Paper Smooches SPARKS--It's Happy Hour Somewhere

***  Scroll down to the post below or click HERE to see my card for this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge!  ***

This week's Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge is an anything goes challenge.  It's getting close to the end of the school year, which to me will mark the official start of summer.  Since I still have two more weeks of school to go, I've been dreaming of rest and relaxation, which is what inspired this design.

I arranged a trio of cardstock circles and a narrow strip of shimmery silver paper on a white cardstock panel.  The largest circle was filled in with one of the drink images from the Free Spirits set.  I stamped the image on a matching die cut, then colored it with Copic markers.  To add the umbrella, I used my craft knife to cut a tiny slit in the glass, then tucked the end of the umbrella into the slit. 

To go with the drink image, the "it's happy hour somewhere" sentiment from the Get Outta Town set was stamped in black ink on the large green circle.  A few lime green enamel dots scattered around completed the design.

Don’t miss what the rest of the SPARKS team has created this week. Here’s where to find them:

Audrey
Lisa
Erin
Jenny
Katie
Larissa
Lori--you're here!
Lynn
Savannah

Materials Used:
Free Spirits and Get Outta Town stamp sets, Free Spirits Icons dies (Paper Smooches); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Raspberry Fizz and Simply Chartreuse cardstock (Papertrey Ink); silver paper (Target); lime enamel dots (My Mind's Eye); foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 271-I've Got a Spot in My Heart for You

It's time for another Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge.  I recently added the adorable Playful Pups set from Mama Elephant to my stash (I tried, but I couldn't resist those sweet doggies) and I inked up my new set for my simple take on the sketch.

I used the dog in the play bow stance for my focal image.  This is a favorite position of my Chloe the cutie puppy.  She's always up for playtime!  I colored the image with Copic markers, then cut it out with the matching die.  It was adhered to a round panel using foam tape for dimension.  I cut a pink heart using one of the Honey Bunny dies and added that to the panel, too.

I matted a strip of pink chevron paper with a piece of rose cardstock, then adhered it to a pink card base.  For contrast, I die cut a fishtail flag strip from navy cardstock and layered that over the chevron panel, then added the image panel on top.  The sentiment was stamped near the bottom of the cardfront in navy pigment ink.

To play along, just create a card based on the sketch and link it up on the SSSC blog.  Be sure to stop by the blog to check out what the SSSC team has created using the sketch.  And, don't forget to check in on Wednesday to see one of our favorite cards made with the sketch. 
 
Materials Used:
Playful Pups stamp set, Playful Pups and Honey Bunny dies (Mama Elephant); Memento Tuxedo Black and Memento Luxe Nautical Blue inks, irRESISTible Gray Flannel Pico Embellisher (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Bubblegum cardstock, Die-namics Fishtail Flag Stax die (My Favorite Things); Regal Rose and Night of Navy cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Splendid Sunshine 6x6 paper pad (Echo Park); circle dies (Spellbinders); foam tape

Welcome Baby

Here's my card for the new color challenge at SugarPea Designs.  The colors were perfect for the baby stamps and dies from this month's release!

I paired the Welcome Baby stamp set and coordinating SugarCuts-Welcome Baby Accents dies with the current sketch at Freshly Made Sketches.  I did a little creative inking on the stamp to get the two-toned rocking horse.  The horse was adhered to a pale gray panel using foam tape.

I stamped the baby blocks in green and yellow pigment inks, then trimmed around them.  I arranged the blocks on a piece of gray twine, then used more foam tape to adhere them in a curve along the bottom of the image panel. A teeny tiny bow at each end anchors the baby banner.  I adhered the finished panel to a pale pink card base to match the rocking horse.

Materials Used:
Welcome Baby stamp set, SugarCuts-Welcome Baby Accents dies (SugarPea Designs); Memento Luxe Pear Tart, Daffodil, Angel Pink, and Gray Flannel inks (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Pink Pirouette cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Grout Gray cardstock (My Favorite Things); gray twine (Hemptique); foam tape

It's Your Day

Here's my card for this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge. I used some confetti-like patterned paper as inspiration for this card that can serve as a birthday or a congratulations card.

I adhered the patterned paper panel to a rose card base, then topped it with a pink pierced tag die cut.  I stamped the "it's your day" sentiment from the Birthday Chalkboard Greetings set in silver ink on a pale gray fishtail flag strip and added that on top.  The tag was accented with a big silver star, cut with a pierced star die.  I adhered it with foam tape for dimension.  A trio of rose enamel dots scattered around the tag completed the design.

Materials Used:
Birthday Chalkboard Greetings stamp set, Grout Gray cardstock, Die-namics Pierced Star Stax, Pierced Traditional Tags Stax, and Fishtail Flag Stax dies (My Favorite Things); Delicata Silvery Shimmer ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Regal Rose and Pink Pirouette cardstock, Regal Rose grosgrain ribbon (Stampin' Up!); Umbrella 6x6 paper pad (American Crafts); corner rounder; foam tape

First Prize

Here's my card for this week's Mojo Monday sketch.  I used the tall, skinny layout for a masculine design featuring Lawn Fawn's Best Pun Ever set.  We have Field Day at my school today, complete with an afternoon full of water relays (wish me luck!), so a design featuring a trophy seems appropriate for the day's events.  If I survive the day, I will consider it a win!

I stamped the set's trophy image on shimmery white cardstock, then used Copic markers to color the stamped image.  After cutting it out with the matching die, I adhered it to a round panel using foam tape.  I paired the image with some number patterned paper.  To coordinate with the patterned paper, I used red and gray cardstock for the layout's fishtail flag strips.  The horizontal panel was made from shiny gold paper to match the trophy.  I layered the finished image on a red card base.  I wanted to stamp a sentiment on the cardfront, but I couldn't find a place to fit it--and the number paper's definitely too busy to stamp on.  I guess it'll just have to go on the inside of the card . . .

Materials Used:
Best Pun Ever stamp set, Best Pun Ever dies (Lawn Fawn); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Poppy Parade and Shimmery White cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Smokey Shadow cardstock, double-ended banner die (Papertrey Ink); Kraft cardstock (WPlus9); gold paper (Target); Boy Oh Boy 6x6 paper pad (Carta Bella); Stitched Banner Stax dies (My Favorite Things); circle dies (Spellbinders); foam tape

Birthday Muse

Here's my card for the current Muse challenge.  I was inspired by Joan's watercolored cake and her pink and gold color scheme.

I used the cake from Winnie & Walter's Sugar Rush set for my card.  After heat embossing the image in gold, I used pink watercolors to fill it in.  The "happy birthday" sentiment was heat embossed in gold over a solid pink banner image that I'd stamped after misting the inked stamp (and the extremely irritated dog!) with some water.  I accented the cake with a trio of gold sequins.  The finished watercolored panel was adhered to a white card base over a pair of angled panels--one gold and one rose.

Materials Used:
Sugar Rush stamp set (Winnie and Walter); Delicata Golden Glitz ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Regal Rose cardstock (Stampin' Up!); gold paper (Target); watercolors, watercolor paper, gold sequins (Michaels); gold embossing powder (American Crafts)

You Make Me Smile

Here's my card for the current Viva la Verve sketch.  I needed a thank you card, so I used the sketch to put together a fresh, floral card.

I built the design around a yellow gingham patterned paper panel.  The panel was topped with a pair of yellow poppies stamped with Verve's Poppy Birthday stamp set.  They were adhered to the panel using foam tape for dimension. 

I adhered the patterned paper on an angle to a white cardstock panel.  I tucked a contrasting piece of green cardstock beneath the upper right side of the patterned paper, setting it off from the white just a bit.  The "you make me smile" sentiment from the Take Note set was stamped on a pale green panel in green pigment ink.  After adhering a pair of small yellow banner strips beneath the bottom edge of the sentiment, I layered it near the top of the patterned paper panel.  The finished panel was adhered to a lemon yellow card base to match the gingham pattern.

Materials Used:
Poppy Birthday and Take Note stamp sets, Build a Poppy dies (Verve Stamps); Mimosa and Celery inks (Avery Elle); Memento Luxe Tuxedo Black ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Lemon Tart, Simply Chartreuse, and Spring Moss cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Yippee 6x6 paper pad (Chickaniddy Crafts); Fishtail Flag Stax dies (My Favorite Things); foam tape

Color Throwdown 344-Flamingo Fun

It's time for another Color Throwdown!  Vickie is our hostess this week and she's shared a summer inspired color combination--pink, yellow, and green.  I went with trendy flamingos on this fun design.

My flamingo is from the Reverse Confetti Fabulous Flamingo set.  I used pigment inks to stamp the image, then used the matching dies to cut it out.  I adhered ti to a yellow dotted patterned paper pane using foam tape.  To ground the flamingo, I adhered a strip of green "grass" to the bottom of the panel.  A simple yellow circle and a fun shimmery white stitched cloud rounded out the scene.  I stamped the sentiment next to the flamingo in gray ink, then added a pair of banner strips to the top right corner of the panel.  A few pink enamel dots scattered around finished the scene.  I layered the panel on a rosy pink card base.

To play along, just create a paper crafted project using these colors as a starting point and add a direct link to your finished project using the linky tool found at the end of this week's CTD post. As always, if you don’t have exact color matches, something close works just fine. Just be sure that the challenge colors are the dominant ones in your project. And, if you upload your project to an online gallery, use the keyword CTD344. If you upload your projects on social media, go ahead and use the hashtag #ctd344 and #colorthrowdown. You can find us on Instagram (and on Facebook!) with the username colorthrowdown.

Before you get started, here’s some inspiration from the talented Color Throwdown team, our May guestie, Tenia Nelson, and this week’s guest star stamper, Kirsty McIntyre.

 ** Barbara ** Broni ** Joan ** Jodi **

** Monika ** Tammy ** Vickie ** Wanda **

** May guestie Tenia Nelson **

** Guest Star Stamper Kirsty McIntyre **

Materials Used:
Fabulous Flamingos stamp set, Confetti Cuts Fabulous Flamingos and Tag Me dies (Reverse Confetti); Memento Luxe Angel Pink and Gray Flannel inks (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Regal Rose cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Simply Chartreuse and Harvest Gold cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Umbrella 6x6 paper pad (American Crafts); CutUps Stitched Clouds dies (The Cat's Pajamas); Grass border punch (Fiskars); pink enamel dots (Eyelet Outlet); foam tape

The Cat's Pajamas May Release Blog Hop

Welcome to the May Release Blog Hop at The Cat's Pajamas!   TCP is celebrating the release of five fabulous brand new stamp sets, four new CutUps die sets, and two new Cutables cut files.  You should have arrived here from the start of the hop at Nancy's blog.

We're combining the hop with the new TCP Tuesday challenge.  Our theme for the next two weeks is anything goes, so it's easy for you to play along. The challenge winner gets a credit to the TCP shop (with a little extra if you use TCP stamps/dies!) and might be awarded the title of Swanky Stamper--and get to participate in the next release blog hop with the Cat Pack!   Link up your projects using the linky tool on the TCP blog for a chance to win.

I used the new Constellation Prize stamp set along with the new Cutables Tri-fold Shutter Card cut file for my project for the hop.  I used my Silhouette to cut the base for the card from light blue cardstock, then cut the mats from some star patterned paper.  If you don't have a Silhouette or other cutting machine, don't worry!  Alma has included printable versions of the files in the Cutables download so that you can use the files without a machine.  I have an older version that doesn't accommodate 12x12 paper, so I used the software's scale feature to reduce the file to a size that would fit on my 8 1/2" x 11" paper.

After arranging the mats on the base, I added the colored image on top, using foam tape for dimension.  I accented the image and mats with a bunch of glittery silver stars cut with the CutUps 3x3 Stars dies--one of my very favorite TCP CutUps!  I stamped the "leave your fears behind" sentiment on a light blue panel in silver ink and adhered it to one of the interior panels, using foam tape for dimension.  I tucked a star die cut behind it as an accent.

Your next stop on the hop is Jessie's blog.  Thanks for stopping by today!

Materials Used:
Constellation Prize stamp set, CutUps 3x3 Stars dies, Cutables Tri-fold Shutter card cut file (The Cat's Pajamas); Versafine Onyx Black and Delicata Silvery Shimmer ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Bashful Blue cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Steel Grey cardstock (My Favorite Things); Recollections silver glitter cardstock (Michaels); Daydream Collection-Put it in Your Pocket designer paper (Studio 8 Paper Company); foam tape

The Challenge 36-Teacher Thank You

*** To see my Sneaky Peek post for The Cat's Pajamas, scroll down to the post below or click HERE. *** 

The Challenge is back again with a new challenge!  This week we've got a theme challenge--celebrating teachers.  This one is definitely close to my heart!

I used the current Deconstructed Sketch and the fun Teacher's Pet set from SugarPea Designs to put together my school themed thank you.  I took some inspiration from the pencil covered container and stamped a panel full of pencils.  Mine are brightly colored, courtesy of my Copic markers. To go with the teacher theme, I layered the pencil panel on a piece of patterned paper covered with letters.  I tucked a bold yellow fishtail flag strip underneath the bottom edge of the image panel, then topped it with the "thank you" sentiment.  Another yellow fishtail flag strip was adhered to the very top of the patterned paper panel.

I matted the panel with coordinating green cardstock, then adhered it to a yellow card base to match the fishtail flag accents.  A few yellow enamel dots completed the design.

Don't miss what the rest of The Challenge team and our talented guest designers have created for this week's color challenge. Here's where to find them:

Anita Madden
Claire Broadwater

Kim Heggins

Kimberly Wiener
Lee Ann Barrett

Lesley Croghan

Lori Tecler--you're here!
Michele Ferguson

Nance Salkeld
Sandie Munro, featured designer

Fabiola Jaques, guest designer
Antonia Speelman, guest designer

Materials Used:
Teacher's Pet stamp set (SugarPea Designs); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Crumb Cake, Green Galore, and Daffodil Delight cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Back to School 6x6 paper pad (Doodlebug Design); circle punches (EK Success); foam tape

In Shape Shadow Box

Today is the last day of Sneaky Peek Week at The Cat's Pajamas!  That means that the five brand new stamp sets, four new CutUps die sets, and two new Cutables cut files we've been peeking for you over the last week will finally be available for purchase tomorrow!

Today we're showing off the new Cutables cut files that are part of the release along with some of the new stamps and dies.  I used the Shadow Box Cutables to make this fun and still easy to mail card.  I cut the shadow box with my Silhouette, but if you don't have one, don't worry!  Alma has included printable versions in the files, too.

After assembling the shadow box, I used foam tape to add a strip of grass cut with the CutUps Grass die and the big eared bunny image. The hammock was paper pieced to give it a fun dotted pattern.  I arranged a pair of clouds cut with the new CutUps Stitched Clouds die along with a scalloped circle "sun" at the top of the shadow box, using a little foam tape for dimension.  The sentiment was adhered to the bottom right of the card using foam tape.

Want to win one of the new releases before they're even available to purchase?  Of course you do!  For a chance to win the new Drop In set, just hop along and comment on all of the participating Cat Pack member blogs and the TCP blog today.  One randomly selected winner will be posted on the TCP Facebook page tomorrow.

Here's where to find all of the Sneaky Peeks today:

Lori--you're here!
Nancy
Tammy
TCP Blog

And, be sure to mark our release Pajama Party on your calendar. We'll be partying on Monday, May 25 at the TCP Facebook page.  Check out all the details in the graphic below.  Hope you'll join us for more sneak peeks, chatting, and fun and games!

Materials Used:
In Shape stamp set, CutUps Stitched Clouds and Grass dies, Cutables Shadow Box card cut file (The Cat's Pajamas); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Bashful Blue, Pumpkin Pie, and Shimmery White cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Simply Chartreuse cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Dots and Stripes-Raspberry Small Dots designer paper and  Birthday Wishes 6x6 paper pad (Echo Park); scalloped circle punch (Martha Stewart); foam tape

Paper Smooches SPARKS-Hey Buddy

*** Scroll down to the post below or click HERE to see my card for this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge! ***

This week's Paper Smooches SPARKS challenge is a Designer Draft challenge based on the sketch seen above.  I used the sketch to create a fun space themed design that's perfect for a little boy.

I started out with a watercolored panel to use as a sky background.  I filled in the background with a large yellow circle "moon."   The moon has debossed polka dot craters for a fun textured look.  I stamped the rocket image from the Space Cadet set on white cardstock and colored it with Copic markers, then cut it out with the matching Space Cadet Icons die.  The rocket's window was covered with a clear page pebble to give it a glass-like look.  It was adhered over the moon using foam tape.  I added a few silver sequin "stars"  around the moon to add to the space feel of the card.

I cut a strip of dark blue cardstock on an angle, then adhered it to the bottom of the panel.  The "hey buddy" sentiment from the Simply Said set was stamped on the panel in black ink. After matting the finished scene on red cardstock, I adhered it to a dark blue card base.

Don’t miss what the rest of the SPARKS team has created this week. Here’s where to find them:

Katie
Larissa
Lori--you're here!
Lynn
Savannah

Materials Used:
Space Cadet and Simply Said stamp sets, Space Cadet Icons dies (Paper Smooches); VersaFine Onyx Black ink, Memento Tuxedo Black ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Crushed Curry, Real Red, and Pacific Point cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Polka Dots embossing folder (QuicKutz); clear page pebble (Making Memories); foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 270-I Look Up to You

It's time for another Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge!  I inked up the sweet bear duo from Mama Elephant's Bear Hugs set for this one.

I made the layout into a nighttime scene by layering a green curved strip cut with one of ME's Landscape Trio dies on the bottom edge of a navy card base.  For the moon, I die cut a circle from yellow cardstock, then debossed it with a polka dotted pattern to look like craters.  The bear duo was colored with Copic markers and die cut with the matching die, then adhered to the cardfront using foam tape.

I stamped the set's "I look up to you" sentiment near the top of the cardfront in gold ink.  So it would stand out a bit more, I heat embossed it in gold.  I added a few gold sequin "stars" around the words to fill in the sky a bit and add a little more sparkle, too.

To play along, just create a card based on the sketch and link it up on the SSSC blog.  Be sure to stop by the blog to check out what the SSSC team has created using the sketch.  And, don't forget to check in on Wednesday to see one of our favorite cards made with the sketch. 
 
Materials Used:
Bear Hugs stamp set, Bear Hugs and Landscape Trio dies (Mama Elephant); Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Delicata Golden Glitz ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Green Acres cardstock (WPlus9); Night of Navy and Daffodil Delight cardstock (Stampin' Up!); gold embossing powder (American Crafts); Polka Dots embossing folder (QuicKutz); gold sequins (Michaels); foam tape

Watercolored Welcome

Here's my card for the current AEI♥U spring themed challenge.  I tried my hand at a little watercoloring and put together a baby card using Avery Elle's Storybook stamp set.  Nothing says spring like new babies, right?

I stamped the sweet duck image in black pigment ink on a piece of watercolor paper, then did my best to add a soft watercolored background around the image.  This is actually my second try--the first one (which I liked better!) was ruined when I did some heat embossing on the sentiment.  Hate when that happens!  On this one, I skipped the heat embossing and just stamped the sentiment in black ink.  I added a few white sequins around the panel and topped it with a narrow strip of dotted washi tape. After matting the panel on blue cardstock, I adhered it to a light green card base.

Materials Used:
Storybook stamp set (Avery Elle); VersaFine Onyx Black ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Gable Green cardstock (Stampin' Up!); blue dotted washi tape; watercolors

Hip Hip Hooray

Here's my card for this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Sketch Challenge.  I needed a few birthday cards to add to my stash, so I used the sketch to put one together.

I used a strip of fun patterned paper along the right side of the card.  It was edged with a narrow strip of navy cardstock before I adhered it to the mint card base.  I die cut a trio of gold stars, then arranged them on the patterned paper strip, using foam tape for dimension.The "hip hip hooray" sentiment from MFT's Birthday Chalkboard Greetings set was stamped next to the patterned paper strip in sparkly gold ink.  I added a few gold enamel dots around the card to finish the design.

Materials Used:
Birthday Chalkboard Greetings stamp set, Spearmint cardstock, Die-Namics Pierced Star Stax and Blueprints 18 dies (My Favorite Things); Delicata Golden Glitz ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Enchanted Evening cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Everyday Circus 6x6 paper pad (Fancy Pants Designs); gold paper (Target); gold enamel dots (Eyelet Outlet); foam tape

Take Flight for Sneaky Peek Week

Sneaky Peek Week at The Cat's Pajamas continues today with the reveal of the new Take Flight set. The upcoming release includes five brand new stamp sets, four new CutUps die sets, and two new Cutables cut files, and will be available for purchase on Tuesday, May 26.

I used the current sketch at Freshly Made Sketches as the starting point for my card.  I stamped the set's "there's no place like home" sentiment on a pale gray label die cut with one of the dies from the CutUps Framed Up die set.  It was adhered to a light blue cardstock panel over a strip of red dotted washi tape.

I used two new coordinating CutUps die sets--Bird Friends and Birdhouses to make the other elements for my card.  I stamped the birdhouse image on the die cut, then filled in the opening with a red glitter covered heart. The roof was die cut from gray cardstock.  I adhered the roof directly to the cardfront, then added the birdhouse with foam tape for dimension. The bird image was stamped on the matching die cut in red pigment ink.  I used foam tape to adhere it over the birdhouse.  After all of the elements were in place, I added a trio of white sequins around the panel for a little sparkle.  I layered the finished panel on a pale gray card base.

Want to win one of the new releases before they're even available to purchase?  Of course you do!  For a chance to win the new Drop In set, just hop along and comment on all of the participating Cat Pack member blogs and the TCP blog today.  One randomly selected winner will be posted on the TCP Facebook page tomorrow.

Here's where to find all of the Sneaky Peeks today:

Christine
Jessie
Lisa
Lori--you're here!
Nancy
Tammy
Wendy M.
TCP Blog

And, be sure to mark our release Pajama Party on your calendar. We'll be partying on Monday, May 25 at the TCP Facebook page.  Hope you'll join us for more sneak peeks, chatting, and fun and games!

Materials Used:
Take Flight stamp set, CutUps Birdhouses, Bird Friends, and Framed Up dies (The Cat's Pajamas); Memento Luxe Gray Flannel ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Cherry and Aquamarine inks (Avery Elle); Real Red cardstock, Dazzling Diamonds glitter (Stampin' Up!); Smokey Shadow and Aqua Mist cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Grout Gray cardstock (My Favorite Things); red dotted washi tape; white sequins; foam tape

A Note of Thanks

At the start of the week, one of my sweet kindergarten students showed up with a bunch of roses for me for my birthday.  I used this month's Reverse Confetti Sketch for You To Try to put together this school themed thank you card that I sent home with her yesterday.

Reverse Confetti's Class Act is probably one of my most used teacher themed sets.  Here, I paired the set's notebook paper stamp with the apple image and a thank you sentiment.  The apple was adhered to the panel with foam tape to add dimension and interest.

I arranged the sentiment and image panel on an angle on a white card base covered with a strip of letter patterned paper and a red cardstock panel.  The flag strips were cut with a die from Reverse Confetti's Confetti Cuts Love Note dies.  I chose the kraft and green to pick up the other colors I used for the apple.  I almost used kraft for the card base, but I decided to go with white for a clean look.

Materials Used:
Class Act stamp set, Confetti Cuts Love Note and Class Act dies (Reverse Confetti); Memento Luxe Rich Cocoa ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Aquamarine, Cherry, and Celery inks (Avery Elle); Green Galore and Real Red cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Kraft cardstock (WPlus9); Back to School 6x6 paper pad (Doodlebug Design)

Celebrate Good Times

Here's my card for the current Viva la Verve sketch.  I used some birthday patterned paper that was on my table along with Verve's Birthday Bash set to put together this quick birthday themed card.

After covering a bright pink card base with the fun party hat patterned paper panel, I added a coordinating strip of aqua cardstock on top.  I stamped the "celebrate good times" sentiment in bright pink ink on a lighter pink panel, then matted the panel on bright pink cardstock and adhered it to the cardfront.  The sentiment panel was accented with a shiny silver die cut star.

Materials Used:
Birthday Bash stamp set (Verve Stamps); Memento Luxe Rose Bud ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Pretty in Pink cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Aqua Mist and Raspberry Fizz cardstock (Papertrey Ink); silver paper (Target); Birthday Wishes 6x6 paper pad (Echo Park); stitched star die (Lil' Inker Designs); foam tape

Hey Dude!

*** Scroll down to the post below or click HERE to see my card for today's TCP Sneaky Peek and this week's Color Throwdown challenge! ***

I'm joining the SugarPea Designs design team again today for their new theme challenge.  This month's theme is "Hey Dude."  I used the adorable My Hero set to put together this fun masculine design.

I used my Copic markers to color the hero image, then carefully cut out the colored image.  It's hard to see in the photo, but I coated the hero's glasses with Glossy Accents to give them a glass-like look.  The cutout image was adhered to a yellow starburst using foam tape for dimension. 

I stamped the set's "my hero" sentiment next to the image, then adhered the image panel to a blue cardstock panel over a strip of red chevron patterned paper.  The bottom end of the patterned paper panel was accented with a fun pair of gold faux metal stud embellishments.

Here's what you need to know to join the challenge:

• Play along with ANY stamp you’d like – Winner is chosen at random to keep things fair, but if the winners project features a SugarPea Designs stamp we will increase the voucher to $15 
• Feel free to combine our challenge with any other challenge(s) 
• Upload to your blog or other online gallery using keyword SPD16 so we can easily find your work. 
• Add a link to your project using the InLinkz at the SugarPea Designs blog.

Materials Used:
My Hero stamp set (SugarPea Designs); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Baja Breeze, Crushed Curry, and Poppy Parade cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Boy Oh Boy 6x6 paper pad (Carta Bella); gold faux metal stud embellishments (KI Memories); Glossy Accents (Ranger); foam tape

The Sky Is Not Your Limit

Sneaky Peek Week at The Cat's Pajamas continues today with a first look at the new I Are Fun stamp set.  I combined the new set with this week's Color Throwdown challenge and the current sketch at Retro Sketches.

I used Copic markers to color set's the bear and balloon image.  It was attached to an aqua panel using foam tape.  I used the new CutUps Stitched Cloud dies--love these!--to die cut a pair of clouds from white cardstock, then tucked them underneath the bear image.  There was just enough room underneath the bear to stamp the set's "the sky is not your limit" sentiment in aquamarine pigment ink.

I edged the left side of the image panel with a teal strip die cut with TCP's CutUps Wavy Stitched Border die, then added a narrow strip of the same teal cardstock to the right edge.  The image panel was adhered to a kraft card base covered with a piece of yellow dotted patterned paper.  I accented the image and sentiment with a trio of teal enamel dots.

 Want to win one of the new releases before they're even available to purchase?  Of course you do!  For a chance to win the new Drop In set, just hop along and comment on all of the participating Cat Pack member blogs and the TCP blog today.  One randomly selected winner will be posted on the TCP Facebook page tomorrow.

Here's where to find all of the Sneaky Peeks today:

Christine
Jessie
Lisa
Lori--you're here!
Nancy
Wendy B.
Wendy M.
TCP Blog

And, be sure to mark our release Pajama Party on your calendar. We'll be partying on Monday, May 25 at the TCP Facebook page.  Hope you'll join us for more sneak peeks, chatting, and fun and games!

And, for more inspiration using these fun colors, check out this week's Color Throwdown challenge post and all of the challenge details here.  You can find the CTD designers here:

** Barbara ** Broni ** Joan ** Jodi **

** Monika ** Tammy ** Vickie ** Wanda **

** May guestie Tenia Nelson **
** Guest Star Stamper Claire  **

Materials Used:
I Are Fun stamp set, CutUps Stitched Clouds and Wavy Stitched Border dies (The Cat's Pajamas); Memento Tuxedo Black ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); Aquamarine ink (Avery Elle); markers (Copic); Tropical Teal, Harvest Gold, and Aqua Mist cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Kraft cardstock (WPlus9); Birthday Wishes 6x6 paper pad (Echo Park); teal enamel dots (Michaels) foam tape

Drop in to Sneaky Peek Week

Sneaky Peek Week at The Cat's Pajamas starts today!  Five brand new stamp sets, four new CutUps die sets, and two new Cutables cut files will be available for purchase on Tuesday, May 26.  Our peeks are starting today with a look at the new Drop In set.

I paired the hot air ballooning big eared bunny with the current sketch at CAS(e) this Sketch.  I colored up the bunny with Copic markers, then used foam tape to adhere him to a blue cardstock strip.  A pair of shimmery white stitched clouds, cut with the new CutUps Stitched Cloud die, were tucked beneath the balloon.

I stamped and heat embossed the set's "follow your dreams" sentiment in silver at the opposite end of the cardstock strip.  After edging the strip with red cardstock, I adhered it to a light blue card base.  A few white sequins scattered around the image and sentiment completed the design.

Want to win one of the new releases before they're even available to purchase?  Of course you do!  For a chance to win the new Drop In set, just hop along and comment on all of the participating Cat Pack member blogs and the TCP blog today.  One randomly selected winner will be posted on the TCP Facebook page tomorrow.

Here's where to find all of the Sneaky Peeks today:

Christine
Jessie
Lisa
Lori--you're here!
Nancy
Tammy
Wendy B.
Wendy M.
TCP Blog

And, be sure to mark our release Pajama Party on your calendar. We'll be partying on Monday, May 25 at the TCP Facebook page.  Hope you'll join us for more sneak peeks, chatting, and fun and games!

Materials Used:
Drop In stamp set, Stitched Cloud dies (The Cat's Pajamas); Memento Tuxedo Black ink, Delicata Silvery Shimmer ink (IMAGINE Crafts/Tsukineko); markers (Copic); Aqua Mist cardstock (Papertrey Ink); Blue Bayou and Real Red cardstock (Stampin' Up!); Cryogen White cardstock (Curious Metallic); silver embossing powder (American Crafts); white sequins; foam tape