Just a Note About Jen's March Sketch For You to Try

Well, I'm getting this in under the wire today as I'm still caring for my mom. It's my second sketch for Jen's Sketch For You To Try. Have you entered her contest yet? You still have time--today's the last day--to do so HERE. Take a look at March's awesome sketch (that I turned on its side):


I combined the sketch with 2 different stamp sets from My Favorite Things--Clearly Sentimental About Music (front) and Who's That Musical Girl (inside).


It was a no brainer to use the cute little music notes from the Musical Notes Die-namics, too. I have to say, I love how this card turned out!



Ok, I've gotta run again today! Lots of errands to take care of before I go get my mom ready for her Dr.'s appointment (that she doesn't want to go to.) She's being a stubborn little patient!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Those music notes from the Musical Notes Die-namic are really skinny. Normally I like to use my little Xyron "X" sticker maker for stuff like that to adhere them with, but I was afraid they would tear when I peeled off the backing. So I got out my Quickie Glue Pen and just "drew" on some glue. Perfect.

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About Music, Who's That Musical Girl (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Fossil, Sour Apple, Sno Cone (MFT), Blush Blossom, Black (SU!), Basic Gray, Vintage Hymnal Book Pages
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Versamark
Accessories: Musical Notes Die-namics (MFT), Labels Nestabilities, Circle Punches, Scor-Pal, Large Dot Embossing Folder, Sewing Machine/Thread, Hot Glue, Quickie Glue Pen, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

MFTWSC13--Little Loveosaurus

Well, RAWR!! Sorry to be a little late with my Wednesday Stamp Club Challenge (all the other DT girls have theirs already posted. Kim's got a full list of them HERE.). I had this card all ready to go, but before I was able to post it early last night, we had a little family emergency (my mom got dehydrated and had to go to the ER--she's doing a tiny bit better now, thanks.). After being there almost all night, and then making follow-up calls this morning for her, I'm just now able to settle back down at the computer and get this show on the road.


SO. Here's a look at the fabulous sketch (so many possibilities!) and here's my version.


I have had this Twig paper from Little Yellow Bicycle for a while now, so when I was looking through my stamps, I thought the Little Loveosaurus set from My Favorite Things would be fitting to use it with. I added the sentiment banner at the top (don't forget to sometimes leave space for that, especially if your image is a little too short for a longer panel called for in a sketch).



Of course, too, I had to use my favorite Hearts a Plenty Die-namics die:


Ok, well, I've got a little stamping to do and a few more doctor calls to make for my mom, so I've got to run...Let me just say, though, stay tuned to my blog for the next week or so starting today. There's a post planned for almost EVERY DAY!! YAY ME!

SUSIE Q-TIP: As much as I LOVE my coffee, I used to be a BIG water fanatic. Like without fail (who's Fail?), would get my 64 ounces in DAILY by making sure I drank two "fill-ups" of this cute little 32 oz. water bottle I have. (Because cute water bottles are essential.) Well, I have fallen off that bandwagon, but after dealing with my mom and the consequences of such, I'm determined to get back on track. So have your ONE cup of coffee or Diet Coke, but then put it down and grab some water--in a cute bottle of course.

Stamps: Little Loveosaurus (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Fossil, Sour Apple, Hot Fudge (MFT), Twig (Little Yellow Bicycle)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Hearts a Plenty Die-namics (MFT), Copic Markers, Silver Brads, Ribbon, Twine, Button, Circle Punch, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

New Release TCP Tuesday Hop from The Cat's Pajamas

Well, how 'bout that latest release from The Cat's Pajamas? It was just last night, so you still can order your stamps, dies and new twine colors...you'll just be fashionably late. As with our other releases, we like to wrap things up in an "after-party" of sorts by combining one last release sample with the TCP Tuesday challenge for the week. As for the HOP, it started over on Julie's Blog (another masterpiece by my sister, Sara) because she's the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess! Check out the deets on how to play along on ALMA'S blog HERE.


So let's get started by me telling ya'll what this card is all about:



'Nuff said. Haha! Although Steven Tyler IS a hottie (and on my "list"-wink wink. I could stay awake, just to hear him breathing.), Julie inspired us to make a "SHAPED CARD" for her challenge this week. Since the new release set, IDOLS was inspired by some of us Cat Packer's love for American Idol, I had to have Steven grace my blog today. (I feel like I've just explained the game, 6 Degrees of Kevin Bacon.)


Anyway, I got this crazy idea to make a CONCERT TICKET for our Idols! I just made it be a flat card for now, but you could glue a "hinge" on the back of it to make it a regular card. Wouldn't it be cute for some party invitations, or a surprise concert ticket gift? I had SO MUCH fun making it, and I giggled the whole time, tickled by the whole idea and that it was actually working out like I dreamed it. Do ya'll do that?


We've got a little Elvis, Ringo Starr and Michael Jackson, making up an awesome cover band, penguin style. Who wouldn't want to pay good money to see them perform their worldwide "You Rock My World" Tour?

I've already put in my request to Alma for an accessory Idols set--KISS style!...also included would be some crazy hats and a full length leather coat in honor of Mr. Tyler.

Ok, that's all from me. Now to change gears and settle down with Eric to watch a little Dancing With the Stars. Hmmm...penguins ballroom dancing? Oh, Alma! Walk This Way and go see your next stop on the hop--Jenny Peterson who is guest designing with us! Thanks for stopping by!

Oops, I did it again...Dream On.



SUSIE Q-TIP: Lining up alphabet stamps can be tricky (that's why sometimes it's just easier to be wonky on purpose). Line your CLEAN acrylic block up straightly on some grid paper. Looking through the block to the grid, place a piece of Scotch tape "along" one of the grid lines, creating a taped line on your block to use as a baseline for your letters. As long as you don't totally squash the stamps down in the ink, the tape should stay clean so you can leave it in place when you actually stamp off your lettering. Don't forget to spell everything in a "mirror image" too.

Stamps: Idols, Coolvetica and Nightie Alphabets (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Kraft, White, Black (PTI), Ballet Blue (SU!)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Pure Poppy (PTI)
Accessories: Pinking Border CutUps (The Cat's Pajamas), 3/4" Circle Punch, Copic Markers, Glossy Accents (Ranger), Stardust and Gold Stickles, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 4.25" x 7"

And the Winner Is........

Well, I was busy busy yesterday stamping my little heart out and thought it wouldn't hurt if I just kept my giveaway open and pick the winner this morning, so here we are! I just called Eric at work and asked him to pick a number between 1 and 36 (he hadn't a clue as to why I was asking him this), and he picked Lucky number 21!



And LOOK, she's a Susan/Susie too!! Good job, Eric (he must have a thing for SUSANS)! So SUSAN, you are the WINNER, and lucky--I have added a few more goodies to the pile. Just email me (susanliles@sbcglobal dot net) and give me your address and I'll get these funsies in the mail to you!

Thanks for everyone's comments and nice things you had to say about my sissy, Sara, who by the way, has an awesome tutorial on her blog about Coloring and Shading Your Digital Stamps in Photoshop. She IS very talented and I'm glad ya'll agree and LOVE my new blog look as much as I do! (She even helped me get that fancy cute comment window in my post just now!--GENIUS, I say, GENIUS!)

Stay tuned, I may have a little post here later--Verve, TCP, MFT? Who knows?

AND don't forget to join us for The Cat's Pajamas Release Party tonight. It will be from 8-10 EST over in our forum on Splitcoast HERE.

Sneaky Peek Day 5

Well, this week went by so fast! I had a ton of stuff going on, a migraine for few days, appointments and just did a bunch of running around in general. Errands, errands, errands. I didn't get to stamp as much as I wanted to, but these next few days will be very stampy, as I am finishing up getting ready for the release on the 29th for The Cat's Pajamas.

So here's my Sneaky Peek for today. It features the new stamp set called, Wet Puddle. The little girl is adorable as she splashes along in the water! The bubbles she's creating are also included in the stamp set as well as some sweet sentiments, perfect for cheering someone up who may be feeling a little down.


I also was messing around with the new Easy Rosette CutUps tool and thought it would be cute to make just one half of the rosette and turn it into an umbrella (ella, ella). I added the umbrella topper and the handle, making it look like she's holding it in her right hand. FUN!!!



Ok well, I need to go get ready to get to Scrapper's Boutique this morning, and ya'll have a few other blogs to look at to see more inspiration with this Wet Puddle set. Jen, Amy and Leigh have some cuteness to share!

Don't forget to enter my Giveaway HERE!! The drawing is tomorrow!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Big ol' bows are quite the thing. I admit. I love them. But sometimes a simple knot is all that's needed, dressed up a little with a button and some Divine Twine. It's divine. Really.

Stamps: Wet Puddle (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Orange Fizz, Wild Cherry, Fossil (MFT), Seaside (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Easy Rosette CutUps Die (TCP), Circle Nestabilities, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Hole Punch, Silver Flatbacks (Pizzazz Aplenty), Ribbon, Button, Divine Twine (TCP), Stickles, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

MFTWSC12--Wednesday Stamp Club is a Winner!

Well, I don't know about ya'll, but I sure am glad I started playing in the Wednesday Stamp Club for My Favorite Things more often. Why? Because it gives me a chance to play with my stamped images that never grew up to be cards. So when I start on a sketch, I look through my "leftovers" first to see if there is an image that fits the layout. And shucky-dern look what I found this time, just waiting to be a star!


This little cutie All-Star a la mode was just released at the beginning of this month and is currently available (yay! I know a few times here lately I've ended up using a set that had been sold out--sorry!). I had stamped and colored her at the same time I made THIS card, but for some reason ended up putting this little winner to the side.

Pop open the card and here's what's inside--just a little extra:



Ok, so here's a look at the sketch and be sure and check out our forum on Splitcoast HERE to be "in the know" on how to play along and WIN a gift voucher to the MFT Boutique.

Need a little more cheering on? Check out what the other MFT design team members did with the sketch--they are certainly all winners! Kim's got a link list on her blog HERE.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Did ya'll even notice? I flipped the sketch. Are you a sketch flipper? If your image fits better, which in this case, her little flag banner would have been covering up the side sentiment, flip it or even turn it horizontally or vertically, whichever is opposite of the given sketch. Be Cinderella's wicked step-sister and make the shoe fit.

Stamps: All-Star a la mode (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Fossil, White (MFT), Smokey Shadow (PTI), Garden Fresh (Cosmo Cricket), Sports Edition (Teresa Collins), The Goods (American Crafts)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Notebook Edge and Stacking Stars Die-namics (MFT), Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Divine Twine (TCP), Buttons (MFT), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Sneaky Peek Day 1 Chills Out With TCPTUES151

Well, I see the majority of ya'll love my new blog makeover. Thanks! See THIS POST for your chance to win some goodies to celebrate the good times.


Today is the first day of week-long Sneaky Peeks from The Cat's Pajamas! That's right, a new release is just around the corner and ya'll better start saving your pennies now because you will want it ALL! Some of the Cat Pack has teamed up today to give ya'll a little looksie at WHAT A BLAST. PJ is relaxing in the spring air enjoying his new pinwheel. We've also got a few new CutUps dies coming your way as well...all to be released next Tuesday, March 29th. Here's 3 of the 4 new dies:











Now it's a little hard to tell, but I used this week's TCP Tuesday Inspiration Challenge hosted by Jen for my card as well. HERE'S the Inspiration pic and Jen's got all the info as to how to play along for swank and swagger too.


Wanna see more Snealy Peeks from the Cat Pack? Check out these kitties:
Jen
Carole
Leigh
Julie
Jackie
Toni

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use half a rosette for a sweet bunting embellishment. (Actually the die cuts only one half at a time--so for a full flower, you just cut it twice and glue together. SUPER EASY!) This is going to come in so handy around the 4th of July! Alma has been so kind as to shoot some YouTube videos on how to make the Easy Rosettes and Pinwheels. Check out her YouTube Channel HERE and HERE.

Stamps: What a Blast (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Rasberry Fizz, Aqua Mist, Plum Pudding, Chartreuse (PTI), Springtime (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Easy Rosette, Grass, Inside Pinking and Pinwheels CutUps Dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Argyle Embossing Folder, Divine Twine (TCP), Buttons, Flatback Rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Celebrate Good Times + a Giveaway

Well, "there's a party goin' on right here, a celebration to last throughout the years--So bring your good times, and your laughter too, We gonna celebrate your party with you--Come on now!" Don't ya'll just love you some Kool and the Gang? As you can probably tell, I had that song in my head the whole time I was making this card. And YES, I AM celebrating around here! Did ya'll notice my new decor? I had a makeover--a BLOG makeover that is--no one has called me to be on What Not To Wear yet (Stacy London is my idol as we share the same gray streak in our hair). For my birthday back in January, I asked my sister Sara for a redo of the old bloggio and this is the NEW LOOK!


So when I was poking around in my stampy drawers (hehe), I found the perfect VERVE set to make a card with for my new blog's DEBUT--Birthday Bash! My card is sporting this past Friday's Viva la Verve sketch from Jackie Pedro. I just had to use some more of that Little Girl paper from Echo Park too, and even paper pieced the balloons. I love the yellow one with the heart. I like yellow and definitely needed it included in my new blog design as well. Didn't Sara do a great job?


Anyway, since it's been a while since I've had a giveaway and this is a perfect time to celebrate, I thought to myself, "self--let's have a giveaway, since this is the perfect time to celebrate." I'm not a deep thinker, can ya'll tell? I've got a little something from all the companies I design for and love and I may even throw in a few other surprise goodies! There's a couple of sweet embellishments from Pizzazz Aplenty, a Flat-Bottomed Clouds Die-namics from My Favorite Things, the Every Season Plain Jane from Verve and the Ewe Complete Me stamp set from The Cat's Pajamas.

Just leave me a comment telling Sara how wonderful she is (she won't get a big head, I promise. She's way more deep than I am), and I'll do that random drawing thing, oh let's say sometime on Sunday the 27th. Sound good? I love ya'll!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Remember those Prima flowers from long ago like this one? I tend to not use them as much any more with all the flower dies and punches available, but I still really love them. Get yours out and layer a button on them to feel the love once again.

Stamps: Birthday Bash (Verve)
Paper: Banana Split, White (MFT), Regal Rose (SU!), Little Girl (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Simply Scallops Die-namic (MFT), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Corner Rounder, Lavender Flatback Pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Prima Flower, Button, Twine (TCP), Ribbon (PTI), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5.25" Square

TCP Tuesday 150--A Sketch from Leigh

Well, it's been a busy week here in Lilesland. The girls have been on Spring Break all week. I thought I'd get mucho stamping done, but I just didn't have time--we went to the Rainforest Cafe, to the mall, the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens and had a picnic with Eric, and then yesterday went and saw the movie, Tangled--whew! So this card sat on my desk half made for three days. Until now.

This one is for Leigh's TCP Tuesday #150 Sketch Challenge from The Cat's Pajamas. At first, I wasn't sure if I was going to like the sketch as I'm not an angle-y kind of girl. BUT, the Pennant CutUps dies made it so easy and now I truly think this is one of my favorite Cat's Pajamas cards ever! Since Poochie's carrot car from the fun spring set closely resembled the triangles, I thought it was a fitting set to use, not to mention the fact that I am SO ready for spring! Recognize any other CutUps dies on here besides the Pennants? I've got the Stamp Trio and the Big Pinking Border CutUps as well taking leading roles on this card.


Here's the sketch. I chose to use the "sideways" version. I hope ya'll get more stamping time in than me and will be able to play along with us. There are prizes at stake, people! Check out ALMA'S blog for all the info on how to get noticed HERE.

SUSIE Q-TIP: After coloring Poochie's sweater, I realized my pink was too dark. So since this was a SMALL area, I just went over it with my Copic Blender and pulled a bunch of the color out. Now it's perfectly light pink, like I wanted it in the first place. If you were to try this in a large area of coloring, it may look blotchy, so be careful.

(Supply list to come later)

It's VIP Time from My Favorite Things

Well, welcome to this month's VIP Hop for My Favorite Things. We're having a party around here with the latest Who's That Girl stamp set, called Fiesta! (part of this month's VIP KIT). If you didn't already, you'll want to start at the beginning of the hop over on KIM'S blog. It's muy bueno! Here's the inside of my card:


As a reminder, the VIP KIT is being released tonight at 10pm EST. It's a limited quantity kit that allows ya'll to get your hands on this set plus some fun supplies 3 WEEKS earlier than its actual release date. The mini sentiment set that is included in the VIP kit for free is EXCLUSIVE to the VIP kit and will never be available for purchase. It's a heck of a deal! Here's a look at what's included in this month's VIP KIT:


I had a lot of fun making this card...I don't know if it's the colors from my new Stella & Rose paper (they make me happy!), or just sitting down to color or because I had a great sketch to start with (a past Wednesday Stamp Club sketch) or a combination of all of it in the middle of a relaxing day with the girls who are off for Spring Break. I paper pieced parts of her dress and made the "glow" using my Prismacolor Pencils and blended it with a stump and some Odorless Mineral Spirits. I decided to pump up the volume on her dress by adding a Mini Rolled Rose to the hipline. Both of my sentiments, inside and out, are from the exclusive Fiesta Sentiments mini set. I used these other Die-namics dies as well--Decorative Doily and Faux Crochet Die:


Ok, I think I'm going to send this one to Tom Bergeron to cheer him on for this season's premiere of Dancing With The Stars (Monday the 21st). You think he'd send me an autographed photo if I did?

Moving on...it's time to salsa on over to SHERRIE'S blog for her fantastico creation! Olè!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I am loving the look of the doily dies underneath a square or rectangular image. I did this on my last card, too. Try it.

Stamps: Fiesta! Who's That Girl, Fiesta Sentiments Mini (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Hot Fudge, Blue Rasberry, Wild Cherry (MFT), Stella & Rose (My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Mini Rolled Roses, Faux Crochet and Decorative Doily Die-namics (MFT), Circle Nestabilities, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Marker, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, Silver Brads, Stitched Ribbon, Wooden Button, Divine Twine (TCP), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5.25" Square

a la mode Teaser Time from My Favorite Things--You Rule

Well, I love stamping smack dab in the middle of the month. Ya'll can always bet that I am probably stamping some a la modes from My Favorite Things around that time. They have truly come to be some of "my favorite" stamps to play with. Today I've got a brand new one that will be available from My Favorite Things Tuesday night, the 15th at 10pm EST along with the new VIP Kit for March (which equals cuteness too, by the way).

This little a la mode set is called You Rule. She's a little teacher, but now that I've colored her like this, I can't help but think mine looks like a flight attendant. Maybe stamp a little airplane on the paper she's holding and I think even the sentiment could work to cheer up someone in the aviation industry (I'm sure they could use the encouragement).

I've used the new doily Die-namic from last month's release as a backdrop for her. Remember it? It's called Dizzy Doily--I think it's one of my favorites too.



Ok, well that's all I've got for now. Was it Jay Leno that quoted something like this?--"I love Dollar General. You don't have to get dressed up to go there like you do for Wal-Mart." Now that's a Class Act. I avoid Wal-Mart whether I'm dressed up or not.

Now let's talk about someone with true class--Kim, our fearless leader. She's got those of us who are sharing our You Rule a la modes all linked up over on her blog HERE. Really, ya'll should check it out. You are now free to move about the country.

SUSIE Q-TIP: When printing out digital papers in full 8.5 x 11 size, tape another color of cardstock (as long as you know if your printer can take the thickness), to your original piece of copy paper. Kraft or MFT's Fossil color is great for this. You could even just use 2 or more colored cardstocks taped onto a piece of copy paper. This way, you get a variety especially if you don't need full sheets of the digi paper and you'll only have to print once for several pieces.



Stamps: You Rule a la mode (My Favorite Things)
Paper: White, Wild Cherry, Fossil, Take Note Digi Paper (MFT), Enchanted Evening (PTI), On Holiday (Girls Paperie), Lush II (My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Printer
Accessories: Dizzy Doily, Simply Scallops Die-namics (MFT), Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Circle Punch, Red Clip, Silver Brad, Button, Airmail Twine (TCP), Twill Ribbon, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2