Got Corked

I couldn't resist getting corked today. I took Amy's Supply challenge to heart and mixed it up with Jen's TCP Tuesday Throwback sketch challenge. And I love it. That's 2 challenges in one shot. I'd love to see what you do!

TCP Tuesday

Ready to get corked?! Amy is the Hostess with the Mostess this Tuesday.

She's doing a technique challenge this week and she wants you to get corked. That's right, she's challenging you to use cork in your project. (What did you think?). Trendsetter that she is, she's been getting corked for awhile, but check out her card for this challenge. Spiffy. I just may have to play this time.

Check out the other members of The Cat Pack for their take on this corkage challenge.

Play along with us and add your own design to the guestbook at the bottom of the post. You could be eligible to be the next Swanky Stamper of the Month and win 25 smackeroos, that's $25 in Cat's Cash.

Here are the deets for the challenge.
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, techinque, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Post your design to the guestbook on this blog. Your design must be uploaded to the guestbook 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 the guestbook 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.

Welcome Sonja Christoph!

Every once in awhile I come across an artist that makes me do a double take. Like Scooby Doo when he sees something that he just can't believe, I literally look away and look back and look away and sit up and say "HUH?" in my best Scooby. And I mean that in a good way.

Sonja Christoph made me do that. She first came to my attention a couple of months ago when these wonderful cards started showing up in the guestbook.

She quickly won Swanky Stamper honors. So, of course I researched her. And to my surprise, found out that she only had been stamping for a couple of months. That's right, months. So rather than put all my energy into envying her, I did the next best thing. I asked her to join The Cat Pack.


Welcome Sony. Can't wait to see what you do next.

TCP Tuesday & A Blog Hop

It's Tuesday, so it must be TCP Tuesday. Toni is our Hostess with the Mostess for this challenge, and she has an inspirational challenge for all of us. She wants you to use this photo and design something inspired by it.

But wait! It's a double whammy! It's a blog hop, too. Did you hop over from Leigh's blog? I'm the end of the road and I hope you've enjoyed the ride. Not only are our regular Cat Packers playing, but we've got an old favorite, and a new one, too. So start with Toni, and hop all the way through to me again.

Tomorrow we are releasing FIVE brand new sets. And let me tell you, they are an inspiration unto themselves. I don't know when I've had so much fun.

Here's my take on the inspiration. It's been mighty hot here in California, and hot weather means MARGARITAS! Yummo.

I used "Salud," one of the brand new sets and played with circles. I got the idea from fellow Cat Packer, Susan. Then mixed and matched patterns and added a little of the chunky glitter from our Holiday Glitzy pack for a little salt action. I mean, what's a margarita without salt?!

Want to play?

Whatever you want, just use Toni's picture as a jumping off point and go for it. You could win $25 in Cat's Cash!

You can only win if you play. Want some inspiration? Check out the Cat Pack for their take. Create your masterpiece and upload it to the guestbook by the end of the month to be eligible to win.

Here are the deets.
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, techinque, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Post your design to the guestbook on this blog. Only designs posted to the sketchbook are eligible for Swanky Stamper.
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 the guestbook 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.

Please upload photos of your designs to the guestbook. Please leave comments in the comments section for all to read and enjoy.

Project of the Month

Check out these TuTu cute bunny wands by Leigh O'Brien. Featuring stamps from our brand new stamp set releasing April 13, these bunny wands are just magical.

Make a couple. Who can resist a little bling bling, tulle, M&Ms and a little bunny magic? This Project of the Month is Tutu cute.

Want to see more of the new stamps? Don't forget to come back Tuesday for our blog hop. And then on to our website to see the new stamps. We'll be releasing 5 New Stamp Sets. Two featuring a couple of old favorites and three featuring a brand new artist. Mew Paper Arts.We are so happy to welcome Mew Paper Arts to The Cat's Pajamas family. With an extensive expertise in invitations of all kinds, Mew Paper Arts has been featured in Martha Stewart, The Knot and Real Simple. Mew Paper Arts finally brings their sense of whimsy to the stamping world. I know you'll fall in love with these simple, fresh designs!

TCP Tuesday

Welcome to the TCP Tuesday! Jen is the Hostess with the Mostess this week. And, no! You are not seeing things. This week we are doing TCP Tuesday, Throwback Style with a blast from our past Hostess, Carole.

Jen's doing a sketch challenge this week today and the sketch was a good one when Carole did it, and it's a good one today! When you get a chance check out her card and check out the other members of The Cat Pack for their take on this fun sketch.

Play along with us and add your own design to the guestbook at the bottom of the post. You could be eligible to be the next Swanky Stamper of the Month and win 25 smackeroos, that $25 in Cat's Cash.

Here are the deets.
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, techinque, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Post your design to the guestbook on this 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. Only designs posted to the guestbook 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.

Swanky Stamper of the Month

Michele H — Swanky Stamper for April

I don't know what I like more about this card, its design, the paper she chose, or her mastery of the different textures in the card, or the use of the "pokey" toothpick that just went so well with the theme of the challenge, "Let's get Poke-y".

But I think that it's a combination of all of these elements and the cute felt embellie that just does it for me. LOOVVES IT!

Michele H — Swanky Stamper for April

PS. Michele, email me to claim your prize!

TCP Tuesday

It's Tuesday, so it must be TCP Tuesday. Our most fabulous Hostess with the Mostess is Susan Liles. And she is challenging you to use any of our stamps.

It can be any one of our stamps, but why not one of the ones from one of our Kitty Kat packs? Or how about oure new "A Beary Good Year" set? It's got something for everyone.

Did you want to play?

Here are the deets.
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, techinque, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Post your design to the guestbook on this 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. Only designs posted to the guestbook 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.

Trunk Show

There are lots and lots of piles around my studio. Basket and bins full of little pieces of paper. Why? This weekend I'm going to be at a Trade Show in Massachusetts and teaching a class full of super fun stuff. One of the pieces is this By The Sea Crayon Box based on Jen del Muro's Project of the Month. I love it!

The instructions are easy to follow, but let me tell you, the color palette was a toughy. But it works. Now, if can stop eating the goldfish, I'll be good to go.

The Trade Show is for Scrapbook and Stamp store owners, but I couldn't fly all that way without something else fun to do.

So, I'm going to be at Ink About It in Westford on Saturday morning from 10-12 am doing this month's Project of the Month for all that want to play.


And, for those of you who want to shop... we'll be having a trunk show this weekend at Ink About It. Still not sure if you want to brave the cold? How about 10% off your TCP purchase at the trunk show? Remember, the 10% is only at the trunk show at Ink About It.

Come on by. You know you want to.

TCP Tuesday

Welcome to the TCP Tuesday! Joanne is the Hostess with the Mostess this Tuesday.

She's doing a color challenge this week and itmakes me think of PIZZA! She's challenging you to use poppy red, olive, sunny yellow and black. Oh my. That's a medium, with green peppers and olives to GO!

Since Anthony had his heart attack, we are really trying to cut back on the Pizza. Haven't found a place in the neighborhood that makes whole grain crust, yet.

When you get a chance check out Joanne's card. It sure is purty! And check out the other members of The Cat Pack for their take on this color choice.

Play along with us and add your own design to the guestbook at the bottom of the post. You could be eligible to be the next Swanky Stamper of the Month and win 25 smackeroos, that $25 in Cat's Cash.


Here are the deets.
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, techinque, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Post your design to the guestbook on this 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. Only designs posted to the guestbook by the end of the month 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.

And the WINNER is...!!

Thank you to everyone who played in this TCP Tuesday Challenge to help celebrate our 100 TCP Tuesday.

There were so many players and so many great cards, but there were only two with the highest number of challenges. 10. They were all spectacular. Two with the same number of entries with the same fabulousness, so we did the only fair thing.
We used the random number generator to pick the winner. And the winner is:

Sonja Christoph!

Congrats Sonja. We'll be sending you all our Cat Pack's hot picks, and some of my favorite products, too!

Thank you to the fabulous Cat Pack for making this happen and for making each and every TCP Tuesday a special day. And thanks to Jen del Muro for organizing this contest while my mind was otherwise occupied.

TCP Tuesday and Project of the Month

It's Tuesday, so it must be TCP Tuesday! Amy is the Hostess with the Mostess this Tuesday.

She's doing a technique challenge this week and it's sure to get your attention. She wants you to use your piercing tool in your challenge. That's right. Poke your challenge. Pierce your card. It's fun and easy.

And speaking of fun and easy, that's what our March Project of the Month is.

Easel cards are so popular. And with Easter just around the bend, you can pass along a little sweetness, too. It's fun and easy. Inspired by Cambria Turnbow, it's so cute I can't stand it. AND, it I used my piercing tool, too!

Play along with us and add your own design to the guestbook at the bottom of the post. You could be eligible to be the next Swanky Stamper of the Month and win 25 smackeroos, that's $25 in Cat's Cash.

And don't forget to come back at Noon PST for the winner of our 100 TCP Tuesday Challenge.

Here are the deets for the challenge.
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, techinque, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Post your design to the guestbook on this blog. Your design must be uploaded to the guestbook 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 the guestbook 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.

Happy Anniversary to us

It's our 100th TCP Tuesday and boy have we got something special planned. It's a hop and a challenge and a chance for you to win some of the Cat Pack's Hottest Picks. This time are 4 different challenges for you to play featuring our 4 TCP Tuesday Themes.

Start at Leigh's blog with a wonderful sketch challenge. Then move on down the kitty kat line to Ana to see the fabulous designs that they have done. They've chosen their favorite Clearly Swanky sets to play with. And you can win them all! (Plus some goodies from me!)

How? Play along, of course! Just play along with the challenges and upload your designs onto the below guestbook by Noon PST Monday, March 15.

The winner will be chosen by the number of entries they have. The more entries the more of a chance they have. In the case of a tie, the winner will be picked at random. I'll choose a random number and that player wins. The more you play, the more chances you have to win.

I'll announce the winner at Noon PST on Tuesday, March 16. Make sure you upload your designs to the guestbook for all to see.

Ready?
Set?
GO!

Tomorrow is our 100th TCP Tuesday! Where did all the time go? 100 Tuesdays of Challenges and inspiration from The Cat Pack. So tomorrow we are celebrating in Cat Pack style. Come back tomorrow and check out how.

TCP Tuesday

Welcome to the TCP Tuesday! Leigh is the Hostess with the Mostess on this dreary, rainy California Tuesday.

She's doing a sketch challenge this week to help brighten up our day! When you get a chance check out her card and check out the other members of The Cat Pack for their take on this fun sketch.

Play along with us and add your own design to the guestbook at the bottom of the post. You could be eligible to be the next Swanky Stamper of the Month and win 25 smackeroos, that $25 in Cat's Cash.

Here are the deets.
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, techinque, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Post your design to the guestbook on this 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. Only designs posted to the guestbook 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.

NOTE: Due to a personal illness we are a little behind getting orders out. Please accept my apologies as we are working as fast as we can to get them out.

Swanky Stamper of the Month

Sonja Christoph — Swanky Stamper for March

There is always something so wonderful when a window frame is used in a card. I don't know if it is because it adds a new dimension to the design or if it is all about peeking into a world that could surprise us. This card does both.

Sonja uses color to her advantage here and grabs us with her striking orange, pink and black color combo. Then she uses the window frame to take us deeper into the design to gaze upon the wonderful goodness. Add Sprinkle to the mix and we are goners. YUM-O!

Sonja Christoph — Swanky Stamper for March