Mother's Little Helper

Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle...

It's TCP Tuesday, and today's Hipster Hostess With the Mostess is Katie!  Now, usually Katie is our Stamp Challenge Hostess, but she and Toni switched weeks, so Katie's doing the Color Challenge.  What shades did Ms. Stilwater select?  Why, I'm glad you asked!  She chose the swanky combo of pink, orange, and chocolate -- Yum!  Here's my take on this sweet challenge:

I've been wanting to make a card inspired by the lovely lullaby "Baby Don't You Cry" from the movie Waitress. 
Baby don't you cry gonna make a pie
Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle
Baby don’t be blue
Gonna make for you
Gonna make a pie with a heart in the middle
Gonna be a pie from the heaven above
Gonna be filled with strawberry love
Baby don’t you cry
Gonna make a pie
Hold you forever in the middle of my heart.
Have you ever heard it?  It's sung by Quincy Coleman, and it's just the most precious song ever.  It's available on iTunes, too.  I sing it to Carter all the time, and he loves it.  Now he sings it to me, too!  I guess you could call it our song...

I used the sketch from Jen's Sketch For You To Try that I didn't get to on Saturday -- if you like it, be sure to check out the samples by Susan, Shannan, the Amys (Sheffer and Rohl), Jessie (SFYTT Guest Designer for July), and Jen herself.  And, because I felt like knocking out another birdie with this card, I used the ribbon I'd been planning to use for yesterday's Dare To Get Dirty Challenge hosted by my pal Jody, which called to create a card based on a particular piece of ribbon.  Well, I picked out the wide pink and orange ribbon going across the card with the intention of using it with my new SU! sock monkey.  The day got away from me, however.  Then I saw Katie's color challenge, and what do you know?!  It worked for that, too.  So now I've stoned three -- count  'em!  Three! -- birds with this one card.  Love that!!

Want a few details about this card?  Hmmm... the hearts on the pies are embellished with pink or orange Stickles, and the chocolate hearts are coated with Liquid Applique.  I edged all of the cardstock with an Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabber in sunset orange.  I've had that out in my room since I received it at the Arlington Shoebox Swap in May and finally cracked the seal on it today. I don't usually think to use acrylic paint on my cards, but I kinda like the shabby effect.  All stamps are from The Cat's Pajamas' 'Puppy Love' set.  (See?  These sets are NOT just for Valentine's Day!)

For those of you wanting to participate in this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge, here's how you do it:

1.  Go see what the other TCP gals (I know Katie, Jen, and Ana have already posted samples) are doing on their blogs.
2.  Make your card.  Do you have to use TCP stamps?  Not necessarily, but we when you do! Use TCPTUES17 as a keyword if you upload it to your Splitcoaststampers gallery.

3.  Leave a link to your card (either by linking your blog post or your SCS gallery link) as a comment to this blog post by Saturday night.

4.  Check Alma's Holey Moley Monday Slideshow next Monday to see yourself and the other submissions in all their swanky glory!

And for those of you waiting for my CHA recap?  I'm still working on it!  Lots to share!  In the meantime, I've made a few posts on the Splitcoast CHA blog about some of the great new products I saw. 

Supplies used:
Stamps: Puppy Love by The Cat's Pajamas
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pixie Pink (SU!), Georgia Pacific white, patterned paper from DCWV Teen mat pack
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, SU! Pixie Pink
Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Orange Peel and Pink Stickles, brown Liquid Applique, brads by Making Memories, heart ribbon slide by Spare Parts, SU! round tab punch, Adirondack Acrylic Paint Dabber in sunset orange, 1/8th" foam mounting tape, Making Memories wide ribbon, other ribbon from a Jody Morrow ribbon share.

And before I let you go?  I need to tell you about a sale you won't want to miss!  I don't know what's gotten into Alma, but she's throwing a Sizzling Summer Sale : all items in stock at The Cat's Pajamas are 25% off on July 25, 26, and 27!  Crazy, huh?!  This is a fabulous time to stock up on all those TCP stamps you've been admiring...

I Double-Dog Dare You...

... to participate in this week's Dare To Get Dirty Challenges!  It's the fourth Birthday of the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen/Fan Club, so to celebrate Dirty Girls past and present are hosting challenges for SCS Fan Club members.  This year's theme is "A Day In the Life of a Dirty Girl."  We have lots of fun things up our sleeves, including chat threads to answer all of your burning questions.  Check this post and this thread out for all the scoop.

And did I mention there will be prizes at the end for four lucky participants?!  In the week following CHA, I'm thinking this is going to be some sweet, sweet stuff!!!

I'll be back later today with my own take on CHA, but in the meantime, get over and play in the DTGD Challenges! You know you can't turn down a double-dog dare, don't you?  Well, not unless you're a big fat

Under the wire!

I still have 35 minutes left of the 20th, so I'm not too late for 'Celebrate MFT' Day!  Woo-hoo!  And what better way to celebrate MFT than to celebrate The MFT Lady herself, the one and only Kim van der Sanden?  Kim turned the Big Four-Oh earlier this month, and her husband Martin not only threw her a surprise party, he secretly collected scrapbook pages from many of her friends and family to create Kim a one-of-a-kind gift from the heart.  What a guy!

Here's the page I made for Kim, featuring my very favorite MFT image, Gretel the German Shepherd:

I used MFT's signature colors of pink and black, and inside the pocket card is a list of 40 reasons I {heart} Kim.  I know, I know -- I'm so sweet, four out of five dentists warn that reading my blog can cause cavities... Fortunately, I'm saving my CHA recap for the morrow, so you can brush and floss right away!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Gone to the Dogs by My Favorite Things, Be Still My Beating Heart by The Cat's Pajamas
Paper: Pink Passion, Basic Black, Pink Pirouette (SU!), Georgia Pacific White, digital paper from My Favorite Things
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Pink Passion (SU!)
Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, black Fun Flock, ribbon, corner rounder, Cuttlebug Red Letter Alpha, Black pen, heart scallop punch by Marvy, SU! scallop circle punch, black foam boosters from Jody Morrow/texasjodylynn sticky sale

I don't care who you are...

... that's funny.

I found this in a gift shop in Tulsa and had to pick it up to add to the decor of our RV.  It will go nicely with our 'Sin on Wheels: The Uncensored Confessions of a Trailer Camp Tramp' print.

And now, my very favorite smiley in the whole wide world (with KISS being a close second) is at last appropriate to utilize:

Sketch for a Mellow Diva...

This one's a two-timer.  First, it's my sample for Jen's Sketch For You To Try.  Second, it's my submission for Shannan's Design Diva challenge in the Verve Forum, which is a color challenge to use Pumpkin, Saffron, Olive and Chocolate. 

I'm wondering if the choice of these colors is some sort of weather dance by Shannan intended to persuade Mother Nature to bring Autumn a little early this year.  Makes perfect sense when you consider that it's hotter than Hades here; I can only imagine how much hotter it is five hours to my south where Shannan lives.  Anything else you're wondering about Shannan?  Because if there is, you're in luck!  It's Shannan's week in the hot seat in the Verve Member Company forum on Splitcoast, so go there and ask her any ol' question you want.  Check out her challenge -- if you play and post your submission by midnight EST on Wednesday, you may be the lucky duck chosen at random to win $15 Verve Bucks!

And, if you need a place to start from, consider this here sketch by the one and only Jen del Muro.  Go to Jen's blog to download the sketch and see what sort of greatness she and July Guest Designer Jessie Rone have put together, then scoot on over to Shannan, Susan, Pickler (aka Amy Sheffer, aka PickleTree), and Amy Rohl (the newest member of Team SFYTT!  Yippee!)'s joints to see their terrific takes on said sketch.  Once you get your wits about you and start stamping, don't forget to use the keyword 'SFYTT' when you upload to your Splitcoast gallery so we can check out your creation. 

Have a wonderful Saturday and try to beat the heat!

Supplies used:
Stamps used: Here For You, Feeling Groovy (Verve)
Paper: So Saffron, Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla (SU!), Basic Grey Mellow 6"x6" patterned paper
Ink: Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, craft knife, ribbon, foam boosters, Copic Sketch markers

I don't mean to brag, I don't mean to boast...

... but I like hot butter on my breakfast toast!  Can you Name That Tune?  In five notes?  Four notes?  (Remember that show?  Back in the olden days?)  If you answered 'Rapper's Delight' by the Sugarhill Gang, you won!  Won what?  Well, the satisfaction of winning!  Congratulations!

And guess what?  We're both winners!  Do you recall a few weeks ago when Elizabeth, the artist and visionary behind the most adorable stamps known to mankind, "Elzybells," was giving away blog candy to celebrate her new blog, new online store, newly re-sized stamps, and new clear stamps sets?  (She's got a lot going on, don't you think?)  Well, I was one of two winners of the blog candy!  Lucky me!  So I thought, "Oh, I hope I get one of those cute sets with the farm animals..."  Lo and behold...
I did!  I got this stinkin' cute little piggy set!  I can't wait to ink it up later on today and make a sweet and simple card for Truman, who left Monday morning for two weeks of camp at Kanakuk Klassic in Shell Knob, Missouri.  I miss my #1 son!

But that wasn't all Elizabeth sent me.  Take a look...

One of those fancy UK card making magazines!  I always see these in Barnes & Noble, but have never taken a close look at them.  Yippee!

But wait, there was something else...

Yep, I got and Elzy clear set, too!!!  I just love this little gal sooo much, and have HUGE plans for major cuteness with these fun stamps!

Are you as happy for me as I was for you earlier?  That's good, because I think it's so crummy when people aren't happy for their friends when good things happen to them.  It shows a certain... smallness of heart, KWIM?  Like the Grinch's.

Oh! I almost forgot...

You hate me, don't you?  Yeah, can't say I blame you...

Elizabeth!!!

Congratulations to My Royal Friend

My oh my.  Do any of you download movies or TV shows on iTunes?  Well, let me tell you, doing so will bog down your computer/internet access to where it c-r-a-w-l-s.  My DH is leaving today for two weeks to go to Turkey, and yesterday morning decided to download the first seasons of ‘Dirty, Sexy Money’ and ‘Mad Men’ to have something to watch on his iPod.  Which is great.  Wonderful.  I want him to be entertained.  Truly.  But ‘It’ (whatever ‘It’ is) downloads three shows at a time which takes about five hours, then it automatically moves on to the next three shows.  So far, only eight shows have been fully downloaded, It’s in the middle of the next three, and there are eight more shows waiting in line.  (I know this is fascinating stuff, but bear with me…)  So you know what that means?  He’ll probably be back from Turkey before It’s finished.

Anyway, I’m feverishly working on stuff for next week’s DD gallery release.  What I’ve made so far I really like; I hope you’re a member of the SCS Fan Club so you can see for yourself next Tuesday!  Until then, I’ll probably only have one brand new thing to show you (for Jen’s Sketch For You to Try on Saturday), but I do have a few things up my sleeve you haven’t seen yet…

Like this long promised ‘Ode to Cammie.’  As many of you know, the Camster and I have a friendly rivalry.  She does dumb stuff to provoke me, and then I’m forced to put her in her place.  She’s just kind of a pest, you know?  Like a drain fly. 

Somehow (bribery?  Promises of certain sorts of … favors?  Who knows?) Cammie convinced the folks at Paper Crafts that she should be named as one of this year’s Stamping Royalty.  Which is pretty neat, because I think it sends the message that ANYONE can be Stamping Royalty; even if you stamp with your feet, you, too, can achieve great things!  Very democratic, those folks at Paper Crafts.  Anyway, for the last MFT party, I unveiled a little congratulatory card made especially for Cammie.  Here it is:

Oh, and the camel?  It’s kind of symbolic of Cammie to me and many, many others.  In fact, I’m fairly certain her nickname stems from certain features she has in common with that particular ungulate.  And no, I’m not referring to the hump on her back.  I don’t think it would be appropriate for me to explain further.

I can’t wait to give her this to her in person when I see her at CHA next week.  She’ll be so excited, she might just swallow her cud!  (Don’t worry, Cam – I know the Heimlich Maneuver!)

Supplies used:
Stamps: Camel by Viva LasVegastamps!, crown from Lizzie Anne Designs' Once Upon a Time set, (slightly modified) sentiment by A Muse
Paper: Ruby Red, patterned paper by K & Co, Georgia Pacific white
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Soft Sky, Sahara Sand
Accessories: Copic Sketch & Spica markers, sponges for inking sky and sand, Eclipse masking tape, Nestabilities, 1" wide satin ribbon from a Jody Morrow/texasjodylynn ribbon share

Which reminds me!  Jody Morrow (aka texasjodylynn) is having another of her fabulous ribbon shares right now.  I've already put dibs on my share, so if you're interested, you'd better scoot on over and place your order because spots fill up fast.  She's also having a sticky sale.  If you buy nothing else, you must try the black foam boosters.  After you use those, Dimensionals will be anathema.

Groovy Banana Chips on TCP Tuesday!

Today I've got quite the two-fer to show you, as well as a make-up for last week's TCP stamp challenge!  First, it's TCP Tuesday, and this week's Hipster Hostess With the Mostess is the one and only Leigh O'Brien, who has come up with a super swanky sketch.  Go to her blog to check it out. 

Second, Color Queen Emily Giovanni asked if I'd be interested in hosting the SCS Color Challenge for her this week while she visits family in Missouri (just right up the road!).  Of course, I said "Oh, Emily.  I GUESS..."  Hee!  No, I told her I'd be thrilled, and I am!  I love to make up color challenges, and usually I get a kick out of making people use colors they tend to shy away from.  (I guess I'm a little bit of a color sadist...)  But tonight?  I wasn't in the mood to inflict hard colors.  It's too hot outside to be ornery!  So I kinda went easy on everyone and selected: Groovy Guava, Barely Banana, and Chocolate Chip.  Here's my sample:
I'm not sure I like stamping Sprinkle in brown, but I didn't feel like going back and redoing her in black... (Again, the heat.  It's making me lethargic!)

Anyway, if you'd like to play with the TCP gang for this week's challenge, here's what you need to do:

1.   Visit Leigh's blog and get the sketch, then go see what the other TCP gals are doing on their blogs.
2.  Make your card.  Do you have to use TCP stamps?  Not necessarily, but we when you do! Use TCPTUES15 as a keyword if you upload it to your Splitcoaststampers gallery.

3.  Leave a link to your card (either by linking your blog post or your SCS gallery link) as a comment to this blog entry by Saturday night.

4.  Check Alma's Holey Moley Monday Slideshow next Monday to see yourself and the other submissions in all their swanky glory!

What are you waiting for?  We've made the sketch and created your color scheme -- is there MORE you want from us?!  Start stampin' sister!

Supplies used:
Stamps: All About You (Verve), Relaxing (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Groovy Guava, Barely Banana, Chocolate Chip (SU!), Neenah Classic Crest Natural White, patterned paper by My Minds Eye
Ink: VersaFine Archival Vintage Sepia, Groovy Guava, Barely Banana
Accessories: Nestabilities, ticket corner punch, brads, sponge daubers, SU! ribbon, Copic Markers, AquaPainter, Dimensionals, SU! Word Window punch, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots folder

MFTDT ATCs! (How's that for a bunch of CAPs?)

A few weeks ago, I showed you the ATC I made for a small swap with some of the MFT gals.  Yesterday, I received these gorgeous little masterpieces in the mail, and I couldn't resist taking a pic to show you before I put them on my 7 Gypsies ATC Carousel.  Aren't they stunning?!  The amazing designers responsible for this ultra-happy mail are, from left to right (bottom row): Mary Jo Albright, Kirsten DuBosque, and Joanne Basile; (top row): Kimmie Reid, Michelle Giraud, and Toni Armstrong. 

Thanks, girlfriends -- you rock and I treasure these tiny beauties.  And thanks, too, to Jen for coordinating the swap!

A Lucky Sketch For You To Try

My black thumb has been well-documented on this blog -- I've mentioned many times that I'm a serial plant killer.  But Lucky Bamboo and I get along fabulously.  I love it!  I rarely have to water it, and it seems to thrive no matter how much it's neglected.  Plus, it's got all that good feng shui going for it, and while I'm not a devotee of that practice, I'd be willing to err on the side of Pascal's Wager where it's concerned.  In other words, why not?  It's purty!  As is 'Asian Flair,' which has moved into the ranks of my top three favorite Verve sets.  Just a little fun fact for you to know and tell!

Anywho, this card uses Jen's Sketch For You To Try for this weekend.  Get the sketch from Jen's blog, and be sure say "Hi!" to the fun and fabulous Jessie Rone, Jen's Guest Designer for the month of July.  Then, blurf on to see the stunners Amy, Shannan, and Susan have created.  Take a few moments to catch your breath, then get to stampin'!  If you upload it to your Splitcoaststampers gallery, be sure to use the keyword 'SFYTT' so we can check out what you've made.

Did you have a fun-filled Fourth?  We went to our next-door-neighbors for a cookout.  The boys swam, and the big boys set off fireworks, then we watched the City of Claremore's fireworks before heading home.  We're so lucky -- we have a great view of the City's fireworks display from our backyards.  Are you ready to see how festive I was feeling?  Well, feast your eyes...

While it's certainly nothing like my pals Laura (a former professional cake-decorator) or Lexi (entertainer extraordinaire) might throw together, I did feel like a poor man's Martha, bringing my theme-appropriate dessert to the soiree. ; )  Here's the recipe, in case you're interested.

Supplies used:
Stamps: Asian Flair, Floral Whimsey (Verve)
Paper: Brilliant Blue, Basic Black (SU!), Georgia Pacific white, Aitoh Origami paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Lovely Lilac (SU!)
Accessories: Copic Sketch markers, SU Blender pen, ribbon, Dimensionals, Creative Memories square punches

News Roundup

So much stuff going on these days -- I thought this time of year was when folks took it easy, but apparently not if you own a stamp company (or design for said people)!  Let me tell you what the trio of evil-business-geniuses for whom I sneeze on command (hee!) have been up to:

1.  Alma of The Cat's Pajamas will soon be releasing some of the swankiest sets the stamping industry has ever seen.  That is no exaggeration.  Sprinkle, Poochie and the three Penguins (note to self: trio of penguins/trio of evil-business-geniuses... ) have much to celebrate very soon.  I'm not sure I'm at liberty to share anything at the moment, but when I am?  Ooftie!  I'd better go to Sam's and start stocking up on tissue, because the sneezing will be like nothing you've ever seen...

2.  Julee and Verve Stamps (formerly known as Verve Visual) will be celebrating Verve's one year Anni-Verve-sary with a commemorative set that will send the best kind of shivers down your spine, and might very well make you cry.  I know I got teary as the team was just talking about it.  No joke.  And in the meantime?  Well, five new sets were released just last week, and

Verve has become Splitcoaststampers' newest Member Company!  So be sure to stop by the Verve Forum and say 'hi!', hang out and chat with us! To celebrate, Verve will be giving FREE SHIPPING until July 15th for those who enter the special code.

And since I'm talking about Verve, how 'bout I show you what I made for the June Verve Project Parade, since I haven't posted it here yet...

3.  Last night was My Favorite Things' New Release Cocktail/2nd Birthday Party, and the joint was jumpin' to put it mildly!  Kim and Co. released four new sets (two featuring Who's That Girl, two featuring MFT's newest character who is bound to hop into your heart) and two new Annie La Point images.  And even though it's Kim's (she'll be 40 in a few short hours!) and MFT's Birthday, she's decided to give her customer's the present: all of the new stuff at a discount of nearly 10% and FREE SHIPPING (US) if you purchase the July Collection.

Here's a little something I put together for someone special using one of the new Annie LaPoint images...

I'm going to give this to her today, and there's a chance she may read this, so I'm not going to go into to much detail.  But I do want to show you a close up of one thing I think is pretty doggone clever of yours truly...
The 'water' coming out of the shower head is made from seed beads! 

Well, I had planned to show you a card I made for my dear, sweet, lovely friend Cammie that I revealed at last night's party (the censors just barely deemed it viewable), but time has gotten away from me.  I gotta get up and go!  But now can you see why I have such bony fingers?

And just in case I don't have a chance to tell you tomorrow...

Just for Fun! (and a little 'Teasing...)

My buddy Michele Boyer (shel9999) and I have another Just For Fun challenge to share with you!  Perhaps you saw our first Just For Fun challenge last month, but in case you didn't, here's the gist of it: one of us picks out a stamp, the other selects and sends patterned paper.  Then, on a given day at a given time, we reveal to each other -- and all of you -- what we came up with.  Fun, fun, fun!

June's stamp: Winobella by Stamping Bella

June's paper: a coordinating paisley and plaid from the Magnolia collection by My Minds Eye

At first I was going to make a wine tag like my friend Kristi (kmallett78; yeah, I agree -- she needs to bite the bullet and start a blog.  I keep telling her, but she doesn't listen to me.  Maybe your telepathic powers will push her over the edge...) made here, but when I went to look for some sort of template, I couldn't find one.  I let out a big, fat, heavy *sigh* because I always prefer other people to create the wheel instead of having to do it myself.  I trudged to the wine rack and got out a bottle to figure out the dimensions, and it hit me: wouldn't it be easier to just make a wine label?!  My lazy self agreed, so that's what I did using the 8.5" x 11" white adhesive sheets of paper I bought a few months ago from Papertrey Ink.  Here are the results:

And here's a close up of the label:

How much fun will this be to bring to a friends house the next time we come for dinner?  And just think about the Christmas gift-giving possibilities...

The sentiment is by Inky Antics; it was a happy little twist of fate that her leg fit perfectly in the middle of it.  Her Wilma Flintsone-ish necklace is made from small Swarovski crystals.  The wine glasses and the wine bottle she's holding are covered in Sakura Glaze pen to give them a glassy sheen.  The lace at the top of her dress was dotted with Liquid Pearls, and her hair has gold Copic Spica highlights.

I think this is either a bottle of Pinot Noir or Merlot -- I can't remember and it doesn't say on the back.  I just remember it had a rooster on the front.  But I liked that the blue foil around the top coordinated with our patterned paper.  (<-- obviously I'm a true connoisseur...).  I know red wine is supposed to be better for you, but I'm a white wine girl, myself.  And not Chardonnay, if I can help it -- it's too oak-y.  I prefer something a little lighter.  My favorite reasonably priced wines are Pepi Pinot Grigio and Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc.  And, believe it or not, I can get both of them right here in Claremore, America.  Besides being light and crisp, they have the fabulous feature of a screw top!  Now, before you get all snobby on me, hear me out: this makes these perfect for picnics, RVing, etc., and it eliminates cork rot.  Have you ever had a wine go bad from cork rot?  Tastes like you're drinking Ultra Clean.

Now, before you run out and buy a case or two of Pepi or Pine Ridge, stop by Michele's blog and see what she's created.  I'm sure it will be fabulous and make mine seem like I must have been hitting the bottle when I made it...
Cheers!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Winobella by Stamping Bella, Great Minds by Inky Antics
Paper: Paper Basics Adhesive Paper by Papertrey Ink, patterned paper from Magnolia collection by My Minds Eye
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Taken With Teal (SU!)
Accessories: Nestabilities, Copic Sketch & Spica markers, Sakura glaze pen, Swarovski crystals, ribbon, Liquid Pearls, bottle of wine.

Well, since I had the paper out, I thought I'd avoid those dirty dishes and that laundry calling my name and participate in this week's MFT Sketch Challenge.  Here's a little MFTeaser of the new MINI set being released this Wednesday, Call Me!  Kinda bright, but I kinda likey stuff that way...

For more Teasers of the newest MFT sets, lookie here.  And be sure to join us on Wednesday evening (9-11 p.m. EST/8-10 p.m. CST)  for MFT's New Release Cocktail Party/2nd Birthday Party/Kim's FORTIETH Celebration in the MFT Member Company Forum on SCS.  With so much to celebrate, there are going to be discounts galore, like...

*$2.00 US shipping for orders under $40, and for Intl orders and US orders over $40, they'll receive the same $2.75 discount until July 15th.

*FIRST 50 orders will receive a full sized Stickles glitter glue!

*The Girl Who Wants It All special for the July Collection is $49.95.

Plus, you'll learn how you can become the next MFT Guest Designer.  And if that weren't enough -- and surely it is -- I do have a little surprise in store for my friend Cammie.  You'll need to be there to see it, though, because I don't think I want it tarnishing my sweet and innocent blog...

Supplies used -- 

Stamps: Call Me! by MFT

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Georgia Pacific white, patterned paper from the Magnolia collection by My Mind's Eye

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Nestabilities, black pen for floor boards, brads, ribbon, felt flower, button, embroidery thread, Dimensionals

A Serene SFYTT, and Thoughts on Sneezing

I'm bound by the Doggy-Owner Code to report that my favorite MFT set is Gone to the Dogs (after all, Gretel does have her own stamp in that set), but a close second is this one -- Serenity Now!  It was in my first package of yet-to-be released stamps I received from Kim last November, and I had to wait all the way until February to use it in public.  What a hardship!  Anyway, I needed to make 10 samples for Kim with a MINI set, so naturally this is the one I wanted to use.  And, because the delicate balance I thought I'd struck in my papercrafting has been -- HAPPILY! -- turned topsy-turvy with the Dirty Dozen gig, I'm looking any which way I can to kill multiple birds with the same stone.  Thus, you might just be seeing my version of this week's Sketch For You To Try at an LSS near you!

Be sure to check out what Jen and the rest of Team SFYTT -- Amy, Shannan, and Susan -- have done with this cool sketch.  While you're at Jen's blog, please show some love to June's SFYTT Guest Designer, Dawn Easton.  Dawn is such a sweetheart and so talented to boot.  In fact, she and July's Guest Designer (who will be revealed next week) remind me a lot of each other.  (How's that for a teaser?!)

Did I just say 'teaser'?  Hmmm... Must be because I've got MFTeasers on the brain!  Starting Monday, all the MFT gals will be showing off the newest sets being released next Wednesday.  You know that the first Wednesday of every month we have the MFT New Release Cocktail Party from 9-11 pm EST/8-10 pm CST in the MFT Member Company forum on Splitcoaststampers, don't you?  Good.  I hate the thought of you being completely out of the loop.  Do you use an electronic calendar yet?  I'm having to start, because I MUST get a centralized system in place.  So, after much resistance, I've begun using iCal (the calendar system that comes with Macs).  One of the features I find pretty cool is that you can set repeating events up with one entry.  Thus, instead of having to scribble in the MFT party twelve times, I can type it in once and click on 'repeating event' and it's done!  (Okay, I'm beginning to bore even myself... time to move on...)

Supplies used:
Stamps: Serenity Now! by MFT
Paper: Georgia Pacific white, rest by Memory Box
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Cuttlebug Paisley and Spots & Dots embossing folders, glitter by Art Glitter, May Arts ribbon, Copic markers, sponge daubers.

Thoughts on Sneezing
An interesting General Stamping forum thread has me thinking.  The original poster was lamenting the fact that she would like to be on a design team, though she's not sure that she's ready, and that she's irked by those of us on multiple teams.  The gist of it was that perhaps designers should be limited to only one team to open up opportunities for other stampers.  I don't really have a comment on that because, while I understand where she's coming from, that argument is riddled with tons of holes that, once I started, I'd be sitting here all day trying to fill.  No offense to the OP; I've just been trained to 'think like a lawyer' and that's the way we roll.

Rather, what really crawled into my brain and hasn't come out was a point that someone made down-thread.  She said that what bothers her are DT members is who 'GUSH GUSH GUSH' about the product and certain designers whose blogs who show nothing but their DT work; she prefers 'the more subtle approach.'

Maybe I saw a bit of myself in her comment and that's what struck a nerve.  I confess!  I'm a GUSHer!  Mea culpa!  But I hope those of you who read my blog regularly know that my gushing is sincere.  I am really, really fortunate have the privilege of working with companies whose stamps and style I truly adore.  Like every one, I have a very full life and I simply don't have the time or inclination to play with images I don't like. 

And just by nature, I'm an enthusiastic 'sneezer,' according to authors like Malcolm Gladwell, who wrote The Tipping Point and Seth Godin (author of Unleashing the Ideavirus).  If I something appeals to me, I have an irresistible urge to pass it along -- to 'sneeze' it, if you will.  And if you find my sneezing contagious, then we stampers tend to say I've 'enabled' you. 

You are your own 'opinion leader,' in the language of all those business books.  Only you can decide for yourself whether or not the person sneezing at you from her blog (and really, isn't everyone sneezing on her blog?  What other reason is there for blogging than to share what you love with others?) is doing so because she's a 'promiscuous sneezer' (one whose opinions have been bought).

I do post a lot about my DT work, I recognize that, especially lately.  In order to work on the more elaborate projects that are exclusive to the Dirty Dozen galleries, most of what I'm creating these days that I can blog about are projects that I'm making which also meet my DT commitments.  That's life -- there's only so much time a mom and wife can stamp and still have a family, you know?!  But I'm a pretty straight shooter, and I hope you don't think that I'm bought and paid for by the likes of the evil-business-geniuses known as Kim, Alma, & Julee. (Hee!)  I'd be buying their stamps and using them if I weren't on their teams; I did just that before I was, and I'll continue to do so should they ever kick me off. 

If you find my sneezing contagious, I'm thrilled!  But if you think I'm a big ol' windbag, just blurf on down the road to someone else whose sneezing you prefer.  It's a big wide world out there, and there's something for everyone, you know?

Gesundheit!

VERVE is the word!

... it's got groove, it's got meaning... Verve is the time, is the place, is the motion, and Verve is the way we are feeling! 

Don't ask me from what weird depths that little ditty came from, but it's actually kind of fitting.  Verve is definitely the word today because I'm going to show you something from every single set Verve is releasing!  I know!  I'm usually stingy, only wanting to give you one or two things to look at a time.  But today, I'm feeling a wee bit generous...

Here's one I made for today's SCS sketch challenge, using the "Feeling Groovy" set, which comes with a ton of great sentiments from song lyrics as well as a couple of funky flowers that beg for coloring:

Don't you love that font?  And here's another sentiment from the same set, this time paired with a sweet image from Elzybells U.K.:

I made that one expressly with my DH in mind.  Last weekend while we were in Las Vegas, he went to the trouble of arranging for us to see LOVE, the Cirque du Soleil's homage to The Beatles because he knew I'd love it.  And he only looked at his Blackberry a couple of times during the performance; that's HUGE progress, people!

Next is one of my new favorite sets -- Asian Flair.  I love the patterning possibilities with this one and look forward to playing with it often.

And again, isn't that sentiment perfect? (Especially for you ribbon lovers out there) (Yes, Jody, that includes you! )

One of the new sets being release is a sentiment set called "Here For You," which provides just the right words of encouragement or empathy.  Here's an example:

Just a simple long-note, but the sentiment combined with that great Impression Obsession image, it lets the recipient know the whole flock is with her.

There's also the upbeat "All About You" sentiment set, which expresses feelings like "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me," or "What would I do without you?"  And isn't this next one a fabulous way to say "Have a nice day"?!

Last but not least, Verve's introducing a new collection of individual stamps called 'Plain Janes' because they don't have a printed index on the acetate.  This first one is a Bible verse from Psalms 37:4.

Right now through July, you can get the entire June Verve stamp collection -- 4 sets = 37 stamps (doesn't include the Plain Jane) -- for only $42!  Dang!  Julee's practically giving 'em away!!! At a price like that, you simply can't afford to NOT get your Verve on! 

If you're still not convinced, by all means head on over to the Verve Gallery and see what the other fabulous Verve Design Divas have come up to show off the new polymer.  It's a feast of Class Act stampin'!  And you can also find the recipes for each of my cards there, as well. 

Now, I need to go rest after all of this sharing!

Arrr! It's TCP Tuesday, Matey!

Shiver me timbers!  It's hard to believe it's Tuesday already; time is a scurvy varmint that won't stay still.  Avast! Today's Hipster Hostess with the Mostess is Leigh, who is filling in for a vacationing Toni.  Leigh came up with not only a swanky color challenge, but also a groovy graphic to go with it.  Check out Leigh's mad computer skillz:

Isn't that fabulous?  That's our Leigh for ya.  And here's what I came up with to play along:

I inked my little Skully stamp in Ruby Red and Old Olive to create the patterned Soft Sky background paper.  Pretty cute, huh?  If you need a primer about how to play along with us, here you go:

1.   Visit the other TCP gals for more inspirational ideas -- I know Leigh, Ana, Jen & Karrie have awesome eye-candy to get you going.
2.  Make your card.  Do you have to use TCP stamps?  Not necessarily, but we when you do! Use TCPTUES13 as a keyword if you upload it to your Splitcoaststampers gallery.

3.  Leave a link to your card (either by linking your blog post or your SCS gallery link) as a comment to this blog entry by Saturday night.

4.  Check Alma's Holey Moley Monday Slideshow next Monday to see yourself and the other submissions in all their swanky glory!

What are ye waitin' for, Land Lubbers?!  Get to stampin!

Supplies Used: Stamps: Errol, Skully and Swashbucklin' Day by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Soft Sky, Ruby Red, Old Olive (SU!), Georgia Pacific white; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ruby Red, Old Olive (SU!); Accessories: Nestabilities, SU! ribbon, tag punches, embroidery floss, black pen for doodling, Copic Sketch Markers, hole punch, foam boosters from Jody Morrow/texasjodylynn sticky share.