Verve Spotlight: Hoppy Easter

The Verve Divas are joining up today for a surprise new stamp set release, available right now in the Verve store. The new set, just in time for your Easter projects, is called Hoppy Easter. If you love Verve's adorable animal images, you're going to find the star of this set -- a sweet, floppy-eared bunny -- just as charming as can be. 


For more looks at this darling set, visit my fellow Divas. As always, we'll be giving away today's set to one random commenter. Here's the hop list:


Amber Hight

Tosh Leyendekker

Andrea Ewen 

Maureen Plut 

Janelle Stollfus 

Charmaine Ikach 

Amy Sheffer

Teresa Kline

My card was designed with sweet Miss Caroline Howdy Doody papers by My Mind's Eye. The bunny is layered onto a tag that I die-cut with Verve's Sweet Scallop Die. I embellished with some grass and clouds (both TCP dies), a layered border along the bottom, machine stitching, and distressing. The sentiment "Easter Wishes" is stamped in light blue ink onto the larger cloud.

The layout is this month's Sketch For You To Try. Have you played along yet? The clock is ticking on March, but you do still have time to play if you haven't already. For participation details and to link up your entry, go to Jen del Muro's March 2012 SFYTT blog post.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope you've had a good week. Hello weekend!!

Must Have More Sugar - TCPTues203 + DS45

I wasn't kidding yesterday about Draw Something putting a dent in my creative output lately! To catch up, I'm combining this week's TCPTuesday challenge with this week's Deconstructed Sketch. The "Must Have More Sugar" sentiment in the Sugar, Sugar set by The Cat's Pajamas makes me giggle. I can relate - especially if there's chocolate involved! I stamped in Memento on Neenah white and colored with Copics. The wispy grass was added at the end with Prismacolor pencils. Papers are all My Mind's Eye, but from three different collections. The orange Divine Twine is available at The Cat's Pajamas. The pinked mat around the image was hand-cut with pinking shears. The Kraft mat is a Spellbinders Lacey Circles Nestabilities die.

Lori, our hostess this week, has come up with a great color combo for us to play with:

TCP Tuesday Challenge Details:
1. Each Tuesday we will give you a challenge.
2. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.

3. Add your entry to the Inlinkz Gallery or upload to the SCS Gallery, using the keyword TCPTUES203 for this week's challenge.

4. TCP stamps are not required for this challenge, but highly encouraged.
5. There will be one randomly chosen weekly winner, announced on Tuesdays who will win a Gift Voucher for use on The Cat's Pajamas website.
6. There will be one winner, The Swanky Stamper, announced the 1st of each month. The Swanky Stamper will win several sets from an upcoming release and get to play along with us at our Pajama Party and Blog Hop.
7. The winner has one week from the day the winner is posted to contact me for his/her voucher code.

And here is Deconstructed Sketch #45:

I'm just loving my guest designer gig with Jen Shults and the rest of the talented girls in that bunch!  Here they are, the Deconstructed Sketch Girls, with their takes on DS45:

Amber Hight

Arielle Gordon

Donna Wardle

Jen Shults

Jessica Diedrich

Kadie Ensley

Lori Boyd

Pam Varnell

Sheri Gilson

To play along, link up your creation, based on the above sketch, HERE.

Happy Thursday!

Seahorse Bay

Thought I'd share the projects I did recently as guest blogger for JustRite, beginning with this one. I just love the label image from JustRite's Sea Shell Bay Labels Twenty Two set. I stamped in black and colored with Copics. In the background, on that khaki panel, I've also stamped the Vintage Map Collage Background Stamp. Beachy elements include burlap, some interesting netting that I found at the CHA Supershow a few years ago, rope, and the weathered wood designer paper along the bottom.

On a different note, I used to think I was a slow crafter, but lately, I've given a whole new meaning to the word "slow," because now while I'm crafting, I have to stop every few minutes and Draw Something! I'm SO addicted! Anyone else? Find me via Facebook or under username PickleTree :) (Two separate accounts = twice the fun = 3/4 less creative output {wink}.)

Thanks for stopping by!

Project Recipe:

JustRite Stamps: Sea Shell Bay Labels Twenty Two , Vintage Map Collage Background Stamp

Dies: Spellbinders Labels Twenty Two

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ranger Frayed Burlap and Walnut Stain Distress Inks, Copic Markers BG000, BG10, BG72, YR30, E00, E11, E95, E99, E41, E42, E43, W00, W1, T3, T5

Paper: Papertrey Vintage Cream and Soft Stone card stock, My Mind's Eye On the Bright Side Two, My Mind's Eye Dilly Dally

Embellishments: May Arts crochet ribbon, Stampin' Up rope and jumbo eyelets, burlap, net (source unknown), distressing tool, sewing machine, foam adhesive squares, ivory acrylic paint

Scrapkit Studio: Live Love Laugh Mini-Album

Hey there friends, I've got a treat for you today! Well, it was a treat for me, anyway, so hopefully you'll like it, too. Recently, I was invited by Melinda Wharton at Scrapkit Studio to play with one of her mini-album kits, and today, I've got the completed album to share and a video. Yes, a video -- my first!

I didn't plan on doing a video, but as I was sifting through all the fabulous bits and pieces that came in the kit, I was so impressed with the organization and preparation that I just kept thinking how much I wished all of you could just see it/touch it/sort it, too. A video seemed like the next best thing to having you right here with me. The first half of the video is a brief walk-through of the kit contents and the second half is a walk-through of the completed album. Naturally, I don't like how my voice sounds and wish I'd have had a manicure beforehand and all that silly stuff, plus I edited out some wordiness and repetition, which makes for some jerky transitions, but I hope you'll enjoy anyway! (And now that I've got the whole video thing {sort-of} figured out, let me know what else you might like to see!

The mini-album kit I worked with is called Live Laugh Love, and is available from Scrapkit Studio. New kits are introduced monthly (can't wait to see future kits!). I added only a few things to the kit: a handful of additional buttons (some are in the kit already), May Arts natural burlap string, distressed edges, ink distressing, and machine stitching. Otherwise, all the elements you see are included in the kit. The papers that cover the chipboard album pages and other chipboard elements are all pre-cut exactly to size. There are also loads of other elements pre-cut as well (scalloped borders, lacy borders, banners, notched pennants/flags, etc.) All buttons, ribbons, felt, etc., is provided as well. Truly, the only things you need to add are some adhesives and a pair of scissors.

A complete, and highly detailed instruction sheet is provided with each kit. The level of detail is perfect for beginners. If you're a seasoned paper-crafter, you may not need the instructions and/or you may wish to rearrange and kind of go your own way with the kit contents. I did a little bit of both: some of the pages are per the instructions almost exactly; on others, I rearranged and borrowed/lended between pages to come up with my own layouts and such.

First, I'll share the video, and then photos of each page. Enjoy!

Or, watch this on YouTube

Front Cover: felt "love" letters, chipboard oval and oversize fishtail banner, small layered designer paper fishtail banner, buttons, twine, die-cut heart and butterfly, Martha Stewart paper doily

  

Page 1: chipboard frame, mini clothespin, wood buttons, paper doily, orange grosgrain ribbon. Ink distressing done with Ranger Vintage Photo Distress Ink.

Page 2: die-cut paper frame, lacy heart, solid heart, wood button, heart button/badge Added some machine stitching, distressing and ink distressing

Page 3: felt flower topped with paper flower, button, and baker's twine. Handmade mini flag.

Page 4: chipboard label with letter stickers, another handmade mini flag, and a die-cut heart. Left-hand border is red crochet trim layered with a die-cut lacy paper strip.

Page 5: button/twine with paper flags, letter stickers, die-cut bunting with buttons, die-cut lacy edge on ivory panel

Page 6: pocket with removable insert embellished with banner and scallop border die-cuts, a paper doily, buttons, and another heart button/badge. I plan to use this page for a letter to my children.

Page 7: die-cut banner strips topped with buttons and twill bow. Dangling felt and paper hearts strung with red baker's twine. Oval scalloped die-cut with letter stickers.

Page 8: Two oversize fishtail banner pieces, loopy paper die-cut border, wide striped ribbon for a rolled flower (link to video tutorial included in kit instructions)

Page 9: chipboard keys, die-cut heart, button and twine, twill bow with stick pin, sentiment read "the keys to a happy life include"

Page 10: layered chipboard label pieces, letter stickers, die-cut borders, paper hearts, lace and button with twine, printed sentiment reads "and friends"

I'm just thrilled with this album! I haven't done a mini-album in so long, and this came together so, so quickly thanks to the kit. Do check out Scrapkit Studio, where you'll find this and many other mini-album kits.

Have a fantastic day!

Spring Is In the Air

I have no idea what happened to the original post, but I stumbled on it today (5/16/12) and saw that it was completely empty!

So I'm adding back the card ...

and a close-up...

and it was for a Deconstructed Sketch challenge...

And a TCP challenge to incorporate grass.


~Amy~

JustRite Guest Blogger - Day 3

Today is my third and final day as guest blogger over at the JustRite Inspirations blog. Here's a peek at my personal favorite of the three projects.

Hope you'll visit me over there today!

JustRite Guest Blogger, Day #2

I'm guest blogging over on the JustRite Inspirations blog again today. Here's a little peek:

Head over there to find out what I do when I get frazzled ;) (Confession ... maybe only the second part. I'm not good at all with the first part!) Curious? See you there!

Guest Blogging for JustRite

I have the honor of guest blogging over at the JustRite Inspiration blog today, tomorrow, and Wednesday. I used to have lots of opportunities to work with JustRite back when Stamper's Dream was open, and have missed them quite a bit. Thank you, Kellie, for the invitation! The new (and huge) CHA release is incredible -- lots of sets that coordinate with Spellbinders labels dies, two new JustRite custom Spellbinders die sets, and some really fantastic background stamps. I can't wait to share what I've put together for the week. Hope you'll visit me there!

 

Deconstructed Sketch #43

Lots of "pretty" today ... lace, satin ribbon, rhinestones, pearl stick pins, paper flowers. The trendy yellow and grey papers are from the Teresa Collins Carolina Breeze collection (6x6 pad). The Zephaniah 3:17 stamp is by Verve. And pulling it all together is this week's fabulous Deconstructed Sketch #43.

I love Jen's sketches -- lots of layers and so easy to work with. For more sketch inspiration, visit the Deconstructed Sketch girls: 

Amber Hight

Arielle Gordon

Donna Wardle

Jen Shults

Jessica Diedrich

Kadie Ensley

Lori Boyd

Pam Varnell

Sheri Gilson

Link up your sketch creation HERE.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Zephaniah 3:17 (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Neenah Classic Crest Solar White card stock, Stampin' Up Barely Banana card stock, Teresa Collins Carolina Breeze 6x6 collection
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black, Ranger Pumice Stone Distress Ink
Accessories: Zva paper flowers, Offray satin ribbon, Webster's Pages lace, Recollections rhinestone flourish, Maya Road stick pins, Stampin' Up gray corduroy button and brad, corner rounder, sewing machine, dimensional foam squares
Size: 5 1/2" square

Have a Beary Happy St. Paddy's Day

Hey there, friends, I've actually got my TCP Tuesday card ready on a Tuesday for once! Check out this awesome inspiration collection Jen put together for this week's challenge, TCPTues201:

I picked up on the green and blue combo and decided to put together a St. Patrick's Day card featuring A Beary Good Year. Just for fun and to go along with the inspiration photos, I adorned PJ with a little chevron paper piecing and a bow-tie. A dapper fella, no?

1. Each Tuesday we will give you a challenge.

2. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.

3. Add your entry to the Inlinkz Gallery on Alma's blog -OR- upload to the SCS Gallery, using keyword TCPTUES201 for this week's challenge.

4. TCP stamps are not required for this challenge, but highly encouraged.

5. There will be one randomly chosen weekly winner, announced on Tuesdays who will win a Gift Voucher for use on The Cat's Pajamas website.

6. There will be one winner, The Swanky Stamper, announced the 1st of each month, who will win several sets from an upcoming release and get to play along with us at our Pajama Party and Blog Hop.

7. The winner has one week from the day the winner is posted to contact Alma for his/her voucher code.

I also used Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch #154 for my layout:

Hope you're having a great week!



Stamps: A Beary Good Year (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Papertrey Dark Chocolate, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, October Afternoon Sidewalks, Echo  Park This & That Charming 6x6, Crate Paper Random
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamagic Aqua Splash, Ranger Antique Linen and Brushed Corduroy Distress Inks
Accessories: Copic markers, Spellbinders Labels Sixteen Nestabilities and Tags Trio, The Cat's Pajamas linen thread, Papertrey buttons, May Arts wide striped ribbon, pom--pom trim (Maya Road?), sewing machine, distressing tool, foam adhesive
Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

Speak the Truth - SFYTT

I put today's card together using Verve's Words of Wisdom set and this month's Sketch For You To Try. The papers are from the Simple Stories Fabulous 6x6 collection. Lots of dies ... Verve's Loopy Blooms for the blue gingham flowers, Verve's Tagged Rectangle for the sentiment tag, a Papertrey die for the vertical open circles strip, and the Cat's Pajamas Big Scallop Border for the blue gingham border along the bottom. I added some stitching, distressing, and crochet trim to go along with the vintage feel of the lovely paper collection.

Here's the March sketch again, sponsored by The Craft's Meow:

A handful of the SFYTT Sisters are also posting sketch inspiration today. Check 'em out:

Amber

Becky

Iwona

Megan

Don't forget, every Saturday, Jen will have links to more sketch inspiration. When you're ready to play, link up your creation HERE.

Have a great weekend!

Stamps: Words of Wisdom (Verve Stamps)
Paper: Papertrey Dark Chocolate, Kraft, and Vintage Cream, Simple Stories Fab{U}lous 6x6 collection
Ink: Ranger Walnut Stain, Brushed Corduroy, and Antique Linen Distress Inks
Accessories: Verve Tagged Rectangle Die and Loopy Blooms Die Set, Papertrey buttons, foam adhesive, sewing machine, distressing tool, May Arts ivory burlap string, Papertrey die, The Cat's Pajamas Big Scallop CutUps die, crochet trim, Stampin' Up pewter jumbo eyelet
Size: 4 1/4" x 5 1/2"

TCP Tuesday #200 + Giveaways!

This week, The Cat's Pajamas is hosting challenge #200!! And we're celebrating in true Cat's Pajamas fashion, with a FREE Giveaway.

Since our 200th TCP Challenge is a sketch challenge, we are giving away a fancy Cat's Pajamas Sketch Book featuring virtually every sketch challenge in TCP history! It's a great reference to get those creative juices flowing. Page after page of sketchy goodness!

Just go here and download your copy for FREE.

 

But that's not all!

Comment on any of The Cat Packers blog posts that feature our 200th TCP Tuesday Sketch Challenge by Tuesday, March 13 and you could WIN our complete NEW release. How's that?!!

The more times you comment, the better. Alma will announce the winner on her blog on Wednesday, March 14.

Here's Leigh's awesome sketch:

And  here's what I came up with:

I used the adorable Go Bananas set and some papers from Echo Park's This & That Charming collection. I went with kind of a window look, with six squares cut out of the woodgrain panel. The plaid border at the bottom is die-cut with TCP's Big Scalllop border CutUps die.

Remember to comment on the CatPack's sketch posts for your chance to win the upcoming release in full -- stamps and dies!

Amy Rohl

Jen del Muro

Jenny Peterson

Julie Masse

Leigh O'Brien

Lori Tecler

Nancy Thomas

Susan Liles

Visit Alma for challenge more challenge info and to link up your challenge creation.

Have a super fabulous awesome day, friends!