More Than Stamping @ Mainely Stampin'

If you are going to be ANYWHERE near Fairfield, California this Saturday you must, yes I said MUST, get yourself over to Mainely Stampin'. Their Holiday Maine Event will be going on from 10-6. Just $10 will get you in to make multiple Make and Takes. I was there last year and it was so much fun to kick back and just do make and takes at your own speed and chat with friends.

I'll be there too, teaching how to make my current favorite project, A Hot Chocolate CarryAll, complete with Hot Chocolate and Marshmallows, YUM! And speaking of Yum, if you happen to be there from 1-4, they'll even feed you. What a deal.

Swanky Stamper

We had so many great entries this month, I had a hard time choosing. I even had a hard time narrowing it down to just FOUR, since there were so many great entries. So I gave The Cat Pack a chance to give their two cents, and they also were flummoxed.

But, before I announce the Swanky Stamper for this month, I thought I would show you a couple of the cards that made it so difficult.



First, this super CUTE card from Jana Weaver that uses the sweet ole bear from our "Big Bear" set. Love the different textures, the ruffled bit behind him that looks like an iceberg and the snowflake treatment at the top. So glitzy and glam. But, I really like those paper pieced paws. The SWEEETEST.



Then there was Lisa Henke's card for Sony's Color Challenge. It was a tough one that challenged you to use Orange, Pink and Red. And Lisa rose to the occasion with this one. She used PJ from our "Give A Little" set. And she knows the way to my heart, food. This card is luscious with yummy peppermint candy red. I've always thought that candy canes and peppermints were the prettiest candy of the season, and Lisa proves that.



And, then there is Tammy Hershberger's wonderful card. She uses "Define Good" in this card and our "Icing" and "Snowflake" CutUps. And check out Tammy's coloring of that image! It made me gasp when I saw it. So wonderful.

See what I mean about picking a winner? Really tough. And now, the one I did pick.

Lisa Henke — Swanky Stamper for December

Lisa has created a lot of wonderful cards and designs in the past, but this one absolutely wowed me. Not only is the layout not traditional, but her use of paper, patterns and textures are just FAB.

Take the sentiment. The sentiment comes to you on our "Sheepish" Swanky Set on one line. Here, she places the sentiment on two lines (easy with clear stamps) and puts it smack dab in the center of a large felt snowflake. Seems like it just belongs.

She lets the paper do all the work in the card by choosing a simple layout, with only a few added elements. Truly a case of less is more.

Lisa Henke — Swanky Stamper for December

TCP Tuesday 137

It's Tuesday, so it must be TCP Tuesday.

This week, our Hostess with the Mostess is Sony. And she is hosting our Color Challenge. She's challenging you to use Aqua, Ice Blue and Lavender in your card or project.

I'm going to have to put my thinking cap on for this one, but I love the colors. So untraditional Christmas, but Holiday, nonetheless. These color make me think of wintery things. Crisp icicles hanging from the trees and the crunch of snow under my feet.

I'm shipping your orders today, so come back tomorrow for my take on these colors.

In the meantime, check out The Cat Pack throughout the week for their take on this color challenge. And don't forget to check out Sony. She uses the cutie from our latest "Big Bear" set.

Want to play along with our challenge?? Here are the deets.

1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge. <--It's me this week! 2. The challenges will vary {stamp, technique/supply, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Link to your post using the Inlinkz button 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 this blog 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.

TCP Tuesday and a Blog Hop

It's Tuesday, so it must be TCP Tuesday. And not only is it TCP Tuesday, but it's a Blog Hop showcasing our latest release. So if you hopped over from Jenny, our Swanky Stamper of the Month, you've come to the right place and the end of the Hop.

This week, our Hostess with the Mostess is Jen. So if you want to start the Hop properlike, go over to Jen's blog. She taking over the Technique/Supply Challenge from Amy. And Jen is challenging you to use dies to make embellishments. And not just embellishments for cards, but home decor or crafty items, too!



If you've played around with our CutUps Dies at all, you know that they can cut through cardstock and felt and paper thin wood, but did you know that they can cut through Fun Foam? Yuppers. Fun Foam. So when I ran Fun Foam through our NEW Snowflake CutUps it looked an awful lot like a cookie to me.

So I added a little Inkssentials Enamel to the top, sprinkled some Glitzy Glitter and voila! Instant YUM! And 'cause I couldn't help myself I added buttons and Divine Twine. Easy Peasy.

Want to try it yourself? Need a little enticing? How's about a little FREE Shipping? From now until next Monday, we're giving you FREE Shipping in the US, and $3.00 Shipping Internationally. Can't beat that!

Want to play along with our challenge?? Here are the deets.

1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge. <--It's me this week! 2. The challenges will vary {stamp, technique/supply, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Link to your post using the Inlinkz button 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 this blog 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.

Sneaky Peek Day 8

It's the very last day of Sneaky Peek Week, which means this is the last day to see what will be releasing TOMORROW for our very last release of the year. This very last peek features the designs of Mew Paper Arts.

She's the gal who brought you the Bunnies in Tutus in our TuTu Much set and the Whale in our Whale of a Time Set.


Her Bunnies are very serene, with a touch of reserve. Her linework is very expressive. So when I saw this bunny placing the star on the tippy top of this tree, I feel in love.



It's simple, yet elegant. Fanciful, yet dignified. Her design is simple, but it says all it needs to say. AND with only 2 places to color, it's the perfect candidate for those HUNDREDS of cards you still have to stamp.

Check out Sony, Susan and Joanne for one last look at our new release. I think that there is something for everyone, this time around.

Then join us on our Forum for our Pajama/Release Party at 7-9 est/4-6 pst tonight. And then go shopping for some great NEW stamps and dies! Remember, we'll pick up the tab for shipping in the US from November 23-29. And if you are outside the US, shipping is only $3.00.

Sneaky Peek Day 7

But, first, a bit about Black Friday.

For The Cat's Pajamas, Black Friday starts on Tuesday and ends on Monday. From Tuesday, November 23 through Monday, November 27 we'll give all orders shipped in the US FREE Shipping. That's right FREE Shipping for almost a whole week. And if you live outside the US, shipping will be only $3.oo to ship your whole order.

And now, back to our regularly scheduled program.
Only 2 Sneaky Peeks left before the big release on November 23, and you knew I couldn't get through a Sneaky Peek Week without showing you the Penguins. Larry, Curly, & Moe. Larry, Daryl & my other brother Daryl. The Three Amigos. Whatever you want to call them, they are still trouble with a capital T.

And this Holiday Season is no exception. In this new set "Round the Chimney" one hangs stockings at the fireplace, while the other two just have to play around. The question is "Who has been naughty or nice?" this year? And how can you tell?

We'll just have to leave that to you to decide. Or check out Tracy, Julie and Amy. They might know the answer.

Don't forget to check back tomorrow for our very last Sneaky Peek. Then join us on our Forum for our Pajama/Release Party at 7-9 est/4-6 pst. And then go shopping for some great NEW stamps and dies! Remember, we'll pick up the tab for shipping in the US from November 23-29. And if you are outside the US, shipping is only $3.00.

Sneaky Peek Day 6

Perhaps you've had a chance to check out my post from TCP Tuesday 134. In it I featured this sweet little gal from OuOu Illustrations.

This little gal is from the new set "Jingle Bells" and is the perfect size to color. She is all bundled up in her sweater, scarf and mittens. I love her little hair bows and how her feet jut out from under her bulky sweater. Just so sweet and perfect for cardmaking and scrapbooking. But don't take my word for it. Check out Tracy, Ana, and Amy for more looks.

Sneaky Peek Day 5

Counting down! We've got only a few more Sneaky Peeks before our big release! This next one is a peek at what is soon is becoming one of our more popular characters and from a designer that I have had the pleasure of working with these last few months, Zlatina Gocheva from Zlatoena Designs.

Zlatina just turned 21 and has a huge future ahead of her. Her drawing are so fun and just makes me smile. So when she showed
me this little guy, I smiled so hard my cheeks hurt.

He's part of the new set "Define Good". What I love about him is that, being a bunny and all, he's doesn't need careful coloring. So he's perfect for making LOTS of Holiday cards.

Check out Jen, Julie, Susan and Joanne and you'll see what I mean.

And by the way, did you see the new blinkie on the left side of this blog featuring this little guy? Black Friday will start a little early this year for you Cat's Pajamas fans, and it will go a little bit longer.

From November 23- November 29 we will ship for FREE anywhere in the United States. And we aren't forgetting our International Customers, we'll ship your order for just $3.00.

Sneaky Peek Day 4

Before I show you the Sneaky Peek for today, I officially invite you to our Pajama Party! It's our online release party and it's at our forum on Splitcoast Stampers. It's THE place to view our new release and see what our fabulous Design Team, aka The Cat Pack have come up with. And yes, there is a lot of chatter.


It's Day Four in Sneaky Peek Week and it's another super cute image from Ou Ou Illustration. I tell you, that gal is just knocking things out of the park with her cuteness. Who can resist this sweet little girl with her heart in her hand? Not I. She's the main image in a set called "Merry Wishes" available next Tuesday.

This is a great image to color and the nice thick lines make it paper piecing friendly. Check out what Susan, Ana and Joanne whipped up with this little gal. I think you'll agree they're pretty special.

Sneaky Peek Day 3

It's Day 3 of Sneaky Peek Week and we are almost halfway through the new release. Today, I am showcasing another stamp design from Laurie Nadeau. This little fellow is from the set, "Like You A Latte". Isn't he adorable? I think that there are not enough boy stamps, so when I saw him, I knew he just had to be made into a stamp.
Around this time of year, there tends to be a lot of small gifts that need to be given. Hostess gifts, gifts at a cookie exchange, gifts for the next door neighbor. And, I always like to "'dress" up a gift card with a box or a little something. Those little gift cards are great, but so dull around the tree.



So I thought that this little guy would be perfect for a little hot chocolate kit. Easy to make with a template from Creations by AR, I fancied it up with my very favorite new CutUps die. Well, my favorite today. It's called "Icing" and it will be one of the new dies available on November 23.


Here's the inside. More of the "Icing" die, some pretty paper and Hot Chocolate and it's good to go.

Want to see more Sneaky Peeks? Check out Jen, Julie and Joanne for more!

TCP Tuesday 135 and Sneaky Peek #2

It's Tuesday, so it must be TCP Tuesday. And it just happens to be Day #2 of Sneaky Peek Week

And this week, Toni is the Hostess with the Mostess, with another fun Inspiration challenge for you. Use this chair and have it inspire you. Whether its the chair, or the colors or the pattern, or even the mood, let this chair inspire you.

When I was growing up in the sixties, we were all aware of being green and being healthy. Living in San Francisco, we took recycling and conservation like a duck to water. I guess there is a little hippie in me, because when there was a resurgence in green living and recycling recently, I got excited that more people were getting involved in living healthy, happier lives. And since Anthony's heart attack it made me really aware of being "Heart Healthy", too.

So when Susan Blanchard did this drawing for me of this Santa, I just had to smile. A green, politically correct Santa, delivering his gifts via wind and Santa power. Good for the environment and good for his heart. Literally. Gotta love it.

Want to see more Sneaky Peeks? Check out Jen, Toni, and Sony .

Now back to TCP Tuesday.

Want to play along with our challenge?? 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, technique, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Link to your post using the Inlinkz button at the bottom of 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 this blog 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.

It's that time again! It's the first day of Sneaky Peek Week. That means that the New Release is one week away on Tuesday, November 23. Okay, we are starting a day early, but we have so much to show you.

For the last couple of weeks, I've been showing you some adorable designs by our newest artist from Ou Ou Illustration. And today is no different.

Today's design features a sweet little gal dressed appropriately for the upcoming cold weather in the NEW set "Snowflake Girl". What I love about this image is that she is just the right size for coloring and the line weight is just PURRFECT for paper piecing and coloring.
So I had to ink up this little one and do a card. She comes with a large snowflake, hence the title "Snowflake Girl", and I thought it would be perfect to do a transparent card. I'm still working on how to color black hair with my Odorless Mineral Spirits and I'm quite pleased with this little gal.

And at the bottom, I've used one of our new CutUps Dies. Check out Toni, Amy, Sony and Joanne for their take on this cute little gal. And come back tomorrow for another sneaky peek at our new release.

I love Cupertino, California!

Why? Not only is it the home of Apple Computer, but, more importantly, it's the home of Memories Live On!

And this Sunday, I'll be doing two different FREE Make and Takes! A sweet little card from 11:00am- 1:30 and from 2:30-5:00, this month's Project of the Month. Come for one and stay for the second. And in between, shop our trunk show. Not only will we have some of our very favorite stamp sets, but you'll get a chance to buy the stamps and dies we'll be releasing next week, early!

Who could ask for anything more? Come by and say "Hi"

Memories Live On is at: 10191 S. De Anza Blvd., Cupertino, CA 408-446-9901!

TCP Tuesday 134

It's Tuesday, so it must be TCP Tuesday.

And this week, I am the Hostess with the Mostess, with a sketch challenge for you. It's a based on a square design, and it can be flipped and turned every which way.

Last week I introduced you to our brand new artist, Laurie Nadeau, from ouou illustration with a stamp from our next release on November 23, "You Suit Me".

This week I couldn't wait to stamp this image, from another new stamp set, "Jingle Bells".



Love, Love this image. And I also love this new CutUps die! Can you see it? It reminds me of the top of a Hostess Cupcake. YUM! What I love is that you can use it with either side showing or you can show the whole thing. Woo! Hoo! I can't wait to see what the rest of the Cat Pack comes up with.

Want to play along with our challenge?? 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, technique, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Link to your post using the Inlinkz button at the bottom of 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 this blog 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.

TCP Tuesday 133

It's Tuesday, so it must be TCP Tuesday.

But first, we've got a brand new artist joining us at The Cat's Pajamas, Laurie Nadeau, from ouou illustration.

I fell in love with Laurie's designs several years ago and thought that her adorable drawings of girls and boys were perfect for The Cat's Pajamas. I pursued her relentlessly and was thrilled that she agreed to share her super cute images with the stamping world.

Our September release featured "Witchy" and "Who's This?", the first of many to come.

So, Susan, our super fantabulous Hostess with the Mostess this week, decided that this stamp challenge should be all about the GIRLS! GIRLS RULE!, in fact. Use any stamp that is of the female gender. (Remember, Sprinkle is a girl)

So here's my take on the GIRLS RULE! theme.


This tin features one of the new stamp sets we are going to be releasing on November 23. And I think it's just darling.

It's a perfect place to house hot chocolate. Or tea. Or socks, or giftcards to Starbucks. You get the picture. I stamped her with Marvy Black and colored her with Odorless Mineral Spirits and colored pencil. Easy Peasy.

Want to play along with our challenge?? 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, technique, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Link to your post using the Inlinkz button at the bottom of 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 this blog 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

Jenny Petersen — Swanky Stamper for November

This card has surprises that constantly reveal themselves the more you look at it. At first glance you note the bunny and the wonderful mix of patterns. Then you notice the different textures of the felt and embellies, the stitching. And then the bling in the rhinestones, the flowers, and tail. This card is truly a beauty.

Project of the Month

Get started on your Holiday list. Our Triangle Gift Box is perfect to hold a Holiday giftcard or treat. And it's easy to make with our latest dies (available on November 23). It's our Project of the Month.

Thank you, Cat's Meow

Thank you to Sharon and Melissa at The Cat's Meow for hosting The Cat's Pajamas Trunk Show this weekend.

Not only did I get a chance to meet the store cats, Mittens and Peaches, and meet their wonderful customers, but I was able to be at a truly original Rubber Stamp & Scrapbooking store. There are not too many of them left, and I really encourage you to visit them. They have a great selection of goodies and they are in a beautiful location, not too far from Yosemite. And you just might get a chance to see Oprah.

Trunk Show

Are you near Oakhurst, California? Well, that's where I'll be from 10-3 at The Cat's Meow! Don't you just love that name? For some reason, I adore it. ;)

Anyway, I'll be there Saturday, October 30 with a whole trunk of The Cat's Pajamas goodies and a FREE Make and Take. So if you are in the area, drop by and say "Hi".

TCP Tuesday 132

It's Tuesday, so it must be TCP Tuesday. And Sony is our Hostesss with the Mostess on this finally non-rainy day here in San Francisco.

She's challenging you to use COLOR! And I mean COLOR in a big way. Red, orange and PINK. Wowza. Check out her card here and the rest of the Cat Pack throughout the week for their take on this challenge.

Play along and you could be Swanky Stamper of the Month and win a $25 Shopping Spree at The Cat's Pajamas. C'mon, you have until the end of the month to play.

Want to be Swanky Stamper? 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, technique, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until the end of the month to complete the challenge.
4. Link to your post using the Inlinkz button at the bottom of 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 this blog 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.