Merry & Bright

Well it's back to reality today right? I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and a great weekend!  It's Kitchen Sink Stamps Monday and I've got a nice CAS card today that I think would be fairly simple to mass produce (with 1 or 2 changes).  The layout is FTL118 (which I liked so much, you'll see again later this week!).

I used Multi-Step Ornament & Stars from KSS which is a great little mini set - the perfect size if you've been wanting to give Kitchen Sink Stamps a try!  The set comes with a color recipe right on the inside of the label and it's only $8.50!  Plus, if you use my coupon code, JULIE10KSS, you get 10% off your order - cool!

I wanted to do something at the corners a bit different so I took my craft knife and cut two little slits at a 45 degree angle at each corner.  Then I just slipped the mat of patterened paper through!  I wonder if there's a punch out there that does this?  I bet there is, which would make this card truly a 5 minute card!  But if you didn't want to do that you could round them or do a ticket punch or just leave them!

Pay a visit to the rest of the KSS Crew today for lots of inspiration and wish Connie a Happy Birthday while you're at it!! Hope you have a great day Connie! :)  You too!

Angela • Connie • Lisa • Lynn • Makiko • Maria

Cardstock:  (Black, Vintage Cream) Papertrey Ink, Patterned Paper:  (Twig & Tinsel) Girls Paperie, Stamps:  (Multi-Step Ornament & Stars) Kitchen Sink Stamps, Ink:  Step 5 - (Always Artichoke) SU!, Step 4 - (Old Olive 2x) SU!, Step 3 - (Kiwi Kiss) SU!, Step 2 - (Pear Tart) Memento, Step 1 - (New Sprout) Memento, Sentiment - (Riding Hoood) SU!, Accessories:  (rhinestones) Zva Creative, (Gingham ribbon) SU!, Tools:  (Circle and Petite Scalloped Nestabilities) Spellbinders

Beary Christmas

How about a little TCP goodness?   I have another card to show you but I haven't downloaded it off my camera yet so . . .  here's something I shared at The Cat's Pajamas release party on Monday night.

This cutie is Big Bear and I made an ornament using the fabulous new Icing Cut-Up that was also just released. The fun thing we discovered is that when you use it to die cut felt, it's bendable and shape-able!  The felt, by the way, is some of the yummy Felt available in The Cat's Pajamas store - from the Green With Envy collection!  After I colored and cut out my bear, I layered him on some patterned paper and added some "snow" under him.  You can't tell from the photo but there is a layer of clear plastic over him to protect it from little hands! :)

Here's a shot of the back. I added some more dp and one of the sentiments from the set - cute huh??!!

Remember that The Cat's Pajamas has FREE U.S. shipping all weekend so now's your chance to pick up all the great new stamps and dies - they make great Christmas presents! Hee hee!  :)

Happy Thanksgiving & Black Friday Sales for You!

I just wanted to pop in and say a very Happy Thanksgiving to all of my U.S. friends!! There are so many things that I have to be thankful for, so so many!! As we spend this day with family I want to thank you all for coming and reading every day, it means so much to me and keeps me inspired! You are all a blessing to me!!

So who's up for some Black Friday shopping?? I don't know about you, but I never go out on Black Friday. I really do not like pushing and shoving through stores and merchandise just for a few bucks (not to mention getting up in the wee hours!). :) Me, I'll take the comfort of my own home and my laptop for shopping thank you! Here are a few that I know about:

1. i {heart} papers Black Friday sale! One weekend - two specials! From Black Friday through Sunday (midnight EST) use the code black25dt for 25% off any order $25 or more. This is the biggest discount IHP has ever offered so take advantage of it while you can!   Then, in celebration of Cyber Monday, after the 25% off coupon has expired, there will be over 600 items on steep, steep discount - some up to 50% off! So shop early with your 25% off coupon to get what you really NEED to get and then come back on Monday to see all the fantastic savings that are left!     (The nitty gritty details - coupon does not apply to any previous orders or any items that are out of stock. Sale items are first come, first served and no rainchecks apply. And, no credits will be issued if you purchase something with the 25% off coupon and then it goes on sale at a later date. Sorry!)

 2.  Kitchen Sink Stamps.  This Friday and Sat. KSS will be offering Black Friday deals ..... with 25% off everything available in the store and Free Shipping on order $45 and over.Please add coupon code KSS25 to your cart to redeem this offer!

3. The Cat's Pajamas is offering FREE shipping on all U.S. orders ($3.00 for international shipping)!  PLUS, there are 10 new sets and 4 new Cut-Ups available just in time for the holidays! :)

Happy Shopping everyone! :)

The Cat's Pajamas Release Day Blog Hop!

Welcome to the Hop!  It's been a great week of sneak peeks, hasn't it??  Now it's time for the real thing friends - time to make your move and bring home some swanky goodness!  The Cat Pack is hopping today so be sure to start at Jen's blog and if you did then you are arriving from Susan's blog!

Not only are we bringing you lots of new release goodies but it's TCP Tuesday and Jen's our Hostess with the Mostest today.  Her challenge is to use your dies (hopefully your TCP Cut-Ups!) to create your own embellishments!  4 brand new Cut-Ups are being released today and they are awesome!! 

I used 2 dies for my card here, the tree is cut with the large scalloped Pennant die (it comes in 2 sizes with a straight edge and scalloped edge pennant!).  I used the new Snowflake die to add to the tree along with some embroidered stars and lots of red bling!

The sketch is Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge #100 from last week and the red dp is some yummy Twig and Tinsel from Girls Paperie that we Cat Packers all seem to be craving thanks to Joanne!! :)

I added my sentiment on the inside along with a bit more dp to pretty it up a bit.  The sentiment is from Around the Chimney, another of the new sets!  One more little treat to get you started . . . Alma's offering FREE US shipping (only $3.00 for international) from now until November 29th!  How's that for a Black Friday treat?? Sweet!!

It's time now to on over to Lori's blog - she's joining us this month and I'm sure she'll have something amazing!  Have fun shopping! :)

Cardstock: (Kraft, Vintage Cream) Papertrey Ink, Patterned Paper: (Twig and Tinsel) Girls Paperie, (Trim the Tree - Very Merry) October Afternoon, Stamps:  (Around the Chimney) The Cat's Pajamas, Ink:  Memento, Accessories:  (rhinestones) Kaiser & Zva Creative, (gingham ribbon, button), (Divine Twine) The Cat's Pajamas, sewing machine, (Pennant Cut-Up die, Snowflake die) The Cat's Pajamas

'Tis the Season

It's a special Kitchen Sink Stamps Monday here!  KSS is the sponsor this week at CPS (Card Positioning Systems) and the sketch this week is such a great, classic sketch!  Be sure to check out the sketch and the designer ideas at CPS.

For my card I used Multi-Step Cardinals.  Aren't they fabulous?  I think these are just gorgeous and really so easy to stamp (my ink recipe is noted below).

My camera battery died just as I was taking pictures so I don't have a close-up today but if you click on the photo it should get HUGE for you! :)  The dp is Basic Grey Jovial which I got at i {heart} papers.  I usually shy away from BG paper since it has a more distressed, grungy look which, as I've mentioned before, scares me.  But this collection is just lovely - and it makes the perfect accent for the pretty cardinal!

Take a look at what the rest of the KSS Crew has for you today and don't forget to play along this week and add your link on the CPS blog for a chance at a great prize!  Have a wonderful Monday my friends!

Cardstock:  (Kraft, Vintage Cream) Papertrey Ink, (Lipstick Red) Gina K Designs, Patterned Paper:  (Jovial) Basic Grey, Stamps: (Multi-Step Cardinals, sentiment from Multi-Step Gift) Kitchen Sink Stamps, Ink:  Cardinal - Step 3 - (Crimson Red) VersaFine, Step 2 - (Barn Red) Ranger, Step 1 - (Lady Bug Red) Memento, Step 4 - (Black) Memento, Pine Bough:  Step 3 - (Olympia Green) VersaFine, Step 2 - (Bamboo Leaves) Memento, Step 1 - (Kiwi Kiss) SU!, Accessories:  (Pearls) Kaiser, foam adhesive, Copci marker (for shading around cardinal), sewing machine

The Cat's Pajamas Day 7 Peek

Tomorrow is the big night- party time at The Cat's Pajamas!  I'm so excited to have some fun chatting with everyone, it's always a blast!!

I have one last peek for you today, be sure to check out Alma's blog to see today's image and who is peekin' today.  This set today, Around the Chimney features our favorite little trio of penguins!  Funny thing, there's a thread in the TCP forum where people have been suggesting names for our waddle of penguins - it's hilarious!  Back to the peek . . .

I used this week's TCP Tuesday #135 Inspiration as a jumping off point for my card today.  Toni picked a very mod and trendy chair to inspire us and as I looked through some dp, I found this paper with the right colors and lots of circles - perf!  I also used one of the 4 new Cut-Ups being released also. This one, Apron Border is definitely going to get a lot of use here!

I sort of went crazy with the paper piecing here, I think there are about 3 layers.  I pieced the rug (from dp), the fireplace (from Wood Sheets which were "white washed" using PTI's Fresh Snow ink and a water brush) and the stockings. 

I hope you'll join us tomorrow night - here is your personal invitation!!

Cardstock: (Soft Stone, Scarlett Jewel) Papertrey Ink, (White) X-Press Blending Card, (Wood Paper) The Cat's Pajamas, Patterned Paper: (oops - forgot!), Stamps: (Around the Chimney) The Cat's Pajams, Ink: Memento, Accessories: Copic markers, (rhinestones) Kaiser, (Fun Flock) Stampendous, (Gingham Ribbon) SU!, (button) Papertrey Ink,  Tools:  (Apron Border Cut-Ups) The Cat's Pajamas, Corner rounder

Define Good

So how long is your list getting?? LOL!  The Cat's Pajamas new sets keep getting better and better don't they?  Check out Alma's blog for a peek at all of the images shown so far as well as today's.  Today we're showing you Define Good. 

Now how funny is that? I love this adorable bunny and that sentiment just cracks me up!

Just look at all those fun presents!  I added a bit of Black Glaze pen to a couple of the packages and white polka dots to a few others.  The background panel is some of TCP's yummy Felt from the Green With Envy Collection.  The sentiment is embossed with white embossing powder. 

Only 3 more sleeps until the big Release Party in the TCP Forum at Splitcoaststampers - hope you'll stop in an chat with us Monday at 7 pm EST!!  Check out more peeks today from Jen, Susan and Joanne.

Cardstock:  (Pure Poppy, Black) Papertrey Ink, (White Perfect Panel) My Favorite Things, Patterned Paper:  (Kris Kringle Boxing Day) SEI, Stamps: (Define Good) The Cat's Pajamas, Ink: Memento, Accessories:  (Felt) The Cat's Pajamas, Copic markers, Nestabilities, (Rhinestones) Kaiser, (Fun Flock) Stampendous, sewing machine, white embossing powder, Black Glaze pen, White Gel Pen

Like You a Latte

I'm sure you've heard by now that it's Sneaky Peek Week at The Cat's Pajamas!  Check in on Alma's blog everyday to see what images are being previewed and which Cat Packers have eye candy for you.

Today I have a peek of Like You a Latte.  Isn't he just precious?!  I'm in love with his little plaid coat!  I also used one of the 4 new Cut-Ups being released.  I die cut the front of the card so that the inside of the card would peek out - a great place to put the sentiment, don't you think?

I added a strip of corrugated cardstock behind the image which reminded me of those coffee cozies you get get at fancy coffee shops!  And how about those corduroy pants?  I've been having fun adding texture with my colorless blender pen!

 

Here's a peek at the card open a bit - I just love the graceful shape of this new Cut-Up!

You can see more sneak peeks today from Jen, Joanne and Alma.  So we'd love you to join us for the big release party next week, Monday, November 22 at 7-9 pm EST (4-6 pm PST) in The Cat's Pajamas Forum at Splitcoaststampers.  All the new goodies will be available on the 23rd!!

Merry Merry!

How about another card with the brand new stamps from Mint Motif available at i {heart} papers? I've had so much fun exploring the possibilities with these 2 sets! I can't wait to see how you all use them!

Here's a CAS card I made using I've Got Your Number. I love the bold look of the green & red on white.  It was super easy to stamp them across the page alternating green and red!  The sentiment is from Very Merry Sentiments and was embossed using black ep directly on the patterned paper which is Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather and die cut with the tree Nestabilities.  Behind the tree I added a circle of cork with an accent of white cardstock. 

This would be a pretty easy card to mass product at Christmas time!  Are you making your cards this year?

Thanks for visiting today - come back tomorrow for a TCP Sneak Peek! Check out Alma's blog for a list each day of where you can find sneak peeks!

Cardstock: (White) Papertrey Ink, Patterned Paper: (Mitten Weather) Cosmo Cricket, Stamps: (I've Got Your Number, Very Merry Sentiments) Mint Motif for i {heart} papers, b:  (Bamboo Leaves) Memento, (Barn Door) Ranger, Accessories:  (Cork) My Favorite Things, (Rhinestones) Kaiser, (Tree, circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders, corner rounder punch

Got Stuffing?

Happy Kitchen Sink Stamps Monday!!  Are you a list maker?  Do you make your lists on any scrap of paper you find or do you have a special place for them?  I definitely love to make lists but I also like to make mine lists "pretty"! LOL!  Sometimes I think it's more about the list and not the actual work - ha!

Well thinking of lists inspired my project today.  We will be having Thanksgiving at our house again this year and I need to get myself organized and prepared.  I've seen a lot of Christmas planners popping up around blogland so it gave me the idea to make a Thanksgiving planner! 

I used 3 Step Turkey Trot from Kitchen Sink Stamps - love this set!  How real does that turkey look?? and it's so easy! (see ink recipes below)  I actually started this as an ATC and then just added it to the notebook for a quick and easy project!

I got the template for the notebook cover from Nichole Heady's blog and the beautiful papers are from The Paper Source.

Please visit the rest of the Kitchen Sink Stamps Crew for more inspiration!! Have a wonderful day!

Cardstock:  (Kraft, Orange Zest, Vintage Cream) Papertrey Ink, Patterned Paper: Girls Paperie), Ink:  Step 3 - Starlit Black (Brilliance), Step 2 - Rich Cocoa (Memento), Step 1 - Dessert Sand (Memento), Accessories: (Rhinestones) Kaiser, (Ribbon, Button, Twine) Papertrey Ink, (Scalloped border (Papertrey Ink),

Mint Motif Release Day!

Good morning my stampy friends!  Hope you're nice and comfy - this is a long post!! :)  Today is a BIG day - it's release day for Mint Motif available exclusively at i {heart} papers!!  The design team shared our sneak peeks with you on Thursday (see mine here) and the designer, Kimberly Crawford, gave you a closer look at  both sets on Friday and Saturday.  But today is the day you can finally order them! Yippy!  The two sets are

I've Got Your Number 

 and What a Card!

My release project uses both sets really.  I started with the idea that I wanted to make an Advent Calendar.  Our family started celebrating the Advent season several years ago and it has become a wonderful tradition - it helps us focus the whole month on the true meaning of Christmas.  So I started looking around for ideas and came across this one on the red thread.  Perfect!  So this is my version.

I started with the Basic Grey Jovial 6x6 pad.  Since the pad is 36 pages and you use1 page per cone you can make a whole calendar for under $7 and you have paper left over!  Making the cones wasn't difficult at all, simply add Red Line Tape to one side of the paper and roll it into the cone shape.  I learned that with the Basic Grey paper (which is a bit on the thicker side) you really need to use Red Line Tape (don't ask how I learned that - lol!)!  I also added a little bit of tape to the corner on the inside just to keep the nice cone shape.

Now for the numbers.  I started by die cutting 25 circles using Nestabilities and the smaller, solid numbers in I've Got Your Number.  I stamped each number and then used a large rimmed button to stamp a solid circle for a border around the number. 

Next I stamped the woodgrain background stamp from What a Card! and die cut it with a scalloped circle Nestabilities.  The woodgrain square is the same size as all the images in Very Square so it's perfect!  I also used one of the Very Square images so that they wouldn't all be the same and I used about 5 different ink colors mixing and matching as I went along.

I'm really thrilled with how this turned out!! I'll be adding little treats to each cone, little candies or toys, pencils, etc.  As we finish each days reading the children will get to have their treat for the day, I think they'll like that idea! *wink*  So here's a few shots of the whole thing - it was very hard to do but you get the idea.
 

I realized after I had taken all the pictures that I should have hung the cones with the numbers going 25 to 1 instead of vice versa . . . oh well, I'll do it right when we put this up on December 1! :)

Thanks so much for hanging in with this super long post!  It's time to visit the rest of the Mint Motif team to see their gorgeous projects!  Kimberly will also have details about a special contest where you just might be able to win one of the new sets - interested?? I know you are!!  Have a wonderful day friends!

Kimberly Crawford {designer}
Kate Baldwin {owner}
Geny Cassidy {DT Coordinator}
Bonnie Rose Kempenich
Melissa Bickford
Ryann Salamon
Tobi Crawford

Cardstock: (Natural Ivory) Stampin' Up!, Patterned Paper: (Jovial) Basic Grey, Stamps:  (I've Got Your Number, What a Card!) Mint Motif exclusively at i {heart} papers, Ink:  (New Leaf, Scarlett Jewel, Ocean Tides) Papertrey Ink, (Barn Red) Ranger, (Bamboo Leaves) Memento, Tools/Accessories:  (Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities) Spellbinders, Red Line tape, foam adhesive, hemp