Sunday, January 31, 2010

{Decorating} My New Kitchen in Progress!

Have you all been wondering what's going at on at our new house?! If you don't know about our house story, read it here. As you probably know, we did our remodeling and moved in right before Christmas! With an amazing team of contractors, this was the quickest project we've ever done (14 days!). I can't tell you how happy we are in this house. Not only is the house beautiful and functional for our family, but the neighborhood is incredible! We have already become fast friends with several of the families on the block and it is a true community feel here. (rare for Phoenix) Our next door neighbors & our neighbors across the street have kids the same ages as ours (perfect!). We live at the end of a cul-de-sac where all of the neighbor kids play outside everyday!
It's been quite a project for me to furnish this house from scratch, but I've loved every minute of it. It's still a work in progress, but I wanted to share a few photos of how things are coming along. I mentioned on my Facebook page that I found a pair of zebra barstools at Pier 1, and promised to share a photo of them in my new kitchen (see above)! Here's the kitchen before new flooring, granite, glass tile backsplash, sink, faucet, lighting!

One of my favorite things that we did to this house is the glass tile backsplash in the kitchen, along with a matching fireplace surround (photos coming soon!). Here a detail photo of the tile! I LOVE it!
I'm having so much finding fabulous things for our new house!
I have a lot more work to do, but little by little....it will get done!

Saturday, January 30, 2010

{Sneak Peek} Vintage Surf Baby Shower!

The "real" photos are here for the Vintage Surf Baby Shower that I recently worked on! And boy, are they beauties! I can't wait to share them all with you! Here's a sneak peek.....

{courtesy of vicki lynn photography}

Surf back over on Tuesday for the full post!

Here are the inspiration boards for this shower theme, just in case you missed them!


{Get sources HERE}

Friday, January 29, 2010

{Help Wanted} The TomKat Studio is Hiring an Assistant! Apply Now!

2010 is going to be a very exciting year for The TomKat Studio! After a year of blogging and starting my Etsy shop, I've decided it's time that I need to hire some help! I'm ready to grow my business and get better organized!

I am looking for a part-time virtual (you don't need to live in Phoenix, if you do, that's a plus!) assistant to handle fulfilling my digital file orders, along with tracking sales and answering inquiries. The time requirement would likely start at about 2 hours a day (5 days/week), but hopefully grow to much more, as I am able to work on getting all of my designs up in the shop and my order volume grows!

Requirements:

  • Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Publisher & Excel
  • Experience with Photoshop, a plus but not required
  • A Great Eye for Detail and Layout (Perfectionists Welcome)
  • Experience/Interest in Blogging
  • Must be Obsessed with Pretty Parties & Paper

Duties:

  • Field potential customer inquiries
  • Track/Log Orders
  • Format text/photos on existing layouts
  • Create/Email PDF files to customers

Ideal candidate would be available throughout the day to check for inquiries/orders.
Candidate must not operate a competing shop.

If you are interested in this position, please email me and tell me about yourself.
Attach your resume, and include any links you would like me to see of your work or blog!
kim@thetomkatstudio.com

Thursday, January 28, 2010

{Valentine's Day} Sweet Collection of Valentine Pops!

When this arrived in my inbox the other day....I knew I had to share.... What a collection of Valentine Pops!
Cookie Pops, Marshmallow Pops, Cake Pops & more!

Check out the full post from Creative Hostess for details and sources!

While you're there, don't forget to enter the Most Adorable Party of 2009 Contest! Contest Ends Tomorrow!

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

{Sweet Customers} Adorable Little Birdie Baby Shower for Twin Boys!

This adorable shower was in honor of my childhood best friend, in New York. We reconnected last year via Facebook and now she is a loyal follower of The TomKat Studio! She asked me to create a "Little Birdie" boy twin design for her baby shower invitations and cupcake toppers!
It turns out she is quite creative and crafty herself and she took a ton of inspiration from my blog and used it for her baby shower!
She did an incredible job on all of the birdie details!
I hope you enjoy this....
Little Birdie Twin Boy Baby Shower! Details from the guest of honor:
Door Prizes: Frames inspired by the extremely talented Kim at The TomKat Studio! Thanks again for doing all that you do! You are truly a creative inspiration! Centerpieces: Idea came from this Project Nursery post - I substituted paint cans with these already decorated cans from Christmas Tree Shop. I used die cut birds on various scrapbook papers from "kotibeth" on etsy. Put them back-to-back on lollipop sticks and had a mama and two babies in each can (secured with florist oasis, and covered in crinkled paper.) We added two blue balloons to each can to make the centerpieces look bigger and add more color underneath the tent.

Coconut Cupcakes: Recipe from The Barefoot Contessa's Cookbook. Combined the recipe with
Martha's Nesting Baby Blue-Bird Cupcake design with a cream-cheese frosting. After trying many ideas for making birds that would hold up outside for a couple of hours (firm frosting, blue jordan almonds, Gumdrops), I ended up creating the birds out of vanilla cake pops, inspired by Bakerella! They worked out perfectly & were delicious!

Blue Cupcakes: Also were Coconut cupcakes, but I used a firmer Decorator's Buttercream Frosting recipe from
Epicurious for these. Cupcakes were garnished with TomKat Studio's adorable cupcake toppers & sprinkles! Invitations: Custom designed by The TomKat Studio! Totally adorable, and received lots of wonderful feedback on how great they were!

Thank you for sharing your shower with us, Margie!
I hope it was worth the wait! {the very long wait}
Your twins are adorable!
XOXO, Kimmi

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Did You Host the MOST ADORABLE party of 2009?

There's a party going on at Creative Hostess!
She's looking for the MOST ADORABLE parties of 2009!
Come on fans, I know you have some fabulous party photos you've been waiting to share!
You can also just provide a link to your blog, or a site where your party has been featured (including here at The TomKat Studio!)

I'm honored to be judging the contest with some of the most fabulous party bloggers around including Jenn at HWTM, Chris at Celebrations at Home, Kelly from the Party Dress and the hostess herself, Jenin at Creative Hostess!

Take a few minutes and go enter!
You could win AMAZING prizes including a $100 gift certificate to Inkspot Workshop!
Additional prizes include party goods from Parties by Hardie, Seven Cupcakes & Gigglesapu!

What are you waiting for?! You have until FRIDAY to enter!
CLICK HERE

GOOD LUCK!

Monday, January 25, 2010

{Project Nursery} My Favorite Blankies (& Babies)!

Good morning, friends!
I just finished up my latest post for Project Nursery!
Read about my own blankie obsession, my kids' favorites and check out my favorite "brand" blankies and Etsy finds!
Tell us about your baby/child's blankets!
We'd love to hear your stories!
What do you think of my "matching" newborn baby photos
with their favorite blankies ~ Barefoot Buddies?
Aren't they sweet?
For sources for all blankies above, visit the PN post for links!

{Free Printable} February 2010 Calendar!

I know I promised the whole year...but I just haven't finished yet!
February is right around the corner though, so I thought I'd better hurry up and share!
ENJOY!

February 2010 Calendar - TomKat Studio

Sunday, January 24, 2010

{Cupcake Monday} Cupcake Love for Haiti

Cindy, from Skip to My Lou wrote to me about fabulous idea she came up with to reward YOU for donating to any cause you believe in.

I am writing to tell you about my cupcakes and cupcake picks and wrappers. Steph, from the Daily Digi, and I have teamed up to create some goodies. We want to encourage people to contribute to ANY cause or endeavor they see fit. To say thank you (for ANY contribution) we will e-mail them a free download for printable cupcake picks, wrappers, printable papers and digital files. I know that you mentioned this week about texting to Red Cross ----so already many of your readers are deserving of a little gift.

For more information and to get your free printables, VISIT HERE!

Great job, ladies!

Friday, January 22, 2010

{NEW TO SHOP} Sweet Love Printable Valentine's Day Collection!

I've been working on some new designs and just added my first Valentine's Day printable collection to the shop! I've been waiting for the right design to use this adorable font that I spotted over at HWTM! Collection includes six printable PDF files including:
  • Sweet Love Party Circles {4 designs}
    Perfect for cupcake toppers, favor tags, napkin rings & more!
  • 3"x3" Mini Foldover Notecartds {3 designs}
  • Blank Fancy Labels with White Backgrounds
    Use for candy jar labels, gift labels & place cards!
  • Blank Fancy Labels with Black Backgrounds
  • Sweet Treats Fancy Labels
  • Goodie Bag Foldover Labels (to fit 6.5" ziploc bags)

Find it HERE!

Wednesday, January 20, 2010

{Sweet Customers} Sofia's 1st Birthday Party ~ Bright Cupcake Collection!

Back in November, I met Jami when I participated in a fabulous holiday boutique. This amazing mama coordinates the entire event (it's huge) yet took the time to visit and chat with me at my booth. She mentioned her youngest daughter's upcoming birthday and loved my cupcake products! I was so flattered when Jami not only asked me to create all of the paper products for the party, but to also set up the party and bake the cupcakes and cake! However, my busy life only allowed me to work on the party decor including cupcake invitations, cupcake toppers, favor tags, chandelier signs & a banner! Jami borrowed my cupcake stands and some other items from Kate's 1st birthday party and the party turned out beautiful! Amazing job, Jami!
Thank you for sharing all of your fabulous photos with us!

DIY Printable Bright Cupcake Collection
COMING BACK SOON to
MY SHOP!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

{Fabulous Giveaway} Gorgeous Hand-Glittered Notecards from Icing Designs!

Melissa & Kellie from Icing Designs contacted me about sending Kate McRae a gift for her birthday celebration. Their email was so sweet and I hopped over to check out their Etsy shop. I was blown away by the adorable hand-glittered cards and invitations they create! I offered to host a giveaway for them, here on my blog because I KNOW that you all will LOVE these illustrations and designs!
How could you not?!

Oooh la la....take me to Paris please....and the ballerina cupcake girl?
Adorable!

These cards are even more gorgeous in person, with all of their sparkly glitter! The girls were kind enough to send me a few cards, along with a giveaway set for YOU, my dear readers!

These girls know what they're doing....
I imagine that their packaging alone will impress you!
Check out the wrapped gift that they sent Kate!
Isn't it gorgeous?
Okay, so it's time to ENTER THE GIVEAWAY to receive a set of these fabulous notecards!

There are 4 ways to enter:
1. Visit Icing Designs Etsy Shop, come back & leave a comment with your favorite item!
2. Become a fan of
The TomKat Studio on Facebook & leave a comment here that you are a fan (or already were!)
3. Follow The TomKat Studio on Twitter & leave a comment here that you are a follower (or already were!)
4. Post about this giveaway on your own Blog, Facebook Page and/or Tweet about it & comment here with the links! (up to 3 entries for reposting on each)


Winner will be chosen on Friday, January 22, 2010 at 11:00pm (MST).
Any entries received after this time, will not be considered. Open to US residents.
Winner will be chosen using random.org

Monday, January 18, 2010

{TomKat Studio Feature} Check out Marley's Party Today on Half Baked - The Cake Blog!

I'm so excited to be featured today on Half Baked ~ The Cake Blog!

If don't follow Half Baked yet, you will now!

{Birthday Party} Perfectly Detailed Navy & Green Pinwheel Party!

If you're not familiar with Sharnel from My Life, My Loves, you will be now! Sharnel is a very talented mum (she lives in Australia) who creates the most beautiful parties for her children, along with baking up some of the prettiest sweets around, and shares it all on her gorgeous blog! When she sent me the link to her son's recent party, I knew I had to share! My readers are always asking for more BOY birthday party ideas, since I tend to gravitate toward all things pink and sweet! So, here you have it, it's sweet but it's NAVY BLUE & GREEN!


The details are PERFECTION and Sharnel provides links to tutorials and sources, so you can create your own party similar to hers!
Now...if only she lived closer so we could all order her desserts!
Thanks for sharing the party, Sharnel. You are a true talent!


While you're there, be sure to check out her daughter's party
which was featured on Sweet Designs by Amy Atlas and Party Perfect!

Sorry, could help but throw a little pink in this post! :)

Sunday, January 17, 2010

{Cupcake Monday} Cupcakes for Haiti Relief Fund

{image via sprinkles}

Sprinkles deserves a shout out this morning for the Red Cross cupcakes they sold this past weekend. 100% of the proceeds were donated to the Red Cross for the Haiti Relief Fund.

My heart goes out to the many broken families suffering there.

I am so amazed by the Red Cross donation effort via TEXTING.
Isn't modern technology incredible? It couldn't be easier to donate:
Text HAITI to 90999 to donate $10.
It will be added to your phone bill.


I guarantee they will be able to raise record amounts this way.
Please take a minute and send the text!

Saturday, January 16, 2010

{Sweet Treats} The Most ADORABLE Princess & Frog Cookies EVER!

These cookies make me want to plan a Princess & The Frog Party! How fun would that be when the movie comes out on video?! Aren't they ADORABLE?!?Although, I would have to hire Marian from Sweetopia to make them, because LOOK at the details! Have you ever seen such detail on a cookie?

I'm new to the Sweetopia blog, but it looks like I will be there AWHILE!
VISIT SWEETOPIA HERE!

We haven't seen the movie yet,
but my son is eagerly awaiting to take his own "princess" to see it!
Have you seen it?

Thursday, January 14, 2010

{Kate McRae} My Visit to Phoenix Children's Hospital to Decorate on Kate's Birthday

On Kate's birthday, the day after Christmas, I visited Phoenix Children's Hospital to decorate her room and bring her the many wonderful gifts you all sent. It was an emotional experience for me. I was so nervous. To meet her. To meet her parents. When you read Holly's blog (her mom), you feel her emotions, the ups and downs of this trying journey. What do you say? {photo of kate courtesy of ohsoposhphotography}

Her dad, Aaron brought me up to her room, where I wore a cape and mask before entering. He introduced me to Kate, but she wasn't feeling well at all. He explained that she was on many medications, including morphine. She looked right at me for a long time, and her eyes were mesmerizing. Clear, beautiful blue. She was the most gorgeous little girl. I wanted to run over and hug her, and hold her like she was my own. Aaron took her to another room so I could decorate and set up her gifts. I worked quickly and nervously, hanging snowflakes from the ceiling, hanging a gorgeous banner on the window and setting out all of the gifts. Kate's nurses came in and gushed about how cute everything was. Kate's mom, Holly came in, and she was so appreciative of everything. I had an emotional chat with her and Kate's nurse, Erica. I cannot imagine being in Holly's position, yet her strength is undeniable. She is such an amazing mother. I am grateful to have had the chance to tell Holly how she has inspired me personally. Kate is so blessed to have caring, loving parents by her side at every moment of this terrible experience. Kate's nurse deserves a gold medal. What a difficult yet rewarding job she has, caring for these children with cancer. Her heart poured out as she spoke of Kate and her strength. How inspiring this experience was.

Unfortunately, Kate was feeling terrible when she came back in. Holly assured me that once she was feeling better that she would love opening her gifts. I decided it was my time to leave, and as soon as I left the room, the tears started streaming down my face.

Kim, Thank you for the amazing decorations and gifts. Please pass that thanks along to everyone that donated. Late last night Kate felt like opening some gifts so we did. What great things people sent. We are so grateful that so many not even knowing her personally are praying and also doing tangible things to help. It makes the very hard days a little more palatable. So thank you! I am leaving the decorations up!
Much love, Holly

Thank you, Holly for allowing me to do this little thing to help brighten Kate's day.
PLEASE FOLLOW KATE'S JOURNEY HERE &
CONTINUE PRAYING FOR HER RECOVERY!

A HUGE THANK YOU
to all of my readers and friends who sent
the most fabulous decorations, gifts & attire for Kate's special day:
Sally - Polka Dot Market - Gift Buckets, Custom Shirts and Totes for the McRae Family, Polka Dot Leggings, Notecards & More (some items courtesy of Lilybella & Sticker Shop)
Jess - Polka Dots & Pirates - Tutu & Birthday Banner
Kristina - Modern Frills - Snowflake T-shirt

Amy - True Love Found - Snowflake Crown
Mia - Dolce Vita Mia - Crocheted Hats

Jess - Pen 'N Paper Flowers - Aqua & Red Bubble Set
Melissa & Kellie - Icing Designs - Cupcake Stand
Trisha - Daisys & Dots - Aqua & Red Flag Banner
Jill - Pocket Full of Posies - Canvas Artwork

Kara Hartman - American Girl Doll
Kristi Hansen (my BFF) - Snowflake Decorations
Sandi Arata - Oh Baby Shower Decor - Snowflake Banner
Kim -
The Celebration Shoppe - Princess Crown & Carriage

Please let me know if I forgot anyone!
There were so many wonderful things to keep track of!