TCP April New Release Blog Hop

Welcome to The Cat's Pajamas April New Release Blog Hop!
This hop is a chance to take another look at all the new stamps and dies available in the TCP store right now!

Did you arrive here from Christine's blog?  If not, the hop starts on Jessie's blog, so head there now.

I am sharing a pop up box made with 3 of the new release products: Clouds in Motion, Watercolor Basics, and Bunnies in Flight.

TCP Supplies:  Clouds in Motion, Watercolor Basics, Bunnies in Flight

The Clouds in Motion Die was used to create the cloud dividers inside the box.   One of the paint splotches from Watercolor Basics added the texture to the clouds and flaps.   Last but certainly not least, the Nordic bunny and sentiments are from the fun new set Bunnies in Flight.  The bunny and 'begin' sentiment are attached to the clouds using acrylic strips.

  

In addition to the design team's new release hop, there is a Spring Customer hop starting today too!   Link up your own TCP creation for a chance to win a TCP store gift certificate.   All the details are on the TCP blog.

Now hop along to the final stop on the hop, Alma and the TCP blog!   Then, you can shop, shop, shop!

Smiles,
Julie

YNS Laughter Feature Day

Today on the YNS blog the design team is sharing creations to make you laugh and giving you a chance to win a stamp set of your choice!   Head on over to the YNS blog and leave a comment for a chance to win.

Get ready for an explosion!

This is an explosion box card that folds flat for mailing and then pops up to form a box.  

 The Butterfly box die set created the base for the box, then the rows of clouds were glued in and the characters were added on strips of acetate.

Smiles,
Julie

Your Next Stamp March Blog Hop

Welcome to the Your Next Stamp March New Release Blog Hop!

We are hopping in celebration of all the new stamps, dies, paper, and gumdrops available in the YNS store right now.   

My favorite set from this release is Stacked with Fun.   It is full of animals ready to perch on presents, but these animals can be used in so many different ways.

Up first, are a couple of the animals added to the new Little Ledges dies.

YNS Supplies:  Stacked Animals stamp and die sets, Little Ledges Die set, Enchanted Gumdrops

Next, the animals are topping the new Mini Popcorn Box.

YNS Supplies:  Stacked Animals stamp and die sets, Mini Popcorn Box die, Happy Spring Paper Pad

The animals were added directly to the top of the popcorn boxes.  Each animal is held in place by sandwiching the box between the colored animal and a solid animal die cut.

Now is the time to shop!  Take advantage of the discount code below on your entire purchase.

Be sure to leave a comment and then hop on to the next stop using the full list below.   The more blogs you visit and comment on, the greater the odds of winning a YNS Store gift certificate.

Smiles,
Julie

An InLinkz Link-up

YNS Winter Wonderland Designer Showcase

Have you been following along with the Your Next Stmap Winter Wonderland Designer Showcase series?
It spans 12 days and each day we are giving away a $10.00 gift certificate to the YNS Store.

Today is day 7 and I am up on the Your Next Stamp blog sharing shaped tags.

Here is a peek, but head on over there for all the details and to leave a comment for a chance to win.   Be sure to check back on the posts from days 1 - 6 too!

Smiles,
Julie

Halloween Jars

The Your Next Stamp blog has been full of treats this week!   It is our Halloween Designer Showcase series and the team has been sharing creations featuring a variety of YNS products.

My project for the week is painted jars which are decorated with vinyl die cuts.

It took longer to paint the jars than it did to decorate with the die cuts.   The Your Next Stamp dies cut through the vinyl easily and since there was adhesive on the vinyl it made creating a decorative scene even easier.

 

Start off by washing the jar, then wipe it down with rubbing alcohol.   Apply one layer of acrylic paint to the outside of the jar and let dry.   Add vinyl die cuts and then use a spray sealer to protect it and add shine.   3 layers of sealer was used on these jars.

YNS Ingredients:  Halloween Phoebe Die Set | Spooky Halloween Scene Die Set 

Although these jars work great filled with treats, each could also be used as luminary, by adding a battery operated tea light.   The single layer of paint let the light through and added texture to the night scene.   Here is the orange jar lit up; the light did not shine through the purple as well.

Be sure get all the spooky treat filled inspiraton from the rest of the team on the YNS Blog.

Have a happy Halloween!

Smiles,
Julie

The Cat's Pajamas October New Release Blog Hop!

Hello everyone and welcome to The Cat's Pajamas October new release blog hop!!!

We have a great line up for you today, with the Kitty Kat Pack and a guests sharing creations featuring products from the new release.   

 You should have arrived here from Jessie's Blog.  If you simply wandered on over to say hi, then be sure to visit Brenda's Blog as that is where the hop starts.   After my blog, you will head on over to guest Lynn Collin's blog for more inspiration.

Up first from me is a card that has a removable ornament.   The new Scallop Duo Cut Up allows you to mix and match the inserts to create a custom design.   The outer scallop also works perfectly as a base for an ornament.

 I tried for a delicate historical feel with the paper and coloring.  To ensure the ornament is sturdy, I die cut the main outer scallop  twice, glued those together and used that as the base.

To make it easy to remove the ornament, a strip of paper was adhered to the back of the card, gluing down only the sides to allow the ribbon to slide through.   The knot in the ribbon helps hold it in place.

TCP Ingredients:  Penguin Joy Stamp Set, Scallop Duo die cutups set

Here is a bonus card for the hop using another stamp from the Penguin Joy set.  I decided to go with the colors and paper used for the ornament on this one.

TCP Ingredients:  Penguin Joy Stamp Set

What a release!   Which set is your favorite?  

Today is the start of the Winter Customer Blog Hop.   We can't wait to see what you create!   Link up your creation on the TCP blog and check out all the details there too.

Don't forget to leave a comment before you head on over to Lynn Collin's blog!  Happy Hopping and Shopping!

Smiles,
Julie

Pup Purse

Today the YNS Design Team and guests are up on the YNS blog with a chance for you to win a stamp set of your choice.  Head on over there and comment on the DT Feature Day post.

The theme this month is For the Kids and I created a purse and tag featuring one of the cuties from the Smiley Happy Critter Crew Two set.

YNS Supplies: Smiley Happy Critter Crew Two | Cool Tag Three Die Set | Cool Tag Banner Sentiments | Mini Letters and Numbers stamp 

Smiles,
Julie

The Crew and Cake

Have you been following the Your Next Stamp blog this week?  The YNS 7th Birthday Celebration has been continuing with a design team series sharing birthday creations.   Be sure to check it out and comment on the posts because one lucky commenter will win a stamp set of their choice.

My celebration creation combines birthday cake and the farm animals from the Funny Farm Crew stamp set.

My sister asked me to make a cake for her boss who was turning 50.   She requested a pretty cake with a touch of fun.   The Funny Farm Crew and Funny Farm sentiments to the rescue.

YNS Ingredients:  Funny Farm Crew stamp set | Funny Farm sentiments stamp set

The farm animals were stamped, colored and fussy cut out, then a toothpick was added to each.   The signs were created by stamping directly on the wood grain paper and then adding each to a Popsicle stick.

There is a story behind the cake too.  I made this cake on a day that was humid.   By the time my sister got the cake back to her house, the rosettes were sliding off the sides.   I told her to take a knife and smooth out the sides. It is much easier to transport cards!

Smiles,
Julie

Tag, You're It!

Today is the start of a new TCP Tuesday Challenge.  We are looking for TAGS!   

It could be gift tags, or tags on a card.   Show us your tag creations and you are in the running for a  gift certificate to the TCP store.   Head on over to the TCP blog to link up your creations and to check out all the rules.

I was in need of a couple tags to dress up gift bags and it was the stamp set Friendship to the rescue with those adorable penguins.

The top of each tag was created with the TCP Toppers CutUps die.  I cut out one layer with water color paper and then a second out of patterned paper that was a little longer.   The 2 layers are held together at the top with ribbon.   This layering creates a small card of sorts, with the "to" and "from" plus a note, hidden away between the 2 layers.

TCP Supplies:  Friendship stamp set and Toppers CutUps

Now the question is...what will you create???

Smiles,

Julie

Fly Away and Celebrate Bag

Hi Everyone!   There is a new challenge up on the Your Next Stamp blog today.   Play along for your chance to win a YNS store gift certificate.   We have a sketch and a color combo challenge for you to choose from.  

I went with the sketch and used it to decorate a die cut bag.   Are you always on the lookout for a creative way to give a gift card?   Did you know that gift cards fit in the bag you can create using the Your Next Stamp Cute Little Shopping Bag die set?
Yep, it is true!  This may just become my 'go to' gift card presentation.

 YNS Supplies: Waddles - Happy Brrr-thday stamp set | Waddles Happy Brrr-thday die set | Puffy Cloud Border Die set | Cute Little Shopping Bag die set

Fun and easy to make!

Be sure to join in the YNS challenge, I can't wait to see what you make!

Smiles,
Julie

Summer Thank Yous

Hello!
Today I have a summer themed project up on the YNS blog along with a few others from the YNS design team.   The team has spent the past couple days sharing summer fun creations.   There are so many great ideas to dress up your summer parties and more.

I created a trio of fishy topped gift card holder cards / party favors.

To create the holders, I started off by folding a 4.5 " x 11"sheet of paper lengthwise at 4.25".   When folded, this creates one flap that is 4.25" and another that is 6.75".  That is fine, because the shorter piece is going to be cut down later to create the card.

Place the pocket die as shown, with the cut part of the top of the pocket over the edge of the fold.   With the top of the pocket cutting above the fold it will not cut the paper and therefore leave the card fold intact.

 Run the paper and die through your die cutting machine.   100 lb water color paper was used for these cards and the die easily cut through both layers.

Open the card and cut off the partial flap on the shorter side.

  Stamp sentiments as shown.

Decorate card front as desired.  Assemble the pocket and fill it with gift card or other item.  

Supplies:  Pocket die set | Fishy Fun stamp and die sets | Cool Tag Banner Sentiment stamp set | Stitched Square die set

Thanks for stopping by today.  
Smiles,
Julie

Teacher's Lunch

Teacher Appreciation day is May 3^rd and the end of the school year is coming fast too!

Are you looking for ideas for teacher gifts?   If so, then you will want to check out the Your Next Stamp blog this week.  The design team is sharing ideas for teacher’s gifts through a 4 day series.  Today is the final day, so be sure to look back at days 1 through 3 on the YNS blog for even more inspiration.

I decided to create a gift bag to hold a bunch of supplies I picked up for the teachers.  Think stickers and clips, plus some chocolate…you know, the essentials.

Keeping with the school theme, I dressed up a simple brown lunch bag which is something you may already have on hand.

YNS Ingredients:  Learning is Fun stamp set | Stitched Square Die Set

Trim off the rough edge at the top of the bag and then fold it down at the 3” mark.   Cut a 2.5” strip of patterned paper the width of the bag and adhere it to the folded over flap.  My bag was 6” across, but be sure to measure your bag to determine the length of the patterned paper strip.   Then color up the stamped image and cut it out.  Cut out 2 squares to layer and stamp the sentiment.   Pop up the stamped imaged with foam dots.  

To hold the bag closed, punch 2 holes on either side of the squares and thread ribbon through.

Head on over to the YNS blog to see everyone’s creations and be inspired!

Smiles,

Julie

Chick Picks

Want a chance to win a stamp set from Your Next Stamp?   Head on over to the YNS blog right now and leave a comment on the March Feature Day post.   We are sharing Spring creations and there are lots of chicks to be found.

In fact my creations feature quite a few chicks!   

YNS Ingredients:  Hey Chickie! stamp set  | Sprinkes - Eggstra-Awesome stamp set (sentiment) | Hey Chickie die set | Cool Tag One Die Set | Circles Die Set

The Cool Tag One set is the perfect size to make picks to decorate Easter flowers.   The plants I picked up did not have many open blooms yet, so the chicks from Hey Chickie added a pop of color.

I die cut 3 tags, cut a circle from the first, and layered it over a white tag.   Then I added sticky tape to the back, placed a skewer over the tape and then added the 3rd tag to hide the top of the skewer.  

Now head on over to the YNS blog and comment!   There are so many fun YNS sets to choose from.
   
Smiles,
Julie

Your Next Stamp January DT Dare - Treats

It's dare time on the Your Next Stamp Blog! 
  
The design team was dared to use something old and something new from our paper crafting stash.   We accepted the dare, which means YOU COULD WIN a stamp set of your choice by heading over the YNS blog and leaving a COMMENT on the DT Dare post!

My project is Valentine's Day treat bags featuring old and new supplies...

YNS Ingredients:   Cute Little Shopping Bag Die | I Love Chocolate stamp set | I Love Chocolate die set

My project for today uses quite a few NEW things:  Cute Little Shopping Bag die, linen card stock, I Love Chocolate stamp set and dies, and even the copics used to color the cupcakes are 3 new shades of pink I picked up with a gift certificate I received from Christmas!   As for OLD, it would be the ribbon. 

The cupcakes were all colored with the same 3 colors of pink, alternating the color of the wrapper, frosting and heart of each to add a bit of variety.

Each bag is filled with 4 Dove chocolate hearts.   The bag could probably hold 5, but I wanted to spread the candy evenly between the 9 bags I created.   

Don't forget to head on over to the Your Next Stamp DT Dare post and leave a comment.   Which stamp set would you choose if you won???

Have a great day!

Smiles,

Julie

YNS December Feature Day - Winter Fun

Today on the Your Next Stamp blog it is time for the December Feature day post!   That means you have a chance to win a stamp set of your choice by leaving a comment on the YNS blog, plus you get to see all the design team's creations in one spot.   Head on over for your chance to win! This month's theme is WINTER!

   Cocoa and cold weather go hand in hand so I created a cocoa topping holder by gluing 2 Kup Holders together.   I added a band around the entire holder to reinforce and keep the 2 together.

YNS Ingredients:  Kup Holder Die |Sweet Holiday Greeting stamp set | Sweet Holiday Greetings Die Set | Snow Much Joy stamp set (snowflakes) | Scrapworks – Strips Die Set

Add some bags of marshmallows, mint chips, sprinkles and malted balls and your gift is complete!

Smiles,

Julie

YNS 12 Days of Giving

Today is my day over the Your Next Stamp blog to share a gift giving idea.  

The YNS Design Team is sharing 12 days of Gift Giving.   Be sure to check out the YNS blog for all the details to create a bi-fold wallet.   This is a fun way to give a gift card, money, candy or tea bags.

-Julie