Spring is in the Air

 

 

Happy Tuesday, Friends!  I hope that you are well.  We are under a blanket of SNOW in this part of New England.  Since the new year began, we have missed five days of school.  In fact, last Friday, we were going to start school two hours late.  Just as we were about to head out the door, we received a telephone call that the buses would not start and school would be cancelled...ugh!  Everything is so pretty with the snow though.  We went to Old Sturbridge Village on Sunday to walk around and go sledding.  It was so much fun!  A great way to spend a winter's day.  Even though we are as the saying goes, "Spring is in the air" and Kelli Jo is the hostess for this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge called Spring Time.  If you play along and upload your creation over on The Cat's Pajamas Blog, you will have a chance to win $10 in Cat Cash and you will also have a chance to be this month's Swanky Stamper of the Month.  You can find all of the details HERE.

 

 

My card is playing double duty today.  Splitcoaststampers is celebrating their Member Companies during their annual Love Fest.  Today is the day to celebrate...THE CAT'S PAJAMAS!!!  Your challenge is to use the photograph above as inspiration to create a project.  It goes perfectly with Kelli's Spring Time challenge too.  This is what I came up with.

 

 

I was really inspired by the colors in the photographs and I was able to keep with the birdhouse and springtime theme.  The papers are from Simple Stories (pink) and My Mind's Eye (green stripe).  I used the TCP Apron Border CutUps because the loops reminded me of the intricate iron work on the gate.  I also used the Framed Up CutUps and the Home Tweet Home CutUps.  The tree branch (colored up with Copic Markers E23 and YG 25) is from the TCP The Tweetest Things set and the sentiment is from the Field of Pinwheels set.  I added a teeny piece of Black Licorice Divine Twine to finish this springtime creation off. 

 

Here are all of the details about the SCS LOVE FEST for you.  I hope that you have lots of fun creating!  Good Luck!

 

 THE CAT'S PAJAMAS LOVEFEST CHALLENGE : We have put together 3 photos for you to use as inspiration for your project (see the photo above). You may be inspired by the color palette, the garden theme, the design elements such as the wrought iron gate, the birdhouses, trees, flowers, by the patterns within the birdhouses, etc. It’s all about what you see in the photos! It is not a requirement to use a TCP stamp or die but if you have them we would love to see them.

There is a $25 gift certificate to The Cat’s Pajamas store up for grabs.

You'll have until Monday, March 3rd at noon Central to share your challenge entries. Upload your creations (they don't have to be cards!) to your Member Gallery and use today's keyword to play along.
We can't wait to see what you do!

  UPLOADING INSTRUCTIONS on SCS:
1. All LOVEFEST entries must be uploaded with the specific challenge keyword, no later than March 3, 2014 at 12:00 Noon Central Time to be eligible for our fabulous prizes! Post a link to your entry in this thread.
2. You may not combine LoveFest challenges, but you are welcome to combine LoveFest cards with any other daily challenges, or create multiple cards for each challenge! Hint: Go check out our TCP Tuesday Challenge!

3. Please remember to put in the correct keyword when uploading your image. Copying and pasting the challenge keyword is recommended to avoid typos. 

Thanks so much for visiting with me today!  Stay warm and enjoy the snow if you have any!  Until next time...Toodles!  :D

It's TCP Tuesday...Happy Birthday, Lisa!

 

Happy Tuesday, Friends!  It is time for another TCP Tuesday Challenge and this time around, Lisa is our wonderful hostess!  She is celebrating her birthday this week, so our challenge is to create something that has an image of a present, candle, or cake.  If you play along and upload your creation over on The Cat's Pajamas Blog, you will have a chance to win $10 in Cat Cash and you will also have a chance to be this month's Swanky Stamper of the Month.  You can find all of the details HERE.  Now, here is my card for this week's challenge.

 

My image and sentiment are from the Bring on the Cake set from The Cat's Pajamas.  A great fit for Lisa challenge.  My long eared friend is colored up with Copic Markers (BG13, C0, C1, C3, R00, R11, R29, R32, R81, R83, R85, Y38 and the Colorless Blender) and then I fussy cut him out.  All of the papers are from the Hazel Collection from My Mind's Eye.  My embellishments include the Buttons CutUps and the Dots CutUps.  To dress up the die cut buttons I used the Linen Button Twine in Ivory from The Cat's Pajamas.

 

I hope that you will be able to play along.  Be sure to stop by and wish Lisa a very Happy Birthday!  Thank you so much for visiting with me today.  Until next time...Toodles!  :D

 



Celebrate...Paper Piecing!!

 

Happy Tuesday and Happy 2014!!!  We have changed things up a little bit over on The Cat's Pajamas Blog.  Our TCP Tuesday Challenges will now be weekly instead of monthly.  That means that you will want to check in each Tuesday to see what the new challenge for the week is.  Our hostess this week is Jessie and her challenge is Paper Piecing!!  Paper piecing is one of my favorite crafting things. I LOVE the different looks that you can achieve with patterned paper.

 

 

My card highlights our long eared bunny.  This one is from the One Cupcake set.  The sentiment is from the same set as well.  I colored up my bunny with Copic Markers (E51, E53, E33, E35, R20, R22, YR30, and YR31).  I paper pieced the cupcake wrapper and then I fussy cut him out.  All of the patterned papers are from the Hootenanny Collection from My Mind's Eye.  I embossed the chocolate circle and I used the oval from the Framed Up CutUps.  Some machine stitching, a button, and some Linen Button Twine complete my card.

 

I hope that you will have a chance to play along with this week's challenge.  If you do, you may be lucky enough to be chosen as the Swanky Stamper of the Month or you may be lucky enough to win $10 in Cat Cash to go shopping!  Be sure to upload your creation to The Cat's Pajamas Blog.  Good luck!  Thanks so much for visiting with me today.  Until next time...Toodles!  :D

It's TCP Tuesday Time!!!

 

Happy Tuesday, Friends!  It is now November and The Cat's Pajamas has a new challenge for you this month.   The challenge is to create a card, and then from whatever is left on your desk, make two more cards.  To play along and have a chance to be next month's Swanky Stamper of the Month, please visit Alma's Blog.  I still had a few packs of patterned paper on my desk from the last release, so I grabbed Big Bear from The Cat's Pajamas and I got to work.  Here is a peek at my first creation.

 

 

I used the new Dots CutUps for my background.  All of the patterned papers on my cards are from the Merry Little Christmas collection from My Mind's Eye.  The only Copic Markers that I needed for all of these cards were C1 and C2.  I added some Cranberry Seam Binding and a button from my stash to finish this one off. 

 

 

This card uses papers from the same collection, a few buttons, and some more seam binding.  This time around I used the sentiment from the Expecting the Big Guy set and I cut it out with the Circus Panels CutUps. 

 

My last card includes more of the same papers and the same sentiment and the Circus Panels CutUps.  This time around I added some buttons, some gems, and a few snowflakes from the Snowflake Lace Paper CutUps.

 

I hope that you'll take some time to join The Cat Pack and try this challenge.  Once I got started, I was quite surprised by the fact that I could make three cards in about the same time that it usually takes me to make just one!!  With everything out and ready to go, as my Firsties at school would say...It was easy peasy!  Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit!  Until next time...Toodles!  :D



I Believe I Have Another Sneaky Peek!

Happy Sunday, Friends! I hope that you are ready for another sneak peek from The Cat's Pajamas soon to be released stamp sets and dies!  Our penguin friend is back this time around.

  The main image, the snowflakes, and the stamped sentiment are from the Believe set.  I colored him up with a few Copic Markers (BG000, B24, B93, E23, E29, E42, R29, R59, Y21, Y26, YG63, YG67, YR16, and YR18) and I added lots of glitter and gems for some sparkle.  The patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye and I added some machine stitching.  The word topper is part of the soon to be released Celebration Topper CutUps.  The word "Holiday" and "Celebrate" come in this set.  

 

 

Here is a peek at the whole set.

 

 

And, here is a peek at the Celebration Toppers.

 

 

You won't want to miss any of the TCP fun!!  Here are the details for everything that will be going on until the release:

 

1. All the new stamps and dies will be released on Tuesday, October 29th.
 

2. If you're IN IT TO WIN IT, visit the TCP Forum at Splitcoastampers to comment and chat on the IN IT TO WIN IT thread every day for an opportunity to score some new TCP goodies.
 

 

3. Save the date for the Pajama Party on Monday, October 28 from 8-10pm eastern time.
         

             

 

Thank you so much for visiting with me today!  Be sure to check in with the other Cat Packers.  They have lots to share too!  You can find their links on Alma's Blog.  I'll see you at the Pajama Party over on Splitcoaststampers on Monday night!  Until then...Toodles!  :D

Long Eared Bunny Sneaky Peek!!!

Happy Thursday, Friends! I hope that you are ready for another sneak peek from The Cat's Pajamas soon to be released stamp sets and dies!  The main character this time around is everyone's favorite long eared bunny.

  Are you ready for some football?  He sure is!  The main image and sentiment are from the Go! Fight! Win! set.  I colored him up with quite a few Copic Markers (B000, C1, C2, E13, E15, E000, E57, E59, G20, G21, G24, R20, R22, R24, R37, R39, Y21, and Y26) to get the shading that I was going for.  The patterned paper is from My Mind's Eye.  That wonderful dotted back ground is from the soon to be released Dots CutUps.  I kept things on the simpler side with just a sentiment flag, some machine stitching, and a few brads.  I hope that you have had a chance to check out the BRAND NEW WEBSITE for The Cat's Pajamas!  If you haven't, the link is right  HERE.

 

 

Here is a peek at the whole set.

 

 

You won't want to miss any of the TCP fun!!  Here are the details for everything that will be going on this week:

 

1. All the new stamps and dies will be released on Tuesday, October 29th.
 

2. If you're IN IT TO WIN IT, visit the TCP Forum at Splitcoastampers to comment and chat on the IN IT TO WIN IT thread every day for an opportunity to score some new TCP goodies.
 

 

3. Save the date for the Pajama Party on Monday, October 28 from 8-10pm eastern time.
         

             

 

Thank you so much for visiting with me today!  Be sure to check in with the other Cat Packers.  They have lots to share too!  You can find their links on Alma's Blog.  I'll be back again on Sunday with another peek for you.  Until then...Toodles!  :D

TCP Sneak Peek!!!

Happy Tuesday, Friends! I hope that you are ready for a brand new release from The Cat's Pajamas!!  Our sneak peeks start today and we have lots to share!  I have combined my sneak peek with this month's TCP Tuesday Challenge.  There is still time to play along in this month's anti embellishment challenge and have a chance to be chosen as Swanky Stamper of the Month.  Good Luck to you!  Be sure to visit Alma's Blog to play along.

 

My card today features the soon to be released set called Peace, Joy and Penguins.  Our penguin friends are just adorable getting into the holiday spirit!  I colored them up with Copic Markers (B000, R46, R59, R81, R83, YG95, YG97, and YR68) and attached that layer to a piece of olive colored card stock.  The patterned paper is from the Merry Little Christmas collection from My Mind's Eye.  Because of the challenge restrictions, I kept my embellishments on light side.  I added some zig zag stitching to the main panel.  The sentiment is also part of the new set and I used the oval from the Circus Panels CutUps Dies to cut it out.  The snowflake was made with the Snowflake CutUps Die and instead of adding a real button, I used a paper one that I made with Buttons CutUps Dies.  Now when you click on the links for these items, you will notice that The Cat's Pajamas has a BRAND NEW WEBSITE!  It's amazing!  It's easy to navigate around and there is even a link to Alma's main TCP Blog!  Apparently, there is a bug in the "out of stock" graphic.  Alma is working on the problem.  Please be patient with her.  I'm certain that it will be fixed soon.  Go ahead...take a look around!  The link is HERE.

 

 

Here is a peek at the whole set.

 

Here are the details for everything that will be going on this week:

 

1. All the new stamps and dies will be released on Tuesday, October 29th.
 

2. If you're IN IT TO WIN IT, visit the TCP Forum at Splitcoastampers to comment and chat on the IN IT TO WIN IT thread every day for an opportunity to score some new TCP goodies.
 

 

3. Save the date for the Pajama Party on Monday, October 28 from 8-10pm eastern time.
         

             

 

Thank you so much for visiting with me today!  Be sure to check in with the other Cat Packers.  They have lots to share too.  You can find their links on Alma's Blog.  I'll be back on Thursday with another peek for you.  Until then...Toodles!  :D

TCP Tuesday Challenge!

Happy Tuesday, Friends!  It is the beginning of the month and it is time for a new challenge from The Cat's Pajamas!  For the month of October, Alma has challenged us to make a creation with limited embellishments.  To play along with us, just head on over to Alma's blog for all of the details. 

Here are the details for my creation. I kept things on the simple side and used my pattern papers from My Mind's Eye to pretty things up.  I stamped the penguin trio and the sentiment from the Hello Pumpkin set from The Cat's Pajamas.  I paper pieced the great pumpkin and I used Copic Markers (C9, YG25, YR16, YR18, and YR21) to color up the rest of the parts.  Some black cardstock layers and strips and some machine stitching finish off my card.

I hope that you will have the chance to play along with The Cat Pack.  Don't forget...On the First Monday of the Month a winner will be chosen from the previous challenge participants and crowned Swanky Stamper!!  Good luck!  Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit.  Until next time...Toodles!  :D

Sneaky Peek #5

Welcome to Day Five of Sneak Peeks for the upcoming release from The Cat's Pajamas!  There are seven new stamp sets and three new CutUps dies that will be released on Tuesday, August 27th!!!  The Pajama Party for the new release will be Monday, August 26th from 8-10 pm EST (5-7 pm PST) over at Splitcoaststampers.  Also, if you're IN IT TO WIN IT, visit the TCP Splitcoaststampers forum and leave us some love on the IN IT TO WIN IT thread each day for the chance to win some TCP goodies.  You will want to head on over to Alma's blog to see the list of Cat Packers and Swanky Stampers that will be sharing peeks each day too.

 

Swanky Stamper of the Month, Joyce Casaldi is hosting a fancy, smancy BINGO game for the upcoming new release.  Please head on over to the TCP Forum on Splitcoaststampers to play along.  It's going to be great!  HERE is the link.

 

 

My card is a rather simple design, but I am still thrilled with the way that it turned out.  My Mom has been having health issues all month long.  As soon as we get one thing straightened out, another problem surfaces.  I hope that this card will make her feel a little bit better.  It highlights just a few of the wonderful stamps from the soon to be released set, At Your Service from The Cat's Pajamas.  I colored up the sweet image with Copic Markers (BG000, C2, C3, E21, E23, E25, E27, YR16, YR18, YR20, YR21 and the Colorless Blender) and then I fussy cut her out.  All of the papers are from My Mind's Eye and I used just a few black pearls and some machine stitching for the accents. 

 

My first thought for this set was all of the different tags that you could make with it.  The tags could be attached to presents, or even a container of homemade soup.  It is still quite summery here in New England, and I know that soup is the furthest thing from my Mom's mind right now, so I went with the card.  Here is a peek at the entire set. 

 

I hope that you enjoying all of the sneak peeks.  Have a lovely weekend, and I'll "see" you over at the pajama party on Monday!  Until then...Toodles!  :D



Sneaky Peek #3

Welcome to Day Three of Sneak Peeks for the upcoming release from The Cat's Pajamas!  There are seven new stamp sets and three new CutUps dies that will be released on Tuesday, August 27th!!!  The Pajama Party for the new release will be Monday, August 26th from 8-10 pm EST (5-7 pm PST) over at Splitcoaststampers.  Also, if you're IN IT TO WIN IT, visit the TCP Splitcoaststampers forum and leave us some love on the IN IT TO WIN IT thread each day for the chance to win some TCP goodies.  You will want to head on over to Alma's blog to see the list of Cat Packers and Swanky Stampers that will be sharing peeks each day too.

 

 

I have the pleasure of showcasing the One Cupcake set today.  Our long eared friend is back for this release and he is simply adorable hiding behind that big ole cupcake.  I used Copic Markers (BG13, BG15, BG18, E23, E25, E27, R20, R22, R24, YR16, YR18, YR20, and YR21) to color him up and then I fussy cut him out.  I also used the soon to be released Framed Up CutUps dies.  All of the patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye.  My other accents include the TCP Flower Buttons CutUps, a button from my stash, and some TCP Black Licorice Divine Twine.  I finished up my creation with some machine stitching.

Here is a peek at the whole stamp set and the CutUps dies.

Thank you so much for stopping by for a visit today.  There are just a few days left for us before school starts.  It has been a busy week of trainings and meetings for this new teacher and open house for the new Firsties, but I would want it any other way!   I have one more TCP peek before the new release.  Until next time...Toodles!  :D

The Cat's Pajamas Sneaky Peek - Day Two!!!

Welcome to Day Two of Sneak Peeks for the upcoming release from The Cat's Pajamas!  There are seven new stamp sets and three new CutUps dies that will be released on Tuesday, August 27th!!!  The Pajama Party for the new release will be Monday, August 26th from 8-10 pm EST (5-7 pm PST) over at Splitcoaststampers.  Also, if you're IN IT TO WIN IT, visit the TCP Splitcoaststampers forum and leave us some love on the IN IT TO WIN IT thread each day for the chance to win some TCP goodies.  You will want to head on over to Alma's blog to see the list of Cat Packers and Swanky Stampers that will be sharing peeks each day too.

 

 

Today, I am showcasing the new Sassy Birthday stamp set, and two of the new CutUps sets...Bitty Banners and Framed Up.  All of the patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye.  I used the chalkboard technique for the sentiment.  My other accents include TCP Rose Seam Binding, TCP Peppermint Stick Divine Twine, and a couple buttons from my stash.  I finished up my card with some machine stitching.  Here is a peek at the full stamp set.

 

And here are the full CutUps sets.

 

 

Thank you so much for visiting with me today.  I'll be back tomorrow with another Sneak Peek.  Until then...Toodles!  :D

 

 



Having Fun with Tags!

Happy Tuesday, Friends!  I hope that you are enjoying your summer.  It has certainly been a hot and humid one here in New England!  Next year, I think I need to invest in air conditioning for my stamping room.  It has been unbearable in there...ugh! 

I have a special tag to share with you today for this month's TCP Tuesday Challenge.  (For details of the challenge and to play along, please visit Alma's Blog.)  I found this handy dandy tutorial for an easel type tag awhile back and thought that this would be the perfect time to try it out.    

I started off with PJ Bear from the Peeking set from The Cat's Pajamas.  I just love using this set for birthdays.  PJ is colored up with Copic Markers (E21, E23, E25, and E51) and then I paper pieced his present with some paper scraps from My Mind's Eye and then I fussy cut him out.  To make my easel tag, I used the TCP Luggage Tags CutUps.  I dressed it up with a few buttons from my stash, some TCP Rose Seam Binding, and some TCP Peppermint Divine Twine.

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit with me.  Enjoy the rest of your day!  Until next time...Toodles!  :D 



Together with TCP Tuesday!

 

Happy Tuesday, Friends!!  I hope that you are enjoying your summer.  We are in the middle of another heat wave here in New England!  My little family and I were lucky enough to escape to Disney World for a few days when school got out and it has been hot and humid here ever since we've come home!  As always, it was a magical time!

 

Have you been playing along in this month's TCP Tuesday Challenge?  This time around the challenge is...Tags.  You can either make a tag or add a tag to a project.  Be creative and join us!  You can find all of the details to play along on Alma's Blog.   

 

Today, I added a tag to my creation.  I made the tag using the TCP Toppers CutUps and the TCP Queen of Hearts CutUps.  I also added a few buttons from my stash, some Seam Binding, and a little bit of machine stitching to my tag. 

 

I love this TCP set for anniversary cards.  It is called Ewe Complete Me.  The month of July brings about a few anniversaries for family and friends, including my own wedding anniversary!!!  This fun couple is colored up with Copic Markers (BG72, BG75, C1, C2, C3, Y000, and Y11) and then I fussy cut them out.

 

I used some new papers from My Mind's Eye, and then I added some more machine stitching.  My circle accents are made with brads and the circle cut out from the Pinwheels CutUps. 

 

Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit.  I hope that you'll join the Cat Pack and get crafty with this month's challenge.  Enjoy the rest of your day and stay cool!  Until next time...Toodles!  :D

You Are So Polished!

Happy Monday, Friends!  Hope that you are doing well.  I was lucky enough to squeeze in a little stamping time this weekend.  The daughter of one of my co-workers is celebrating her birthday and she LOVES nail polish.  As soon as I found that out, I knew exactly which stamp to use for her birthday card.  I haven't had the chance to play with the sketch from the My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club in quite awhile, so I started there.  Then I grabbed my Polished to Perfection set from My Favorite Things.  My nail polishing gal is colored up with Copic Markers (BG10, BG11, C0, C1, C5, C7, C9, E000, E00, E01, E23, E25, R20, R27, R59, and Y26) and then I fussy cut her out.  She is layered onto a die cut made with the Die-namics Oval Open Scallop Doily die.  All of the patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye.  The other accents include a button with some TCP Cherry Divine Twine and some wide grosgrain ribbon. 

 

Thanks so much for visiting with me today.  I'll be back tomorrow with my card for this month's TCP Tuesday Challenge.  See you then...Toodles!  :D



Keeping It Simple With The Cat's Pajamas

 

Happy Tuesday, Friends!  I hope that you had a wonderful Memorial Day weekend.  It was on the colder side here in New England, but it was wonderful none the less.  We went to Cape Cod to visit family, and while it was a bit chilly at the beach, it was still lovely.

 

I have a card to share with you for this month's TCP Challenge.  There are still a few days left to join us.  Just head on over to Alma's Blog for all of the details.  This month, she is challenging everyone to keep their creations on the clean and simple side.  I did my best with this card for my nephew.  This is the card for his 13th birthday!  Where has time gone?!?!?  I remember the morning I received the telephone call telling me he was born!  Oh boy, I must be getting old...lol!  This was a big challenge for me...masculine, teenager, and keeping it simple...ugh.

 

 

I started off by using the newly released Small Sayings set from The Cat's Pajamas and the newly released Talk to Me CutUps.  The patterned papers are from My Mind's Eye and I used chocolate and kraft card stock.  I added a few buttons with some Brown Sugar Divine Twine to keep things on the simple side.  There you have it...a clean and simple card for a teenage boy!  Let's hope that he likes it!  Thanks so very much for stopping by for a visit.  Until next time...Toodles!  :D

The Cat's Pajamas Release Day and Blog Hop!!!

Good Morning, Friends! It is Blog Hop Day for the new release from The Cat's Pajamas. All of the new stamps and dies that the Cat Pack has been sharing over the last week are now available!!  Hopefully, you found your way here by Noelle's Blog. If you just happened to stop by, you will want to begin the hop over at Jen's Blog so that you can stop by all of the TCP designers' blogs. I have it on good authority that a Cat Packer or two will have a special prize for a lucky friend, so be sure to leave a comment on each designers' blog and maybe you will be the lucky winner!

 

 

My card for release day is from the new set called, Sock Monkey.  How cute is this little guy!  I colored him up with Copic Markers (C1, C1, C3, R27, R29, and R59) and then I fussy cut him out.  The sentiment is from the same set.  The papers are from My Mind's Eye (woodgrain) and Jillibean Soup (polka dots).  I added some zigzag stitching and then I dressed up the corner with a cluster of buttons that I finished off with some Black Licorice Divine Twine. 

 

Your next stop on The Cat's Pajamas Blog Hop is the very talented, Alma!  Be sure to head on over to her blog and leave a comment for your chance to win a little something from this fabulous release! 

 

Thank so much for visiting with me!  Have a beautiful day and until next time...Toodles!  :D