From Cocoa's Kitchen

Hello friends!  He's back…the delightful and adorable mouse, Cocoa, has snuck into the kitchen!  Welcome to DAY 4 of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps February Feature Blog Hops!

Today's feature is:

From Cocoa's Kitchen

Today the DT is thrilled to share the new From Cocoa's Kitchen with you.  This adorable 4"x4" stamp set features 2 kitchen images and 6 coordinating sentiments.

• The chef hat image measures approximately 2.25" x 1.75"
• Illustrated by Korin Sutherland
• Stamp set is $11

Here is my card for From Cocoa's Kitchen…

I had tons of fun with this one!

Creative Nugget:  Everyone needs an apron while baking in the kitchen…right?  I started by creating a template for Cocoa's apron and a liner by tracing Spellbinders Circle and Oval Nesties for the arms and neck openings onto scratch pieces of card stock. These were traced onto a Real Red card base and on a piece of Authentique designer paper. The pocket is a Spellbinders Circle Nestie with the top cut off.  A Doily Border Die was trimmed to fit around the neck, the top of the pocket, and the bottom of the apron.  A few Heart Dies decorate the pocket.  Ribbon was added to create the apron ties before everything was stitched together.  The Cocoa image was colored with Copic Markers and fussy cut.

The Cocoa image was then attached to a tab which slips into the pocket so that Cocoa can peek out…keeping an eye on his kitchen!

The DT has shared their gorgeous samples in the thumbnails below.  Stop by each of their blogs and comment for a chance to WIN one of (2) $20 gift codes to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Store!

Don't miss these other opportunities to win:

(1) $20 gift code drawn from all comments on Friday's release blog post
(1) $20 gift code drawn from all comments on full reveals in our SCS forum
(1) $20 gift code drawn from all participants in our release challenge hosted on the SNSS Blog 

The deadline to comment for a chance to win is midnight EST Friday, February 14th.  The list of winners will be announced on our blog by Monday, February 17th.

Thanks so much for joining us!  Enjoy today's hop!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Colorful Cocoa

Hello sweet friends…Welcome to Day 4 and the last of Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps December Feature Blog Hops! Everyone's favorite mouse, Cocoa, is back making a colorful splash at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!

Today's feature is:

Colorful Cocoa

• Stamp set includes 2 images and 5 sentiments
• Set measures approximately 4" x 4"
• The paint can image measures approximately 2.5" x 2"
• Designed by Korin Sutherland
• Stamp set is priced at $11

Here is my sample for Colorful Cocoa:

Creative Nugget:  Three colorful panels were stitched to True Black card stock and mounted on a Solar Crest card base. Brushstrokes of color from the Grunge Elements stamp set were made with a rainbow of distress inks for the panel on the left. Scraps of DP were used for the other two panels.  It's difficult to see, but the Typewriter Text Background was stamped on the right panel.  Cocoa was colored with Copic Markers and cut with a Spellbinders Rectangle Nestie.  A couple of banners, a button, and pearls finish the card.  The design of the card is from this week's Sketch Challenge on Splitcoaststampers.

Click on the thumbnails below to see more amazing samples created by the Sweet 'n Sassy Design Team!

Be sure to leave a comment on each blog along the way because we're giving away (4) $15 store credits (1 winner will be chosen from each of the 4 blog hops).

The deadline to comment for a chance to win is Friday, December 13th at midnight EST.  The winners will be announced on our website homepage by Monday, December 16th.

I hope you've been inspired by this month's feature blog hops.  You can find all of these fabulous new stamp sets at Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!

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

Hugs,

Cathymac

Get Well Wishes

Good morning sweet friends!  It's the beginning of a new week and time for Day 3 of the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps features! Guess who's back?  None other than everyone's favorite adorable little mouse...Cocoa!

Today's features are:

Cocoa's Get Well Wishes and Wishing You Well

• Stamp set includes 2 images and 8 sentiments
• Set measures approximately 4" x 4"
• The RX Cocoa image measures approximately 2" x 2"
• Designed by Korin Sutherland
• Stamp set is priced at $11

• Stamp set includes 7 sentiments
• Set measures approximately 4" x 4"
• The Get Well Soon sentiment measures approximately 2" x 1/4"
• Designed by Diane Zechman
• Stamp set is priced at $9

I used both Cocoa's Get Well Wishes and 

Wishing You Well for my get well card.

Creative Nugget:  I had forgotten how much fun it is to color Cocoa.  The RX Cocoa image was colored with Copic Markers, cut with a Classic Circle Nestie, and mounted to a Raspberry Fizz circle after piercing around the image.  A Scalloped circle was cut from Raspberry Fizz and the Basic Grey DP layer.  This panel was matted in Raspberry Fizz and a bow was tied around.  The DP layer and image were attached to a panel of Solar Crest card stock that had been stitched to Raspberry Fizz and mounted to a Solar Crest card base.  The sentiment from the Wishing You Well set was stamped in the lower right corner and a scattering of rhinestone stickers were applied to finish the card.  This card is ready to be sent to someone who needs a cheery get well wish!

To see more fabulous samples created by the talented Design Team, click on the thumbnails below!

Be sure to leave a comment on each blog along the way because we're giving away one of these sets to two lucky commenters!

The deadline to comment for a chance to win is Friday, July 19th at midnight EST.  The winners will be announced on our website homepage on Monday, July 22nd.

We have two more days of features so be sure to stop back again tomorrow!  Have a wonderful day...and stay cool!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Fall Time Cocoa

Happy Saturday, Sweet Stop friends!  Hope you had a great week! With all the hot weather and drought we've been having across the country, I feel ready for fall...especially since Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps released some wonderful new fall stamps!  So with fall stamps in hand and a brand new sketch at The Sweet Stop, I'm ready for some Fall Time Cocoa!

Creative Nugget:  Looks like Cocoa is ready for fall, too, as he is peeking around that big pumpkin.  Cocoa was stamped on Neenah Solar Crest card stock and colored with copic markers.  The out-of-the-box technique was used along with a circle nestie to cut out the image.  This was mounted onto a Dark Chocolate Fleur de Lis Motif die.  The next two panels of Basic Grey DP were also mounted on Dark Chocolate.  It's hard to see, but the kraft layer was randomly stamped with several leaves from the new Leaf Silhouettes clear stamp set with VersaMark ink, and embossed using a Tim Holtz embossing Folder.  Here's a little embossing tip:  I always cut the panel a little larger than I need, emboss the panel, then cut it to the correct size.  Embossing always seems to shrink the size of your panel a little, and this way you get the perfect size you need!  All panels were layered onto Neenah Solar Crest, and then to a Dark Chocolate card base.  The two leaves from the Leaf Silhouettes set were stamped and fussy cut.  A hole was punched in the top of the leaves so the Baker's twine could be threaded through and a button attached.  The sentiment was stamped on a strip of Neenah Solar Crest and the flag end punched with a photo corner punch.  This also was mounted on Dark Chocolate.  A few buttons finish the card!  

Here is the Christmas version:

If you love layers, you will love working with this sketch!  Before heading off to your special crafting space, check in with the other Sugar Babies to see their fabulous samples for this week.

Sugar Babies

Monika Davis

Shelby Goolsby

Janice Melton

Shannon White

               Chrissy Dickinson

Can't wait to see what you do with the sketch over at The Sweet Stop!  Thanks so much for stopping by!

Hugs,
Cathymac

Card Recipe
Stamps: Fall Time Cocoa, Leaf Silhouettes (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Chocolate Chip (SU!), Walnut Stain, Bundled Sage, and Dried Marigold Distress Inks (Ranger)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Kraft (PTI), Neenah Solar Crest (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Mellow DP (Basic Grey)
Accessories: Tim Holtz Embossing Folder (Sizzix), Circle Nesties, Fleur de Lis Motifs Die (Spellbinders), Photo Corner Punch (SU!), Buttons (PTI), Baker's Twine, Copic Markers YR04, 16, 18; Y21; G40, 43, 46; R00, 20; W1, 2, 3, 5

Colorful Complements

Hello stamping friends!  We have been blessed with the most gorgeous weather here this week.  I hope you have been having an enjoyable week as well.

I had the pleasure of hosting the "Ways to Use It" challenge over at Splitcoaststampers this past Thursday, so I combined that challenge with this week's fabulous sketch at The Sweet Stop.  The WTUI challenge was to use complementary colors...these are colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel.  For my sketch sample, I chose green and red. Now with colors like that, how can you not do a Christmas card?  So my sample this week IS the Christmas version!!                                                   Teeeheee!

Creative Nugget:  This adorable Cocoa's Ornament image is a digi stamp by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  It was colored with copic markers and the bow was given a coat of Star Dust Stickles to make it sparkle.  The BasicGrey patterned paper was from my scrap file...I am determined to use up more scraps before they take over my craft room!  The "Ruffles" were created by scrunching up some black wrinkled ribbon onto a piece of Scor-Tape and stitched to the card.  The colored image was then popped up on top with some dimensionals.  This was matted onto True Black card stock and a Vintage Cream card front.  A sentiment from the Cocoa's Gift clear stamp set was added under the ruffle. A little sponging around the edges and some black rhinestones finish the card.  I am happy to say that my Christmas card stash is growing. Hopefully this will eliminate some of the mad rush closer to Christmas!

Please take time to visit the other Sugar Babies to see more wonderful ideas for this sketch, then play along with us at The Sweet Stop!  Add some ruffles and the keyword SSS159 to your entry for a chance to win this Ticket Sentiments clear stamp set! from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps!

Can't wait to see your "Ruffled" entries!

Sugar Babies

Monika Davis

Shelby Goolsby

Wendy Ramlakhan

Janice Melton

Shannon White

           Chrissy Dickinson






Enjoy your weekend...thanks for stopping by!


Hugs,
Cathymac


Card Recipe
Stamps:  Cocoa's Ornament Digi, Cocoa's Gift (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), Peeled Paint, Fired Brick, and Antique Linen Distress Inks (Ranger)
Paper: Vintage Cream, True Black (PTI), Fruitcake DP (BasicGrey)
Accessories: Spellbinders Label Die, Black Wrinkled Ribbon (Really Reasonable Ribbon), Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), Black Rhinestones (Kaiser), Copic Markers R00,20, 21, 59, 89;  YG0000, 00, 03, 63, 67;  G40, 43;  E07, 08;  BG000;  C0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, 9
  

All Star Cocoa

Can you believe it's May already?  Here it is Saturday again and time for another Sweet Stop Sketch!  I hope you enjoyed playing along with our birthday celebration challenges last month...and congratulations to those of you who won prizes!  A new month brings with it some fabulous new sketches, so let's get started!

Creative Nugget:  For my sample, a brand new clear stamp set just released by Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps, "All Star Cocoa," was used!  This image is perfect since my DH coached baseball for many years and several of my nephews have also played.  The image was stamped and colored once on the circle die and two more times on another piece of paper.  The two extra images were cut out...one with everything but the tail, and the other with just the hands and the baseball.  These were layered on top of each other with pop dots giving the image a 3-D look. Grass from the "Serene Silhouettes" set was stamped on the circle die and again on an extra piece of paper and cut out. Clouds were sponged in the background with distress ink and a cloud template. The main panel was layered onto some Echo Park patterned paper and messy stitching was added around the border. Everything was attached to a Select White card base.  Buttons threaded with white floss were added to some die cut stars and attached to the card...after all this Cocoa is an "All Star!"

And here's the Christmas version:

Now check out more fabulous samples by some "All Star" stampers....the Sugar Babies!  I hope you get a chance to play along with us this week. Just add your photo using the linky tool over at The Sweet Stop!

Sugar Babies

Monika Davis

Shelby Goolsby

Wendy Ramlakhan

Janice Melton

Shannon White

           Chrissy Dickinson

If you haven't had a chance to check out the new May release yet, head on over to the Sweet 'n Sassy Store.  The new sets are FABULOUS! Take a look at this bundle special being offered during the month of May!

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

Hugs,

Cathymac

Card Recipe

Stamps: All Star Cocoa, Serene Silhouettes (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Wild Wasabi (SU!), Peeled Paint, Tumbled Glass, Chipped Sapphire Distress Inks (Ranger)

Paper: Select White Card Stock (PTI), Neenah Solar White (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Little Boy DP (Echo Park)

Accessories: Circle Nesties (Spellbinders), Sew Mini (Janome), Star Die Set (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps),  Embroidery Floss, Buttons (PTI), Cloud Template (PrintWorks), Copic Markers E33, E35, E53, R00, R20, C3, C1, C00

February Release Blog Hop

Welcome to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps February New Release Blog Hop!  This month's release is so exciting  - it was even released a week early as a surprise! Get your warm beverage and a tasty snack, and get ready for some amazing inspiration from the Design Divas!

If you've just come from the amazing Holly McMillen, you're on the right track...otherwise you might want to go back to the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog to start at the beginning.  You won't want to miss a single project from this fabulous release!

For my first sample, I used the new "Morning Glory" clear stamp set which includes one image and six wonderful sentiments perfect for letting someone know you are praying for them.

Creative Nugget:  The morning glories were colored with copic markers and cut with a Labels Six Die.  While still in the die, a little Broken China Distress Ink was added around the outside edge.  This was all layered on some of my favorite Bo Bunny DP and a fence die cut.  The Fanciful Flourish die cut was woven through the fence posts.  Several of the flowers were stamped and colored a second time so they could be popped up for depth.  A sentiment, pearls, and a rhinestone were added to finish the card.

My second sample features everyone's favorite mouse, Cocoa.  Korin has done it again...another adorable Cocoa clear stamp set that has Cocoa peeking out of an Easter egg!  The "Egg-cited Cocoa" clear stamp set also includes five sentiments perfect for Easter and throughout the year.

Creative Nugget:  For this sample I used this week's sketch at The Sweet Stop.  The colors were pulled from the My Mind's Eye DP.  Cocoa is always so much fun to color with copics.  The eyelet border die was cut twice and layered so the Baker's twine could be weaved through. The sentiment was stamped before embossing the Select White card stock with the Swiss dots EF.  All the elements were layered following the sketch design.

I hope my projects have inspired you to add these two new, wonderful sets to your wish list!  Now head on over to the ever-so talented, Amber Hillman for some more release time eye candy!

Be sure to make plans to join us for our new release party tonight; the fun takes place over in our member company forums on Splitcoaststampers.  We'll have great fellowship with crafty friends, challenges, and a prize drawing!  The excitement starts at 8:00 PM EST.

Now, take a look at what the other Design Divas have created to show off this amazing batch of February stamps:

Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps Blog

Korin Sutherland

Kim Singdahlsen

Giovana Smith

Dina Kowal

Jessica Fick

Kim Schofield

Mary Faus

Monika Davis

Bridget Finlay

Holly McMillen

Cathy McCauley <---You are here!

Amber Hillman

Wendy Jordan (our February guest)

Taylor Usry

Don't forget, the entire February release is available in the store right now; you can order the stamps individually or at a discounted bundle price! Head over to get yours today!

Thanks so much for stopping by...come again on Saturday for another fabulous Sweet Stop Sketch!

Hugs, 
Cathymac

Morning Glory Card Recipe

Stamps: Morning Gory (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko)
Paper:  Smokey Shadow, Simply Chartreuse (PTI), Neenah Solar White (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Bo Bunny DP
Accessories: Ticket Corner Punch, Modern Label Punch (SU!), Labels Six (Spellbinders), Fence Die (PTI), Fanciful Flourish Die (Cheery Lynn), Kaiser Pearls and Rhinestone, Clear Jelly Roll Pen (Sakura), Copic Markers YG17, YG21, YG23, 
YG25, BG49, BG53, BG70, V000, V05, V06, V09, W9, W7, W5 

Cocoa Card Recipe

Stamps: Egg-cited Cocoa (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)
Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko)
Paper: Smokey Shadow, Spring Moss, Vintage Cream (PTI), Neenah Solar White (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Ooh La La DP (My Mind's Eye)
Accessories: Square Nestie Spellbinders), Lacey Eyelet Border Die, Baker's Twine (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Kaiser Pearl, White Poster-Paint Pen (Sharpie), Copic Markers W00, W1, W2, W3, W5, R00, R20, R81, R83, R85, E40, E41, E42, BG49, BG53, BG70, YG25

Cocoa Kind of Day!

It's a Cocoa kind of day!  Although it's very cold here...burrrr!....and a perfect morning for some hot cocoa, I've been dabbling with another kind of cocoa...Sweet 'n Sassy's Cocoa the Mouse!  These stamps were perfect for two of the challenges at Splitcoaststampers this week...Taylor's Sketch Challenge and Hannah's Sew Beautiful Ways to Use It Challenge.

Creative Nugget:  My first Cocoa card was made for SC368.   Cocoa was colored with copic markers and was fussy cut out and popped up on a spellbinders heart and scalloped heart Nestie.  Each panel of DP was layered onto True Black card stock...I do love my black!  Each layer was placed on the white panel, but not attached, to get the correct placement for the sentiment.  This was then put through the Big Shot with the Canvas Impression plate to give it some subtle texture.   All layers were attached to a Lemon Tart card base.  Baker's twine and a button were added as well as some liquid appliqué on some of the kernels of popcorn.

Creative Nugget:  My second Cocoa card was made for today's "Ways to Use It" challenge, WT358.  We were to use either faux or real stitching.    The Echo Park DP was messy stitched around the perimeter of the card onto True Black card stock (I know...there's that black again!), and zig-zag stitching separates the three panels. This was then attached to a Select White card base.  Sew cute Cocoa was again colored with copic markers and cut with a circle nestie and layered onto a Labels Three die.  Kaiser pearls were colored with a yellow copic and attached to the corners of the die.  A sentiment banner and button tied with gingham ribbon were added to complete the card.

I've just realized that both cards use similar colors...bright and cheerful! Hope you've enjoyed today's post...Thanks for stopping by!  Now I think I will go grab a cup of HOT Cocoa!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Cocoa's Popcorn Recipe

Stamps:  Cocoa's Tasty Treats (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Tuxedo black (Memento), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko)

Paper: Lemon Tart, True Black, Select White, Bitty Dot Basic DP (PTI), Neenah Solar White (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), DeLovely DP (Cosmo Cricket)

Accessories: Heart and Scalloped Heart Nesties (Spellbinders), Pinking Hearts Border Punch (SU!), Button, Canvas Impression Plate (PTI), Baker's Twine (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Liquid Applique (Marvy), (Copic Markers Y8, Y11, Y15, R00, R20, R24, R 27, R29, R37, R39, C1, C3, C5

Sew Thoughtful Recipe

Stamps: Sew Happy Cocoa (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Tuxedo black (Memento), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko), Old Paper Distress Ink (Ranger)

Paper: Select White, True Black (PTI), Neenah Solar White (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), For the Record Paper Pad (Echo Park)

Accessories: Circle Nestie, Labels Three Die (Spellbinders), Sew Mini Sewing Machine (Janome), Button (PTI), Gingham Ribbon (SU!), Kaiser Pearls, Silver Spica Glitter Pen, Copic Markers Y8, Y11, Y15, R00, R20, R24, R 27, 

R29, R37, R39, C1, C3, C5

A Tasty Treat

Happy Saturday and welcome back to the first sketch of 2012 at The Sweet Stop!  The Sugar Babies have taken a little break, but now we're back and are excited about sharing all new sketch designs with you!  Our first sketch uses some different angles so get ready for some wonderful eye candy from the design team!

Creative Nugget:  For my sample this week, I went with this sweet Cocoa image from a brand new clear stamp set called "Cocoa's Tasty Treats."  This set along with seven others PLUS new dies were released on Thursday night and are available at the Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps store right now!  Cocoa was colored with copic markers and then the fun of making this yummy ice cream sundae look good enough to eat began.  Glossy Accents were added to the fudge and the cherry and then White Opal Liquid Pearls was added to the whipped cream...YUM!  The image was then cut with a square nestie along with two other squares that were embossed with the square lattice embossing folder and sponged with Spun Sugar (how appropriate) Distress Ink.  These were mounted on some Early Espresso card stock which was cut at an angle to fit across the card.  The background was layered with some Bo Bunny patterned paper from "The Sweet Tooth" collection.  This was all mounted on a Creamy Caramel card base.  An eyelet border, Baker's Twine, buttons, and pearls, all some of my favorite things, were added to complete this yummy card for a sweet friend!

Now before heading off to see some more fabulous designs by the Sugar Babies, I'd like to share a little more sweetness with you.  Our Kody is now four months old and its been quite a while since I've shared some photos with you so just take a look at this cutie pie!

The Perfect Christmas present!

A Tasty Stick...Yum!

Chasing Leaves

Awwwww...A New Toy!

Isn't he just adorable!

Sugar Babies

Monika Davis

Shelby Goolsby

Wendy Ramlakhan

Janice Melton

Shannon White

Kim O'Connell

Lorie Ames

Chrissy Dickinson

Thanks so much for stopping by...
have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Cathymac

Card Recipe

Stamps: Cocoa's Tasty Treats (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps)

Ink: Tuxedo Black, (Memento), Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko)

Paper: Select White (PTI), Creamy Caramel, Early Espresso (SU!), The Sweet Tooth Collection (Bo Bunny)

Accessories: Kaiser Pearls, Square Nesties (Spellbinders), Glossy Accents, White Opal Liquid Pearls (Ranger), Baker's Twine (Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps), Button (PTI), Square Lattice Embossing Folder (SU!), Copic Markers B52, BG11, BG13, BG18, RV0000, RV11, RV17, RV19, RV32, YR30, E30, E31, E33, E35, E37, E44, E47, E49, E50