susiestampalot

Viva La Verve for Mother's Day

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sat, 26 May 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Well, I totally forgot about this post I wrote a while back, sharing the Mother's Day card I made for my mom. I still had a few edits to make to my post, but then never hit the "publish" button I guess! I made this card using stamps and dies from Verve and the Viva la Verve Sketch from May, Week One. Gosh, it's been a while since I played along in one of those....What is my PROBLEM!?!? The sketches are awesome!

I used three different older sets and two of the newer dies from Verve--Ribbon Banner and All Aflutter (both are must-haves!). The stamped frame is from Fabulous You (I love the sentiments in this set, too!), the quote is from Feel the Sun, and the "Happy Mother's Day" is from Happy Thoughts from way back when Verve was "just a baby".

Ok, as ya'll probably noticed, I didn't do any other blogging all week! It's making me mad!! I haven't had a single spare minute to get my craft on! I'll be SO GLAD when Thursday next week comes when the girls will be out of school and I "supposedly" will have more time to play! That IS the way it works, right? Please say yes.

Meanwhile, I want ya'll to be aware that there's still a few more days to take advantage of the May SALE from Verve, and this month we're featuring masculine sets and dies for Dads and Grads. So be sure to hop on over to our SALE page to see our May deals & steals!

We've also extended our sale on our latest release collection, so if you haven't had a chance to pick up these wonderful sets and dies, now is your chance! Save 15% through June 4 when you purchase the April Release Collection.

SUSIE Q-TIP: While using your wonderful butterfly dies from Verve, be sure and cut more than one and layer them on top of each other for more dimension. I even used two different patterns for the butterfly on this card. Play around with it...there aren't any rules.

Stamps: Happy Thoughts, Feel the Sun, Fabulous You (Verve)
Paper: Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream, Kraft, Canyon Clay, Dark Chocolate (PTI), Indie Chic Citron (My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Ribbon Banner and All Aflutter (A Cut above Dies by Verve), Sewing Machine/Thread, Bird/Vines Embossing Folder, Brown Plastic Flatbacks (Michael's), Hemp Twine/Buttons (PTI), Canyon Clay Ribbon (PTI), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Kraftin' Kimmie Release Hop

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sun, 20 May 2012 05:01:00 +0000

Well, yesterday I worked at Scrapper's from 10-5 (ok, 4:45--I closed a little early--sshhhh!) and it was completely UNbusy (where were ya'll?), so I colored and colored and colored some more. Including this SWEET new stamp called Miss Information (LOL!) from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps (remember, I'm a Krafty Guest this month) that I've made for today's Blog Hop!

FIRST, Here are a few words from Kimmie herself:

Do YOU know what day it is??? It’s Krafty RELEASE Day at Kraftin’ Kimmie Stamps!!! And we’re celebrating with a KRAFTY HOP!! There are SO many incredible new stamps to SEE this month, so let’s get started!

Over the last few days in our Krafty Peeks, we have shared lots of ADORABLE new stamps from all our artists! We’ve got something for everyone!! Lulu is back from Cheryl Alger.....we know how much you love her!! So we have a new set called LULU ON THE MOVE! We also have TWO fantastic sets of whimsical FAIRIES from Emilie Goulet called FLIRTY FAIRIES 1 AND FLIRTY FAIRIES 2!!! And of course we have an amazing new set of six EVERYDAY GIRL stamps from Annie Rodrigue, featuring stamps for the teacher, nurse, wedding/anniversary, graduation, I love you cards and get well cards!!! OH and don’t forget the BRAND NEW line of stamps called EVERYDAY TRINKETS by the lovely Nicole Aspinall!!!

You will get to see most of the new images today as you sit back and enjoy our MAY Krafty Hop! If you want to start from the beginning, just head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie Challenge Blog! As you hop from blog to blog, be sure to leave a comment at each and every stop because some lucky stampers will win packages of these incredible stamps from the new release!! And when you’re done hoppin’, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!

And of course, as always, we have our Gimme Kimmies Kits available for those of you who ‘need it all’!! The stamps are grouped together by artist and are available at a discount, but only for a limited time!!

Like I said, this Annie Rodrigue image is called Miss Information and would make some sweet end-of-the-school-year teacher cards! Who's ready for school to be out? I can't believe it's almost that time! I've already started a Pinterest board for things to do with the girls called Good Ol' Summertime if ya'll are interested...

Ok, I don't want to keep ya'll too long, so next stop on the hop is Michele (waving!)....

SUSIE Q-TIP: Sometimes you've just about completed a card, have it all glued down and then realize it would look even better IF... The red piece across the lower part of the card---yeah, it's just two little pieces I stuck on either side of the main image.

Stamps: Miss Information (Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps)
Paper: Ripe Avocado, Aqua Mist, White, Black, Ruby Red (PTI), Love Me (MME), Documented (Simple Stories), Girl Friday (CC)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Flower Die-namics (MFT), Leaf Sprigs Die (Verve), Scallop Square Nestabilties, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Scallop Scissors, Buttons, Divine Twine (TCP), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

May Sketch For You To Try #2

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sat, 19 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Well, this week has literally FLOWN by. I don't even know what happened. I wasn't even all that busy. Yesterday still felt like "early in the week" to me. So to say it's the third Saturday in May hardly makes sense. But it is. So that means it's time for me to show ya'll another creation I made using Jen's MAY Sketch For You To Try. Are ya'll playing along? The hunt will start soon for the next Guest Designer of the month if time keeps on slipping, slipping, slipping (into the future) this fast...will I choose YOU?

Anyway, I have to say that I am COMPLETELY in love with this card (if ya'll don't pin it on Pinterest, I WILL!)! I received my FABULOUS Bow dies from Lil' Inker Designs on Thursday and simply HAD to use the small one on this card. One of my favorite girlfriends let me borrow her Lil' Inker stamp and dies set--Coffee Cozy, and now it looks like I'll be "needing" my own pretty soon. I have to say, there are a lot of "coffee" stamp sets out there, but this one has to be one of my favorites! I had so much fun bringing it to life!

Here's a look at the sketch again...

And here's another shot of my card. I used some Ranger Glossy Accents on the heart after I colored it with my Copics. Each piece of the coffee cup is also a die and the stamp set has all these cute interchangeable styles for the "cozy" cup slipcover. Let's talk about that bow a little--the dies come in two different sizes and are sold separately. I was going to be good and just order the small one, but then I saw what the LID design team did with both and that was that. Happy Mother's Day to me!

Ok, I hope this card has inspired ya'll to join in the fun and play along with our Sketch For You To Try (our sponsor this month is Skipping Stones Designs and you can see my first of the month SFYTT card using their stamps HERE). When you're done making your creation, don't forget to link it up on Jen's Blog HERE to be in the running for the Guest Designer spot and if you've been playing along each month, for the end of the year BLOW-OUT prize package!

A few of my SFYTT sisters have some more sweet stuff to share, so please take time to give them a shout as well!
Carole Burrage
Jodi Collins
Kerry Johnson
Jen Tapler

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use a light gray Copic marker (I used C1) to outline and give a little shadow and depth to a die cut.

Stamps: Coffee Cozy (Lil' Inker Designs)
Paper: White, Dark Chocolate, Kraft, Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist (PTI), Dots and Strips (Echo Park)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Coffee Cozy and Small Bow Dies (Lil' Inker Designs), Queen of Hearts CutUps (TCP), Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Copic Markers, Silver Pearl Flatbacks (Michael's), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

A Krafty Peek

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Fri, 18 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Well, today is Day 3 of the MAY Krafty Peeks from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps. Since I'm doing a little Guest Designing for them (yay, me!), I couldn't help myself from playing along for this one!

Today, the Krafty Girls are featuring a new set called Flirty Fairies, and THAT they ARE! Their sweet little faces are completely hard to resist and this one (I don't know if she has a name, but I will call her Agnes just for grins) was a great one to sit down and color. These purples are so easy to blend! (V12, V15, V17--and ya'll know I don't mention my colors too often, so take note!)

Anyway, I'm making this post a little short and sweet today, as I've been taken over by mounds of laundry. Maybe Agnes can help me out and wave her magic wand!?!?

Be sure and head over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Blog HERE for the list of all the Krafty Girls who've got some sweet stuff to show ya'll today. Be sure and leave comments on all the blogs for your chance to win your very own set of Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I had to cut my image panel oval with my Creative Memories cutting system to be able to let the wand hang off the edge. That in turn made my scallop nesties not work for a cute mat behind it, so I cut another larger oval from the green with the same CM cutting system. I thought it looked a little plain (and white space kills me), so I took a size 01 Micro pen from Prisma and did a little doodling around the edge of the white oval, even after the card was completely put together and glued down. Made a big difference. Try it.

Stamps: Flirty Fairies (Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps)
Paper: White, Plum Pudding, New Leaf, Harvest Gold, Rasberry Fizz (PTI), Baby Girl/Boy (Bella Blvd)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukinek0)
Accessories: Small Scallop Die-namics (MFT), Border Punch (MS), Star Punch (Fiskars), Heart Punch (SU!), CM Cutting System, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, 01 Micro Pen (Prisma), Adhesive Rhinesones (Michael's), Divine Twine (TCP), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Kraftin' Kimme Challenge #128

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Well, I have a little bit of news to share today! I'm super excited to be Guest Designing for KRAFTIN' KIMMIE STAMPS this month! Kimmie asked me a while back, and I've had to keep this secret for WAY TOO LONG, so I finally can let this cat out of the bag. Thanks so much, Kimmie for letting me play along!

Now before ya'll look at my card and wonder where you just clicked over too, thinking you thought you were at susiestampalot.com, but you're not seeing all the layers and a card that's muchly decorated and that you must have clicked on someone else's blog, let me esplain....You've caught me on a bad day. NO--JUST KIDDING! You've caught me doing a KRAFTIN' KIMMIE CHALLENGE!

Alice has challenged us to do a "One Layer" card (#128). Now, ya'll KNOW that's not my forte, but I thought it would be fun to try it, so I agreed to play along! I really don't even know what the definition of a "one layer" card is, so I've probably even broken the rules with the accent strip and the sentiment flag! I just couldn't help it!! It's killing me that the sweet gnome girl (from the What's Up, Gnomie set) isn't colored, but I thought she was cute stamped in red.

Ok, I hope ya'll enjoyed watching me step out of my comfort zone. Be sure and check out the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge blog HERE for more inspiration for this week's challenge...You'll want to link up your very own "one layer" card there, too, for your chance to win Calliope, the sweet stamp Alice has used on her creation today! I'll be back soon with another FUN KRAFTIN' KIMMIE project!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I recently got to have lunch with Tim Holtz, Mario Rossi, Joy Kennedy and Jenn Balcer (all wonderful!) when they were in Dallas teaching/taking classes a couple of weeks ago. Jen and I got to help (were roped into helping-LOL!) set up for the next class before breaking for lunch (we had chicken tenders with Tim Holtz! Hi Jen!). Ya'll would not believe how much work goes into doing that! So each table had to have their own supplies/tools and there are always Tiny Attachers involved. It reminded me of the one I got from Eric for Christmas. I used it here to attach my sentiment. I really love that thing. Ya'll need one.

Stamps: What's Up, Gnomie (Kraftin' Kimmie)
Paper: Kraft, White (PTI), Seaside (October Afternoon)
Ink: Real Red (SU!), Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Large Scallop Border Die-namics (MFT), Tiny Attacher (TH Ideology), Pure Poppy Buttons/Hemp Twine (PTI), Red Satin Ribbon, Glue Dots
Finished Size: A2

TCP Tuesday 209--Brought To You by the Letter M

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Tue, 08 May 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Well, happy Tuesday friends! I'm here to bring ya'll another fun TCP Tuesday STAMP/CUTUPS Challenge from The Cat's Pajamas.

Since it's now MMMMAY, our Challenge for this week is being brought to you today by the letter M!!!!!!!!

Use any stamp(s) from The Cat's Pajamas that starts with the letter M. This doesn't necessarily mean the SET starts with the letter M, but any STAMP starting with the letter M or a stamp containing something starting with the letter M.

(Like the penguin holding a Margarita, the little girl holding a Mug, obviously the MUSTACHES, Merry Christmas, the bunny riding the Moped, the Monkeys, the bunny on the Mushroom, all the bears have Muzzles, Music--now ya'll get the idea?)

We are also sponsored by the
PENNANT CutUps Die
so please include it on your card or project along with your stamp for this challenge.

So for my card, I decided to use the set, The Tweetest Things and include the Music note stamped with the "Music definition" text stamp from that set. I also used the Home Tweet Home and Easy Rosette CutUps dies to highlight the musical note. But to finish up the challenge, I turned the Pennant CutUps Die to the side to set off the sentiment and just topped it with a button and Cherry Divine Twine.

We certainly hope ya'll get MMMotivated to play along with us this week!!!

Here are the details for this challenge:

1. Each Tuesday we will give you a challenge.
2. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
3. Add your entry to the guestbook on Alma's Blog and/or upload to the SCS Gallery, using the keyword TCPTUES209 for this week's challenge.
4. TCP stamps/dies are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp/die, like this week)
5. There will be one randomly chosen weekly winner, announced on Tuesdays.
6. There will be one winner, The Swanky Stamper, announced the 1st of each month. They will win several sets from an upcoming release and get to play along with us at our Pajama Party and Blog Hop.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Create a "quilty" backdrop to showcase the focal point of your card. This one is 3 1/2 by 4 1/4, not including the Pinking Border CutUps Die.

May Sketch For You to Try

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sat, 05 May 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Well, back so soon? YES! It's time for Jen's Sketch For You To Try and our new MAY Sketch is debuting today! (If you're looking for my Verve Diva Inspiration Hop post, click HERE.) We are going to get straight to the point this morning, as I'm running late getting ready for work!

Skipping Stones Design was so wonderful to be our sponsor this month. They have a great selection of all sorts of stamps for almost any taste in stamps. Here's a look at this month's sketch:

And here's a closer look at my card:

I thought the chicks standing with their wings (?) behind their backs with that sweet look on their faces were just the thing when I picked out my stamp set. It's called Chick Chat. I thought I'd pair it up with some of my Lime Twist paper from My Mind's Eye--YES, I still LOVE that stuff!! I know this one is a little color crazy, but it seems to work with that cute chick! Oh and by the way, I colored her with my Prismacolor Pencils and blended it with Odorless Mineral Spirits. (It's been a long time since I played that way, so I think I'm a little rusty!)

Anyway, I hope ya'll get a chance to play along with this month's Sketch For You To Try...it shouldn't be a problem because ya'll have all month to do so and link it to Jen's linky on her post about it HERE. We are pleased to announce that Tracy from Who is Tracy will be joining our SFYTT team as a permanent member, and that Annie from Annie Rose Makes Things is our Guest Designer this month! Give them both a HUGE WELCOME!! Here's the list of all our SFYTT sisters and their inspiring inspiration:
Amy Sheffer
Megan Lock
Amber Hight
Carole Burrage
Jodi Collins
Kerry Johnson
Jen Tapler
Becky Carafa

SUSIE Q-TIP: Don't forget about that skinny ribbon.

Supply list to be added later!

May Diva Inspiration Hop From Verve

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sat, 05 May 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Well, I do believe it's the 5th of the month (of May in case ya'll haven't been paying attention), and with that date comes the Verve Diva Inspiration Hop. I was just reading my post for this hop from last month and was reminded of all the crazy tornadoes and weather we had just had the day before. In contrast, last night I took the girls to the talent show at Lindsie's school and when we came out around 8 pm, the skies were weird looking, bright orangey and there were big lightning flashes, but as we were looking up at the sky, there was a HUGE rainbow, with just an inkling of another one right beside it. Amazing!

	1. Betty	5. Julee
	2. Jackie	6. Shannan
	3. Jen d.	7. Sony
	4. Jen T.	8. Susan

Ok, let's get our heads out of the clouds and get down to the business at hand--the Verve Diva Inspiration Hop. If you're just joining us, jump back a minute and take a peek at the Verve blog to get the 411 on what we do for this hop every month--there's prizes! If you've been traveling along with us, then hopefully you came from Sony's blog and left her a little love (and some for everyone else on the way, since I'm the last one on the hop!).

I'm all about following sketches (in fact in a short while, I'll have another post up for May's Sketch For You To Try!). I'd say I actually LOVE to follow sketches and interpret them in different ways (maybe that's why Jen keeps me around for SFYTT). However, on occasion, I like to walk on the wild side and go "sketchless". That's exactly what I did here and it felt so good. I got out my Words of Wisdom stamp set ( I love the large fonts it has!) and my Tagged Rectangle Die from Verve, and made the little tag. Then I was inspired to use some paper from Simple Stories and just cut random shapes and borders from it. Are ya'll ready? Then, I really stepped out of my box and put some Glimmer Mist to use on some of those (very old) Prima flowers and even sprayed it on my black cardstock, and ribbon, which was off white to begin with. The ribbon actually looked a little too orangey (I can't believe I've used that word twice in one post!), so I scraped a black ink pad along it here and there, really crumpled it up, dried it with my heat gun and frayed the ends before tying the bow. For those of ya'll who know me, I like bows to be "just so", but here it didn't even matter as it is supposed to look messy! Sketchless means no rules.

Once I had all my bits and pieces distressed and ready to go, I just started layering them on haphazardly and added the bling and flowers last. It's something a little different from me, in contrast (see I used that phrase again too!...I'm so well-spoken today!) to my usual cute and brightly colored creations! Going sketchless set me free.

Guess what? YOU could win a little Verve-y goodness!!

Wanna know how?

All you have to do is leave a little comment love on all our blog hop spots

and you're automatically entered in our drawing!! For all the details please check out the

Verve Blog.

So there ya'll have it...I'm the end of the line today for the hop. I've enjoyed sharing with ya'll today and I hope you've enjoyed hopping along as well. Thanks for hopping and I'll see ya'll soon!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When I DO use glimmer mist or sprays, I don't want to have to leave my stamp spot to go spray small things somewhere else for fear of making a mess. I just look in my trash and usually there's some kind of small box of some sort that I just tear open to make a semi-enclosed "spray box". Good thing Audrie fell down at the playground this week or I wouldn't have had this Band-aid box handy. Just kidding.

Stamps: Words of Wisdom (Verve)
Paper: Black, Kraft (PTI), Documented (Simple Stories)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Charcoal and Chestnut Roan Cat's Eyes (Colorbox), Sugar Maple Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels)
Accessories: Tagged Rectangle Die (a Cut Above Dies by Verve), Faux Crochet Border Die-namics (MFT), Paper Distresser (Tonic), Prima Flowers, Various Brads, Rhinestone Stickers (Michael's), Seam Binding Ribbon (TCP), Hot Glue, Foam Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Fun Friday SUSIE Q-TIP From Your Next Stamp

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Fri, 04 May 2012 21:15:00 +0000

Well, I almost forgot to tell ya'll!! I have a Fun Friday SUSIE Q-TIP over on the Your Next Stamp Blog! I've created a super fun tutorial for a "Step Out" card that includes all the measurements for all the pieces needed to complete the entire card (layers, etc.) using the always fabulous Summer Fun Fhiona. In fact, there's a BIG SURPRISE at the end of the post that ya'll won't want to miss! Go check it out HERE.

I'll be back tomorrow (Saturday) with a DOUBLE WHAMMY--two posts going at once! I will have the new May SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY and the VERVE DIVA INSPIRATION HOP! Ok, I've got to go make something! Enjoy your day!

We've Got Some News From Your Next Stamp

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Well, I've got a little news to share from Your Next Stamp. Today is our first day as a MEMBER COMPANY on SPLITCOAST!! Isn't that the coolest!?!? We have a brand spanking new SCS forum where we can gather our thoughts and share our projects, questions and favorite ideas about "all things" Your Next Stamp.

AND, to kick it off, we've put together a little BLOG HOP to jump start the celebration. We have 3 hidden prizes along the way, so make sure you comment on all of the DT blogs for your chance to win! The hop will run from today, May 1st 11:00 am (EST) until Sunday, May 6th at midnight (EST). Winners will be announced Monday, May 7th on the Your Next Stamp Blog and in our SCS Forum.

Here's the hop lineup so ya'll don't get lost...

Ok, so much for all that housekeeping, here's a closer look at the fun card I made for ya'll:

Most of our YNS team made 2 projects, but I just made the one because I will have my regular FUN FRIDAY SUSIE Q-TIP this Friday, so stay tuned! I started with my favorite Ellie image to date--Ellie Loves Lattes (and so does Susan, so please send Starbuck's cards. Thanks.) I had so much fun coloring her, especially her hair! I usually always blend it all out with my Copics, but this time, I left some of the streaks and highlights. I wish my hair looked that good! I need a haircut like there's no tomorrow! Oh and another latte, please!

Now it’s time to hop on over to Wendy's blog for another awesome YNS project! Thank you for celebrating with us, happy hopping, and we'll see you in our SCS forum!

But before ya'll go: Karen (our YNS owner) is also in the process of moving, so she is having a MOVING SALE! Quantities are limited, so shop early to grab the stamps and dies you want at a fantastic deal! There is also a Retired Stamp Bin (70% OFF!!!) and a Bargain Bin so make sure you check out all of the awesome deals at the Your Next Stamp Store!

SUSIE Q-TIP: When a stamp's sentiment "shape" or "length" doesn't work for the layout of your card, you have 2 options. Either cut the actual stamp and place each word where you want it on the sentiment panel, OR stamp the sentiment "as is" and cut the words out and place them however you want them on your card or project. I've done both and have never regretted cutting my stamps up.

Stamps: Ellie Loves Lattes (Your Next Stamp)
Paper: Vintage Cream, Black, Harvest Gold, Pure Poppy (PTI), Stella & Rose, Lost & Found Two (My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Jotted Heart Die (Verve), High Tea Party Doily Die-namics Die (MFT), Circle Nestabilties, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Ribbon, Button, Linen Thread (TCP), Silver Flatbacks (Michael's), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5" Square

Peaceful Verve

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:21:00 +0000

Well, I finally got a chance to blog again. My allergies to everything flying around in the air really got to me the rest of last week and I even lost my voice the week before. I was miserable, having to be outside every day for the girls' soccer practices, so something had to give. I didn't do much crafting, but DID do much sniffling. So I decided I had to make a change. I switched to Zyrtec. O.M.G.! Why have I not done this before? I feel SO much better! Now if it could only rain and get some of this stuff in the air knocked down to where I don't need it every day!

Anyway, I wanted to come at ya'll with another little card I did for Verve. This is the other sympathy card I did and mentioned in THIS post for a sweet lady that comes to Scrapper's Boutique all the time. I kept it pretty simple, again with those "quiet", more muted colors. I only needed to use one stamp set this time, as it had just the right elements and sentiment included--New Mercies (it's THE BEST sympathy set ever!), and accented them with some flowers I cut from felt using the Loopy Blooms Die set. (And OH MY, look at those naked buttons!)

I have big plans for my blog this week...first up is tomorrow's Blog Hop from Your Next Stamp. Stay tuned!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Before you start sewing, make sure that you have put it back to "straight" stitching after you had done a little zig-zagging the night before. It will surprise you when the needle jumps side to side, and at that point, there's little you can do but just go with it. Don't ask me how I know this. I don't want to talk about it.

Stamps: New Mercies (Verve)
Paper: White, Dark Chocolate (PTI), Old Olive (SU!), Be Amazing (Follow Your Heart, My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories: Loopy Blooms Die (a Cut Above Dies by Verve), Oval and Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Elegant Lines Texture Folder (SU!), Sewing Machine/Thread, Pearl Flatbacks (Pizzazz Aplenty), Felt (TCP), Buttons, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Express Yourself with a Little Verve

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 17:57:00 +0000

Well, if ya'll will remember, I had told ya'll I had been working my butt off with some art projects that were a little different than what I normally do here on my blog. I have one to share today!

First, a little background as to why I made this:
I'm in this "Art Group" with 6 other friends. We get together once a month to just create. Usually one of us hosts, comes up with a project and provides the supplies for it and a few snacks. However this time, we did something a little different. Each person gave everyone in the group a "base" of some sort to "express" themselves on and then we each returned them to that person completed with our interpretation of them. Does that make sense? (Kind of a Circle Journal concept.)

So one of the girls gave everyone a chipboard purse shape (sorry, I forgot to take before pictures) to decorate and this is what I came up with. I cut off an old pair of Audrie's jeans (size 5!) and sewed the seam for the bottom of the purse, making the jean's actual hem the purse's "opening". I then just gathered the opening and tightened it up with the chipboard inside the "pocket" I had sewn. I used Beacon 3-in-1 glue (LOVE that stuff! You know what else I like about it? The tip never gets clogged. That's a HAPPY!) to secure the gathers, attach it to the chipboard and add the embellishments and ribbon. I had those purses from a long time ago pictured in my head--the ones that were muslin-lined, but you could change the outsides of them by buttoning on the covers and they had wooden handles. I loved those! So I made the handles from some wood veneer paper I got and inked up from The Cat's Pajamas.

The flowers are cut from red felt using the newest Joyful Blooms Die set from Verve with a cute button added. (It's just for decoration, it's not like the real purse and interchangeable. That would have been cute, but it made my brain hurt to think of making so many of those and how I could make it function like that!)

Of course, I couldn't stray too far from my papercrafting roots, or it just wouldn't be "ME", so I made a matching card using a little old and a little new from Verve as well. I thought it would be fun to use the same colors and ribbons as the purse when the light bulb went off and I remembered about the stamp set, Express Yourself with the little purse (very similar) in it! YAY me!! I added another flower made from the Joyful Blooms Die set along with the Curvy Bookplate diecut as a backdrop for the purse. I even made my own patterned paper with the Joyful Blooms stamp set on the navy cardstock. Been a while since I did that!

Ok, I have a few other things to get done today, namely eat lunch first. I'm getting shaky!! I'll be back soon!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I know we all LOVE our patterned paper and for *some* of us, it's become an addiction. Who me? When making this card, I forgot how much I love the look of a stamped pattern as well. Verve stamps make this so easy to do, too. Try it and don't forget to over-stamp off the edges, so it's more random looking.

Stamps: Joyful Blooms, Express Yourself (Verve)
Paper: White, Dark Chocolate, Kraft, Pure Poppy (PTI), Night of Navy (SU!), Travel Light (We R Memory Keepers), Wood Veneer Paper (TCP)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukinek0), Night of Navy (SU!)
Accessories: Joyful Blooms and Curvy Bookplate (a Cut Above Dies by Verve), Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Red Felt, Button, Divine Twine (TCP), Navy Polkadot Ribbon (MFT), Red Adhesive Rhinestones, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

TCP Release Blog Hop/TCPTUES 207

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 03:30:00 +0000

Well, I hope you were able to join us for our Release Party last night for The Cat's Pajamas. It's always so flattering to hear how much ya'll enjoyed the peeks and all of the Cat Pack's creations, but it went even further last night when I heard that several of ya'll thought this release was hit out of the ballpark and you loved EVERYTHING about it! Thanks goes to ALMA and her amazing insight into creating stamp sets and dies that are HOT HOT HOT! SHE's the one who makes us all look good!

Anyway, we've got a HOT HOT HOT New Release/TCP Tuesday Blog Hop to share with ya'll today. The fabulous JULIE started the hop since she's our Hipster Hostess with the Mostess and she's challenging everyone to use your favorite technique for making your own flower embellishments on your card or project. (If you've just come to see me, I'm only the second on the hop, so be sure and take a minute to go back over and see JULIE first, so you don't miss a thing!)

I saved this card for the hop because I used that new Pom Pom Flower CutUps die to create a fun (very 3-D) fringy flower to showcase those cute snuggly bears that are deep into a Beary Potter story from the new Quality Time set. My girls think they are just about too big to snuggle up and be read to, but I may have to just make them and do it anyway!

Ok, next on the hop is AMY ROHL! I'm sure she has something extremely swanky to share with ya'll!

SUSIE Q-TIP: You don't always have to tie something through a button that you use as a flower center, etc. I know some of ya'll have a problem with "naked" buttons and all their holes just "showing". I don't. But as an alternative to actually tying twine or something through them, top them off with a rhinestone, pearl flatback or something similar. I LOVE these that I found from Martha Stewart.

Stamps: Quality Time (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Hawaiian Shores, White (PTI), Regal Rose (SU!), Lime Twist (MME), Love Me (MME), By the Sea (October Afternoon)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Pom Pom Flower, Flower Buttons, and Apron CutUps Dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Book Nestabilities, Button, Frosted Gemstones (MS), Copic Markers, Swarovski Crystal, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Your WISH Has Come True...I Have Another Sneak Peek from The Cat's Pajamas

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sun, 22 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Well, the April Release from The Cat's Pajamas is getting closer and closer! But not to worry, we still have a ton more SNEAK PEEKS to show ya'll! Today the Cat Pack is featuring the new set, WISH. It's SO HARD to decide on a favorite stamp set this time around, but this set is right up there at the top of my list, and this little card is my favorite I've made for this release. I wasn't sure the colors would work well together at first, but I think I pulled it off!

I was in the mood to make something a little different, so I went for a shaped card using some Nestabilities Labels dies (can't think of which one it is), and some fancy glitter paper from American Crafts. I thought it would make a fun backdrop for our little Bun Bun sitting on the moon--he's the star of the new WISH stamp set. Of course I had to add a few little clouds from TCP's Cloud Border CutUps die. I must be in some kind of textural mood, because I cut them from white fluteboard (corrugated). I just love that look (so much so, that I did the same thing with another card for this release!) Anyway, the back piece is scored and glued at the top to the front piece, so that it doesn't have to take on all the bending to open it up. The bow was made from the Lilac Seam Binding Ribbon (also a TCP product) and added with some hot glue and topped with a sweet yellow button (I like yellow.). Ok, since I'm writing this late Saturday night (last night for ya'll), I'm off to "catch a dream" of my own. It's been a migraine kind of day. :(

I hope it's better tomorrow, as Jen and I may have some fun plans! I'll get pics if we go somewhere!

Here's a look at the WISH stamp set:

Ok, here's a little info ya'll need to know:

1. ALMA will have a link list of all the Cat Packers peeking new stuff on their blogs today and every day this week, until RELEASE DAY, next Tuesday, the 24th.
2. Join us HERE next Monday night, the 23rd from 8-10pm EST in our SCS forum for the Pajama Party where there will be lots of prizes prior to the new stuff going LIVE that evening.
3. Both JEN and ALMA have all the details on how to play along in our TCP TUESDAY Challenge, so enter to win a Gift Voucher!

OH and ONE MORE THING:

ARE YOU IN IT TO WIN IT? Just leave a comment each day of the SNEAKY PEEKS on THIS thread over in our SCS forum for your chance to win something from TCP's April Collection.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Sometimes new steel dies leave a silver mark around the edges of your pieces once you run them through your Big Shot or Cuttlebug (or whatever die cut machine ya'll have). It's just the residue from the manufacturing of the die themselves I think, but after a few uses, it no longer shows up. But when it does, just use a Pick Up Square from Creative Memories or an art gum eraser to get it off. Works great.

Stamps: Wish (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Plum Pudding, Lavender Moon (PTI), White Fluteboard, Light Blue Glitter Paper (AC), Summer Days (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Cloud Border CutUps Die (The Cat's Pajamas), Labels and Stars Nestabilities, Circle Punches, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Copic Markers, Lilac Seam Binding Ribbon and Linen Thread (TCP), Button, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters

The Most Interesting Bunny in the World

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Well, I've been working feverishly hard on getting all my things made for the April release from The Cat's Pajamas, trying to play catch-up from last week when I was working feverishly hard on all those darn "out-of-my-wheelhouse" art projects. So I've been feeling a little giddy and decided to go for it and be a little mischievous with today's featured Sneaky Peek from The Cat's Pajamas.

This new set is called, AYE AYE, CAPTAIN, but if you'll notice, he's got a little something different going on...That's right, he's become "The Most Interesting Bunny in the World". He has traveled the world and is a bunny rich in stories and experiences. However, to have reached that golden status, our bunny here...had to have a mustache. That's where the new MUSTACHE CutUps die set was a true lifesaver. I just glued one of the tiny ones right on. Now, doesn't he just look like he'd say, "I don't always row gently down the stream, but when I do, I part the seas." Ok, now it looks like the bunny's gonna have to get a Moses costume. Or, maybe I just need a Dos Equis.

Here's a look-see at AYE AYE, CAPTAIN and the MUSTACHE CutUps Die sets:

Ok, here's a little info ya'll need to know:

1. ALMA will have a link list of all the Cat Packers peeking new stuff on their blogs today and every day this week, until RELEASE DAY, next Tuesday, the 24th.
2. Join us HERE next Monday night, the 23rd from 8-10pm EST in our SCS forum for the Pajama Party where there will be lots of prizes prior to the new stuff going LIVE that evening.
3. Both JEN and ALMA have all the details on how to play along in our TCP TUESDAY Challenge, so enter to win a Gift Voucher!

OH and ONE MORE THING:

ARE YOU IN IT TO WIN IT? Just leave a comment each day of the SNEAKY PEEKS on THIS thread over in our SCS forum for your chance to win something from TCP's April Collection.

SUSIE Q-TIP: As ya'll probably already knew, I love mixing patterned papers. I usually max out at 3 or 4 different ones on a single card. What works for me--A large bold, a medium scale repeated pattern that's not as "loud" and another pattern that may be small to medium in scale, as long as the colors work together. When pulling out papers, don't be scared...when they are in 12x12 sheets, that's a lot of paper, and a lot going on visually. Keep in mind you will only be using small "doses" of them on your card. Tie them together with neutral solids and a punch of color in an embellishment or 2. It's a good formula. Try it.

Stamps: Aye Aye, Captain (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Black, Kraft, Harvest Gold (PTI), Happy Days (EP), Game Day Chili (Jillibean Soup), With Love (Pebbles)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Mustaches CutUps Dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Circle, Star and Large Scallop Circle Nestabilities, CM Cutting System, Circle Punch, Copic Markers, Adhesive Rhinestones, Navy Ribbon (Michael's), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Another SNEAKY PEEK from The Cat's Pajamas

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Well, how'd ya'll like all the Sneaky Peeks yesterday for The Cat's Pajamas? All were so different and so FUN! Today I have another one for ya'll. This time we are focusing our attention on a new set called BLOOM featuring that funny bunny.

I LOVE the font combination in this set for the sentiments and the "You Make My Flowers Bloom" sentiment is just so sweet! I just had to go with a little white on white for this card and stuck with a simple concept and layout. I used the Big Scallop CutUps die on the side and then ran it through my Big Shot with an embossing folder I didn't know I had. Hmmm. Admit it. It happens.

Here's a full look at the BLOOM set:

Ok, here's a little info ya'll need to know:
1. ALMA will have a link list of all the Cat Packers peeking new stuff on their blogs today and every day this week, until RELEASE DAY, next Tuesday.
2. Join us HERE next Tuesday, the 24th in our SCS forum for the Pajama Party where there will be lots of prizes prior to the new stuff going LIVE that evening.
3. Both JEN and ALMA have all the details on how to play along in our TCP TUESDAY Challenge, so enter to win a Gift Voucher!

OH and ONE MORE THING:

ARE YOU IN IT TO WIN IT? Just leave a comment each day of the SNEAKY PEEKS on THIS thread over in our SCS forum for your chance to win something from TCP's April Collection.

SUSIE Q-TIP: (Sorry I forgot to add one to my post yesterday!--My dinosaur computer was giving me fits and I just wanted to be DONE!) Don't forget to sometimes just make flowers WHITE. Color them with a white gel pen. For some reason, it really makes them stand out more.

Stamps: Bloom (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Aqua (AC), Spring Fling (Teresa Collins)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Big Scallop CutUps Die (The Cat's Pajamas), Scallop Circle and Circle Nestabilities, Embossing Folder (Sizzix), Large Flatback Pearl (Zva), Copic Markers, White Gel Pen, Ribbon, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

TCP Tuesday 206 ~ SNEAKY PEEK!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 09:00:00 +0000

Well, today starts SNEAKY PEEK WEEK from The Cat's Pajamas! I'm so excited about this release, as there's lots to see--some old friends and some BRAND NEW concepts! Alma's a clever one, ya'll know! Today, the Cat Pack is showing off the new set, Commemorating You. Lest we forget though, today is Tuesday and that means it's TCP Tuesday, so JEN (who actually had a big hand in designing this set) is our humble Hipster Hostess with the Mostess this week. Cool how we combine the challenge with Sneaky Peek week, huh. We're swanky like that.

For some reason she chose this as our inspiration...maybe to go along with these stamps, much? Anyway, it's a cool inspiration conglomeration and I'm sure ya'll will have no problems playing along just fine this week!

I couldn't resist using yesterday's Mojo Monday sketch for this card, especially after seeing Carole's early peek and a few in the linky gallery for inspiration. I really needed some...I'm losing my mojo fastly with doing these 6 other Art Projects for this little group I'm in. I won't forget to show them to ya'll soon--a departure from my cardmaking, that's for sure! I have one more to make and then we swap tonight at Olive Garden...soup, salad and breadsticks, here I come!

Anyway, this Commemorating You set is another one that coordinates with the Stamp Trio CutUps die, and has a ton of little mixy-matchy stamps to cute-ify a "postal" look. Also peeking out from behind those stars is a new CutUps border die called the Heart Border. I can already tell it's going to be a new fave.

Ok, here's a little info ya'll need to know:
1. ALMA will have a link list of all the Cat Packers peeking new stuff on their blogs today and every day this week, until RELEASE DAY, next Tuesday.
2. Join us HERE next Tuesday, the 24th in our SCS forum for the Pajama Party where there will be lots of prizes prior to the new stuff going LIVE that evening.
3. Both JEN and ALMA have all the details on how to play along in our TCP TUESDAY Challenge, so enter to win a Gift Voucher!

OH and ONE MORE THING:

ARE YOU IN IT TO WIN IT? Just leave a comment each day of the SNEAKY PEEKS on THIS thread over in our SCS forum for your chance to win something from TCP's April Collection.

TCP Tuesday 205--It's YOUR Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sun, 15 Apr 2012 16:36:00 +0000

Well, I went to bed with a migraine and a Vicadin and woke up with a sore throat and losing my voice. Go figure. I can't win for losing. (But I'll take the sore throat/no voice thing over a migraine any day!) So I'm sorry for posting this a little later than I would have liked to. I was going to do it last night when I got home from working the FUN crop at Scrapper's Boutique we had last night, but just didn't feel good---I didn't even eat my cupcake! However, I've resigned myself that today is going to be a GOOD (but very rainy) day (sometimes you just have to MAKE it happen, right?), and so I'm starting it off by sharing this cutie patootie TCP Tuesday card I made the other day for The Cat's Pajamas.

Leigh is normally our handy Hostess with the Mostess and she always has a groovy sketch for us to use, but she's livin' it up at the beach, so sweet Alma is filling in for her. I was a little leary of the "diamond" in the middle, but I kind of like it now!

I just went with a stamp set I already had out on my desk--Bearing Flowers. I think PJ is one of my favorite images to color no matter what he's doing! I rarely tell ya'll what colors I use, but here you go: E33, E35, and E37 for his mostly parts, and I chose some yellows for the rest (can't remember the numbers--such is why I rarely share that bit of information!). The Sunflower Rosette CutUps die replaces the flower image that PJ has in his paws, the Circus Border is along the side and the flat oval shape is from the Circus Panels (a very versatile die set, to say the least!).

Ok, well I have a lot of crafting and laundry to do today--I've been working on something a little different, but also have to get busy stamping with some NEW stamps, soon to be revealed and I'm not saying from who!!

We'd love for ya'll to play along for a schmancy voucher for some Cat's Pajamas goodies and be entered to win the monthly Swanky Stamper title for even more TCP swag! Alma has all the details on what you need to know on her blog HERE.

SUSIE Q-TIP: When using patterned paper that's not symmetrical (one with something other than an "all-over" print), pay attention to how you cut it in relation to how it will be shown on your project. In this case, I wanted the flowers to be coming from the bottom right, up and over, so I was careful to cut my little 6x6 paper down that way. I think if the flowers on the paper had been in another location, that corner would have looked blank.

Stamps: Bearing Flowers (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Dark Chocolate (PTI), Dilly Dally and Dolled Up (Miss Caroline, MME)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chestnut Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Circus Panels, Circus Border and Sunflower Rosette CutUps (The Cat's Pajamas), Scallop Square Nestabilities, Copic Markers, Silver Brads, Buttons, Cherry Divine Twine (TCP), Ribbon (PTI), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

New Release Blog Hop For Your Next Stamp

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 +0000

Well, I'm so excited--did ya'll know that Your Next Stamp has a brand new release available now!? These new stamp and die sets are totally FABULOUS and are the newest to be added to the YNS store. I've made two very different projects to share today in this here BLOG HOP we've put together for ya'll to revel in. But first let's get the navigation details taken care of to avoid any confusion and get ya'll up to speed if you're just joining us: The hop started over on Jen's blog, and if you've been hopping along, ya'll should have come here from Jen's blog--HAHA!...JEN R.'s blog that is! Now you're confused right? Trust me, the links shall set you free.

Ok, for my first project, I made this cute little card using the new Dress Up Ellie. Oh is she ever FANCY! She's all dolled up and full of sass! Ya'll are going to love how fun she is to color and all the possibilities she has for adding BLING! Too cute!

Then my next project is a fun tag using the new Stylish Shoe Die and Stamp set. I ended up just using the die for the shoe (cut once with black and again with red and then layered on top of one another), and using the sentiment (stamped repeatedly) as a backdrop for the MAJOR high heel shoe. The topper for the tag was made from the new Tags Galore Two Die (my favorite!). I would love to wear these shoes again, but for me, now they would be considered just "sitting" shoes as Oprah calls them! I can just see this tag on a cute gift bag for a sweet teen or shoe lover!

Ok, next on the hop is my dear friend, KELLI JO who is joining us this month as our amazing Guest Designer. I have to say, I've seen Kelli grow as a stamper and her talent just keeps getting better and better...KJ2012 (it's her year!) Love ya, girlie!!

But wait, before you go, here's a few things ya'll don't want to miss knowing about...um--PRIZES! (There. That should keep ya'll's attention for a couple more minutes...)

1. There's a $20 Gift Certificate to the YNS store up for grabs, plus two other lucky winners will win one of the cute ScrapFest stamps--Cropper Fhiona or Shopper Fhiona. Just leave a comment on each blog in the hop for your chance to win. The winners will be drawn on April 16th. Just check out the YNS blog to see if you've won.

2. There's some great bundle deals available with this release and also the Bargain Bin still has some fabulous finds!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I'm still getting the hang of this new camera I got to replace the old one that died. (It's another Sony Cyber-shot, by the way, just an upgraded model. I just loved my last one and decided to replace it with the same. It's THIS one--DSC-WX9 if ya'll really want to know. I'm sure it's still available somewhere online. Mine was the last one at Best Buy.) So I apologize for the dark pics I've had lately. I am going to be taking a class from a well-known photographer in the next couple of weeks, and he's promised to give me some one-on-one coaching, so we'll see! ANYWAY, I thought I'd share one of my super technical techniques for when I take my pics. I don't like to set my project too close to my background, so that the line where my two plastic placemats (YES!) meet, will blur in the photo a bit more. Sometimes props are needed. Luckily my spice cabinet is close by. Curry anyone?

Dress Up Ellie Card
Stamps: Dress Up Ellie (YNS)
Paper: White, Aqua Mist, Rasberry Fizz (PTI), Dot (Bo Bunny), Flower (Jillibean Soup)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Scallop Border Die-namics (MFT), Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Polkadot Embossing Folder, Circle Punch, Copic Markers, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Fruit Punch Stickles, Adhesive Rhinestones, Button, Divine Twine (TCP), Ribbon (PTI), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Stylish Shoe Tag
Stamps: Stylish Shoe Die and Stamp set (YNS)
Paper: White, Black, Pure Poppy (PTI), Dots and Stripes (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Tags Galore Two Die, Stylish Shoe Die (YNS), Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Corner Rounder, Adhesive Rhinestones (Michael's), Satin Ribbon, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Well, Saturday is finally here! It's been the longest week ever here in Lilesland, I guess because I went with Audrie's class to the Fort Worth Zoo on Thursday and then they were out of school yesterday for Good Friday. Made it feel like every day was Friday, and so it just dragged on and on. Luckily I squeezed a little stamping time in there so I have a card to show ya'll today for the new April Sketch For You To Try from Jen!

Jessica Knutsen, owner of There She Goes Stamps has generously offered to be this month's sponsor. If you've never bought stamps from "there" before, you really should "go" and check them out!

First off, here's a look at this month's sketch.

For my card, I chose the cute set, Numbered Days. I just loved what a few of the There She Goes design team did with it, so I knew I had to get my hands on it! I went with some sweet colors (if you'll remember I like yellow), and made a birthday card with our daughter, Lindsie in mind (hopefully I'll remember I made it, as her birthday's not 'til November!). I added some much needed bling from Michael's and a little swarovski crystal to the birthday hat (which is a cute separate stamp!).

Ok, we have a little news to share about our Sketch For You to Try team:
Iwona is stepping down to persue other crafty adventures (I'm not sure if she's let that cat out of the bag or not, so check her blog, but it's GREAT news for her!). We also have a fabulous Guest Designer this month--Dawn Barghorn! She is so sweet and such a cutie!! Watch out for her--she's gonna be a superstar! Three cheers for her!!

So for more inspiration, check out the rest of the design teams creations here:
Amy Sheffer
Megan Lock
Amber Hight
Carole Burrage
Jodi Collins
Kerry Johnson
Jen Tapler
Becky Carafa

SUSIE Q-TIP: Don't forget about all that bling ya'll bought. It wants to come out and sparkle.

Ok, I'll have to write up the supply list later, I'm running late for work!

April Diva Inspiration Hop From Verve

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Well, I'm sure ya'll have seen the devastation caused by all of the 10-15 tornadoes that swept through our area the other day. My mom and I had the TV on the whole time and saw it unfold live from a helicopter viewpoint, 18-wheelers flying through the air, sirens blaring near our backyard and our plan in place to take cover. (One of those trucks landed on top of a lady's house 100's of yards away in that town, but thankfully no one was hurt.) Our girls were even on lock-down at their schools and had to huddle and cover their heads in the safest classrooms and ride it out just in case, while Eric's office went to a more "inside" area of their high-rise in Fort Worth. Luckily, we are northwest of where most of it hit, although the skies were pretty scary looking and the clouds were really swirling overhead. Arlington is the closest city to us that was hit and it's only about 20 minutes away. The massive losses are mind-boggling and some of the sheer images of the damage are simply unbelievable (one that stands out were some fence slats sent through a 2-story house window like spears that stabbed through interior walls of the house--crazy!). Please pray for all of those who were affected by this storm! Anyway, today the weather is beautiful, but that's springtime in Texas for ya!

	1. Betty	5. Lynda

	2. Jen d.	6. Sony
	3. Jen T.	7. Susan
	4. Julee

On a brighter note, today is the 5th of the month and that means it's time for another inspiring Diva Inspiration Hop from VERVE! First some navigation tips: If you're just joining us, jump back a minute and take a peek at the Verve blog to get the 411 on what we do for this hop every month--there's prizes! If you've been traveling along with us, then hopefully you came from Sony's blog and left her a little love (and some for everyone else on the way, since I'm the last one on the hop!).

So many times when I start stamping, I have a plan in mind. Not with this card. Other than the fact I thought the "March Week 3 Viva la Verve" Sketch that Maureen designed was "interesting", but not layer-y enough for me and was convinced that it was going to be so plain no matter what I did. So I went to my magical VERVE stamps drawer of my Elfa cart and closed my eyes and pulled out the Starstruck set. Ok. That was a start. Considering I still had Shelbie, our oldest daughter on the brain with her becoming all of a sudden a "responsible adult" in her new apartment, I thought this sentiment commemorated the new phase in her life well so I chose it and matched it up perfectly with the Classy Labels Die, the coordinating line stamp for it from the Love Notes set (I'm pretty sure it's my all-time favorite Verve set), and a few Elegant Leaves die cut and stamped with Bloom & Grow set. Then I topped off the little flower rosette with one of those cute hearts from the From the Heart Die set. Pretty soon the sketch wasn't so plain anymore and everyone lived happily ever after.

Guess what? YOU could win a little Verve-y goodness!!

Wanna know how?

All you have to do is leave a little comment love on all our blog hop spots

and you're automatically entered in our drawing!! For all the details please check out the

Verve Blog.

So there ya'll have it...I'm the end of the line today for the hop. I've enjoyed sharing with ya'll today and I hope you've enjoyed hopping along as well. Thanks for hopping and I'll see ya'll soon!

SUSIE Q-TIP: The moral of this story is to never underestimate the power of a sketch. You can make it as plain or fancied up as you want it when you take into consideration the patterned papers, textures and embellishments you add.

Stamps: Starstruck, Bloom & Grow, Love Notes (Verve)
Paper: White, Kraft, Aqua Mist (PTI), Orange Fizz (MFT), On the Bright Side (MME)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Old Olive (SU!)
Accessories: Classy Label Die, Elegant Leaves Die and From the Heart Die Set (Verve), Easy Rosette CutUps Die (TCP), Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Circle Punch, Sewing Machine/Thread, Mango Seam Binding Ribbon (TCP), Orange Divine Twine (TCP), Button, Adhesive Rhinestones, 3D Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

TCP Tuesday 204--Easter Abounds

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Well, it was an amazing whirlwind of a weekend and I didn't get some of the blog posting done that I had planned, so My Bad. Our weekend was full of running around, I worked, we had 4 soccer games between Lindsie and Audrie all over the metroplex, we helped our oldest daughter move from Burleson to Bedford into her own apartment, and we got her set up with stuff from our house and groceries in between all that. I kid you not, there was NEVER a spare moment! Needless to say, I'm a little behind in my own household stuff, but I hope to get back on track with everything at some point this week. Oh and my forehead is REALLY RED and sunburn!! Anyone have an extra visor they can send me? I'll trade a card for it!!

Today I have a little TCP Tuesday Challenge love to share with ya'll! I'm this week's Hipster Hostess with the Mostess and When I host the challenge, I come at ya'll with a STAMP/DIE Challenge. This week, we are celebrating EASTER!! Use any stamp(s) from The Cat's Pajamas that are Easter related, ALONG WITH one of these CutUps dies: Cloud Border, Grass or Easter Basket CutUps Dies.

Sorry I don't have a detail picture of this card. It's another iphone photo and I didn't take an up close shot. I did manage to replace my camera on Friday night, but I haven't perfected the downloading of photos part! It's another thing on my "to-do" list! The supplies and stamps I used are listed below.

SURELY, ya'll will play along with our fun little STAMP/DIE Challenge, right? You can find all the details on how to play along, plus lots more inspiration HERE on Alma's blog and HERE in our SCS Forum.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Ya'll do know I cheat when it comes to using ribbon on my cards, right? I only cut a piece of ribbon just wider than what it's to go across and tape the ends to the back. Then I either tie an extra piece around the first one for the bow, or make the bow completely separate and hot glue it on. Cheater Cheater, Pumpkin Eater.

Stamps: Sugar, Sugar (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Cream, Pink Cardstock (AC), Jillibean Soup, Echo Park and My Mind's Eye DP
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Grass and Cloud Borders CutUps Dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Labels, Pinking Circles and Circles Nestabilities, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder, Scallop Border Die, Copic Markers, Button, Cotton Candy Divine Twine (TCP), Pink Dotted Ribbon (Bo Bunny), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

TCP Tuesday 203--A Cinco de Mayo Invite

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:30:00 +0000

Well, I told ya'll I may be back today with another post, and likely another one either this afternoon, or in the morning! I've suddenly got lots to share! Let's start today with a little TCP Tuesday Challenge from The Cat's Pajamas.

Lori is our Hipster Hostess with the Mostess and has issued a lovely little Color Challenge: Tangerine, Lime Green and Sky Blue. Very Cinco de Mayo!

So when I was contemplating these colors and trying to come up with a plan, I mentioned it to my mom. She said those colors reminded her of Pina Coladas and Margaritas and that I should come up with some sort of party invitation! Um, Mom? Are you trying to tell me something? If you want a margarita (or a party for that matter), all you have to do is ask. Anyway, I instantly thought of those fun, tequila loving penguins from the Salud and Hola Tequila sets from The Cat's Pajamas. This little guy is actually the one from the Salud set, but the salt/lime, tequila and Cinco de Mayo sentiments are from the Hola Tequila set. I figured since it was an invite to come have some margaritas, all that someone would need to know, was "when" and "where", so I stamped those words with the Coolvetica Alphabet. 'Nuff said, right?

Ok, we loved this Color Challenge and we hope ya'll will too and play along with us. Check out how to do so and what you could be playing for over on Alma's blog HERE. Did someone say Cat Cash or Swanky Stamper of the Month--no, that's not the margaritas talking! It's for REAL!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Tulle. It's hot right now. I picked up this sparkly green roll for $2.50 at Hobby Lobby. It comes on a roll that is 6" wide and about 10-25 yards on each, depending on the color, and there are LOTS of them! I figured the green would be great for spring and then later at Christmas. Or Tinkerbell. Or 80's Costumes.

P.S. I'm sorry for the crappy pictures. These are from my iPhone and then I put them through the Photoshop ringer. I hope to have a new camera by this afternoon to replace my broken one. We'll see.

Stamps: Salud, Hola Tequila, Coolvetica Alphabet (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Black, Spring Rain (PTI), Sour Apple, Orange Fizz (MFT), Lovey (Bella Blvd.), Summertime (Echo Park)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Buttons, Flower Buttons and Big Scallop CutUps Dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Circle Punches, Pinked Circle and Circle Nestabilities, Pinking Shears, Copic Markers, Adhesive Rhinestones (Michael's), Lt. Blue Button, Green Apple Divine Twine (The Cat's Pajamas), Sparkly Green Tulle (HL), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 4.25 x 10 (approx.)

I'm Back With a Little Verve

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 04:34:00 +0000

Well, ya'll don't fall over in your chairs now, but I'm blogging today and if we're lucky, possibly tomorrow, too. It's been a little rough around here the last couple of weeks, finishing up the school yearbook for Audrie's elementary, seeing our tax man (not a pretty thought), my camera dying, and a little fun with some left arm pain last night (a classic warning sign of a heart attack, ladies! Pay attention!). I hadn't stamped a thing for that whole time until yesterday! I was afraid I had forgotten how to do it, but I was surprised and really liked my card as a result. Ya'll will get to see it Tuesday, as it is my TCP Tuesday card for next week (my stamp/CutUps challenge!), so stay tuned! But for now, I've got a card that I made a few weeks ago using a little VERVE. I wanted to post it much sooner, but like I said, life got in the way. In fact, just today I figured out how to get it off my broken camera's memory card without using the camera to download it. Thank goodness for my fancy HP magic wireless printer! Yay, me!

Unfortunately, I had to make 2 sympathy cards for a couple of friends I know from Scrapper's Boutique; one for the wife of the man who died and the other was for the sister to the husband. Such a sad story. So this is one of the cards I did for them and I'll show the other one here in a few days. I used a couple of older sets from VERVE--Forever in Our Hearts for the sentiment and the Blessings set for the faintly stamped flourishes behind it on this card. The sentiment panel was cut using the Classy Label Die and the butterflies were cut from the newer All Aflutter butterfly dies that are oh-so-classy as well, even without stamping the actual butterflies it coordinates with from the Twitterpated set (small one) and the All Aflutter Plain Jane (larger one)!

I think that's about all from me today--so happy to be taking it a little easier now that a lot of that drama is over from these past couple of weeks! Friday, I'm looking forward to going with Eric to see his oncologist in Dallas and hearing nothing but GOOD NEWS at his check up. Can I get an AMEN, sisters!!?!?!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: For some reason, when I make a sympathy card, I seem to go pretty clean, with minimal layers and a much quieter personality. Muted colors, pretty prints and solids with a little texture, and little or no fancy embellishments help carry out the solemness needed for such a heartfelt card. Try it. Quietly.

Stamps: Forever in Our Hearts, Blessings (Verve)
Paper: White, Dark Chocolate (PTI), Old Olive (SU!), My Mind's Eye
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Vanilla
Accessories: Classy Label Die, All Aflutter Die Set (Verve), Swirly Flowers Embossing Folder (SU!), Circle Punches, Sewing Machine/Thread, Buttons, Flatback Pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

I Know This For A Fact--The Craft's Meow Rocks!

noreply@blogger.com (Susan (susiestampalot)) — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 15:00:00 +0000

Well, yesterday I thought it was Saturday all day and I'll tell ya'll why. Eric stayed home from work. It threw me off. However, it was for a great reason (gone are the days when he was home all the time for a not so great reason!)--we went to Frisco to go have lunch with our oldest daughter, Shelbie and see the fancy hospital she works at as a concierge/registration specialist. It was amazing to see her at such a great place to work and meet some of her friends (and the hospital food was excellent, too!). We are so proud of her! And she turns 20 on the 21st! I'll have a 20 year old?!!! Changing the subject, moving on, let's not talk about that too much.

Today is the third Saturday of the month and time for me to share my latest creation for Jen's March Sketch For You To Try. If ya'll will remember, our sponsor this month is The Craft's Meow. I have to say I am thoroughly enjoying playing with these stamps! HERE'S what I did for my first project. Jen and I decided to trade stamp sets, so I have something a little different today.

I made an anniversary card for Eric using the sets I've Got Your Number and Telegram, both of which I am in LOVE with, and together they are even better. There's a lot going on with this card, but I was in a "more is more" mood and wanted to make sure it was completely different than my CAS first SFYTT card this month. You'll want to see these sets to find all the various stamps I used for this card. LOL!

Ok, if I have any chance of grabbing some iced coffee on my way to work, I better make this the end of my post for today. Happy St. Patrick's Day! Be sure and get in a little corned beef and cabbage for dinner!

Here's a little listing of the other SFYTT girls that are showing their mad card-making skillz today using this sketch:

Carole Burrage
Jodi Collins
Kerry Johnson
Jen Tapler

SUSIE Q-TIP: I think I've mentioned this before, but I love to stamp on patterend paper. Yes I meant to say, "patt-er-end" paper. It's just funner. When stamping text, cheat like me and use a paper with grid lines of some sort to keep it straight.

Stamps: I've Got Your Number, Telegram (The Craft's Meow)
Paper: Linen, Kraft, Aqua Mist (PTI), Miss Caroline (My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Real Red (SU!), Chestnut Roan Cat's Eye (Colorbox)
Accessories: Big Scallop CutUps Die (The Cat's Pajamas), Scallop Border (MFT), Circle Nestabilities, Circle Punch, Pinking Shears, Sewing Machine/Thread, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Pewter Brads, Hemp Twine, Glue Dot, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2