Pumpkin Box Frankie

Well, I just couldn't stand it. This idea was brewing in my head all day yesterday, but I didn't feel that good and never got the gumption to start the project. Then finally at about 9:30 last night, I decided to crank up my Cricut Expression again and cut out the new Pumpkin Box Template from My Favorite Things. I thought I'd get it all ready to put togther for this morning, but I couldn't keep my hands off of it and one thing lead to another--I had him all finished by 10:30! We are talking super easy here, people! Now that I have one done, I can see that this would be a breeze to mass produce as well, and would be so cute as Halloween favors for a little kid's costume party!


I added a little tag on the top for a little something extra by using the Tiny Town Halloween set for the sentiment.


I came across a couple of little tricks to making this just right. It's a good idea to glue the sides of both the box and the lid first. Then push the "inside liners" down into them and glue the tabbies from the bottom. This will help the box get it's shape. Then you can glue the "outside top and bottoms" perfectly as they will line up perfectly with the box and lid.


My next neato little trick was when I was making his hair. I used the Fresh Cut Grass Die-namics die for this with some black cardstock. Since this die is "closed" on the ends, it creates about a 6 inch strip of grass.


I wanted one continuous strip to go around the entire box. So I used the die twice on a 1X11 inch strip of black, just moving it a bit for each piece. Then the NEGATIVE side of this strip is what was left for me to make the "hair border". COOL! All I had to do was snip a bit off the end and a little in the middle to detach my excess.


His "neck screws" are actually the pumpkin stems that come with the template. I just used my Xacto knife and cut slits in the side of his head and they stuck right in there and are pretty snug, so I didn't glue them or anything. Yep, this little box is a cute little pumpkin, but with a color change and some added embellishments, I created a MONSTER!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When making something quirky like this, use different sized googly eyes. Definitely raises the cuteness level.

Stamps: Tiny Town Halloween (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Chartreuse, Black, Plum Pudding, White (PTI)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Fresh Cut Grass Die-namics (My Favorite Things), Pumpkin Box Template (My Favorite Things), Cricut, Xacto Knife, Googly Eyes, Circle and Scallop Circle Punches, Black Button, Divine Twine (The Cat's Pajamas), Black Sharpie Marker, Scor-Tape, Jody Boosters

It's Digital Designs Day from My Favorite Things!

Well, Lindsie and Audrie always get so excited when I make something using my Cricut Expression. They want to know just what I'm doing and are always as amazed as I am watching the thing take what I have on my computer and cut it out perfectly (using Make the Cut software)! I should learn to cut three of each thing because they always want what I'm working on, too--totally doable and this little wagon is no exception!

Welcome to our very FIRST Digital Designs Day for My Favorite Things! Several of the MFT Design Team have gotten together and created some fun 3-D items using templates and digital papers being released Wednesday, September 29th. Did you know that they even existed?

Here's what's coming your way:
Halloween Dotty Papers
Bird House Template
Full Circle Treat Box Template
All-Season Wagon Template (what I used here)
Pumpkin Box Template

The templates are available in several formats including SCAL, SVG, and GSD making them fast and easy to make using your Cricut, Silhouette or other electronic die-cutting machine (must use it along with SCAL or Make the Cut as far as I know). If you don't own any of these things, not to worry--we've thought of you too and created good old fashioned "cut-it-out-with-scissors" versions, so anyone can use them easily.

For my little wagon, I used the All-Season Wagon Template (It also comes with sleddy ski things that make it become a sled. I don't know the name of them because I live in Texas and the snow would be melted by the time we got down a hill in one of those puppies, so they are rare here.) I sponged some Walnut Stain ink on the wooden parts and was SO wishing I had a wood-grain embossing folder! Anyone want to give me theirs? Probably not, now that I gave ya'll an idea to use it.

Anyway, I couldn't resist pairing this up with another older template called the Designer Basket with Apples. What? This isn't an apple? NO, the fruit in the little basket, combined with a little imagination, can be almost any kind, just depending on the color you use and the "leaf treatment" at the top! I even added some little curly's for the vines and there's actually a little fun-size Snickers bar inside the pumpkin.

Ok, there's so much more to see...I can't wait to bop around a bit myself and see all the ideas! I love little gifty things like this. Don't ya'll? Check out Kim's blog for a full list of MFT DT gals offering up some inspiration with their Digital-savvy selves!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Scor-tape is your friend when making 3-D projects. I had a light-bulb moment a while back when I was reading on Megan's blog when she casually mentioned that she tore a piece off for whatever it was she was making. WHAT? You mean to tell me I've been fooling with sticky scissors and cutting this my whole love-long life? Yep. Just tears right off.

Stamps: Wendy Alphabet (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Red, Black, Chartreuse (PTI), Close to Cocoa (SU!), Orange Dot (Bo Bunny), On Holiday (the Girl's Paperie)
Ink: Red (PTI), Walnut Stain (Ranger)
Accessories: All-Season Wagon Template, Designer Basket with Apples Template (MFT), Banner Day Die-namics Die (MFT), Cricut, Green Felt (MFT), Black Fine-tip Pen (Prisma), Large Dot Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Nailheads (Pizzazz Aplenty), Scor-tape, Brown Grosgrain Ribbon, Divine Twine (TCP), Crinkle Stuff

TCP Tuesday 128--Get Your PJ's On!

Well, it's time for this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge from The Cat's Pajamas. I'm your super duper Hostess with the Mostess today so that means this week I'm scaring up a STAMP Challenge. I've chosen to use that loveable bear, PJ. You can find him in several sets including Happy Camper, A Beary Good Year, A Cuppa and Give a Little. So depending on what kind of card you want to make, there are several choices here. Almost like the iphone motto--'there's an app for that', The Cat's Pajamas says, 'there's a PJ Bear for that'!

For my card, I chose to use A Beary Good Year. I colored him in with my Copics, paper pieced his belly (is he dressed up as a pumpkin-witch?), and used one of those AWESOME CutUps dies called the Inside Pinking border. PJ is not satisfied with just one Jack o'Lantern bucket. He wants two, just in case he gets lots of "full size" candy bars this year trick or treating. LOL! He better share. I'm just sayin'. I brought him into this world and I can take him right back out.

Since ya'll love me so much, I'm hoping you'll get to play along in the TCP Tuesday Challenge! You could be the proud owner of $25 in Cat Cash to spend on The Cat's Pajamas website. That's nothing to BOO at! Here's the spook:
1. Each a week one of The Cat Pack will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, technique, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Post your TCPTUES128 design using the Inlink Button at the bottom of Alma's post. Your design must be linked and visible to Alma's post to be considered.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}--like TODAY
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. Only designs posted to Alma's blog post will be considered for the Swanky Stamper.
8. 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.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Stamp your sentiment on the patterned paper that coordinates with your card or project. It's daring, but awfully fun.

Stamps: A Beary Good Year and Fright Night (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Black, White (PTI), Orange Dot (Bo Bunny), Fly a Kite (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Inside Pinking CutUps die (The Cat's Pajamas), Sewing Machine/Thread, Circle Nestabilities, Tree Die-namics die (MFT), Circle Punches, Copic Markers, Silver Brads, Buttons and Divine Twine (The Cat's Pajamas), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Pizzazz Aplenty Giveaway!

Well, today I have something a bit different to share. I've discovered a new embellishment store (or it discovered me!) and I just want to help Judy, the owner spread the word about her sweet online shop and then I'm having a little giveaway at the end of this post, so read on, friends! It's called Pizzazz Aplenty. Ya'll may have noticed that I've been using a few of the products offered in her store here and there for some of my cards and I've listed them in the supplies section of my posts. This card here is one I did for The Cat's Pajamas using the Skating Bunny set and I just couldn't help myself from embellishing it up with the light green flatback pearls.

I'm telling ya, this is THE BEST place to find any kind of flatback pearls, rhinestones, laces, and hard-to-find trims ANYWHERE! The prices are so outstanding, you'll want one of each!! You just HAVE to check out the Pizzazz Aplenty store. Right now, it's set up like a blog, so the left side with the categories really helps in finding just what you need (all of it) and Judy and her mom can take your order by simply emailing her to her address listed at the top of the Pizzazz Aplenty blog. OH and did I mention the super-FAST shipping? Yippee-skippee!! I don't know about ya'll, but I want what I want and I want it NOW!

I asked Ms. Judy, owner of Pizzazz Aplenty, to send me a little background on herself and how the store got started:

I moved to Kokomo, Indiana when I sold my Gift Basket and Chocolates store in California, in 2005 I thought I was retiring, but just can't sit by and do nothing. When I was teaching cardmaking, I had trouble finding affordable embellishments to go on my cards. I soon figured if I was having trouble finding lots of different things for cards and scrapbooking, a lot of other people were as well. That's when this embellishment business began... and it has grown a lot in just a few months. My mom lives with me and helps a lot with this business. She may be up there in years, (she'll be 94 next month,) but she is in good health and very spry for her age. Most people think she is at least 10 years younger!

My goal is to find quality embellishments that are reasonably priced. I am constantly looking for the unusual embellishment... something that you won't find in Hobby Lobby, Michael's, etc. At Pizzazz Aplenty, you'll find simple packaging, quality merchandise, affordable prices.

Ok, isn't she the sweetest thing!? Because of her generosity shown to me, I want to give ya'll a little taste of some of her product line. I have a nice little goody bag of fun-ness to give away (I'll edit this post and get a picture up here in a little bit). I am just going to ask you to do 2 things in order to enter the drawing (and they aren't hard at all!):
1. Check out her store and become a "Follower" on the Pizzazz Aplenty website.
2. Leave me a comment here and let me know what your favorite product is from there.

Easy, right? I'll pick a winner this Sunday, the 3rd and post it soon after that. I can't wait to see what ya'll think of PIZZAZZ APLENTY!! Thank you, Judy for letting me share your store and some funsies with my readers.

SUSIE Q-TIP: All of the above.

Stamps: Skating Bunny (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Pure Poppy (PTI), White Glitter Paper (American Crafts), Tea Party (American Crafts)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Big Pinking Border CutUps Die (The Cat's Pajamas), Scallop Circle and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Lime Green Flatback Pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Ribbon (PTI), Button and Divine Twine (TCP), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5.5" Square

A {Coming Soon} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I've had a rough week to say the least (I'll have to bring ya'll up to speed a bit later--I'm still working on the right words in my head). But when I started working on my Sketch For You To Try card for today, I thought I was being all cool and getting a little bit ahead of the game and making it work for a couple of challenges at once. Well, actually I was getting my cart before the horse. I realized mid-card-making-process that I was a week early for the other challenge. Being that it was 10:30 or so last night when this light bulb went off, I was way too tired to start all over. So I'll be saving that card for the other challenge and hopefully can make my SFYTT card tomorrow as we have tons going on today (soccer, a pet fair, a birthday party and then I'm hostessing the crop at Scrapper's Boutique tonight).

I didn't want to leave ya'll completely high and dry, so I thought I'd at least post a couple of cards that I did a little while back for My Favorite Things. The first one is a little Flapper Doodle called All Dolled Up and the next one (I love the colors!) is a Jolinne stamp set called Friends Forever. I used the new Perfect Petal Trio Die-namics die on both of them. I think that is becoming my favorite flower die, and I tend to gravitate to it every time I need an embellishment now! If you don't own a flower die already, I highly recommend it!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Don't eat yellow snow. (Can you tell? I got nothin'.)

Here's what my SFYTT sisters have come up with using this sketch. Be sure and link your card (because I KNOW you are going to play along) to Jen's blog so you can be considered for her monthly Guest Designer spot!
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Leigh O'Brien
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins
Carole Burrage

MFT VIP Hop!

Well it's finally here! This month's VIP from My Favorite Things is being released tonight at 10 PM and we are having a blog hop to celebrate the moment. The hop started over on KIM'S BLOG. If that's where you began, then ya'll are officially hopping. If not, I'm certainly glad you're here, but you'll be missing out if you don't start at the beginning.

This month's Who's That Girl set is called Winter in the City. When I saw her coat, I knew I wanted to use this fun Houndstooth digi paper that I downloaded from the MFT website HERE to paper piece it. The rest is colored with a combination of Copics and Prismacolor Pencils. I LOVE doing that! I mostly used the Copics on the small areas other than the paper pieced ones. The Prisma pencils make filling in large spaces so easy. Next, the pink and black color scheme just fell into place (naturally--we're talking MFT here, people!).

I couldn't have a Winter in the City card without a few snowflakes! I've been on the hunt for the perfect snowflake die for a really long time and now I'm IN LOVE! The new Let it Snowflake Die-namics die fits the bill precisely! And the best part--it is included in the VIP kit.

Here's the scoop as to what all is included in this month's WTG VIP Kit (all for just $39.85):
Winter in the City WTG
Glitter
Let it Snowflake Die-namics die
Pleated Ribbon 4 yards of luxurious, satin pleated ribbon. (2 yards white, 2 yards silver)
Noel sentiments mini set FREE - $9 value (this will be an EXCLUSIVE set to the VIP. It will not be offered again!)




And don't forget about the new à la modes releasing at the same time:
Candy Cane Kisses
Miss You a Latte

Next on the hop is Sherrie. I'm sure she has something fabulous to share! See ya'll back here soon!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Sometimes you need extra time for making your cards and projects but you find yourself with lots of (idle) time (like an hour and 45 minutes) at your daughter's soccer practice. It IS possible to make most of your card in the car while you dote on your little athlete. In Lilesland, the M.C.U. is always ready to roll. I AM the Mobile Craft Unit. Let's ride.

Stamps: Winter in the City WTG, Noel (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Black, Regal Rose (SU!), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Pink Dots (Bo Bunny), Houndstooth Digi Paper (MFT)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Let it Snowflake Die-namic and Large Scallop Die-namics dies (MFT), Scallop Square Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Stardust Stickles, Copic Markers, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Swarovski Crystal (MFT), Black Stitched Ribbon, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Miss You a Latte a la mode from MFT

Well see? I told ya'll it's hard to pick a favorite! If you're not sure what I'm talking about, read my post from yesterday. Today I'm introducing the second new a la mode cutie from My Favorite Things. This one is called Miss You a Latte. I combined it with some of my new Olivia paper from Basic Grey.

Then I just couldn't help myself from making a fun little rolled flower from MFT's Rolled Flower Die-namics die. If you haven't tried any of them yet, you really should. 'These things are fun and fun is good.'--Dr. Seuss

Today, both of these new a la modes AND the MFT VIP kit will be released at 10 pm tonight! Ya'll are going to LOVE them all! These sweet little a la modes are super fun and quick to color. This one is PERFECT for a lot of my friends who love coffee like me! The other day, I was at Starbuck's and they actually gave me my drink and said, "See you tomorrow!". I promise I don't go EVERY day, but I am a familiar face in the drive-thru!

Ok, be sure and check out Kim's blog again today for all the DT-er's who are hyped up on caffeine and ready to sneak a peek with this Miss You a Latte a la mode sweetie!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I unintentionally left a lot of space towards the top of my panel when I stamped this image. Then I decided I liked it and it really left a lot of options for embellishing--the sentiment tag, tie a bow across the top, or even glue a border strip there. Try it.

Stamps: Miss You a Latte a la mode (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Kraft (PTI), Blush Blossom (SU!), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Olivia (BG)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Rolled Flower Die-namics die (My Favorite Things), Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Button (MFT), Copic Markers, Sewing Machine/Thread, Ribbon (SU!), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

a la mode Sneak Peeks from My Favorite Things

Well, I'm so excited to be giving ya'll a little peek at some new a la modes from My Favorite Things! I've got this one today and another one coming your way tomorrow. I can't even decide which one I like better--no, I just can't pick. I was going to try just for y'all, but no. I can't. This one is called Candy Cane Kisses. When I first saw this little set, I knew exactly what I wanted to make--this little treat (glassine) bag with some peppermints in it.

My original idea was to put straight candy canes in it, but when I went out to find them, these were .99 cents. And I was really hot. And I wanted to go home. Where would I find my exact ones this time of year anyway? I just wasn't worth the goose hunt, but I think it would still be cute.

Anyway, I stamped the little Candy Cane Kisses a la mode girl and cut her out. I used two Die-namics dies from My Favorite Things--the older Framed Greetings and I'm giving ya'll a super sneaky peek at the new Let it Snowflake die. It's FABULOUS and will be included in tomorrow night's VIP offer for this month, so stay tuned! I made a second little tag with the sentiment and backed it with some yummy red felt from the Banana Split collection and tied them both to the big Cream Cotton Twill bow I tied all the way around the treat bag. I love that stuff and it makes perfect bows! Note to self: Get more.

Ok, there's more of this P.Y.T. (pretty young thing) to be seen! Check out Kim's blog for a list of all the other DT girls giving some fun sneak peeks today.

SUSIE Q-TIP: When cutting out an image for a tag or almost any other project, experiment with leaving a wider border around it, but still cutting in and out with each curve. I think it almost makes it look like a die cut, especially if your curves are extra smooth. Wouldn't we all like our curves to be extra smooth? Good luck with that.

Stamps: Candy Cane Kisses a la mode (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Sweet Blush, White, Lavender Moon (PTI)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Real Red (SU!)
Accessories: Framed Greetings and Snowflake Trio Die-namics (MFT), Oval and Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Copic Markers, White Gel Pen, Felt (MFT), Button (MFT), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Swarovski Crystal (MFT), Twill Ribbon (MFT), Glassine Bag (PTI), Twine (TCP), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters

A {Birthday Boy} Sketch For You To Try

Well, today is Audrie's second soccer game in her life. They played last weekend against a very seasoned team and did not win. However at this age, they really don't count wins and losses, but if anyone knows our daughter, Audrie is VERY competitive. This is the girl who figured out last year in kindergarten that if you take your lunch instead of buy it, you get to be in the FRONT of the line to the lunchroom and therefore wanted to take her lunch everyday. Also the girl that was so happy to come in first place through a little obstacle course (at vacation bible school no less), 'because there was NO second place' (her words)! She's never played soccer before and really wants to score! (She just busted her bootie in our living room, kicking the ball around as I type this!) I'm glad to be getting to see her play today since I'm working at Scrapper's tonight hosting the crop, rather than taking the "day shift" (like it's such hard work!).

Anyway, enough about that. Today is Saturday and not only time for soccer, but also time for Jen's Sketch For You To Try. It's a fabulous sketch this week! However, I went ahead and made mine a normal sized card rather than a square. Why? I have no idea. I wanted to make a fairly simple and fast card because I decided to watch The Princess Diaries with the girls rather than get busy stamping at a decent hour. Maybe that's why the square went by the wayside? Maybe I was just too tired to "may-sure" (as my mom calls it). I think it turned out super cute though, and I love the colors. I was inspired by the birthday paper from Imaginisce. In my quest to make it fast and simple, I (always) turned to my trusty Verve stamps and decided to make this birthday boy card using the Birthday Bash set. I'm not sure when I'll be needing a birthday boy card, but with these colors, I just couldn't bring myself to call it a birthday girl card (which I'm always in need of). I think I may try and make a matching girl one just for fun.

My plan is to get lots of stamping done next week. Eric has a minor surgery on Monday to take out a lipoma that's starting to bother him and then flying out of town to San Antonio (I'll tell him to wave at all of ya'll who live down there) for a big Federal Agent convention type thingy and won't be back until Friday. While the cat's away, the mice will play...

SUSIE Q-TIP: When paper piecing and then popping up an image, be sure and color it underneath--nothing fancy, just the basic color. It will look more finished that way.

Ok, huddle up. Here's the deal. Ya'll HAVE to play this week in the SFYTT! We are coming to the end of the month, and Jen needs a Guest Designer. Ya'll know she picks them from all the pretty cards ya'll submit. All you have to do is link them to her post right HERE. With a sketch like this week's you may not even need any inspiration, but just in case, I'm sure my SFYTT teammates have scored a goal with their creations:


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

Stamps: Birthday Bash (Verve)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, White, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist (PTI), So Saffron (SU!)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko),
Accessories: Star Border Die-namics, Corner Rounder, Fiskars Star Punch, CM Circle Punch, Scallop Square and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Silver Brads, Decorative Brad, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Pajama Party Blog Hop!

Well, it's release time for The Cat's Pajamas!! We are having an "after (pajama) party" hop and combining it with this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge! If you made it here from Joanne's blog, you're on the right track. If not, you need to stop what you're doing and head over to Amy's blog and start at the beginning. You see, Amy is our Hostess with the Mostess ...

...and she is dishing up some PLAID for this week's supply challenge!That's right, the challenge is to incorporate plaid into your card. It can be plaid paper or some kind of technique you can muster up to make plaid, plaid buttons, plaid ribbon--ya'll get the idea! So here, I used the new set, Just Chillin' with the ice fishing bunny. I used some plaid paper and then also drew in some plaid on the sleeves of his parka with a darker Copic marker and my white gel pen. Now he's stylin' AND freezin'!

Next up on the hop is the fabulously talented, Beate. (I secretly want to be her when I grow up!)

SUSIE Q-TIP: I wanted the larger paper button, which I used the Buttons Cut-Ups TCP die for, to be glossy and sparkly. So I cut it out, put a little glitter on it and then coated it with Glossy Accents. I got in a hurry for it to dry and accidently cracked it before it was done. I then decided to heat it up with my heat tool to "seal the crack" and speed up the drying process. NO CAN DO. It proceeded to bubble up and smoke!! (and stink.) That embellishment accident then became a paper button adorned with a clear plastic button on top. I'm done talking about it.

Stamps: Just Chillin' (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Red, Aqua Mist, Enchanted Evening, White (PTI), Seaside (October AFternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Buttons Cut-Ups Die (TCP), Large Scallop Die-namics (MFT), Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Corner Rounder, Button Brads, Cherry Divine Twine (TCP), Clear Button, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Another Sneaky Peek For The Cat's Pajamas

Well, I had a ton of fun last night playing with all my friends up at Scrapper's Boutique. However, toward the end of the evening, I started getting a bad headache. By this morning, it was a full-blown migraine. Mostly today was spent in bed trying to sleep it off! So I hope ya'll aren't too mad at me for bringing this to the bloggy so late. I still have my dark sunglasses on as I type this and it's not because the glitter is shining in my eyes. Teehee. What's so cool about this card? I was asked to be the Guest Designer on the Christmas Card Challenge Blog by my friend, Stephanie (the DT coordinator).

I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to combine that challenge with my Sneaky Peek for The Cat's Pajamas today! The theme this week for the CCC Blog is to use a Christmas Tree on your card. I made my Christmas tree by using the new Banner Cut-Ups Die that will be available after the Pajama Party tomorrow night from TCP. It was pretty easy to just layer the strips of paper that I used a border punch on, on top of the plain triangle included in the die set. Then I just turned it over and cut along the triangle's edge to trim off the excess on the sides. After that I just mounted the triangle onto the scalloped triangle, handcut a trunk and stuck it to the bottom. I had watercolored this little skiing bunny from the new Ski Bunny set earlier this week. All I had to do was cut him out and pop him up kind of on top of the tree to make it look like he was skiing down the mountains. See the mountains way off in the background? Yup, another new Cut-Ups die--Large Pinking Edge.

Anyway, thanks for stopping by. As always, Alma's blog has a little list of Cat Packers sneaking a few little peeks of this set and another one ya'll will be thrilled with!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Don't touch your eyes when messing with super glittery paper. Just don't.

A {Cramming} Sketch For You To Try

Well it's Saturday and time for Jen's Sketch For You To Try! Today we are being sponsored by the fun little stamp company, The Stamping Boutique! (Not to be confused with Scrapper's Boutique where I'll be most of the day today working and all night tonight playing!)

I just LOVE this little Back-to-School-House image, but I did have a little hiccup along the way in the process of getting this card made. It was a challenge, lemme tell ya! Here's my story and I'm stickin' to it: Now that school has started back, Eric is back to doing what he loves.
He writes a few of the high school football game stories for the Dallas Morning News and Fort Worth Star-Telegram (and he actually gets paid to do so!). Those are on Friday nights, when I usually sit down to make my SFYTT card. Well, he takes my laptop with him so that he can just submit the stories quickly before his deadlines. Guess what? My laptop is where I had the digital image saved for this card and I had forgotten to print it off before he left for the game. So guess what I did? I made the card without the image and added it this morning. eeks! How about that for a card challenge? I guess there's a first time for everything. Try it.

Did ya'll know that you're welcome to play along in the Sketch For You To Try? You don't even have to make your card blindfolded like I practically did. Thank you to The Stamping Boutique for sponsoring this week! One random SFYTT participant this week will win 3 digi images of their choice!! Good luck and happy stamping!!

Jen is also looking for next month's guest designer already, so I suggest you get your thinking caps on and PLAY! All you have to do is make a card using the sketch and link it up on her blog post for this week HERE. If you need to cram before you actually "take the test", here's a little inspiration from the SFYTT faculty:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Leigh O'Brien
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins
Carole Burrage

SUSIE Q-TIP: Anybody got an extra laptop laying around they don't need anymore? LOL!

Supply list to come later...maybe Sunday.

I Vhant to Sneak a Peek!!

Well, did ya'll know that the Cat Pack has been working hard and Sneak Peeking some of the new sets coming your way from The Cat's Pajamas already? Yep, it's Day 4 already! There are 12 new stamp sets and 4 new Cut-Ups Dies. A few of the sets are SPOOKTACULAR Halloween sets, a few feature that crazy bunny, Sprinkle and the Penguins are up to their old antics and we have a couple of sweet little new characters to introduce as well. However, today I get to do a little monster mash. I'd like ya'll to meet my Dracula from the new set, MWAH! It will be available this Monday night after the Pajama Party on SCS which I hope to see ya'll at HERE.

Joanne inspired me to do a little watercoloring and he was my first guinea pig for it. It's been a looong time since I did any watercoloring, and I loved it...it's super FAST! I used some watercolor paper (a perfect little 4x6 pad) from Canson and my aquapainter and inks from SU! and I had no problems at all! It's hard to see in the picture, but he's very super sparkly as I sprayed Marshmallow Glimmer Mist on him and also heat embossed the skull image that is included in the set with some holographic embossing powder on the inside of his cape. Looks cool in real life. Feel free to come on over and check it out. There's also a little hint of a new Cut-Ups die set on there underneath the sentiment. It's the small version of the new Pennant Cut-Ups Die. There are 4 dies in the set--the small version like this one and a very much bigger version that I'll be showing ya'll a little later. You can actually make a big pennant garland with it like the ones that are all the rage right now! These will also be available on Tuesday, September 14th. Don't stay up too late Monday night at the Pajama Party, though, or your eyes will look like The Count's (did that with a red ball-point pen)!

I almost forgot--Alma has mentioned all the Cat Pack girls over on her blog who will be sneak peeking a little somethin'-somethin' today. Check it out HERE!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When watercoloring, start off with your brush pretty wet with a little color and go over your entire area you want to add color to. This should turn out to be a pretty light "wash" of color. If it gets puddly, barely touch it with the corner of a paper towel. It will absorb some of the water, but not move the color around. Wiping will possibly smear the color outside the lines. Let this dry. Then do another layer of color especially in the darker shadowy areas, blending it with more water to reduce splotchiness. Continue this process until you like what you see and your colors are as vibrant as you want them to be.

Stamps: MWAH! (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Black, Plum Pudding (PTI), Certainly Celery (SU!), Watercolor Paper (Canson), Eye See You (Cloud9 Design)
Ink: Various Dye Inks (SU!), Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Embossing Ink Dauber (Stampendous)
Accessories: Pennant and Large Pinking Edge Cut-Ups Dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Large Scallop Rectangles Nestabilities, Large Polkadots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Aquapainter, Silver Brads, Black Glitter Bat Stickers (The Paper Studio), Red Inkpen, Holographic EP, Heat Tool, Marshmallow Glimmer Mist, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

MFT's Greatest Hits Time!

Well, today's the day some of us DT girls for My Favorite Things celebrate MFT's "Greatest Hits" by dusting off a few of the older sets and giving them some face time. This month, we are focusing on that adorable little girl--Jolinne! I had this one still sitting on my desk from when I would color up images during Eric's chemo treatments (and there are still SO MANY!). The color combo I had used was stumping me a bit, so that's why this little Sitting Pretty Jolinne sat pretty for so long.

When I heard the theme for MFT's Greatest Hits this month would be to use our Jolinnes, I was happy to let this one grow up to be a card (finally!) and I'm sure she was too. Sitting Pretty for too long gives you a backache. Poor girl. The flower has a little "slip" made from lace that a friend of mine gave me. I thought it was a cute touch to mimic the ruffly slip on her dress. (Does anyone even wear slips anymore? My girls didn't even know what they were when we recently saw some in a store.) At least she has cute leggings on instead of pantyhose. I don't own ANY of those, thank goodness. I threw them all away the very day I became a stay at home mom after being in banking for 18 years!

Here's the inside--nice and simple. I sort of cheated and used a newer sentiment for this card. It's from the new Friends Forever Jolinne set. I just had to because it went so well with the front. Cute, no?! Be sure and check out Kim's blog around 11 AM EST. She will have a link list of all the girls showing their Jolinnes a little love. I've seen a few of the cards, and they are simply amazing! It's certainly worth a little break from actually working if ya'll are sneaking a look while before your boss stops by to micro-manage you! LOL!

I love the Jolinnes and she was so fun to play with. Here's the best part about today's post: Today only, Kim is offering a sweet deal on any Jolinne in the store. Just use the shopping code, JOLINNE and save $5 off any set. For some sets, that's more than half off!

SUSIE Q-TIP: The big green button on top of the felt flower had a big ol' shank-- you know, the kind of button with a little "stem" on the back with a hole through it for sewing it on. I needed it gone so that the button would be flat for gluing it down. So I used my craft hammer to knock it off. A couple of whacks and it was gone--as in I don't know where it flew off to, but it did the trick. Safety goggles might be in order if ya'll try this at home. ('You'll poke your eye out!')

Stamps: Sitting Pretty Jolinne and Friends Forever Jolinne (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Harvest Gold, Orange Zest, New Leaf (PTI), Cream Perfect Panels (MFT), Tea Party (American Crafts), Fly a Kite (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Perfect Petal Trio Die-namics, CM Circle Cutter, Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Yellow Ribbon and Lace Doily (Pizzazzaplenty), Felt and Button (MFT), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Verve Project Parade--Day 9

Well, in case ya'll aren't "in the know", the Verve Project Parade started back on August 25th over on the Verve Blog. This month's theme is "Something Old, Something New", not necessarily pertaining to a wedding or anything mushy like that, although it's perfectly fine to do so. Today is my day to post:

It's been forever since I've been to a wedding, so I wasn't inspired to go that direction. So I considered that since the idea of the theme was to use something old (older Verve stamps) along with something new (newer Verve stamps), just me being the "something old" wouldn't work. Teehee!

One of my very first favorites from Verve was Petals and Stems. I decided to pair it up with the Happy Hello set that was just released in August. I even grabbed something old and used something new from my stash--this little library card along with several new steel dies I've accumulated recently! I picked a few of these library cards up two years ago at the teacher store here near my house (it's authentic!).

I love how the flowers from Petals and Stems layer so cutely on top of the little felt flowers. I made the envelope myself and it really does open, but I haven't got anything inside it (yet). The library card is all sparkly, too, since I sprayed it with Marshmallow Glimmer Mist. It's a very happy little card and I can't wait to make another one like it!

SUSIE Q-TIP: You even have a chance at winning yourself some Verve Stamps ($30 worth!!). Be sure and check out the VERVE BLOG to see how! We hope you get to whip up something happy and play along with us. Come on, it'll keep you young!!

Stamps: Petals and Stems, Happy Hello (Verve)
Paper: Kraft, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist, Chartreuse (PTI), Pretty in Pink (SU!), Ducks in a Row (October Afternoon), Library Card
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Pure Poppy (PTI), Close to Cocoa (SU!), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Small Scallop Border, Bracket Edge, Perfect Petal Flowers Die-namice (MFT), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Sewing Machine/Thread, Pink Felt (MFT), Buttons and Ribbon (PTI), Twine (TCP), Marshmallow Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels), String, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

A {Naughty} Sketch For You to Try

Well, I've been naughty all right. I neglected my blog AGAIN! I was all gung-ho with the new release from MFT, that I shot my wad with it and became lax the rest of the week! Actually, it was a busy week for me (my neighbor even asked me, "where've you been going all week, somewhere every day?"). Let's see, Monday I helped my mom all day get her car accident stuff squared away, then Tuesday and Wednesday, I had errands to run and Thursday and Friday, I got my hair done (haircut one day and then highlights the next). At least I wasn't bored! And at least I had time for a LITTLE stamping!

So now it's Saturday and what does that mean? Soccer practice, work at Scrapper's, a skating party and a sleepover for my crazy life, but FIRST we have Jen's Sketch For You to Try! In the spirit of being naughty, I am sneaking a peek of a new stamp set from The Cat's Pajamas before the official peeks even start. Tsk, tsk. I'm sure ya'll are going to be mad at me for it, right? Here we have that pesky bunny again in a set called Skating Bunny. I colored him in with my very DRY markers. They are getting a drink today at Scrapper's Boutique--we now have a Copic refill service! There's 12 new stamp sets being released on September 14th for TCP and some more GREAT CutUps steel dies. I used one here also. See the "broken" (thin) ice he's skating on?--it's the Small Pinking Edge (does that mean there's a large one, too? I'd be naughty if I told.).

SUSIE Q-TIP: For straight sewing lines, don't focus your eyes on the needle going into the paper. Focus your eyes on where the edge of your paper lines up, making sure to keep it going along that line. I keep track of how far away the edge of my paper is from the pressure foot or it the edge happens to line up with a line or opening on the base of my machine where the feed dogs are (the little jagged things that pull the paper or material through your machine). Oh and also, it helps to go fast until you get to the corners.

Ok, well Jen's been naughty too and has picked a "WILD" girl for the Guest Designer this month--TORI WILD! Now it's time to check out what my SFYTT sisters have come up with for this sketch. Naughty or nice, I'm sure ya'll will love what they've put together. Don't forget to play along and upload your creations over on Jen's blog:
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Leigh O'Brien
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins
Carole Burrage

Stamps: Skating Bunny (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: New Leaf (PTI), White (Neenah), Tea Party (American Crafts)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Small Pinking Edge CutUps Die (The Cat's Pajamas), Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Seeing Red Felt (TCP), Copic Markers, Silver and Stardust Gel Pens, Buttons and Lime Divine Twine (TCP), Silver Brads, Ribbon (PTI), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2