September Calendar ~ Ready to Print!

PRINTABLE September 2009 Calendar

Can you believe it is September already?!

As promised, here is your printable calendar for the month!

My color inspiration for this calendar was taken from this adorable apron by BusyBizzyB!

Thank you for the inspiration, Jaime!

Cupcake Monday: Pretty please..with a Ferrero on top?

Seriously?

My favorite candy on top of my favorite dessert?!

I'd like one right now.

Make that three right now.

{image via couture cupcakes}

{sent to me by one of my twitter friends}

I {LOVE} Cake Stands!

Cake stands are one of my favorite things in the kitchen! Because I bake so much, I have about 7 in my collection! Most of mine are versatile, white or glass, but I would love to expand my collection to include more fun ones!

I LOVE this fabulous collage that Jess at JP Creative put together....great finds!

Which one is your favorite?!

Want to know where to FIND them? Visit Jess's blog HERE!

Lollipop Invitations by The TomKat Studio Featured on Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas!

Excuse me, as I go do leaps of joy around the house!

SEE WHY I'M SO HAPPY.....HERE!
I'll be back with more on Amy Atlas (aka My Hero) very soon!

Here's a taste of her AMAZING work (see why she's my hero):

Photography: Gorgeous Blonde Twins!

I love photography. I always have. I love it even more now.

One of my best friends, Vicki is a local family photographer. In the last year, I have watched her skills develop and I am awe-struck with her latest session. These photo just make me swoon...the twins, the blonde curly hair, the dresses, jean jackets, boots, the setting.....I can't get over it so I had to share! The creativity of these photos is just incredible! No doubt, Vicki had something to do with the styling as well.
Absolutely gorgeous, my dear! Maybe these girls will model for me when I write a book about children's parties (a little dream I have)! Can't you just see them sitting at a party table surrounded by cupcakes?

And these were just from her "Sneak Peek", I can't wait to see the rest!

Visit Vicki's website HERE!

Local Love: Domestic Bliss in Mesa, AZ

My MIL offered to watch my kiddies one afternoon last week, so I could have some "me" time. What a luxury! Most of my regular errands were taken care of, so it was truly a "free" afternoon to go anywhere my heart desired. So, with my little purse (no pull-ups or wipes allowed) and a gift certificate to the spa...off I went, without a clue where I was going!

First stop....can you guess? Craft store...it really is a luxury to browse and let your mind wander with creative ideas without two munchkins in the cart. I am working on my DIY Frame Kits and stocked up on some fabulous paper to offer with them. {one of my faves from amy butler}

Next stop...my paper supply store. I picked up some supplies I needed, along with some packaging ideas for the DIY kits. Since I was in Mesa (a bit of a ride from my house)....I figured I finally had a few minutes to stop by.....

Domestic Bliss, a fabulous home/baby/crafty boutique in Mesa. I rarely go there but I had been wanting to check out their "Blissful Living Studio", where they hold craft/sewing classes. They have actually combined spaces, and the craft studio is now part of the store (darn...I missed it!), but extremely fabulous still. They carry the brightest, cutest patterned fabrics, including designs from my favorite fabric/paper ladies, Amy Butler & Heather Bailey. They offer all sorts of fun classes including: sewing, crochet, fashion consulting, paper crafting, jewelry making and more! If you read Nie Nie (my hero), she taught here before her accident last year.

I bought a fabulous wall hanging by PaPaYa, which was so funny because I had read about their gorgeous new workspace earlier that morning on one of my fave decorating blogs, Decor8!
It was meant to be mine!
{photo of Papaya's Workspace via Decor8}

The green is perfect for my home studio, and I've been wanting to add some pops of pink!

Here it is on top of my armoire:

If you are in the Phoenix area, stop by Domestic Bliss....it's fabulous!
1622 W. Main Street, Mesa AZ 85201

Needless to say, I didn't make it to the spa......next time, for sure.

Cupcake Monday: Bella Cupcake Couture!

It seems my twitter friends are either paper girls, party girls or sweet girls (or all of the above). I usually try to check out each follower's website/blog and this one sure caught my eye! I can't remember how I connected with Carrie, owner of Bella Cupcake Couture, but I knew I had to share her cupcake "wear" with you!
After a bank merger of the company she was working for, Carrie was laid off and decided to pursue a new business doing something creative. I keep hearing that in tough economic times, people tend to find their entrepreneurial spirit and get creative! Carrie did just that!

These cupcake wrappers are too cute and really "dress up" cupcakes!
Aren't they pretty?

Find Bella Cupcake Couture:

Web: BellaCupcakeCouture.com

Twitter: twitter.com/BellaCupcakeC

{all photos courtesy of Bella Cupcake Couture}

In The Shop: Lollipop Invitation Instructions!

The time has finally arrived! The instructions to make these lollipop invitations are now available in my shop! So many, and I mean SO many crafty mommas have asked me how to make these and I finally got the instructions together!

FIND THEM HERE!

I am also offering a printable PDF of the top layer design, customized with your invitation text!

More Lollipop Party items coming soon to The Shop!

FAVOR TAGS

THANK YOU CARDS

SIGNS

In The Shop: Printable Cupcake Toppers!

Sorry I've been missing! I would love to say that it has been because I am so busy creating more printables for the shop..but I've really just been cleaning my house all day, everyday! Our house has been on the market a couple of months, but after reducing the price last week, our traffic has really picked up! (Yey!) However, that means I spend my days cleaning and making it perfect! I am hoping that all this work will result in an offer soon! I'm so tired and it isn't easy keeping it clean with two little ones! Anyway, that's where I've been! I started loading up the shop with printable items, and now you will find several cupcake topper designs in the shop! Lots more to come when I can stop cleaning!
CHECK THEM OUT HERE!

I'm also working on new custom designs for:

Pink Whale Baby Announcement

Little Ladybug 2nd Birthday Party

Zebra/Hot Pink Party

Cute! Cute! Cute!

The TomKat Studio DIY PRINTABLES & PROJECTS!

The SHOP IS OPEN (re-opened) with a new concept!

Since I can't keep up with all the party orders, it's time for you to take matters into your own hands! My Etsy shop will be filled with Do-It-Yourself Printables & Projects! I added lots of cute cupcake topper designs today, and invitations, banners, tags, etc are coming soon! Nothing new that you probably haven't already seen, but now in a DIY format! I have lots more to upload, so keep checking back at the SHOP! I will be posting the instructions for my *famous* layered lollipop invitations soon, along with the option of having the top layer designed and sent as a PDF for your printing pleasure! I have a list of about 50 emails from crafty mommas looking for the instructions!
So if you're one of them....go visit the SHOP next week!

For those waiting (I get quite a few emails!)...the DIY Glam Frame Kits are *almost* ready!
I went on a shopping spree and picked out my favorite papers & flowers for you crafty ladies to choose from! (what fun!) I am still figuring out the best way to sell them. As a complete package, or a basic frame/instructions and add embellishments of your choice....we'll see! I may try it both ways and see what you all like best!

Can you tell I'M EXCITED?!?

Welcome to My Jungle!

Apparently, I have a "thing" for animal prints. I've always been drawn to the zebra pattern, which I notice all of the time in home decor magazines. Just a little hint here and there, nothing over the top. Trust me, I know animal prints can get cheesy, but I don't go that far (I hope!). The other day, I pulled out little plates to use for brownies, and noticed they were zebra print...and then went into my studio and noticed my file folders are zebra print...This led to me thinking about how many things I own that are animal patterned and I decided to go on a hunt today into the wild (my house) and show you some fun things!

PHOTOS ABOVE:

{1} Giraffe Print Peep Toes (I love to look at these, but never have worn!)

{2} Zebra Themed Jack-N-Jill Bathroom (T & K's)

{3} Zebra Print Top (in the event I need to dress professionally)

{4} Cheetah Print Lamp (sits on the desk area of the kitchen, LOVE)

~

{1} Zebra Suede Chairs (my prized possession from my mother-in-law)

{2} Zebra Dessert Plates (brownies seem even yummier on a cute plate!)

{3} Leopard Print Betseyville Bag (fave for Vegas)

{4} File Folders in my craft room (love zebra with green)

{1} Leopard Print Jacket (bought for a Vegas trip last year at Forever 21)

{2} Zebra Purse (LOVE it, from my purse party last year)

{3} Zebra Silk Headband (very stylish, wear if I'm feeling sassy)

{4} Our pet, ZeeZee (we keep her at the zoo!) Kidding...

Have a great day & GO WILD!

XOXO,

Kim

Project Nursery: Little Apple Design Launch!

The girls over at Project Nursery, the fabulous decorating website that I contribute to, just launched a new website offering their services for baby & children's room design, Little Apple Design! The style of the website is oh-so fabulouso! Melisa & Pam provide design services from inspiration boards to full service interior design! Check them out HERE!

Are you a fan of Project Nursery on Facebook yet? JOIN NOW!

How about a fan of The TomKat Studio on Facebook? JOIN NOW!

Cupcake Monday: Sweet Halloween Costume!

Oh my...isn't this adorable!?

One of my twitter friends wrote about this new Pottery Barn Kids Cupcake Costume, and I had to share with you!

Wouldn't it be perfect for my little Kate?....she's such a little cupcake!

"Cupcake Costume" by Pottery Barn Kids

The TomKat Studio is now on FACEBOOK!

I've had a personal page on Facebook for a couple months now, but I decided it was time to setup a company page for The TomKat Studio!

There seems to be lots of fun things you can do on Facebook Fan Pages, like forums and fan photos, so I'll explore and let you know when those are up and running!

In the meantime...

BECOME A FAN of The TomKat Studio Facebook Page!

{pink fan via Marie's Marche}

Birthday Parties: Double Scoop Ice Cream Party!

Two of my fabulous friends just hosted an joint ice cream party for their two little ones who turned two! I LOVE the ice cream theme, and have been thinking about it for Kate's next birthday (March 2010). Since I did a CUPCAKE theme for her first, and LOLLIPOP theme for her second, it only seems appropriate to stick with something sweet!
Previously, I posted the invitation when I designed it, and a few of the photos I took, but I have some of the professional photos now to share with you!

Stef baked the adorable ice cream cone cupcakes, similar to the ones from this party I posted HERE. I created cupcake toppers with the birthday boy & girl's names, my ice cream illustration, "happy birthday" and the number "2".

An ice cream party is so easy and fun for celebrating any occasion! Stef & Taryn setup an ice cream bar with every topping imaginable. Yum!

The favor cones were adorable! Stef found them at the dollar store and filled them with candy, crayons & bubbles! I created the coordinating ice cream tags!

{all photos above by another fabulous friend, Tina at Live Love Photography}

If you're thinking about hosting an ice cream party, also check out this fabulous ice cream party hosted by one of my fave fellow party girls, Jess at Polka Dots & Pirates! Here's a peek:

Baby Boy Announcements: Meet Owen!

Since I posted PINK baby designs yesterday, I thought would only be fair if I posted something BLUE today! My friend, Lisa just had me design baby announcements for her new little bundle of joy! I created a few options and we ended up combining a couple ideas for for the final design! It was really cute because her hubby was so excited to help choose the right one for his boy! The final design is shown above, and below are the other ideas I came up with for them!

Congratulations on the new addition to your beautiful family!

Gorgeous photos taken by Vicki Lynn Photography (one of my BFFs!)

See more of her work HERE!

While your there, book your fall family photos ASAP before she books up!

WHICH ANNOUNCEMENT DESIGN IS YOUR FAVORITE?

Pretty in Pink Baby Shower Designs!

My party-loving friend, Kelly referred Vanessa to me for her upcoming "Pretty in Pink" baby shower! In case you can't tell, I LOVE pink, so this project was especially fun for me. The lighting when I took these pictures wasn't great.....everything looked so much better in person! Oh well, you get the idea, right?

Shown above is the invitation and coordinating thank you card designs....

Below is the "sweet baby girl" candy buffet sign and matching favor tags.... and a welcome sign!

Hopefully Vanessa will share her shower photos with us! I would love to see the details!

Sneak Peek: Double Scoop Ice Cream Birthday Party!

Here's a sneak peek of the ice cream birthday party hosted by two of my friends, for their two little ones, who were turning two! Remember this invitation?
One of these days, my photographer friend is going to share her fabulous photos with me so I can post! In the meantime, here these are a few from my camera for your enjoyment!

Sweet! :)