One of a Kind

How many of you have bought a "paper pack", you know the ones that come with a couple sheets of sticker and/or journaling cards?   If you are a mostly a stamper like me, what do you do with that stuff??  I was sifting through some paper yesterday and came across the Life Is Good pack from Echo Park that I picked up at i {heart} papers.  Such pretty paper and the stickers are really nice!  So I challenged myself to make a card with them - I think I'll have to go back and make a few more now!

I took a CAS approach to this one - really these beautifully designed papers don't need much!  I used Spellbinders Labels 8 for my main panel and added one of the adhesive flowers from the kit.  I popped up the center flower for some dimension and then added a sentiment from What a Card by Mint Motif which is available exclusively at i {heart} papers. 

The Champagne Ivory Twill Stripes ribbon is also from IHP and I just love the design of it - it also comes in some pretty yummy colors!! :)  Now go pull out those card kits and give it a try - and send me a link when you do!

Thanks so much for visiting today, I hope you have a beautiful day!

Release Day Hop & new TCP Tuesday 152!

It's TCP Tuesday AND it's Release Day at The Cat's Pajamas - one of the best days ever! :) We had a blast at the Release Party in the TCP Forum on Splitcoaststampers and now it's time to end the Release Week festivities with the Cat Pack Hop!!

I'm super excited to be the Hostess with the Mostest this week which means it's a Technique Challenge.  I challenged the Cat Pack (& you!) to Make a Shaped Card - use your imagination, find a template, use a fun die, or just freehand your idea, as long as it's not a square, rectangle or circle (unless it's a flower). 

I used The Tweetest Things for my card taking my inspiration from the adorable birdhouse that is both in the set AND one of the dies in Home Tweet Home. 

Cutting the birdhouse was pretty simple, the fold it at the bottom so when you open it the house comes forward.  I used 2 double ended banners die that comes as part of the Easy Rosette Cut-Ups die for the roof.  As you can see I also used the bird die (and stamp) as well as the house die (and stamp) from the Home Tweet Home Cut-Up and the Easy Rosette Cut-Up.

It's time to hop on over to Sony's blog . . prepare to be amazed!! When you finish up the hop and your shopping, remember you could win $10 in Cat Cash if you choose to play along with this week's challenge!  Check out all the deets on Alma's blog and below. Happy hopping!

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 at ALMA'S BLOG or upload to the SCS Gallery, using the keyword TCPTUES152 for this week's challenge.
4. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
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.

Welcome Baby!

Good Monday morning!  I hope you all had a wonderful weekend and are ready to start a great week!!  Positive attitude right?! ;)  It's Kitchen Sink Stamps Monday and I've been itching to try out these fabulous postcard-size coasters Maria is carrying in the KSS store for a limited time.  You can't beat the price and size it perfect for a quick little note.

I used Connie's Friday sketch from the KSS forum and used my own Word of the Week challenge as well. The word to create with this week is "Birthday" so I naturally thought of the very first birthday, the actual birth!  This was pretty quick to whip up and I love the fact that since it's a postcard, it can be slipped right into a baby book or scrapbook afterwards very easily!  I actually even played along with Makiko's challenge this week and did some sponging on the card - eeeeek!!!  :)

I used Multi-Step Baby which has wonderful vintagey images like these blocks, plus lots of words and phrases to mix & match for the perfect sentiment! 

Hope over to the KSS Forum when you get a chance, and of course, don't forget to pop in on the rest of the Crew today!! Have  a wonderful Monday!

Cardstock:  (Vintage Cream) Papertry Ink, Patterned Paper:  October Afternoon, Stamps: (Multi-Step Baby), Kitchen Sink Stamps, Ink:  Step 3 - (Cherry Cobbler) SU!, Step 2 - (Barn Red) Ranger, Step 1 - (Frayed Burlap (stamped off)) Ranger, Accessories:  (ribbon) SU!, (Button), Nestabilities,

Well, Hello - TCP Sneak Peek Day #6!

It's Day #6 of the Sneaky Peeks at The Cat's Pajamas!! Have you been loving these amazing new sets?  I sure have! Check out Alma's blog to see who is peeking our set today, Field of Pinwheels!  Another adorable bunny set to love!  And pinwheels too? Sweeeet! 

I'm also giving you a peek at 2 of the new Cut-Ups dies, Pinwheels and Grass - LOVE them!!  I've been like a little kid playing with pinwheels I tell you - so.much.fun!!

Also I want to remind you that our Super Swanky Release Party is taking place Monday, March 28 at 8 pm (EDT) in TCP's Forum on Splitcoaststampers.  We always have a great time - lots of chatting, games, more peeks & even prizes!!  I hope to see you there! :)

TCP Sneaky Peek Day 4

It's getting closer!  This is Day 4 of Sneaky Peek week at The Cat's Pajamas and we've been showing you some of the awesome new products being released on Tuesday, March 29.  Don't forget to come party with us in the  SCS Forum on Monday night too!

Today's peek set is A Girl and Her Cake.  That adorable bunny with the big floppy ears is here again looking adorable with her sweet bow!!  I used Jen's March SFYTT for this card.

How about that pink bunny?? I think with her sweet bow she had to be pink!  I even used a small rosette from one of the new Cut-Ups dies, Easy Rosette. Speaking of which, have you had a chance to watch Alma's videos on how to use the pineheel die and this Easy Rosette?? They are must sees - they really show how great these die are and how easy!!  Check them out!

Can you see that I colored a bit on the cake and the "wish" sentiment using a sparkly pen? I love how it adds a subtle spakle!

I even decorated the inside of this one a bit!! I love that sentiment block - very cool!!  And for the "flower" I used the small rosette again but this time I left it flat.

Thanks so much for visiting - remember to visit Alma's blog for all the details on who's peeking today! Have fun! :)

Cardstock:  (Lavender Moon) Papertrey Ink, (White) Neenah, Patterned Paper:  (Springtime) Echo Park, Stamps: (A Girl and Her Cake) The Cat's Pajamas, Ink:  (Black) Memento, Accessories:  (Divine Twine) The Cat's Pajamas, button, brad, Tools:  (Polka Dot embossing folder) Quickutz, (Easy Rosette Cut-Ups die) The Cat's Pajamas, (Nestabilities) Spellbinders, Copic markers

The big . . .

I had a chance to play along with this week's CAS challenge on Splitcoaststampers which is something I love to do!  The challenge this week is a fun sketch challenge.

 So for my card I reached for my new Picket Fence 6x6 pad from Lilybee Designs which I got from i {heart} papers.  I love the patterns and colors in the pad!  I'm not sure I would normally have thought to pair up red, aqua and kraft but I love how it came out!   The stamps are Mint Motif, of course also from IHP, I've Got Your Number.  I love how this set has a bit set of numbers that are not filled in - they're perfect to color or paper piece!

I was also super excited to use the "ring of rhinestones" too that I picked up in the sale section at IHP from Zva Creative!  They're so sparkly and perfect for this card!.  Thanks for stopping in today, I hope you have a great day my friends!

Cardstock: (Kraft) Papertrey Ink, (Riding Hood Red, Soft Sky) SU!, Patterned Paper:  (Picket Fence) Lilybee Designs, Stamps: (I've Got Your Number) Mint Motif, Ink: (Rich Cocoa) Memento, Accessories:  (Self-Adhesive Circles & Lines) Zva Creative, (Twill), corner rounder, Tools:  (Nestabilities) Spellbinders, (Wood grain texture plate) Papertrey Ink

Relax . . . enjoy the peeks!

Happy Tuesday! I doubly excited for today because not only is it TCP Tuesday with a awesome Inspiration pic from Jen, but it's also the kick-off to Sneaky Peek at The Cat's Pajamas!  All week you'll get to see cards from the Cat Pack featuring one of the 8 new stamp sets and 4 new Cut-Ups dies and let me just say now, hold onto your hats!! If you're anything like me, you'll be needing it all! :)  Check in on Alma's blog each day (or the TCP Forum on Splitcoaststampers) to see who has peeks that day.  It all leads up to the Swanky Release party next Monday night, 3/28 at 8 pm EDT in the TCP Forum.

First, the Inspiration for TCP Tuesday- yum!!  Doesn't all that pretty pink & red just scream summer?!  That's what I went with for my card this week - summer!!  Today's peek set is What a Blast which features our favorite bear PJ holding the perfect spring/summer accessory - a pinwheel!! I paper pieced mine and if you look closely you may be able to spot one of the new Cut-Ups dies in there as well!  See it??  How about that ultra cool grass?!  I know!  I seriously have had to restrain myself from using it on every card for this release - it's that amazing!

There's also a small bit of another new die on there - can you guess?  Remember to visit Alma's blog every day to see where you should go for your daily dose of swankiness!

Have a great day friends!

Cardstock:(Kraft) Papertrey Ink, (White) Neenah, Patterned Paper:  (Blossom Soup collection) Jillibean Soup, Stamps: (What a Blast) The Cat's Pajamas, Ink: (Black) Memento, Accessories:  Button, (Twine) The Cat's Pajamas,  Tools: (Grass Cut-Ups) The Cat's Pajamas, (Nestabilities) Spellbinders, sewing machine, Copic markers,

Chick's Night

Good morning friends! We had a fabulous weekend here - we had some great weather Friday and part of Saturday and I had a birthday Saturday which is always fun! :)  Today they are predicting snow - really??  oh well I'm sure it won't last long.

I have a quick CAS card or you today and it goes along with Angela's Everything Plus the Kitchen Sink challenge in the Kitchen Sink Stamps Forum, to use any KSS animal stamp!

The set is 3 Step Hey Chick! and it's full of cute sentiments as well as these adorable chicks and an egg!  This card is smaller in size and it'd make a great gift card holder.  Slip in a gift card for a dinner out or a spa treatment, who wouldn't love that?! :)

Make sure you take a peek at what the rest of the KSS Crew has for you today!  And check out the What's New section at Kitchen Sink Stamps, along with the newest released stamps there are some great packaging options, new chipboard postcards (very cool - I need to try them out!) and masking paper recently added.  I am in love with the masking paper - so much better than the type that comes on a roll!  Have a great day!

Angela • Connie • Lisa • Lynn • Makiko • Maria

Cardstock:  (Summer Sunrise, White) Papertrey Ink, Patterned Paper:  ??  Stamps: (3 Step Hey Chick!)  Kitchen Sink Stamps, Ink:  (Step 3 - More Mustard) SU!, (Step 2 - Summer Sunrise) Papertrey Ink, (Step 1 - Dandelion) Memento, Accessories: (Ribbon) American Crafts, slit punch

Got Green?

Happy St. Patrick's Day to everyone!  In my recent search into my family's history via Ancestry.com (which is so cool!!), I discovered Irish heritage!  Apparently I have family from County Antrim - what a fun discovery!!  Now I can wear the green today with pride!  My husband has Irish in him too, his maternal grandmother was an O'Leary.

So here's a sweet little card to celebrate the day.  The stamps are Multi-Step Shamrocks & Clovers from Kitchen Sink Stamps!  (Pssst . . . I hear there's a sale going on at KSS until noon PST today, check it out on Maria's blog!)

Enjoy the day!

Cardstock: Ivory (Neenah), Emeraude Sparkle, Khaki Ruche (Paper Temptress), Patterned Paper: Dotty Biscotti (Papertrey Ink), Stamps: Multi-Step Clover, Ready 4 Any Holiday (Kitchen Sink Stamps), Ink:  New Leaf (Papertrey Ink), Bamboo Leaves, New Sprout, Black (Memento), Accessories:  Button, Twine (Papertrey Ink), Nestabilities Circle dies (Spellbinders), Swarovski crystals, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder (Provo Craft), Ribbon (craft supply), Large Scalloped edge die (Papertrey Ink)

Feel Better

Good morning!!  I just happened to be cruising around Splitcoaststampers yesterday when the new Dirty Dozen Gallery opened.  The theme this month is Black Tie and the gallery is full of beautiful creations using black & white with wonderful splashes of color!  Since I was home alone and had some stamping time I decided to play along and do the sketch challenge in the Fan Club Forum (if you cannot see the forum, consider joining the Fan Club and supporting SCS!).

So here is the card I created using this month's sketch - I also used the Inspiration picture.  The stamps I used are Beyond Borders and Very Square Sentiments from Mint Motif at i {heart} papers.

The patterned paper is the brand new Picket Fence collection from Lilybee Design. As soon as they arrived in the IHP shop I ordered mine (they are on reorder now, so click the link on the IHP website to be notified when more arrive!).  I love the patterns and colors in this collection!  They are a bit distressed, vintage-y looking but not so much that you can't use them in a clean look like my card.

In the Inspiration picture the middle layer of the cake has a diamond pattern with little pearls at each intersection.  So I added alternating White Pearls and rhinestones at the intersection of each point of my border image.

Thanks so much for visiting today! I hope you have a great day!

Cardstock:  (White) Neenah, (Black) Papertrey Ink, (Baja Breeze) SU!, Patterned Paper:  (Picket Fence) Lilybee Design, Stamps:  (Beyond Borders, Very Square Senitments) Mint Motif, Ink: (Black) Versafine, Accessories:  (Pearl) Zva Creative, (Rhinestones) Kaiser, (Gingham ribbon) Papertrey Ink, Tools:  (Nestabilities) Spellbinders, (Big Scallop Cut-Ups) The Cat's Pajamas

Enjoy the Ride

It's TCP Tuesday - hooray!! :)  By next time this week (starting 3/22) we'll be sharing sneak peeks of the March release (which incidentally is 3/29) with you, and you are going to flip at what's coming!!  Such a tease, I know - hee hee! :)  Today Leigh is the Hostess with the Mostess and is bringing us another of her amazing, never-boring sketches! 

This sketch just screams for those swanky Pennant Cut-Ups - so fun!  I just happened to some brand new polymer in the house which also was begging to be inked.  I can't believe I didn't have this set before, but I have recently seen so many caaaauuutteee cards made with Joyride that I just had to order it for myself!

I also just got the new Springtime line from Echo Park . . .{love}!  Totally cute ride, right??  The yellow stripes are so cheery.   The stamp set includes a line of "tracks" which I used to stamp around the edge of my pennants - sort of a faux wonky sewing look!

I stamped my bunny on the Neenah White paper which I have to say is a dream to work with!  Then I did a bit of paper piecing and some work with Copic markers.  The headlight was the perfect place to use a big rhinestone and I even used some for the signal lights.  I added a cute flower button embellie that we made at my recent class at Stamping Around NH - which was sponsored by The Cat's Pajamas, thank you so much Alma!!  We all had such a fun time cranking out these adorable Felt flowers (using Flower Buttons Cut-Ups) and buttons (using Buttons Cut-Ups) and of course we used yummy Divine Twine to tie them up with!

Be sure to visit Alma's blog for all the details on this week's challenge and a list of what Cat Packers to visit each day.  It's also the place where you need to leave your link when you play along! :)  There's Cat Cash and the Swanky Stamper title up for grabs!

Oh, I almost forgot to say, I also made this card with my friend Joanne B's blogaversary challenge in mind.  From her list I used kraft paper, mixed stitching and Divine Twine.  She's offering up a sweet prize too, so go ahead and give it a whirl! 

Cardstock:  (White) Neenah, (Kraft) Papertrey Ink, Patterned Paper:  (Springtime collection) Echo Park, Stamps:  (Joyride) The Cat's Pajamas, Ink: Memento, Accessories:  (Felt, Divine Twine) The Cat's Pajamas, (rhinestones) Kaiser, Tools:  (Pennant, Flower Buttons, Buttons Cut-Ups dies) The Cat's Pajamas, Copic markers, sewing machine

Timeless

Happy Monday!  I hope you all had a great weekend.  We had lots of snow melting around here which is wonderful - even with the mud! :)

My card for Kitchen Sink Stamps Monday is also for my Word of the Week challenge over in the KSS Forum.  The word is Time so this was one pretty easy - use Multi-Step Father's Pocket Watch of course!

I also used Connie's Friday Sketch for this week.  The little watch is so easy to do. It's 3 step and here are my ink colors:  Step 3 - Frayed Burlap (Ranger), Step 2: Crushed Curry (SU!), Step 1: Desert Sand (Memento).  I even decorated the inside of this one since I wanted to finish off the sentiment.  Did you know that many of the sentiments in Kitchen Sink Stamp sets coordinate with other sets?  I love the way Maria makes them with mix and match fonts.  The neat little frame on my main panel is part of the paper pack, it's Life is Good by Echo Park and I got mine at i {heart} papers (which is also where I got the pretty pink ribbon!). 

I also wanted to mention that there's news of a new KSS workshop - have you seen??  I particularly excited about this one because it involves me!  Kitchen Sink Stamps has paired up with Stamping Around to bring 2 full days of stamping in Ohio (at the store where former Crew member Tammy Hershberger's works!!)!!  That's right, Maria will be joining Stamping Around OH, but not only for her own class on Saturday - we'll also be bringing you a FULL day of KSS on Friday with 4 unique classes using multi-step stamping!  Go HERE to read more details and live near by I hope you consider joining us!!

Check out the rest of the Crew members today and see what they've been doing!  And if you're looking for challenges, remember the KSS Forum is full of fun things to spark your creativity!!  Remember also that if you're in the mood to shop, use coupon code KSS10JULIE for 10% your order any time!  Have a wonderful Monday and thanks for visiting today!!

Angela • Connie • Lisa • Lynn • Makiko • Maria

 

Cardstock:  (Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream) Papertrey Ink, Patterned Paper: Echo Park, Stamps: (Father's Pocket Watch) Kitchen Sink Stamps, Ink:  (Frayed Burlap) Ranger, (Desert Sand) Memento, (Crushed Curry, Baja Breeze) SU!, Accessories:  (Pink Ribbon) May Arts, (brads) (Medium Scalloped die) Papertrey Ink, (Nestabilities) Spellbinders

March Project of the Month - TCP

It's been so crazy around here lately that I forgot to tell you all about my Project of the Month over at The Cat's Pajamas!  But, please head over and have a look  . . . you may even catch a sneak peek of 1 new item being released at the end of the month! Can you tell??

I had so much fun making this little project based on a previous Project of the Month by Ana Wohlfarht.

Isn't this a fun way to present a gift card?  The cool thing is that it folds flat for easy mailing (well that all  depends on how many embellies you use - ha ha!).   Head over to TCP for all a list of the supplies needed and full instructions on how to make one for yourself!! :)

Have a great weekend!

Be Happy!

Good morning!  My card today is another card that didn't get picked up in the recent sketches pub call, which is all good because I love it!  I used Very Square from Mint Motif which is available exclusively at i {heart} papers and a flower die from Provo Craft.  Doesn't it make you ready for Spring?! :)  The patterned paper is from the new Springtime Collection from Echo Park - very springy!!

By the way, have you checked i {heart} papers lately?  All the new CHA products have been arriving and there are tons of goodies available!!  In fact, most of the inks I used on this card are Memento Dew Drops which are now available at IHP!  I love using Memento ink not only because the colors are pretty but they also works beautifully with Copic markers!

Thanks for visiting, here's hoping you have a HAPPY day!! :)

Cardstock: (White) Neenah, Patterned Paper:  (Springtime collection) Echo Park, Stamps:  (Very Square) Mint Motif, (sentiment from Fillable Frames #6) Papertrey Ink, Ink:  (Rose Bud, Sweet Plum, Tuxedo Black) Memento (Summer Sunrish) Papertrey Ink, Accessories:  (Buttons) Papertrey Ink, Divine Twine, Tools: corner rounder punch, (Flower die) Provo Craft

TCP Retro!

Good morning!  It's Tuesday so it must be time for a challenge!  Alma is our Hipster Hostess today and she's going all retro on us - chose any old TCP Tuesday challenge (and can you believe there are 146 of them!!!), chose your favorite, chose one you haven't done or just chose one you always meant to do!  Be sure to leave the link to your card on Alma's blog and when you upload to Splitcoaststampers use keyword "TCPTUESRETRO".

I chose a favorite of mine - you all remember how much I enjoy making love-y cards right? - TCP Tuesday 143 to make a card with any The Cat's Pajamas stamp with love or hearts.

I used Ewe Complete Me, seriously aren't those sheep just adorable!?!  I loved coloring them on the kraft cardstock!  I also used a few Cut-Ups dies in there, the Heart Trio and you can even see a bit of the Icing Border die sticking out there on the left edge.  Of course a bit of Divine Twine was needed on the heart!

Come play along!  Have a great day! :)