Gayle to the rescue!

Check out this oh-so cute card by Gayle, the newest member of our design team. This was one of the samples she did for the Ventura Convention. It was this card that made did it for me. I knew I had to have her join the team.

She used the Sakura glaze pens to color the stamped image (Relaxing). Cut out the image and used foam tape to mount it atop Memory Box paper. She used a clip punch to make the "sunbursts" and added them to the corners.

The white swirl is actually a rub-on. I love how she stamped the "Ring of Flowers" and then placed "Hot Stuff" onto two lines. Cut out and ribbon added, this makes a cute tag to finish off the card.

Nice work, Gayle!

Chili Cheese Dogs, here I come!

I got sooo much done today, and it's not even 1:00 yet. I love when that happens. Finished pricing and creating the labels for the Holiday stamp designs.

Now, as a treat, we are going to get some chili cheese dogs and fries. When we lived in SoCal we could make the trek to Pink's. If the need for chili cheese dogs and fries was bad and we were on a budget, we settled for Weinerschnitzel. Since we moved to SF we have been in dire need of a good fix. So we are going to Nation's. Lacking in the Pink's atmosphere, and Weinerschnitzel pricing structure, but you still get lots and lots of goop on your dog and it's so much closer! Yum! And we are off.

Happy 4th!

Happy Fourth!

Gayle Smith did this wonderful card featuring some of our Summer Designs. I thought it was perfect to share for the 4th of July Holiday. What is a 4th of July without Barbecue?

This card just cracks me up! I love that she stamped out the Chef's hat and added it to the Dancing mustard container. She used Sakura Stardust Pens for that extra shimmer that you see on the buns.

When I was designing the Dancing Food I must have redrawn the design 20-30 times. I couldn't decide what type of food to use, which should be boys or girls, what type of expressions they should have. So many decisions. Originally the mustard girl was an onion. Cute, but it just didn't work in the design. I kept the image though. She may come up again in another collection.

Finally!

Someone gets us crafters. I could not say it any better. Crafters unite!

Jam-packed week!

SOOOOO many things happening. So many good, that they have to be tempered with the not so good. But most of the time I've been smiling from ear to ear, and pinching myself, just to make sure I'm awake.

First, I got the new plates for the Holiday stamps in record time. And, as we speak the Fed Ex guy is knocking on American Art Stamp's door and delivering them to be pressed! Lots of cute images. Even some Thanksgiving.

Second, da da da DA! We're getting clear stamps! Yup. I sent off the first of (I hope) many designs to be made into clear stamp sets. All the new holiday designs (except the Thanksgiving) are going to be made into 3 lovely new sets. I get so excited that sometimes I forget to breathe.

Thirdly...we got new catalogs. I must say they are quite lovely and printed on beautiful stock and oh so cute. I'll start sending them out to the stores in a week or so. And once I figure out pricing they'll go on the website for sale.

Now, a couple of words to describe the not so good part of this week.
Root Canal
Lawyer
Automobile

Ventura Convention

So many things happening over here at The Cat's Pajamas. Some good, some bad. Soon, soon, I'll let you know what is going on. But to tide you over, Anthony finally downloaded the pics from the Ventura Convention. Here are some of the highlights.

This is the calm before the storm. Right before the doors open, there is still time to polish up the booth a bit. I like the shabby chic look of the booth, but I feel the need for a change. Next time you see us, we'll be even chicer, and not as shabby.


That's Hilde from Stonebridge Creations in the booth. What I love about conventions is meeting all the stamper's, but also meeting the other people in the booths. Plus, at this one I got to see all my old friends again. Gosh, darn it, I miss Ellie, Nina, Charmaine and Christie already.

Here's Gayle! She's a member of TCP design team member and demo person extraordinaire! How can so much talent and knowledge be in one person? Ya got me!? Hi Gayle!


Here I am, looking much larger than life. This time we gave out yummy cherry lollies. Gotta keep that sugar up for some serious shopping. Note the signage? Unfortunately, no one noticed that someone had walked away with one of our wonderful samples. Next time we are cementing them down.

Even though it was a small hall there were a lot of shoppers and great vendors.
And great demo people. Here is Anthony and Dee Gruenig at the Sunday International Booth. Dee is always so gracious when we see her, and this time was no exception. She is one of Anthony's favorite personalities and luckily I didn't mess up this shot of him and Dee together, or he would have killed me.

Procrastinator

Yeah! Yeah! That's me. Always leaving things to the last minute. Now that I absolutely HAVE to sit down and work out the designs for the Holidays...(yes, I put it off til now) in order to get them to the design team and have them ready for the stores in July... End of July... Very latest in August... I have to work on them NOW.

With only a handful on paper and less than that in my head, what am I doing? Writing this blog. Complaining about being a procrastinator.

And searching for chewy banana candy. And waiting for that 7up to get cool in the fridge. And thinking about "Hex" tonight on the TV.

I should be thinking about:
Xmas Candy
Xmas Cookies
Snowball fights
Funky trees
Skating Polar bears
Snowmen

What else?

Bulldog

Even though I am most definitely a cat person I have always wanted a bulldog. Even though having a dog means more responsibility, I fantasize about getting a Bulldog. Usually I snap out of it when I visualize having to pick up the warm poop after he has done his business.

Perhaps it is reading about this sweetie, or watching this commercial, but the dog fantasy is alive and kicking. Someone save me.

Another Tag

Well Kim, that little Minx over at Mft Stamps tagged me again! Don't you know me enough already? Those who are tired of hearing about me just keeping on moving.

The object of this game is to answer the questions with one word answers.
You can only type one word. No explanations…

Yourself: procrastinator
Your Partner: cuddly
Your Hair: lank
Your Mother: challenging
Your Father: quiet
Your Favorite Item: Mac
Your Dream Last Night: Hogwarts
Your Favorite Drink: coffee
Your Dream Car: convertible
Dream Home: modern
The Room You Are In: office
Your Fear: forgotten
Where You Want to be in Ten Years: Europe
Who You Hung Out With Last Night: cat
You’re Not: neat
One of Your Wish List Items: maid
The Last Thing You Did: download
You Are Wearing: flip-flops
Your Favorite Weather: hot
Your Favorite Book: mystery
Last Thing You Ate: pasta
Your Life: curiouser
Your Mood: pensive
Your Best Friend: Anthony
What Are You Thinking About Right Now: shipping
Your Car: Eclipse
What Are You Doing At The Moment: duh
Relationship Status: single
What Is On Your TV: sports
What Is The Weather Like: overcast
When Is The Last Time You Laughed: today

There! Satisfied?

Let loose the Krakens!

Spent all day working on getting the website up and running with the new designs. Our new Summer stamps are finally up on the website. Go over and take a look.

Check out the Gallery too! Our awesome DT members Tracy and Toni really outdid themselves. Check out this super cool card by Tracy. Off the hook, baby! Can you say Kowabunga?

And introducing our newest fab member, Julee. She needs no introduction. Awesome work, Julee. Just awesome.

Whew! Going to lie down now.

Just Cards

Have y'all checked out the latest edition of Just Cards!? Our very own Toni has a whopping 11 cards with TCP designs in it. Sheesh.

And Kim over at My Favorite Things has 3!

I tell you, they just need to change the title of the magazine to "Just The Cat's Pajamas". Has a ring to it, dontcha know.

I hope everyone has a great long weekend. Me? I'll be filling orders and prepping for the release of the summer stamps. Watch this space for an update.

Get your grill on.

I have been loving this weather of late. Sunny days in May in San Francisco are rare. Let alone the ones in the 80s. Makes me want to drag out the old barbecue and start grilling.

Here is a sneaky peek at a couple of our brand spanking new designs for Summer. They'll be appearing in your friendly neighborhood stamp/scrap store any minute now.

Want to see more? Check out this groovy blog.

I'm it!

One of my fabulous DT members, Toni has tagged me, and given me 2 tasks.

Firstly, reveal seven random facts about yourself and then tag seven others...

1. I am a news junkie and have listened almost exclusively to the news on the radio for over 10 years. (Britney who?)

2. I am a voracious reader of murder mysteries written by women. I have every Agatha Christie and Nagio Marsh book written. Give me Elizabeth George and Patricia Cornwell any day and I'm a happy camper.

3. I adore watermelon. The smell, the taste, the color, the sound of the "thump, thump, thump"when you are looking for the most perfectly ripe one and the crunch your teeth make when biting into the crisp flesh. And I love the fact that I can eat as much as I want and not have to worry about too many calories.

4. I can eat a dozen doughnuts in one sitting. I guess it's a good thing I adore watermelon.

5. When I was younger I wanted to be Rhonda Morganstern on Mary Tyler Moore. I loved that she was a window dresser and wore such creative outfits. Her pink studio apartment fascinated me. I mean where was her kitchen?

7. I like plaid. There. I said it. After being garbed in Catholic school uniforms for 12 years I could not bring myself to even look at plaid for decades. Now I am strangely drawn to plaid whenever I see it in a store. Sometimes, I think it even whispers and nudges me to notice it.

Secondly: share some favorite blogs you visit for inspiration.

Jule Ebersole. Yeah, yeah, I know she is everyone's inspiration, but I just wanted to say that she is mine, too. I love her stamped designs, but even more, I love the way she writes.

Alicia Paulson. Alicia is not a stamper, but she is a creative soul. Creativity just oozes from this gal's pores. She lives a truly creative life. Plus I just love her mournful little pooch. Makes me want a doggie of my own.

Stephanie Pearl-McPhee. Okay. Not a stamper again. But this girl can weave a story like a fine piece of fabric.

Claudine Hellmuth. Finally. Someone who stamps. I just love this woman's point of view and her bubbly personality. She actually makes money with her art. Who would've thunk it? It can really be done.

Kim Van der Sanden. She is my new hero. So enthusiastic about what she does and making her new business soar. Kudos to you Kim.

Okay that's enough about me. Get better soon, Toni!

It's Showtime!

While I was on vacation I took a couple of days off to help Robert from American Art Stamp do his MIT and demo at the Joan Mills vendor show. I got to hook up with the owners of a lot of my favorite companies. I don't know about you, but I tend to get a little starstruck when it comes to celebrities. And in my world the people who head up stamp companies I admire, are celebrities. Here is Robert and Helene from Magenta. She is absolutely charming. And I was humbled when she actually remembered my name from our last meeting a year ago.

The MIT had a hawaiian theme going. In the middle of it all, the doors closed and then swung open. Much to everyone's suprise, in walked four men (!?) all dressed in Hawaiian garb. Some even had the whole coconut bra thing happening. Don't believe me? Well, here is proof.

And for you Tim Holtz fans, he was dressed up too, sans coconut bra thing. He, alas, was not prone to posing for the cameras on my side of the room. So you just have to take my word that this was him. Note the distinctive hair and earring. Yup. Tim Holtz.

Good times.

Blah! Blah! Blah!

Did I mention that there is a new "Chat" in town?

It's called Rubber Stamp Chat and it is run by Amy from Beeswax Rubber Stamps

A chat built by a rubber stamper, for rubber stampers. Oh yeah, and the rest of you can come along for the ride. Just tell 'em Alma sent you!

Paper Garen Boutique

I have said many times that The Paper Garden Boutique in Sacramento is the cutest store around. Painted in fresh spring green and white it has murals and inspirational sayings on the walls and fun paper flowers *growing* from the ceilings.

During my vacation I had to visit The Paper Garden Boutique again.

This time around I actually remembered to bring my camera and use it.
Luckily for me, I also brought my credit card, 'cause there was lots to buy.

Stephanie, the proprietress, has the most exquisite taste and a great eye for stamps. Of course, she carries TCP! (She is also a fellow SJSU alum. Go Spartans!)

The Paper Garden Boutique specializes in stamps and gift ware. Not only does she carry the full line of my absolute favorite paper, but her selection of unique, original handmade gifts is delightful. She chooses from many artists I have not seen before.

Check out the mod colored sock monkey. FABULOUS! (yes, I still buy other peoples' stamps. I'm a stamper first, dotcha know.)

From San Francisco, if I don't get lost, it takes and hour and a half to get there. But once I do it is well worth it. It is a comfortable place to hang out and chat and shop and just be.

Did I mention they give classes? I may just have to make my way out there soon to take one.

Home again

Are you still there?

Sorry I didn't post that I was going on vacation for 2 weeks, but I didn't realize I didn't until we were on the road in the middle of the desert.

Anthony and I decided to take advantage of the slowest month of the year (otherwise known as tax month) and celebrate 10 years of being together and go to Vegas. NO! WE DID NOT GET MARRIED! Sheeesh!

After we got back, I had one day of rest before the Joan Mills show in lovely Sacramento. I was incognito again working with Robert from American Art Stamp. I got to see many of TCP's clients and even got visit at The Paper Garden Boutique. Still the cutest store I've seen in a long while. And yes, I have pictures this time. I'll share them with you soon.

Once back in windy San Francisco, I was treated to a wonderful day of sun that was soon eclipsed by several terrible allergy filled days. I'm hoping to clear up before TCP officially reopens on Monday. Taaa!

And the winner is......

Matt, on Top Design.

I loved Clarisa's Black and White and Fuchsia loft I could just not see me living there.

The shiny black floor with no rugs just means lots and lots of sweeping and mopping. Not to mention that it would be too cold on my little kitty's tootsies. And I won't even go into what her green bathroom would to to my complexion. I shudder to think..Instead I loved Matt's aubergine bathroom. Very glam and morning-riser friendly. I love the thought of taking a shower while looking out on a beautiful skyline. With the blinds in place there would be no peepers.


This hall gallery is something I've always wanted to showcase my art and was delighted to see the idea here.
And I dig Matt's kitchen. Very chic AND practical. Marble tiles on the walls for easy clean up and stainless counters for food prep. LOVE it.

Matt also featured a curtain to section off the bedroom from the living area. The curtain could be pulled back to view the skyline from bed. Very romantic.
So while I loved Clarisa's bold style, Matt's was practical and well thought out, and chic all at the same time. Clarissa's room shouted at me, and Matt's tapped me on the shoulder and whispered in my ear. I'd move in in a hot second.

Matt: Top Designer!

It's not Thanksgiving, but...

...I am thankful, nonetheless.

I am thankful that I finished entering all the data into Quickbooks AND saving the info to a separate hard drive before one of the hard drives in my 8-year old computer died this week.

I am thankful that my old company let me have the computer that I had when I worked there instead of tossing it.

I am thankful that we were able to switch out the drives in that computer, saving me from having to buy a new computer and giving me more room on both my disks.

I am thankful for the Data Rescue program that helped me retrieve ALL the data on my fried disk.

I am thankful for backups.

I am thankful for patient customers who don't yell.

Most of all I am thankful for my sweetie, Anthony, who did all the data retrieval, disk stuff and info reconnection, so I didn't have to pull my hair out and throw a tantrum on the ground. All the while working on his own projects and filling stamp orders. He's good.

Everyone should have an Anthony. I'm thankful I've got mine.

Oh where, oh where could they be?