Teaser Day 4 from My Favorite Things

Well, I've sure been busy (as a bee) with this release, eh? My Favorite Things' March release is one of the best so far this year and I just can't stop playing with all the fun new sets. Like this one...Bee Yourself from one of our fabulous illustrators, Claire Keay. I love the scruffy look to that little kid in costume.


So to go along with the "scruffy" look, I decided to NOT blend my Copics as much as I usually try to do and make it a little more blotchy looking in the darker areas. It almost gives it a watercolor effect and is totally fun to try for a change! I used another new Die-namics die called Dizzy Border (that has a matching Doily that will make you squeal!) Do you see it? I liked the way it looked behind my little buzz-a-roo, so I made several borders, glued them onto my aqua circle and trimmed off the excess before gluing it to the brown scalloped piece. Kind of looks like honeycomb I think! Anyway, something a little different and a fun way to use ANY border die. Here's a look at the Dizzy Border Die-namics die in its entirety:


Ok, well I'm going to buzz on outta here and go bee a bother to Eric for a while. Be sure and fly on over to Kim's blog for the daily link list of all the design girls who've got cuteness to share today! Don't forget to leave lots of comments on the blogs...there's a prize hidden somewhere along the journey.


SUSIE Q-TIP: Someone in my previous post had commented and asked me what my tension is set on for sewing on cardstock with my sewing machine. Well, I don't know if this will be helpful or not as there are all sorts of machines out there and they each have a "mind of their own" as to how they act with different materials. I have a Babylock run of the mill machine that I SAVED and SAVED for (it was $99) when I was first starting out on my own, so that was about 20 years ago! As ya'll can probably see from some of the looser stitches it loves to make, it needs a tune-up. However, it's been a GREAT machine and has sewn hundreds of miles of stitches. So for what it's worth, it's set somewhere between 5 and 6, closer to 5.

Stamps: Bee Yourself (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Kraft, Dark Chocolate, White, Aqua Mist (PTI), Little Girl (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Dizzy Border Die-namics (My Favorite Things), Circle and Large Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Stardust Stickles, Rhinestone Brads, Yellow Stripe Ribbon (Maya Road), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Teaser Day 3 from My Favorite Things

Well, a very long time ago when I lived in Katy, Texas, I used to be a little Girl Scout. I'm talking in 1976/77, friends! Our leader's name was Mrs. Saenz and we met next to her house at the Cardiff Community Center (or something like that) right across the street from Katy Elementary where I was a fourth grader. I had my little green outfit, very similar to this one with the sash going across the front of my shirt and my mom would sew all the little badges on it as I earned them. I had some fun times at camp with my best friend, Donna riding horses, and I still remember some of the little songs we sang together. And the cookies....(that were only a buck-fifty a box then).


So enough reminiscing, you're here for the Teaser from My Favorite Things! Don't worry, I was getting to that. It's Pure Innocence day and this little one is none other than--Girl Scout (have you seen the little Boy Scout, too?). They are A-DOR-A-BLE!! When I got this one in the mail from Kim, I actually squealed, it's so darn cute, so of course I HAD to use her for my Teaser. I can envision some cute cards and scrapbook layouts with this one. Hmmm....where are all my Rocky River Ranch camp pictures?


Along with this sweet new Girl Scout, I used one of the newest Die-namics dies coming your way, the Upsy Daisy Flower Builder. Take a look at how FUN this one is! Can you just imagine all the possibilities? See the little red circles in the flower centers. They are magic. They don't cut through, but EMBOSS the little circles. Looks like seeds! Precious.


And here's the other Die-namics Die I used--Layered Labels.

Ok, so let's review:
1. All the cool new stuff is being released this Tuesday night, March 1st, at 10 PM EST right after the Release Party in the MFT Forum on SCS HERE.

2. You will want to participate in this month's fabulous Guest Designer Contest hosted by Megan and Melody. You can get all the info on that also in our MFT Forum HERE.

3. Lastly, and as always, you can find a full link list of all the designers posting Pure Innocence Teasers today over on Kim's Blog HERE. Be sure and leave comments on all the blogs...you never know who's going to give away a prize along the way!

4. Girl Scout and Boy Scout Pure Innocence sets along with the Upsy Daisy Flower Builder Die-namics are MUST HAVES!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When sewing the corners of your cardstock panels, sometimes where you have to stop with your needle down in the paper to pivot your corner ends up with that last stitch a little too close to the edge. If you see that's about to happen, stop sewing right before that stitch. With the needle up, lift the presser foot and move your cardstock straight back just a tad so that the needle will go down squarely in the corner and exactly where you want it. It will make that last stitch kind of short, but I promise it won't get noticed.

Stamps: Girl Scout Pure Innocence (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Gumdrop Green, Fossil, Berrylicious (MFT), Harvest Gold (PTI), School Spirit (Crate Paper), Seaside (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Upsy Daisy Flower Builder, and Layered Label Die-namics (MFT), Oval and Labels Nestabilities, Large Dot Embossing Folder, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Prismacolor Pencils/OMS, Brads, Brown/White Gingham Ribbon, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Teaser Day 1 from My Favorite Things

Well, Hello. Now I need to break out into a Lionel Richie song, excuse me just a minute....(Hello), 'Is it me you're looking for?...Tell me how to win your heart, for I haven't got a clue, but I want to tell you so much...I love you.' (I butchered it, but you get the idea--if not, google it.) That song has been stuck in my head the whole time I was making this card and I just had to let it out! It's Day One of Teasers from My Favorite Things. Can ya'll believe it's release time already?


When I got this cah-ute and soon to be released little Flapper Doodles set called My Favorite Hello, I knew just what I wanted to do with it--make a gate-fold card! It was super easy.


Here's a little verbal instruction for ya'll:
1. Cut your 8.5 x 11 cardstock down to 8.5 x 4.25".
2. Score the long side at 2 1/8 and 6 3/8".
3. Fold each side to the middle and embellish.
(On this card, I overlapped the new Say What? Die-namics die from the right to the left side. In other words, it's attached to the right side, but not to the left to allow for opening the card. I also added a 4.5" square piece to the very back to cover my ribbon that comes around and ties to keep it shut.)

Here's a look at one of the newest Die-namics dies coming your way--Say What? I can tell it's going to be a FUN one to HAVE!! Also represented on this card are the uber talented Simply Scallops and Hearts a Plenty Die-namics (both are indispensable!)


*Ok, so these new and fabulous things will be available next Tuesday night, March 1st, right after the Release Party that will happen HERE that evening. Hello! I hope to see you there!

Now (more Lionel), 'you know just what to say ("I want to buy all of it"),
And you know just what to do'....Head on over to KIM'S blog for a list of all the design team girls that will win your heart with their creations!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I didn't have enough room on my card for a lot of layering. Even my main images hardly got any layering love. But it looks like it, doesn't it? I simply just colored the white edge I left when cutting it into the little wonky squares with my Copics to match. Tricky!

Stamps: My Favorite Hello Flapper Doodles (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Sour Apple, Cotton Candy, White (My Favorite Things), Little Girl (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Say What?, Hearts a Plenty, Simply Scallops Die-namics (MFT), Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Scor-Pal, Apple Green Grosgrain Ribbon, Adhesive Rhinestones, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 4.5" Square

Have you PLAYED?

Well, the end of the month is drawing near! Have ya'll played in Jen's Sketch For You to Try for February?


Anita Be Stampin is the sponsor for this month and if you choose to use stamps from her store (digital or rubber), you have a chance to win a $25 gift certificate for MORE Anita be Stampin stamps. Be sure and check them out...try a digi image for a change! And it gets better....


Here's the sketch for February. Come and play with us on each and every sketch for this year! On Christmas Day 2011, a prize package worth over $200 will be given away to one very lucky and loyal SFYTT stamper that participates in EVERY sketch for the year.

* You can find the two cards I made using this sketch HERE and HERE.

* You'll need to link up your entry for FEBRUARY HERE on Jen's blog.

Have fun and I'll see ya'll tomorrow!

MFTWSC8--Wednesday Stamp Club

Well, it's been a long day, but I did manage sit down for a little bit and work on the Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch Challenge #8 for My Favorite Things (MFTWSC8) before heading off to pilates (hurts so good!). I wanted to keep it quite simple, light and springy, so I thought these colors were good. This butterfly phrase fit perfectly from my Inspired by Butterflies set and I paired it up with some of those fabulous butterflies cut from the Butterflies Die-namics die. I love layering them! Hmmm...checking out the picture...Does this card make my bow look big?

Here's a look at the Die-namics I used that I can't seem to make a card without:
Ok, I think I need to be done with this post, especially since my last one was so looooonnngg! As always, be sure and:

1. Play along in the Sketch Challenge. There will be a random draw each week from all the participants who have uploaded their card to SCS using the proper keyword -MFTWSC8 this time. The winner will receive a $15 gift voucher. If the winner used MFT stamps, they will receive $5 in bonus bucks, for a total of $20.

2. Check out Kim's blog for a list of all the Design Team members playing along this week.

3. Play along in this week's Sketch Challenge! (I'm getting delirious, I'm so tired.)

SUSIE Q-TIP: Cut out your favorite Die-namics shape for a sentiment-focused card. Cut it again from another color and simply slice off the upper and lower edges (or the sides) for more detail and glue it on top. Add brads, buttons or rhinestones to the ends for embellishments.

Stamps: Inspired by Butterflies (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Blue Rasberry, Banana Split, Gumdrop Green, White (MFT), Summertime (Echo Park), Lovey Dovey (Bella Blvd.)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Butterflies, Framed Greetings and Simply Scallops Die-namics (MFT), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Flower Brads (Doodlebug), Adhesive Rhinestones, Ribbon, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

TCP Tuesday 147 and Rewind to 146

Well, yesterday Eric and I got a lot done around here. Mostly we shoveled rocks. We have a retaining wall in our backyard made out of pavestones with a river rock landscaped upper ground (yes, adorned with sandbags complements of the City of Watauga to keep it from flooding). Last spring, we had another flood in our backyard and it washed about a fourth of it out (including the sandbags) as water gushed into our yard from the soccer fields behind us. It scattered pavers and rocks all over a corner of our yard a foot deep (water is so powerful!) and it has sat like that ever since (almost a year!) as Eric was too sick last year to take care of it.

So yesterday was the day. He built the wall back up, reinforced it with more soil and then we shoveled. And shoveled. And shoveled rocks. We saved $500 by doing it ourselves. I'm so proud of him and it looks great! I know he felt like he had earned his man-card back after being so weak all last year from the cancer. March 6th is fast approaching and that is the day last year that I first noticed his neck had huge bulges all over it...they popped up overnight. We still can't believe that happened to him.


During the time he was building the wall and me raking leaves (before I could help him shovel), I would come in and work on this TCP Tuesday card from The Cat's Pajamas for today. (I'm warning ya'll now--this is a long post.) It's a color challenge that Sony came up with and really made me want a big ol' bowl of ice cream last night after working so hard.

The colors are pink, chocolate brown and teal. Yummy!

It had been quite some time since I had used this set, Tutu Much and I thought it would work perfectly with the colors, so I grabbed it and started coloring them up. I love how that momma is looking at her bunny-child, who undoubtedly is asking for the millionth thing of the day, and shaking her head to say, "You are Tutu much" (..."for me to handle right now, go find your daddy" is what I would've added, but I guess Alma thought that would make too long of a sentiment for this sweet set. Wouldn't have fit on a card anyway.) I also managed to use two CutUps dies from The Cat's Pajamas as well--Buttons and Big Scallop. Paper buttons sure do make matching perfectly to your paper a breeze!

I almost forgot to add that this is another card using Jen's Sketch For You To Try for February..it's a great one!

Don't forget that you can find all the info on how YOU can play along and win $25 in Cat Cash and be crowned Swanky Stamper of the month by checking out Alma's blog HERE.

Now we are going to go back in time. I'm rewinding to last week's TCP Tuesday 146 which was a challenge thrown down by Julie Masse to use candy on our card. Leigh had made this cool candy/box/card and I just HAD to give it a try so this is what I came up with.

It's actually a Vector PDF file that I opened up in my Make the Cut software and just cut with my Cricut. That was the easy part. All that was left to do was to come up with the "decor". I used that swanky new Bear Hugs set and sort of created a tag for the card side. I cut the "love" part of the box out again with my Cricut and just overlayed it on the box cutout, adding the yellow (of course) heart in place of the "V". I filled the box with the only leftover Valentine candy I could find that matched--Banana Laffy Taffy--GROSS!! Shelbie loved it, but she's 18 and has a discriminating palette.


Ok, well, that's all for me today. I've got some errands to run and then more stamping is on the agenda after lunch--something from My Favorite Things will be the order of the day tomorrow around here so, "ya'll come back now, ya hear"!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I used some fabulous solid color twine from Pizzazz Aplenty for my button die (The Cat's Pajamas currently doesn't carry brown Divine Twine--that's a hint). When adjusting the bow size for any twine, I like to put my finger on top of the bow's knot while slowly pulling the ends until it's just the size I want it. That way, the knot stays tighter than if you were to just pull them without any tension from your finger. Try it and this will make more sense. If you are really concerned the bow will come undone, dab a drop of glue (that dries clear) or fray check on the knot to lock it up.

Tutu Much Card
Stamps: Tutu Much (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Regal Rose (SU!), Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist (PTI), Tutu Dots (Bo Bunny), City Park (AC)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Buttons and Big Scallop CutUps dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Circle and Big Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Sewing Machine/Thread, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Copic Markers, Ribbon (PTI), Dream String (Pizzazz Aplenty), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Love Candy Box Card
Stamps: Bear Hugs (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Rasberry Fizz, Kraft (PTI), Early Bird (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Heart Trio CutUps (TCP), Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Circle and Scallop Circle Punches, Cropadile, Copic Markers, Cotton Candy Divine Twine (TCP), Ribbon, Buttons, Glue Dots, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters, Cricut

Mojo Monday 179--I'm a Princess

Well, I may be a princess, but things sure don't take care of themselves around here. I haven't blogged in almost a week! My ship was sinking here at the house, and I had to get control of the situation (the "sitch" as my oldest daughter, Shelbie calls it)--Sick kids and a dusty house don't mix. Now that that's semi back to normal, I can actually create again without feeling guilty about the dirty dishes in the sink, etc. So since it's Monday, I thought I'd give Julee's Mojo Monday (actually designed this week by the talented Mary Fish) sketch a whirl and break out some Verve.

I started by pulling out my Thankful Accents set, thinking it would be fun to use it on the main circle. The set's sentiments didn't really seem to fit my sketch, but when I saw my Munchkin Phrases set, I remembered I had this cute princess paper from My Mind's Eye and the card came right together in my head. I love it when that happens!

Eric (who got another clean bill of health last Friday) is off today for President's Day (he works for the U.S. Attorney's office so he gets all those cool holidays) and we are (mostly him) in the process of working on a few little home fix-it projects. Thanks to him, now I don't have to kick the bottom of my front door any more to make it open. I feel like a princess again.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Double sided paper can be your best friend when making a card. It always coordinates. Before you stick down what you think is the best side of the paper, flip it and see if it looks better using the opposite side. That's what I did here and I like it much better than the other option that I was going to go with first (the crowns and the dots are the double sided paper).

Stamps: Thankful Accents, Munchkin Phrases (Verve)
Paper: Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream (PTI), Bubblegum (MFT), Alphabet Soup (My Mind's Eye), Christmas (AC)
Ink: Real Red (SU!), Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Rolled Rose Die-namics (MFT), Big Pinking Border CutUps (TCP), Circle Nestabilities, Sewing Machine/Thread, Silver Flatbacks (Pizzazz Aplenty), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2 (4.25 x 5.5")

It's VIP Time from My Favorite Things

Well, are everyone's kids all sugared up from yesterday? Mine are still coming down off their sugar highs and to be honest, so am I! Hey, it's the last "candy" holiday for a while, and I have to live it up before I get into my "cooling off period" before the next candy holiday and that's a long time from now! So here's a project with more candy (that I will be giving away to a friend so I don't eat it) for this month's VIP HOP from My Favorite Things. (Be sure and start at the beginning over on KIM'S BLOG to stay "on key".)


It's a candy bar slider! When I was pondering what to make using the new VIP set, Who's That Musical Girl, I wanted to do something other than a card. So I found this GIANT Symphony Hershey chocolate bar at Walgreen's (I told ya'll I'm addicted to that place) and decided to make a Pull-Up Treat. (Instructions can be found on Splitcoast HERE.) I had to come up with my own measurements as it was the larger candy bar, but that was pretty easy. Then I colored and cut out the Who's That Musical Girl image and matted her with a circle and a scallop circle. I found the musical note SVG file on the internet and loaded it into my Make the Cut software, enlarged it (a lot) and cut it with my Cricut Expression.


I have had this color combo in my head for quite a while now and was so happy to get to use it here. You may have to see it again soon. I hope ya'll like it! Anyway, the little sentiment set is from the FREE exclusive mini sentiment set called Musical Girl Mini that you can ONLY get with the VIP as it won't be offered again. I just thought this one was so fitting...Music to My Ears...It's CHOCOLATE, BABY, OF COURSE IT IS!

Take a look at all the cool offerin's in this month's VIP KIT:



Can you carry a tune? Well it's time to carry it on over to SHERRIE'S BLOG...she's your next stop on the hop tonight and I'm sure she'll have something to share that will make your heart sing!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Make sure the ribbon is nice and tightly tied around the candy bar for a Pull-Up treat. Otherwise, when you try to slide it back down into the little cover, you will end up with the bow all wonky and lose. Don't ask me how I know this. I don't want to talk about it.

Stamps: Who's That Musical Girl, Musical Girl Mini (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Cotton Candy, Sour Apple, White (MFT), Black, Regal Rose (SU!), Hollywood (Webster's Pages)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Hearts a Plenty Die-namics (MFT), Cricut/SVG file, Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Copic Markers, Circle Punches, Swarovski Crystals (MFT), Green Grosgrain Ribbon, Button (MFT), Twine (TCP), Scor-Tape, Jody Boosters

You Just Got Lucky--It's a la mode Teaser Time From MFT

Well, top o' the mornin' to ya'll!! Oh and Happy Valentine's Day too (I did come up with some Valentines for Lindsie and Audrie's class parties, and I'll post them a little later.)! Being that it's the middle of the month and the VIP kit from My Favorite Things is right around the corner (as in tomorrow night), the a la mode teasers are being shown today and tomorrow, followed tomorrow night by the VIP Hop and Shop at 10 PM EST. You won't want to miss a thing, so be sure and stay tuned...

As usual, there are two a la mode sets debuting this month. This one is called Wishing You Luck and is perfect for St. Patrick's day or just to wish someone luck in general. Maybe you have a co-worker departing for a new adventure (could have used it MANY times back in my working days), maybe a friend is opening a business (SO excited for a certain someone I know!), or you have a kiddo starting a new job (Shelbie, our oldest just got hired with Aldi, a grocery store chain and will be switching jobs for the first time in her life!). I just want ya'll to get the "veee-uh-shun" of how fun this set could be--it's not just for St. Paddy's, and neither are the glittery shamrocks I've been hoarding that I used on this bow--MMM!

Here's a look at the inside that I kept nice and simple like the outside and a graphic of the cool Simply Scallops Die-namics Die I used--it's a MUST HAVE. Just sayin'. I actually used a Wednesday Stamp Club sketch from a couple of weeks ago that was the perfect fit for this slender image (will I ever have a slender image?...that's some deep thinking right there, so I need to go and ponder that thought.)


While I'm pondering, why don't ya'll head on over to KIM'S BLOG where ya'll will find a linky list of DT girls who are feeling lucky today too, and are sharing their versions of this set!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Cut your sentiment out using a smallish die shape or tag. You can make it look like it's a tag hanging or tied to a bow by just glueing an end slightly underneath the bow. Looks like a tag and stays right where you want it.

Stamps: Wishing You Luck a la mode (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Hot Fudge, White, Orange Fizz, Sour Apple, Nook and Pantry (Basic Grey)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Simply Scallops Die-namics (MFT), Oval and Labels 10 Nestabilities, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Silver Brads, Hearts Embossing Folder, Adhesive Rhinestones, Ribbon (PTI), Glitter Shamrock Button, Divine Twine (TCP), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Viva la Verve--Feb. Week 2--Try Something New

Well, February sure is flying by. The girls and I are trying to gear up for their Valentine's parties at school on Monday. After looking at several things at Walgreen's (it's a fettish), we just weren't satisfied with anything. I think they think all the "boxed" Valentines are too babyish for them. So yesterday, I was informed that they want me to make their Valentines this year. That means I need to come up with something over the weekend (preferably to make tomorrow night at a crop I'm going to)---42 of them. I'm all over the internet and Etsy looking for cool ideas and I really haven't seen anything that absolutely grabs me. So I need ya'll's help. Got any cute ideas? THIS is one I can't get out of my head, but I'm not sure if the girls will go for it. I like the "punny" stuff, not too expensive to make. Please leave me a comment NOW (I need them by Saturday night). If I use your idea, I'll make an extra and send one to you, too. :)

Meanwhile, back at the farm, I've got another Viva la Verve card to share. This is last Friday's sketch from Amy (Feb. Week 2) that I LOVE (wonky panels and all--hi Marisa!). There's a new sketch today (as there is every Friday) over in the Verve forum on Splitcoast. I used some of my favorite Verve sets that came out last summer--Dream Big and Always on My Mind. I used lots of "technique-ey" stuff for this card: I layered the flowers that I heat embossed in clear for a glossy look and then inked black around the edges. I have lots of distressed edges on the layers along with a little messy sewing. (I use THIS tool and I love it.) I used Sea Foam Shimmerz spray for the main light aqua panel and then finally wrapped a couple of layers of gray organdy ribbon with a bow onto it that I had shot and "melted/crinkled" with my heat tool. Anyway, lots of fun to make this one--not my usual "clean" look and I really like it. For some reason, Verve has a tendancy to pull me in that direction!

Don't forget about sending me those awesome Valentines idears. They don't have to be your original ones, you can even send me a link to something you've seen somewhere. I can always tweak it and make it my own.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Even though you may have settled into a particular style for yourself, it's fun to stretch and do things out of the norm. "Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." ~ Albert Einstein So while you're at it, go ahead, try brussel sprouts. You'll like them.

Stamps: Dream Big, Always On My Mind (Verve)
Paper: Smokey Shadow, White, Berry Sorbet (PTI), Old Olive (SU!), Olivia (Basic Grey)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Black Cat's Eye (Colorbox), Embossing Ink Dauber (Stampendous), Old Olive, Always Artichoke (SU!)
Accessories: Sewing Machine/Thread, Heat Tool, Clear EP, 1/2" and 3/4" Circle Punch, Open Scallop Die-namics (MFT), Button, Bakers Twine and Flatback Pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Grey Organdy Ribbon, Sea Foam Shimmerz, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Wednesday Stamp Club

Well, does everybody know about Wednesday Stamp Club from My Favorite Things? It's a weekly sketch challenge that gets posted over on the MFT forum of Splitcoast every Wednesday. Not only are there GREAT sketches (I rarely start a card without one), but there'a a weekly random PRIZE that you could win just by playing along!

This is the second MFTWSC I've played in over the last month or so (this one's MFTWSC6) and I've thoroughly enjoyed it. It gives me a chance to pull out some of the sets that didn't get as much love as I meant for them to during their big debuts...Seems to be an ongoing theme with me so far this year, and it feels really good. Today, I used one of the first Fred Bear sets, Fred Bear and the Butterfly along with a fairly new set, the Die-namics Textile Rectangle and Stamp Set--one of my FAVORITES--I just LOVE the sentiments and fonts!

Here's a look at the inside and another Die-namics die I used, the Jumbo Scallop Die with some thin cork sheets. It cuts like buttah. I used the stamp set in a totally different way for the little tab at the bottom of the inside as an added touch. I think this is one of my favorite cards I've made in a while--I made it several days ago and I just couldn't WAIT to show ya'll!



Ok, it's time for me to go kick Eric's butt at Ping Pong on the wii (I'm the champion around here), and then get a good night's rest for more stamping time tomorrow. For now, be sure and check out a full list of the MFT DT girls who have loads of talent to get your creativity flowing for this awesome sketch over on KIM's BLOG. You ARE playing with us, right?

SUSIE Q-TIP: I'm pretty sure the sketch for this week didn't call for a giant cut out image of something off to the left side of the main panel. That didn't stop me from thinking outside the box and adding it, along with making the flag sentiment protrude a little on the right. Don't let it stop ya'll either. By cutting him out and adding him (I love how he fit so nicely there with the "A"), he becomes part of the main panel and that's totally ok.

Stamps: Fred Bear and the Butterfly, Textile Rectangle Stamp Set (MFT)
Paper: Fossil, White, Wild Cherry (MFT), Bow and Arrow (Pink Paislee), Cork Sheets
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Textile Rectangle, Hearts a Plenty, Jumbo Scallop, and Small Scallop Border Die-namics (MFT), Sewing Machine/Thread, Large Dots Embossing Folder, Silver Brads, Copic Markers, Hemp Twine, Buttons, Twill tape, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

TCP Tuesday 145--How Now Brown Whale

Well, not only is TCP Tuesday from The Cat's Pajamas upon us, but also today, we are introducing a new team member of the Cat Pack! TORI WILD is joining us. I'm excited to get to know her a little more and be on a design team with her again (again? or did she join a team I had just exited? Oh, I can't remember, all I know is that she is WILDLY talented and I think ya'll will agree.).
Jen is our Hipster Hostess with the Mostess this week and she has a fabulous inpiration challenge for us to take in and be moved by. I may have been a little too moved by the polkadot aspect of the challenge, but I just love that paper and could not resist making my little whale from A Whale of a Time dotty! I used some of those fabulous CutUps dies on this as well--the Wave and Flower Buttons, but left off a lot of layering since the card was so busy as is. I think my favorite part is him holding his little flag saying, "Sea You!". Gotta go for now--Sea You Later, friends!

Be sure to check out the full list of us Cat Packers sharing our TCP Tuesday creations with ya'll over on Alma's BLOG!




Now, TCP Tuesday is FOR YOU to get down to business and show off your talent, along with trying to win some Cat Cash and the title of Swanky Stamper for next month. Here's the 411 on how to play:

1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, technique/supply, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Link to your post using the Inlinkz button on ALMA'S blog post HERE.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a TCP stamps.}
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 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: Double your Divine Twine for cute "double" bows going through your buttonholes of handmade embellishments. Then I like to use "not as sharp" scissors to trim the ends for a scruffier look.

Stamps: Whale of a Time (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Aqua Mist, Hawaiian Shores, Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy (PTI), Summertime (Echo Park), Chocolate & Ivory Dot (Canvas Corp)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Flower Buttons and Wave CutUps (TCP), Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Felt, Cherry Divine Twine, Buttons, Rhinestone Stars (Pizzazz Aplenty), Ribbon (PTI), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 4.25 x 5.25"

A New February Sketch for You To Try

Well, after being sick for exactly one week as of yesterday, I'm finally feeling like I'm turning a corner and getting well! I thought I had a cold, then I thought well, I'm not getting better so maybe it's the flu, then the icy weather hit and I couldn't get to the doctor. The final straw was enjoying an itchy rash all over the upper half of my body, so Eric took me to the doctor on Thursday...turns out I had strep, scarlet fever and bronchitis. (and yes, the scarlet fever is from untreated strep, but I NEVER felt like I had that!) So yes, I like to go retro with my illness(es), and after a heavy duty antibiotic shot and more to take at home, I'm gladly back amongst the living! So yay! I got to stamp again! First on my list of priorities--to make my card for today's reveal of the February Sketch for You To Try! Wanna see it? Read on, my friends.


This month our sketch is being sponsored by Anita Be Stampin, (in Anita's own words) 'a brand new, itty bitty stamp company' that offers fun and cute stamps in cling mount rubber and digital form. For my card, I chose to use one of the new releases called Monster Hugs that includes three of these adorable creatures and some unique sentiments in a very trendy style. Ya'll really should check out her sweet designs. Thanks for sponsoring us this month, Anita!


I wanted to give my mushy little monster some sparkle, so I did using a stardust gel pen and my SUSIE Q-TIP. I also added tiny white dots to her eyes with a white gel pen for a little more definition. Given that Audrie lost a tooth over this unplanned wintery (I-can't-wait-for-school-to-resume) holiday, I think this one's for her. It got so lose, she could twist it all the way around so that the back of it showed! eewwww!! For a first-grader, she sure has lost a lot of teeth already. The tooth fairy's going broke at our house.

Here's this month's sketch. Don't forget, that to be eligible for the end of the year MEGA prize, you have to play each month (Jen's got the 411 on how that's done on her blog HERE). The SFYTT girls and our GUEST DESIGNER, the sweet Becky Carafa have some sick skills and lots of inspiration to help ya'll get started this month:

Amy Rohl
Amy Sheffer
Megan Lock
Amber Hight
Sony Christoph
Carole Burrage
Jodi Collins
Kelly Lunceford
Leigh O’Brien
Kerry Johnson

SUSIE Q-TIP: Jen swears by a water brush filled with alcohol to "move" the glitter from a stardust gel pen around to spread it over an entire image. I've seen her in action, and it DOES work. However, poor susiestampalot only has one water brush and guess what it's got in it. So I tried an old SU! Blender pen and that worked good enough for me and did the same thing as Jen's trick as long as i kept the "blending" to a minimum so it wouldn't make my paper "pill" up. Susan needs another water brush--ya'll don't all have to send me one, just talk amongst yourselves and nominate someone.

Stamps: Monster Hugs (Anita Be Stampin)
Paper: White, Pure Poppy, Golden Harvest (PTI), Sour Apple (MFT), Summertime (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Hearts a Plenty Die-namics (MFT), Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Circl Punch, Large Scallop Border Punch (EK), Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Stardust Gel Pen, White Gel Pen, Buttons, Divine Twine (TCP), Corner Rounder, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2