SUPER SWEET Birthday Party!

Remember these invitations I shared with you that the talented Lorell from Sweetly Sweet created for her daughter's birthday party?
Well, her the party was this weekend and she just posted the photos for us to drool over!
Here are a few of my favorites! ....sweet....sweet....sweet.....
Check out the rest HERE!
Beautiful job, Lorell!

Cupcake Monday: Custom Fondant Cupcake Art!

I love twitter! Charynn at Two Sugar Babies saw last week's Cupcake Monday feature and quickly sent me a twitter message that she would like to be featured! After hopping over to her Etsy shop to check out her products, I said...absolutely! Wouldn't the snowflake toppers above be perfect for the Snowflake Birthday Parties that I am working on?!
Two Sugar Babies offers custom fondant art to spruce up your cupcakes, whether it is for holidays or a special birthday party!

Visit the Two Sugar Babies SHOP here!

Cyber Monday: Printable Modern Holiday Collection {50% Off} TODAY ONLY!

Cyber Monday....what an interesting concept.
Regardless, I'm always up for some fun, so I've extended my little Black Friday sale through this evening!

Get my printable MODERN HOLIDAY collection today for only $6! (that's 50% off)
Don't you want your gifts to be the prettiest on the block?

What are you waiting for?

GET YOURS HERE!

XOXO, Kim


PS. I promise, I'm working on more fun holiday printables....soon! soon!

WINNERS: Holiday Gift Tag Giveaway!

Thank you to all of you who entered my gift tag giveaway!
I apologize for my delay in posting the winners, but without further a-do....
I give you the lucky ladies:

Please email me your mailing addresses and I will ship out your labels!

Last Minute Free DIY Printable ~ Thanksgiving Placecards/Labels!

Just my style....

a little last minute, quickly download for you!You still have time to print this file to use for your Thanksgiving placecards or buffet labels!

Thanksgiving Label Place Cards - Tomkat Studio

On this Thanksgiving eve,
I would like to say THANK YOU for being wonderful readers and friends!

Have a fabulous Thanksgiving!
Love, Kim

Confession of My Latest Obsession {Beware: This Post Isn't About Parties}

Okay, I'm going to confess....
I am lovesick obsessed teenager at heart. Not to mention my OCD, which makes obsessive behavior pretty typical for me. I was OBSESSED with New Kids on the Block during my younger days. I really need to share a photo of my room so you can understand the depth of my obsession. My mom was nice enough to let me "decorate" however I wanted, which meant a picture of Joe or Jordan plastered on every inch of my room. Even pictures pinned on my lampshade. I mean everywhere.

Last year when they made their comeback, I went right back to being obsessed.
It felt like yesterday.

During college, the movie, Titanic came out. I again felt that same OBSESSIVENESS. It just got me. I determined that I was so connected with it, that I must have died on the Titanic in my previous life (or something). I watched it seven (yes, 7) times in the theater. I waited in line (with my now, husband :) at midnight the day the VIDEO was released. One of my prized possessions is a limited edition framed piece of wood from the ship in the movie that my then-boyfriend, now husband bought me. I have books, magazines....and yes, I was obsessed with Leo. Weren't you?

{i'll never let go, jack....i'll never let go}

My friend, Shannon finally convinced me to read THE vampire book this summer. Like many, I was leery of the whole sci-fi vampire "thing". However, it's so much more than that!
It was AMAZING. I LOVED IT.
I finished it in two days (my family missed me those days while I was in la-la land), and rented the movie the next day. And the day after that? Ran to the store for New Moon. At that point, I knew I had it.....the Twilight Fever and I now I know...I have it bad.

My 12-year old neighbor (yes, I'm friends with a seventh grader...) texted me the night of the New Moon Premiere, and asked if I was going. I wasn't, and I thought "why not?!" Her mom wouldn't let her go since she had school the next day, but me...the 32 year old....I should have gone! This is what obsessive teenagers/cougars do! It was too late to try to go, but I figured I could convince my hubby to take me this weekend for our date night. Well, we had a fabulous dinner and then headed to the theater. He decided New Moon just wasn't up his alley (he's probably right), and wanted to see something else.
Not me...I was going with or without him. And I did just that! :)
We went to our separate theaters....
and boy, did I enjoy my time alone with Jacob (& Edward)!
I walked out smiling to myself (a big smile), I just couldn't help it! :)

Now, I can't stop thinking about the movie (and Jacob)
....and I need to go buy Eclipse!
Please confess. (don't be afraid)
Are you with me on this or should I stop acting like a silly lovestruck teenager?

Cupcake Monday: It's Almost Turkey Day!

Don't you just want to gobble these up? So cute, from none other than Miss Martha! I think my kids would LOVE them. If I have time, I will try to make them and let you know how it goes! GET MARTHA'S RECIPE/INSTRUCTIONS HERE!

While You're Christmas Shopping....PLEASE REMEMBER TO GRAB ONE FOR....

Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas Toy Drive!
I mentioned Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas last week, and the effort is now in full swing!

{please copy this icon for your own blog,
and link to: http://www.prayforkate.com/}

If you are new to my blog, Kate McRae is a local 5-year old battling a brain tumor. Her story has touched my life. I have hosted several auctions, along with others for her benefit. I recently reached out with Holly, Kate's mom and offered my help with this toy drive, as well as Kate's upcoming birthday party. The McRae family is collecting Christmas gifts for ALL of the children in the oncology unit at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

A new {amazing} website was just launched at http://www.prayforkate.com/, read her story, see her sweet face, and get details on what toys they are hoping for and where to send them.

I just helped create a Facebook Fan Page for Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas.
Please become a fan, visit and leave your thoughts and comments for the McRae family!

VISIT KATE'S CRAZY COOL CHRISTMAS
FACEBOOK PAGE HERE

As you start shopping for your holiday gifts, please remember to pick up something extra for this amazing cause! Please share with your family and friends, so we can help make this effort a successful one!
Thank you in advance, my sweet readers!

Do you LOVE The TomKat Studio? WANT MORE?

I just wanted to let you all know, that I am officially addicted to my Facebook Fan Page. It is so easy to post links, photos & more on it, that I find myself posting several times (many!) a day. I've been posting some of my latest finds for the new house, like this:
{my new zebra lamps from HomeGoods}
and....inspiring posts by other bloggers, like this post by Holly at Decor8:

and.....exciting mentions, like this one on ohdeedoh:

And links to things I love, like this sweet holiday idea post from Creative Hostess: AND the best part, you can post links that you think my readers would like to read, too!
I also plan on hosting special giveaways, photo contests & more on my Facebook page!

SO.....

if you are not a fan yet or don't visit Facebook very often, you should start!
You don't want to miss any of The Tomkat Studio fun, do you!?!

VISIT MY FAN PAGE HERE NOW!

XOXO, Kim

{Free Printable} December 2009 Calendar ~ Red & Aqua Snowflakes!

Your December calendar is ready to be printed!

Isn't this the best time of year?

I can't wait to move into our new house and decorate for Christmas!
(just a couple more weeks!)

We will literally finally have a HOME for the holidays!

Printable December 2009 Calendar by The Tomkat Studio

Enjoy!

{Inspired by TomKat Studio} Gorgeous "La Petite Boulangerie" 1st Birthday Party!

I'm swooning over here!
Have I got something for you to feast your eyes on today!

Jess from Pen N' Paper Flowers just sent me a tweet, telling me that I inspired her dessert table placecards, and I hopped on over to see. I nearly fainted at the sight of her gorgeous dessert table for her daughter's Little French Bakery birthday party! Ohhh....the details. Ahhh....the delicious desserts. Oh....the handwritten tags. Ahh...the favor boxes. Ooo....the adorable birthday girl! I had to share immediately.
I MUST design a a collection inspired by this party.
I absolutely LOVE it.
This momma is SERIOUSLY talented.
I'm so flattered that she sited me as inspiration!

View all of the photos and details, HERE on Pen N' Paper Flowers!
While your there, look back at all of her prepartion posts...
for more eye candy, like this:

(she MADE this)

Just breathe. I know it's a lot of beauty to handle.

Amazing job, Jess!

Project Nursery: Little Snowflake 1st Birthday Party!

Check out my latest post for Project Nursery!
Little Miss Marley Ava is my best friend's daughter, and I am having so much fun finding fabulous inspiration for her 1st birthday party next month!
Marley's momma, Kristi & I decided on a red & aqua blue snowflake theme!
Here is the invitation I designed for the party!

Who doesn't love a little bling, right?

This printable invitation design, along with party circles, labels & more
will be available in my shop soon!



I can't wait to pull all of these ideas together to help
create a beautiful party for this sweet little snowflake!

For a full list of the inspiration photo SOURCES,
please visit my post at PROJECT NURSERY!

Cupcake Monday: Sweet Cupcake Tower for Your Sweetest Little Cupcakes!

My favorite blog stalker, Mandy (you know I love you!) sent me the link to this ADORABLE cupcake stand toy for your little princesses that love cupcakes! I'm thinking Kate would LOVE this for Christmas...I better tell Santa!

Find it HERE!

Have a fabulous week!!

Be sure to check out my new MODERN HOLIDAY printable collection!
More holiday designs coming this week!

{New to The TomKat Studio Shop} MODERN HOLIDAY Printable Collection!

I'm so excited to share with you my new designs for my first holiday collection! I designed these to sell at the boutique, and now you can print and make them, too!

This set is $12 and includes 4 printable PDF files:

{1} Modern Holiday Party Circles
(use to make gift tags, cupcake toppers, napkin rings, place cards & more!)

{2} Modern Holiday Fancy Gift Tags
(6 designs with TO: & FROM:)

{3} Modern Holiday Fancy Blank Labels/Tags
(perfect for place cards, dessert/dinner buffet labels, gift tags & more!)

{4} Modern Holiday Rectangular Dot Tags
(simple dot background for making tags as shown!)

So what are you waiting for?
Just print, cut & get CREATIVE!

Find the collection here in my Etsy Shop

More holiday designs coming soon!

Kate McRae: Santa's Coming and Kate's Helping!

"Continue to pray that somehow, Kate will keep dancing through her treatments......." ~ Holly McRae in her latest entry.

{photo above used with permission from oh so posh photography}
I haven't mentioned Kate McRae lately, but she is on my mind all of the time. I have to admit that I cannot read her mom's blog entries everyday, because I can't handle even reading what she is going through without the tears flowing. I read it about once a week when I am alone. I can honestly say that this little girl has changed my life. Her situation makes me appreciate what is most important in my life (my family), and nothing else matters. When I lay my own kids down to bed, I think of Kate and thank my lucky stars that my own babies are healthy and happy. My heart breaks into a million pieces for Kate and her family.

The holiday boutique I participated in last weekend was at Cornerstone Christian Fellowship in Chandler. This is the church that the McRaes are members of, and where Kate's father works. A magazine was handed out at the boutique....and there she was on the cover, sweet Kate. A smiling, beautiful little girl with a brain tumor. There's that pit again in my throat.

Despite their own needs, the McRae family is organizing a toy drive for ALL of the children at the hospital where Kate receives treatment. How's that for thinking of others? It's so cute, they are calling it "Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas" and YOU CAN HELP! If you would like to donate a toy(s), please contact me, or view the post on 11/8 for a list of what items are suggested. I would be happy to collect them from you and drop them off all together, or you can ship directly to:
Cornerstone Christian Fellowship
c/o Kate's Crazy Cool Christmas
2211 E. Pecos Road, Suite 2
Chandler, AZ 85225

Also, I recently connected with Holly (Kate's mom) and she has taken me up on the offer to make Kate's birthday party items! Kate's birthday is the day after Christmas. I hate to even write this, but all I can think is...what would it feel like to wonder if this birthday would be your child's last? The thought devastates me. I would love to help make Kate's birthday celebration special, even if it has to be in the hospital. If you have a product/gift that you would like to send to Kate, please email me. Modern Frills has already offered to design a t-shirt for Kate to match the party goods I create (thank you!). Kate will be 6 years old.

{tomkat studio photo from my kate's lollipop party}

I will do whatever I can to help make this little girl smile.
I hope to one day have the pleasure of meeting her and her amazing family.

Visit www.PrayforKate.com to read Holly's inspiring posts and updates on Kate's treatment and progress.

Believe Holiday Boutique: A Sparkling Success!

It was very first "show" ever. I was so nervous when I got there. I seriously felt like it was my first day at a new school where I didn't know anyone. As I made the 7 trips back and forth from my car to my tables, I felt quite akward. You know, everyone is checking out everyone else's goods. Luckily, once I started getting settled, I met an old friend from high school, selling Mary Kay right behind me! She's an old pro at these things and gave me some great tips and advice while I was setting up. And of course, by the time the doors opened for the boutique, I was friends with everyone down my aisle. :) This boutique was not as exactly how I imagined it would be. No offense to those who make crocheted beer cozees, but I just didn't realize the amount of trendy, fabulous handmade talent that would be there. SERIOUSLY. Super cute stuff. I should have taken pictures of other booths, but this thing was PACKED with people. Two days, over 100 vendors....with the majority that you would want to stop and take a gander at! So fun. I have to thank one of my sweetest customers, Andra for securing me incredible space in the lobby area!

My sales were great! I sold out of all of my 12x12 frames, as well as all of the DIY frame kits that I had with me. The best part though, was really meeting and connecting with so many sweet people. I brought a stack of my Go Gilbert magazines, and really enjoyed being called "Cover Girl" by multiple people! They would look down at the stack, look up and say "OH MY...that's YOU!...I read that article, I saved that issue!" Sooo flattering. I met a bunch of "fans" including one who made me blush with her lovely compliments! It was so amazing to have all these sweet girls come up and say they read my blog, have visited my blog or even just heard of The TomKat Studio. It gives me the warm and fuzzies! :)

I ordered 250 new business cards for the event, and came home with 25. WOW!

Such a great time and such wonderful people! It sure was exhausting, though! I'm not used to being on my feet all day, and being "on". I'm used to dealing with customers via email in my pjs! It was so fun though, and I'm really glad I did it!

I have several sets of my holiday gift tags leftover, so for you....my loyal readers, let's have a GIVEAWAY!

Two winners will be chosen & will receive 4 sets (6/set) of gift tags each!

Here's 4 ways to enter!
(Enter up to 4 times by doing the following):
1. Leave me a comment and let me know which item you like best from my booths!
(you will be disqualified if you say the bowl of candy bars :)
2. Post about this giveaway on Facebook, comment with the link!
3. Tweet about this giveaway, comment with the link!
4. Post about this giveaway on your own Blog, and comment with the link!

Winner will be chosen on Monday, November 16th at 11:00pm (MST).
Any entries received after this time, will not be considered. Open to US residents.
Winners will be chosen using random.org