Mother's Little Helper

Hats Off For Mojo Monday!

Good morning, glories!  It's the last Monday of the month, which means it's time to SHAPE UP!  Round or square?  It's up to you.  Here's what I came up with...

Based on this week's Mojo Monday Sketch (#193):

I needed a graduation card, and Grad Cat Sprinkle had yet to get inky this year, so I put her to work.  Not sure if you can tell from the pic, but she's heat embossed with Superfine Black embossing powder.  Her collar is blinged out with tiny little Swarovski crystals.  After I cut her out, and got ready to mount her on the grad cap background circle (created using The Cat's Pajamas' Grad Hats rubber stamp), I got to thinking she didn't *pop* enough, so I adhered her to MFT's Red Hot card stock and trimmed her out once more.  Much better!

For more Monday morning inspiration, be sure to stop by my fellow Mojo Makers' blogs and see what they've done with this week's sketch. 

• Julee Tilman
• Debbie Carriere
• Maria Gurnsey
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Stephanie Kraft
• Teresa Kline

Then, create your own version and post it to the Mojo Monday blog.  If you upload to an online gallery, make sure you use the keyword 'MOJO193' so we can shower you with compliments.

Have a wonderful day, filled with pomp and circumstance!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Grad Cat, Grad Hats, and Hats Off To You by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Red Hot (MFT), True Black (PTI), Georgia Pacific White, scraps from my stash; Ink: VersaMark, A Muse|Studio Cranberry; Accessories: Nestabilities Circles, Scallop Circles, and Petite Ovals Small, Superfine Black embossing powder by Ranger, zebra brad by Spare Parts, gingham ribbon, tiny red Swarovski crystals, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Store.

The Name on Everybody's Lips...

... is gonna be ROXY!

"Roxie" is one of my favorite songs from the 'Chicago' soundtrack.  Wouldn't that be a fun little number to perform, especially if one was as itty-bitty as Renee Zellwegger?  Anyway, before I go whole-hog off on that particular tangent, let me tell you about this week's KRAFTIN' KIMMIE CHALLENGE, of which I am the hostess!  Holla!

The challenge I've put forth is A STITCH IN TIME: create a card with HAND-STITCHING as an embellishment!  Isn't that a wonderful challenge?  (Please nod your head.)  I think so, too.  But some people (let's call them 'Jimmie' and 'Richele') act as if I were asking them to perform brain surgery... IT AIN'T THAT DIFFICULT, FOLKS!  All you need is a needle and thread.  And a weensie bit of gumption.  And perhaps a smidgen of backbone.  And maybe an iota of imagination.  That's all.  YOU CAN DO IT!

And if you do, and you link your creation to today's challenge post on the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge Blog?  You could win a Roxy stamp of your very own!  Woot-woot!  And of course, go to the KKS Challenge Blog to check out how Jimmie, Richele, and all the other Krafty Girls interpreted my homespun challenge.  You might also want to visit the Krafty Girls' blogs to tell them how much you LOVE this week's challenge... Just for kicks and giggles and my own personal satisfaction.

As for card details, I used some varigated (meaning multi-colored) metallic embroidery floss (2 strands) to backstitch around the pink cardstock layer.  Ugh.  It looks shiny and pretty, but it is a tempermental little diva of a floss to work with. The sketch is this week's Card Positioning Systems sketch (which happens to be hosted by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps).  I colored Roxy in with Copics and trimmed her out before popping her up on foam boosters from my pal Jody's Sticky Stuff Store.  She looks like the kind of gal who'd have an adventurous maroon streak in her hair, so I gave her one.  Her headband and shorts have a glittery coat of Copic Spica pen, but it's hard to see it from the pic. The patterned paper -- from Echo Park's A Walk in the Park 6"x6" pad -- dictated the color scheme.  The solid cardstock is SU! Pink Pirouette and Rich Razzleberry. 

One last fun fact to know and tell: I have a friend I graduated with from Barstow High School (class of '87 -- Go Aztecs!) named Roxanne who now does Roller Derby.  Really!  You should see how buffed she is.  Crazy good shape. (I know this from pictures on Facebook.) Another interesting fact about Roxanne: her mother is the one and only Byron Katie (bestselling spiritual author and teacher, creator of The Work, frequently on Oprah and in O Magazine, often teaches at the Omega Institute, etc.).  True story! 

Isn't the world a fascinating place?

Mojo {Monday} Risin'...

For those of you who are not classic rock afficianados, today's post title is a reference to Jim Morrison (lead singer of The Doors)'s alter ego, Mr. Mojo Risin'. He makes his first appearance in the song, 'LA Woman.'

Any Doors fans out there?  I went through a big Doors phase, myself, during 7th grade.  The Doors, The Who, The Rolling Stones... loved all of those old guys oh-so-much back in those days.  BUT THEN: in the 8th grade, God created Duran Duran, and I declared them "Good."  Plus, they were all alive and young.  Thus, I could potentially marry them (specifically, John Taylor, the bass player).  At least, that's what I told myself, as I literally wall-papered my room with their images and played nothing but their albums over and over and over again.  But please: do not ask me what a single Duran Duran lyric means, because after having listened to them as an adult, I have no freakin' clue.  As a little girl, I "got" them, but in my dotage? Not so much.

For example:

So why don't you use it?
Try not to bruise it
Buy time don't lose it
The reflex is an only child he's waiting in the park
The reflex is in charge of finding treasure in the dark
And watching over lucky clover isn't that bizarre
Every little thing the reflex does
Leaves you answered with a question mark

(The chorus to 'The Reflex' from the album Seven and The Ragged Tiger.  Don't ask me what that album title refers to, either, because no one knows.)

ANYWAY!

Ready to take a looksie at today's MOJO MONDAY sketch, #192?  Of course you are!  Here you go:

And here's my mirror-image take on it...

I used another one of the new SPORTY GIRL images from this month's FABULOUS Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps release.  I have to say, there are few things in stamping I enjoy more than playing with illustrator extraordinaire, Annie Rodrigue's Moonlight Whispers gals.  I'm happier than a pig in slop with these fresh and fun gals.  I love how all of Annie's illustrations have such a great sense of movement - nothing stiff or awkward about 'em.  Looking at the image above, can't you literally feel that little doggie pulling on the leash?  That's good illustration for you!

I used TORI and colored her and her pup in with Copic markers.  The sentiment is from a 7 Gypsies' 'Family Matters' 97% Complete sticker set (I LOVE those sticker sets, by the way, and have a VAST collection of them.  I really need to start using them more, because they're so much fun). I adhered the sticker to a Cuttlebug tag die cut and hung it from the skinny ribbon (as per my buddy Susan's order) with a jump ring from my stash by the now-defunct Junkitz (RIP).  Notice the little 'hill' I created beneath Tori's feat by using an old Creative Memories wavy cutter.  Pretty clever, no?

For more Monday morning inspiration, be sure to stop by my fellow Mojo Makers' blogs and see what they've done with this week's sketch. 

• Julee Tilman
• Debbie Carriere
• Maria Gurnsey
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Stephanie Kraft
• Teresa Kline

Then, create your own version and post it to the Mojo Monday blog.  If you upload to an online gallery, make sure you use the keyword 'MOJO192' so we can be sure to leave you snaps.

See you soon, amigas.  This is the end (of this post), my only friend, the end...

Supplies used:

Stamps: Tori by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Tail Waggers & Cat Naps quadrants by Bella Blvd., Bermuda Bay & Soft Suede (SU!), Copic X-Press Blending Paper; Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic Markers, Medium Scallop Border Die-Namic (MFT), Scallop Circle Punch (SU!), 1.5" Circle Punch (Creative Memories), Cuttlebug Tags die, orange 1/4" grosgrain ribbon, Junkitz Jump Ring, 7 Gypsies 'Family Matters' 97% Complete sticker, Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

TEXT Me!

Man, oh man!  Am I ever glad today is Saturday and this past week is OVER!  It was a roughy, for sure.  It's the end of May, which means the legislative session is drawing to a close.  DH is gone even more than usual, and by this time of year, I'm always frayed from four long months of holding down the fort on mostly my own.  Throw into that a heaping helping of adolescent angst, chaperoning kindergarteners on a field trip to the zoo, and having to sit in on your beloved baby's intelligence testing (after having a class on that very subject this semester, which means you have just enough knowledge about it to be dangerous) and not intervene or bely emotion?  As Anne Lamott would say, it's enough to make Jesus want to drink gin straight out of the cat dish.

Maybe Mandy has the right idea?  Who's Mandy, you ask?  Well, she's one of the new Sporty Girls from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.  I used her to complete this week's KKS Challenge.  Tara is our hostess, and here's her challenge to us: TEXT Me! Include text in some way on your card.

I've always wanted to practice yoga; I'd love to be flexible and centered and have one of those long, lean yoga bodies and look fabulous in stretchy clothes made from bamboo and other organic materials.  I'd have a whole wardrobe from the Gaiam and Athleta catalogs, and serenely bow and say "Namaste" to all I meet... 

Mandy was colored with Copic markers onto Copic's X-Press Blending paper, then trimmed out and adhered to the text paper which had been stamped with her image and had the grass and fuzzy blue outline colored and blended with Prismacolor pencils and Sansodor.  I used Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday Sketch from last weekend (SSSC #117) and made the card long note sized (3.5"x6").  The sentiment was stamped out on to a banner cut using The Cat's Pajamas' Easy Rosette CutUps die. 

For lots of text-y samples, head on over to the KKS Challenge Blog.  Want to play along and have the chance to win the new JANELLE stamp? Then be sure to post a link to your creation on the challenge blog.

Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you on Monday, bright and early, with the newest Mojo Monday sketch. 

  Namaste, peeps.

Supplies used:

Stamps: Mandy by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Kraft & Ocean Tides (PTI), Copic X-Press Blending Paper, 'For the Record' 6"x6" pad by Echo Park; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Marvy Matchables Black; Accessories: Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils, Sansodor, blending stumps, Nestabilities Petite Ovals and Petite Scallop Ovals, Easy Rosette CutUps banner die (The Cat's Pajamas), grosgrain ribbon (PTI), corner rounder (Creative Memories), scallop border punch (SU!), Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

Happy Bird-day, Bar!

Life is funny, you know it?  I don't want to go all Forrest Gump on you, but truly: sometimes life takes unpredictible twists and turns, and all of a sudden you get to KNOW someone you thought you've known for a while.  And then you realize that you didn't KNOW them at all, and you have an newfound appreciation for them.  Specifically, I'm thinking of my friend Barbara Anders, aka 'Bar', aka The Great Barbarino, aka The Birthday Girl!

I was acquainted with this gal for a couple of years via the MFT Design Team, but I've gotten to KNOW her over the past month and a half as I've been playing with the Color Throwdown Designers.  She is the PERFECT EXAMPLE of still waters running deep!  She's a genuine HOOT, and I can honestly say I love her more today than yesterday, but probably not as much as I will tomorrow.  So, of course, when Tammy (another total CHARACTER!) was covertly organizing a Birthday Blog Hop in Bar's honor, I immediately said "Yes, yes, yes!" like Sally did in that diner with Harry, so many years ago.

I'm assuming you're a good little blog hopper and that you started at the aforementioned Tammy 'the Hammer' Hershberger's, mosied through a few fabulous blogs and then came here immediately from another one of those SEEMINGLY quiet gals (you know, the one's Eddie Murphy warned about in 'Raw,' who just order salads at dinner), LeAnne Pugliese.  If so, then you're right on schedule. 

I needed to put something COLORF UL together to celebrate my fellow Color Throwdown sister, so here's what I came up with:

A colorful little array of birdies doing a version of the Can-Can on a telephone wire!  To be honest with you, I think someone might have spiked the birdbath with gin...

But no matter!  All the better to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY BAR!!!" 

 

We love you, chickie!  Now, go see what my Dirty Dozen teammate, the bodacious BETTY WRIGHT has in store for you and Bar today.

Thanks for stopping by, peeps!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Birthday Buddies & Hang Ups by Paper Smooches; Paper: Copic X-Press Blending Cardstock, Kraft (PTI), Pacific Point (SU!), Banana Split (MFT); Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Marvy Matchables Black; Accessories: Easy Rosette CutUps die (for the banner label) by The Cat's Pajamas, Copic Markers, airbrush system, embroidery flosss, Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

April/May JiFFy Challenge!

My JiFFy (Just For Fun) girlfriends and I have had such a crazy spring; it's been hard for all of us to get on the same page long enough to hammer down a challenge date!  Fortunately, though, we're back today, and I can't wait to see what my SWEET friends have put together.

You remember how we do this, right?  Each month (or something like that ;) ), one of us selects an image. 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!

Michele selected our current image: the very cute Little Peep's Heart by Stamping Bella.  Before Michele revealed the image, Alli sent us each some patterned paper: Chlorine Sprinkles and Lace and Apricot Sprinkles and Lace Sophisticates by Bella Blvd.  Umm... this was one of those months when it was a bit of a challenge.  A big old heart with sea foam green and apricot patterned paper.  Hmmm...

Finally, I had an idea...

I created a patchwork panel out of the little edge-inked squares of the patterned paper.  Then, I cut out the center of the image that Michele sent me, and let the patchwork panel show through the heart-shaped hole.  I like the way it turned out.  Necessity was definitely the mother of invention in this instance! 

As for the rest of the card, I colored the little peep with Copics, inked the background with PTI's Tea Stain duo, and covered the heart's scalloped edge with glitter.  I used Jen's Sketch For You To Try for April as my blueprint, and the sentiment is from Paper Smooches' Sentiment Sampler set.

I'm eager to see what my JiFFy gals and our very special JiFFy guest, the sensational Sherrie Siemens, came up with.  So let's head that way, shall we?  Over to these loverly ladies' blogs to see if they found it as difficult as I did to make this combo work... (probably not.  These gals are papercrafting super-geniuses, you know.)

• Michele Boyer
• Julie Campbell
• SWEET Lori Craig
• Alli Miles, and our special guest
• Sherrie Siemens

Supplies used:

Stamps: Little Peeps Heart by Stamping Bella, Sentiment Sampler by Paper Smooches; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tea Stain duo (PTI); Paper: Chlorine Sprinkles and Lace & Apricot Sprinkles and Lace by Bella Blvd., Aqua Mist and Kraft (PTI); Accessories: Copic markers, wooden buttons, linen thread from The Cat's Pajamas, Nestabilities squares and scallop squares, glitter, sewing machine, Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

Happy {Colorful, Flower-y} Birthday, Lori!

I'm sure by now you've heard that it's my SWEET, SWEET, oh-so-SWEET friend LORI CRAIG's birthday!  Rejoice, for she is a blessing to us all!  To paraphrase Olivia Newton-John, I honestly love Lori.  She's kind, fun, smart, and (did I mention?) sweet - all you could hope for in a friend.  She's the soul of discretion who revels in her friends' achievements and aches for them when they're hurting.  The best kind o' gal, that's our Lori.  So don't be surprised when you run across a ton of papercrafting blogs today, paying homage to our friend in a world-wide Birthday MOB!  If she's not your friend yet, you need to get to know her.  You'll love her - I GUARANTEE IT!  And if you don't?  I will send you a gift certificate to the Men's Warehouse.  So there!

To celebrate the Lovely Lori's special day, I'm combining two challenges: this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge and this week's Color Throwdown Challenge.  My precious friend Susan Liles is this week's Hipster Hostess With the Mostess and she's issued what might go down as the most difficult TCP Tuesday challenge in history: MAY FLOWERS - use any Cat's Pajamas stamps with flowers. 

Well.  One of the reasons I am oh-so-head-over-heels about The Cat's Pajamas is their distinct LACK of all things flowery!  It's true.  I'm flower-challenged.  *sigh*  But some how, I did fulfill this mission, as you'll see.

As for the Color Throwdown, this week's hostess is the beautiful and brawny, BRONI!!!  (BTW - for those of you that have wondered, Broni's name is pronounced like the paper towel and rhymes with 'Ronnie' <-- aka Leigh O'Brien's boyfriend.  That's how I had been pronouncing it in my mind, but the other day I asked Broni, as it occured to me that her name could possibly rhyme with 'Tony.'  Fortunately, it doesn't, so I can avoid a paradigm shift.  I hate shifting my paradigms almost as much as I hate doing laundry.)

Ready to see the sassy color combo Brawny Broni's throwing down?  Here you go...

What a wonderfully elegant-yet-fun mix... just like Miss Lori herself!  And with Lori and these challenges in mind, here's what I came up with:

Why, lookie there!  Grande Dame Sprinkle is throwing a birthday tea in Lori's honor (set used: Coffee, Tea, or Meow)!  See her table skirt? It's floral pattern was created by stamping the tiny flower image from the recently released Simply Said set with VersaMark on to Prism Intense Kiwi card stock.  Very little coloring, and lots of paper-piecing on this number.  Don't you love that fun little tag?  It's puffy and plastic coated, made by Making Memories, and has been in my stash for a while.  Isn't 'rediscovering' embellishments gratifying?  Does the sketch look familiar?  It should -- it's Jen's May Sketch For You To Try. :) I have to admit, I like this card a lot -- cute and classy (again, just like Lori!).  And it's on it's way to the Show-Me state as you read this. :)

Please be sure to visit Lori's blog and/or Facebook page today and wish her a wonderful day and year, filled with joy, love and laughter. 

If you want to participate in this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge, see THIS POST on Alma's blog for all of the details.  And I'm continuing my offer: if you combine the TCP Tuesday Challenge with the Color Throwdown challenge and send me a link?  I will happily send you a card made by yours truly! 

Be sure to visit all of my Color Throwdown homegirls to see what they've come up with this week's challenge and leave 'em some love:

• Tammy Hershberger
• Kristin Eberline
• Broni Holcombe
• Barbara Anders
• Danielle Kennedy
• Laura Pryor
• Cathy Rulli
  
• and May Guestie, Jen Mitchell

Wanna play along with us?  Of course you do!  Just use CTD142 when uploading to a public gallery and add your creation to the Color Throwdown blog using the linky tool.  Piece o' *BIRTHDAY* cake!

 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Coffee, Tea, or Meow? and Simply Said by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Prism Intense Kiwi, Basic Gray and Basic Black (SU!), MFT Perfect Paper Panel, "Green Onions" from Jillibean Soup's Egg Drop Soup line, Be Mine 6"x6" pad by Echo Park, b&w flower by Doodlebug Designs, b&w gingham by A Muse|Studio; Ink: Marvy Matchables Black, VersaMark; Accessories: May 2011 SFYTT sketch, Nestabilities Circles & Scallop Circles, lace from a Jody Morrow ribbon share, felt flower by Creative Cafe, button, gingham ribbon, Making Memories Sweets - tags card sayings, Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

It's Monday: Do You Know Where Your Mojo Is?

Here it is!  In the form of Mojo Monday Sketch #191:

And here's what I did with it, using last week's TCP Tuesday Color Challenge (Spring Moss, Bashful Blue, and Gray):

I used the precious Field of Pinwheels image from The Cat's Pajamas most recent release.  I airbrushed the background by making a mask out of Eclipse masking tape and TCP's Grass CutUps die.  I stamped the image on top of the airbrushed background, then stamped it again on white card stock, colored it in with Copics, trimmed it out, and adhered the colored images to the background.  Clear as mud?  Good.  I aim to edify!

Ready to see what all the Mojo Makers did with today's sketch?  I love waking up every Monday and seeing what the gang made with this week's sketch.  Julee's done a great job of amassing a unique blend of stamping styles amongst the Mojo Makers, so you're sure to find at least one creation that jumpstarts your own creativity.    Then, create your version of the sketch and link it to today's Mojo Monday blog post.  If you upload to a public gallery, be sure to use 'MOJO191' as a keyword so we can give you snaps. 

Here are links to all my Mojo Maker comrades - stop by and give 'em a little sugar for helping you rev up your mojo this May Monday morning:

• Julee Tilman
• Debbie Carriere
• Maria Gurnsey
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Stephanie Kraft
• Teresa Kline

In a little non-stamping related chatter, I have to show you this picture of my dog, Sweet Pea.  Remember me introducing you to her a few months ago?  Well, she's developed another peculiar habit.  See for yourself:

I took this picture from inside the house, looking out onto the back deck.  That's Sweet Pea, perched on top of one of our two barbeque grills (my husband needed both; don't ask).  She walks back and forth on top of them; it's her version of a deer stand, I suppose.  (You know, those tall things hunters wait on when they go out deer hunting.  I think.  I don't know the first thing about hunting, to tell you the truth.  Despite marrying a boy from Antlers, Oklahoma - aka Deer Hunting Capital of the World.)  I guess getting on top of the grills gives her a better view than just sitting on the deck itself.  Better for spying on wabbits, and all of the other critters she likes to chase around the yard. 

She's a weirdo, but she's our weirdo and we love her.  You should hear Carter babytalk to her: "Who's the pretty princess dog?  Who's our sweet girl?"  So cute!

Have a wonderful day, and thanks for visiting me!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Field of Pinwheels by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Neenah 110 lb. Natural White from The Cat's Pajamas, Amy Butler Lotus Mat Pad by K & Co., Spring Moss & Spring Rain (PTI), Basic Gray (SU!); Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Mojo Monday 191 Sketch, Grass Cut Ups die (The Cat's Pajamas), Eclipse masking tape, Nestabilities - Labels # 8 & Scalloped circles, 1 1/4" circle punch, corner rounder, Copic markers, Spring Rain grosgrain ribbon (PTI), American Crafts medium and mini brads in silver, sewing machine, Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

Kraftin' Kimmie May Blog Hop & Shop!

Hi ya, peeps!  Welcome to my stop on the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps new release Blog Hop!  Kimmie's done it again this month and is releasing loads of lovely RUBBER you won't want to live without.  Here's a summary of what's new:

• SIX new SPORTY GIRLS (including what's sure to become the bestselling, most beloved KKS image of all time, CAROLE) from the incomparable Annie Rodrigue's Moonlight Whisper's line;
• THREE images from KKS's brand new Cheryl Alger Designs line;
• Scriptual Quotes, which incudes FOUR favorite Bible verses; and
• FIVE new Dress Up Kids from Steven Leary

You'll have the chance to see most of the new images on the Hop, thanks to the spectacular skills of the Krafty Girls and some very special Krafty Guests.  If you want to start at the beginning (and trust me, you do!), then head over to the KKS Challenge Blog.  As you hop along, be sure to leave comments at each and every stop because some lucky, randomly selected commenters will win packages of stamps from the release.   And though you'll be a bit dizzy from all the eye-candy by the hop's end, don't forget to stop by the Kraftin' Kimmie shop because all of the new images are NOW AVAILABLE!

Ready to play a little ball?  Then let me show you what I made, featuring my favorite sport of all...

Meet KRISTA, a long-legged gal with a sweet pony-tail, stylish tennis outfit, and a KILLER backhand; don't let the bow fool you!  Now, Krista is ordinarily wearing kneesocks, as I'm sure you've seen on some of the other Krafty Girls' blogs, but I really wanted to see her in a little pair of pom-pon socks (remember those?), so I didn't ink the tops of her socks and left her legs bare. Her tennis court was 'paved' with ordinary ol' Georgia Pacific White Cardstock and measured rectangles of SU!s Garden Green. 

Krista was colored with Copic Markers on Copic X-Press blending card stock (my favorite for coloring these Moonlight Whispers girls).  She wields a Babolat raquet with a Tiny Twinkle Gem vibration dampener.  Her pom-pons are Twinkle Gems, too. The sentiment was stamped with VersaFine Archival Onyx Black ink onto a chipboard tennis ball sticker by Reminisce. 

Are you ready to hop-along?  You're in for a treat, because we've got a very special Krafty Guest up next for you: the lovely LORI IWANOWSKI!

Thanks for stopping by today, friends! 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Krista by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Copic X-Press Blending Card Stock, Really Rust & Garden Green (SU!), Georgia Pacific White; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaFine Archival in Onyx Black; Accessories: Copic markers, chipboard tennis ball sticker by Reminisce, Tiny Twinkle Gems from Taylored Expressions, Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

Krafty Peeks, Day 4/KKS Weekly Challenge

It's the day all of you Moonlight Whispers fans have been waiting for: Krafty Peeks of Annie Rodrigue's newest girls for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  Holla!!! It's only fitting, then, that this week's KKS Challenge Hostess -- Kimmie, herself -- has declared the current challenge theme to be: GIRLS ROCK! Here's a message from Kimmie, in her own words:

I believe that GIRLS ROCK!!! Don't you?? We are ALL strong and powerful individuals and I think we need to celebrate that fact with a challenge!! Let's make cards featuring GIRLS....and if you'd like to go one step further, make a card for a girlfriend and celebrate her strengths....or send her some encouragement! Let's support each other!!

Word, sister!  Is there any wonder that I love that gal?  And now that she's put out my new FAVORITE IMAGE OF ALL TIME, I love her even more!  It's my pleasure to introduce you to...
(Drum roll, please...)

CAROLE!!!

Isn't she oh-so-sporty in her pink & green running togs?  She actually comes with a bouncin' and behavin' ponytail, but I opted to not ink that part of her, for obvious reasons.  Chief among those obvious reasons: I only wear my hair long when I'm in Las Vegas (where I bought some while on a girls' weekend a couple of years ago, from a street vendor.  And that's all you need to know about that).

In honor of my lovely likeness, I am going to run a 5K tonight - my first since that nasty stress fracture I got while marathon training last fall.  But please: don't feel like you need to actually run to play with me in rubber.  Just buy me!  Love for sale!  Starting tomorrow, you can buy me and use me to your heart's content...

As for my card, I colored me in Copics and then trimmed myself out.  The three ribbon stripes are supposed to remind you of 'My Adidas' (my favorite brand of athletic shoe, as well as a kickin' song by Run-DMC).  They looked a little lonely, so I staggered a few buttons. 

Please go check out the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge Blog for links to all of the Krafty Girls and Guests showing peeks and playing in today's challenge, and instructions re: how you can play along in this week's challenge.  And be sure to leave all of us Peekers a comment to be eligible for the drawing; two lucky people will each win three of the six sporty Moonlight Whispers girls being released this month!

Gotta run, but I'll be back soon for the KKS New Release Blog Hop!

Supplies used:

Stamps: CAROLE! by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Emma's Shoppe 6"x6" pad by Crate Paper, Raspberry Fizz (PTI), Copic X-press blending paper, GP white; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, A Muse|Studio Ocean; Accessories: Copic Sketch & Spica markers, ribbon, buttons (PTI), Clouds Die-Namic (MFT), Linen Twine (The Cat's Pajamas), Jody Morrow's Foam Boosters.

Krafty Peeks, Day 3: My Cute Engineer!

Oh goodness.  Let me just say from the get-go to all you folks with Blogger: Ugh!  What a total PITA!  I truly hope whatever's going on gets cleared up pronto.  Can you imagine what kind of unholy havoc is going on at Blogger's corporate offices right about now?  Heads are going to roll...  Gives me the shivers. 

But you're not here to read about current events, are you?  Nope, you're here to hang out with little ol' me, and I so appreciate that.  You also maybe here to see another preview of the new stamps being released on Sunday, May 15, by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.  I appreciate that, too.  Or you could be here because you Google searched 'Master Cleanse' or 'TCB in a Flash.'  I get a lot of that.  Whatever your reason...

 Now I'll quit abusing your goodwill and get the show on the road, before you try to figure out whether Blogger is working yet...

I started out this week showing you a picture of my eldest.  How about we celebrate Friday with a cute two-fer, wherein I give you a lookie-loo at one of the new Steven Leary kiddo images and my youngest?

When I saw this cute image of a little guy playing trains, I knew I needed to combine it with photo of my lil' conductor, Carter.  Even at the ripe old age of 6, Carter still loves his Thomas trains. I took this picture yesterday.  One of these days, I'm going to have to take that Christmas tree down...  KIDDING!  The photo was taken last Christmas morning.  The sad thing?  I bet you believed me as you know something like that is entirely possible, coming from me. 

Here's a close up of the image.  Isn't he sweet?!  So perfect for making cards and scrapbook pages, etc., for train-loving little guys.  I don't believe I've ever seen a similar image, have you?  Surely I would have found it by now if it was out there.  I kept the coloring light to be harmonious with the lighter patterned paper I Mod-Podged to the frame.  Adhered some Thickers foam letters by American Crafts, and wa-la!  Almost instant home decor!  I had all of the supplies in my stash and didn't have to buy a thing to make this.  Love it when that (rarely) happens!

I'm writing the following assuming the Blogger issues get resolved soon (fingers crossed)...

For a list of links to all the Krafty Girls and Guests (and we have an AMAZING line up of Krafty Guests this month: Kerry Johnson, Inge Groot, and Taylor Usry!) participating in today's Krafty Peeks of Steven Leary's images, head over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge Blog.  Kimmie's good and generous mood continues: for everyone who leaves comments on all of today's Krafty Peekin' blogs, two lucky people will win full sets of the new Steven Leary images!  (Personally, I attribute these grand giveaways as a celebration of my joining the design team.  Because I'm vain like that.)  Besides the one I've used - Engineer Ethan - the other images being released are: Cupcake Cory, Nurse Nellie, Brady the Builder, and Kitty.  So, two people will win FIVE stamps!  Not bad for just leavin' a few comments!

I'll be back tomorrow with this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge and another Peek.  OF. MY. NEW. FAVORITE. IMAGE. OF. ALL. TIME!!!!!!!!!!  I'll give you a hint: it's a new Moonlight Whispers image. 

 

Have a wonderful Friday, friends!  Thanks for coming by today.

 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Engineer Ethan by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: It's a Boy Choo Choo by KI Memories, Copic X-Press blending paper; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: 'Finish It' 4"x6" Memory Frame by DecoArt, Anita's All-Purpose Acrylic Craft Paint (White), Thickers - Subway (white) by American Crafts, Copic Markers, sandpaper, Mod-Podge, Jody Morrow's foam boosters, photo of the cutest little guy in the world

Krafty Peeks, Day 2: Scripture Quotes

Happy Thursday, lovelies!  It's day 2 of Krafty Peeks (previews of all the latest and greatest from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, which will be available for purchase this Sunday, May 15), and today we're showing you the latest set of Krafty Quotes.  This set is called Scripture Quotes #1 and features four favorite Bible verses. 

I made a card with the one that seems to get read at every wedding I've ever attended; it was probably even read at my own, though I honestly can't remember. Isn't that terrible?  But, as you might imagine, I wasn't one of those girls who was crazy into wedding planning.  In fact, the planner who helped us said I was the easiest bride she had ever worked with.  Which pretty much means I let her do whatever she wanted.  I do the same thing with my hair stylist.  'Just make me look good...'  And then during the actually wedding?  I was crying the whole time (of course) and trying to figure out how to wipe my runny nose.  I ended up just wiping it with my hand then wiping my hand on my dress.  Gross, but what are you gonna do? 

Sorry for the digression.  But back to that Bible verse.  Surely you know of which one I speak.  Say it with me now: "Love is patient, love is kind..."  Actually, it's such an oft quoted verse that it's sort of become cliche.  But you know, that's the thing about cliches: they become that way because they are so very true.  If you read closely and contemplate on these verses, and as you do so, consider the people you love and who love you...

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.

Doesn't it make your heart feel full? 

I heat embossed the sentiment with copper embossing powder, then sponged on the pink chalk ink with the Nestabilitie frame still on to keep the border white.  Then, wanting the border to stand out from the doily in the background, I inked around the edges with PTI's Tea Stain duo.  See the ribbon treatment?  I made that using some pearly things (called flower sprays) I found in Michael's wedding area.  Didn't really know what I'd end up doing with them at the time.  Since this could be used as a wedding card, I thought I'd shove 'em in the bow and call it good. :)

Head on over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge Blog for links to all of the Krafty Girls showing off this set today.  And, just like yesterday, a set of Scripture Quotes is going to be given to some lucky person!  All you have to do to be eligible is leave a comment on all of the Krafty Peekin' (not to be confused with 'Cotton Pickin' ' {hee}) blogs.

Have a love-filled day, and I'll be back tomorrow!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Scripture Quotes #1 by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Madeline 6"x6" paper stack by Prima, Melon Mambo & Chocolate Chip (SU!); Ink: VersaMark, Chai & Chamomile Tea Stain Duo (PTI), ColorBox Pink Pastel Fluid Chalk; Accessories: Ranger Copper embossing powder, satin ribbon, sewing machine, heart paper doily by Little Yellow Bicycle, pearl floral sprays by Modern Romance (Michael's), Nestabilities Labels One, Jody Morrow's white foam boosters.

Krafty Peeks, Day 1/Color Throwdown!

Howdy, friends!  Are you ready to hear from me DAILY through at least next Monday?  Now, now.  Quit jumping up and down in your chair.  You're going to break something or fall down, and then we'll both feel bad.  But I do appreciate your enthusiasm.

What was I saying?  Oh, yes: it's time for KRAFTY PEEKS, that oh-so-special time of the month (not to be confused with... okay.  Not going there... even I have limits) when the Krafty Girls show you the latest & greatest from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps before the big Sunday release!  And, since it's Wednesday, it's also time to get colorful with the COLOR THROWDOWN!  Which means today, you're in for a two-fer!  Go ahead, pinch yourself just to prove this isn't a wonderful dream - this is your life!  Ain't it grand?!

So.  Let's get started, shall we?  Today's Color Throwdown is being hosted by Danielle, and she was inspired by 'Gertie' from My Mind's Eye's Stella and Rose line.¹ Are you ready to see what combo she's throwing down?  Here goes...

Fun, summery colors, no?  Here's what I came up with, using an image by Kraftin' Kimmie's brand new illustrator, Cheryl Alger:²

Isn't he cute?  He's called LITTLE SUMMER BOY; be sure to check out the KKS Challenge blog for links to all the Krafty Girls giving you peeks today to see Cheryl's other images.  If you want to know even more about Cheryl, be sure to read footnote #3³.  To celebrate the addition of Cheryl to KKS's roster of illustrators, Kimmie is generously giving away a whole set of Cheryl's new stamps!  Just leave comments on all of the Krafty Peeks being shown today to be eligible for the random drawing (again, links to all of the participating designers can be found HERE).  The winner will be announced on the KKS Challenge blog tomorrow.  Yippee!

So, now you've got your marching orders.  Visit the Krafty Girls' blogs and leave comments to win all of Cheryl Alger's images being release this month (there are three:  Little Summer Boy, Little Summer Girl, and Spring Friends).  Then, go see all of my Color Throwdown homegirls to see what they've come up with this week's challenge and leave 'em some love:

• Tammy Hershberger
• Kristin Eberline
• Broni Holcombe
• Barbara Anders
• Danielle Kennedy
• Laura Pryor
• Cathy Rulli
  
• and May Guestie, Jen Mitchell

Wanna play along with us?  Of course you do!  Just use CTD141 when uploading to a public gallery and add your creation to the Color Throwdown blog using the linky tool.  Piece o' cake!

See you tomorrow, folks!

Footnotes:

1.  Why do patterned papers have to have THREE NAMES, these days?  It's so confusing... 'Gertie' is actually one 6"x6" pad I don't have.  Okay, I'm going to digress, so bear with me.  It's stamping/papercrafting relevant.  I've got the greatest deal going on with my LSS, Simply Scrapbooks in beautiful NeMar Center (or as we say in my family, The NeMar.  Because we're dorks) in lovely Claremore, America, hometown of Will Rogers.  Everytime they get a shipment in with an 8"x8" or smaller paper pad, they put one behind the counter and give me a call.  I'm a regular customer (of course!), and I used to come in and ask for this or that, and they would be sold out.  I would prostrate myself on the sales floor, kicking and screaming and gnashing my teeth to powder.  It got embarrassing for everyone involved, so we came up with this plan, and it's worked perfectly.  Even though I don't have 'Gertie.'  I'm thinking maybe they don't carry MME?  But I do have all of the Echo Park, Crate Paper, October Afternoon, We R Memory Keepers, and a few others.  I pretty much have abandoned using 12"x12" paper all together.  I should just get rid of my stash.  Think how much room I would have!  But then think how much $$$ I have in all that paper... Actually, don't.  I don't want to go there.

2.  Growing up in Virginia, I lived next door to a family named the Algers.  I wonder if she's related?  They had this big (to me at the time) Airedale Terrier named Beckett that I used to play with through our adjoining fence.  Big Navy family.  In fact, I think all three of their sons (who were older than me) ended up going to the Naval Academy.  I'll have to ask my sister if that's right... Aren't you fascinated by this random stream of consciousness? 

3.  Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps is thrilled to introduce a new artist to the mix....her name is Cheryl Alger! You may recognize her name from Sassy Cheryl's where she creates digital art. Cheryl is creating a brand NEW line of images, specifically for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps! These stamps will ONLY be available at Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps and ONLY as unmounted rubber stamps! Now here's a bit about Cheryl!

     I grew up outside of Staunton, Virginia, but now live in the Richmond, Virginia. I absolutely LOVE to draw and always carry a small sketchbook with me in case inspiration strikes me while I'm out and about.
     I have been creating digital art now for about 12 years now and have licensed my work to companies such as Kohl's, Hobby Lobby and Shopko, among others, for over eight years. I started creating digital images about two years ago. It's been a lifelong dream to become a working artist, and besides deadlines, I LOVE everything about what I do! It really helps that I have a very supportive husband and son (they also can be my biggest critics! I have to admit, I LOVE my job!

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Little Summer Boy (Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps); Paper: gingham from 'Hometown Summer' 6"x6" pad by Pink Paislee, aqua swirl from 'Summer Days' 6"x6" pad by Echo Park, saffron stripe from 'Springtime' 6"x6" pad by Echo Park, Copic X-Press Blending Paper, Rose Red & So Saffron (SU!); Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic markers, Circle Nestabilities, Glossy Accents, paper piercer, wide grosgrain ric rac ribbon & foam boosters from Jody Morrow.

Mo' Mojo

Happy Monday, friends!  I hope all of you had a wonderful Mother's Day.  Are you ready to start the week with a new MOJO sketch?  Your wish = my command...

It's graduation season, which always has making stuff in Claremore's school colors of red, black, and white.  And if I can find something cute with a zebra (our mascot) on it?  All the better!  For today, I've got an all-purpose, Claremore-perfect card that could go to anyone for just about anything.  Take a look:

The cute zebra is called just that: Cute Zebra, from Your Next Stamp.  I heat embossed him on to white card stock, then colored his mane and inner ears with Copics.  The sentiment is from Paper Smooches' Sentiment Sampler, in sweet Kim's distinctive handwriting, and was heat embossed using China Red embossing powder from Powder Keg. 

Wanna see another cute zebra?  Here's my oldest, Truman, right before the big 8th grade dance last Friday night:

Hard to believe he's getting so old, so fast.  Don't get me started...

Head on over to the Mojo Monday blog to see what Julee and the rest of the Mojo Makers have created to inspire you.  Then, use this sketch (MOJO190) to make a little somethin'-somethin' and link it back to today's post so we can oooh and aaah over it.  Don't forget that the May Mojo Madness contest winners will be announced this Wednesday; up to seven people will win the Verve set of their choice!

Have a great day, and I'll be back on Wednesday for the Color Throwdown and previews of the latest and greatest from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.  Peace out!

 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Cute Zebra (Your Next Stamp), Sentiment Sampler (Paper Smooches); Paper: Pure Poppy & True Black (PTI), white & black flower (Doodlebug Designs), swiss dot (Making Memories), bandana (Creative Memories), Georgia Pacific white; Ink: VersaMark; Accessories: MOJO190 sketch; China Red embossing powder from Powder Keg, Ranger Superfine Detail black embossing powder, Nestabilities rectangles and scalloped rectangles, corderoy, zebra and ribbon brads by Spare Parts (Hobby Lobby), Copic Markers, ribbon, Jody's foam boosters.

Super Saturday!

It's not very often that I show two cards in one day (I don't like to spoil you), but I'm making an exception because today is the first Saturday of the month - which always means a new Sketch For You To Try, as well as Kraftin' Kimmie's weekly challenge.  Therefore?  You's in luck! 

Let's start things off with this month's Sketch For You To Try...

Jen's put together another great sketch this month, and we're lucky enough to have a wonderful company sponsoring us!  Your Next Stamp has truly become one of my favorite stamp companies.  Not only are their images adorable, but Karen Dedman (who owns the company) is a total sweetheart; I haven't had the opportunity to meet her in person yet, but I know when we eventually do, it will be with a great big hug and like meeting an old friend.  Your Next Stamp sells not only their wonderful cling mounted rubber stamps, but also lots of other items like the latest 6"x6" paper pads and trendy embellishments.  Karen provides terrific customer service, and is really generous.  For example...

Your Next Stamp is offering a 10% discount for SFYTT participants for the entire month of May!  All you have to do is enter coupon code SFYTTMAY.  Awesome, huh?  Thanks for sponsoring us this month, Karen!

So, are you ready to see this month's sketch?  Take a look...

And here's what I did with it, using Your Next Stamp's winsome Just Swimming By Mermaid:

Isn't she a cutie?  And I love the sweet little octopus that comes in the set.  There are actually 8 separate stamps in this set, including the sentiment I used above; lots of options!  I colored the little mermaid and octopus with Copic Markers and then highlighted them with Stickles.  I wanted to do something in the upper left hand corner, and I though it would be a good time to use up some of the THOUSANDS of Robin's Nest Dew Drops I have.  I wanted to keep the accents pink, but the pink Dew Drops didn't stand out enough.  I solved that problem by punching 3/8" circles of card stock and then gluing the Dew Drops on top.  Pretty tricky, huh?

Be sure to stop by Jen's blog to see what she and the Designer of the Month, Kerri Michaud have put together.  Then, swim on over to my SFYTT Sister's cyber coves to see what fetching finery they've created, and be sure to give our newest SFYTT Sister, the wonderful Jen Tapler (a fellow OU alum -- BOOMER SOONER!) a super-warm welcome!

• Amber Hight
• Amy Sheffer
• Jen Tapler
• Jodi Collins
• Kelly Lunceford
• Kerry Johnson
• Megan Lock
• Sony Christoph
• Susan Liles
• Terri Moore

Moving right along...

I'm excited to be participating in my *first* Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps weekly challenge as a Krafty Girl!  Fellow Krafty Girl Tracy is this week's hostess and she's challenging everyone to get crafty with KRAFT!  That's my sorta challenge... I adore Kraft paper and grab for it often.  Here's what I came up with, using the Caroline image from KKS's Moonlight Whispers line...

I needed to make a gender-neutral baby shower card for a wonderful friend and our long-time babysitter to use for a baby shower.  In addition to kraft, I used Kaisercraft's Nan's Favourites 6.5"x6.5" patterned paper pad, then gave it a pop of color with a panel of PTI's Pure Poppy.  The heart fastener is by Heidi Grace, and I also used my Sentiment Flags die from Lil' Inker Designs (this is a super versatile die, by the way.  If you don't have it?  You need it!  I'm just sayin'. :) )

You know how much I love a two-fer... why not use the SFYTT and some kraft and kill two challenge birds with one stone?  One random particpant in this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge will win his/her stamp of choice!  You could get some of those cute new Moonlight Whispers fairies... Then again, by the time the drawing occurs, you'll only have to wait one day for next week's NEW RELEASE!  Previews start this Wednesday.  And can I just tell you?  One upcoming image has already become MY NEW FAVORITE IMAGE OF ALL TIME!!!!  You'll see why one week from today!!!

 

This card is also a nice way to wish all of the mothers reading this post a wonderful, relaxing Mother's Day!  Hope you get a chance to put your feet up and have someone pamper you!