Sunflower Studio

TCP HOLIDAY HOP!

I'm so excited that we can finally reveal the new release sets from THE CAT'S PAJAMAS!  Alma way outdid herself this month with four brand new Clearly Swanky stamp sets and an alphabet to boot!  The TCP design team, along with a couple of special guests will be featuring cards and projects made with the new sets in today's HOLIDAY HOP. 

Hopefully you're coming here from AMY'S BLOG.  If not, you really should go back and start at the beginning...SUSAN'S BLOG.  It's also TCP Tuesday and it's a stamp challenge....any December holiday image.  Of course, we'd prefer that you used Cat's PJs stamps, but the topic for this one is really wide open.  That SWANKY STAMPER title and the CAT'S CASH that goes along with it is up for grabs once again.  Why don't you join in?!

All of the cards that I'm showing here feature stamps from the MAKE MERRY set (N-9676).  I was gonna say that it's my fave set this time around but, then again, I really love all of the new sets...YOU WILL TOO.

This penguin with his Appletini, I think, sort of reminds me of Scrooge at the end of the movie when all is happy again.  I think it's the hat.  I used one of the Nestabilities Labels dies to cut out the penguin layer.  I then stamped and masked the main image and airbrushed color around him for the background.  I've been working on "aging" the images by spraying a little E44-Clay around the edges.  The delish patterned papers here are from the Making Memories Mistletoe line.  Giant striped ribbon from SU!, TCP buttons, and some PTI button twine finish it off.

Happy New Year from Sprinkle!  This was my favorite card from the new release.  I really like the black and cream color scheme with some Kraft thrown in.  I think it's really "now".  I also tried out the "letterpress" tyep technique with a Spellbinders Impressibilities die.  I inked up that circle background die and then ran it through the machine to emboss and press the ink into the paper at the same time.  It's not visible in the photo but it does have some fun texture.  I added the little scalloped edge with the Fiskars Apron Lace punch.  What's really amazing about this card?  NO COLORING!  Can't remember that last time that happened for me.

 

One more....this one makes me think of Bond, James Bond.  He likes his fun green drinks shaken - not stirred - ha ha.  On this one I added some "salt" around the rims of the glasses using great new fine white GLITZY glitter that is also on this new release.  AND, I added a sticky strip of tape above the stamped images and used the sparkly silver shard GLITZY glitter.  It's really sooo great in real life.  The patterned papers used here are in the Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy collection.  Buttons are from TCP.  Ribbon and button twine from PTI.

Alrighty...now you should hop on over to TRACY FALCO's blog for more holiday goodness!

TCP TUESDAY - Sketch Challenge

Ready for another sketch?  It's TCP Tuesday and this week we're working with the sketch shown here. {click on it for a larger view}  It's inspired by a card created by TONI ARMSTRONG for her new release samples for THE CAT'S PAJAMAS.  {Not sure whether she'll share it with you now or wait til the release...hmmm.}  I so can not wait for the world to see all of Alma's new sets.  They're unbelievably cute and oh-so Cat's PJs.  You'll love 'em!

My card features stamps from the new GIVE A LITTLE Clearly Swanky Stamp set.  When can you order this baby?  Weeeellllll, we'll be having a little holiday hop next Tuesday, as a matter of fact.  And all of the new sets will be available for ordering then...that's Tuesday, November 10th - just so you don't have to run and look at your calendar!  The hop starts at SUSAN'S BLOG...be there or be uninformed...uninspired...uh, un-enabled to buy new stuff?  JUST BE THERE!

For now, grab your Cat's Pajamas stamps and get to work on a card using the sketch.  Make sure that you're adding your card directly to the GUESTBOOK on Alma's blog so that you'll be included in this month's Swanky Stamper contest.

TCP TUESDAY #82 AND A LITTLE PEEK AT SOMETHING NEW...

Here's my card for this week's TCP Tuesday.  JOANNE came up with this fun color combo...it's FROSTY, right?!  {I think that means "cool" these days...at least in the teen books I've been reading lately - along the same lines as Twilight and such, ya know.}  And as a little treat, here's a little peek at perfectly FROSTY new images coming soon for the holidays from THE CAT'S PAJAMAS.  The skating penguins and sentiment are from the upcoming PENGUIN CHRISTMAS set.

Remember that you need to add your card directly to the GUESTBOOK on Alma's blog to be entered into the SWANKY STAMPER monthly contest.  And some of the other DT gals are giving peeks at some images from other upcoming sets too....the list is on the left for your easy clicking convenience!

Supplies:  Stamps - Penguin Christmas Clearly Swanky Stamp Set;  CS - Sky Blue, Teal, Black, and Vanilla from SU!, PTI White, patterned paper by BoBunny;   Ink - Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Onyx Black Versafine;  Other - Copic Markers, Fiskars edge punch, PTI button twine, Paper Source ribbon, Memory Box rhinestone snowflakes, American Crafts buttons, TCP Glitzy Glitter, Xyron

TCP NEW RELEASE BLOG HOP & TCP TUESDAY

Ready for some Turkey Day?! I love me some turkey...and all of the stuff that goes along with it!  So, why not start thinking about Thanksgiving stamping, shall we?  Just in time for the stuffin-ist holiday all year, Alma has delivered the brand new GOBBLE IT UP Clearly Swanky Stamp Set.  To celebrate, we're having a new release BLOG HOP!  If you've come here from TONI's blog then you already know the deets...leave a little comment here and then head on to JENNY GROPP'S blog as the next stop. A random winner from those who comment on each blog in the hop will be chosen to win both the GOBBLE IT UP set and a wonderful new alphabet set, called BABYDOLL, as well.  It's a win-win, Turkey!

In addition to the hop, it's TCP Tuesday #81 and this week we're in for an inspiration challenge.  TONI is the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess and she's picked this fabu photo from Pottery Barn.  Don't ya just love fall leaves and treats?  I'm always in awe of these colors in nature.

How does the photo inspire you?  Grab your CAT'S PAJAMAS stamps and show us your inspired artwork.  Remember that you now have to add the photo of your card right into the guestbook for the week at ALMA'S BLOG.  While we love your comments on our blogs each time, if you don't add the photo to the guestbook your creation will not be included in the SWANKY STAMPER contest...and we don't want THAT to happen!

I created a set of place cards featuring both of the new sets as my first project.  These gorgeous metallic patterned papers are from the Indian Summer Stack by DCWV and I combined the dp with copper metallic paper and cording from SU!  I used the Copic airbrush to add some color to the die cut circle layers and added leaves from Prima.  I'm a big proponent of the Xacto knife so I stamped the names, embossed them with black EP, and then carefully cut around the letters.  The penguins are ready to serve up some yummy goodness!

Don't forget...it's over to JENNY'S BLOG - ONE KRAFTY KAT from here!

TCP TUESDAY #80 - Supply Challenge

The gang at THE CAT'S PAJAMAS is trying something new!  Alma's added all of these fun embellishments to her product list.  It's all so fun to use!  So, along with various featured products we'll be showcasing some techniques for you to try.  AMY ROHL will be our HIPSTER HOSTESS with the MOSTESS for these challenges.

First up...BUTTONS!  The Cat's Pajamas has three fun button sets available now...GREAT OUTDOORS, CANDY SPRINKLES, and HOCUS POCUS.  Here, I used little turquoise buttons from my CANDY SPRINKLES pack as bubbles tickling the whale's belly.  Shame on Sprinkle Mermaid for teasing him!  hee hee

Get your TCP stamps and your buttons together and post your card in the GUEST BOOK on ALMA'S BLOG to be entered in this month's SWANKY STAMPER contest.  Please use keyword TCPTUES80 if you're uploading to SCP or PCP.

Supplies:  Stamps - BY THE SEA Clearly Swanky Stamp set (whale & Sprinkle), FUN IN THE SUN Clearly Swanky set (bubbles).  Tiny letter stamps from JustRite, CS - Cool Carribean and Chocolate Chip from SU!, green textured by Coredinations, PTI White, Ink - Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, Onyx Black Versafine, Other - Copic Markers and airbrush, CANDY SPRINKLES buttons from TCP (turquoise), large button from Creative Imaginations, pattern tracing wheel, ribbon from JoAnn's, Scrapper's Floss by Karen Foster, large circle punch

TCP TUESDAY #79 - Sketch Challenge

Ready for a little sneak peek at some new stamps from THE CAT'S PAJAMAS?!  We've been seeing lots of stamped Halloween treats lately...how about something tasty for Thanksgiving!  Alma's done it again and an adorable new image set {plus a new alphabet} will be available next week, October 13th...AND there will be a blog hop to show it all off!  Stay tuned for more details on that...

For now, it's TCP Tuesday and time for another sketch challenge.  Grab your Cat's PJs stamps and get to work on a card using the sketch at left.  As usual, all challenge entries will go into the monthly SWANKY STAMPER contest.  That means $25 in Cat's Cash to spend on new stamps at THE CAT'S PAJAMAS.  Make sure to go to ALMA'S BLOG and link your card - which really means "upload your card" - to her GUEST BOOK.  Please use keyword TCPTUES79 when posting to SCS or PCP.

My card uses one of the TCP penguins getting ready to dig in to a Turkey Day feast.  The set is called GOBBLE IT UP.  I used some of my brand new Earth Love patterned paper by Cosmo Cricket...talk about yummy...it's almost too D-lish to actually use.  I gave the gamsol and pencils another try...definitely not my most competent coloring medium.  The big wide brown ribbon is from SU! and the buttons are from the GREAT OUTDOORS button pack, also from The Cat's Pajamas.

TCP HAUNTED HOP & TCP TUESDAY TOO!

Trickity Treat

and Spookity Spook

So glad you've stopped by to take a look

Creepity Crawly

and Goopity Glop
It's time for the TCP Halloween Hop!

That's right...we've got a double whammy for ya this week...a two parter fun for all so make sure that you read all the way through...

TCP TUESDAY STAMP CHALLENGE

SUSAN is this week's Hipster Hostess with the Mostess and she's chosen to highlight the FRIGHT NIGHT Clearly Swanky Stamp set.  It's a stamp challenge so if you've got the set you should get to work and create something eerily creative to share with us.  Susan's got all of the details on her blog but we do have a small change starting with this challenge.  Instead of linking to your creation at the end of Susan's blog you should go directly to ALMA'S BLOG and add your card to her GUESTBOOK.  Of course, your participation in the challenge makes you eligible for the title of this month's SWANKY STAMPER and all of the fun stuff that goes along with that!

THE HAUNTED HOP

In addition to TCP Tuesday, we've got a quick HAUNTED HOP with prizes at the end.  Visit each of the blogs on the hop and leave a comment to be included in a random prize drawing for the October KITTY KAT PACK.  That would be the FRIGHT NIGHT stamp set PLUS the brand new HOCUS POCUS BUTTONS and HOCUS POCUS GLITZY GLITTER SET.  All of the Cat's Pajamas gals - and many of our past Swanky Stamper winners - are participating so there'll be lots of spooky inspiration for you.  If you've come here from JULIE'S BLOG, make sure that you start at SUSAN'S BLOG.  After me, you'll go right to the last stop at ALMA'S BLOG.

TCP TUESDAY #77 - Color Challenge

TCP Thursday, right?  Oh, no?!  Well...it's just me...late again!  This week JOANNE is the Hipster Hostess with the very Mostess.  She's combined black, melon pink, and pumpkin.  What a great combo!

I've been down in the stamping dumps lately so I was thrilled and inspired by this card on Amy Rohl's blog.  The layout is from Julee Tilman's MOJO MONDAY sketch  #105.  I couldn't get past the big ole scallops...I'm a sucker for scallops for sure.

I love this little witch too so I've been using her a bit lately.  HEY, did I mention the HAUNTED HOP?  Make sure that you join in next Tuesday, September 29th, for both a very spooky Haunted Hop AND TCP Tuesday.  There will be prizes AND I have it on good authority that some very special guests will be joining us...hmmmm!

Anyway, the witch and "Witchful Thinking" sentiment are included in the FRIGHT NIGHT Clearly Swanky stamp set from THE CAT'S PAJAMAS.  I had to do some digging in the paper piles to come up with dp that suited the color scheme.  The black houndstooth is by DCWV, the pink scallops are using dp from Stampin' Up!, and the orange floral is in the Girl Friday collection by Cosmo Cricket.  It's fun to mix 'em all up once in a while.  Lots of layers with a gobs of foam tape and some PTI buttons finish it off.

Hopefully I've inspired you to get your TCP stamps together and join us this week.  Remember the challenge details?  Just in case, here they are again:

1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night 12:00pm est to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project on JOANNE'S BLOG.
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 or PCP, please use the keyword TCPTUES77 for this challenge.
8. Alma will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. 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.

TCP TUESDAY #75 - Sketch Challenge

Hey There!  I'm filling in this week with the sketch challenge while Carole takes a little break.  I based this one on one of the cards that I posted last week.  It's an easy one...pretty straight forward.  I hope that lots of you will play along this week...

My card uses the MUMMY SPRINKLE (D-6330) and TRICK OR TREAT (C-5265) stamps from THE CAT'S PAJAMAS.  I stamped Mummy Sprinkle on Kraft cardstock and then painted her with Tsukineko Frost White All-Purpose Ink and a small paint brush.  The ink is more opaque and shimmery too.  I also used one of my new Spellbinders Impressabilities embossing templates - this one's called Circles.  I embossed a piece of Coredinations cardstock so that I could then sand it lightly and have the inner core color show through.  These are definitely interesting but I'll need to play with them a bit more.  My patterned paper here is Haunted from Cosmo Cricket and the ribbon and scalloped velvet trim is also from Cosmo.  I added a few little buttons at the bottom to finish it off.

Ready to stamp along?!  Grab your CAT'S PAJAMAS stamps and create a card using the sketch.  It doesn't have to be Halloween...any theme will do.  Post a link to your card here at the bottom of this post by midnight on Saturday, September 12th.  Use keyword TCPTUES75 if you're uploading to Splitcoast or PCP.  As usual, all entries will be featured in next week's Holey Moley Monday slide show on Alma's blog and you'll be entered into this month's Swanky Stamper contest!

TCP TUESDAY #73 - Color Challenge

Get out your colors...this week I'm the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess for the CAT'S PAJAMAS color challenge!  I love this color combo...CHOCOLATE, SKY BLUE, and KIWI.  This is one of my absolute fave combinations....deee-lish!  I really hope you'll play along.  The Holey Moley Monday Slideshow always looks sooo great when the cards are all in the same colors.

I dug out this great patterned paper from American Crafts...I used it on another TCP card with the little indian penguin a while back.  It must have stuck in my brain and popped out again last week when I was putting the color challenge together.  It does make a fun background! 

Penguin and his fun floatie from the BY THE SEA set really "make a splash" in a sea of scallops.  I added some Crystal Effects to the floatie to make it shiny-plastic-like.  The buttons and twine are from PTI and the big wide brown ribbon is from SU!

 

So, get out your TCP stamps and work up something Choco-sky-kiwi colored!  Add a link to your creation here at the end of THIS blog post by midnight eastern on Saturday, August 29th.  All color challenge cards go into the monthly SWANKY STAMPER contest for $25 in CAT'S CASH!  Please used keyword TCPTUES73 when posting to Splitcoast or PCP so that we can all see your colorful card/project.

Oooh...don't forget that the BY THE SEA set is part of this month's KITTY KAT PACK special...great low price for all three new sets!