Mother's Little Helper

My Roots Are Showing...

This is my second post of the day (I'm being an overachiever! Woot!).  If you're looking for my March Just For Fun (aka JiFFy) challenge post, please scroll down.

Not those kind of roots.  Although I am in DESPERATE need of a cut and color.  My poor hair looks like a dirty, stringy dishrag.  Way past the expiration date of my last trip to the salon.  But that's neither here nor there.  I'm thinking about my stamping roots.

See, I'm trying to categorize all of my blog posts from the very beginning.  I'd like to eventually do a little minor tweaking of the blogstead and have it so that if you're interested in seeing all of my, say, JiFFy posts or posts about my dogs¹, you can just click on that category and/or do a search.  So last weekend, I started reading through all of my old posts.  Have you ever done that?  It's a pretty interesting excercise, and one heck of a time suck if you're trying to avoid one chore or another. 

I started this blog on September 9th of 2007.  So far, I've re-read up through June of 2008.  Just for kicks and giggles, I wrote down some of my impressions as I was walking down memory lane:

1. I think my blog posts used to be better.  Maybe?  I don't know.  Maybe the recent ones are still fresh in my head and familiar so they don't seem that interesting to me right now?  Hmmm.   
2. I miss stamping with random images just because I think they're fun. 
3. Dang.  Time flies.  Blogs are a great way of recording your personal history, even if you only touch on family and/or personal stuff here and there.  I'm remembering stuff I didn't know I'd forgotten.
4. Freaky Friday was kinda funny.  Maybe I should bring that back?
5. I need to start doing technique-y stuff again.  That was fun.
6. Fabrianos!  I forgot about them...
7. The best posts don't necessarily have that much to do with stamping, but stamping is a good framework around which to blog.  Gives me a structure, which I need, or I'd never write anything.
8. My boys are PRECIOUS and growing up too fast!  Truman was only 10 and still a little boy when I started this.  Now he's 14 and shaves. 
9. Every post in the beginning was a Splitcoast Challenge.  I should start doing those more often.
10. I really loved A Muse² and Elzybells.  I wish Elzybells was still in business. 
11. I think I used to be more unique?
12. I have way too many blog posts that reference Cammie... {hee}

Huh.  Isn't that interesting?  It appears I'm nostalgic for the old days.  In the old days, though, I can remember how badly I wanted to be on a design team and the Dirty Dozen, and that if I could just do those things, I'd be happy as a clam.³ Kinda funny.  It's like looking at pictures of yourself taken a few years ago and thinking, "I looked pretty good!  Why was I so worried about my weight?  If I could just weigh that now..." 

It's all good.  Part of the journey.  Can't step in the same river twice.  [Insert random cliché here.]

But back to #6 -- Fabrianos!  Remember them?  Fabriano is a high-quality paper company, and their Medioevalis stationery cards were trendy when I first started stamping.  They're such a rich, beautiful paper that they don't need embellishing beyond a colored image.  Very simple and elegant.  Once Copic Markers became the preferred method of coloring, Fabrianos faded away due to the fact that the Copic ink would show through the cardstock, and as pricey as Fabrianos are, there's no point in using them just as a base. 

I still have quite a few Fabrianos in my stash, and I decided I might as well dust them off and ink up some of the à la modes I had yet to use.  Take a look...

These notecards measure 3 3/8" x 5 1/4".  Slightly smaller than the standard notecard, but perfect for focusing on the sweet à la mode gals.  All of the images were colored using Prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits.  I added a little Divine Twine from The Cat's Pajamas just to make them look a little 'now.'  Here are the individual views:

This is à la modes - You Mean the World To Me, and here's the inside:

I stamped the image in a light color ink so I could just write on top of it when I get ready to send it out.

This is à la modes - All-Star.  Inside view:

And, lastly,  here's à la modes - What's Cooking?

Now, this inside turned out A LOT brighter than I intended.  I don't know why I thought Lovely Lavender ink by SU! would be a delicate shade of purple.  See what I mean?

Oh well.  Wabi-sabi, right? 

Have a great day, and thanks for visiting!  I'll be back tomorrow with a Teaser for My Favorite Things' next release!

Footnotes:

1. Why you would want to read about my dogs, I don't know.  Maybe you're curious.  Maybe you're a dog lover.  I'm going to assume that if you want to read about my dogs you have a perfectly good reason, and nothing weird or fetishistic. 
2. More on A Muse tomorrow...
3. What on earth does that expression mean, "Happy as a clam"?  Why do we assume clams are happy?  I need to Google that.  Hold on.  I'll tell you what I find out. 

Okay.  According to WiseGeek.com:

"Happy as a clam is a portion of a phrase quite commonly used in the US in the early 19th century. It even made it into the poetry of John G. Saxe, who wrote Sonnet to a Clam and waxed poetic about the secure state of clams when they are immersed completely in water. Happy as a clam is only a portion of the phrase, and the full phrase should be "happy as a clam in high water," or at high tide. Anyone who has ever hunted for clams knows they must be dug when the tide is low. They’re almost impossible to find in high tide, and it would be dangerous to venture too far out into deep water. Thus a clam can said to be quite happy at high tide, since it’s in no danger, at least from humans, of being made into a meal."

Wow.  There you go.  You learn something new everyday!

4.  There is no fourth footnote, but I thought I'd share that I made it through the entire à la modes post without once proclaiming that they're illustrated by MY NIECE, Amanda Baird! {hee.  Can't help it! :) }

 

Strawberry Flavored JiFFy!

Greetings and salutations, precious people!  How are you this fine morning?  I'm in a great mood because I just found out the BEST news!  More on that in a second.  First, I've got to set the scene for this month's Just For Fun (a.k.a. JiFFy) challenge that I do on a {mostly} monthly basis with my JiFFy girlfriends.  We took the last couple of months off, but now we're back and ready to play. 

This month, my worlds are colliding -- y'all know how I feel about that.  My sweet JiFFy Gals have been infilitrated by the notorious Carolyn/Cammie King.  Now, Cammie and I have been rumored to have made a little mischief together in our pasts.  People have ALLEGEDLY witnessed us engaging each other in practical jokes, cards of questionable taste, and very loud show-tune singing in public places.  Of course, I deny all culpability.  Any lewd or lacivious conduct that I am accused of in Cammie's company is 100% her fault.  That's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

Fortunately, there isn't too much wiggle room for mayhem in the JiFFy challenge: one of us selects an image, and before that image is revealed to the group, another one of us mails out some patterned paper to everyone.  The patterned paper has to be used to make a card with the selected image; sometimes they go well together, and sometimes they're a ... challenging fit, but it's always JUST FOR FUN! 

This month, Miss Julie selected the image -- Sweetest Day, a Jillibean Itty Bitty by Unity Stamp Co. Speaking of Jules -- she's the subject of the fabulous news I just heard! 

 

Guess who was just announced as one of Papercraft Magazines' newest GO-TO GIRLS?!  Yep, that pretty blonde chickadee, Julie Campbell herself!  Congratulations, Jules!!!  I'm so thrilled and excited for you!

Back to today's challenge... I was the paper picker.  I'm pretty sure the other gals hold their breath each time I come through the paper rotation, on account of my well-documented love of colors like YoYo Yellow (RIP) and Glorious Green.  I took it pretty easy on 'em this month, though.  I chose Madison Plaid from Echo Park's Little Girl collection; it makes my preppy heart go bang-bang-bang!

Here's what I came up...

Just like the sentiment says, it's pretty sweet, don't you think?  Can you see the glittery seeds on the strawberry?  The photo isn't the greatest because it's a cloudy & rainy day here in Claremore, America. I used yesterday's Splitcoast sketch challenge (#326) as my layout.

I'm going to let you go as I'm anxious to visit my JiFFy Gals and Cammie to see what they've done with this month's combo.  I'm also hoping that us JiFFy Girls will be a good influence on Cammie, and that maybe she'll take our virtuous examples to heart and mend her wicked ways.  Having her play with us this month is actually a form of ministry, you know...

Please stop by my buddies' blogs and leave a little love:

• Michele Boyer
• Julie Campbell
• SWEET Lori Craig
• Alli Miles, and our special guest
• Carolyn King

I'll be back a little later today with another post.  In the meantime, I've got to go comb out my wings...

The Cat's Pajamas' New Release Blog Hop!

Hello, my dears!  So happy you stopped by today!  Why, you ask?  Well, silly, because at long last, it's RELEASE DAY for The Cat's Pajamas!  Now YOU can get your paws on all EIGHT of the new sets and/or all FOUR of the new CutUps dies!  Why do I care so much about you having access to all of that swanky goodness?  Because I'm just generous that way.  I want my buddies to have the best in life, and when it comes to stamping, nuttin' is better than The Cat's Pajamas, honey.  That's a proven fact.  Take my word for it.  I am centuries old and very wise, so I know this stuff.  Trust me.

If you started at the beginning of the hop with JULIE (also known as this week's Hipster Hostess With the Mostess), you've already learned about today's TCP Tuesday Challenge to MAKE A SHAPED CARD¹.  I'm sure you're dizzy from all the shapely lovelies thus far, including those from our special guest blog hopper, three-time Swanky Stamper JENNY PETERSON².  It's a tough job, following my fellow Cat Pack-er, the fabulous TORI, but somebody's got to do it.  So, here I am. Ta-da! 

And here's my stab at a shaped card -- something I NEVER do, mind you -- starring the brand new WET PUDDLE set:

I made one of those trendy little printed Wellies that everybody's wearing these days -- cute, huh?  I drew the boot freehand onto a regular-sized card then cut the shape out and covered the front with the printed paper (a quadrant from 'It's Raining, It's Pouring' by Nikki Sivils, Scrapbooker that I picked up at my LSS) and the red cardstock I used for the upper and the sole.  The treads on the sole were made punching with the top part of a 1/4" circle punch. 

Wet Puddle Girl (not to be confused with her friend, Dry Puddle Girl...³) was colored with Copics and her polka-dotty jacket was paper pieced.  Her boots and the trim on her coat were given a coat of Glossy Accents for authentic slicker-ness.  She has Tiny Twinkle yellow gems for buttons on her little ensemble.  Isn't she adorable with her short hair?  I swear, I'm so excited to have a stamp with a girl with shorter hair, for once!  There's definitely some prejudice against us gals with length-challenged follicles in the stamping world.  Fortunately, The Cat's Pajamas isn't afraid to fight the power and give us our moment in the sun/ink! 

For the boot top I used one of our previously released CutUps dies, BIG SCALLOP BORDER.

Surely, though, some of the other gals have given your glimpses of our new CutUps: GRASS, HOME TWEET HOME, PINWHEEL, and EASY ROSETTE.  Alma's always got her finger on the pulse of what's hot and cutting edge in the paper crafting world, as this release exemplifies.  She's one cool cat, that Miss Meowy!

Well, I've bent your ear/eyes enough (ouch!).  Time for you to make your way to the one-and-only TONI's blog to see what sort of sweetness she has in store for you.  Thanks for stopping by, and let me know what's a MUST-HAVE for you from this month's release.  If you're anything like me, you want it ALL!

Footnotes:
1.  When I saw this technique challenge, I made a snooty face like Veda on Mildred Pierce and sneered "Ye gods and little fishes - a SHAPED card?!"  Did you watch Mildred Pierce on HBO last night?  Parts 1 & 2 of 5 were aired.  It was pretty amazing to watch something take its time to develop so richly.  But that Veda (Mildred's daughter)?  I don't practice corporal punishment on my own kids, but I sure wanted to give her a good SMACK!  What a pretentious little self-entitled monster!  Of course, Mildred's created that monster... can't wait for the rest of it! 

2.  Jenny is relatively new to the online stamping scene, but let me tell you, she's got talent in SPADES!  I'm telling you, this gal is one to watch!  Seriously.  Do yourself a favor and add her your Google Reader or subscribe to her blog.  You'll thank me for it later. :)

3.  Just kidding.  There isn't a Dry Puddle Girl.  At least, not that I know of...

Meet Your IDOLS!

It's Day 3 of The Cat's Pajamas' Sneaky Peek Week -- are you enjoying the previews so far? I'm specifically referring to WHAT A BLAST, which I gave you a look at in my previous post, and the beary adorable CATCH MY DRIFT.  If you aren't enjoying what you've seen, you might want to make an appointment to talk to someone about that. No offense. It's just that, as a someone in training to become a psychotherapist, I'm pretty sure that feelings of apathy regarding this month's TCP release are a clear-cut symptom of being what we mental health professionals refer to as 'cukoo for Cocoa Puffs.'

What's that?  You LOVE the new sets so far?  *Phew!*  What a relief!  You really had me worried for a second, Kemo Sabe.

Moving right along... ready to see the latest oh-so-inspired set from the mind of Miss Meowy herself?  Then meet the IDOLS!!!

Everybody's favorite penguins -- Larry, Darryl & Darryl -- are back, and rocking the house!  They even have little accessories to transform them from mere flightless birds into ICONS -- Elvis's trademark pompadour, a Beatles wig, and Michael Jackson's glove and epaulets.  Take a look at 'em in action:

Take a look at the sentiments, from top-to-bottom, left-to-right: it's the musical lifecycle of most romantic relationships.  That Alma's a clever one, ain't she?  Don't rush the stage -- I'll give you a close up:

The IDOLS, along with the seven other new sets and four new CutUps dies, will be released next Monday evening, March 28th.  In the meantime, lots of my Cat Pack girlfriends have created samples with this set that are worthy of groupie-devotion in their own right.  So head on over to Alma's blog for direct links or visit us in our Splitcoaststampers Member Company Forum to see more.

Oooh!  It just occurred to me: this is one of those rare opportunities to use my favorite smiley of all time!  One more reason to love this set...

 

Life is good, people!  I'll be back soon with another Sneaky Peek.  In the meantime, keep those immortal words from Kasey Casem in mind as you go about your day ("Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars!"  Hey, now!) and thanks for stopping by to see me.

SNEAKY PEEK WEEK, Day 1!

Hurray!  At long last, it's time for another new release from THE CAT'S PAJAMAS!!!  You know I love, love, love TCP.  Every single image, set, CutUps die, and product that The Cat's Pajamas carries makes my heart go pitter-patter.  What can I say?  I'm a SUPER fan, and I'm SUPER lucky to be able to design for Sprinkle and the gang.

So, enough declarations of love.  You get it.  I'm sure you'd rather just see the Sneaky Peek set of the day, wouldn't you?  Your wish = my command...

Whee!  Doesn't PJ look like he's having a ton of spring-time fun holding that big ol' PINWHEEL?!  By the way, trendy folk: pinwheels are super-hot these days, and The Cat's Pajamas has got you covered with this release!  This cute set is called WHAT A BLAST, and will be released (along with the seven other new sets and four new CutUps dies) next Monday evening, March 28th. 

In addition to being the first day of Sneaky Peek Week, it's TCP TUESDAY; what a co-inky-dink! JEN is our Hipster Hostess With the Mostess this week, and she's got a pink quencher of an inspiration challenge for us:

Once I saw that pink beverage with the cherry, I had to pull out my Fine and Dandy: Tickled Pink 6"x6" paper pad from My Mind's Eye.  The rest, as they say, is history...

I used Karen Giron's current Sweet Sunday Sketch and just kept piling on the stuff -- a little handstitching around the image frame, some machine sewing here, a few brads there, a coating of glitter to the dots on the pinwheel patterned paper, etc.  I originally stamped PJ on the lined/grass layer, then stamped him again on white cardstock and colored him in before cutting him out and gluing him to the lined layer.  Then, I stamped the pinwheel out again, and on two patterns of paper.  Cut all those out, glued it together, glittered 'em up, added a gem brad, and mounted it using Jody's fabulous foam boosters (available at Jody's Sticky Store).  That yummy polky-dotted ribbon was a prezzy from Miss Jody, by the way. :) 

Take a look at the blowsy grass, why dontcha.  That's grass with an attitude, TCP-style!  It's one of the four new CutUps dies coming out next Monday.  Here's a graphic, for those that want a closer, colorful look:

Skeedaddle on over to ALMA'S blog for instructions about how you can join in on the TCP Tuesday fun; just by participating, you'll be entered in a random drawing for $10 in Cat Cash, and your entry automatically puts you in the running to be considered for our next SWANKY STAMPER.  (<-- that's basically TCP speak for guest designer, now that we're showering each month's winner with stamp sets from the next release and starring roles in that release's blog hop and Pajama Party)  Alma's blog will also have links to all the Cat Pack-ers participating in today's Sneaky Peek/TCP Tuesday; they're the best, so you won't want to miss a thing! 

See you soon with more SNEAKY PEEKS! 

Who's Got the Button?

Me!  I do!  I gots the button!  Buttons.  Er... sort of... They're paper & cork (to cut down on bulk and weight for mailing purposes), but they look like buttons.

You see, it's time for the next Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge: Big Buttons (use only buttons as embellishments).  Of course, when I first read that, I had to start singing to myself, "I like big buttons and I cannot lie..." :)

When I think of buttons on cards, I naturally think of baby cards.  Why is that?  Why do babies make us think of buttons?  It's not like they have the fine motor skills to button stuff, and most baby clothes don't have a ton of buttons on it. 

This makes me remember something I haven't thought of for a very long time. Wanna know something about my twisted psyche?  When I was a child, I refused to wear anything with obvious buttons on it.  For years.  From the time I was two or three, until I was in fourth grade.  Weird, huh?  My mom would buy me clothes, and have to either cut the buttons off or replace them.  Crew necks, zippers, ties -- we were always on the search for something without buttons.  Crazy kid.  What a pain in the rear... I need to ask ol' SC-T about that when I (inevitably) see her later today...

Anyhoodle, wanna see my challenge card?  It's for one of Sean's millions of cousins & his wife (mostly for his wife, though the cousin is a dear.  But really?  Do you think he'll notice the card?  Me neither) who are having a baby soon.  I didn't make it to the shower, but from the looks of the blue & brown invitation, it appears they are having a boy. 

I used the precious DIANA image from this month's release of EVERYDAY GIRLS.  Isn't she so sweet?  So into her little bundle of joy.  Makes me wish for my boys to be babies once again... {sigh}  I no longer get baby fever, in that I want another baby.  Now I just get nostalgic for those days when my boys were fresh from God.  Is that age?  Maturity?  Fatigue?  Something like that.

Be sure to stop by the KRAFTY BLOG to see what the other participating Krafty Girls and Guests made for today's challenge.  All the details are there about playing along if you're so moved. 

Have a great weekend, and I'll be back during the week with SNEAKY PEEKS from The Cat's Pajamas next release!  Woot-woot!

Supplies used - Stamps: Diana by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Bohemia dp from My Minds Eye, Pacific Point and Soft Suede (SU!), Copic X-Press Blending Paper; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Pacific Point (SU!); Accessories: Buttons CutUps die and linen thread from The Cat's Pajamas, Copic markers, cork (MFT), foam boosters (Jody's Sticky Stuff Store), sewing machine.

Heart of Gold

Hiya!  Just popping in to show you my take on this week's TCP TUESDAY challenge.  This week's challenge is a sketch challenge, and my buddy, pal, and original stamping idol, LEIGH is our Hostess With the Mostess.  Check out this ultra-unique (like Leigh, herself) sketch, perfect for utilizing The Cat's Pajamas' large Pennant CutUps dies:

You can flip it anyway you want it because, as Journey reminds us, 'that's the way you need it.'  I chose to do mine vertically, and upside down:

Isn't this big teddy a cutie full o' charm?  He's our Big Bear character, and this image and sentiment are both from the BEAR HUGS set.  Cute, cute, cute!  I love him so. His heart of gold was made so via TCP's GLITZY, chunky German glass glitter.  So yummy!  (But don't eat it...)

Why not try your hand at this week's challenge?  You could win $10 in Cat Cash just for participating, as we have a random drawing each week for all who play along.  Not only that, but you automatically become eligible for selection as our next SWANKY STAMPER!  For all the details, see THIS POST on Alma's blog.  I hope you'll join in on the fun!

Thanks for stopping by, and have a good day.  As for me?  I think Carter and I have a date to see 'Rango' this afternoon.  I'll give our review next time. 

 

A {Bonita} MFT VIP Blog Hop

¡Hola, muchachas! ¿Que pasa?  Hopefully you've been having have buena time, seeing all the bonita eye candy at each of the stops so far on this month's My Favorite Things VIP Blog Hop.  If you're dancing in step with this month's Hop, you started at MFT Boss Lady KIM's blog, samba'd through the gorgeous creations of many of my design teammates, and came my way via the lovely and talented LISA.  By now, you've had several opportunities to watch the newest Who's That Girl (WTG) image -- WTG - FIESTA -- strut her stuff. 

Cha-cha-check out what I've done with this dancing queen...

Isn't she a hot little number?  But you know what you need after every good Fiesta, don't you?

Isn't that a great sentiment?  If you agree with me, compadre, you'll want to make sure you get this month's VIP kit because it's part of the exclusive FIESTA 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.

Here's everything included in the April VIP Kit:

It includes:

• Who's that Girl - Fiesta! stamp set
• Fiesta Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again $9 value, FREE)
• Pretty Posies Die-namics Die
• Basic Grey Luscious 6 X 6 Patterned Paper Pad
• Basic Grey Luscious Stitched Brads

Lots of HOT-HOT-HOT new stuff at an economica price!  The VIP kit is available now, HERE, but you'd better andale.  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.

As if that weren't enough to tempt you, MFT's got other new goodies in store for you tonight:

• Two new à la modes: YOU RULE and YOU MEAN THE WORLD TO ME
• Five new shades of MFT Cardstock: Lemondrop, Tangy Orange, Razzle Berry, Grapesicle, and Limeade
• Copic Ciao Set E (set of 36 newest Ciao markers)

Your next stop on this hop is that sensational senorita, ARLENE!  ¡Adios, amigas!

 

Supplies used: Stamps: WTG – Fiesta and Fiesta Mini Set by My Favorite Things; Paper: Not Quite Navy, Riding Hood Red, Garden Green (SU!), Solar White (Neenah), We R Memory Keepers Fiesta 6”x6” pad; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Adirondack Sandal (for sponging wall and tag); Accessories: Rounded Banner Trio Die-Namics, Copic Markers, sea sponge, sewing machine, brads, embroidery floss, Dimensionals (SU!)

Pi Day à la mode!

It's 3.14, so Happy Pi Day, everyone!  With that in mind, it's only appropriate that I serve you up a little something à la mode, don't you think?  This delightful line of images has become my very favorite among all of the great stamps My Favorite Things produces.  Of course, I am a bit biased, considering the illustrator, Amanda Baird IS MY NIECE! 

Have I mentioned that before?  {hee}

Around the middle of every month, My Favorite Things releases two new à  la modes images.  Today, I'm going to give you a preview of YOU RULE...

Isn't she a cutie?  Such a great teacher-y set, but it doesn't *HAVE* to be used for a teacher, you know?  Still, I chose to make it so with the idea that I would give it to Carter's teacher, Mrs. McNutt (isn't that a great name for a Kindergarten teacher?  Sounds like someone in a picture book...).  Mrs. McNutt has light brown hair, about the same length as this sweet gal.  I don't think I've ever seen her wear a pencil skirt or a neck tie, but she is in a room with 20+ five- and six-year-olds all day...

I had the fun ruler twill and wanted to build my card around it.  Once I pulled together the patterned papers I wanted to use, I decided to color Mrs. McNutt a plaid skirt.  I find that I prefer to use my Prismacolor pencils and a bit of odorless mineral spirits here and there when I'm using the à  la modes since I can do better detail work with a sharp pencil point than I can with my Copics (although I always do skin with my Copics because it's so much easier).  For example, I highlighted each line on her sheet of paper as well as the margin line using very sharp pencils.  Makes it look more like real notebook paper, don't you think?

I divided the pattern papers with a strip of Black Licorice MFT cardstock ran through my Cuttlebug with MFT's Notebook Die-Namic, and then wrapped it with a bit of Cherry Divine Twine from The Cat's Pajamas for visual interest.  

Here's a simple interior, made with a sheet of legal pad paper, that keeps with the theme and color scheme:

I can easily write a short, evenly spaced note on the inside, thanks to the lines. 

Lots of other MFT Designers are showing off YOU RULE today -- check Kim's Blog for a list of direct links to see more of this adorable gal in action.  The MFT mid-month release is on March 15th at 10 PM EST and includes the MFT VIP kit and the two new à la modes.

Don't forget to celebrate Pi Day with a nice, big slice of -- what else? -- PIE! 

 

Supplies used: Stamps: à la modes - You Rule by My Favorite Things; Paper: Solar White Classic Crest (Neenah), Red Hot & Black Licorice (MFT), Cosmo Cricket: The Boyfriend 6"x6" pad, Bitty Star Basics (PTI), legal pad; Accessories: Notebook Die-Namic (MFT); Cherry Divine Twine (TCP), Petite Oval & Scalloped Oval Nestabilities, ruler twill, Prismacolor pencils and odorless mineral spirits, sewing machine, dimensionals (SU!).

Kraftin' Kimmie March Blog Hop & Shop!

Hola, amigas!  Bienvenida to Kraftin' Kimmie's new release blog hop!  If you've just popped in, you can start from the beginning at the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge Blog.  If you've come my way via the delightful DONNA, you're on the right track. 

This month, Kraftin' Kimmie is releasing:

• Krafty Quotes #2, featuring four large sentiments -- perfect for scrappy cards and scrapbook layouts -- by Mother Teresa, L.M. Montgomery, Bette Midler and Lauren Bacall;
• Steven Leary's adorable Pirate Kids -- Barnacle Brad, Becky Broadsword, Cannonball Cameron, Cap’n Charlie and One Eyed Willie; and
• Annie Rodrique's newest Moonlight Whispers, the fabulous EVERYDAY GIRLS -- Angie (the morning coffee gal), Agnes (the baker), Brigitte (the bathtub babe), Caroline (the expectant mother), Diana (the new mama) and Lucy (the reader)

You'll see 'em all as you hop along, and if you decide you need an entire line, you can purchase a Gimme Kimmies Kit (which are available at a discount).

Today, I'm sharing a card I made with ANGIE.  When I stamped her out, I started thinking of that Donna Pescow sitcom, Angie, from the '70's.  Does anyone else remember that?  Anyway, that got me thinking I should give her red hair.  I also had the Rolling Stones song 'Angie' blaring in my head the whole time I was making this.  I've never really liked that song -- it's depressing (With no loving in our souls /and no money in our coats...).  But I LOVE this image, and I want a robe just like hers:

Red-heads always look so fetching in green, don't they?  I used my Nestabilities Labels Four to cut out the image and sentiment panel.  I masked Angie (Aaaa-yun-gie! <-- wail like Mick Jagger, please), then placed the Nestie frame back on top before airbrushing her background with my Copic Airbrush system.  Angie's robe is paper pieced in one of the four panels from Echo Park's For the Record: Vintage Linen 12"x12" paper. 

The next stop on today's hop is the terrific TARA.  Don't forget to leave comments on each and every spot along the hop, because some lucky stampers/commenters (plural!) will win packages of stamps from the new release!  And, of course, once you finish hopping you'll want to head over to the Kraftin' Kimmie store because all of the new images are available NOW! :)

Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge - Anything Goes!

Hey gang! I'm back with another version of AGNES, one of Annie Rodrigue's new EVERYDAY GIRLS, for today's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge.  Kimmie is today's challenge host, and her challenge is... anything goes!  So I decided to give myself the ultimate challenge: not only to use a stamp more than once, but to use it TWO DAYS IN A ROW!!!  Have you ever heard of such madness?! 

See for yourself...

As I mentioned in an email to THE Kimmie last night, Agnes has been gloating about how 'exhausted' she is to the 85% of my stamps that have yet to see ink.  She really thinks she's hot snot on a gourmet platter; let's hope she's whipping up something a bit more tasty than that dish, however.

I paper pieced Agnes's mu-mu and apron, then colored the rest of her (including her tube socks and itty bitty slippers :) ) with Copics.  See that teal Prima felt flower?  That was a present from my buddy, Michele, who also happens to be a Krafty Girl.  I used Jen's March Sketch For You To Try, which you can find on my sidebar.  Click on the button of the sketch and it will take you to the info post about how you can play along, if you're interested.

To see more KKS challenge samples using images from Kraftin' Kimmie's upcoming release (release day is tomorrow, by the way!), head on over to the KRAFTY BLOG.  You'll also find info about how you can play along in the challenge and win your choice of either BRIGITTE or CAP'N CHARLIE. 

Thanks for stopping by to see me today.  I hope you're having a great weekend so far, and I'll see you tomorrow for the Kraftin' Kimmie New Release Blog Hop!  Wooo-hooo!

Krafty Peeks, Day 3

It's day three of previews for the March release from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, and today's the day all of you Annie Rodrigue/Moonlight Whispers fans have been waiting for!  A lookie-lou at the new EVERYDAY GIRLS! This month, the 'Twisty Girls' (as my buddy Michele calls them) are just like you and me.  They aren't pirates or pinups or princesses -- instead, they're moms and bakers and bath-takers.  I love 'em, and I think you will, too.

Enough of my blabbing -- here's AGNES:

She's whisking up some tasty treats, and as she demonstrates, it's all in the wrist (as so many things in life are).  Agnes comes with one more sentiment and an accessory image, which I will show you tomorrow.  Now you have to come back! :)

I colored Agnes in with Copics on X-Press Blending Paper.  I used this week's Card Positioning Systems' sketch. (I'm always happy to let someone else do the hard part of coming up with a layout for me.  Color me lazy!)  I love the patterned paper I used -- it's "Kitchen Gadgets" by Doodlebug Designs; just purchased it yesterday from my LSS (Simply Scrapbooks, in Claremore, America, if you're ever in this part of the country).  A little eyelet, a little Divine Twine, and wa-la! 

Whisk on over to the KRAFTY BLOG to find direct links to all of the Krafty Girls and Guests with samples for your viewing pleasure.  Thanks for stopping by today, and I'll see you tomorrow, when I'll be back with another take on Agnes for the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps weekly challenge. 

 

Krafty Peeks, Day 2

It's Day 2 of Peeks for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps' March release.  Today, all of the Krafty Girls and Guests are sharing samples using the new Steven Leary images.  I've used two images on my card today, BARNACLE BRAD and BECKY BROADSWORD...

Aren't they a barrel full of swashbuckling fun?  I think they'll be perfect for birthday cards for Carter's friends.  Carter has an Imaginext pirate ship that's almost identical to Barnacle Brad's that he loves to play with.  For some reason, it's captained by Batman, but whatever.  No reason Batman can't have a ship of his own, is there?  After all that poor guy's been through, watching his parents get murdered, and Vicki Vale just disappearing into thin air after the first movie... For all of his technoligical prowess and fortune, poor Batman can't get a break.

But I digress.  My card is pretty straightforward.  I colored up the images with Copic markers and used yesterday's Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenge for the layout.  The sentiment is computer generated.  I printed the sentiment out on a piece of Copic's X-Press blending paper then stamped around it.  Easy-peasy!

Sail on over to the KRAFTY BLOG for links to more samples by the Krafty Girls and Guests.  I'll see you tomorrow with a peek of Annie Rodrigue's latest, greatest images: the EVERYDAY GIRLS!  You are gonna *LOVE* 'em, I promise!

Supplies used: Stamps: Barnacle Brad and Becky Broadsword from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Rockability dp by SU!, Bitty Star Basics dp by PTI, Black Licorice (MFT), Kiwi Kiss (SU!), Copic X-Press blending paper; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic markers, picture hanger, ribbon, dimensionals (SU!); Sketch: SCS SC323

Krafty Peeks, Day 1

As I mentioned over the weekend, I'm one of Kraftin' Kimmie's Krafty Guests this month.  Yay!  Today is the first day of peeks for the March release, and all hands are on deck to show you KRAFTY QUOTES #2.  The Krafty Quotes sets contain four good-sized quotes, designed to appeal to stampers and scrappers alike.

I've got a quote from Lauren Bacall to share with you...

Imagination

I used my all-time favorite embossing powder -- Ranger Embossing Antiquities - Verdigris -- to heat emboss this great quote.  I turned a Large Scallop Oval Nestabilities die cut on its side to make it appear 'cloud-like' against the sunny circle layer.  And of course, I couldn't resist using a die-cut kite to accent the featured sentiment.  I used this week's MojoMonday sketch, which is kind of a toughy, but I was pleased with how this turned out.  Bright and fun, just the way I like 'em! :)

Be sure to stop by the KRAFTY BLOG for direct links to all of today's samples by the Krafty Girls and Guests.  I'll see you tomorrow with a couple of cuties from Steven Leary.

Before I leave, I want to share something with you that fits pretty perfectly with the above quote.  If I don't do so today, I'm afraid that it will get lost in the shuffle and I'll forget.  But it's kind of a big deal, at least to me and mine.  Take a look:

There's Mr. Carter, my six year old kindergartener, playing in his first soccer game!  Over the Christmas break, he suddenly announced that he was going to play soccer this spring.  My response: "Sure, honey."  I didn't think much of it, and figured he'd forget about it. (For those of you who are not regular visitors to my blog, Carter has cerebral palsy.  Here's a longer version of his story, if you're interested.)  Apparently I was the one who forgot: I forgot who I was dealing with!  The most determined little person on the planet who has a memory like a steel trap... 

If imagination is a kite, Carter's definitely soars higher than mine.  I never would have imagined a couple of years ago, when we were still working so hard on learning to walk, that he'd one day be playing on a soccer team with his typically developing peers.  Carter, on the other hand, has never imagined there were any limits with respect to what he could do.  And let me tell you, when he has his mind made up about something?  It. Will. Happen.

So, about a month ago, I called up a friend (who is also the Director of his preschool 'alma mater,' and thus knows Carter very, very well) whose husband is very involved with our local recreational soccer league, and left a message asking her who I should talk to about seeing whether Carter could play soccer.  When she called me back, she said "He'll be on our team!"  And so he's playing on a team with a lot of his good buddies, who know him well and see Carter for Carter.  When another kid on the team innocently asked during a practice why Carter kept falling, a pal of his butted in and said "Carter just doesn't have good balance.  But that's okay!" and helped him up.  Though I was extremely nervous before the first practice, Carter wasn't a bit.  It went great, and he's so excited about being a Black Stallion (that's the name of his team).  Just one more reason I'm so very grateful for living in a small, supportive community.

Anyway, here Carter is, kicking off from the center line.  By this time, he had ditched the walker.  He didn't want to use it in the first place ("But, Mom! No one else has to use a walker!"), but his coach said that if he'd play two minutes with the walker, he could play the rest of the time without it. 

Of course, he did fall down quite a bit, but then he would either pop right up or one of his coaches would help him up.  Didn't phase Carter at all.  Boys were falling down left and right out there, anyway, so no biggie, you know?  Here's Carter throwing the ball in from the sidelines, with a little help from one of his wonderful coaches. 

After the game, the team gather round and on the count of three, they cheered "One-two-three: CARTER!" and made him feel like a million bucks.

It was freezing cold, but our hearts were warm.

Anyway, all of this is to say, I think I'm going to take a few cues from Carter, and let out the kite string more often.  Have a great day, and thanks for letting me share this happy moment with you.

 

Supplies used: Stamps - Krafty Quotes #2 by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps (to be released on 3/13/2011); Paper - Cosmo Cricket Togetherness: Kitestrings, Fossil & Red Hot (My Favorite Things), Crushed Curry (SU!), Natural White (Neenah); Ink: VersaMark, ColorBox Cranberry for inking edges; Accessories: Pinking Edge CutUps die from The Cat's Pajamas, Fly a Kite Die-Namic from My Favorite Things, Nestabilities - large circle, large pinking circle & large scallop oval, sewing machine, linen thread from The Cat's Pajamas, dimensionals (SU!); Sketch: MojoMonday #181

My Favorite Things Design Team -- March Creative Challenge

Howdy, homies!  Joanne issued one doozie of a Creative Challenge for the My Favorite Things Design Team this month: Die-Namics Home Decor.  In other words, we were challenged to create something to decorate our homes using MFT's exclusive Die-Namics dies. 

This challenge had a lot of my lovely teammates clutching their pearls, but not me.  See, I've had an idea brewing for a while.  It's based on an actual item in my home's entry way: a large, unusual collection of framed butterflies.  Take a look:

My husband and I bought this in Ouray, Colorado, on our 10th anniversary, and I love it.  It's so interesting and each butterfly is so beautiful.  I could stare at it for hours.  But...

I do feel a little bit bad about it, too.  I mean, basically, it's a bunch of dead animals encased in glass, right?

So, here's where this month's Creative Challenge comes into play: I decided to make a CRUELTY-FREE butterfly collection, using a recycled canvas, some paper, a few crystals and foam tape.  Here are the ingredients:

(The canvas is one of four fruit still-lifes I had in my kitchen before we remodeled last year.  They're 8"x8", a bit sun-damaged and don't go with our new decor.  I was going to give them to Goodwill, but hung on to them at the last minute, thinking I could alter them somehow.  I altered one this past fall, and this is my second to 'recycle.'  Aren't I just the greenest gal ever? ;)  )

And here's what they transformed themselves into:

Let me tell you, there was a whole lotta Cuttlebug churning going on in my craft room yesterday.  I'll probably be sore later, as that was definitely more resistance training than I regularly do.  And by "regularly," I mean "at all."  Just call me 'Noodle Arms.'

Here's a detailed view:

The background paper is the backside of 'Celebrate: Stars' by Teresa Collins.  All of the solid cardstock is from MFT (Banana Split, Berrylicious, Bubblegum, and Sour Apple), and the butterfly patterened papers are October Afternoon scraps I had laying around.  The blue, pink, and green crystals are Swarovski crystal MFT Adornments, and the yellow centers are Sunflower Yellow adhesive Rhinestones from Queen & Co.  (a present from my sweet friend, Michele).

Again, I used the BUTTERFLIES DIE-NAMIC for this project.

I can't wait to see what the rest of the gang came up with!  If you're interested in seeing more home decor items you can make using Die-Namics, then head on over to Kim's blog for a full list of the designers participating in this month's challenge.

Thanks for fluttering by to see me today!