stamping right out of the bag!
--Packaged in a clear hang bag, we've also provided the ideal storage solution by including a thick laminated header card in each set that can be used to store the stamp set, in its entirety after purchase.
--only $10.95 for the 3 x 4" set.

SUSIE Q-TIP: After I cut my little felt flower using the Rolled Flower Die-namic die and put it together, I topped it off with a few little Glitter Garnishes from MFT as well. I've had these for quite a while, and they had gone by the wayside (because of my love of buttons). I never think to use them. With the rise in popularity of paper/felt/fabric flowers, these are the perfect little touch for the centers. Hello again little sparkly friends.

Stamps: Picture Perfect-a la mode (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Aqua Mist, White (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Thrift Shop (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Rolled Flower Die-namics, Labels 10 Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Buttons and Ribbon (PTI), Embroidery Floss, Felt and Glitter Garnishes (MFT), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Sneaky Peeks Day One From The Cat's Pajamas

Well, it was a crazy weekend for me (but fun) and I managed to get my days mixed up. Then Eric had a spinal tap this morning, so I'm a little late in the day for posting this, but I hope ya'll don't mind. It's the first day of Sneaky Peeks from The Cat's Pajamas. YES, there's a new release coming one week from today! If you're a TCP fan, you'll need to waterproof your computer between now and then, because ya'll will be absolutely drooling over all the swanky goodness! Don't blame me if your computer has a little water damage if you fail to do this.


I'm helping to debut a new set called A Cuppa featuring our favorite bear, PJ who is ready to do a little pampering for someone who's needing a little TLC.

Notice anything else new? There's some more of that yummy Divine Twine (that's already available) and what do ya'll think about that flower?...you'll have to wait and see! (But wait, there's MORE!) There's a whole list of Sneak Peeks over on Alma's blog that you'll want to keep handy all week. You'll want to be "in the know" about all things new and exciting for The Cat's Pajamas. We now have our own member forum over on SCS, but come hang out with the Cat Pack there, too! There's lots coming your way, so stay where I can see you.

SUSIE Q-TIP: I love the small accent images that The Cat's Pajamas so thoughtfully includes with almost every stamp set. Use them to highlight a sentiment.

Stamps: A Cuppa K0688 CL (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Kraft, Chartreuse, Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream (PTI), Light Yellow (Core'dinations), Fly a Kite (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Flower Die (TCP), Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Silver Brads, Copic Markers, Buttons (TCP), Divine Twine (TCP), Ribbon (PTI), Silver Gel Pen, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5.5" Square

An {Audrie is Fhiona} Sketch For You to Try

Edited to add: SFYTT fans get 15% off their orders by using the code “SFYTT15″!

THANK YOU YNS!!!

Well, it's time for Jen's Sketch For You to Try! This week we are being sponsored by Your Next Stamp, a fun little stamp company with super cute stamps and accessories. This little girl is from the Fhiona line. She's a single (and looking), and called Flower Bouquet Fhiona. So sweet!

Audrie, our 6 year old took one look at this card and decided that it was her! I have to admit, she looks a LOT like her! The bangs and the brown straight hair are a perfect match! I'll have to share a picture pretty soon. But for now, here's something she said the other day that got me tickled because it's just so AUDRIE!---She wanted her sister to play a game with her the other day. Lindsie said, "I don't know, maybe." Audrie immediately replied, "Lindsie, I really don't like it when you say maybe because it always means NO." (insert me, trying not to bust out laughing, here.) Yes, that comes from the same little girl who not too long ago told Lindsie she liked her better when she was 7, because she played with her more back then! Teehee! I love watching them figure out their problems together! (and leaving me out of it!)

SUSIE Q-TIP: Instead of ribbon, use twine doubled or tripled or whatever "-led" you want. My new favorite is Divine Twine from The Cat's Pajamas. It's the perfect thickness and it comes in several yummy colors. Um, it's divine.

Here's the sketch that we'd love for you to play along in for your chance to win some stampy goodness from Your Next Stamp! Jen's got all the details over on her blog. First, be sure and check out what my divine SFYTT sisters did with the sketch and see some more eye candy here and there from Your Next Stamp, too!


Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Leigh O'Brien
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins

Eric Update: We had to get up reeeeeeaaaaally early yesterday to be in Dallas at 8:20 in the morning for labwork, a doctor appointment and an all day chemo session of R-CHOP. It went off without a hitch and the doctor said he's doing well other than being slightly anemic. He's been feeling so well lately, that it was a shame he had to go and get "messed up" yesterday! However, Eric was (and still is) extremely delighted to hear that he should only have one more round after this one! So we will go in on Monday for another spinal tap (#5) and then if everything goes as planned, his last R-CHOP should be at the end of the month. All he is hoping for is to be well enough to start writing for the Dallas Morning News again once the high school football games start--he loves that! OH and ya'll know how he's been officially diagnosed with a paralyzed vocal cord--well yesterday, his voice cracked a couple of times and his normal voice peeked through for a couple of syllables at different points during the day! Not sure if it's trying to come back or if it was just a fluke, but it took us both by surprise when it happened! Now he says he's reverted back to being a teenager--180 pounds, always hungry and his voice is cracking! I told him he left out one important male teenager "condition" and I'll leave that right there for ya'll to ponder.

Stamps: Flower Bouquet Fhiona (Your Next Stamp), Banner Day Alphabet (MFT)
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, Chartreuse, White (PTI), Regal Rose (SU!), Ducks in a Row (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Labels 3 Nestabilities, Jumbo Ric-rac Dienamics (MFT), Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Prima Flowers, Pink Brads, Divine Twine (TCP), Adhesive Rhinestone, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

MFT Blog Hop And Shop

Well, aren't ya'll just loving all the new stuff from My Favorite Things? Welcome to the MFT Blog Hop and Shop! You should have roamed over here from Lisa's blog, but if you just happened pop in, you might want to see all the MFT goodness by starting over on Kim's blog. There's so much new stuff, you'd be remiss to not check it all out! The MFT DT rocks!!

I have another card to show ya'll tonight. I promise some day I'll do something 3D again! I hope ya'll aren't getting bored with me! Anyway, I used the new set, Fred Bear Hits the Beach and one of the newest Die-namics dies, the Jumbo Open Scallop. AND, this card would not have been complete with the little sunny-sun-sun I made using the Sunshine Die-namics, too! (A little tip--I'm always needing a 7/8ths inch circle...this die has it!)

Ok, the next stop on this hop is FRANCES! I know she's going to rock your socks, too, so tell her I said Hi!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When you just want a little bit of ribbon accent rather than a bow or ribbon all the way across the card, try making one of these embellishments and just glue it on. I punched a circle from the orange cardstock and poked 2 holes in it, resembling the button. Then just run twine up from the bottom through the two holes, making sure to include the scrap of ribbon underneath the "button stack" so that it gets tied on the bottom. Tie a knot or bow and trim the end of the twine and ribbon to your liking. Hot Glue is your friend when you are ready to adhere it to your project. Do we need a tutorial?

Stamps: Fred Bear Hits The Beach (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Orange Zest, Aqua Mist (PTI), Summer Sun (SU!), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Ducks in a Row (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Sunshine and Jumbo Open Scallop Die-namics, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Oval Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Button (MFT), Ribbon (PTI), Twine (TCP), Hot Glue Gun, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

MFT Teaser Day 5--It's Release Day!

Well, today is the final day of Teasers from My Favorite Things. Tonight all the lovely MFT goodness will be unleashed for all to own! This card features the latest Who's That Girl set called Who's That Gardening Girl?. You may have seen it before as it was this month's VIP set. So if you missed it on that day, here's your chance to grab it again! I used the Green Thumb Mini set for the fun sentiment and made it peek out from under the main panel inside a punched out circle.

I attempted to learn how to crochet around the cloud I cut from the Cloud Trio Die-namics (from my friend, Lolly--hi!), but decided I'd better quit just after step one, the blanket stitch (kind of sloppy work, if you ask me, but it's been a while since I did any stitchery!), or it would be too big. I'll have to try that technique another day! I layered the smaller cloud on top and finished it off with a yellow button (hello Mr. Sun) and some pink ribbon that I've had forever. I also used the Jumbo Ric-rac and Scalloped Scallop Die-namics for a few layered borders underneath the main image.

I decided to finish off the inside of this card with a few of the scraps leftover from the card front because I just really LOVE these colors together along with that paper! Ya'll know I loves me some bright colors now, right?

So tonight is the release party! I'll be late as usual. Gotta go BACK to Carmax and finish up the buying process for Shelbie's first car! Keep your fingers crossed that she gets it--a 2004 Honda Civic! It's been a long process getting there, gave me a headache and then when I found out how much the insurance would be, I literally felt like I was going to be sick! (I still may.) Let's just hope her finances work out like they do on paper. Looks like someone's going to be eating a lot of Ramen noodles (and it ain't me)!!

Here's some details ya'll don't want to miss:
Check out Kim's blog for a listing of all the other teasers today HERE.
Join us for the Release Party tonight (Wednesday the 7th) HERE.
The new release items will be in the store after the party HERE.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Layer several borders using coordinating papers for extra detail on your card or project. (I know, that's a lame tip, but I'm spent--literally.)

Stamps: Who's That Gardening Girl?, Green Thumb Mini (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Basic Black, White, Rasberry Fizz (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Petal Pusher (Bo Bunny)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Cloud, Jumbo Ric-rac, Scalloped Scallop Die-namics (MFT), Large Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Circle Punch, Copic Markers, Blue Yarn, Button and Swarovski Crystals (MFT), Ribbon, Hot Glue Gun, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5.5" Square

MFT Teaser Day 4--Framed Greetings

Well, I have another teaser from My Favorite Things to show ya'll today! I love this new set called Framed Greetings. It's actually a 4x6 stamp/Die-namics die set. Cool, no? It comes with three different outline stamps with several coodinating sentiments to use inside the frame. SO CUTE!

As with all the Die-namics dies, this one cuts perfectly, too (like buttah). The Framed Greetings set will sell for $19.95. It's a really great deal! I paired mine with a menagerie of papers from October Afternoon and a couple of Prima flowers. The felt and red polkadot border was also cut with a new Die-namics die coming your way called Jumbo Open Scallop. I think it's my new favorite! Check out that wood button from the Earth Girl button collection! I'm gonna need more of those for sure! Anyway, I'm keeping this short and sweet today. All that car shopping yesterday gave me a sunburn and a headache and I'm going to go lay down for a bit.

Here's some details ya'll don't want to miss:
Check out Kim's blog for a listing of all the other teasers today HERE.
Join us for the Release Party tomorrow night (Wednesday the 7th) HERE.
The new release items will be in the store after the party HERE.
I'll be back tomorrow with another fabulous Teaser for ya'll! I've been a stamping machine here lately. I have to cram before Eric has chemo all day on Friday!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When stamping something you have to line up pretty precisely (like the frame inside this Framed Greetings Die-namics shape), it's a good idea to make sure your acrylic blocks are really clean. Being able to see through them to line your stamping up just right is a benefit of them being acrylic and clear. Don't fight it. AND Don't ask me how I know this. I don't want to talk about it (or how many times I stamped it wonky and then decided it was time to clean my blocks).

Stamps: Framed Greetings (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Vintage Cream (PTI), Cream Perfect Panels (MFT), K&Co, Fly a Kite (October Afternoon)
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!), Pure Poppy (PTI), Chestnut Roan (Colorbox)
Accessories: Framed Greetings Die-namics, Jumbo Open Scallop Die-namics, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Felt and Buttons (MFT), Divine Twine (TCP), Flowers (Kaiser and Prima), Adhesive Rhinestones, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

MFT Teaser Day 3---Boy & His Dog Football Player

Well, I am so excited today to show ya'll this little football player card I made for My Favorite Things. Just in case you're unaware, there's a NEW RELEASE PARTY happening this Wednesday night and the teasers started on Saturday! You'll want to be sure and check out Kim's blog for listings of all of them so far including who's got spirit on their blogs today.

In high school, I dated the "center" from our football team (the Richland Rebels). He loved football and I can still remember (amazing, right?) that he used to say, "Football--you bet!", but he said it in an "athlete" type of voice and the "T" in football was silent. See there, you did it. Now just lower your voice a little more and you'll have it down pat. He was definitely the "center" of attention at our school. He even managed to get himself and half the football team in trouble by using his truck to steal the giant Kip's Big Boy statue from the old restaurant and took it home. He returned it once his dad came home. We won't talk about how that went.

Anyway, these days Eric is my big football lovin' guy and so anytime I can make a little card to show my appreciation of the sport, he's happy. This stamp set is a new one coming your way from the Pure Innocence Line called Boy and His Dog Football Player. (Gotta keep it simple for the studs.) I colored him in with my Copics to be a little player for Texas Christian University here in Fort Worth. Eric went there for a little while, but it's REALLY expensive and had to transfer to UTA to finish out his degree.

I added the little banner using the UBER-cute little Banner Day Die-namics and Alphabet set coming also from My Favorite Things. The football is stamped, cut out and popped up like he's holding it and I added the felt grass just for fun (the Grass Die and felt are also from MFT). His little number (to depict their quarterback, Andy Dalton--Eric thinks it's right, but not sure) is stamped and heat embossed in white.

Ok, well I've got to get a move on here. We are leaving soon to go scout out the town for Shelbie's first car and then she will hopefully take one home tonight after she gets off work, so she can do all the financing on it. She has graduation money for the down payment! Yay, Shelbie! We are so proud of her! What's a good first car?

SUSIE Q-TIP: The cool thing about the Grass Die-namic , is that it cuts 2 pieces at the same time--the top and bottom. Go ahead and cut an extra one to save for your next project while you have your green felt out. You're gonna need it eventually anyway.

Stamps: Boy and His Dog Football Player, Banner Day Alphabet (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Kraft, Black (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Purple Core'dinations
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Grape (Memento), Embossing Ink Dauber (Stampendous)
Accessories: Argyle Embossing Folder, Grass and Banner Day Die-namics (MFT), Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Felt (MFT), Silver Brads, Button, Divine Twine (TCP), Ribbon (PTI), Copic Markers, Heat Tool, White EP, Glue Dot, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2