Mother's Little Helper

A Collage-y SFYTT

Jen's really given us a challenge with today's Sketch For You To Try!  I thought about it for a long time before I actually decided what images would 'fit' and even as I was doing it, it went through several changes.  For example -- the Ruby Red layers and accents were an afterthought added for a little extra *pop* (just the brown, ivory, and aqua mist was a tiny bit too tame for my comfort.  If I were on Project Runway?  I predict the judges would sometimes say that they question my 'taste level.'  Consider me the card-making version of Santino).  Still, I like the way it end up; it's kinda different for me, but I think it works as a masculine card, which is what I was going for...
I used the just-released 'On the Desk' set from CHF's Rummage Bin line, designed by my sweet friend Julia Stainton.  It has a lot of vintage-y office images, and I just love that Emerson quote.  The pen is actually a very detailed image, but I sacrificed some of the detail in order to emboss it because I wanted the verdigris look on the brown cardstock. 

I challenge you to stretch yourself and see what you can do with today's SFYTT.  You'll need to head on over to Task Master Jen's for the Sketch and to see samples from her and August Guest Designer Megan Lock.  Then, blurf on over to my SFYTT Sisters' blogs to see their handiwork:

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Kelly Lunceford, and
Amy Sheffer

When you upload to your SCS gallery, be sure to use 'SFYTT' as one of your keywords so we can give you props. 

Have a great weekend, and make it work! :)

Supplies used:
Stamps: On the Desk by Cornish Heritage Farms (Rummage Bin line)
Paper: Aqua Mist (PTI), Suede Brown Dark (Prism), Ruby Red (SU!), Ivory (Neenah), patterned paper: Cerulean Chestnut Script by Scenic Route
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Ruby Red (SU!), VersaMark
Accessories: Nestabilities, Verdigris embossing powder (Ranger), red Copic Spica marker, gingham, Jody's foam boosters

Bellarific Friday -- Self Portrait

Don't you see the resemblance?

I used Halobella for this week's Bellarific Friday sketch (created by Mehanibella).  First, I stamped her out and colored her in with Copic markers, then I masked her with Eclipse Masking Tape and airbrushed her sky.  Her dress was paper pieced, and her clouds were made extra-fluffy thanks to Polar White Flower Soft. Shading was accomplished via Prismacolor pencils & odorless mineral spirits.  The wings were glittered via Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen & aqua painter, and the sentiment was hand-written.

Make sure you stop by Emily's blog today to see what the rest of the Babes and the Sistahood made of the sketch.  Just leaving a measly comment while you're there?  You could win some Bella Bucks!  What a deal!  And did you read her blog this week?  They've lowered the free shipping point for all North American customers -- woohoo!  I don't know about you, but I love me some free shipping!

Not a whole lot of time for a lot of jibber-jabber today, but I do want to say: Project Runway has successfully survived the move to Lifetime.  Phew!  It has the same look and feel that we know and love. And Mood Fabrics has an L.A. branch!  Who knew?  COLOR ME RELIEVED!!! (Although I disagreed with the judges' verdict in the All-Star challenge.  Call me fashion-backward, but I thought Daniel V's collection was fugly.) Heidi, you can relax now.  Though I will always prefer Bravo to the L-word, so long as Project Runway keeps its soul and Tim Gunn?  I will follow it anywhere...

Supplies used:
Stamps: Halobella by Stamping Bella
Paper: Sweet Blush, Kraft, Bitty Dot Basics (PTI), Solar White (Neenah), cloud patterned paper by K & Co.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copic Sketch & Spica markers, Eclipse masking tape, Copic airbrush system, Polar White Flower Soft, sewing machine, circle and oval punches, Nestabilities, SU! silk ribbon, Prismacolor pencils & odorless mineral spirits, Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen, Dimensionals (SU!)

A Two Pot Kind of Day...

... ever have one of those?
Poor Flopsey.  He looks like he's been up all night.  Check out the bags under his eyes...  It's hard out there for a bunny.

And yes, I do consider Flopsey a 'he.'  There's a debate out there about his/her gender, but I'm fairly certain he's a dude.  Even though I've put him in Baby Pink Flower Soft fluffy slippers. (He's man enough to pull it off.) 

I Need Coffee Flopsey (by My Favorite Things) was colored with Prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits. The yummy gingham ribbon is from MFT's Perfect Plaid Ribbon Nest.

Toodles, gang.  Time for a refill... 

Edited to Add:  Hey -- MFT Fans -- did you hear the good news?!  FREE shipping through Saturday!  Here are the details (read through 'em all, because you will be required to follow directions):

*Code SCS0809 will deduct $4.95 from your order total from all orders over $25 (in sets or products, before shipping)

*Your order will be shipped first class, or the most cost effective way possible

*This special is valid 8/19 - 8/22 ONLY and will not be honored at any other time

*If your order is over $50, and meets the free shipping criteria, the code will still deduct $4.95 from your total

*If your order is shipping Internationally, the code will still deduct $4.95 from your total

*Your cart contents need to over $25 (in sets or products, before shipping) to qualify

*You MUST use the code to receive the discount

Supplies used:
Stamps: I Need Coffee Flopsey by My Favorite Things
Paper: Aqua Mist & Sweet Blush by PTI, Natural White (Neenah), 'Tease' from Basic Grey's Blush collection, polka dots by A-Muse
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Prismacolor pencils & odorless mineral spirits, blending stumps, MFT gingham ribbon, PTI button & twine, sewing machine, oval punch, brown twill, Dimensionals (SU!), Baby Pink Flower Soft

School of... Whales?

Have we ever got a fun and timely TCP Tuesday Challenge for you this week!  Amy is our Hipster Hostess With the Mostess this week and here's the Inspiration Piece (selected by Toni):

Doesn't that just make you want to break out your Crayolas? 

All of those colors reminded me of some yummy new ribbon I bought, and since I've been dying to get the whale from the new By The Sea set inky, I figured I'd make a school of whales...

The card is long-note sized and the whales were colored in with Copics and popped up on Dimensionals.  I trimmed the turquoise layer below the whales with mini-scallop edged scissors to resemble tiny waves.  Since my oldest fishy is beginning Junior High tomorrow, I think I'll use this to write a note telling him how proud I am of him and to wish him a wonderful school year.

Wanna play with us and have a chance to be this month's Swanky Stamper? 

Here are the deets. (Lifted from Ana's page.)
1. Each a week one member of The Cat Pack will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night at midnight EST to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE!
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. She/he will be deemed that month’s Swanky Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS or PCP, please use the keyword TCPTUES72 for this challenge.
8. Alma will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Can't wait to see what you'll come up with!

Supplies used:

Stamps: By The Sea by The Cat’s Pajamas; Paper: Yo-Yo Yellow, Totally Turquoise, Soft Sky (SU!), Georgia Pacific White; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic markers, ribbon, Dimensionals (SU!), Inkessentials white pen, mini-scallop edged scissors

A Swirly-Sweet SFYTT

This, folks, is about as vintage as I get...

For today's Sketch For You To Try by soon-to-be-Mommy-of-a-son Jen del Muro, I pulled out my 'Minty Wreath' stamp from Stamping Bella.  At first I tried to color it with Copics, but found the nib too fat, so I stamped the image again brought out my trusty Prismacolored pencils and odorless mineral spirits. 

You can't really see from the main photo, but I added some sparkle to the mints via a Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen.  The patterned paper is from Cosmo-Cricket's Early Bird line.

For the sketch and samples by Jen and August Guest Designer Megan Lock, blurf on over to Jen's blog at iheart2stamp.  And don't forget to check out the sure-to-be-sensational stuff by my SFYTT Sisters

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Kelly Lunceford, and
Amy Sheffer

Wanna play with us?  Then be sure to use SFYTT as one of your keywords when you upload to your SCS gallery so we can give you props.

In non-stamping news, I'm excited about the coming week -- we're about to enter into a golden period of television!  Three of my favorite shows begin their new seasons over the next few days: Mad Men, Top Chef, and the much-anticipated return of Project Runway.  TV doesn't get much better than that! 

However.  As all Project Runway lovers are aware, PR has changed networks and left it's home at Bravo for Lifetime.  I was barely watching a cheesy Lifetime movie as I created my card this morning (hey -- don't judge me.  I like to mock the dialogue while working on projects, and it's not as if you have to pay close attention to follow the plot -- John Stamos was being framed for the disappearance of his wife...) and caught an even cheesier commercial for Project Runway.  It was explaining -- much as you might to a preschooler -- what Project Runway is.  *sigh*  I really fear Lifetime's influence on my favorite program.  If they dumb it down, I will be forced to do something drastic... Heidi Klum: you've been warned!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Minty Wreath and Happy Holidays by Stamping Bella
Paper: Ivory (Neenah), Red Riding Hood Red (SU!), Kraft (PTI), patterened paper from Cosmo Cricket's Early Bird line
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, PTI Vintage Touch chamomile & chai
Accessories: Nestabilities, sewing machine, satin ribbon, PTI Vintage Buttons and twine, Prismacolored pencils, odorless mineral spirits, blending stumps, Dimensionals (SU), Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen.

Bon Appétit!

It's Bella-rific Friday, and I have some fun non-stamping news to share!  I made a late post yesterday and gave you a little hint.  I haven't seen any guesses yet, but I also know I haven't given it a whole lot of time. 

(By the way, do any of you use Feedburner?  If so, how do you get your posts to show up in GoogleReader and/or emailed out to your subscribers simultaneously with your posting?  Mine sometimes take up to 24 hours to be updated/emailed out. Thus, if a post isn't made first thing in the a.m., it can get 'lost,' KWIM?  I've tried doing a search to find out this info, but to no avail.  So if any of you have the answer?  Please share it with me!)

Anyway, the card I created with this week's Bella-rific Friday sketch (courtesy of Shannanabella) is your second hint...
I'll go over the card details whilst you ponder the significance... Chefabella was colored with Copics and shaded with Prismacolors and odorless mineral spirits.  Her kicky little apron was paper pieced.  Don't you love that veggie background paper?  It's courtesy of Basic Grey's Offbeat 6"x6" paper pad.  The sentiment was hand-written, and the gingham brads were some that I found long ago at the Target Dollar Spot. 

Be sure to check out Emily's blog today to see what the other Bella-rific Babes and the Sistahood created using this fab sketch -- lots of inspiration and just by leaving a comment, you could win some Bella Bucks!

Now for a little backstory on my scoopage.  See, I've always been kind of a foodie at heart.  I'm a decent cook for someone who is totally self-taught, though I'm utterly reliant on a recipe and my timing is terrible.  I've long been a subscriber to Cook's Illustrated (greatest cooking magazine ever, IMHO), and I own countless cookbooks.  I love reading foodie memoirs (The Soul of a Chef by Michael Ruhlman, Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, Calvin Trillin's Tummy Triology, and Ruth Reichl's books are particular favorites) , and have harbored a long-standing fantasy of attending the Culinary Institute of America.

Well, the whole Julie & Julia hype (regarding the current movie starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams) made me buy a second copy of Julie Powell's book about how she set a challenge for herself to cook all 524 recipes in Julia Child's Mastering the Art of French cooking in one year.  (My original copy was loaned out before I had a chance to read it and was never returned.)  So, instead of my first edition hardback (which is now going for good money on eBay...), I bought a movie tie-in paperback while I was in Michigan and read it this past week.  It was delightful, and re-kindled the abovementioned culinary school fantasy. 

Clearly, CIA (the main campus is located in Hyde Park, NY) isn't an option, unless I wish to abandon my family.  And if I were to do that?  I'd definitely have to do something like work in the restaurant industry... um... no thanks.  I don't actually know what I'd want to do with a Culinary School degree; I just want to go through the process of getting one.  Better stick with the hubby and children.  I looked at the culinary program at OSU Okmulgee, but that's a year and a half long and an 1.25 hours away, one-way.  Just not feasible; at least, not now.

Sean, always the voice of reason in this particular household, suggested that maybe I should start slow and take a few cooking classes here or there, just to make sure it was something I truly wanted to do.  As opposed to impulsively diving-in, full immersion (my typical style) and then deciding I didn't really want to invest so much time, money, and energy.  I reluctantly lowered my sights and did an internet search for cooking classes in Tulsa.

My hopes weren't high.  Most cooking classes I've seen are so specific -- learn to make sushi (I love sushi, but have no illusions that I'll ever want to make it at home; which is saying a lot because I'm fairly delusional, as a rule) or something related to whatever gadget they're trying to sell at Williams-Sonoma.  But what to my wondering eyes did appear?  It looked too good to be true: a course called 'Pro Chef I' at a Tulsa gourmet shop.  According to the website:

This 14-week comprehensive cooking program is for the cooking enthusiast who is interested in developing professional chef's skills. The Pro Chef program is a fast track curriculum that has been developed using the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) textbook and the professional experiences of our chef. Our goal is to equip each student with skills that they can use in catering, a career in the restaurant industry, as a personal chef, or simply to advance the home gourmet's culinary expertise.

And guess when the next semester starts?  Next week!  Is that kismet or what?! Well, I was so excited, I could hardly contain myself!  I told my great friend and next door neighbor, Marguerite, about it the next morning on our daily walk.  Her response: "I want to go to there!" a la Liz Lemon.  By the end of the day, we were both signed up (there were only two spots left -- more evidence of destiny?), and starting next week, we'll be spending every Wednesday evening through November learning mad knife skillz and wearing our white chef's jackets just like the Cheftestants on Top Chef! 

So you've been warned.  This paper-crafting blog is going to be a hybrid paper-crafting/foodie blog for at least the next several months.  Are you ready to cook vicariously? 

Bon Appétit!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Chefabella by Stamping Bella
Paper: MFT Perfect Paper Panels, Pure Poppy & Ripe Avacado (PTI), patterned paper from Basic Grey's Offbeat 6"x6" pad
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Nestabilities, Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils & odorless mineral spirits, PTI Pure Poppy grosgrain ribbon, gingham brads from Target Dollar Spot, Jody's Foam Boosters

Gifty Girl

Last month, My Favorite Things started offering MFT Kits: Just Add Color!  Each month, a new kit is revealed which includes an exclusive, unreleased stamp set and all the items needed to complete a special project.  The only thing the purchaser needs to add is color!  I just love this idea; these kits have become my go-to birthday present for all of my crafty friends. 

This month we have the Gifty Girl Kit, which includes:

-- 6 Shopping Tote Die Cuts ($6.00 value)
-- 1 Package Perfect Paper Panels (24 panels) ($3.95 value)
-- 2 yards Red/White Polka Dot Ribbon in 3/8” ($2.00 value)
-- 2 yards Black/White Polka Dot Ribbon in 3/8” ($2.00 value)
-- 50 Silver MINI Round Brads ($2.50 value)
-- 50 Red MINI Round Brads ($2.50 value)
(brads are packaged in an adornments case)
-- Exclusive, UNRELEASED Gifty Girl MINI stamp set ($9.00 value)

All for only $25.00!  Joanne has a super-cute sample of the kit all put together in this post, so you can get a good idea of what your project could look like using the kit contents.

I don't have any of those handy-dandy shopping tote die cuts (yet!), so I improvised and put to use one of the nesting wooden tote bags I've been hording for I don't know how long...

The Gifty Girl image was stamped onto a Perfect Paper Panel, then masked so that I could stipple Ruby Red ink on the background to create a brick wall (the 'mortar' was drawn by hand using a ruler and dark gray Copic marker).  I colored in WTG (Who's That Girl)'s flesh and shoes, as well as the sidewalk, with Copic markers, then paper pieced her dress and gift bags.  I could help but add a tiny bit of tissue to the bags for extra dimension.  The bags looked to plain on their own, so I added a tiny heart punch to reinforce the sentiment and add a dash of color.   

I painted the box with white craft paint (I use the Folk Art brand that you can buy for $1 or so at Wal-Mart), then I added panels of black polka-dotted paper and kraft to all of the sides. 

To create the bow embellishment, I 'bunny-ear' tied a bow in black saddle-stitch ribbon.  Then, I threaded a piece of twine through two holes of the button, put it on top of the bow, wrapped the twine around the box handle, threaded the ends through the other two holes, and tied a basic knot.  No glue or Glue Dots necessary to keep the bow where it belongs!

I think this will be a wonderful little container to house a gift card for our babysitter who is heading back to college next week.  She has been such a help and blessing to me this summer, and I'm going to miss her terribly...

*sigh*

Come back tomorrow -- I'll have a little somethin'-somethin' for Bella-riffic Friday AND some non-stamping related fun news to share about an adventure I'm embarking upon!  I'll give you a little hint...

Supplies:
Stamps: Gifty Girl Mini set, exclusive to August MFT Kit by My Favorite Things
Paper: MFT's Perfect Paper Panels, Kraft and Bitty Dot Basics (PTI)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ruby Red (SU!)
Accessories: Small nesting wooden tote bag, white craft paint, Copic markers, True Black Saddlestitch Ribbon and Pure Poppy Vintage Button (PTI), twine, heart punch, stipple brush, tissue paper, Jody's Foam Boosters

HOW about a sketch for TCP Tuesday?

It's time for another TCP (The Cat's Pajamas) Tuesday Challenge, and I'm your Hipster Hostess with the Mostess this week.  You know what that means -- a sketch challenge!  As I was drawing the challenge for this week, I became enthralled with a new shape I discovered in Microsoft Word (I am extremely low-tech, but plan to change that one of these days.  In the meantime, I draw all my stuff in handy-dandy user-friendly Word...) -- a rectangle with rounded corners.   Check it out:

So get out your corner rounders and get funky with a long note (3.25" x 6.5")!  Here's my sample:

  I'm planning to send this to a friend of mine who is recuperating at home after a terrible zip-line accident.  She was playing in her folks' backyard with her kids, and went down the zip-line.  The kids use a harness when they go down the zip-line.  Not grown-ups, however -- thus, when Mom lost her grip mid-flight, she went boom and ended up breaking four ribs and puncturing a lung.  She was in the hospital for a few days and is now confined to a hospital bed in her living room for several weeks.  It's going to be months before she fully recovers.  My husband bruised his ribs in a bike accident a few years ago and said it was the worst pain he's ever felt; I can't even imagine how my poor friend is coping.  Lots of painkillers, I imagine...  The moral of this story: beware of zip-lines!

Enough cautionary tales.  Let me tell you how you can play with us. 

Here are the deets. (Lifted from Ana's page.)
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE!
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. She/he will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS or PCP, please use the keyword TCPTUES71 for this challenge.
8. Alma will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Can't wait to see what you'll come up with!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Havin' a Pow-Wow by The Cat's Pajamas
Paper: Basic Black & So Saffron (SU!), Solar White (Neenah), patterned paper: Boy Doodle Dots by SEI
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: corner rounder, Copic markers, paper piercer, buttons (from TCP's Candle Sprinkles buttons and PTI), Jody's Foam Boosters

Mother Button Son-of-a-Basket! part 1

First off, let me explain the title of this post.  See, at the CHA Supershow in Orlando, FL, weekend before last, a few of us from the MFT/TCP crowd spent a wee bit of time and money at the Paper Trey Ink booth.  On Friday, the first day of the retail show, the line to get in the Paper Trey booth was CRAZY.  To say that it moved at glacial speed would be an understatement.  We'd been up late the evening before and were all a bit punch-drunk and giggly from just standing around, so we started using the names of Paper Trey products as curse words.  I believe it was Christina who came up with one of the best: "Damask!"

Anywhoodle, once finally in the booth, we did our Damaskedest to enable each other.  "You need that.  Really," was uttered countless times.  The one set we all agreed that we needed was Vintage Picnic, and then Leigh came up with the great idea of having a challenge to get us actually inking our purchase up (novel idea there -- inking a stamp set we bought, LOL!).

So there's the backstory.  Here's a little more, regarding my particular challenge submission.  In my house, I have a wall hanging with little minature plates depicting a tree throughout the seasons.  Someone (I'm not mentioning any names, but it wasn't me...) broke one of the plates, and now my once cute wall hanging looks... shabby.  Still, I haven't taken it down because it's such a narrow panel of wall where that nail is driven, nothing else fits there, and I don't want an empty nail hole.  You know what I mean.

Looking at all of the seasonal variations in the Vintage Picnic set got me thinking, and I had a little 'A Ha!' moment -- I could create little seasonal basket vignettes to replace the tree plates!  So, I opened up my Craft-a-Board from Ellen Hutson's to give it a little more heft and got started.  I began with my favorite season, Autumn, and here's what I came up with:

 And here's what it will look like in display on the plate rack:

Pretty cute, no?  I hope to show you one more of these per week until the entire project is finish.  Stay tuned!

And in the meantime, go visit my fabulous friends and see how they've stuffed their baskets... (We've decided that could sound dirty, but I promise you'll see nothing but good clean fun. :) )

Amy Rohl
Christina Fischer
Joanne Basile
Kirsten DuBosque, and
Leigh O'Brien

See you tomorrow with a swanky sketch for TCP Tuesday!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Vintage Picnic by Paper Trey Ink
Paper: plaid from Cosmo Cricket's Mr. Campy collection, Natural White (Neenah), Soft Suede and More Mustard (SU!)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, PTI Vintage Touch Tea Dye Duo
Accessories: Craft-a-Board, Nestabilities, EK Success Circle cutter, brown twill, Copic Markers, Jody's Foam Boosters

Sweet 16th

Sixteen years ago yesterday, I married my college sweetheart and best friend.  Unfortunately, we weren't able to celebrate our anniversary together -- he's currently an Aspen Institute Rodel Fellow and has been traveling through China and India for the past week and a half.  Which is cool.  For him. While he spent our anniversary visiting the Taj Majal, I spent it chauffering children hither and yon and putzing around the house. 

At least he sent me flowers... (my favorites, stargazer lilies)

No pity parties for me, though -- last night I got together with two dear girlfriends for a little noshing and catching up.  The husband of one is currently deployed in Afghanistan, so I couldn't feel too sorry for myself.

Hubby will be home tomorrow, so our celebration will only be belated by a few hours, and I'll give him the card I made for today's Sketch For You To Try:

Image ('Kissieface') and sentiment are by Stamping Bella, and I colored them in with Copics.  'My' dress was paper pieced, and every thing else is pretty self-explanatory.

While the cat's been away, the mice have been kinda messy.  We'll be spending today getting our act together, cleaning and laundering and what not.  Hopefully you have a more fun day in store, and if it includes a little stamping time, be sure to use this week's nifty sketch, which you can find on Jen's blog along with samples by Jen and this month's Guest Designer, Megan Lock.  And of course, you need to stop by my SFYTT Sisters sites for even more inspiration:

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Kelly Lunceford, and
Amy Sheffer

Have a good one!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Kissieface and sentiment by Stamping Bella
Paper: Solar White (Neenah), New Leaf & Raspberry Fizz (PTI), patterned paper - K & Co.'s Berry Sweet
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copic markers, felt heart, PTI Vintage button, cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, edge punch by Martha, gingham ribbon

I'm Just a Girl Who Caint Say 'No'

If I had to choose a part to play in the musical 'Oklahoma!' (of which I am quite fond, for obvious reasons -- it's set in my hometown of Claremore, and based on the play Green Grow the Lilacs by one of Claremore's favorite sons, Lynn Riggs; a main road in our town is Lynn Riggs Boulevard.  Any other fun facts you'd like to know and tell about Claremore, Oklahoma?  Didn't think so...), it wouldn't be Lori. Even though Shirley Jones was so sweet and young and pretty in the movie, and later became Shirley Partridge and was in-real-life mom/step-mom to two teen heart-throbs...  I don't care if she's the star; I'd much rather be Ado Annie, as Annie gets one of the best numbers in all of musical theater to sing:

I'm just a girl who caint say no
I'm in a terrible fix
I always say 'Come on, let's go'
Just when I oughta say 'Nix'

I have to say, I identify with Ado Annie.  I'm game for almost anything.  I find dares somewhat irresistible, and I have a hard time saying 'No' when a fabulous offer comes my way.

And when THE Stamping Bella asks if you want to be a Bellarific Babe?!  Tell me, just tell me: HOW does one say 'No' to that???  One -- if by 'one' you mean 'me,' and I do -- does not.  One jumps up and down and is thrilled and says "YES! YES! 1,000 x YES!!!"

So, guess what?  Emily's announcing it on her blog today: I'm officially a Bellarific Babe -- a BABE!  Take that, you unrequited loves of my youth who couldn't see beyond my glasses, braces and tragic perm! Eat your hearts out!  I'm very excited to join Em's team of wonderful stampers, made up of friends both old and new.  And I honestly feel like the most fortunate stamper in the whole wide world to work for what must be the trifecta of cool stamping companies.  *pinching myself!* (To which myself responds: 'ouch!')

Here's my first Bellarific Friday creation as a Babe, based on a sketch by Paulabella Williamson:

I thought it would be appropriate to Okie-fy my debut. ;)  Giddy-upabella and her cream-colored pony (mmmm.... crisp apple strudle... focus, Carole!  Focus!) were colored with Copics and then masked off to sponge in a trail in Sahara Sand, and airbrush a Copic B00 sky.  I was inspired by yesterday's SCS Ways to Use It Challenge (Just Pleat It) to add the paper pleats on the bottom.  (Gracias to my pal Amy Sheffer for her fabulous paper pleating tutorial, which you can find here.)

Be sure to visit Em's blog to check out what all the other Bellarific Babes have put together with this sketch, and to see all of the submissions by the Sistahood.  There will be eyecandy and enabling galore!

And in closing, may I quote the Bella herself and say to all of you: MWAH! 

See you tomorrow with a sample for Jen's Sketch For You To Try!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Giddyupabella and Howdy from Stamping Bella
Paper: Enchanted Evening, Summer Sunrise (PTI), Natural White (Neenah), patterened paper from Graphic 45
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Sahara Sand (for ground)
Accessories: Copic Markers & airbrush system, Eclipse Masking tape, grosgrain ribbon, twine, conch, Nestabilities Labels 1, Jody Morrow's Foam Boosters

Whatever Floats Your Boat...

I love that sentiment!  And these images...
Both the sentiment and the images are from The Cat's Pajamas brand-new By The Sea set.  It's definitely one of my new favorites.  Every single one of 'em makes my heart go pitter-patter!  *Sigh!*  As a stamper, it doesn't get better than playing with images you absolutely love. 

This little number was actually created a couple of weeks ago as a sample for my Dirty buddy Bev Rousch's Dare to Get Dirty Challenge, Sew Unexpected, to use sewing on a card.  I hand-sewed a blanket stitch around the orange layer.  You don't need to have a machine to sew on your cards -- just a needle, some thread (for hand-sewing, I prefer to use two strands of embroidery floss; I have a ton of different colors from my past-life as a counted-cross-stitcher), and a little patience.  It's actually kind of soothing to me to do a little hand-stitching.  Unlike machine stitching, in which I'm always holding my breath, afraid I'm going to screw up and have to start over...

Other details about this card.  You know that song by Landon Pigg that's in the AT&T commercials?  The one that goes "I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you..."  (I just Googled it and found out the title of that song is 'Falling In Love at a Coffee Shop.'  Learn something new every day!) That's the way I'm feeling about this Kraft chipboard Circle Cut-Out Mat from my pal Jody's Die Cut shop.  I actually created the entire card around it (from the layout, to rounding the corners, to using kraft as a base layer, etc.).  Just know you're going to be seeing more of these as I'm bound and determined to push them to the limits of their versatility! (Which I am predicting will be limitless, so again, I warn you: you will be seeing a lot of these from me...)  This is one of my favorite cards I've made in a long time.  I'd like to give myself credit, but I'm afraid it belongs to the Alma for drawing such fabulous images and the CCOM (Circle Cut Out Mat is too long to type out over and over again, although I just did. *sigh*).

Breaking News!  Check out the list of my Cat Pack Cronies on the sidebar.  See a familiar-yet-new-to-TCP name on there?!  Yep, the adorable, Preppy (yay!), and oh-so-talented Joanne Basile is joining the litter!  Jo, you need to know, is a great friend of mine.  We even shared a bed at CHA this past weekend.  (That fact is not nearly as interesting as it sounds... it was king-sized and neither of us are snugglers, so there was a gulf of un-mussed bedding between us.)  Sprinkle is so excited at the mere idea of being lavished with Jo's buttons & bows, and sweet, fresh designs! 

Supplies used:
Stamps: By the Sea by The Cat's Pajamas
Paper: Kraft (PTI), Orbit Orange (Wasau), Natural White (Neenah), patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Lil Man collection
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Chipboard Cut Out Mat and Foam Boosters from Jody Morrow, embroidery floss & needle, TCP's Candy Sprinkles Buttons and Candy Sprinkles Ribbon, Copic Markers, Nestabilities, twine

A Haunting Hop!

Here I am -- your last stop on the MFT Blog Hop!  You did start with Kim and hit all the stops, coming my way via my AMAZING friend, Amy, didn't you?  If not, go back now -- you don't want to miss a thing!

I am so excited about this MFT release -- it's definitely filled with some of My Favorite Things!  I love books, trees, chocolate, and of course, Halloween.  My oldest son's birthday is on Halloween Eve, so we've had our fair share of Halloween-themed parties, and I have oodles of Halloween decorations that I put up every October 1st.  It's just such a fun time of year, and I'm thrilled to have this new image of Who's That Girl handing out Halloween candy...
First, I stamped out the scene on one of MFT's Perfect Paper Panels.  I drew in the sidewalk and masked off the characters and sky before stippling Going Gray (SU!) ink to make 'concrete'.  Next, I colored in WTG and the Trick-or-Treaters with Copics, adding a little tennis-shoe-like detail with a Copic MicroLiner on the kiddos' shoes.  The very hip child in the Flopsey costume got a fluffy tail via Liquid Applique.  Then I paper pieced WTG's dress and bowl, cut out the images, and glued them to a back ground of Moonstruck paper by CTMH (Close To My Heart).

Last year I purchased this Cuttlebug Skeleton Scroll embossing folder, but never got around to using it.  I was determined to do so today, so I pulled it out and used it to emboss the Moonstruck paper.  CTMH paper has a white core, so after embossing it, I lightly went over it with a sanding block and the scrolls and skellies popped out in white.  Other embellishments include MFT's Gem Brads and black Perfect Plaid ribbon.

Since I'm the last stop on this hop, I have the privilege of handing out a little blog candy!  Mmmm... CANDY!  That gives me an idea -- why don't I give away a little chocolate?  As in the new Chocolate Bunny (Flopsey) set?!  Just leave me a comment, and I'll draw the winner at 9 p.m. EST Wednesday night (during the MFT New Release Cocktail Party in the MFT Member Company Forum on Splitcoast).

See you at the party tomorrow -- your official invitation is below! ;)

What: My Favorite Things New Release Cocktail Party
Where: Here, in the MFT Member Company Forum on Splitcoaststampers
When: Wednesday, August 5, 2008 -- 8 - 10 p.m. EST
Why: Sneak Peaks, Prizes, Eye Candy, Contests, Chatter and just plain F-U-N!

BUY THE WAY: Here's the skinny on all the *new* stuff being released by MFT on Wednesday, August 5th...

Trick or Treat with Who’s That Girl $15.95 (WTG set)
Chocolate Bunny (Flopsey) $9
Grow Love $15.95
I {Heart} Books $17.95
Spooktacular Ribbon Nest & matching Adornments crystals

Weekly Spotlight: Diamond Glaze and Flock
HTDT Tutorial: DT Tips & Tricks
First 50 (free gift to first 50 customers): Memento Dew Drop Collection, week 6! color: Dandelion
Hook up: Purchase the August one-click collection at a 10% discount: $52.95 (retail $58.85)

Supplies used:
Stamps: Trick or Treat (WTG) by My Favorite Things
Paper: Perfect Paper Panels (MFT), Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black (SU!), Moonstruck (CTMH), Cricut Doodlecharms patterned paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Going Gray (SU!)
Accessories: MFT Adornments gem brads, MFT Perfect Plaid Ribbon, Copic Markers, Liquid Applique, Cuttlebug Skeleton Scroll embossing folder, sanding block, stipple brush, Nestabilities, Jody's Foam Boosters

SFYTT-Topper Twofer!

Good Saturday morning!  (I'm actually writing this post on Tuesday -- believe it or not! -- because on Saturday morning, I will be in Orlando attending the CHA SuperShow with dozens of your favorite stampers.  I say that not to rub it in.  As I've told you before, CHA is totally over-rated.  You are having much more fun right where you are.  I promise!  Seriously -- wish I could trade places with you right now.  What I wouldn't give at this moment for some kids to pick up after and some laundry to do...  YOU are the lucky one.  Remember that!)

(Excuse me while I try to keep a straight face.  *think about washing dishes and picking up dirty socks* *think about feeding  Okay.  Better now.  Moving right along...)

Today I'm combining two challenges: first, as on every Saturday, I have a sample for Jen's Sketch For You to Try.  Today is also the first of the month and that means it's time for a Flower Soft Design Team Challenge. 

This month, Jen Buck challenged us to use a Flower Soft Topper.  What's a Topper, you ask?  Well, it's a paper scene that gives you the ability to add dimension through layering images with foam mounting tape; in the United Kingdom (Flower Soft is actually a UK company, although they do have a US branch) they call this process 'decoupage.'  In certain paper crafting circles here in the U.S., it's referred to as 'paper tole.'  Me?  I call it 'popping stuff up on foam tape.'  Because I'm just fancy that way...

Ready for me to stop telling and start showing?  Okily dokily...
Isn't that a precious scene?  It's from Flower Soft's Window Shopping Toppers pack, which gives you enough supplies to decoupage/paper tole/pop up on foam tape three projects each of two different scenes.  I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but I've added the LIFE-CHANGING Polar White Flower Soft to the window panes & ledge, on the ground, and on the hat, cuffs, and collar of the little girl's coat.  While I'm talking about this stuff, I just have to say: if you only buy one new embellishment this paper crafting season?  Polar White Flower Soft is THE one to get -- I'll let you know when I find a link selling it.  It should be available any day now.

Please note the personalization on the tag added to the gift basket -- I figure if I get this off now, it will for sure be the very first Christmas card my new baby niece will receive in her life! :)  Wouldn't it be cool to have the first Christmas card you ever received?  That would be worthy of putting out every holiday season, don't you think?  I'm thinking so...  Might just have to inform her parents of that great idea... *giggle*

And here's a view of all the different layers:

You can also see where I backstitched around the artichoke border layer with red embroidery floss to give it a homey little touch.

Ready to see what the other Flower Softies have done with their Toppers?  Me too!  Be sure to check out the following talented ladies blogs as you're blurfing around this fine day:

Valerie Stangle
Deb Saaranen
Charmaine Ikach
Niki Estes
Jennifer Buck
AJ Otto
Sharon Johnson

And don't forget to go to Jen's blog where you'll find not only this awesome sketch but also the identity of this month's Guest Designer!  They'll both have samples to inspire you, as will my fabulous SFYTT Sisters (one of which -- Amy Rohl -- I'm rooming with at CHA as you read this! :) Though I promise: we're not having nearly as much fun as you are.  Scout's honor.  Not that I was ever a Girl Scout.  (I was a Blue Bird one year -- you eventually become a Camp Fire Girl if you stick with it long enough.  Which I did not...)  So scoot on over and visit my home girls

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Kelly Lunceford, and
Amy Sheffer

Back to the grind and drudgery that is CHA.  *sigh* 

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Wonderful Wishes by Verve
Paper: Flower Soft Window Shopping Toppers, Red Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke (SU!), patterned paper by Daisy D’s and Sweetwater (snowflake)
Ink: Red Riding Hood Red (SU!)
Accessories: Polar White Flower Soft, foam mounting tape, Nestabilities, paper piercer, embroidery floss, Making Memories poinsettia, gem brad, ribbon, Cuttlebug tag die