Mother's Little Helper

Happy September!

Hurray!  My favorite month of the year has arrived!  Back to school, the beginning of autumn, Carter's birthday, my birthday... those are just a few of the reasons I {heart} September.  And since September 1 this year is a Wednesday, it's time for My Favorite Things' Wednesday Stamp Club challenge.  The first challenge of the month is always a sketch challenge, created by Frances and/or Cindy.

I decided it was the perfect opportunity to make a birthday card for my little guy, who will turn 6 on the 6th.

I used the brand-new Pure Innocence - Wyatt the Conductor image -- isn't he adorable?  And oh-so-fitting for my train-loving little dude. 

Carter STILL loves his Thomas trains dearly, and spends hours each day creating new track configurations and making up stories involving Thomas and the other engines.  I thought by now his interest might have waned, but it's still going so strong that in a couple of weeks we're throwing a Thomas-themed party complete with train-shaped bounce house.  Which reminds me: I'd better get going on those invitations.  I have ambitions to make them, but with the date drawing so near...  We'll see.  The cobbler's children have no shoes, and the card maker's kid has store-bought invitations...

 

Wyatt the Conductor will go on sale tonight at 10 p.m. EST, after the MFT New Release Cocktail party.  You're invited by the way -- here are all the details.

In the meantime, check out the sketch on Kim's blog or in the MFT Member Company forum WSC thread, and see how my fun and fabulous Challenge Teammates have interpreted it:

Alex Moldonado

Amy Rohl

Carolyn King

Dawn Easton

Leigh O'Brien

Wendy Bond

Cindy Haffner

Frances Byrne

August JiFFy!

It's already time for another JUST FOR FUN (JiFFy) challenge with my JiFFy girlfriends -- this month has flown by so quickly.  Anyone else wondering where August went? 

For today's challenge, Kim sent everyone some sunny paper from Echo Park.  Once the paper was mailed out, Michele revealed her image selection: the very sweet Willow Writing Recipes from Whiff of Joy.  Here's what I came up with:

Looks pretty straight-forward, doesn't it?  Well, you wouldn't believe how long it took me!  I just couldn't seem to get it together.  Of course, that might have something to do with the fact that I waited until 2:30 a.m. this morning to get it started (have I mentioned that I tend to procrastinate?).  When in doubt?  Color block!  I thought about throwing on more embellishments and sewing, but then I thought, "Nah... why clutter it up?  Plus, if you take the picture and write a quick blog post, you might be able to sleep for an hour or so before the kids wake up..."

What do you think?  Should I have added more for more's sake?  Or is highly-labored, semi-clean-and-simple the better option?  Give me your thoughts.

(Card details: Willow was colored with Copic Markers.  I supplemented the given image and patterned paper with Kraft cardstock from PTI and Prism Suede Brown Dark cardstock.  The sentiment is from Verve -- it was a gift in my recent order (Thanks, Julee!).  The twill is from My Favorite Things.)

I'm positive my well-organized, Type-A JiFFy Girlfriends had theirs done weeks ago.  That's just how they roll.  Why not visit them to compare and contrast?  It'll be like watching one of Oprah's makeover shows, with mine being the 'Before' and these ladies' being the glamorous 'After's:

Michele Boyer,

Julie Campbell,

Kim Hughes, and

Lori Craig

(Alli Miles is on vacation, but may be posting when she gets home tomorrow or the next day.)

Now, if you'll excuse me...

A {Rosy} Sketch For You To Try

Happy Saturday, everyone!  Do you have big plans this weekend?  I've got a busy one -- the fam is hanging out with friends at Grand Lake on Friday night, then on Saturday I'm heading over to Kansas City for dinner and fun with... wait for it... Alma de la Rosa (THE Cat's Pajamas), Kim van der Sanden (The MFT Lady), and Sweet, Sweet Lori Craig!  Lucky me!

Alma and Kim are gracing middle America with their presences to teach classes at one of the best stamping stores in the country, Stamper's Ink.  I couldn't let them come to what is practically my backyard without extending them the pleasure of my company, could I?

I'll fill you in on any insider info I get from these Titans of Stamping next week.  In the meantime, how about a little SFYTT for your viewing pleasure?

I must admit, I was a little stumped at first by Jen's sketch this week.  But once I decided upon who I wanted to make a card for -- my husband's grandmother is celebrating her 100th birthday in a couple of weeks -- the heavens parted, the sun shone, and I saw the light.  (See photo for detail...)

Well, that and I got a new shipment of Verve Stamps in the mail (thanks to Jackie Pedro's enabling), which inspired me to do a little Class Act stampin'.  I actually didn't use any of the new sets I bought, though.  I started searching through all of my Verve sets for just the right sentiment for Granny, who is truly one of the most wonderful people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  She personifies unconditional love.  Anyway, between Verve and my newfound passion for felted flowers using MFT's Rolled Flower Die-namic (and the leaves from the Sheltering Tree and Leaf Trio Die-namic), I came up with something I think is really pretty.  Who knew I had it in me?!

(MFT seems to be sold out of the Rolled Flower Die-namic at the moment, but I'm sure it will be back in stock very soon.  Those things are hot, I tell ya!  If you don't have it yet, you need it!)  The roses were topped with pearl-y Bella Baubles.

The moral of this story: a challenging sketch can get you thinking outside your normal box.  Not only can you come up with something surprising, your brain gets some exercise while you're at it.  Win-win!

Speaking of winning, why not head over to Jen's blog for the sketch and to see her and August Guest Designer Ashley N. Newell's winsome samples?  Then, visit my sensationally talented SFYTT Sisters for their takes on today's sketch.  I'm particularly interested to see where their brains took them this week!

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Amy Sheffer
Leigh O’Brien
Megan Lock
Amber Hight
Sony Christoph
Jodi Collins
Kelly Lunceford
Jenn Diercks

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you on Monday with a JiFFy Girls challenge!

Supplies Used: Stamps: Just For You by Verve Stamps Paper: October Afternoon ‘Thrift Shop’ 8x8 pad, Neenah Ivory, Regal Rose, Old Olive (SU!) Ink: Regal Rose, Old Olive (SU!), Tea Dye Duo (PTI) Accessories: MFT Rolled Flower Die-Namic, MFT Sheltering Tree and Leaf Trio Die-namic, Nestabilities circles, Bella Baubles, felt from TCP’s Seeing Red and Green with Envy collections, satin ribbon, sewing machine, Jody’s foam boosters  

Reunited, and it feels so good...

(if you aren't old enough to remember that song, I'm sad for you.  Just sayin'.  Peaches & Herb have been a very important influence on my life; "Shake Your Groove Thing" is one of my personal anthems, you know.)

Guess what, caro amici?  I'm *back* in an official capacity with one of MY FAVORITE stamp companies.  Can you guess what it is?  I've already given you a hint... oh, alright, I'll spell it out for you:

I'm one of the newest members of MFT's Challenge Team! 

What does that mean?  Well, each Wednesday, I'll be telling you about MFT's Wednesday Stamp Club challenge for the week and sharing a sample.  I'll also be linking you to my fellow Challenge Team members.  Here's even better scoop: I'm not the only new gal joining MFT Challenge Team -- there are three other well-known stampers coming on board, and they are SUPERSTARS that you all know and love!  I'm not at liberty to mention them myself, but I can tell you that all of them are dear friends of mine, and one in particular is someone I have a *history* with...

Let's just say, with the addition of us four 'newbies' combined with Alex, Dawn, and Wendy?  The MFT Challenge Team is sure to be the *spiciest* team in the industry! 

For all the scoop, you'll need to visit Kim(The MFT Lady)'s blog.  In the meantime, let me tell you about this week's MFT Challenge: Floral Fantasy!  Create a project using flowers.  If you post on an online gallery, use the keyword MFTWSC08252010 so we can ooh and aah over your submission.

Here's what I came up with for this week's challenge:

I used the Pure Innocence -- Bunch of Blooms image, and created my very first rolled flower embellishment using the Rolled Flower Die-namic with a little felt centered with an adhesive pearl.  The leaves were created using the Sheltering Tree and Leaf Die-namic.  After making one, I have to say, I LOVE these rolled flowers!  They remind me of Mary Engelbreit's rose buds, don't you think?  One more thing I want to point out: the use of skinny ribbon there at the bottom.  My idea was to use it in the way that twine has been used of late; you know, wrapping it around a couple of times and tying it off.  I'm thinking that I may just be initiating a trend here.  What Justin Timberlake did for sexy, I shall do for skinny ribbon! 

Well, maybe not.  We'll see.  But just in case this takes off, you can say you saw it here first! ;)

Okay, friends.  That's all I've got for you now.  There ain't no mo.  But do come play with me and all my MFT Challenge Team buddies this week -- details are on Kim's blog -- and you just might win a shopping spree at the MFT Boutique! 

A Big Ol' TCP Blog Hop!

Here at last!  Today's the BIG day!  TCP's first ever CUSTOMER Blog Hop! 

Several of us in the Cat Pack are warming up the crowd until the main attractions -- our fabulous customers -- take center stage to show off their best stuff. 

If you started at the very beginning with Sony, you should have come my way via mi amiga, Amy.  It pains me to follow someone so talented, but I'll try not to disappoint. 

Here's one of my favorite projects I've ever created with my beloved TCP stamps.  I originally made it during my stint as one of SCS's Dirty Girls, for the Staycation-themed August 2008 Dirty Dozen gallery.

With a TCP-festooned mug and key-chain, I'm always traveling in style!  All images are from the iconic It's a Mod, Mod World set.

So have you created something for today's blog hop? If so, I look forward to oohing and cooing over your submission.  It's exciting to watch so many people pull out the stops for this hop; take, for example, this ADORABLE lil number by TORI WILD.  Isn't it to die for? 

If you haven't made anything yet, don't despair -- it's not too late -- you have until midnight on Tuesday (8/24/10) to submit your project and eligible to win ALL of the stamps in our September release, as well as the opportunity to participate in our Release Day Blog Hop and Pajama Party on SCS. 

I know you're anxious to be move on and see what's next, so without further adieu, please make your way to the beautiful and talented LEIGH!

Bottoms Up, Amigas!

Buenos dias!  I hope you're having a good weekend so far.  By the time you read this, I will most likely be sweating at the soccer complex, reading my textbooks while Truman practices.  Then, we'll head to Tulsa to do a little belated back-to-school clothes shopping.  Maybe take in lunch and a movie, too.  It should be a fun day of mother-son bonding, provided the raging teenage hormones stay steady.  I predict we'll be okay.  Truman is sweet most of the time, and I always keep a can of whoop ass in my purse for those moments when he's not.

I combined today's Sketch For You To Try with this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge: Bottom's Up!  Susan is this week's Hostess With the Mostess, and she issued a challenge to use any beverage stamp from The Cat's Pajamas.  TCP has a ton of beverage-themed stamp sets; in fact, we just released three tea-related sets last month.  But do you really think when given the challenge to do something with beverage images, my instincts lead me to tea or lemonade?  Surely you know me better than that by now.

Look at little Larry, double-fisting those shot glasses... Awww.  Wouldn't his mother be proud?

All of the images I used are from TCP's Hola Tequila set.  I created the tequila background paper by stamping off the shot and salt-shaker image repeatedly then coloring them in with Copic markers.  A gold Copic Spica marker was employed to give the tequila an authentic shimmer.  I don't think you can tell from the picture, but a yellow Glaze pen was used on the lemon peels.    

(I know, I know... traditionally tequila shots are taken with lime, but I used the lime brads in a different project a while back.  Lemons will do in a pinch...)

I heat embossed the sentiment -- here's a close-up so you can see the added texture.  Lastly, a little Black Licorice Divine Twine was wrapped and tied-off so that bottom right corner wouldn't look so empty. 

There's still time to participate in this week's TCP Tuesday challenge -- check out Alma's post if you're interested.  And for this week's SFYTT, head on over to Jen's blog where she and this month's Guest Designer, Ashley N. Newell are sure to have muy bonita samples for your viewing pleasure.  Of course, you'll also want to visit my SFYTT hermanas as I know they'll have something estupenda up their sleeves!

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Amy Sheffer
Leigh O’Brien
Megan Lock
Amber Hight
Sony Christoph
Jodi Collins
Kelly Lunceford
Jenn Diercks

¡hasta luego!

One Small Step for Man...

... one giant leap for the Burrage family!

Today is the first day for Claremore Public Schools.  Truman is now in eighth grade (CAN'T BELIEVE IT!) and Carter is starting all-day kindergarten. 

I can't adequately express how much I've worried about this day.  For years, "When Carter starts school..." has loomed before us as a symbolic destination; I so wanted him to be 'ready' when we 'got there.'  It's been such a journey for our entire family.  So much hard work, persistence, and sacrifice.  I'm both proud and humbled to report that it's all been worth it. 

I feel such a sense of peace and certainty now that this day is here that we have met this challenge, and done our best by Carter.  He is such a happy, smart, hard-working, well-adjusted little boy, and best of all, he is resilient.  He's ready.

Now, if you'll excuse me...(but in a good way!)

A {Delicious} MFT VIP Blog Hop!

Bonjour!  Did you come see me from THE MFT Lady, Kim?  Great!  Then you started at the beginning of tonight's MFT VIP Blog Hop. {If you didn't, skeedaddle on back to Kim's and start from the very beginning.  You won't want to miss a thing, as there's so so much goodness being released tonight by yours & My Favorite Things!}

So, what's on the menu this evening, you ask?  Well, let me tell you!

The VIP package is a ONE DAY ONLY product that gives you the chance to purchase the newest WHO'S THAT GIRL? set TWO weeks early! This month's VIP kit is available now (August 17th at 10:00 pm) through tomorrow (August 18th at 11:59 pm).  Ingredients include:

• Well Read Stamp Set
• Wendy Alphabet
• Notebook Edge Die-namic
• 10 yards (2 yds each of 5 colors) striped twill ribbon
• Basic Grey Basics Pad (white)
• Neutral Baby Braddies Collection (black, white, cream and brown)

Additionally, there are two brand new à la modes stamp sets are also being released tonight:  GROOVY GIRL and TIME TO CELEBRATE.  These are must haves.  I'm telling you the truth.  You can find them in the BRAND SPANKIN' NEW section of the MFT site.

Now, I've got a little dessert for you.  Is there a person alive who doesn't love red velvet cake?  If there is?  I don't want to know 'em.  RVC is my all-time favorite cake -- it was one of the few things my mom baked with any frequency growing up, so it has a very special place in my heart and on my tastebuds.  With that in mind, here's a little something I baked up using the new a la mode set, TIME TO CELEBRATE:

Isn't she just delicious?  And I would be totally remiss if I didn't mention she was illustrated by MY NEICE, AMANDA BAIRD! :)

Miss la mode was colored with Copics and her cream cheese frosting was made sparkly via Crystal Art Glitter.  The velvet & silver flower was a gift sent to me many moons ago from my buddy, Amy Rohl.  The scallop at the top was created with MFT's Jumbo Scallop Die-namic.  The sketch is this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  Everything else?  Pretty self-explanatory, but if you should have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email. 

I said I was dessert, but actually, I'm just a wee amuse bouche -- a bite-sized hors d’œuvre.  For mighty big flavor and exquisite execution, please head on over to my fabulously fun & talented friend, LEIGH O'BRIEN'S blog.

Bon appetit!

An Exclamation-Filled SFYTT!

Good Saturday morning, friends!  It's a glorious (if stiflingly hot) day here in beautiful Claremore, Oklahoma.  Why am I in such a good mood, you ask?  Well, I'll tell you. 

1. My wrist is now pain-free, thanks to my book-wielding, wrist-bashing, cyst-busting husband!  (See my previous post if you want context.)
2. By this time next week, the kiddos will be in school!  Of course, so will I, but that's just a couple of evenings a week, and I'll gladly do that in exchange for a few peaceful/interruption-free moments during the weekdays!
3. Later on today, my next-door neighbor (who is also one of my dearest friends -- I swear, I thought that only happened on TV; I'm so lucky!) and I are going out to lunch and then to the movies to see 'Eat, Pray, Love'!  I'm especially interested to watch the 'Pray' part as I've long wanted to spend a few weeks at an ashram.  I know, I'm strange. I think that desire stems from my crush on George Harrison and research I did for a paper on the Beatles in film in undergrad.  But I digress...
4. I was able to create a two-fer for Jen's SFYTT today!  I used her fab sketch for this week to fulfill the requirements of My Favorite Things' Wednesday Stamp Club challenge: Cupcakes!  Here it is

This is my first time to play with MFT's new a la modes line, illustrated by MY NEICE, AMANDA BAIRD! (Obligatory bragging caps are required every time I use an image Amanda illustrated.  I hope you don't find that too obnoxious, though I understand it might come across that way.  It's a risk I take.) Aren't these cute & classy little gals so adorable?!  I love 'em! 

Here's a close-up of Birthday Girl's glittery cupcake and sparkly tiara.  I used Copic markers to color her, and Barbara Trombley's Art Glitter in translucent Little Miss Muffet to create the icing.  Her tiara and shoes were colored with a gray Copic, then shimmer was added via a silver Sakura Gelly Roll pen. 

Amanda came down from Kansas City with her mom (my sister, Karen) a couple of months ago and gave me the sweetest, most thoughtful gift as a thank-you for hooking her up with Kim (The MFT Lady).  It's her original sketch, framed, for this set -- Birthday Girl -- the first a la mode release.  Here's the sketch next to my card for today so you can see the scale of the drawing -- it's considerably bigger than the stamp image. 

When the aforementioned children have go back to school, I'll hopefully have a little time to clean up this abysmal vortex of clutter that is my craft room and hang this genuine piece of art in a place worthy of it's significance in the stamping world. 

Speaking of time, I guess it's time I quit wasting yours with all of my chatter, and tell you to go to Jen's blog for the sketch, and samples by both Jen and this month's Guest Designer, Ashley Nguyen Newell.  Then, make sure to take a little time to visit my sensational SFYTT Sisters for their interpretations of today's sketch. 

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Amy Sheffer
Leigh O’Brien
Megan Lock
Amber Hight
Sony Christoph
Jodi Collins
Kelly Lunceford
Jenn Diercks

Why not beat the heat and play along with us? Just upload your creation to the link system on Jen's SFYTT post so we can all see what you’ve come up with! (This is also how Jen finds each month's Guest Designer, by the way, so if you're interested...) When uploading to any online galleries, please use the keyword “SFYTT.”

Okily dokily, gang.  I'd better get in the shower as my neighbor, lunch, and Julia await.  Have a great weekend!

TCP Tuesday, Part 2

Okay!  I'm back!  As I explained in my last post, this week's TCP Tuesday Color Challenge is...

And here's what I came up with...

Doesn't that bunny look dreamy?  I'm thinking he must be back in Colorado, where the temps were in the 60s and 70s all last week while we were there on our family RV trip.  *sigh*  Unfortunately, we weren't able to bring that weather home with us.  *sigh*  Hot weather makes me feel like sighing.  *sigh*

Okay, okay -- I'll snap out of my sweaty, sighing reverie to give you a few card details.  Dreamy bunny, mushrooms and sentiment are from TCP's Blow set.  The bunny and mushroom tops were paper pieced, and the rest of the scene was colored with Copic markers.  The images were masked and I airbrushed the sky and grass, using the Nestie die (Big Scalloped Ovals, Large) to frame the panel out.  The denim looking paper is some ancient CTMH stuff from my stash, but the fun ribbon treatment is brand new.  It's actually Japanese adhesive ribbon tape we stumbled onto at the CHA Supershow, and it's really fun.   The flower embellie was created using TCP's Flower Button and Button Cut-Ups and felt from the Seeing Red collection.  The sketch is Jen's SFYTT from this past weekend.

For all the details on how to play along with our TCP Tuesday Challenge this week, read my first post of the day, which you can find here.  

Can I please get back to a little moaning and groaning?  I need someone to feel my pain.  Have you ever had a ganglion cyst?  I have one in the wrist of my right hand.  I've had it for years.  It kind of looks like a smallish gumball poking out from the underside of my wrist, near my thumb-bone.  Sometimes it's big, sometimes it's barely visible.  It usually doesn't give me much of a problem.  But a couple of days ago, it started KILLING me!  I took a few Tylenol, hoping it would subside, but no.  It continued to throb.  Then, yesterday, on the ride home from CO, I noticed that if I stared at the cyst, I could actually see my pulse. 

I asked Sean if he thought that was normal.  He informed me that not only was that not normal, it was a little freaky.  So, I made an appointment to go into see the doctor about it tomorrow.  In the meantime, I've done a little You Tube watching and saw a video of a surgeon removing a similar cyst from someone.  It made me want to pass out and/or vomit.  Then, I saw several You Tube videos of the old fashioned ganglion cyst remedy: smashing it with a book.  I've always heard about this, but never really believed it.  Sure enough, it seemed to work.

After a PTO meeting and soccer practice tonight, I'm going to have my husband whack my wrist with a book and see if we can remove my problem.  I may even try to talk Truman into videoing it.  I let you know -- and may even show you -- how it works out.  Stay tuned...

TCP Tuesday, Part 1

Greetings, muchachas!  Ready for another TCP Tuesday Challenge?  Well, Tuesday's here, whether you're ready or not.  And me?  I'm not.  I'll explain why in a bit.  But first, I have a very important announcement to all you Cat's Pajamas lovers.

Are you sitting down?

My dear friend and fellow Cat Packer Joanne has been TCP's Color Challenge Hostess With the Mostess for many moons now.  She decided it was time for her to pass the baton on that particular privilege, and -- here's the announcement part -- I swooped in and volunteered to take it over!

Now.  If your reaction is anything like the rest of the Cat Pack, it goes a little something like this: 

I'm kinda known for my penchant for all colors BRIGHT and BOLD, so I can understand how they might be concerned about what the judges on Project Runway would refer to as my "taste level"...

But fear not, my pretties!  I'm starting off easy on you.  This week's colors are:

Not bad, right?  I'm easing you into this transition as gently as I can.  Take it as a gift, but don't get too comfortable... you never know what I'll come up with next!

I don't have my sample done yet as I just got in from vacation late last night, but Joanne has graciously agreed to Co-Hostess this week -- a farewell tour, of sorts -- and has the cutest dang thing to inspire you.  Lots of other Cat Packers are planning on playing today/sometime this week as well, so be sure to visit them, too.  I'll be back later today to show you what I've come up with.

In the meantime, here are the deets about how to play along with us and win your chance at FAME AND FORTUNE by becoming the next SWANKY STAMPER!

Play along with us and add your own design to your Splitcoast Gallery using keywords TCPTues122 or to your blog and then use the Inlink button at the bottom of Alma's post to submit your design. You could be eligible to be the next Swanky Stamper of the Month and win 25 smackeroos, that's $25 in Cat's Cash.

1. Each a week one of The Cat Pack will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, technique, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Post your design using the Inlink Button at the bottom of this post. Your design must be linked and visible to Alma's blog post to be considered.
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. Only designs posted to this blog post will be considered for the Swanky Stamper.
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.

I'll be back in a bit!

On This Day in History...

It’s Saturday, August 7^th, 2010.  What’s so significant about the date that I should feel compelled to type it out?  After all, it’s clearly stated at the top of the post.  Am I merely being redundant?  Au contraire, mon frere.  There are at least a couple of different reasons why today is a BDD (Big Damn Deal).  Let me explain…

First of all, the fact that it's Saturday means it’s time for another of Jen’s Sketches For You To Try.  I’ve been AWOL on my SFYTT samples for the last two Saturdays, due to CHA, my current RV trip, and my poor advance planning.  (I had good intentions, you know.  But, then, my personal road-to-hell had a couple of potholes that needed filling…) I’ll definitely have a sample for next weekend’s sketch, though.  I promise.  In the meantime, be sure to check out Jen’s sketch and sample, and welcome this month’s Guest Designer, Ashley Nguyen Newell.  Then, head on over to my SFYTT Sisters’ blogs for eye candy and inspiration: Amber, Amy R., Amy S., Jenn, Jodi, Kelly, Leigh, Megan, Sony & Susan.

I’ll get back to what August 7^th means to me in just a second.  In the meantime, I have a little eye candy of my own I’ve been wanting to show you.  Both use images from The Cat’s Pajamas latest release.

The first is made with Birthday Bunny by TCP’s newest illustrator, Zlatina:

I love Mr. Bunny (not his official name; just what I call him.  Feel free to call him what you will), and I have insider-info that you’ll be seeing him striking different poses in the very near future.  YAY!

As for the card, I used one of Jen’s SFYTTs from a while back, and I was inspired by this card by my good friend/enabler Jody to get out my Liquid Applique and create pearl-like dots to dress up the scalloped oval layer.  I also finally figured out how to use the Bow Easy Jody gave to me over a year ago to make the fluffy pink bow.  I sent her an email after I did so to proclaim what a genius I am that it only took me 12 or so short months to unravel that particular mystery.  Her response: “Dork.”

She knows me well.

Next up: a card featuring the new “And Baby Makes…” set.  I wanted to make a card that featured all of the cute parents and baby animals in the set, but I wasn’t sure how to get them all to fit on one card.  Then, I was looking at a Splitcoaststampers newsletter and stumbled across a reference to one of my favorite oldie-but-goody techniques: Faux Postage.

I went ahead and made the stamp rate $.46 to reflect the upcoming postage increase.  I also used some of TCP's yummy embellies (Divine Twine in Aqua & Cotton Candy; Felt from the Singing the Blues and Seeing Red collections) and Buttons Cut-Up die to make the soft and sweet buttons in the corner. You can find a full tutorial on how to do Faux Postage here.

BUY THE WAY: you still have today and tomorrow to cash in on TCP's biggest sale of year -- 25% off everything on the site! 

Lastly, I'll let you in on why August 7th is an important day to me.  See, on this day, 17 years ago (that would be 1993), I made one Sean Burrage the happiest man in the world.  And, in return, he's made every day Christmas and every night New Year's Eve.  Happy Anniversary, Honey!  I think I'll keep you. :)

Here, Kitty Kitty...

Are you ready for some FUN and BIG news from The Cat's Pajamas?

We want to see your best Cat's Pajamas Creation and show it off to the world on August 24. Interested? It's easy. Post your best Cat's Pajamas creations on your blog and link that blog post to the "Mr. Linky" list on Alma's blog by August 24, 12am EST/9pm PST.

And there's more! The Best of the Best will win all the NEW sets for our next release and get to play along with The Cat Pack on the day of the new release and at the Pajama Party in September. The winner will be announced on August 26. And to help you along we are having a SALE from August 3-8. So now there is no excuse to get your Cat's Pajamas on!

You'll find all the details HERE on Splitcoast Stampers!

Just a note (with several parentheticals)...

... to let y'all know I haven't fallen off the face of the earth again.  (I realize I have a tendency to do that.) I've had a crazy couple of weeks, wrapping up my summer semester at school, attending CHA, and leaving today for a family RV trip to Colorado.  I hope to do a little blogging while I'm gone since a trip like this usually provides long periods of relaxation, and some rain which forces one to stay inside.  Of course, I'm infamous for also having marathon TV-series watching sessions, so I won't make any promises. (For example: the boys left a few weekends ago for 48 hours, during which I watched all 23 episodes of the first season of Law & Order: Criminal Intent; the depths of my laziness combined with a long attention span can make for black holes of productivity.  My husband was so incredulous at this feat, I think he was almost proud.)

Still, I do have a couple of TCP cards to show you, and lots of pictures from CHA.  The latter have to be culled through to find those that are a) not incriminating [as usual, we girls had way, way too much fun.  Get Amy Rohl and me together with both of us in the 'right' mood?  Oy.  And of course, the C & C Mayhem Factory -- name copyrighted by Boss/MFT Lady, Kim -- never fail to 'entertain'], and b) don't reveal my terrible secret [I suffer from a similar problem as Princess Fiona in Shrek.  See, I'm a beautiful maiden in real life, but once a camera comes into play, I tend to transform into a hideously unphotogenic monster.  It's a curse, but I try to valiantly bear it.  Burrage rhymes with courage, you know...]. 

Gotta pack up the RV and hit the road.  I'll hopefully be back to chat with you soon from a much cooler climate!