TCP Tuesday

It's Tuesday and its time for another TCP Tuesday challenge. But before I tell you what today's challenge is I want to let everyone who has participated in recent TCP Tuesdays that your entries are AMAZING! I really have enjoyed checking them all out. Today's challenge is brought to you by the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess, Toni who is requesting that we make a card using monochromatic blues. I love the color blue so I really enjoyed this color inspiration. So if you want to play along here are the rules and details.

1. Each a week one of the The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. They will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS, please use the keyword TCPTUES05 for this challenge.
8. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat's Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Taylor's Cupcake Challenge

Happy Monday everyone! Hope you had a great weekend.
Today I have a card I made for Taylor's Cupcake Friday Challenge. I simply adore everything she does and always try and participate in all her challenges. The sketch was especially appealing to me because it required you to use small images. I hardly ever use my small stamps because I can't find good ways to display them. The layout was great for just those stamps. The sets are a combination of Papertrey Ink's "Beautiful Blooms" and "Butterfly Kisses". The flower centers have rhinestones on them. I also cut out the small butterflies and added some stickles on their centers and a swirl behind them. Card stock used is SU Blush Blossom, Pomegranate, Saffron, and PTI Spring Moss. Patterned paper is Basic Grey's "Sultry" collection. Accessories are PTI ribbon, circle punches, and SU paper piercing tool and template. Until tomorrow!
Hugs,

Shabby Chic Saturday

Happy Saturday everyone! Today is a rainy day here in Houston. It's been a while since it rained so its nice to see the grass and flowers get a much needed drink. Before I get into todays card I wanted to share some exciting news. A few weeks ago I found out that my good friend Diana Lopez made it into the USA Taekwondo Olympic team. But get this not only will she be going but so are her two older brothers Steven and Mark. They are making history by doing what no other American family has done since 1904. Steven has already won two Olympic gold medals and four World Championships! I went to school with them and graduated with Mark the second oldest. They are just as amazing people inside and out and I wish them the best of luck! If you are interested I will keep you updated on when they compete in Beijing. D if you are reading this I send you many good vibes!!

Ok, back to stamping.Since we are staying indoors today I got to finish this card. It features the new Basic Grey "Flourish" and Maya Road images. The patterned paper is also new from Basic Grey called "Sultry" collection. For the main image I stamped the flourish with some VersaMagic green chalk ink. The floral vine is stamped in brown and then the flowers were stamped in VersaMagic Petunia cut out and placed on dimensional. I also added some K&Co pearls to their centers. The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink. I did a row of scallops and placed baubles on each one. I also did a lot of paper piercing. The ribbon is from SU and so is the pearl and crystal pin. Card stock used is Papertrey Ink Spring Moss, SU Blush Blossom, Chocolate Chip, and Georgia Pacific white. That's all for today. Have a great weekend and see you on Monday!
Hugs,

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

I made this card for this month's Papertrey Ink Blog Hop. I didn't read the directions correctly and just realized that you are only eligible to win prizes if you are picked as one of twenty-five bloggers that are randomly chosen. Bummer! Oh well I had fun making this card even though it took a lot to get it where I thought it looked good. I wanted to go clean and simple because to me that is what PTI represents. That style is sometimes hard for me so this card was a challenge. I'm not sure if I am completely happy with it but it will have to do. I used the PTI patterned paper squares that Nichole proved for this challenge. I combined it with some PTI Moss card stock and the "Green Thumb" set. Accessories are SU taffeta ribbon and square punches. I also did some paper piercing for added texture. Although I wasn't picked to participate in this month's blog hop my dear friend Kirsten was. She made an awesome card with the new "Pond Life" set. You must check it out and vote for her on the PTI forum. Go Kirsten! That's all for today but I have a new card for you tomorrow. Have a great weekend.
Hugs,

Airborne Thursday

Today I am taking flight with some Doodle friends. These cute little guys and their vehicles are part of the DoodleFactory "Urban" collection. I love DF! Which reminds me that I was browsing the Starving Arstistamps site when I noticed some new DF characters. She has a new Fairytale collection that is so ADORABLE. Enough enabling *wink* for today. So the first card features a cute little fox spinning in his airplane. He is quite a daredevil. I colored him in with my Copics. I tried to stamp the smoke in a swirl so it could resemble twist in the sky. Card stock used is SU Tempting Turquoise, Real Red, Olive, Pumpkin, and Georgia Pacific. The patterned paper is DCWV "Glitter" pack. The layout is an older Mojo Monday challenge. I am addicted to this sketch. Accessories are baubles and SU ribbon. The second card is Mr. Guaco operating his helicopter. I used this week's SCS sketch challenge as my inspiration. Card stock used is SU Bayou Blue, Sky Blue, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, and Georgia Pacific. Patterned paper is DCWV "Pet Stack". Accessories are SU ribbon, and silver cord. I also added a piece of transparency to the helicopter window. I tried to get a close up. Anyhoo, that is all I have for you today. Make sure to check back tomorrow for some more stamping.
Hugs,

TCP Tuesday

Its Tuesday again and its time for another TCP Tuesday challenge. Today's Hipster Hostess with the Mostess is the the one and only Carole. She has come up with a most unique and fun challenge. She wants us to make a card using none other than Jimmy Buffet songs as inspiration. I picked the song "Sail on Sailor". When I saw the song title I knew that this little poochie pirate ship image was perfect. So, if you want to play along, here are the rules for those of you who just joined in. (Copied from Jen;s blog since she lays it out PERFECTLY)
1. Each a week one of the The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE.
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. They will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS, please use the keyword TCPTUES04 for this challenge.

Hannah Monday

Happy Monday everyone! Hope your weekend was great. I didn't get much stamping done but I did make this card earlier this past week. I hadn't had a chance to post it until today. It features cute little Riley from Hanna Stamps on his John Deer tractor. Playing with him also gave me the opportunity to use my new Karen Foster farm charms. I color Riley in with my Copics and matted him on some SU Pumpkin. Other card stock is SU Summer Sun, Olive, Chocolate, and PTI white. The patterned paper is from Scenic Route. Accessories are SU eyelets, ribbon, copper cord, and 3d glue dots. The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's "Green Thumb" collection. That's all for today but tomorrow brings some more cards.
Hugs,

TCP Release Day

Today is the day ladies! The Cat's Pajamas has released the new "It's A Mod, Mod World". You've got to check it out. Its supah ADORABLE! Anyhoo, today I have two more samples using this awesome set. The first is one is of Poochie cruising in his shiny red card. The patterned paper is from DCWV "The Pet Stack". Card stock is SU Red, Olive, Tempting Turquoise, black, and PTI white. Accessories are SU ribbon, paper piercing tool, and slit punch. The second card features Sprinkle on television. Sprinkle actually has a very successful sitcom! LOL Card stock used is SU Mustard, Pumpkin, Chocolate, Banana, Pomegranate, and Kraft. Patterned paper is DCWV glitter pack. Accessories are eyelets, Copics, crystal effects, and swiss cuttlebug embossing folder. That's all for today but tomorrow brings some more stamping.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,

A New Release

Hi All! Today I have some exciting news to share. Alma from TCP is releasing another Clearly Swanky stamp set! The set consists of tons of Meowy vehicles and of course the famous Sprinkle, Fifi, and Poochie. Its going to be a must have :) They go live on Friday April 18. So in honor of the release I have some samples to share using the stamps. I will have two more cards tomorrow so make sure to check back.
FYI- A few Design Team members (Leigh, Toni, Carole and Katie) are holding some blog candy giveaways so make sure to enter for your chance to win this awesome set.
Hugs,

TCP Tuesday

It's Tuesday again so that means another The Cat's Pajamas challenge. This weeks challenge host is Leigh. She wants us to create a project using this awesome sketch. I have never tried a long card before so this will be a first for me. I am still finishing my sample but once I finish I will post it here.These are the details again

1. Each a week one of the TCP DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {color, theme, etc.}
3. You will have until Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on that week’s hostess’ challenge announcement.So if you want to play along all you have to do is link your card on her blog. For those of you who like to post on Splitcoast Stampers, be sure to use the keyword TCPTUES03 so that we can find your pieces! Then Alma will take all the week's submissions and showcase them on her blog and pick a winner aka Swanky Stamper. She will also be giving away PRIZES!! Check out her blog for all the details.

Hugs,

Important Announcement

A few days ago Kim from My Favorite Things let us know that her friend Tish, who was battling ovarian cancer, lost her fight. She leaves behind a loving husband and two beautiful young boys. So to help out, Kim is trying to raise funds that will go towards the boys education. Please go to Kim's blog for more information. Here is a quick summery from her blog.

1) Starting tomorrow, I am offering a 10% discount on ALL stamps on the site. Use the coupon code Tish at checkout to receive 10% off all all the stamps in your shopping cart. (It won’t discount your other merchandise, just stamps.) The coupon code will run from Tuesday, April 15th-Friday, April 18th. 2) I will donate 10% of ALL proceeds (including money spent on other items on the site) to the family at their April 26th benefit. FYI - The discount applies only to retail orders… I am making it my goal to personally pay for the FL College Pre-Paid plan for the boys during an entire year which will be about $1200. Please help me reach this goal. And should you feel moved to do so, please email me for the family’s address, as I am quite sure they would love some happy mail. (And given that Tish was an SU demo, those hand-made cards WILL be appreciated!)

MFT Monday

Happy Monday everyone! Hope your weekend was fantastic. Ours was great and the weather was so perfect. I had some time to stamp so I went ahead and participate in some of my fellow design team members challenges. The first card is using Jen's sketch for you to try. I love the long panels. The set used is MFT's "Can you Dig it?". I did some paper piercing on the gardening lady and placed her on a rectangular nesties die cut. The patterned paper used to paper piece and to decorate the panels is from Scenic Route's "Loveland". Other card stock is SU Regal Rose, Blush Blossom, Real Red, and Georgia Pacific white. Accessories are SU ribbon, Making Memories chipboard buttons, and SU brads. The second card was made using Cindy's Monday sketch in the MFT SCS member forum. She always has the most interesting layouts. I used the MFT mini of the month called "Happy Mother's Day". I colored her in with my Copics and also placed her on a square nesties die cut. Patterned paper is from Making Memories "Hey Sugar" collection. Card stock is SU River Rock, Cameo Coral, Pomegranate, Chocolate Chip, and Georgia Pacific. Accessories are SU Brads, May Arts ribbon, tag punch, stickles, and Making Memories chipboard buttons. That's all for today but tomorrow brings another TCP Tuesday challenge. You won't want to miss it.
Hugs,

Hannah Saturday and some pictures

Hi All! Hope your weekend is going fantastic. Its a beautiful sunny day here and I have had lots of stamping time. I did some coloring and managed to finish a few cards. So this is one of the ones I finished and it features the adorable Riley Moose from Hannah Stamps. I think he is so adorable. I combined him with another of Julee's Mojo challenges. This one was from a few weeks back. Again I enjoyed it immensely. (Thanks Julee!) Card stock used in Stampin Up Soft Sky, Kraft, Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, and Chocolate Chip. The patterned paper is from Scenic Route. The sentiment is from MFT''s "Let's Hear it For the Boys". Accessories are SU punches, Copics, spica pens, Imaginisce brad, and grosgrain ribbon. Make sure to check back tomorrow for a cupcake card using Taylor's challenge.

I also wanted to share some pictures I took of some bees pollinating my orange tree. The blooms are so fragrant! Another tidbit about my oranges is that they were featured on the Martha Stewart show. I wrote her an email (I know I have nothing better to do) asking her about some recipes to use with my oranges and was actual answered back with a request to be one of her view mail guest. I was so EXCITED since I am a HUGE Martha fan! So the day of my show I got to talk to Martha and she asked me "How do you fertilize your tree to get such delicious oranges?" My answer was "Nothing, the tree just grows these amazing APPLES!" Yes I said apples instead of oranges on national TV with my idol on the other line. I am such a dork but we laughed it off and I got a free knife from her.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,

Elzybells Friday

Hi All! Here is the card I promised you on Wednesday. I didn't have time last night to upload it but I can proudly tell you that Josh is completely potty trained!!! I am so excited and proud of him. Thanks all for the tips. What worked the best was to put some big loose boxers on him. I guess he felt more unprotected than his other tighter fitting undies. I also did some bribing with chocolate kisses but only when he goes poop. Oh, and I have to share this too. Whenever he goes potty he takes his boxers off throws them outside the bathroom and then closes the door. SNORT! Its the cutest thing. Anywho back to the card. Remember how I said that I loved Julee's Mojo challenge? Well, I meant it because I had to make another card using her sketch. I am in LOVE with it. For the image I used my new Elzybells girlfriends stamp. I colored them in with my Copics and added a prima flower with a Making Memories glitter brad on the corner. The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink "Spiral Bouquet". The patterned paper is from Scenic Route "Loveland" collection. Card stock is SU Cameo Coral, Real Red, and Papertrey Ink Spring Moss. I really like how it turned out. I am sending this one to a special friend as a RAK.
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,

DoodleFactory Wednesday

Today I have another Urban Doodlefactory from Starving Artistamps card to share with you. I just love these little guys. I combined it with Julee's Mojo Monday sketch challenge. I LOVE all her sketches. This one really caught my eye since I would have never thought of it myself. I picked the same patterned paper as yesterday's card because I love it and it resembles streetlights. It's from the DCWV glitter pack. I colored the taxi and the driver with my Copics. I cut the image out and place it on 3d glue dots. Other card stock used is SU Real Red, Pumpkin, Black, and Sky Blue. I punched some arrows out with my new SU punch. Other accessories used are SU Ribbon, slit punch, brads, and paper piercing tool and template. That is all I have for you right now but I am working on another card with the same sketch. I will try and post it later on today.
Hugs,

TCP Tuesday

Its Tuesday again so that means another The Cat's Pajamas challenge. This weeks challenge host is Katie. She wants us to create a project using the adorable kitty Sprinkles. You can use any sized Sprinkles for this challenge. If you don't have one yet but are dying to get one I would suggest waiting (I know sounds crazy) since Alma is coming out with a new Clearly Swanky set that comes with them both very soon.
These are the details again

1. Each a week one of the TCP DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {color, theme, etc.}
3. You will have until Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on that week’s hostess’ challenge announcement.

So if you want to play along all you have to do is link your card on her blog. For those of you who like to post on Splitcoast Stampers, be sure to use the keyword TCPTUES02 so that we can find your pieces! Then Alma will take all the week's submissions and showcase them on her blog and pick a winner aka Swanky Stamper. She will also be giving away PRIZES!! Check out her blog for all the details.

Hugs,

MFT Monday

Happy Monday everyone! I hope your weekend was fantastic.

I know I have been a bad blogger but I have been going a bit mad with this whole potty training thing. Josh has the pee down but he just can let go of other. He was holding it in so I just put the diaper back on. I am trying it again and he has gone a few times so I am keeping my fingers crossed.

So now onto the card. I made this card with the new My Favorite Things mini of the month "Happy Mother's Day". It was released this past Wednesday along with a super adorable gardening set called "Can you dig it?" For this card I used Jen's sketch for you to try. I colored in the image with my copics. The pot is cut out to create a 3d effect. Card stock used is SU Guava, Chocolate chip, Certain Celery, and Papertrey Ink Stampers Select white. The patterned paper is from Basic Grey "Infuse" collection. I also added some rhinestones and May Arts ribbon. Well that is all for today but make sure to check back tomorrow for some more cards.
Hugs,

TCP Tuesday

So are you ready for some exciting news? Alright! Alma and The Cat's Pajamas girls have come up with a fun and exciting new weekly challenge. These are the details.

1. Each a week one of the TCP DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {color, theme, etc.}
3. You will have until Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on that week’s hostess’ challenge announcement.

For this week's kick-off challenge Toni has come up with a great color challenge. It requires you to make a card with The Cat's Pajamas color scheme. In case you didn't know they are yellow, pink, black, and white. So if you want to play along all you have to do is link your card on her blog. For those of you who like to post on Splitcoast Stampers, be sure to use the keyword TCPTUES01 so that we can find your pieces! Then Alma will take all the week's submissions and showcase them on her blog and pick a winner aka Swanky Stamper. She will also be giving away PRIZES!! Check out her blog for all the details.

PS The Cat's Pajamas stamps are not required but are preferred wherever possible.