Friday, February 26, 2010

{Fabulous Feature} TomKat Studio Sweet Love Valentine's Day Collection on Amy Atlas!

Today is one of those days for a HAPPY dance! As you all know, I am a huge fan of Amy Atlas. Her work is breathtaking and totally inspiring! I just received an email from a reader letting me know that my Valentine's printables are featured on Amy's blog today!

One of my loyal reader/followers, Stefanie purchased my printable Sweet Love invitation & party collection and did a fabulous job using them throughout her 1st Annual Sweet Soiree!



Amy featured my Lollipop Invitations last summer and I will never forget the excitement I felt that morning when I heard the news! Read about it HERE!

A huge thank you to Amy & Stefanie!
Read Amy's post HERE
and Stefanie's party post HERE!

Thursday, February 25, 2010

{Yummy Stuff} Lollipop Cookie Pops - Part Two!

Remember the other day when I showed you these adorable Lollipop Cookie Pops from The Decorated Cookie? Well, at the end of my post I mentioned that I would love to see these in rainbow colors...Guess What?! Meaghan just sent me a link...and she made them in rainbow colors this time! Aren't they fabulous?! PERFECT for your lollipop parties!
Find the instructions and recipe HERE!
Thanks, Meaghan!

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

{Real Parties} Ice Cream Social Baby Shower!

My new friend, Jordan at Polkadot Prints just sent me this adorable ice cream buffet table she created for her sister's baby shower! Jordan is a talented graphic designer residing in Australia. We first connected when she emailed me to tell me about a fabulous party book that she knew I would love. I checked it out and ordered it immediately! It actually arrived today and I can't wait to dive in and share it with you!
Anyway, I'll get on with the show! Enjoy this sweet ice cream party!
The Ice Cream theme is definitely in the air!
I've had 4 customer requests for it in the last week! It's cute, easy and super fun!
My BFF is having an ice cream social this weekend for her daughter's birthday, and I designed a new Ice Cream Cone invitation for it! It's bright colors & super cute!
I'll post it soon, along with coordinating items!

For more details and sources for Jordan's Ice Cream Baby Shower,
view the full post HERE!

Monday, February 22, 2010

{Project Nursery} Kate's Pretty in Pink Baby Room!

Today on Project Nursery, I shared my daughter's nursery (two houses ago!), along with some of the inspiration photos I still have saved! Hop over to read the full post & sources!

{Cupcake Monday} Creative Cupcake Marketing Campaign by Victoria's Secret!

While it's too late to take advantage of this Victoria's Secret promotion, I had to share the genius ad campaign....panties as cupcakes! I've talked once before about cupcake panties, and my friend sent this ad to me, because she knew I would love it! :)
I love the signature Victoria's Secret stripe on the cupcake wrappers....so cute!
They even named the available colors: Strawberry Delight, Cocoa Cream & Whipped Vanilla
Do you think this is an adorable campaign or is it just me?
Have a SWEET (& sexy) week!

Thursday, February 18, 2010

{Party Planning} Dreaming of Kate's Fairy Garden Party...

{lily pulitzer poms via traylor papers}

Still dreaming about it, but not getting anything done! I'm having a creative block for designing Kate's invitations, (the first step)! I've come up with quite a few, but none are "clicking" just yet. In the meantime, I thought I'd share more inspiration photos so you can dream along with me....

{one of my favorite parties EVER via Toast, photos by Jose Villa}






{design editor}


Let me know if you come across more ideas for this Fairy Garden party theme!
I would love to see your links!

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

{My Favorite Recipes} Cheesecake Cupcakes!


I have always loved cheesecake...what's not to love, right?
My mom always made amazing cheesecake, and when I got married, I found out that my husband loves his mom's cheesecake....so we fight about whose is better!
I think we may have figured out recently that they use the same recipe :)

The other night, I was flipping through my little cookbook binder that my mom made me, Kimmi's Delicious Recipe Collection, looking for ideas for a little craft night I was hosting, when I came upon the recipe for these mini cheesecakes! I remember making these back in high school (I've always loved baking!) and they sounded yummy! They were super easy....and proved to be super YUMMY!

Mini Cheesecakes
12 Vanilla Wafers
1 tsp Vanilla
2 8oz packages cream cheese, softened
2 eggs
1/2 cup sugar
Line muffin tin with foil liners.
Place one vanilla wafer in each liner.
Mix cream cheese, vanilla & sugar on medium speed until well blended.
Add eggs. Mix well.
Pour over wafers, filling 3/4 full.
Bake 25 minutes at 325 degrees.

Remove from pan when cool. Chill.
Top with fruit, preserves, nuts or chocolate.
Be creative! (the recipe actually said this)

So, what are you waiting for?
Go make these! You can thank me later!

Do you love cheesecake, too?

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

{Sneak Peek} Justine's Sweet Sixteen Birthday Party!

Just a little peek at a few things I made for this gorgeous girl's
Sweet Sixteen Birthday Party!


Can you believe she's only 16?!
Happy Sweet Sixteen, Justine!
I hope your party was fabulous!
Can't wait to see the party photos!

Monday, February 15, 2010

{Real Parties} Super Sweet Olivia Valentine's Day Party

When Jaclyne from Heavenly Bloom Florists sent me this party, I knew I had to share the LOVE! You can tell she put so much thought and work into the details of this Olivia (the piggie) Valentine's Day Party!

Friday, February 12, 2010

{Yummy Stuff} Lollipop Cookie Pops!

Hello, friends! I apologize for my lack of posting this week! I've been inundated with emails for the "Spread the Love" promotion I posted on Tuesday! I've been sending out literally hundreds of Valentine's sets! Thank you all for posting the "I love TomKat Studio" button on your blogs, I sincerely appreciate it! When I saw these Lollipop Cookies on Happy Hour Mom, I had to share them with you!
Created by the fabulous Meaghan at The Decorated Cookie...these cookies are super sweet!

Ever since Kate's Lollipop Party last year, I have been overwhelmed with orders for my Lollipop Invitations and Collection! This is another great idea for the popular Sweet Shoppe theme!
I would love to see these done in a rainbow of colors!
Aren't they super cute?!
Visit the full post at The Decorated Cookie for the recipe, directions and more fabulous photos!

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Spread the LOVE and Get a Free Printable Collection for Valentine's Day!

I just added the ability for my readers to grab a button for The TomKat Studio!
(See left sidebar!)

To reward you for spreading the TomKat love, I am offering a FREE printable Valentine's Day Collection of your choice to anyone who adds my button to their own blog!

Please EMAIL me with a link to show me where it is,
along with your choice of printable collection:

1. French Kiss Valentine's Day Collection {2 files: party circles & mini notes}
2. Sweet Love Valentine's Day Collection {6 files: party circles, labels, mini notes & more}
These printable files can also be purchased in MY SHOP!

XOXO, Kim

Monday, February 8, 2010

Please Welcome.....Andrea Alley to The TomKat Studio!

{art print via the love shop}
First, I want to say THANK YOU to all who showed tremendous interest in working with me on The TomKat Studio. Your emails, resumes, power point presentations and recommendations were amazing. I am so flattered by all of your sweet words and how inspired you are by my blog and work. I received over 70 submissions! I want you to know that I went through EVERY email, clicked every link and spent quality time with each of you to make this very important decision. The wealth of talented, creative, ready-to-work women is so inspiring...and I wish I could hire you all!

I apologize that I have not responded personally to each of you yet, and if you are reading this here first. It was a tough decision, and spent hours pouring over your blogs and creative work! This process was so different than a regular interview/application because I was able to peek into many of your lives via your blogs and I thank you for sharing with me!

{photos courtesy of session nine photography}

I am OVERJOYED to announce that Andrea Alley has joined The TomKat Studio! Everything about Andrea's submission was perfection. Her email was just the right mix of professional, yet so friendly and honest. Andrea recently gave birth to her first child, a beautiful daughter. In the Fall before the baby was born, she started a Virtual Assistant company to be able to work from home and strive for that ever challenging balance of having a career, along with motherhood. She has documented her journey through pregnancy on her blog, Baby Steps to Mom. Her blog is real, it's honest and it's just sweet (her maternity photos are adorable of her & her husband...and her hospital photos gave me the goosebumps!). I feel like I know her already. She has all of the required skills, plus what I predict to be exemplary organizational skills (since she is running a VA business!) that will greatly benefit my business.

BONUS! She's local! I really didn't think that I had a preference of having someone close or in another state, but the more I thought about it, I realized how convenient it may be in the future. As the company grows, her roll may grow and it will be great to be able to meet to make plans, discuss ideas and get to know each other in person! This way, we can fly together to NYC when we appear on the Martha Stewart show! (kidding....just a little dream of mine! :)

In all seriousness, I am THRILLED to introduce you to her and I can't wait for her to get started!

So, my dear readers, please WELCOME ANDREA by leaving her a little comment here to show her a little piece of the amazing LOVE you so willingly give me everyday!!

Saturday, February 6, 2010

{GIVEAWAY WINNERS} Crowns from True Love Found & Notecards from Icing Designs!

Congratulations to the winners of my latest fabulous giveaway!
You will be enjoying a crown of your choice from True Love Found!
True Love Found would like to offer those who did not win, FREE SHIPPING! Just note the code TOMKATFS in the notes to seller, and she will credit your shipping cost back!
Thank you, Amy!
Also, I have not heard from our winner (and no contact information was provided) for my previous giveaway for the set of notecards from Icing Designs and therefore have made the executive decision to choose a new winner!

CONGRATULATIONS and THANK YOU
to all of you who entered both giveaways!

Here's a sneak peek of my next giveaway!
Are you excited?!

If you have a product that you would like me to review or host a giveaway for, feel free to email me. Not all submissions are guaranteed to be reviewed/posted.
I only promote products to my readers that I truly believe in!

Friday, February 5, 2010

{Free Printable} March 2010 Calendar!



Here is your printable MARCH calendar! Inspired by my daughter's fairy garden party colors and style! Enjoy! Let me know if it prints okay, because I used pretty light colors!
March 2010 Calendar - TomKat Studio

Thursday, February 4, 2010

{Party Planning} Fairy Garden Inspiration ~ Custom Made for My Birthday Girl from The Birthday Girl


Have you visited Becca from Birthday Girl, yet? I've written about her before, but just in case you aren't familiar, head over and check out her fabulous party blog! Becca just started offering custom party inspiration board design service! (Great idea!) If you need ideas for a party, shower or wedding, she will create a custom board based on your direction, including photos, current sources and ideas! I asked Becca to create a board for Kate's upcoming Fairy Garden party, and boy, did she deliver!



PHOTO CREDITS
Row 1: table setting via Social Couture; cupcakes via jose villa; lanterns via martha stewart; topiary via hana lynch
Row 2: fairy gathering via imprintables; stuffed fairy via pottery barn kids
Row 3: woodland fairies via cookie mag; dessert table via scissors paper cake; table via posh tot events
Row 4: picnic via oh happy day; roses; hair garland via ariella chezar; fruit cups via make merry events

PARTY IDEAS
Colors: greens, pinks and yellows
Setting: an outdoor garden party. set up lunch at a long table or picnic style in the grass
Decorations: bouquets of fresh spring flowers (roses, hydrangea, gerbera daisies, peonies, topiaries), paper butterflies, lanterns and/or string lights to hang around the tables.

Food: tiered trays of tea sandwiches with fruit and small bites in colorful baking cups. petit fours, mini cupcakes, macaroons for dessert. pink & yellow lemonade with lime slices.
Favors: have guests decorate paper stars to attach to fairy wands or give each a bag of labeled fairy dust (glitter).
Activities: have an area with tutus, hair garlands & fairy wings for the kids to play dress up... and you can do face painting.

Here's a few other samples of her boards:
{for sources click here}
{for sources click here}

Let me know if you hire Becca for your inspiration board,
I would love to share it here on The TomKat Studio!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

{Sweet Customers} Molly's Vintage Surf Baby Shower!

I am so excited to share this adorable baby shower with you today! Vicki sent me the pictures last week, and everything turned out gorgeous! For more of the planning and shower details, please visit my Project Nursery posts here and here! From the guest of honor:
Where do I start....thank you for making all of you paper crafts for my shower!!!! I LOVED them...it totally made the whole party. Everything was perfect from the decorations you let them borrow to the labels. I still can't believe how fantastic it turned out. This is all because you INSPIRE all of us to get creative. I so appreciate all your generosity, time and creativity you put into creating such an adorble look for Ryder. Also, thank you so much for the "thank you" cards. I already have one in his baby book:) you are the best and I can't wait to join the mommy club!!! Love you!!!! ~ Molly
You're so welcome, Molly! I was happy to help!
Photography courtesy of Vicki Lynn Photography
Chandler, Arizona

I added this line to my shop yesterday, so the printables are now available!
Wouldn't this theme be adorable for a boy surf or beach birthday party, as well?

{Fabulous Giveaway} Adorable Birthday Crowns from True Love Found ~ Two Winners!

It's that time again!
Time for a FABULOUS GIVEAWAY!

I first "met" Amy when she saw my post about Owen's birthday invitations, and quickly jumped on making an adorable crown to match, immediately after seeing it! I love a girl who can do that...just get an idea and get it done! Impressive!
Amy creates custom birthday crowns that are so adorable!
When I designed Marley's snowflake invitation, she quickly came up with an adorable design and sent one for Marley and one for Kate McRae's birthday celebration!
You probably remember this....



These crowns add such a cute touch to your birthday boy or girl's attire! Check out her shop to see all the fabulous designs she has, and I'm sure she would also be willing to work with you on a custom design!

Amy is giving away TWO of her crowns
here at The TomKat Studio!


ENTER TO WIN NOW!
There are 5 ways to enter!
(Enter up to 5 times by doing the following):
1. Hop over to the
True Love Found SHOP, come back & leave a comment with your favorite item!
2. Visit
Amy's BLOG and leave her a comment on a post that grabs your attention, let her know that I sent you! Comment here to let me know that you did!
3. Become a fan of The TomKat Studio on Facebook & leave a comment here that you are a fan (or already were!)
4. Follow The TomKat Studio on Twitter & leave a comment here that you are a follower (or already were!)
5. 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)

Two winners will be chosen on Friday, February 5th 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, February 1, 2010

{Cupcake Monday} Sweet Love Printable Valentine's Day Collection ~ 50% Off ~ 2 Days Only!


Happy February, my dear friends!

I wanted to let you know that TODAY & TOMORROW ONLY,
my printable Sweet Love Collection is on sale in my shop!
50% off, which makes the entire set only $6!

Over the weekend, I made cupcakes so I thought for Cupcake Monday, I would share a photo of my own cupcake while showing you another use for your party circles!