Creative Palette

Absolutely Adore You

2012-02-29T09:05:00.000-06:00

It is a good thing 2012 is a leap year because I needed that extra day to get February's Sketch for You to Try completed. Nothing like waiting until the last minute, huh?

I stamped the bunny from the Flutter By set (which is out of stock at the moment) onto Copics X-Press It, colored with Copics with a bit of paper piecing on the net and then cut out. I allowed the patterned paper to be my sentiment which is from the beautiful new My Mind's Eye Be Amazing 6x6 pad.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp, Linen Thread, My Mind's Eye dp, Kaisercraft Jewels, PTI buttons, Martha Stewart punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: C00, C1, C3, BG70, BG72

A short and sweet post today as there is a lot of things going on with us right now. I am squeezing in creative time here and there.

First Christmas Card of 2012

2012-02-26T00:01:00.001-06:00

I got the My Favorite Things Inspired by Christmas set rather late in the season and frankly I was so burned out on the whole Christmas card process that I just did not have the heart to make any more by the time it arrived. So I decided to save it for 2012, which is my first Christmas card of the year. I followed this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch Challenge (MFTWSC60) for the layout although I did reverse it. The patterned paper is all Echo Park. I kept it as "unlumpy" as possible for mailing purposes.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-namics, Echo Park dp, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E01, E11, R20; Beard/Hat trim-W00, E81; Santa Suit-R24, R46, R59; Shadows-BG0000

A Sunday Driveby:

have you noticed that even Barbie has hair extensions now?
not sure what happened to winter here but it doesn't bode well for a pleasant summer
you know your behind on google reader when you are still reading Valentine related posts

Thank you for stopping by.

My sale page.

Skateboard Dude

2012-02-23T00:01:00.001-06:00

Good morning. Today's card is for a challenge at Crazy 4 Challenges which is to use dots and stripes. I'm really trying to make an effort to join more challenges when I can and this is my first for this particular blog. I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to join in on the fun, especially since some of my very favorite stampers are there.

Along with wanting to join more challenges, I have also been trying to use some of my stamps that have yet to see any ink. This Skateboard Dude by Stampavie was one of those. After coloring the image with Copics I cut it out. I attached it to the background piece with just a bit of glue along the right edges. When the glue dried, I then placed dimensional dots on the other side to make it appear to pop off the panel. I also did a extra frame around the edge with the double sided paper. The paper is all from the new Echo Park A Boy's Life.

Products: Stampavie stamp, Echo Park dp, Doodlebug buttons, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E01, E11; Hair-E30, E33, E35, E39, E29; Clothing-YR12, YR14, YR18, B93, B95, B97, W00, E81; Skateboard-YG01, YG13, YG17,C3, C5, C7

That's it for today. Thank you so much for dropping by!

Hoppy Easter {TCP Tuesday 198}

2012-02-22T00:01:00.000-06:00

Today's project is for this week's TCP Tuesday challenge (TCPTUES198). Lori is our hostess this week with a color challenge of Mossy Green, Soft Pink and Aqua.

I stamped the Sugar, Sugar stamp wiping away the basket portion, colored and then cut out, cutting away any extraneous portion of the image not needed. I then placed the bunny into the Easter basket cut with the Eggs in a Basket CutUps. I assembled the main image panel and the background panel with the same patterned papers with the scalloped mat in between the two. I created the scene by positioning the basket in between blades of grass cut with the Grass CutUps and then adding a few more Easter eggs from patterned paper both in the basket and nestled in the grass. The sentiment was matted onto a diecut cut with the Sunflower Rosette. A bit of leftover rose seam binding and a button provided the finishing touch.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Seam Binding, My Mind's Eye dp, Doodlebug button, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: E50, E51, E53, RV00, R81, R83, BG70, BG10, BG11

All the details for this TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on Alma’s blog. As always, there is potential for fame (Pick of the Litter) and/or fortune (Pick of the Week) and possibly even Swanky Stamper of the Month.

Sweet November February Review

2012-02-21T08:24:00.000-06:00

The Sweet November review of the February release is going on over at the All That Scraps blog today and today's card is my contribution.

I actually made this card at the same time I created the release previews. I had colored up Pine twice because I just couldn't make up my mind which way I wanted to go. So I decided to just do both. If you remember from the previews, I featured Pine in a wintery theme. But I was also drawn to a more organic/woodsy theme and this is the resulting card. I used a 12x12 sheet from the October Afternoon Campfire collection as the background, just adding a strip of woodgrain paper from My Mind's Eye. I cut two leaves from more MME paper using the C.C. Designs Leaves Cutter so Pine would have a softer place to sit. The sentiment is from the fabulous C.C. Designs Be Happy Sentiment set by AmyR. Although I used some already distressed Basic Grey paper for the sentiment, I wanted a bit more so I used my Memento Rich Cocoa pad edges to create a few more lines. The banner at the top is a pre-made item from Little Yellow Bicycle which was sized for a 12x12 scrapbook layout but I just cut it and made a few adjustments for size of the card. I still have more pieces to use on future projects.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs Amy R sentiment stamp, C.C. Designs Cutters, October Afternoon dp, Little Yellow Bicycle banner, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E02; Hair-E50, E51, E53; Eyes/Pinecone Hat-E30, E33, E35, E39, E29; Clothing-YG91, YG93, YG95

Be sure to check out the All That Scraps blog for more inspiration using the February release stamps and dies.

My sale page.

Easter Tag {TCP Challenge 197 - Technique/Supply Challenge}

2012-02-17T00:01:00.001-06:00

Today's project is for this week's TCP Tuesday challenge. Julie is our hostess this week and she has challenged us to create {A}nything {B)ut a {C}ard.

I decided to create an oversized tag which will accompany my granddaughter's to-be-purchased Easter gift this year. I made the tag using the decorative edge on the Gift Card Envie CutUps on the bottom and the notched sections at the top. The paper is some Little Yellow Bicycle from a couple of years back. I love that it looks so fresh and springlike. The centerpiece of the tag is the nest created with The Cat's Pajamas Rolled Nest CutUps and some felt. I rolled up very loosely so I could add some plastic eggs. I tried my best to find some pre-glittered miniature eggs at the big box craft store but they were all a little too big. I did find a small bag of plain speckled eggs in the right size so I covered them in glue and dipped them in various colors of glitter so they would look more like Easter. I think I got more glitter on me than on the eggs. I added some felt leaves cut with the dies included in the Nest CutUp set and a Webster's Pages butterfly stickpin. I added some felt flowers using the Flower Button CutUps and rose seam binding ribbon. The ribbon at the top came from my stash - I thought the brown balanced out the brown nest.

By the way, the basket you see in one of the photos was my son's when he was a little boy. We put it out every year for the Easter bunny to fill. Now my granddaughter uses it when she hunts for eggs at our house.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas CutUps, Seam Binding, Little Yellow Bicycle dp, PTI felt and button, Martha Stewart punch

Dropping By

2012-02-16T10:00:00.000-06:00

Today's card is for a new sketch challenge site, iSpy Sketches (ISSC02). I stamped The Cat's Pajamas Away We Go image, using a combo of paper piecing and Copic coloring. I used the TCP Pennant die to create the banner piece. The rosettes were cut using the My Favorite Things Rolled Flower Die-namics. I repeated the 3 banner strips technique that I used on this card for the sentiment which is from the Oh Chute set. I'm still trying to create with my underused patterned paper pads, this time the My Mind's Eye Away We Go.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, My Mind's Eye dp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, American Crafts ribbon, Copic Markers

Copics: E50, E51, E53, BG0000, BG70

That's it for today. Thank you so much for stopping by.

Bloom {All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge}

2012-02-15T00:01:00.003-06:00

Today's card is for the All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge. The theme is "fancy folds".

I used instructions from Splitcoast Stampers to create a "double dutch fold" card. It's super easy - just two pieces of paper and a bit of scoring for the card base. I inked up Sweet November Bloom for the main panel, coloring it with Copics and then cutting out. She's accompanied by flowers cut with My Favorite Things Die-namics and some leaves and a fence cut with C.C. Designs Cutters. I used pop dots underneath the fence for dimension and then placed the rolled roses in between the "fence posts" so I would not add more bulk to the card. The paper is from one of the newest My Mind's Eye 6x6 pads, On the Bright Side Two.

I hope you can join in on the challenge. Please remember, that in order to be eligible to win, your project must include a stamp that is sold in the All That Scraps shop whether it is any of the wonderful in house designs or from the various other stamp companies that ATS carries. Be sure to check out the challenge blog for specific details on how to include your entry.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs Cutters, My Favorite Things Die-namics, My Minds Eye dp, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E07, E09, E19; Eyes-BG10, BG23, BG34; Clothing-BG70, BG72, BG75; Flower hat-W00, E81, G20, G82, G85

My sale page.

C.C. Designs February Review

2012-02-14T09:00:00.003-06:00

A review of the February C.C. Designs release is going on over at the All That Scraps blog today and I am joining in on the fun.

I loved the overall woodland theme of the February release. However, I didn't really use this stamp for the theme when we previewed them initially. I decided to rectify that this time around. I paired up Woodland Lucy and the Woodland Daisy with the October Afternoon Farmhouse patterned paper pad. After coloring the images I attached them to a Side Step card (instructions at Splitcoast Stampers). The sentiment stamped on a jewelry tag shape is from the new AmyR Be Happy Sentiment set which was also part of the February release. A couple of butterflies cut from the Butterfly Cutter dies set with pearls and a bit of twine finished things up.

Products: C.C. Designs stamps and Cutters, October Afternoon dp, Kaisercraft pearls, Quickutz die, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E01, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53, E57; Clothing-Y21, Y23, Y26, W00, E81, W1, W2, W5, C3, C5, C7; Flower-YR20, YR23, Y35, YG91, YG93, E81, W00

Be sure to check out the All That Scraps blog for more inspiration using the January release stamps and dies.

My sale page.

Keep Your Goals in Mind

2012-02-13T00:01:00.003-06:00

Good morning. Part of being on design teams is the fact that I always seem to be working on projects that I have to wait to show on my blog. That's why I often participate in challenges, so I at least am working on something I can share right away. Today's card is for my step-granddaughter who has a big soccer event next month. I followed the My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club sketch (MFTWSC58) for the layout. The stamp is Pure Innocence I Get a Kick Out of You which I stamped, masked and then stamped the soccer ball. I cut the image using the MFT Vertical Greetings Die-namics. The sentiment si from the same set and I layered it with cardstock and ribbon. The paper is a hodgepodge of Basic Grey, Echo Park and My Mind's Eye. I hope it doesn't look too Halloween-ish but black and orange are the team colors.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-namics, Basic Grey, My Mind's Eye and Echo Park dp, PTI button, American Crafts ribbon, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E53, E35, E37, E29; Clothing-N1, N5, N7, N9, YR12, YR16, YR18, W00, E81

Have a great week. I hope to see you back here tomorrow.

My sale page.

Sebastian's Card and a Sunday Drive By

2012-02-12T13:10:00.001-06:00

Today's card is for a brave little boy named Sebastian who I found out about through various blogs. You can read about Sebastian's situation here and you can read about the card drive here. I probably had ten cards already made that I could have sent to Sebastian but I decided he deserved a card specifically created just for him.

I wanted the card to be fun and cheerful so I started out by stamping an image from The Cat's Pajamas Clownin' Around set onto Copics X-Press It cardstock. I cut it out with Spellbinders Nestabilities using the out of the box technique for the balloon portion. I generally followed this week's Mojo Monday sketch (MOJO227). I used a couple of The Cat's Pajamas CutUps, the Big Ticket die and the Circus Border die for some added interested. The paper is all from the Echo Park A Boy's Life 6x6 pad.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Echo Park dp, Doodlebug buttons, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: G40, G43, G46, Y21, Y23, Y35, BG0000, BG01, BG05, R11, R14, R17, YR04, C00

Just to be on the safe side, I am mailing my card to Sebastian's teacher rather than the hospital.

And a Sunday drive by:

I am really struggling with anxiety these days - thank goodness I have crafts to help calm me
the tax related pile is sitting on the kitchen table taunting me to do something with it. I've got it on ignore right now
apparently I am majorly overdue a pedicure - my three year old granddaughter noticed my toenails the other day and said "oh, they bwoke". They are not but apparently a small chip of polish on each toe make them look that way
winter has returned here after weeks of unseasonably warm weather

Have a good rest of the weekend.

My sale page.

TCP Tuesday 196 - Inspiration Challenge

2012-02-07T00:01:00.003-06:00

Good morning. Today's card is for TCP Tuesday (TCPTUES196) which is a fun inspiration challenge from our hostess, Jen.

I loved the fun, primary colors in the inspiration. I've had this cute Echo Park paper from a couple of years ago and I thought the airplane paper would be fun paired up with the parachuting bunny from the Oh Chute set. I stamped the image as per usual, paper piecing the parachute, then cutting out the bunny and parachute into two pieces. I then stamped the parachute/lines portion of the image directly onto the patterned paper background to use as a pattern. I "sewed" the stamped lines with a needle and embroidery thread giving it a 3-D effect.The sentiment is from the same set and I stamped it onto a banner piece cut with the Easy Rosettes CutUps. I sewed bright buttons onto the diagonal panel with the same embroidery thread. The felt star came from my old scrapbook stash.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Echo Park and My Mind's Eye dp, Doodlebug buttons, Copic Markers

Copics: E81, W00, Y11, Y13, Y15, B91, B97, B99

Shelter from the Storm (and a Sunday driveby)

2012-02-05T11:19:00.000-06:00

Today's card is for this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club sketch challenge(MFTWSC57). As I've mentioned on my blog several times lately I am in a use it or lose it mode. It's been almost a year since I've used this sweet stamp, MFT Friendship is Shelter. I'm not sure why as I love the imagery. This is for a friend going through some rough times right now. I mostly colored with Copics with just a bit of paper piecing on the umbrella and some Liquid Applique on the bunny tail. I placed some pop dots underneath the front part of the umbrella to give it some dimension. I diecut the flower from sheet music from an old hymnal using the MFT Loopy Bloom Die although I cut the loops before rolling it up. The paper is all from the October Afternoon Farmhouse collection. I love this pad so you may get sick of it before I'm through with it.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-namics, October Afternoon dp, Liquid Applique, Kaisercraft pearls, Sizzix die, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53, E55; Clothing-Y21, Y23, Y35, W00, E81, W2, W5, W7, C3, C5, C7; Umbrella-W2, W5, W7; Bunny-W00, E81; Shadows-C00, C1

And a Sunday driveby:

confession: my house still hasn't been returned to normal since Christmas. Yeah the decorations are put away but I haven't yet put back what I put away to make room for said decorations
Blogger drives me crazy sometimes and I still haven't changed to the updated interface
I've started back on my treadmill after a very long layoff. It ain't pretty
it feels more like spring than winter around here
I like football so I'm looking forward to the Super Bowl even though I don't really care about either team

My sale page.

TCP Tuesday 195 - Sketch

2012-02-03T00:01:00.012-06:00

Good morning. Leigh is this week's TCP Tuesday (TCPTUES195) challenge hostess which as per usual is one of her always oh-so-interesting sketches.

I decided to use Love Stinks from the January release again. And face it, love does stink sometimes. Take Larry here with his practical gift for his sweetie while little Daryl-ette has given him her heart. But hey, at least his gift faux pas was mitigated somewhat by the fact that it was at least a pink fish! And maybe he is that really steady guy who doesn't do the sweeping romantic gestures, but shows his love by airing your tires when they are low.

After stamping the two images and a sentiment I cut out with Spellbinders Nestabilities with some out of the circle action. There wasn't much Copic coloring to do especially since I paper pieced the fish and the heart. To make the banner I used one of the pieces from the Circus Panels CutUps. I trimmed them down and then punched holes, stringing them together with Peppermint Divine Twine. Some TCP jewels and hearts left over from the Hearts Rosette CutUps provided the finishing touches.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Divine Twine, Echo Park dp, TPC jewels, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics:W00, E81, R81, R83, R22, R24, YR20, YR23, RV0000

C.C. Designs February Release - C.C. Cutters

2012-02-02T09:00:00.003-06:00

***This is my second post for the day. Please scroll down for today's Sweet November post.***

Today the All That Scraps design team members are previewing the newest Cutters from C.C. Designs. I combined the brand new C.C. Designs Mushroom Border Cutters with the also new Swiss Pixie Lucy. I stamped Miss Lucy, masked the image and then stamped the Woodland Mushroom which is another new image. I cut out the image with Spellbinders Nestabilities allowing the wings to spill outside of the box. The sentiment is also new from the AmyR Be Happy Sentiment set. I added the leftovers from the mushroom border to the sentiment panel. The paper is from the Basic Grey Out of Print 6x6 pad.

Products: C.C. Designs stamp and Cutters, C.C. Designs AmyR Sentiments, Basic Grey dp, Spellbinders Nestabilities, PTI buttons and twill, Kaisercraft pearls, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53, E37, E29; Clothing/Wings-RV10, RV13, RV14, W00, E81; Mushroom-W00, E81, R00, R81, C3, C5, C7, Acorn/Flowers/Greenery-G20, G21, G24, YR30, YR31, YR23, Y35, E31, E34, E39

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store tonight, February 2 at 10 pm CT. Be sure to check out the All That Scraps blog for even more previews.

Sweet November Preview Day 4 - Pine

2012-02-02T02:00:00.004-06:00

Welcome to the final day of February Sweet November previews. Today we are featuring "Pine".

After coloring Pine with Copics I cut the image out with Spellbinders Nestabilities. I paired this little guy with a sheet from the Little Yellow Bicycle Winter Twig collection since it had a variety of pinecones on it although they may be a bit hard to see. 12x12 sheets don't always translate well on cards. I added some snowflakes cut with My Favorite Things Die-namics to add to the winter theme.

Products: Sweet November stamp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Little Yellow Bicycle dp, My Mind's Eye buttons, Kaisercraft pearls, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11; Hair-E35, E39, E29; Eyes-B41, B32, B34; Pinecone Hat-YG91, YG93, YG95; Clothing/Pinecone stem-E40, E41, E42, E44

I hope you have enjoyed all the previews from the Sweet November team. This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store tonight, February 2 at 10 pm CT. Be sure to also click on over to my fellow design team member Marion and also to our special guest designer Sammi. Amy, the Sweet November artist has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

Don't forget my sale page. I did some clean up on it last night so hopefully it is easier to read.

Sweet November Preview Day 3 - Nutter

2012-02-01T09:00:00.003-06:00

***This is my second post for the day. Please scroll down for my ATS Wednesday Challenge card.***

Welcome to day three of Sweet November previews for the February release. Today we are sharing projects using "Nutter".

After coloring Nutter with Copics, I fussy cut him out. Since it appears he loves acorns almost as much as the squirrels do, I added a tree cut with My Favorite Things Die-namics and a few acorns cut with the C.C. Designs Acorns and Leaves Cutter die set which is also new for this release. The patterned paper all came from the Darling Dear 6x6 pad by My Mind's Eye which has been sadly underused. I added a wooden button with twine, slipping the two leaves slightly underneath the button.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs Cutters, My Mind's Eye dp and button, Spellbinders Nestabilities, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Quickutz die, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11; Hair-E33, E55; Eyes-C3, C5, C7; Clothing-W2, W5, W7, E07, E08, E19; Acorn Hat-E41, E42, E81, E70, E71

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store February 2 at 10 pm CT. Be sure to also click on over to my fellow design team member Marion and also to our special guest designer Sammi. Amy, the creative mind behind the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

You will see this card along with many others using the new Sweet November stamps on the All That Scraps blog.

I hope to see you back here tomorrow for more Sweet November and C.C. Designs previews. Don't forget my sale page too.

Blowing Kisses (All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge)

2012-02-01T00:01:00.002-06:00

Today's card is for the All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge which is a theme of "anything goes".

I've had this cute C.C. Designs Birgitta Blowing Hearts stamp for a while but just never got around to using her. I wanted my card to not be overly Valentine-ish so I paired it up with paper from the Cosmo Cricket Odds and Ends pad. And yup, you guessed it, another underused paper pad. A recurring theme from from last year's paper purchases. One I hope to rectify this year. The sentiment is C.C. Designs AmyR Heart-y Sayings Sentiment set and I added a heart cut from the Big Hearts Embossing Cutters.

Products: C.C. Designs stamps and Cutters, Cosmo Cricket dp, Spellbinders Nestabilities, PTI button, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, YR31; Hearts/Shoes-R22 R24, R29; Clothing-BG70, BG10, BG11; W00, E81; Stool-YG0000, YG93, YG95; Shadows-B0000

I hope you can join in on the challenge. Please remember, that in order to be eligible to win, your project must include a stamp that is sold in the All That Scraps shop whether it is any of the wonderful in house designs or from the various other stamp companies that ATS carries. Be sure to check out the challenge blog for specific details on how to include your entry.

I'll be back soon with a Sweet November preview. Please stop by my new sale page also.

C.C. Designs February Preview - Swiss Pixies

2012-01-31T09:00:00.005-06:00

*** This is my second post of the day. Please scroll down for my Sweet November Post!***

Today the All That Scraps design team members are previewing the newest Swiss Pixies from C.C. Designs.

I chose to work with Woodland Lucy. As you can see I didn't really go with a woodland theme though. I colored up Lucy in mostly blues and paired her up with October Afternoon patterned paper. The button card piece is from a 12x12 sheet of buttons cards from the Farmhouse collection - the remaining paper came from the 5 and Dime 8x8 pad. The background panel is from a MME pad, I distressed the edges and did some messing stitching. I added buttons (of course!) and twill to the button card. The sentiment came from the C.C. Designs AmyR Heart-y Sayings set.

Products: C.C. Designs stamp, October Afternoon dp, MME dp, PTI buttons, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53, E55; Clothing-B000, B41, B32, B95, B97, B99; Shoes-C3, C5, C7; Shadows-B0000, B000

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store February 2 at 10 pm CT. Be sure to check out the All That Scraps blog for even more previews.

Sweet November Preview Day 2 - Shroom

2012-01-31T02:00:00.005-06:00

Welcome to day two of Sweet November previews for the month of February. Today we are previewing "Shroom".

After stamping and coloring the image with Copics, I cut the image out with Spellbinders Nestabilities. The sentiment came from the new Mushroom set which is also new for this release and I stamped it directly onto the image panel. The patterned paper is mostly Authentique with some My Mind's Eye (the background piece). The resin mushrooms came from a Prima package that I had actually already purchased before I saw this release. I love it when things work out like that. Several MME buttons and some twine completed the sunshiny look.

Products: Sweet November stamps, Authentique dp, My Mind's Eye dp and buttons, Prima resin mushroom, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53; Eyes-B91, B93, B95; Clothing/Mushroom-BG10, BG72, BG75, Y21, Y23, Y26, W00, W1, E81

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store February 2 at 10 pm CT. Be sure to also click on over to my fellow design team member Marion and also to our special guest designer Sammi. Amy, the creative mind behind the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

I hope to see you back here tomorrow for another Sweet November preview. I will also have a C.C. Designs preview later on today. Make sure to stop by my sale page if you have time.

Sweet November Preview Day 1 - Bloom

2012-01-30T02:00:00.006-06:00

Welcome to the first of four days of Sweet November previews for the month of February. Today we are previewing "Bloom".

I combined Bloom with the Mushroom set which is also new for this release. I first stamped the Bloom image, masked it and then stamped the mushroom so it would appear she is perched atop it. After coloring the image with Copics I then cut it out and attached it directly to the card panel using a dimensional dot underneath the head portion of the image for a bit of lift. The patterned paper is mostly Crate Paper with a bit of My Mind's Eye. I cut the butterfly with the C.C. Designs Butterflies Cutters Die set and then punched two small ones using a Martha Stewart punch. I added an MME button and American Crafts ribbon as simple embellishments. You'll be seeing the MME Lost and Found buttons on several of the previews this week. I re-discovered several hardly touched packs of these in my embellishments basket and had to ask myself about why I was hoarding them! My motto for this year is to use it or lose it.

Products: Sweet November stamps, C.C. Designs Cutters, Crate Paper and My Mind's Eye dp, MME button, May Arts ribbon, Kaisercraft pearls, Martha Stewart punch, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Eyes-YG91, YG93, YG95, G85; Clothes-BG10, BG11, BG13, BG15; Bloom-YG0000, YG91, YG93, Y21, Y23, Y35, Y38; Mushroom-E81,W00, W1, E97, E07, E09

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store February 2 at 10 pm CT. Be sure to also click on over to my fellow design team member Marion and also to our special guest designer Sammi. Amy, the illustrator of the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

I'll be back tomorrow with another Sweet November preview. Please check out my sale page while you are here!

A sale. A Valentine bloghop. A Sunday Drive.

2012-01-29T15:26:00.000-06:00

No card today but I'll have lots to share next week. The February Sweet November previews start tomorrow and the new C.C. Designs previews start Tuesday. Some days I will be double posting since I am on both the Sweet November Design Team as well as the All That Scraps team. I can't wait for you to see everything - just an all around great release.

So first up, I have a sale page now. I'm doing a bit of cleanup and downsizing. Plus frankly I could use a few extra dollars right now. I would really appreciate it if you would spread the word.

Plus good news for The Cat's Pajamas fans as Alma is sponsoring a Valentine Customer Blog Hop. Here's what Alma has to say about it:

So, if you have a Valentine project/card that features The Cat's Pajamas stamps or CutUps dies, we invite you to share them during our Cat's Pajamas Valentine Blog Hop. Just add your project to the inlinkz button on Alma's Blog from now until February 14th.

And, that's not all. Three people will be randomly chosen from the hop to win $25 in Cat's Cash (that's a gift voucher from our webstore). We'll announce the winners on February 15th! Remember, there must be at least one Cat's Pajamas stamp or CutUps used in your project.

I can't wait to see your projects!

Now for a Sunday drive.....

since all the leaves are gone now, it's quite evident how much tree damage our neighborhood sustained in the April 27, 2011 tornado. I can see houses that I've never been able to see before unless I was actually driving by on that street
I'm still not complaining - we know how blessed we are
my shoulder hurts from googling so much to find images for my sale page
speaking of google, I feel like I'm way too much google-ized - it follows me around everywhere on the internet
it's my own fault though. Hello Blogger. Hello Gmail. Hello Picasa
strawberry martinis are really yummy. Don't ask me how I know this

TCP Tuesday 194 - Hearts

2012-01-27T00:01:00.001-06:00

Susan is our hostess this week for TCP Tuesday (TCPTUES194) and she has challenged us to use stamps and Cutups with the theme of hearts and love. A timely challenge for me as I'm trying to get some Valentines completed.

I loved the Feelin' Cupidy set from the January release so I decided to break him out again. I colored him up with Copics, then cut the image out, afterwards attaching him to a panel cut with the Hearts Rosette CutUps. I surrounded the bunny with some clouds cut with the Cloud Border CutUps die and embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing folder. The banner was fussy cut from one of the sheets from the My Mind's Eye Love Me 6x6 pad and then I finished off with a couple of buttons from the Sweet Thing Buttons set tied with Peppermint Divine Twine. I stamped the sentiment directly onto the lower right corner of the center panel. I followed the current Sweet Sunday Sketch (SSSC150) for the basic layout. It's seems like it has been forever since I've done one but I think the new bi-weekly schedule is going to work out better for me.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, My Mind's Eye dp, Divine Twine, Buttons, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Copic Markers

Copics: Bunny-C00, C1, C3, RV00, RV10, R00; Cupid's Bow and Arrow-R35, R46

A Paper Piecing Challenge

2012-01-25T00:01:00.003-06:00

Tornadoes hit our county/state again on Sunday night. In January. Unheard of but apparently a new weather reality. This happens when you have warm air from the gulf hitting cold air from the north to create a perfect storm. Ever since the April 27, 2011 breakout where tornadoes literally went on all day long including in our neighborhood, I pretty much can't sleep when there is bad weather in the area. Plus frankly I didn't want to. On the other hand Don sleeps like a baby, especially knowing his wife is monitoring things all night.

Anyway, since I couldn't sleep I made this card for the Paper Sundaes paper piecing challenge. I'm a first time poster for this challenge blog. I found it via the guest designer, Michele, one of my very favorite stampers. Ever since my friend Amy used the Gravel Road sheet from the October Afternoon Farmhouse collection as her background, I knew I wanted to figure out a way to use it also. I actually have the 8x8 pad (I used it on this card) but also purchased the individual 12x12 sheet too. So in other words, you will be seeing this again! I used the image from the My Favorite Things P.I. Fill My Heart with Joy stamp set, paper piecing his outfit and the heart. There wasn't much Copic coloring left to do after that although I did add a bit of Liquid Applique to his forehead for a bit of lambie texture. After cutting out the image, I attached to the background panel with dimensional dots. The sentiment was from the same set although I had to rearrange the sentence lines due to space restrictions.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp, October Afternoon dp, PTI border die and buttons, Kaisercraft pearls, Divine Twine, Liquid Applique

Copics: W00, E81, C1, C3, C5, RV00, R81

I hope all is well with you. As always, thanks for stopping by.

C.C. Designs January Review

2012-01-24T09:00:00.001-06:00

Another Sweet November and C.C. Designs review of the January release is going on over at the All That Scraps blog today and I am joining in on the fun.

I stamped and colored up Party Time Lucy from the Swiss Pixies line. I wanted the card to be as girly girl as Miss Lucy so I chose papers from my new SEI Promise Me 6x6 pad and added some ribbon, bling and a fun MME layered brad to frou frou it up.

Products: C.C. Designs stamp, SEI dp, My Minds Eye layered brad, May Arts twill, My Favorite Things Die-namics, TPC rhinestones, PTI die, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53, E37; Clothing/Shoes-RV0000, RV00, RV10, RV13, BG70, BG10, BG72, BG75, E81, W00, 0

Be sure to check out the All That Scraps blog for more inspiration using the January release stamps and dies.

Rawr

2012-01-23T00:01:00.002-06:00

It's been a while since I've had the chance to create something for the My Favorite Things Weekly Sketch Challenge(MFTWSC55) and I didn't want another week to pass me by. Plus it gave me the perfect excuse to complete my three year old granddaughter's Valentine for this year. She loves dinosaurs for some reason, bordering on obsession, so the Little Loveosaurus set was a perfect choice for her. And since I would love for her to be playing with babydolls instead, I felt the need to girly up the dino by coloring it with a series of pink Copics. I emulated the sawtooth pattern in the paper on the spikes for a bit of extra color. The sentiment was stamped onto a piece cut with the Say What? Die-namics. I then added a felt heart cut with the Hearts a Plenty Die-namics and finished it up with a couple of buttons and soft ribbon. The paper is all from the My Mind's Eye Everyday Flair 6x6 pad.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-namics, My Mind's Eye dp, PTI felt and buttons, American Crafts ribbon, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: RV00, R00, R81, R20, R22, R24, YR20, YR23, B0000, B000, B01

I hope you have a great week. Thanks for stopping by.

TCPTuesday 193 Color Challenge

2012-01-19T00:01:00.001-06:00

The TCP Tuesday challenge is in full swing this week. Lori is our hostess with a color challenge of Pale Pink, Melon and Brown (TCPTUES193). These colors said Valentine/love to me and I found some older Ki Memories in my stash and added it to some new Doodlebug I picked up recently. I paired them up with one of my favorite TCP stamps Bear Hugs. I colored him with Copics, paper piecing the heart portion. The sentiment was stamped in the center of the largest heart from the Heart Trio CutUps. Someone mentioned the Icing CutUps as one of their favorites the other day on the TCP Forum at Splitcoast Stampers which reminded me that I had not used it in a while.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Buttons, Ki Memories dp, Copic Markers

Copics: E50, E51, E53, E33, E55, E29, R83, R85

All That Scraps January Review

2012-01-17T09:00:00.002-06:00

The Sweet November and C.C. Designs review of the January release is going on over at the All That Scraps blog today and today's card is my contribution.

I loved all the January Birthday Fairwees so it was hard to just pick one but I finally decided to stamp and color up the Sweet November Josie's Cupcake image again. I paired her up with My Mind's Eye patterned paper from two different pads. I also used the C.C. Designs Cupcake Cutter die to make an additional cupcake, using a Cuttlebug embossing folder to add texture to the icing portion and Kaisercraft pearls for sprinkles and of course, a cherry on top. After tying the ribbon in a bow I intertwined a swirl cut from the C.C. Designs Squiggles Cutters die.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs Cutters, My Mind's Eye dp, Kaisercraft pearls, American Crafts ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing folder, The Cat's Pajamas Buttons, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E31, E35, E39, E29; Clothing-RV32, R35 R37; Wings-B0000, B000, B01; Cupcake-E50, E51, RV00, R81, R83, R85

Be sure to check out the All That Scraps blog for more fun projects from the various design team members.

a Tisket a Tasket

2012-01-12T02:00:00.005-06:00

Did you hear that The Cat's Pajamas is sponsoring the January Sketch For You to Try? That alone is enough reason to join in on the fun. Throw in the great sketch by Jen and we have a winning combination!

I loved working with these fun spring-like colors as I am already over winter!! Considering it's only mid January I have a long wait for spring. I actually shared this at the Pajama Party at Splitcoast Stampers I stamped the bunny from the new brand new Sugar, Sugar set onto Copics X-Press It cardstock and then colored it up with Copics. I cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities allowing the ears to fall outside the circle.I used the Lacy Floral Doily as a mat which covered up most of it but I liked the look of the wavy edges and the cutouts peaking out from under the image. I used the egg die from the new Eggs in a Basket CutUps for some felt eggs nestled in some felt grass cut with the Grass CutUps. Some ribbon, bling and the cutouts that popped out of the Lacy Floral Doily for tiny flowers provided the finishing touches.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Echo Park and Jillibean Soup dp, American Crafts ribbon, Heidi Swapp jewels, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Bunny-E50, E51, E53, RV00, R81, R83, R85; Basket/Bow/Easter Eggs-Y0000, Y11, Y15, Y17, YG0000, YG21, YG23, RV00, R81, R83, YR01, YR12, YR14, B0000, B41, B32

I hope all is well with you. Thanks for stopping by.

TCP Tuesday 192 Plus New Release Blog Hop

2012-01-09T23:00:00.001-06:00

It is release day for The Cat's Pajamas! All seven of the fabulous new stamp sets and four new Cutups dies are available now from The Cat's Pajamas shop.

Since it is release day that also means a blog hop. I hope you arrived here from Jenny's blog where I am sure she had something super creative for you to enjoy. If not, head on over to Julie's blog to start at the beginning. Julie is this week's TCP Tuesday (TCPTUES192) challenge hostess which is to include embossing whether wet or dry to your project.

Today's card features the latest OuOu image called Warm Fuzzies. I paper pieced most of the image using various papers from the Basic Grey Jovial pad. I replaced the scarf fringe with white pom poms and added a tiny heart over the barrette image. The skin, hair, boots and the bird were colored with Copic markers. For the embossing portion of the challenge, I used the Snow Flake Lace paper CutUps to emboss rather than diecut and used it for the background panel for the image. I added the sentiment which made me laugh the first time I saw it. I am so not a winter person and generally ask "is it spring yet" before December is over. Since I used patterns and colors from a Christmas paper pad, I wanted to make sure it had a winter look and not a Christmasy vibe so I added the background paper from a Fancy Pants pad and kept the color scheme simple. I used one of my very favorite CutUps, the big Snowflake to add to the wintery theme, making the hole in the center a bit larger so I could thread the Cream Seam Binding through it to tie a bow. A few buttons from the Sweet Things Button set provided the finishing touch.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Seam Binding, Buttons, Basic Grey and Fancy Pants dp, Spellbinders nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E02, R20; Hair-E31, E34, E37, E29; Boots-N1, N5, N7, N9; Hair-R20, R22, R27, R27

Now to complete the blog hop, please click on over to Alma's blog.

Hugs {The Cat's Pajamas Sneak Peek}

2012-01-09T02:00:00.000-06:00

Woo hoo! We've reach the final day of Sneak Peeks for the new TCP release. And what a fun set we have for you today. Build-a-Bingo features a bingo card stamp that you can personalize with special days and dates as it also includes several milestone type icons. You've probably spied some of the stamps in this set combined with previous sneak peek stamps. It really is such a versatile set.

I've been seeing decorated envelope pockets all over the internet (Pinterest is a major time suck for me), so I decided to make one using a Valentine theme. I started out with a ready made envie from a notecard set. Using the envie as a template, I covered the back with this fun, graphic paper from Ki Memories and also lined it with some Echo Park paper from the new Yours Truly paper pad. Of course I needed something to go in my envie so I stamped the bingo card image onto plain white cardstock, added the heart within a circle (both included in the set) and placed in the free spot. I used the Queen of Heart Border Cutups to cut the border piece and also stamped the extra word up at the top. I then used the Heart Rosette CutUps to create a second piece; this time I just used the flat rosette, adding a button/pearl combination in the center. I went back to the Gimme Sugar Set revealed on the first day of sneak peeks and stamped the circle and letters spelling out HUGS. And since it was an envie, some postage stamps seemed appropriate so I used the Love Letters and Stamp Trio CutUps to create two of them which I then attached to the top of the flap. I wrapped two ribbons around it and tied in a bow, adding the Ki Memories puffy heart and a few pearls as embellishments.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamps and CutUps, Buttons, Ki Memories dp and felt heart, Echo Park dp,Kaisercraft pearls, May Arts ribbon

All the details for this TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on Alma’s blog as well as the list of the Cat Pack members who have a sneak peek today! And, don’t forget that Alma is giving away a set a day to someone that posts on the IN IT TO WIN IT thread on the TCP forum on SCS.

We would also love for you to join us tonight (Monday) at the Pajamas party at Splitcoast Stampers, 8-10pm EST, 5-7pm PST. There will be some chatting, more projects using products from this release and some fantastic prizes.

Now I'm going to be honest with you. I will be at the pajama party for at least a little while but I will have my mind and eyes on something else. I'll be glued to the TV for the BCS National Championship game. Roll Tide! Go SEC!

Sweets for the Sweet (The Cat's Pajamas Sneak Peek)

2012-01-08T07:00:00.002-06:00

Before you finalize your TCP shopping list, The Cat Pack has two more days of sneak peeks for you. Today we are showing you projects using the new Love Stinks stamp set featuring those cute little penguins.

I picked up this pretty pink Valentine lollipop just the other day while traveling home from our North Carolina trip thinking it would be fun to use on a sneak peek project. I attached it to a pre-made paper doily with double sided tape (package of heart doilies came from a craft store). To further secure it I threaded some Rose Seam Binding through two of the holes at the bottom, then wrapped around the lollipop stick, ending in a bow. I stamped one of the penguins in the set onto Copics X-Press It, cut out with Spellbinders Nestabilities and then colored with Copics. I used my Fiskars fingertip knife to cut a slit at the bottom of the heart image, and then inserted a patterned paper heart cut with the Heart Trio CutUps. I placed dimensional dots underneath to give it some lift. I made a tag shape from an older piece of American Crafts patterned cardstock using a pre-made tag as a template, attaching the stamped image which was layered onto a Martha Stewart paper doily. The sentiment also came from this set. I tied the completed tag onto the lollipop stick with some Peppermint Divine Twine that is also new to the TCP shop. Easy, fun and a perfect Valentine for a sweet little girl I know.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Seam Binding, Divine Twine, Buttons, American Crafts, October Afternoon and Echo Park dp, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: E40, E41, R30, R32, R35

Cracked!! {The Cat's Pajamas Sneaky Peek}

2012-01-07T07:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to another The Cat's Pajamas sneak peek. Today we are previewing the new Bunny Side Up. I stamped the bunny with some of his ears outside of the box and colored with Copics except for the egg portions. I stamped the egg portions of the image again, colored with Copics, then cut out and adhered over the base image with pop dots for a 3D affect. I used the also new Lacy Floral Doily for a background panel placing a plain cardstock circle behind it. I wrapped a piece of the big striped ribbon in the TCP shop and then bordered it on both sides with patterned paper cut with the Inside Pinking CutUps. The sentiment is from the same set; I stamped it onto a banner shape cut with the Easy Rosette and wrapped it around a Maya Road stickpin. I finished it off with some of the new Peppermint Divine Twine and a couple of buttons from the Sweet Things button package. I really wanted everything to look fresh and spring-y so I included lots more white background than normal.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Divine Twine, Ribbon, Buttons, Echo Park dp, Maya Road stickpins, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Bunny-E50, E51, E53, R30, R32; Easter Egg-E81, W00, 0, RV10, R81, R83, G12, G14, G17; Shadows-G0000

All the details for this TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on Alma’s blog as well as the list of the Cat Pack members who have a sneak peek today! And, don’t forget that Alma is giving away a set a day to someone that posts on the IN IT TO WIN IT thread on the TCP forum on SCS. Good luck!

Sweet November Preview Day 3 "Jilly's Candle and Mia's Confetti"

2012-01-05T02:00:00.004-06:00

It's the third and final day of January Sweet November previews. Today we are featuring Jilly's Candle and Mia's Confetti.

First is Jilly clutching a birthday candle. After coloring her up with Copic, I cut her out and then positioned her as if she was about to place the candle on top of the cupcake which was created using the new C.C. Designs Cupcake Cutter die. I added three more paper candles and placed a sentiment strip across them. The "flames" in the candles were cut using an old Quickutz die. You will also see this card along with many more of the Sweet November January release on the All That Scraps blog today so please stop by there to take a looksee.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs Cutter dies, Echo Park and Bella Blvd dp, Purple Onion Designs sentiment, Kaisercraft pearls, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Quickutz die, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E33, E35, E39, E29; Wings-YG0000, YG01, YG03; Clothing-B0000, B000, B01; Candle-RV10, RV11, RV14, Y13, Y15, Y38

Next is Mia's Confetti. To continue the celebration theme I added some extra balloon strings to the balloon patterns on the paper using the C.C. Designs Squiggle Cutter dies. I also used some "confetti" patterned paper. Both papers came from the Kaisercraft Party Animal 6x6 pad.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs Cutter dies,Kaisercraft dp, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Ranger Crystal Effects, PTI buttons, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53; Wings-BG0000, BG10, BG11, BG13; Clothing-Y13, Y15, Y17, YR12, YR14, YR16, Y38

I hope you've enjoyed all the Sweet November previews. I really had a lot of fun making these as I was very tired of Christmas cards. These were a nice change of pace. This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store January 5 at 10 pm CST. Be sure to also click on over to the other design team member Marion and Rachel. Amy, the illustrator of the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

C.C. Designs January Release Day 2 +All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge

2012-01-04T12:01:00.010-06:00

*** This is my third post for today. Please scroll down for my Sweet November and The Cat's Pajamas posts.***

Welcome to the second day of the C.C. Designs January previews. Today the team is featuring the newest stamps from the Animal Crackers line. My card features the new Moo-valous which includes an image and a sentiment. Continuing on with the party/birthday imagery this little guy is wearing a cute party hat. I wanted it to be a fun boy card so I used lots of primary colors on this one - all the papers are older favorites from my stash.

Products: C.C. Designs stamp, Ki Memories dp, Twinery Twine, PTI buttons, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Cow-C3, C5, C7, C9; E81, W00, 0, R20, R22; Party Hat-R22, R24, R29, B21, B23, B26

My second card is for the All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge which is "anything goes" and I used another one of the new January release stamps, Monkey Zoo. Love this whimsical image so I colored him up in a fun orange, paper piecing the gift image. I paired him with the equally fun Kaisercraft Party Animal 6x6 patterned paper.

In order to be eligible to win, your project must include a stamp that is sold in the All That Scraps shop whether it is any of the wonderful in house designs or from the various other stamp companies that ATS carries. Be sure to check out the challenge blog for specific details on how to include your entry.

Products: C.C. Designs stamp, Kaisercraft dp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Twinery Twine, PTI buttons, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Monkey-Y13, Y15, Y17, YR12, YR14, YR16, Y38; Gift Ribbon and Bow-BG0000, BG10, BG11; Party Hat-YG01, G21, G82

This new collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store January 5 at 10 pm CST. Be sure to check out the All That Scraps blog for even more previews.

J'Adore {The Cat's Pajamas Sneaky Peek}

2012-01-04T09:01:00.002-06:00

***This is my second post for the day. Please scroll down for my Sweet November preview***

Welcome to another day of TCP Sneak Peeks! Today the Cat Pack is previewing the new Feelin' Cupidy stamp set which features that fun lovin' big eared bunny. You also notice on my card the Hearts Rosette CutUps which is also new for this release. It can be used a flat shape or as a rosette which means you would need to cut two of them. I must say the rosette cut and folded beautifully. I then stamped the image, colored with Copics and then attached to the rosette. The sentiment is also from the same stamp set and I stamped it onto one of the pieces from the Circus Panels CutUps. I combined two paper pads for the patterned paper My Mind's Eye Lost and Found 2 Blush and Love Me pads. Hard to see but there are is a row of pink pearls at the bottom corner.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, My Mind's Eye dp, Kaisercraft pearls, Copic Markers

Copics: E40, E41, E42, E44, W00, W1, W2, R81, R83

All the details for this TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on Alma’s blog as well as the list of the Cat Pack members who have a sneak peek today!

Sweet November Preview Day 2 "Daphne's Balloon and Piper's Surprise"

2012-01-04T02:00:00.001-06:00

Good morning. I have two more Sweet November previews for you today. We are featuring Daphne's Balloon and Piper's Surprise.

First is Daphne - she looks like she is about to fly away with those balloons. I stamped the image onto Copics X-Press It cardstock and then the balloon portion onto patterned paper. After coloring the image I cut out the one balloon and placed it over the original image, using dimensional dots for a 3D effect.

Products: Sweet November stamp, October Afternoon dp, May Arts ribbon, Purple Onion sentiment, PTI buttons and dies, Kaisercraft jewels and pearls, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-Y11, Y15, Y17; Wings-G0000; Clothing-B0000, B000, B01, R32, R35, R37; Balloon-YG0000, YG13, YG23; Shadows-B0000

Next is Piper's Surprise. I used the C.C. Designs Fairwee Tiny Scallop Cutter to cut strips of patterned paper for the background. I substituted a row of candles for one of the strips, cut with the C.C. Designs Candle Border Cutter which is also new for this release.If you saw yesterday's Sweet November preview you had a glimpse of it then.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs Cutter dies, My Mind's eye dp, Kaisercraft jewels and pearls, PTI buttons and twill, Cuttlebug embossing folders, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E33, E35, E39, E29; YR01, YR14, YR18, YG0000, YG01, YG03, Y11, Y13, Y15, Y17

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store January 5 at 10 pm CST. Be sure to also click on over to the other design team member Marion and Rachel. Amy, the creative mind behind the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

I'll be back gain today with even more previews.

C.C. Designs January Release Day 1

2012-01-03T12:01:00.002-06:00

*** This is my third post for today. Please scroll down for my Sweet November and The Cat's Pajamas posts.***

Well first of all I wanted to let you know that I have joined the All That Scraps team effective January and today is my first preview day. I am really excited to be joining in all the fun and excitement of showing you these soon to be released stamps.

Today I am featuring the new Party Time Lucy from the Swiss Pixie line. She is all dressed up as you can see and after coloring her with Copic markers, I then fussy cut her out. I attached her to the panel with a few dimensional dots underneath her head to provide a sense of movement. The sentiment is from AmyR's Heart-y Sayings released last month and the layered flower was created with the C.C. Designs Phlox Flowers Cutters. The patterned paper is all from the Kaisercraft Miss Nelly 6x6 pad. I finished it off with some cotton twill and a Webster's Pages butterfly pin.

Products: C.C. Designs stamps and Cutters, Kaisercraft dp, Webster's Pages stickpin, Kaisercraft pearls, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53, E57; Clothing-R0000, R81, R83, G000, YG61, YG63, E81, W00, 0

This new collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store January 5 at 10 pm CST. Be sure to check out the All That Scraps blog for even more previews.

Sweets, 5 Cents {The Cat's Pajamas Sneaky Peek and TCP Tuesday 191}

2012-01-03T09:00:00.001-06:00

***This is my second post for the day. Please scroll down for my Sweet November preview post.***

We're kicking off`the first day of The Cat's Pajamas January release with a TCP Tuesday (TCPTUES191) inspiration challenge from our hostess Jen.

Today we are previewing Gimme Some Sugar.Yes, Sprinkle is back in the TCP lineup! I stamped the main image and then added the candy bouquet and candy jar to the table. I stamped the banner piece onto the subtle patterned paper and then spelled out "sweets". I cut it out and strung it across the front of the table/podium. I also used the Queen of Hearts CutUps border which is new for this release to create the top panel. This is a versatile die as the two borders can be used separate or together. I chose to use them together, just separating them slightly so the red cardstock would show through. It's hard to see in the photo but I added very small red rhinestones to Sprinkle's collar. For a few more finishing touches I added a couple of buttons from the Sweet Thing Buttons pack, a big bow and hearts cut from the Heart Trio CutUps.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Bo Bunny and My Mind's Eye dp, Buttons, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Hat/Vase-C3, C5, C7; Hat Band/Candy-R22, R24, R27; Desk/Bow-E81, W00, 0; Glass Jar-G0000

All the details for this TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on Alma’s blog as well as the list of the Cat Pack members who have a sneak peek today!

Sweet November Preview Day 1 "Josie's Cupcakes and Emaline's Gifts"

2012-01-03T02:00:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the first of three days of Sweet November previews for the month of January. The Fairwees are back again, this time with some birthday party fun. Today we are featuring Josie's Cupcakes and Emaline's Gifts.

First up is Josie perched atop a delicious cupcake. Of course I made my cupcake chocolate with butter cream frosting as that is my favorite! Even though I colored the "paper" portion of the cupcake with Copics I also overlayed it with vellum cut with the the brand new C.C. Designs Cupcake Cutter which is also new for this release. I also used some Ranger Glossy Effects on the cupcake sprinkles for a candy look and feel. The sentiment is from last month's C.C. Designs Amy R Heart-y Sayings set. I broke the sentiment up by stamping on two hearts cut from C.C. Designs Big Hearts Embossing Cutters.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs sentiment and Cutter dies, My Mind's Eye dp, PTI button and twill, Ranger Glossy Effects, Spellbinder Nestabilities, Copic markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53, YR23; Clothing-R20, R22, R24; Wings-G0000, Cupcake-B0000, B000, BG10, E33, E37, E29, E81, W00, 0, R81, R83; Shadows-B0000

Next is Emaline's Gifts. She's one happy girl - look at all those fun presents she is juggling. Since I used such bright colors in the various patterned papers, I decided to include lots of white in the image, including the dress and the presents, adding splashes of color on the dress sash and bows. The ribbon treatment is simply a piece of scrunched up ribbon remnant which I tied with thread, adding a button and sentiment. Can you see the tiny candles? Those were cut from the new C.C. Designs Candle Border and were actually left over from one of tomorrow's Sweet November projects.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs Cutter die, My Mind's Eye dp, Doodlebug buttons, Stamping Bella sentiment, PTI die, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E35, E39, E29; Ribbons/Sashes-R32, R35, R37, YR12, YR16, YR18, YG0000, YG01, YG03; Dress/Gifts-E81, W00; Shadows-BG0000, BG000

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store January 5 at 10 pm CST. Be sure to also click on over to the other design team members Marion and Rachel. Amy, the illustrator of the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

This is going to be a busy day on the blog! I'll have two more previews for you today so be sure to check back.

Happy New Year!!

2012-01-01T11:26:00.000-06:00

As a start to the new year I thought I would do a retrospective of last year based on 12 of my favorite projects from last year. These are in no particular order but I don't think it is a coincidence that most of my favorites turned out to be from two of the companies I design for. Afterall, I would not be designing for them if I didn't love the products. I have all of them linked to their original post. So here goes:

Twisted Sister Jessamine

All Roads Lead Home

I hope some of my favorites were some of your favorites as well. I want you to know how much I appreciate your support, friendship, emails and comments this past year. I realize there are a lot of blogs out there and it means a lot to me that you have taken time out of your day to read mine. So thank you and I hope 2012 is a great year for you all.

Sympathy Cards

2011-12-28T14:34:00.000-06:00

Hello. I'm trying to wrap up 2011. We've been busy today putting away most of the Christmas decorations and taking down the main Christmas tree. I'm also packing for a trip while nursing a bad back flareup. The good news though is that it appears that I am finally over the colds I've had just about all of December.

I have a couple of cards to share. I am sure I am not alone in the cardmaking world when I say that sympathy cards are difficult to create. You want to let the recipient know how much you care about their loss but it is so hard to strike the right balance. Unfortunately I've had two occasions where I've had to send a sympathy card in the past few months.

My first card uses the bird The Cat's Pajamas The Tweetest Things stamp set. I stamped it onto the solid side of one of the MME patterned papers with white ink and then sprinkled white embossing powder and heat set it. I placed it in the matching Home Tweet Home CutUps to cut out. I combined it with the Tim Holtz Birdcage diecut. All the paper is from the My Mind's Eye Paris and Co pad which has been majorly underused.

For my second card I kept with the imagery of the bird flying free although this time I just cut it from plain white cardstock. After cutting, I used an embossing folder to add texture. All the paper is from the My Mind's Eye Lost and Found Rosy collection.

This blog is going to be pretty quiet for the remainder of the year as I will be visiting family. I am also busy working on some new release projects due early in January including Sweet November, C.C. Designs and The Cat's Pajamas.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2011-12-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

I just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all family, friends, fellow design team members and blog readers. I appreciate all of you. I realize there are a lot of blogs out there and I am deeply honored and humbled that you take the time to stop by my little spot on the internet. It amazes me the connections I've made this year, in Russia, Spain, Canada and all over the USA. I wish for you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

I haven't really taken a lot of photos of my decorations this year but I do have a few to share.

Until next time......

Christmas Card Shortcuts

2011-12-24T08:00:00.001-06:00

I hope you are having a wonderful Christmas Eve. I'm busy preparing for dinner tonight for family. My son Dylan and granddaughter Clara are coming over tonight. I got smart this year with the toys vs clothes problem. Clara is all about the toys being three years old so clothes do not interest her in the least. So the box that contains all the clothes has a small and favorite type toy in it so she at least likes that part of it! Learned that trick last year. And I can't wait until she opens her big present. She is going to be one happy little girl.

I have yet more Christmas cards to share with you featuring a great shortcut. I received a set of tags from Danielle from the Fat Cat Stamper blog as a prize (thanks Danielle). Each of them were so unique and beautifully made. Those who know me well, know that it's understood that the gifts under the tree have to actually match the tree! Unfortunately these did not so that meant I would not use them as gift tags. So....what to do...they were too gorgeous to go to waste! I decided to use them as the centerpiece for additional cards. For three of them I had paper to match, for the other two I just found paper that I thought went with them. I limited myself to only two patterns for each card to further expedite the process. I kept the cards rather simple as the tags were so detailed. Easy, fun and a great shortcut to Christmas card making.

Products: Tags by Danielle Lounds, Basic Grey dp and jewels, My Mind's Eye dp, PTI buttons and felt, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Memory Box die

Merry Christmas!

In a Manger

2011-12-23T00:01:00.002-06:00

I have a few more Christmas cards that have been mailed but haven't been shared here yet.

I normally do not care for the Nativity scene to be what I term "cute-si-fied" but I made an exception for the In a Manger set by My Favorite Things. Especially since it included lambs as Jesus is often referred to as "the lamb of God". I kept the layout and embellishments simple.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-namics, Echo Park, Webster's Pages and Crate dp, Kaisercraft pearls, Copic Markers

Copics: Lambs-E40, E81, R01, 0; Clothing-BG0000, BG70, BG10, BG72, W00, E40, E41, E42; Cane-W1, W2, W5; Manger-E21, E25, E29, W5; Straw-E30, E31, E33

The next card features My Favorite Things Inspired by Winter. I made this specifically for my sister as she has a little gray house in the woods. I stamped the house image, masked it and then stamped the trees in the background. After coloring with Copics, I popped the stamped piece back in the Spellbinders die so I could ink around the images with Sky Blue ink and then applied a mixture of Ranger Stickles and white Flower Soft to represent snow. The patterned paper is from the Basic Grey Jovial 6x6 pad from last year.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and sentiment, Basic Grey dp, May Arts ribbon, Kaisercraft pearls, Making Memories glittered leaf, Memory Box die, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers

Copics: House/Windows-C1, C3, C5, Y15; Door-YG91, YG93, Chimney-E07, E08, E09

Next up features a fun, whimsical image by Whimsy Stamps. I had this stamp a while before finally getting it inked up. It's fairly simple with paper buttons so no extra postage required.

Products: Whimsy Stamps, Echo Park dp, Divine Twine, My Favorite Things Die-namics, PTI sentiment, Flower Soft, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: E40, E81, 0, C1, C3, C5, C7, Y15, Y17, Y35, R22, R24, R27, B0000, B000, BG10, YG0000, YG91, YG93, BG0000

So busy around here as I sure it is for you too. I've had the third reincarnation of the same cold the past few days but I'm feeling better now. Have a great day!

Bearing Christmas Gifts {TCP Tuesday 190}

2011-12-22T00:01:00.132-06:00

Leigh is this week's TCP Tuesday (TCPTUES190) challenge hostess which as per usual is one of her fabulous sketches. My card features the Bearing Presents image which you might remember was part of the Circus release this fall. Believe it or not I actually stamped and paper pieced the image at the same time I made my card for that release. Don't you love it when an image is so versatile? Leigh's sketch gave me the perfect excuse to feature it on a card. I used several different ribbons for the border, most of which was ribbons left over from other projects.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp, Basic Grey dp, Divine Twine and Ribbon, May Arts ribbon, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Bear-E50, E51, E53; Ribbon/Bows-R22, R24, R29

All the details for this TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on Alma’s blog. As always, there is potential for fame (Pick of the Litter) and/or fortune (Pick of the Week).

I previewed the next project at the The Cat's Pajamas release party over at Splitcoast Stampers last month but am just now getting around to sharing on the blog.

Gift cards are a big hit at Christmas, especially among teenagers but they can be a bit impersonal. The The Cat's Pajamas Gift Card Envie CutUps is just perfect to help jazz it up. I combined it with a the J*lly H*liday stamp set which contains 4 holiday words all of which have an open space for the "o" that can be replaced with a several holiday images which are also included. I selected stronger colors for a more masculine look and made my actual gift card envelope using the CutUps. I closed it with Evergreen seam binding bow. I also made a pocket card to slip it into. I stamped N*el word from the stamp set onto layered Circus Panels and then filled in the "o" in Noel with a couple of snowflakes from the Snowflake Lace Paper. I added a big red snowflake using the Snowflake CutUps and the For/From (from the Peeking set) were stamped onto banner strips cut with the Easy Rosette CutUps.

My second gift card holder was even easier to make using the Gift Card Envie CutUps and felt. I sewed on two small pieces of velcro for the closure and then added a pretty button. I cut a a felt snowflake using the Snowflake CutUps tied on with Christmas Divine Twine. I again used the For/From (from the Peeking set) stamped onto banner strips cut with the Easy Rosette CutUps. Easy peasy and a cure for the common gift card!

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamps and CutUps, Seam Binding ribbon, Divine Twine, Felt, Little Yellow Bicycle dp, Kaisercraft pearls

And since this is an all things TCP post, I thought I would share some secret sister projects. First up is the card featuring the Anywhere Ribbon Slide CutUps to make diagonal strips for the background. The glittery cardstock was very, very thick but it cut quite nicely with my Big Shot although I did run it back and forth several times. I then inserted patterned paper strips rather than ribbon. I used the J*lly H*liday stamp for the sentiment, stamping in gray rather than my usual black and what do you know, there is the big Snowflake again. It's really had a workout this holiday season!

Here are the photos of everything included in the box. It was a fun to buy and create for a stampy friend:

On the Twelfth Day of Christmas.....

2011-12-21T00:01:00.001-06:00

It's the 12th and final day of my 12 Days of Christmas series.

Today's gift is "Moose Munch", a popcorn and chocolate mixture. I decided to make a popcorn holder for each bag. I found the template via google and printed onto cardstock. I combined the treat with C.C. Designs Reindeer Lights stamp, cutting out with Spellbinders Nestabilities and then coloring with Copics. I used the same set of Copics on both but colored them up just a bit different. I inked the edges and then added Glossy Accents on the lights for a bit of shine. I attached to the containers, adding a nice fluffy bow and a felt snowflake.

Products: C.C. Designs stamp, Authentique and Echo Park dp, Ranger Glossy Accents, Distress ink, Inkssentials Opaque Pen, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Reindeer-E41, E42, E44, W2, W5, W7, R20; Reindeer nose/Lights-R22, R24, R27; Lights-B0000, B000, BG10, Y15, Y17, Y35; Shadows-W00, W1

I combined today's project for the All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge to create a treat holder. In order to be eligible to win, your project must include a stamp that is sold in the All That Scraps shop whether it is any of the wonderful in house designs or from the various other stamp companies that ATS carries. Be sure to check out the challenge blog for specific details on how to include your entry.

I hope you have enjoyed the 12 Days of Christmas series. Thank you for stopping by.

On the Eleventh Day of Christmas....

2011-12-20T00:01:00.003-06:00

It's the 11th of my 12 Days of Christmas series.

Today's gift is the very girlie gift of glittery fingernail polish. I kept things very simple on this one. I cut a snowflake with The Cat's Pajamas Snowflake CutUps and then cut the center out of it so I could slide it down the cap portion of the bottle. I trimmed the Authentique piece into a tag shape and then tied it onto the bottle with a pretty white satin bow. I topped each bottle with a button and pearl. Easy!

Here is another view looking straight down on the bottles:

Products: The Cat's Pajamas Snowflake CutUps, Authentique dp, May Arts ribbon, Prima pearl, PTI button

I'm almost done! I'll share the 12th and final gift tomorrow.

On the Tenth Day of Christmas.....

2011-12-19T00:01:00.001-06:00

Good morning. It's day 10 of my 12 Days of Christmas series.

I'll see you back here tomorrow for Day 11!

On the Eighth and Ninth Day of Christmas.....

2011-12-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

Good morning. It's time for the gifts 8 and 9 of my 12 Days of Christmas series.

I originally wanted to end my 12 days series with these two gifts since they are the only ones with any real monetary value but due to some travel plans on the recipients end and time constraints on mine, I had to rearrange things. I also decided to combine these in the same package since they go together. So first up is a gift 8, fun and girlie Christmas socks. I decided to make paper sock cuffs very much like how you see them in the store except I jazzed them up a bit of course. I cut a piece of sturdy patterned paper 2.75 x 9 inches, then scored it at 3, 3.5, 6.5 and 7 inch marks. After decorating the front with a rosette cut with The Cat's Pajamas Easy Rosettes and a small stamped pieced I then wrapped them around the top of each sock set and secured with staples.

Products: Taylored Expressions stamps, The Cat's Pajamas CutUps, Basic Grey and Authentique dp, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: YG01, YG23, YG25, R22, R27

Gift 9 is matching Christmas pajamas. I just simply wrapped various ribbons and trims around each set and then attached a paper snowflake cut with The Cat's Pajamas Snowflake CutUps.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas CutUps, Ribbon, Authentique dp

Can you believe Christmas is a week away?

The Best Gift

2011-12-17T00:01:00.005-06:00

I have a couple more Christmas cards to show you today using stamps that had not yet been inked up. Both cards were made using a Sugar Nellie image. First up is Christmas (snowmen) which I colored with Copics as per usual. I then added Ranger Stickles on the snow people for extra gleam and Liquid Pearls for berries and snow flakes. The sentiment is from the My Favorite Things Clearly Sentimental about Christmas set.

Products: Sugar Nellie stamp, Echo Park dp, The Cat's Pajamas CutUps (Snowflakes from the Snowflake Lace paper die), My Favorite Things Sentiment stamp and Die-namics (Lacy Border), Liquid Pearls, Flower Soft, Ranger Stickles, Copic Markers

Copics: BG0000, G0000, 0, R22, R24, R29, G20, G21, G24, R00, R01, R20

The second card features Hello, Little Robin image which again was colored with Copics. I added lots of Liquid Pearls, Liquid Applique and Ranger Stickles details. The sentiment came from the C.C. Designs Amy R Snowman Sentiments set.

Products: Sugar Nellie stamp, C.C. Designs sentiment stamp, Echo Park dp, The Cat's Pajamas CutUps (Snowflake), My Favorite Things Die-namics (Label and Wonky Scallop), Making Memories brad, PTI button, Divine Twine, Liquid Applique, Ranger Stickles, Liquid Pearls, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11; Hair-E35, E57; Clothing/Wings-YG0000, YG01, YG93, R22, R24, R29, E50, E40, E41; Basket/Star-Y21, Y23, Y35

Thanks so much for stopping by.

On the Seventh Day of Christmas....

2011-12-16T00:01:00.002-06:00

I'm back with Day 7 of my 12 Days of Christmas gifts series.

Products: Authentique dp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Kaisercraft pearls, Felt, Divine Twine

Have a great weekend. We are having the first of our Christmas celebrations with family tomorrow. I'm looking forward to seeing everyone.

And the Stockings Were Hung

2011-12-15T00:01:00.030-06:00

I have three Christmas cards today all featuring a Stampavie stamp. First up is Bright as a Star which I combined it with last year's Crate Paper Snow Day paper collection. I really used this pad a lot last Christmas and then Crate Paper sent me a new one as part of a whole box of goodies I won for sharing my cards on their blog last year. As per usual, I stamped this little guy onto Copics X-Press It cardstock and then colored with Copics adding some Flower Soft on the hat. Note that I have not added any hard embellishments as I'm trying to cut down on my postage bill this year!

Products: Stampavie stamp, PTI sentiment stamp, Crate Paper dp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Flower Soft, Copic Markers

Copics: E50, E51, E53, R22, R24, R27, YG0000, YG23, YG25, Y21, Y26, Y35

Next up is Chic Shopping combined with Echo Park Holly Jolly pad. I created paper buttons with My Favorite Things buttons dies for flatter mailing purposes.

Products: Stampavie stamp, Echo Park dp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53; Clothing-G0000, G000, G00, RV11, RV13, RV17, E81, W00; Gifts/Bags/Tags-R32, R35, R37, G20, G21, G24, YG67, W00, R81; Puppy-E40, E41, E42, E44; Shadows-BG0000

The last one for the day features Stocking with Santa combined with Echo Park's Season's Greetings pad. No hard embellishments on this one either.

Products: Stampavie stamp, Echo Park dp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, Divine Twine, PTI sentiment, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Santa Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Santa Clothing/Ribbon-R22, R24, R27; Stocking/Toys-YG0000, YG91, YG93, B0000, B000, BG10; Bells-Y15, Y17, Y35; Greenery-YG61, YG63; Whites-E40, E81, 0

That's it today. I hope to see you back here tomorrow!

On the Sixth Day of Christmas...

2011-12-14T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hola! I'm back with my 12 Days of Christmas series.

12 Days of Christmas: My step-granddaughters in North Carolina at age 8 and 10 are right on the cusp of no longer believing in Santa Claus. Twelve days of small packages arriving in the mail will {I hope} help keep Christmas a magical time for just a little longer. It's purely for fun and not really about the gifts.

When the girls visited this past summer tacos were on the menu twice because they were such a favorite. They were fascinated by my taco holders so I bought a set for them as the 6th of the 12 Days gifts. I used the The Cat's Pajamas Hola Tequila set to make perfect bag toppers for them all done up in Christmas colors.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp, All That Scraps Cutters, Divine Twine, Authentique dp, PTI buttons, Copic Markers
Copics: R22, R24, R27, YG21, YG23, YG25, Y13, Y17

Adios for now!!

4 U {TCP Tuesday 189 Challenge - Christmas Stamp}

2011-12-13T00:01:00.001-06:00

Susan is our hostess this week for TCP Tuesday (TCPTUES189) and she has challenged us to use a Christmas stamp. Well that was easy enough considering the latest release featured seven new holiday stamps. I chose to work with Peeking (which works equally well for other occasions). I used this set on a gift bag during the sneak peeks week so I wanted to be sure he landed on a card too. I colored up P.J. with Copics, paper piecing his belly and the big gift box he is holding. The sentiment came from the J*lly H*liday set.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Divine Twine, My Mind's Eye dp, PTI buttons, Copic Markers

Copics: E31, E34, E37, E39, R22, R24, R27, E40, E50

All the details for this TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on Alma’s blog. As always, there is potential for fame (Pick of the Litter) and/or fortune (Pick of the Week). Have fun!

Joy to the World

2011-12-12T00:01:00.001-06:00

Good morning. Today's card is for the December Sketch For You to Try which means I've completed all twelve of them this year. I started out by stamping the My Favorite Things P.I. Christmas Caroler onto Copics X-Press It cardstock and then used a combo of Copic coloring with paper piecing. I reversed the elements while managing to follow the basic layout.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-namics, Echo Park dp, May Arts ribbon, Ranger Stickles, Quickutz die, Queen and Co pearls, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E33, E37, E57; Stockings-YG0000, YG93; Boots-E40, E41, E42; Candle-R24, Y11, Y15, C00, C1, C3' Shadows-W00

I hope all is well with you.

Raising Cane (TCPTUES188 - Color Challenge)

2011-12-08T00:01:00.001-06:00

Good morning. I have this week's TCP Tuesday card for you today. Lori is our hostess this week with a color challenge (TCPTUES188) of Pale Pink, Red and Steel Gray. I thought the new Raising Cane just released would work perfectly with these fun color combo. I stamped the bunny and then cut the image out with Spellbinders Nestabilities, allowing those big ole ears to fall out of the circle. After coloring with Copics, I added some Flower Soft onto the Santa hat. I used one of the sentiments from the J*lly H*liday set, using the peppermint candy image for the "o" , repeating the motif in the patterned paper. I also used several TCP CutUps on this including two pieces from the Circus Panels for the sentiment. The top and bottom portions were cut using the flap portion only of the Gift Card Envie die. And of course I used my favorite die of the new release, the Snowflake Lace Paper for the background panel.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Crate Paper dp, Divine Twine, Flower Soft, Prima center, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Bunny-C00, C1, C3; Bunny Nose/Ribbon-R00, R01, R11, R20; Candy Cane/Santa Hat-R22, R24, R27; Shadows-R0000, R00

All the details for this TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on Alma’s blog. As always, there is potential for fame (Pick of the Litter) and/or fortune (Pick of the Week). Have fun!

All Through the Night

2011-12-07T00:01:00.001-06:00

All through the night, not a creature was stirring.....It's time for another All That Scraps challenge with a theme of "anything goes".

My card features C.C. Designs Swiss Pixie Through the Night. I made an attempt at following Amy's tutorial on coloring white clothing and then cut her out. I then created a cold night scene with various dies.The paper is from the Basic Grey Alpine Holiday pad. I created some snow on the trees and fence with a combination of Ranger Stickles and Flower Soft.

Products: C.C. Designs stamp, Basic Grey dp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, PTI die, Ranger Stickles, Flower Soft, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E01, E11; Hair-W2, W5, W7; Clothing-E81, W00, 0, B91, B93, B95, B97, B99; Lantern-C1,C3, C5, C7, Y21, Y23; Shadows-N1

I hope you can join the challenge. Afterall, there is a great prize being offered. In order to be eligible to win, your project must include a stamp that is sold in the All That Scraps shop whether it is any of the wonderful in house designs or from the various other stamp companies that ATS carries. Be sure to check out the challenge blog for specific details on how to include your entry.

Have fun!

Sweet November Previews Day 4 "Tess"

2011-12-06T00:01:00.002-06:00

Today is the last day for the Sweet November stamp previews for the December collection. Today we are featuring "Tess."

I went back into my Christmas stash box again for some oldie but goodies. I had almost forgotten this paper from Autumn Leaves but it was always a favorite. The pinks, red and lime greens along with lots of white are a favorite holiday combination. I colored up Tess with Copic Markers, cut her out and then attached her to a Martha Stewart paper doily. I cut a border using two Spellbinders Nestabilities and centered it around the doily. I tied a couple of small bells to the bow and added a Prima pearl center to represent a snowflake to finish things off.

Products: Sweet November stamp, Autumn Leaves dp, American Crafts ribbon, Prima pearl center, Martha Stewart paper doily, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E0000, E000, E01, E11, R20; Hair-E33, E35, E39, R29; Clothing-G20, YG23, YG25, RV00, RV11, R83, R32, R24, R29

Be sure to click on over to Marion's blog and this month's guest designer Mette. Amy, the creator of the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

I hope you've enjoyed the previews the team has shared with you the past few days. The entire collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store on December 8. There are even more projects using this series of stamps at the All That Scraps blog.

On the Fifth Day of Christmas...

2011-12-05T12:30:00.000-06:00

***This is my second post for today. To see my Sweet November reveal, please click here.***

I'm back with Day 5 of my 12 Days of Christmas gifts series.

12 Days of Christmas: My step-granddaughters in North Carolina at age 8 and 10 are right on the cusp of no longer believing in Santa Claus. Twelve days of small packages arriving in the mail will {I hope} help keep Christmas a magical time for just a little longer. It's purely for fun and not really about the gifts.

I have double dipped with the following projects. I noticed that the My Favorite Things Guest Designer Contest over at Splitcoast Stampers theme was to "Play Tag" so I changed the order of my small packages around in order to showcase a tag the 5th Day of Christmas gifts. I cut the tag shape with My Favorite Things Tag You're It Die-namics - once with patterned paper and then again with plain cardstock and layered for stability purposes. For the first tag, I also used the Wonky Scallop Border Die-namics as a decorative border, cutting twice and slightly off-setting for a layered look. For the second tag, I used the Postage Stamp Edge Die-namics for the bottom border.

For the main image on both, I stamped the Pure Innocence Making a List onto Copics X-Press it cardstock then used a combo of paper piecing and coloring with Copics, matching her dress to the pencil with some older paper from my stash. After attaching the image to each of the tags, I placed a dimensional dot underneath the head portion and curled the piece of paper in her hand forward for dimension. I punched four small holes with my Crop-a-dile at each end of the tag, inserting ribbon through them, securing the pencil by typing bows. I then cut the corners of the Authentique "5th" piece to create a tag look and then slipped underneath each pencil. The basic design was the same for both with a few changes here and there, including different paper choices.

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-namics, Authentique, Echo Park and Basic Grey dp, PTI buttons, May Arts ribbon, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair E55, E57, E29, E49 (brunette), E50, E51, E53 (blonde); Shoes-C00, C3, C5

And since I am in dire need of Christmas cards, I used the same tag design for a card. Since I still have 30 something to go, shortcuts must be taken whenever and however I can find them! Another shortcut was to use the layout for this week's My Favorite Things Sketch Challenge. Yet another shortcut was to simply stamp the Holiday Hugs image and the sentiment directly onto the paper, highlighting only certain parts of the image with Copics and paper piecing. I finished things off with a flower created with the Prima Donna Petals Die-namics. Simple and easy!

Products: My Favorite Things stamp and Die-namics, Authentique, Echo Park and Basic Grey dp, May Arts ribbon, Queen & Co Pearls

As always, thank you for stopping by. I hope to see you back here soon.

Sweet November Preview Day 3 "Zach"

2011-12-05T00:01:00.002-06:00

Welcome to day three of the Sweet November stamp previews for the December collection. Today we are featuring "Zach."

Poor little Zach, it appears his mama has put him in one of those ugly Christmas sweaters. I guess that mama would be me since I did a combo of Copic coloring and paper piecing to get him all outfitted for a ski trip. I used all paper from the Basic Grey Nordic Holiday pad. The sentiment is from the C.C. Designs Amy R Handy Christmas Greetings set and the mittens were cut using the C.C. Designs Mittens Cutter. The various snowflakes were cut with The Cat's Pajamas CutUps. By the way, those strips are suppose to be ski poles.

Products: Sweet November stamp, C.C. Designs sentiment stamp and Cutters, Basic Grey dp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, The Cat's Pajamas CutUps, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers
Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E37, E39, E57; Clothing-B32, B34, B39, W5, C3, C5, C7; Shadows-C00, C1

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store December 8 (was previously stated to be available earlier but due to a date snafu it's been changed). Be sure to also check out Marion's blog and this month's guest designer Mette. Amy, the creative mind behind the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

I'll see you back here tomorrow for the last of the Sweet November previews.

Sweet November Preview Day 2 "Georgia"

2011-12-04T00:01:00.002-06:00

Welcome to day two of Sweet November previews for the December release. Today we are featuring "Georgia." After stamping Georgia, I cut her out with a Spellbinders Nestie, then colored with Copic markers. A cute little snowman (Doodlebug braddie) hitched a ride on her sled. The paper is Echo Park from last year and is a favorite girly color scheme. The layered snowflakes were cut with a combo of The Cat's Pajamas and My Favorite Things dies. I added bits of FlowerSoft on the ear muffs and to represent snow.

Products: Sweet November stamp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, The Cat's Pajamas CutUps, Echo Park and October Afternoon dp, Doodlebug brad, PTI buttons, May Arts ribbon, Flower Soft, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E0000, E00, E01, E11, R20; Hair-E50, E51, E53; Clothing-BG10, BG11, BG13, R00, R01, R30, R20, R24, R27

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store December 7. Be sure to also check out Marion's blog and this month's guest designer Mette. Amy, the creative mind behind the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

I'll see you back here tomorrow for another Sweet November preview.

Sweet November Preview Day 1 "Max"

2011-12-03T00:01:00.001-06:00

Welcome to the first of four days of Sweet November previews for the month of December. Today we are featuring "Max". Max is full of mischief and is about to launch that snowball in his hands at somebody. I went way back into my big box of Christmas stash for today's card. Both patterns are several years old but they are still gorgeous and feature two of my favorite manufacturers, My Mind's Eye and the now defunct Scenic Route. I colored up Max in blues and browns, cut him out and then attached him to a tag cut with a PTI die. The postage stamp strip was cut with an MFT Die-namic as was the cloud that has the sentiment on it. The twine and the holly leaves cut with an old Quickutz die added to the overall rustic look. The sentiment is from C.C. Designs Amy R Snowman Sentiments set.

Products: Sweet November stamp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, My Mind's Eye and Scenic Route dp, Quickutz and PTI dies, Kaisercraft pearls, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11, R20; Hair-E07, E09, E19; Clothing-BG0000, BG10, BG11, E40, E41, E42, E25, E57, E49; Snowball-B0000, G0000

This collection will be available for purchase at the All That Scraps store December 7. Be sure to also click on over to our new design team member Marion's blog and this month's guest designer Mette. Amy, the illustrator of the Sweet November line has a card to share with you and also outlines the details on how to win some blog candy which includes the stamp we are all using today. All you have to do is leave comments on our various blogs.

I'll see you back here tomorrow for another Sweet November preview.

From Tiny Acorns Grow

2011-12-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

My blog has been full blast into Christmas/Winter creations but I wanted to share one more fall related project with you today. I belong to an ATC (Artist Trading Card) group who trade on a monthly basis and the November theme was fall/Thanksgiving.

Trees have a special meaning around here since the blast of tornadoes blew through our state back in April, killing 250 people. It seemed like tornadoes were literally everywhere throughout the day including the F1 that hit our neighborhood around 4:30 that morning. Luckily we were ok and our house was virtually unscathed except for a few minor things. Others weren't so lucky so I'm not complaining. However, I can't help but mourn the loss of many of our backyard trees. I'm especially reminded of it now that the leaves have fallen and I am staring into the houses across the way. We have several upturned with gigantic roots the size of trucks or even bigger. We cleaned out some back there but really couldn't afford to have those taken away. So that is yet another constant reminder. And it's not just us, it's everywhere. But then again, when I see an empty lot where a house use to be or a house that survived but still has one of those darn blue tarps on it, I count my blessings all over again. We drove through my hometown of Cullman, AL on Thanksgiving day and my husband asked me, if you closed your eyes and someone popped you down in the middle of this area, would you know where you were? I had to say no, that I would not. It was that unrecognizable. But I digress...

I used an older Verve set "Tall Oaks" and stamped the acorn onto patterned paper and then cut out with a circle Nestie. The matching sentiment was stamped onto kraft cardstock trimmed with a Fiskars border punch. The leaves were cut using the Taylored Expressions Leafy Branch die. The circle stamped pieced and the leaves were attached with dimensional dots to give them some lift. All paper was from the W R Memory Keepers Autumn Splendor pad.

Products: Verve stamps, W R Memory Keepers dp, Taylored Expressions die, PTI button, TCP Linen Thread, Fiskars border punch, Spellbinders Nestabilities

Unfortunately this was my last set with this fun swap group as I have had difficulty finding the time for it. I have also discovered that I prefer to swap ATCs one-on-one or with an occasional swap rather than on a regular basis.

I'll see you back tomorrows with the first of the Sweet November previews.

Magic All Around

2011-11-30T12:25:00.000-06:00

Nothing like waiting until the last minute! Today's card is for November's Sketch For You to Try. And yes, today is the last day to get it done. I really didn't want to skip since I've done all the other months so far. And frankly I need all the Christmas cards I can possibly get made these days.

I used a new image, Sugar Nellie Tatania. I've had it a while but had not managed to get it inked up. After coloring her up, I did a lot of fussy cutting since I wanted to superimpose her over the small village in the Webster's Pages dp. Believe me I was re-thinking that decision while I was cutting away. I added Ranger Stickles on the wings and cuffs for a bit of sparkle and then attached to the background panel with dimensional dots. I finished things off with a few rhinestones and my favorite white satin ribbon. The paper is from the Webster's Pages Winter Fairy/Botanical Christmas 6x6 pad.

Products: Sugar Nellie stamp, Webster's Pages dp, Kaisercraft jewels, May Arts ribbon, Ranger Stickles, Copic Markers

Copics: Skin-E000, E00, E11; Hair-E50, E51, E53, E55; Clothing-BV0000, BV00, BV11, W00, W1

It is super busy around here as I'm sure it is at your house. I've finished my Christmas decorating although we still need to get lights strung outside. I haven't done much shopping yet except for a few things here and there. Unfortunately I'm suffering with a really bad cold which has really hindered my progress. I'm taking the day off from all house activities today in hopes that the rest will put me back on the road to good health. I don't have time to be sick!

TCP Tuesday 187 Plus New Release Blog Hop

2011-11-28T23:00:00.006-06:00

It is release day for The Cat's Pajamas! All seven of the fabulous new stamp sets and three new Cutups dies are available now from The Cat's Pajamas shop. Do you now that stamps and dies are great stocking stuffers? Even if it's a case of filling your own stocking like I sometimes have to do! I figure I'm just helping out my husband with his shopping. That's really sweet of me, dontcha think?

Since it is release day that also means a blog hop. I hope you arrived here from Jenny's blog where I am sure she had something fun and creative for you to enjoy. If not, head on over to Julie's blog to start at the beginning. Julie is this week's TCP Tuesday (TCPTUES187) challenge hostess which is to add some shiny embellishments to your project!

I was all over this challenge since I'm all about shiny and sparkly at Christmas. I stamped the brand new Merry Christmas, Honey onto Copics X-Press It cardstock and cut with Spellbinders Nestabilities with some out of the box action with the top of the tree. I colored it up with a gazillion Copic markers - ok, I really meant 30. I wanted it to be colorful enough for the older My Mind's Eye Christmas paper "Colorful Christmas". This was some of very favorite Christmas paper ever and I'm sad to say that I'm down to just snips and scraps of it at this point. I added some Glossy Accents to the Christmas baubles on the tree. Now to the sparkly embellishments. I used the Snowflake CutUps to cut a big snowflake, then applied some Ranger Stickles with my fingertip and sprinkled glitter over it. After it dried, I applied Glossy Accents all over it for a hard shine and used it as a mat for the sentiment. I then made a garland from the snowflakes left over from the Snowflake Lace Paper. Before stringing them together I sprinkled fairy dust over them in various shades (fairy dust=glitter). After attaching the garland to the card, I then added glossy accents for shine and stability.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, My Mind's Eye dp, Doodlebug glitter, Ranger Stickles, Glossy Accents, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic Markers

Copics: Bear-E50, E51, E53, E55, BG10, BG11, BG53; Tree-G20, YG23, YG25; Ornaments/Trim-BG10, BG11, BG53, YR01, YR16, YR18, RV32, RV34, R85; Honey/Honey Pots-Y13, Y15, Y17, B0000, B00, B01, YR01, YR12, YR14; Gift-Y21, Y23, Y35, RV32, RV34, R85, RV17

As a Christmas gift to the very special TCP customers, Alma is offering 15% off your entire purchase until November 30. That INCLUDES a discount off the already discounted price of the Kitty Kat Pack and the Poochie Pack. The Promo code is Happy15.

Now to continue the blog hop, please click on over to Alma's blog.

On the Fourth day of Christmas...{The Cat's Pajamas Sneak Peek}

2011-11-27T00:01:00.014-06:00

Welcome to another day of TCP Sneak Peeks! Are you making a list of your favorites? Don't finalize it until you see the new Raising Cane set. I am combining today's project with my 12 Days of Christmas series.

Christmas is just not complete without candy canes and the big eared bunny certainly seems to be clutching tightly to his so I thought he would be perfect for the 4th day of Christmas gifts. After I colored up the bunnies with Copics I made tags from white cardstock using a pre-made tag as a template. The design is basically the same for both, I just changed up the patterned paper and a few of the elements. I tied them up with some white satin ribbon and Christmas Divine Twine that is also new for this release.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamps, Divine Twine, Authentique dp, Kaisercraft jewels, May Arts ribbon, Cuttlebug embossing folders, Copic Markers

Copics: E50, E51, E40, E41, YG61, YG63, G85, R22, R24, R27, 0

And if would like a chance to win this set?! Head over to the IN IT TO WIN IT POST in the TCP forum at SPLITCOAST and leave a message. One winner will win the sneaky peek set of the day on each day of our sneaky peek week.

Just one more day of sneak peeks! I hope you are making plans to join us at the Pajama party over at Splitcoast Stampers on Monday night.

Absolutely No Peeking (The Cat's Pajama Sneaky Peek)

2011-11-26T09:05:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my {late} TCP Sneak Peek today. Today we are previewing the new Peeking stamp set. I will admit that I am not a huge fan of gift bags but for some items they are just necessary. I try to make them a little more personal by purchasing the plain ones and then adding my own tag and decorations. I used a combo of Copic coloring and paper piecing. Don't you love how P.J. is peeking around the big gift box? This set would be fabulous for birthdays too. I stamped the sentiment onto one of the Circus Panels diecuts and mounted both the image and the sentiment onto a long banner style tag. The For/From is from the same set.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Linen Thread, Echo Park dp, American Crafts ribbon, PTI buttons, Copic Markers

Copics: E50, E51, E53, E55, R24, R27, R29, YG0000, YG01, YG03

Freezin Season {The Cat's Pajamas Sneak Peek}

2011-11-25T00:01:00.005-06:00

Welcome to Black Friday as well as another TCP Sneak Peek. Today we are featuring Freezin' Season. And how adorable is the big eared bunny with his Snow Bunny? I colored up this little cutie pie and then cut out the image with a Spellbinders Nestie allowing his ears to fall outside of the circle. I kept everything soft and monochromatic using the various greens from the Echo Park Holly Jolly 6x6 pad. I used one of the dies from the Circus Panels CutUps for the sentiment attaching to the panel with Green Apple Divine Twine. More snowflakes from the Snowflake Lace Paper CutUps and pearls provided the finishing touches.

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Divine Twine, Echo Park dp, Kaisercraft pearls, PTI button, Spellbinders Nestabilities, Copic markers

Copics: - Bunny-W00, W1, W2, E50, R00, R01, R11, R20; Snowbunny-G0000, BG0000, G20, G21, G24, YG67, BG70, BG72; Shadows-B0000

And if would like a chance to win this set?! Head over to the IN IT TO WIN IT POST in the TCP forum at SPLITCOAST and leave a message. One winner will win the sneaky peek set of the day on each day of our sneaky peek week.

Today is Black Friday at TCP. Everything on the The Cat's Pajamas website (except the KittyKat Pack and the Poochie Pack) will be 20% off!

On the Third Day of Christmas...{The Cat's Pajamas Sneaky Peek}

2011-11-24T00:01:00.005-06:00

First of all, I want to wish all my fellow Americans a very Happy Thanksgiving. I hope you have a day filled with blessings.

Welcome to another day of TCP Sneak Peeks! Today the Cat Pack is previewing the new Best Fishes set. I am combining today's project with my 12 Days of Christmas series.

I giggled when I first saw the Best Fishes set because I had already bought some Swedish Fish for one of my 12 Days of Christmas gifts as they are a family favorite. So the 3rd Day of Christmas projects are two bag toppers for the candy. Both images were colored colored with Copics and I gave each of them a jaunty paper pieced scarf.

For my first bag topper I folded over a piece from the Authentique Wonder pad, adding a border at the bottom using the Inside Pinking CutUps. I attached the image to a Martha Stewart paper doily and added the 3rd day piece behind him with a small snowflake punched from the Snowflake Lace Paper. I created a tag using one of the pieces from the Circus Panels CutUps, stamping the sentiment onto it and then attaching to the Cranberry Seam Binding bow (which is also a new color for this release).

For the second bag topper I again folded over a piece of paper this time from an older Fancy Pants Christmas collection and added a border cut with the flap portion of the new Gift Card Envie CutUps. Yes, a Gift Card envie die! How cool is that?! Of course you don't get the full effect here since I used only a portion of it for the sentiment. Some Olive Seam Binding and another snowflake and it was done too. Easy and fun!

Products: The Cat's Pajamas stamp and CutUps, Seam Binding, Fancy Pants and Authentique dp, Kaisercraft jewels, Copic Markers

Copics: Penquin-E40, E41, R22, R24, 0; Scarf shadows-W1; Fish-YG91, YG93, YG95; Bow-R24, R29, R59

And if would like a chance to win this set?! Head over to the IN IT TO WIN IT POST in the TCP forum at SPLITCOAST and leave a message. One winner will win the sneaky peek set of the day on each day of our sneaky peek week.

Don't forget that every Friday through the end of November is a Black Friday at TCP. Everything on the The Cat's Pajamas website (except the KittyKat Pack and the Poochie Pack) will be 20% off! The sale is only on Fridays and limited to stock on hand.

Happy Thanksgiving!

On the Second Day of Christmas...

2011-11-22T08:00:00.001-06:00

**If you are looking for today's TCP Sneak Peek, please scroll down to the next post**

If you saw my TCP post earlier you know that I am doing a 12 Days of Christmas series and I have the "second day of Christmas" as part of the Sweet November Review Preview for the month of November going on over at the All That Scraps blog today.

12 Days of Christmas: My step-granddaughters in North Carolina at age 8 and 10 are right on the cusp of no longer believing in Santa Claus. Twelve days of small packages arriving in the mail will {I hope} help keep Christmas a magical time for just a little longer. It's purely for fun and not really about the gifts.

Today's 12 days gift is Tic Tacs or Snowman Poop! Yeah, I know a little corny maybe but you have to remember that the recipients are fun loving little girls and I'm hoping for a giggle from them. To make room for the Tic Tac box inside I started out with a the normal A2 size and then scored it at the 4 inch and 4 1/2 inch mark for a folder big enough to contain the package inside. For both cards, I inked up Chill E Pinebough wiping the wreath portion of the image away before stamping and then drawing another twig arm for him. I colored with Copics, cut out and applied Flower Soft and Ranger Stickles for some sparkle and bling. I used yet another Sweet November Snowman on the inside Wish U Goodcheer stamping just the upper portion of the body directly onto the patterned paper background. Both cards were done this way with a few design changes for the fronts as well as different paper selections.

Products: Sweet November stamp, Authentique, Little Yellow Bicycle and Ki Memories dp, My Favorite Things Die-namics, The Cat's Pajamas and CTMH alpha stamps, Cuttlebug Embossing folder, May Arts ribbon, Flower Soft, Ranger Stickles, Kaisercraft jewels, Quickutz die, Copic markers

Copics: Snowman-G0000, BG0000, RV00, E31, E35, E39, N1, N5, N7; Toboggan,-E40, E41, (Right-R22, R24, R27), (Left-YG0000, YG61, YG63)

That's it for today. Whew! Going to be a busy week here at home and on the blog. As always, thank you for stopping by as I'm sure you are busy with holiday preparations too!