Hugs, Kisses, and Cute Mini Critters

Okay...call me crazy, but I've decided to give my blog a face lift in the midst of a blog hop!  Please excuse the mess while I clean it up!

Happy Saturday to you!  Hope your new year is getting off to a good start.  I pray that you are well and haven't caught that nasty flu bug that's going around.  I've got a lot to share with you today, so I'll get right to it!  You'll want to keep scrolling down because there's a mini blog hop at the end of this post with a chance to win some wonderful prizes!

First...it's time for the very first sketch of 2013 at The Sweet Stop!

Creative Nugget:  Isn't this little girl just darling?  This Mo Manning digi image, With Love, was so much fun to color with Copic Markers.  I couldn't resist adding Stickles to her little valentine!  The wavy panels were cut out of Yours Truly papers by Echo Park with a wavy cutter by Creative Memories.  The hearts, from a brand new set by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps called Bottom of my Heart, were stamped on various red and pink papers with Versafine Onyx Black Ink and cut with the matching Heart Die Set.  Everything was matted with True Black card stock and attached to a Neenah Solar Crest card base.  The little sentiment tag was attached to the side of the main image panel and pearls finish the card.

Check out more fabulous eye candy by the other Sugar Babies and play along with us this week over at The Sweet Stop!

Sugar Babies

Monika Davis

Janice Melton

Robin Parker

Faye Wynn-Jones

Melissa Schultz

Ceal Pritchett

Marlene Peduzzi

                                                Stephanie Serrano

Card Recipe

Stamps: With Love Digi (Mo Manning), Bottom of My Heart (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), Spun Sugar Distress Ink (Ranger)

Paper: True Black (PTI), Neenah Solar Crest (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Yours Truly Paper Pad (Echo Park)

Accessories: Rectangle Nestie (Spellbinders), Heart Die Set (Sweet'n Sassy Stamps), Kaiser Pearls, Copic Markers

Mini Critters Blog Hop

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps has just released five new stamp sets for the January 2013 Release.  For the next five days, each set will have its own little blog hop full of inspiration for you.  The first blog hop is today and features Mini Critters, an adorable mini set that packs a big punch!

Here are some samples I created with this set:

For a chance to win this adorable set, leave a comment on each blog as you hop along.  Be sure to make a stop at the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog for more information about Mini Critters and this hop!

I hope you've enjoyed your visit...as always...thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,

Cathymac

A New Year and a New Release

Hello my blog friends...are you ready for Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps first Release of 2013?  The SNSS Design Divas have been busy, busy, busy stamping with the five new stamp sets being released and the samples created are amazing!  We can't wait to share them with you! We'll be kicking things off at 10:00 EST with a Virtual Stamp Day full of challenges over on our SNSS Member Forum at Splitcoaststampers. Each time you participate in a challenge, you will be entered for a chance to win a $25 Credit to Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  Then...there will be mini blog hops on January 5th through the 9th featuring one of the new sets on each day with a chance to win the stamp set being featured!  Now head on over to the SNSS Blog to see the full reveal of each of the fabulous new stamp sets!

Here's a quick sneak peek of one of the new sets...Long Stem Silhouettes.

Creative Nugget:  Blush papers by My Mind's Eye were stitched to True Black and attached to a Vintage Cream card front to create the background for the long stem silhouette which was stamped on a piece of DP.  A Spellbinders border was sewn to the bottom of the card, and another SB die was cut for the sentiment panel.  The sentiment, also from the Long Stem Silhouettes set, was stamped on a hand cut banner.  Baker's Twine, a button, and Pearls finish the card.  What do you think?  Are you ready to go check out those new sets?

Thanks so much for stoping by...hope to see you over at Splitcoaststampers later today!

Hugs,

Cathmac

Card Recipe

Stamps: Long Stem Silhouettes (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), Spun Sugar and Antique Linen Distress Ink

Paper: Vintage Cream, True Black (PTI), Blush Paper Pad (My Mind's Eye)

Accessories: Circle Nestie, Asian Accents Dies (Spellbinders), Sew Mini (Janome), Baker's Twine (The Twinery), Button (PTI), Kaiser Pearls

Together Forever

Hello sketch lovin' friends!  Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas. We had a white one here for the first time in so many years, but the snow didn't stay very long...now we're expecting more today!  It might be a good day to stay in and stamp...SNSS has a small release coming next week, so I get to play with some new stamps!  Yea! Since it's Saturday, there's also a new sketch at The Sweet Stop and it's one I'll be using again and again!  One of the little girls from our church, grew up (Where did those years go?), went to school in Australia, and came home with a fiancé!  So for my sample today, I chose an old favorite stamp set for her wedding shower.

Creative Nugget:  I love the vintage papers from A Ladies' Diary paper pad by Graphics 45 and thought it would be perfect for a young lady's wedding shower.  The papers were matted in black and attached to a Vintage Cream card base.  The darling image from Together Silhouettes by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps was stamped using Versafine Onyx Black ink, the best ink for stamping silhouettes IMHO!  The umbrella was paper pieced using the same paper as one of the strips on the background.  This was cut with the Labels Four Die, sponged with Tattered Rose Distress Ink, and mounted onto a Romantic Rectangle...how appropriate!  A bow and some pearls were added to finish the card!  I hope my young friend likes it and you do, too!

Be sure to check out the wonderful samples by the other Sugar Babies...I hope you can join us this week at The Sweet Stop!

Sugar Babies

Monika Davis

Janice Melton

Robin Parker

Faye Wynn-Jones
Melissa Shultz 

 Ceal Pritchett 

  Marlena Peduzzi

   Stephanie Serrano

Thanks so much for stopping by...have a safe and 

Happy New Year!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Card Recipe 

Stamps: Together Silhouettes (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), Tattered Rose and Walnut Stain Distress Inks (Ranger)

Paper: Vintage Vanilla, True Black (PTI), A Ladies' Diary Paper Pad (Graphics 45)

Accessories: Labels Four Die, Romantic Rectangle Die (Spellbinders), Black Seam Binding (Really Reasonable Ribbon), Kaiser Pearls

Merry Christmas to You and Yours

Hello friends and happy Saturday to you!  Before I get to this week's sketch from The Sweet Stop, I want to take a moment to thank all of you for visiting with me from time to time and to wish you all a very Merry Christmas!  I appreciate so much your very kind and supportive comments and have enjoyed getting to know you better. This Christmas, may the warmth of the Lord's presence bring you joy, peace, and blessings that last throughout the coming year.

Now onto the sketch!

Creative Nugget:  Yes...I'm still making Christmas cards!  My plan is to continue with a Christmas version of the sketch each week to begin building my stash for next year.  We'll see if I can keep up!  LOL!  For this sample, Festive papers by Authentique were stitched to Smokey Shadow card stock and mounted to a Soft Stone card base.  The candle image, from one of my very favorite Christmas sets by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, Christmas Light, was cut with the matching die and colored with Copic Markers.  It was then popped up onto Circle Nesties and a Lacey Circle.  The sentiments from the Christmas Tags set were hand cut into banners.  A couple pearls, Glossy Accents, and Stickes added to the flame, create some texture. 

For more Christmas eye candy, stop in on the other Sugar Babies.  I hope in all the hustle and bustle of the next few days you find some time to play along with us this week at The Sweet Stop!

Sugar Babies

Monika Davis

Janice Melton

Robin Parker

Faye Wynn-Jones
Melissa Shultz 

 Ceal Pritchett 

  Marlena Peduzzi

   Stephanie Serrano

Have a Very Merry Christmas!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Card Recipe

Stamps: Christmas Light, Christmas Tags (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Pumice Stone Distress Ink (Ranger)

Papers: Soft Stone, Smokey Shadow (PTI), Festive Collection Paper Pad (Authentique)

Accessories: Circle Nesties, Lacey Circles (Spellbinders), Christmas Light Die (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Sew Mini (Janome), Border Punch (Martha Stewart), Glossy Accents, Stickles (Ranger), Kaiser Pearls, Copic Markers R32, 35, 37, 39, 59; YG00, 25, 93, 95, 99; Y11, 15; YR15; T3, 5, 7, 9

Noel

Happy Sunday, friends!  I have just a quick card to share with you today created for the Shining the Light Challenge this week at Our Daily Bread Designs.

Creative Nugget:  This week's challenge was a word challenge... "Noel."  Here's what I used:

N - Noel, Nesties;  O - Ornaments, Organdy Ribbon;  E - Embossing;  L - Lots of Layers

A piece of Turtle Dove paper by KaiserCraft was matted onto scarlet Jewel Card stock and adhered to a Vintage Cream card base.  The frame , made from Labels Seventeen Dies, was stamped with the Joy to the World Hymn in Scarlet Jewel after stamping off twice.  This was then embossed with the Canvas Impression Plate.  The swag from the Gift of God set was stamped three times, colored with Copic Markers and all three were cut out.  The ornaments from the Holiday Ornaments 2 set were gold embossed on Vintage Cream and Scarlet Jewel card stock, Cut with the matching dies, and hung from the frame with gold cord.  The swags were then popped up on top.  And another Christmas card done!  Time is running out!

Thanks so much for stopping by...have a wonderful week!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Card Recipe
Stamps: Joy to the World Hymn, Holiday Ornaments 2, Gift of God (Our Daily Bread Designs)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Walnut Stain and Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger), Scarlet Jewel (PTI), VersaMark (Tsukineko)
Paper: Vintage Cream, Scarlet Jewel (PTI), Turtle Dove Paper Pad (KaiserCraft)
Accessories: Labels Seventeen Dies (Spellbinders), Spellbinders Holiday Tags Dies (ODBD), Organdy Ribbon (PTI), Ice Stickles (Ranger), Snow Marker (Marvy), Gold Cord from Stash, Copic Markers E49, 55, 57, 59;  YG00, 25, 93, 95, 99;  BG0000, 000

Tag Along

Hello friends!   So glad you decided to tag along today because it is Saturday and time for a new sketch at The Sweet Stop.  It's the third week of the month and you know what that means...a spin! The spin is Winter Wonderland, so get out those wintery images and create a tag to go on your creation. One lucky participant will win a $15 gift certificate to the Sweet 'n Sassy Store...just in time for Christmas!

Creative Nugget:  The inspiration for my card came from the Turtle Dove Paper Pad by KaiserCraft.  The children at the bottom of the card are actually part of the DP.  Snowflakes were embossed on the top part of the paper, and a kraft knife was used to cut around the tops of the images so the tag could be tucked behind.  The snowdrifts were made using one of the borders included in the paper pad.  The trees and deer are part of the Forest Silhouettes stamp set by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, not a Christmas set, but works wonderfully when paired with these papers, to create a wintery Christmas card!  Everything was stitched to a Riding Hood Red mat and attached to a Kraft card base.

I enjoyed this sketch so much, I used it again to tell you about a brand new stamp set being released today at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!

Not only is this a fabulous Adoption Set that can be used for so many other occasions, but every purchase will benefit orphans in Henan China!

Creative Nugget:  Several patterns from the Little Darlings paper collection by Graphics 45...LOVE these baby papers...were stitched to a Kraft mat and attached to a Vintage Cream card base.  One of the sentiments from the The Gift of You set was very lightly stamped in Walnut Stain ink several times on the tag.  The booties from The Vintage Baby set were lightly stamped on the tag as well.  The mother image from Vintage Baby was paper pieced and colored with Copic Markers.  A sentiment from the set was stamped on a hand cut banner.  You can see other gorgeous samples using this stamp set on the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog!  The Sweet 'n Sassy Store will begin taking preorders for this wonderful set today!

I hope you will tag along and play with us at The Sweet Stop this week...you will love working with this sketch!  See what the other Sugar Babies have created for your inspiration!

Sugar Babies

Monika Davis

Janice Melton

Robin Parker

Faye Wynn-Jones
Melissa Shultz (Off this week)

 Ceal Pritchett

  Marlena Peduzzi

   Stephanie Serrano

Thanks so much for deciding to tag along, especially at this busy time of the year!  Have a wonder filled weekend!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Winter Wonderland Recipe

Stamps: Forest Silhouettes (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Early Espresso (SU!), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), Walnut Stain Distress Ink (Ranger)

Paper: Kraft (PTI), Riding Hood Red (SU!), Turtle Dove Paper Pad (KaiserCraft)

Accessories: Snowflake EF (ProvoCraft), Piercing Tool (SU!), Canvas Impression Plate (PTI), Sew Mini (Janome), Diamond Stickles (Ranger), Extreme Glitter Acrylic Paint (Plaid Enterprises)

The Gift of You Recipe

Stamps: The Gift of You, Vintage Baby (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Early Espresso (SU!), Fired Brick and Walnut Stain Distress Inks (Ranger)

Paper: Kraft, Vintage Cream (PTI), Little Darlings (Graphics 45)

Accessories: Canvas Impression Plate (PTI), Sew Mini (Janome), Bakers Twine (eclectic Paperie), Ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), Kaiser Pearls, Copic Markers E00, 11, 13, 50, 53, 55, 57; B000, 00, 01, 02;  G40, 82;  R20;  Y21, 26;  YR30

Christmas Penguins

Happy Saturday to you, sketch lovin' friends!  It's been a BUSY week, but now it's time for a new sketch at The Sweet Stop.  This one is perfect for those last minute Christmas cards that need to be finished.

Creative Nugget:  These adorable penguins from Sweet 'n Sassy's Christmas Penguins clear stamp set were colored with Copic Markers quite a while ago, waiting to be mounted on the perfect card...this was the sketch!  A snow marker was used to give texture to the fur on the penguins' hats.   I changed the circle to an oval, but other than that, kept true to the sketch design.  The Winter Park papers by Echo Park and the snowflake embossed panel provided the background for this festive image.  A snowflake punch, ribbon, and rhinestone stickers were added before mounting everything to a Neenah Solar White panel.  The sentiment from the Cocoa's Christmas clear stamp set was stamped on a hand cut banner and added to the card.  And there you have it...quick and easy!

I hope you get a change to join us this week over at The Sweet Stop. Be sure to check out the amazing samples by the rest of the Sugar Baby Team!

Sugar Babies

Monika Davis

Janice Melton

Robin Parker

Faye Wynn-Jones
Melissa Shultz

 Ceal Pritchett

  Marlena Peduzzi

   Stephanie Serrano

Thanks so much for stopping by...have a wonder filled weekend!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Card Recipe

Stamps: Christmas Penguins, Cocoa's Christmas (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Stormy Sky Distress Ink (Ranger)

Paper: Neenah Solar White, Winter Park Paper Pad (Echo Park)

Accessories: Oval and Scalloped Oval Nesties (Spellbinders), CB Embossing Folder (ProvoCraft), Sew Mini (Janome), Scallop Border Die (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Snowflake Punch (Martha Stewart), Rhinestones (Recollections), Snow Marker (Marvy), Copic Markers

Sweet Paperie Techniques

Hello and welcome to the Great Gifts Blog Hop!  Last year you might remember joining us for the combined blog hop with Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps and Technique Junkies Newsletter. Well now we're adding eclectic Paperie to the mix!   This combination is a match made in heaven...fabulous stamps, beautiful papers and accessories, and wonderful gift techniques...and just in time for your Christmas and holiday gift giving!

You are in for a real treat as sixteen talented bloggers from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, Technique Junkie Newsletter, and eclectic Paperie join together to share some gorgeous gift ideas with you. Just look at this wonderful line up of talented paper crafters:

From Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps

Monika Davis

Ceal Pritchett 

Giovana Smith

Cathy McCauley    

Jennie Harper 

From Technique Junkie Newsletter

Holly Brown

Judy Jackson

Ann Clark 

Jane Bosi

Jackie Kalchert

Pat Huntoon

From Eclectic Paperie

Sherry Cheever

Mary-Ann Maldanado

Micki Harper

Broni Holcombe

Julie Masse 

Not only will you get a chance to see some beautiful gifts, but you will have the chance to win some fabulous PRIZES!  Each of the companies will be giving away a prize randomly drawn from their designers' blogs.

 EP: 25% discount on a future order

SNSS: $15 store credit
TJN: Great Gifts CD or any TJN CD of winner's choice 

All you need to do to become eligible for one of these prizes is to leave a comment on each blog by midnight EST on Friday, December 7th. The winners will be posted on each company's blog on Sunday, December 9th.

So grab a snack, get comfortable and get ready to hop using the Linky Blog Hop Tool at the end of this post!  

How about a little tea!  For my project today, I created a little tea gift set.  

First, we need some tea!

Creative Nugget:  This cute Tea Bag Dispenser is one of 40 gifts on the Great Gifts CD by Technique Junkie Newsletter.  Tea Time Cocoa by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps was the perfect stamp set for decorating all the projects in my gift ensemble.  Cocoa was colored with Copic Markers, cut out, and popped up onto the box.  An assortment of items from eclectic Paperie including Papers from the Persnickety paper line by LilyBee Designs and a Maya Road Flower finish off the tea dispenser.

Next, we need something to drink from!

Creative Nugget:  This coffee mug should do the trick!  Just the head from Tea Time Cocoa was used to peek out from the flowers created with the Kindness clear stamp set and the matching Kindness Flower Die Set.  Other embellishments from eclectic Paperie include a vintage pin and canvas tag from Maya Road, Buttons from Buttons Galore, and Twine from The Twinery.

And finally, a gift card to include with the gift!

Creative Nugget:  Left over papers were layered and stitched to a Neenah Solar Crest card base.  The only additional accessory used on this card was the small Scallop Border Die by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.

What tea lovin' friend wouldn't love to receive this adorable gift ensemble!  As you continue on your way, I'm sure you will get many more fabulous gift giving ideas!

   

Thanks for stopping by and have fun hopping!

Hugs,

Cathymac