Mother's Little Helper

MFT Teasers - Day 4!

  Okay, gang.  I just feel I need to bring this to your attention as I myself am shocked -- SHOCKED! --  by this fact: I have blogged SIX DAYS IN A ROW!  I am quite certain that is some sort of record for yours truly.  For some folks, that's water off a duck's back.  But for me?  Uh-uh.  That's HUGE.  That's DEDICATION.  That's ORGANIZATION.  And that just may never happen again.  So let's savor this moment, shall we? 

Okay!  Now that we're done with our Monday morning cocktails (and really, is there a better way to start a week?  I think not...), let's get on to the REAL reason why you're here.  It's not to witness me babble about this and that.  Or maybe it is -- and if that's true for you, God bless you.  I love you dearly, with the white hot passion of 1,000 suns.  But assuming you're here to see another Teaser for My Favorite Things, let's get down to bidness. 

Today, my fabulous MFT Design Teammates and I are giving you previews of two new sets:

• Claire Keay - Bee Yourself
• Inspired by Flowers

From the moment laid eyes on Claire Keay's illustrations (with the adorable Little Loveosaurus), it was love at first sight.  Her latest set -- BEE YOURSELF -- is equally worthy of devotion.  Take a look...

If that little bee gal isn't a cutie full of charm, I don't know who is.  Here's a close up:

It's hard to tell from the photo, but her wings are given a sparkly sheen with the aid of a Stardust glitter pen by Sakura.  I scribbled a bit with the pen and then 'spread out' the sparkly stuff with the aid of my water-pen, a trick I learned from my buddies Jen & Susan.

Here's the interior of the card:

Now, I'm really going to blow your mind.  Not only is this my sixth consecutive day of blogging, but I'm going to show you YET ANOTHER CARD I created for this month's new MFT release.  I know, I know... you're feeling a bit faint.

 

Can't say that I blame you.  I'm a smidge light-headed myself.  But, see, I needed a thank you note, pronto, and so I pulled out the new CLEARLY SENTIMENTAL ABOUT PARENTING set.  Though highlighting the parent/child relationship, these sentiment stamps are versatile enough to serve many purposes.  Take a look:

A couple of my design teammates used a purple and black color scheme on their Teasers recently, and I so loved the effect I had to try it myself.  I know a lot of folks out there are a little scared of purple, but I love it.  Ever since Donny Osmond and his purple socks, I've been a big fan of this royal hue.  Here's the interior of my card:

You may have noticed both of my cards today use a few of the FANTASTIC new Die-namics being released on Tuesday, DIZZY DOILY, DIZZY BORDER, and UPSY DAISY FLOWER BUILDER. 

You know, I almost feel guilty enabling you in this way.  Almost.  But then again, as I tell myself frequently: is it wrong to share the best (in stamping) with the best (in readers)?  Wouldn't it be worse to hold out and keep all of this stampy goodness for myself?  And so, I give.  Because I'M A GIVER! :)

Now, here are the details about the upcoming release on March 1st at 10 PM EST:

• The MFT release is on March 1st at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on March 1st at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 stamp sets being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

Thanks for stopping by today, friends!  Have a great day!

 

MFT Teasers -- Day 3!

It's Day 3 of Teasers for the upcoming release from My Favorite Things, and today's the day all you Pure Innocence fans get a peek at the newest cuties!  The Pure Innocence images my fabulous MFT Design Teammates and I are previewing include:

• Daffodil
• Warm Fuzzies
• One Sweet Chick
• Girl Scout
• Boy Scout

Here's what I came up with using the WARM FUZZIES set:

Isn't she a cutie?  Unlike Ralphie in 'A Christmas Story,' I think she loves her fuzzy pink bunny suit.  It is fuzzy, by the way.  I spoke with Kim (owner/Boss Lady of MFT) right before I made this card, and I warned her that I was planning to "flock her up." And I did -- she's covered in hot pink Fun Flock.  Very fuzzy-wuzzy. The layout I used is the Mojo Monday #178 sketch. 

Here's a look at the card interior...

To create a little interest on the side, I used the Small Scallop Border Die-Namic.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on March 1st at 10 PM EST:

• The MFT release is on March 1st at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on March 1st at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 stamp sets being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

 Thanks for stopping by today, and I'll see you tomorrow with another Teaser! :)

 

MFT Teasers -- Day 2!

I'm back, but not in black.  No sirree Bob, today I'm back in a rainbow of colors, literally.  You'll see what I mean in a bit.  First let me tell you which sets my fabulous My Favorite Things' design teammantes and I will be previewing for you today:

• Say What?
• Clearly Sentimental About Parenting

My card features SAY WHAT?, a fun and flirty graphic set that's perfect for a recipient of any age or gender.  How many sets can you say that about?! 

For my sample, I did something I don't normally do: I EMBRACED white space!  Man, am I living on the edge or what?!  Take a look...

It clean and somewhat simple, too.  The only reason it's not simple-simple is because I heat embossed the word bubble and the sentiments before trimming them out and popping them up on foam tape.  That's quite a bit of heat embossing and trimming, but I think the result is pretty darn cute if I do say so myself. :)

Here's a look at the inside...

I had so much fun making this.  As I said yesterday, I {heart} the magic of heat embossing.  Even though it's a somewhat messy and time consuming process, I think that the added texture and gloss are worth it.  If I had really wanted to make this quick and easy, I could have used the new SAY WHAT DIE-NAMIC that works hand-in-hand with this set.  I opted not to, because I wanted an extra border of color outside the black line of the word bubble.  It's a really cool Die-Namic option though, and I've been dying to have a word bubble die forever!  I love the idea of making sentiments come out of the mouths of other stamped images.  Can you imagine the fun I'm going to have with the Pure Innocence kids and those word bubbles?! 

 

Well, since I'm talking about the SAY WHAT DIE-NAMIC so much, I might as well show you, huh? 

Cool, huh? 

Here are the details about the upcoming release on March 1st at 10 PM EST:

• The MFT release is on March 1st at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on March 1st at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 stamp sets being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

See you tomorrow for Day 3 of Teasers! 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Say What? by My Favorite Things; Paper: Red Hot, Banana Split, Orange Fizz, Gumdrop Green, Berrylicious, Grape Jelly, and Cotton Candy from MFT, Solar White (Neenah); Ink: VersaMark; Accessories: Extra Fine Black Embossing Powder from Ranger, foam tape

MFT Teasers: Sweet Stuff!

Boy, howdy!  Does My Favorite Things ever have a wonderful release for you this month!  Seriously, folks, this may just be one of the very best ever.  There truly is something for everyone.  It's said you can't please all of the people all of the time, but I think MFT may just be the exception to that well-known rule!

Today is the first day of Teasers for the big March release, and I'm showing off the SWEET STUFF set.  SWEET STUFF is a new look for MFT, and I have to say, I *love* it!  And not only because it features a zebra print background (we're the Claremore Zebras, don't you know).  You know how that crazy bird goes koo-koo for Cocoa Puffs?  Multiply that by 100, and that's how we Claremorons go for all things zebra.

Okay.  Enough telling.  How about I get to a little showing?  Of course, I had to make my sample in Claremore Zebras' trademark red, black and white color scheme...

If I had to think of a phrase to describe SWEET STUFF, I'd say "elegance with attitude."  It's just really, really cool.  Lot's of fun, swishy sentiments combined with animal print backgrounds that go perfectly with the new LAYERED LABEL Die-Namic set (which comes with three separate dies).  I'll show a graphic of the new Die-Namics I used in my sample in a bit.  First, though, here's a look at the inside of my card...

And a side view, just to show you a bit of dimension...

I don't know if you can tell from the pics, but I heat embossed the zebra print and the sentiment on the front of my card.  I <3 heat embossing soooo much; it's actually what converted me from a scrapbooker to a stamper.  It's just... magical! 

Have I ever mentioned that I'm a slooow stamper?  Well, it's true.  But this card took me less time than usual, and I have to say, I'm thrilled with the results.  I'd like to take credit for that, but I think it's probably just the combination of a great stamp set and awesome sketch (this week's WSC Challenge sketch - go to this thread in our Member Company Forum to find the sketch and learn more about how to play along in this week's challenge). 

There are SIX new Die-Namics being released this month, and I used two of them on my card: SWEET STACK and DIZZY BORDER.  Here's a lookie-lou...

Are you dying?  I KNOW!

Here are the details about the upcoming release on March 1st at 10 PM EST:

• The MFT release is on March 1st at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on March 1st at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 stamp sets being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

I'll be back tomorrow with another Teaser to share -- see you then, peeps!

My New BFF

You know, Paris Hilton had to create a TV show in order to find herself a new BFF.¹ Me?  I just went to a nearby Petsmart during an adoption event to find mine.  I wasn't even 'in the market' for a new BFF, but there was something about this particular gal that I couldn't forget.  A few weeks later, she came over for a playdate.  That was three weeks ago, and she hasn't left since.  Want to meet her?  

Introducing... SWEET PEA!

Isn't she adorable?  She came to us from Zoi's Animal Rescue, a no kill shelter located in my hometown of Claremore, OK. 

The shelter listed her as a three-year-old terrier mix.  She's pretty small (I'd say she weighs about 40 lbs., tops), and looks to have some Lab, maybe a touch of Pit Bull, and judging from the swoop of her rib cage to her hind quarters either some Whippet or Greyhound.

In other words, she's an All-American Mutt!  And as sweet and funny as can be... just look at her.  You can tell by those ears that she's got personality in abundance.

Sweet Pea is great with kids and is happy to have Carter hang all over her.  She's housebroken, crate-trained, well-mannered, and has obviously been on a leash before.  The shelter seemed to think that she has special needs (some vision and hearing loss on one side), but I've seen absolutely no evidence of that whatsoever.

Here's Sweet Pea's profile on Petfinder; I stared at it several times as I tried to decide whether or not I really wanted to commit to another dog.  One morning, I had just clicked off Sweet Pea's page, when out of the blue, I decided to visit my Dirty Dozen buddy Christine Okken's blog.  Seriously, her profile pic just kind of popped into my head, and it had been a while since I'd visited her blog or had seen what she'd been up to.  The title of the top post on her blog?  Such Sweet Peas.  I KID YOU NOT!!!  Doesn't that give you the shivers?!  I mean, if that's not a sign from above...

BUT -- don't let her sweet face fool you -- Sweet Pea is full of mischief and loves to hop the back fence to chase squirrels, ducks, and any other small creature that crosses her path; she's DEFINITELY got some sort of terrier in her².  And if she catches one?  She gives it a proper funeral in the flower bed in the front yard. Nice...  This is how she looked after a recent 'undertaking':

Oh, well.  That's okay, Sweet Pea.  No one understands better than I do that a girl needs to have her hobbies.  You're easy to wash, and even though you shed like a mother-button-son-of-a-basket, your search for a forever family is over.  Make yourself at home, girlie.  

 

Footnotes:

1. Paris Hilton's My New BFF show has aired two seasons, one of which was taped in the U.S., and the second of which was taped in London.  Apparently there's also third season which was taped in Dubai and has not aired due to legal problems.  Paris has recently said that she no longer wants to portray herself as the 'dumb blonde' as she has in both The Simple Life and My New BFF, so I'm thinking the BFF series is over.  And that's waaaaaaaaay more than you wanted to know about that.
2. There are tons of terrier breeds, and most of them originated in UK in order to keep various types of vermin under control.  Call me an apologist, but as far as the squirrels and what not, I think Sweet Pea's just responding to thousands of years of genetic coding.  Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly...

TCP Tuesday -- Friends Forever

Happy Tuesday, everybody!  Yep, it's the swankiest stamping day of the week, and I finally caught my breath for long enough to give my Cat's Pajamas stamps a little love.  Sony is our Color Challenge Hostess With the Mostess, and she's come up with a triple scoop of ice cream-y colors that are good enough to eat.  See what I mean?

I finally got the oh-so-sweet Tweet Hearts set inky for this one.  Take a look:

I have to say, considering how bright the colors are, this looks kind of subdued for me.  Do you think I'm getting tasteful or classy in my dotage?  Man, I hope not.  Nevertheless, I do love these wonderful illustrations from Laurie Nadeau's line with The Cat's Pajamas. 

I used Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch and patterned paper from My Mind's Eye's Fine and Dandy "Tickeled Pink" 6"x6" paper pad.  I created the felt embelly using my Buttons and Flower Buttons CutUps dies, tied off with some Cotton Candy Divine Twine.  By the way -- have you heard that you can now get Divine Twine from The Cat's Pajamas in much smaller quantities?  Initially, it was only sold by the spool in lengths of 240 yards for $15.00.  You can still buy it by the spool, but now Alma's also offering it in bundles of 15 yards for $3.00. And considering that I've seen it retail at several stores for around $1.00/yard, this is an awesome deal.  With the less bulky bundles, Alma's also able to ship Divine Twine internationally -- good news for all of my stamping buddies outside the U.S.!

Back to the card... everything else about it is pretty self-explanatory.  Colored with Copics, inked the edges of the papers to give it a shabby-chic feel, etc. 

For all of the details of how to play along with our TCP Tuesday Challenge, be sure to head on over to Alma's blog.  It's fun and easy, and if you do so, you just might be one of our Picks of the Litter and/or win FAME and FORTUNE as our next Swanky Stamper! 

What's that?  You don't know what a Pick of the Litter is?  Well, let me enlighten you.  See, The Cat's Pajamas has started a new weekday feature, spotlighting one fabulous customer card on TCP's Facebook page and in our Member Company Forum on Splitcoaststampers.  Pretty cool, huh?  Be sure to check it out.  Also worth checking out?  Alma's once again doing the TCP Tuesday participant slideshow on her blog.  I missed that while it was gone!  I don't know about you, but I enjoy watching those slideshows a lot.  It never fails to give me a little thrill when my card pops up.  Isn't that strange?  That little kid in us who can't wait for show 'n' tell never quite goes away, does she?  I guess blogs are our grown-up version of show 'n' tell, huh? 

Well, it's getting late (I'm writing this after class on Monday night to post Tuesday a.m.), so I'm going to quit telling and show my weary head the pillow.  Thanks for coming to visit me today! 

 

Inuit Kisses and Random Chatter

Hi, friends!  How are you this weekend?  I'm still recovering from last weekend's trip to Las Vegas.  No, not as in I've been hungover for a week... as in I have a ton of laundry, housework, homework, and design work (which is really play) to catch up on, as well as recovering from two weeks of everyone at home, full-time, due to the blizzards. (That is some hard time on a house, let me tell you.) This time last week, there were 2+ feet of snow on the ground.  Today?  It's 75 degrees.  Only in Oklahoma...

Think of my card today as a bit of a reverse raindance -- or snowdance, if you will.  I figure if I make a frosty card, the weather will surely do the opposite.  I want the ground to be solid, and my new dog (whom I still need to introduce to you... it's coming!) to not need a bath every other day due to all of the MUD.  Thus, I used the new "Tootega from Alaska" from Your Next Stamp's World Kids Collection for this week's YNS Challenge: Paper Piecing!  I love to paper piece, don't you?

I know what you're thinking.  An ice-fishing Eskimo... in polka dots?  Well, first of all: you're supposed to call them "Inuits" now; the term "Eskimo" is no longer politically correct.  (I think?  Should probably research that one a bit more, but I don't feel like it at the moment.  Those sorts of diversions are why it usually takes me two hours to write a blog post...)  Second: Polka dots are considered very manly to the Inuits.  (Don't bother researching that tidbit as I just made it up.)

Glossy black tresses (thanks to a black Sakura Glaze pen) and Diamond Dust-ed collars and cuffs are also what all the tough dudes in Alaska wear to go ice fishing as apparently the biggest fish are attracted to lots of shimmer and sparkle.  If you don't believe me, just ask Todd Palin.  I'm sure he'll back me up.

Speaking of Alaska, check out the little map in the corner.  It just so happens that October Afternoon's Seaside 8"x8" pad has patterned paper with a map of Alaska on it, so of course I had to include it for Tootega.  

Other details of note...

• The sketch is this month's Sketch For You To Try.  There's a little picture of it on my sidebar, and if you click it, it will lead you to Jen's blog where you can find directions on how to play along and win free stamps from this month's sponsor, Anita Be Stampin'.
• I hand stitched around the circle layer with embroidery floss (DMC # 336).  When I handstitch, I first pierce the paper with my paper piercer, then take a needle and two strands of embroidery floss.  Embroidery floss comes in yardages of six strands -- I cut about 18 inches off, and then separate out two strands from the six.  Otherwise the thread is too thick and bulky for my taste.
• The waves were created using different shades of felt with The Cat's Pajamas Wave CutUps die.
• The sentiment is from an oldie-but-goodie Kim Hughes Collection set, Tag! You're It!, from the now-defunct Cornish Heritage Farms.  I'm very hopeful now that Kim is back in the stamp illustrating business again, we'll see some of her past sets re-released under her new imprint, Paper Smooches.  I'm sure there's lots of legalties I don't know about involved, but I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

Head on over to the YNS Challenge Blog for all the info about how you can play along with this fun and easy challenge -- you could win $10 in YNS Stamp bucks just for participating!  

Now, how about a little non-stamping related chatter, shall we?  I have some random thoughts I jotted down as I was surfing the web earlier today.  I don't know why I wanted to share these, but no matter.  That's part of what makes them so random.  Let me know if you enjoy this and it may become a regular blog feature.  Lord knows my poor husband needs a break from my endless stream-of-consciousness...

Random Thoughts: 2/19/11:

1. I’m surprised how much I’m enjoying the current season of American Idol as I had totally expected to hate it post-Simon.  If you enjoy Idol, check out the re-caps of each show by Jacob on Television Without Pity.  They're even better than watching it live.
2. Fascinated by Scientology?  I am, in the same way that I’m fascinated by movies like The Exorcist and The Omen.  In other words, it’s creepy and I don’t believe in it, but what if?  Anyway, GREAT article in the current issue of The New Yorker re: Scientology.  Give it a read if you’re so inclined.
3. I have a crush on Dr. Drew. He seems so smart and nice, and I like his gray hair.  He's a cutie.  My husband calls him my "boyfriend."  Whenever Dr. Drew is on the Today show or whatever, Sean will call out, "Hey!  Your boyfriend's coming on!"
4. When I’m really bored or trying to avoid doing something, I like to indulge in a little celebrity gossip.  Small-minded of me, I know.  I’m flawed, I get that.  I like Ted Casablanca’s (that is such a terrible made up name) The Awful Truth on E!  He does these blind items where he tells you really scandalous stuff, but doesn’t give the actual names of the celebrities involved for fear of lawsuits or whatever.  You’re supposed to try to guess who they are.  Then, my FAVORITE gossip site is Blind Items Exposed.  It’s a blog that some girls/women/whatever (they say they’re sisters, but I don’t know if they mean that in the biological sense) have started, where they compile all of the blind items from celebrity gossip sites all over the web and then give their best guesses as to who the blind items are about.  I know, I know.  Gossip is evil and hateful.  But interesting.  Plus, I now know for sure that I would never, ever hook-up with John Meyer, even if he were the last man on earth. (I’m sure JM will be quite disappointed and my husband will be oh-so-relieved to read this.)  Trust me on that one.
5. Carter (my kindergartener) has decided he DOES NOT like Justin Beiber.  Every time Carter sees his picture in a magazine, hears his name mentioned, or sees him on TV, Carter says, “OH, BROTHER! Justin Beiber…” with great exasperation.  When I asked him why he doesn’t like JB, Carter replied, “He’s not a fan of mine.”  {hee}  Good answer!

MFT VIP Blog Hop & SHOP!

Howdy, folks!  Are you having a great time so far on this fine mid-month MFT VIP Blog Hop & Shop, featuring the all-new Who's That Girl (WTG) image?  Of course you are!  By the time you get to me, I'm sure you feeling a wee bit faint from all of the gorgeous creations you've seen.  Let me remind you of where you've been, in case you feel light-headed: you started with My Favorite Things' marvelous owner/operator, Kim; you stopped by many of my magnificent MFT design teammates' blogs and left glowing comments (because we all like comments, don't we? :) ), and then you got to the oh-so-lovely Lisa's blog before heading my way.  Does that sound familiar?  If not, you may just want to head back to Kim's because you definitely don't want to miss a thing!

As I said earlier, our VIP hops feature the newest WTG image.  This month's image is Who's That Music Girl.  I created the following little number with her...

She looks just like me as I sit down to tickle the ivories.  Actually, that's not true.  The only song I know how to play on the piano is "The Battle Hymn of the Republic."  But maybe that's what she's playing?  "Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord..." Well, maybe not. Anyway!

Here's the inside...

Don't you like those sentiments?  Makes this set a perfect fit for anyone, even if she's not a musical prodigy like me. {hee}  Speaking of these particular sentiments, they're part of the *EXCLUSIVE* Musical Girl mini set; this mini set is a one-time-only release and a $9.00 value but given for FREE to those who purchase the VIP kit. 

Let's take a look at the March VIP Kit, shall we?

All that great stuff, for only $38.95 -- a super deal, and chock-full of so many trendy embellishments... yum!  The VIP kit is available now, HERE, but you'd better be quick about it.  VIP kits are offered for only one day and are a limited supply item.  In other words, you've got through Wednesday night to purchase one, and when they're gone, they're gone.

And while you're shopping, don't forget about the other images being released tonight -- the two new sweet-as-pie a là mode sets -- Wishing You Luck and All-Star.

What a perfect segue-way... it's now time for you to head on over to All-Star Arlene's for something truly out-of-this-world!

Check Out the Clams on That Mermaid!

Sorry for the *racy* title.  A girl's got to entertain herself somehow when Mother Nature holds her hostage for nearly a week...  Apparently, we're supposed to get more snow today (Sunday), and even more accumulation on Tuesday and Wednesday.  Yesterday, I took a few steps out on the street in front of my house, just to get some fresh air.  Naturally, my feet slipped completely out from under me and I fell flat on my fanny.  In the middle of the street.  There weren't any neighbors in sight, but if they were peering out their windows just then and their reactions were anything like mine would be, they were busting their collective guts and had tears streaming from their eyes.  What can I say?  I'm immature and fairly easy to please...  People falling = funny!

Anyhoodle, back to the aforementioned mermaid.  Did you see that cute little blinkie to the left of your screen?  The one that refers to me as a GUEST STARLET for Your Next Stamps?¹ Well, with that prestigious title comes some sweet stamps and a few challenges.  In fact, YNS hosts challenges every week, which you can find on the YNS Challenge Blog.  There are some nifty prizes involved, too, for those of you who like to get stuff for free.  Which definitely describes me.  Here's the gist of it: every week, one random challenge participant receives $10 in YNS Stamp Bucks, while another creation is selected as the Top Pick with a prize of $5 in YNS Stamp Bucks *and* an exclusive Top Pick blinkie.²

This week's challenge is... PRETTY PLEATS!  When I first saw the challenge, I saw the two 'P's in the title and misinterpreted it as "paper pleating."  It's actually any kind of pleating.  But for whatever reason, I thought I had to paper pleat.  I must confess, it's been a while since I've paper pleated and I think maybe I've done it only once before.  So, smart me just starts scoring a strip of paper paper every 1/4", like so:

Um, no.  This is not right, as I found out once I started folding it.  What you need to do is start at an edge and do, say, a 1/2" score, then do a score at 3/4", and the next one at 1 1/4", and so on, so that you're alternating 1/2" and 1/4" scores down the length of your strip.  This will allow you to achieve a nice accordian fold.  I may have mentioned before that I'm ever so slightly lazy, thus I didn't feel like doing all that scoring once again.  Instead, I convinced myself that the extra score line in my pleats would add visual interest and a little wabi-sabi³ to my project.⁴

Man, I feel like I've been typing forever.  I think I'm just going to shut my yap and show you the card.  Here it is:

There's that wabi-sabi!  And isn't this just the happiest little mermaid you've ever seen?  I love her.  She's from the Happy Days Mermaid set and is just so adorable!  Even Truman and Sean commented that she was cute, which is practically unheard of.  They usually just humor me if I show them something, and toss me a bone like "That's nice..."  This fishy gal was colored with Copics and then glammed up with Aqua Stickles.  I wish you could see the cute-cute patterned paper from Doodlebug; it's got the sweetest little happy faced sea-creatures.

Now, at long last, I'm going to give you a glimpse of what you've really been sticking around for...

Va-va-voom!

Footnotes:

1 - Who'da thunk I'd FINALLY be considered a STARLET at the age of 41?  I guess I'm a late bloomer.  But, as I tell my boys, much better to be a late bloomer than to peak early.  Who wants to reach his or her zenith in high school?  How depressing would that be?  So 'Glory Days.'  (<-- the Bruce Springsteen song.  I'd add a footnote here, but it's just too weird even for me to footnote a footnote.)  Sadly, teenagers don't really seem to get that particular piece of wisdom.  *sigh*

2 - We stampy types do love our blog flair, don't we?  Like the waitstaff at Chotchkie's, I think blogs should be required to wear at least 15 pieces of flair...

3 - Wabi sabi is a Japanese philosophy I embrace (when it suits me).  According to wabi sabi expert, Richard Powell, "[wabi sabi] nurtures all that is authentic by acknowledging three simple realities: nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect."  If you're interested in learning more about wabi sabi, but don't want to read a whole book on the subject, might I suggest the excellent 6th episode from season 7 of King of the Hill ("The Son Also Roses").  No, I'm not kidding.  If you're a member of Netflix you can watch it instantly.  *Love* my Netflix!

4 - Does this sound like a rationalization?  Well, I'm okay with that.  Speaking of philosophy, as I did in the previous footnote, I also embrace the observation made by Jeff Goldblum (as Michael) in the movie The Big Chill: "Don't knock rationalization. Where would we be without it? I don't know anyone who'd get through the day without two or three juicy rationalizations. They're more important than sex. Have you ever gone a week without a rationalization?"  Word, brother.  By the way, you can also watch The Big Chill instantly on Netflix.  Just sayin'.

Supplies used - Stamps: Happy Days Mermaid by Your Next Stamp; Paper: Summer Sunrise & Aqua Mist (PTI), Solar White (Neenah), Doodlebug Designs - Sealife, October Afternoon - Go Fly A Kite; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Adirondack Earthtones Butterscotch; Accessories: Lemon Divine Twine from The Cat's Pajamas, Copic markers, Aqua & Pink Distress Stickles, Cuttlebug Circles embossing folder, Nestabilities - circles & pinking circles, sewing machine, foam mounting tape, button, pinking shears, dimensionals, Score-It, bone folder.

February Sketch For You To Try!

Howdy, everyone!  I'm going on Day 5 of not leaving the Burragio, having been buried in a foot-plus some of snow on Tuesday, then another couple of inches yesterday.  The forecast calls for even more tomorrow.  And yet: I have not killed a single solitary soul!  Not a child, not a canine, not a husband.  Ain't I somethin'?  A paragon of virtue and patience, that's me! ;)

Weeks like these make me so happy I'm a crafter.  I can make stuff, troll around crafty sites and blogs on the internet, do way too much internet shopping, and basically keep myself entertained indefinitely.  If only there weren't so many interruptions by other household residents.  Like this six-year-old, demanding my attention at this very moment.  Good thing he's cute...

Are you ready to see this month's Sketch For You To Try? I know you are!  It's a doozy, toozy.  And we here on Team SFYTT are thrilled to tell you that our sponsor this month is the up-and-coming new company, Anita Be Stampin'! Without further adieu, here's the sketch...

And here's my take on it, using the fun new 'Love Bots' set...

Here's a full-frontal, no side-tilt view:

Have I told you lately how much I love glitter?  So much so that I broke out four different kinds to give these metallic love birds some appropriate sheen.  You know who/whom/whatever I also love? My sensational SFYTT Sisters, that's who/whom/whatever!  Be sure to visit the gals I'm linking below, as well as the one and only Jen del Muro's blog to see what she and our February Guest Designer, Becky Carafa, have concocted for your inspirational soup. 

• Amber Height
• Amy Rohl
• Amy Scheffer
• Carole Burrage
• Jodi Collins
• Kelly Lunceford
• Kerry Johnson
• Leigh O'Brien
• Megan Lock
• Sony Christoph
• Susan Liles

Thanks again to Anita Be Stampin for sponsoring us this month!  I can attest first-hand that Anita's stamps are of the highest quality rubber.  They're cling mounted, beautifully packaged, and they stamp like a dream.  Anita is generously offering a $25 gift certificate to one participant playing with ABS stamps on this month’s SFYTT {go to this post on Jen's blog for details on how to win this prize, as well as for how to play along this and every month}.  Go check out her images - you know you want to!  It sure beats digging out the driveway!

Stay warm and safe, and have a wonderful weekend, friends. :)

Paper Smooches Co-Hop

Have you heard?

The one and only Kim Hughes opened a stamp company on February 1st called Paper Smooches! I am such a huge fan of Kim's -- she's truly as delightful a person as she is an illustrator, and believe me: that's saying A LOT!  One of the most enjoyable things I've ever done as a stamper was represent her line when I was a member of the Cornish Heritage Farm's design team.  I am over-the-moon thrilled that she's now bringing us her inimitable style through her very own company.  On the first day of every month, she is releasing 3 new whimsical and fun clear stamp sets that she hand draws.

Kim asked me to create a card using one of her February stamp sets.  I used Falling For You on today's card:

I have a thing about acorns, you see.  One of my favorite sayings is "Tall oaks from tiny acorns grow."  I used to be a big cross-stitcher, and I created a sampler on linen for Truman's birth that had that saying on it.  Little did I know when I started it while I was pregnant what a tiny acorn I would actually give birth to -- only 3 lbs. 14 oz!  And eight years later, another acorn named Carter was born, weighing in at only 3 lbs. 10 oz.  Thus, you'll find a lot of acorn-motifed items around my house. 

In fact, here's a picture of me meeting tiny acorn #2, the day after he was born...

Naturally, I squealed with joy when I saw Kim's sweet and special acorn on this set.  So much so that I stamped it off over and over again, then heat embossed it with glittery Fall Splendor embossing powder from Powder Keg.  I hope you like my nutty valentine!

Want more info on Paper Smooches?  Of course you do!

Kim offers high quality photopolymer clear stamps, shaped card templates, a design center and so much more

There will be a monthly challenge on the The Paper Smooches Blog (free digi stamps are involved). Participants will be eligible to be a guest designer for the following month.

Here is a list of some of the Industry's top designers who are also playing with some Paper Smooches Stamps today:

Michele Boyer
Alli Miles
Lori Craig
Julie Campbell
Carole Burrage (You are HERE!)
Karolyn Loncon
Kim Kesti
Betsy Veldman
Maren Benedict
Debbie Olson
Melissa Phillips
Carly Robertson
Julia Stainton
Becky Olsen
Teri Anderson
Kryssi Ng
Heidi Van Laar
Heather Pulvirenti
Laurie Schmidlin
Lisa Johnson
Lori Barnett
Jessica Witty
Asela Hopkins
Rae Barthel

Please help me welcome Paper Smooches Stamps!

MFT February Blog Hop and Shop!

Happy February, folks!  And I hope you're enjoying the My Favorite Things' Blog Hop and Shop!  If so, you've come here from the incredible Inge.  (If not, you probably want to start from the beginning at Kim's blog so you don't miss a wonderful thing.)  Just consider me a rest-stop between Inge and Kerry -- a place to catch your breath between all the fabulousness. :)

Did you ever just have one of those days where nothing seemed to go right?  I know I have, and that's why some of the sentiments in the brand new TWISTED FOURSOME so speak to me.  Take the sentiment I've built this card around:

"I don't have issues, I have a lifetime subcription."

Amen to that!  I tried to create a carefree cascade of butterflies, but ... um.  Well.  You know.  I'm not going to blow smoke where it doesn't belong.  Some days are diamonds, some days are stones, right?  Some cards are too...

The good news is, you have LOTS to look forward to with this wonderful new release, including TWISTED FOURSOME and the beautiful new BUTTERFLIES  Die-Namics.  I'm not doing them justice, but trust me -- you need these butterflies!

Now scoot on over to the oh-so-talented Kerry's blog, because she's certain to have something that will capture your fancy!

Thanks for stopping by, peeps. :)