Mother's Little Helper

Hambo In the House!

Guess what, piglets?  I've had somethin' special on my calendar for a while now... My good buddy/kindred spirit Libby Hickson asked if I'd consider being a Hambo Stamps Guest Designer a while ago.  CONSIDER IT?!  But of course!  I mean, have you seen Hambo Stamps? (If you haven't, stop everything you're doing and go to the Hambo website immediately.  Come back to me in a couple of hours, once you've finished combing through their awesome inventory of cute, cartoon-y and oh-so-funny stamps.) My response to Libby-Libby-Libby (on the label-label-label) was: what took you so dang long to ask me?!

It took me forever to decide which image I wanted to play with.  Hambo's mime CRACKS ME UP, as does Chief Hambooli.  Speaking of cracks, there are several images' with those on display, if you catch my drift.  I, for one, can't not giggle at a butt crack; I just don't have it in me.  As funny as Hambo's images are, for me, it's their sentiments that steal the show. 

But ultimately, I was drawn to this precious image...

Isn't it sweet?  Here's the inside...

 

Didja fall for it?!  Didja really think I'd take this... this... OPPORTUNITY to actually be reverent?  Oh, people.  Don't you know me at all? {hee}

I used Hambo's Manger image and paired it with their Stable-Born Fractured Funnies.  I showed it to Truman and he thought it was a hoot.  "Hillbilly" is actually a term we use frequently around our house, in homage to Lynn & Alex, a (male) gay couple from West Hollywood, who were on The Greatest Race several seasons ago.  At one point, another team was passing or gaining on them, and one of them said "Oh, no!  It's the HILLBILLIES!"  For whatever reason, that captured the Burrage family imagination, and years later, we still quote them.  Anyway, Truman is looking forward to giving this card to his Uncle David for his birthday next month.

Another good thing about this sweet image?  It's versatile!  Hambo also has some lovely, traditional Christmas sentiments that coordinate with it, as well.

Card details:

• The manger and stable were paper-pieced using thin wood-veneer paper from The Cat's Pajamas.
• I hand-stitched the border around the Brocade Blue oval layer with embroidery floss.
• The starry paper is from October Afternoon's Campfire 8"x8" pad.
• Animals and baby were colored with Copics.

Thanks again to lovely Libby and Monica and Tim from Hambo Stamps for allowing me to have a little fun with them!  This definitely won't be the last Hambo Stamps you'll see from me!

Super Saturday!

Is today your lucky day or what?  I've got not one but TWO cards to show you today!  You know I'm violently opposed to spoiling my readers and my children, but sometimes Mother feel too lazy to uphold her usual high standards.  Consider this a version of "You can just take a bath tomorrow..."

How does showing you two cards in one day make me lazy, you ask, when clearly I've been a productive little crafter?  Well, here's the deal: it's actually a way for me to cut corners and only write one blog post.  See, I've got this sadistic professor this summer, and she's making my life a wee bit miserable at the moment.  On Monday, in one single class, I have THREE papers due and a mid-term!  I also have a mid-term in the class that follows.  Thus, I have miles to go before I sleep for the next couple of nights, and shaving off a blog post helps.

Confession over.  Ready to see what I've got up my sleeve? 

Kraftin' Kimmie Weekly Challenge

First off, it's time for this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge (#84), hostessed by my sweet friend and one of my favorite stampers, the magnificent MICHELE.  She's come up with the very seasonally appropriate challenge to MAKE A SPLASH! Create a card or project with a water theme.....beachy, rain, underwater, pool...anything wet or watery!

I had yet to get KKS's newest illustrator, the extraordinary Emilie Goulet's, cute crab CARLOS inky, so this challenge was the perfect opportunity...

I wanted to keep it pretty clean and gender neutral, as I've got two guys with August birthdays in mind this might be a good one for.  One (Class Act Brad - I've mentioned him over the years) likes to have crab boils and always invites us over for them, and the other is Carter's sand castle building buddy every time we take our biannual family beach vacations.  And get this - both of their birthdays are on Aug. 24.  Freaky-deaky, no?

Head on over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge blog to see all the wet 'n' wild creations the Krafty Girls AND for a special announcement about our newest Krafty Girl!  I'll give you a couple of hints as to who it is: I'm oh-so-happy to be playing with this Canuck again, as she is one of my favorite PeoPLe!  Also check out how you can play along and win the gorgeous Moonlight Whisper's NERISSA stamp that Michele is working with today.

SFYTT, Sponsored By Stamping Bella

Speaking of Canucks, Jen's Sketch For You To Try Team is so fortunate to have the one and only STAMPING BELLA sponsoring us this month.  As longtime readers know, I'm a HUGE fan of da Bella.  Bella images were one of my first stamping loves, and I've had the good fortune to hang out with Emily in person several times(she is a BLAST!).  I even did a short stint as a Bella Babe before I took my year-long hiatus from design team work a while back.  So I speak with authority when I say that STAMPING BELLA is definitely one of the best businesses in the industry.  Every product Emily sells is on or ahead of the trends and has been carefully vetted by the Bella Herself.

To refresh your memory, here's the June SFYTT:

And here's what I did with it, using Bronte and Louis by Mo Manning:

And here's a closer look at the image...

I just fell in love with that sweet and oh-so-apt drawing of a little boy and his dog; definitely reminded me of Carter and Sweet Pea (aka 'Pretty Princess Dog' or 'Ninja Princess Dog,' as Carter and I say in baby talk to her, dozens of times a day.  For some strange reason, neither Sean nor Truman find her as charming as we do.  Weirdos).  I had trimmed some webbing from her electric fence collar a while back and kept it, thinking I might be able to use it somehow, and it actually came in handy!  I think that's first.

Other card details?

• It's an unusual size - 4.5 x 7 (I think) - in order to fit all the elements I wanted to fit in. 
• The patterned paper is from Crate Paper's Toy Box Collection 6"x6" pad.
• The cork is from My Favorite Things.
• I did a little hand stitching around the navy square with red DMC embroidery floss.
• The sentiment is computer generated (font: Rockwell), which I then circle punched and adhered to the tag, then attached to the ribbon slide with a jump ring.
• The ribbon slide is from an old SU! Hodge Podge hardware collection.

Okay, friends.  That's all I 've got for you today, but I've got a full week of stuff in the works, beginning with Mojo Monday.  Please send thoughts of loving kindness and good energy my way so that I'm able to finish everything I've got on my super-sized plate.

 

Bearing {Red} Sunflowers

It's Day 2 of Sneaky Peek Week and it's Wednesday, which means it's time for the COLOR THROWDOWN. Ordinarily, I'd say that was the happiest of coincidences, but when I sat down to work this week's color combo with the Sneaky Peek Set of the Day... conundrum!  I'll show you what I mean.

Today's Color Throwdown Hostess is the oh-so-eminent KRISTIN EBERLINE, stamp and digi-paper designer extraordinaire.  Kristin's come up a berry-licious color combo, having gotten the idea from looking at a beautiful photo of a bowl of strawberries.  Ready to see what she's throwing down?  Here goes...

Looks good enough to eat, doesn't it?  So, what's my problem, you're asking.  Well, first let me show you the FABULOUS new image I'm supposed to work with and give you a look-see at today:

It's called BEARING FLOWERS; isn't PJ with that yummy sunflower the most delightful thing you've ever seen?!  A beautiful color combo with an adorable image - again, so what's my problem?  Well, when I think of bears and sunflowers, I think of green and yellow, and maybe brown and blue, too.  Not pink and red and black and sage.  I just couldn't see how the marriage of these two gorgeous things wouldn't produce an ugly offspring.  I even lamented (okay, whined) as much to my Color Throwdown girls. 

Then, Kisa Peters came to my rescue!  "What about cherry cobbler sunflowers?" she asked, with an attached photo that looked a little something like this:

The hallelujah chorus instantly started playing on my mental soundtrack!

Come to find out, there are quite a few varieties of red sunflowers, the most popular being Moulin Rouge, Prado Red, and Velvet Queen.  Learn something new every day, don't you?!  In fact, they can't be too terribly unusual, as they made it on to these stamps issued by the Canadian postal service: (By the way, has that Canadian postal strike ended yet?  Please tell me yes, as I'm waiting on a very IMPORTANT bundle of stamps from a Canadian stamp company.  Not to mention the fact that some of my favorite stamp companies and stampers are Canadian and a postal strike has GOT to be making them cray-cray.)

If you've sat through all this chatter, surely you're ready to see what I've come up with, right?  Here it is:

Do you likey?  I have to say, I was very happy with how it turned out.  Who woulda thunk?!  See that field of sunflowers PJ is standing in front of?  That was created using the brand new ROSETTE SUNFLOWER CutUps die.  I have to say, I like it flat every bit as much as it all done up fancy, rosette-style.  A die that can give you multiple looks for a single outlay of dough-re-mi = a bargain!

I happened to run across some sage thread in my baggie of thread spools inherited from my mom.  I haven't ever actually bought thread in my life - I just use whatever is in the big baggie she gave me.  Finding sage thread is a score, though!

PJ's glittery flower was created via Martha Stewart Crafts' Garnet glitter.

Oooh!  Here's a good tip for you Copic users.  Thanks to a very generous Mother's Day present from my guys, I have all but a few of the Copic Sketch markers.  And you know what?  There isn't a match for Sage Shadow in the lot!  I was able to come up with a perfect match, though, by first coloring with BG72 Ice Ocean, then layering G20 Wax White on top.  I did the same layering of colors with my Copic Airbrush system and aircompressor to create the background color for the sentiment tag.

For links to my fabulous fellow Cat Pack-ers who are also giving Sneaky Peeks of BEARING FLOWERS today, visit Alma's blog.  All of the details regarding this week's Color Throwdown can be found on the Color Throwdown Challenge blog. 

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

• Kristin Eberline
• Broni Holcombe
• Barbara Anders
• Danielle Kennedy
• Laura Pryor
• and June Guestie, Betty Wright

Wanna play along with us?  Of course you do!  Just use CTD147 when uploading to a public gallery and add your creation to the Color Throwdown blog using the linky tool.

 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Bearing Flowers by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Sage Shadow, Basic Black (SU!), Prism - Blush Red Dark, pink gingham from A Muse | Studio, Copic X-Press Blending Paper; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Rosette Sunflower and Grass CutUps dies, Cherry Divine Twine (The Cat's Pajamas),  Copic Markers & Airbrush System, sage sewing machine thread, Nestabilities Double-Ended Tag trio, Garnet glitter by Martha Stewart Crafts, redline circles, tape, and foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

At Last!

Finally, finally, finally!  SNEAKY PEEK WEEK is here!  It's been far too long since The Cat's Pajamas has given the people what they want: MORE, MORE, MORE!  The waiting is definitely the hardest part; you were right, Tom Petty.  (He reads my blog, you know.  At least in my mind, he does...)

Head on over to Alma's blog to see which set is being Peek'd today, and links to Cat Pack-ers and Swanky Stampers showing it off.  I promise - they will WOW you!

And another thing... are YOU In It To Win It?  All you have to do is chatter with us on THIS THREAD in our Splitcoaststampers Member Company Forum and you will be eligible to win the Sneaky Peek stamp set of the day.  I pop in there often and would love to chew the fat with you.  'Chew the fat'... what an odd expression... and kinda gross, too, don't you think?

Speaking of odd, a little gross, but extremely entertaining - have you seen Weird Al's latest take on Lady Gaga?  I have to say, I'm sorta fascinated by Weird Al's head on this gorgeous, FLEXIBLE female body.  And the song is pretty funny, too.  What do you think?  Too weird, not weird enough, or just right?

 

Sneaky Peekin' Mojo Monday

Guess what, everybody?  Your wait is almost over - in a little more than seven days, BRAND NEW stamps and dies from THE CAT'S PAJAMAS will be released!!!  Pinch yourself, because you are NOT dreaming!  I know I've been accused of hyperbole in the past, but it's my personal opinion that the reaction to this release will make Beatlemania look like a collective case of minor indigestion.  Mmm-hmm.  It's THAT big. 

Now, Sneaky Peek Week doesn't officially begin until tomorrow, but fortunately for you, I've got friends in high places.  A certain Miss Meowy gave me permission to use one of the new release images a day early so that Mojo Monday's many many fans would get an exclusive lookie-loo.  Wasn't that generous of her?  I think so, too.

So, are you ready for me to quit tellin' and start showin'?  Well, why didn't you say so?  First, let me show you this week's wonderful MOJO MONDAY sketch (#196), courtesy of the Mojo-est of them all, JULEE TILMAN:

And here's what I've done with it, using the adorable new set, UP, UP AND AWAY, and two brand new CutUps dies, ROSETTE SUNFLOWER and CLOUD BORDER...

Don't you just love this image?!  So, so fun, and it comes with several wonderful sentiments.  I chose "Wherever You Go, There You Are" because it's also the title of one of my favorite books, by Jon Kabat Zinn.  Great book about mindfulness; I highly recommend it.

But back to the card.  See the little sunshine up in the corner?  I used half of a Rosette Sunflower CutUps die cut to create it (unfolded; it comes with embossed scoremarks, though, so you could make a full-fledged rosette with it if you so desired).  And don't you LOVE that Cloud Border CutUps die?!  Let me tell you folks, it's a must.  Of course, I think that about all the CutUps dies, but the ones on this release are definitely going to make your heart go pitter-patter.  Just when you think there can't be anymore must-have dies on the market, Alma puts her own unique sensibilities to work and BOOM!  There's your next trend.  Don't believe me?  Then I have three words for you: PINWHEELS and EASY ROSETTE.  Just sayin'.

Here's a visual aid, so you can catch the gist of my drift:

  

For more Monday morning inspiration, be sure to stop by the blogs of my fellow Mojo Monday design teammates 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 'MOJO196' so we can shower you with compliments.

Now, I must hit the road, Jack.  (You don't mind if I call you Jack, do you?)  I have a group presentation in one of my classes this evening and an assignment due in the other.  No rest for the weary.  Or the wicked.  I've heard that bromide said both ways, and in the instant case, both could arguably apply.

See you Wednesday, my pretties, when I'll have another SNEAKY PEEK and the COLOR THROWDOWN, too!

  + =

Fairy Sweetness

Happy Saturday, friends! 

I don't know about you, but I have been so sleepy lately.  I think it's because I've started a new diet that's fairly strict.  No discretionary eating or 'adult' beverages?  Might as well call it a day and hit the sack early.  Last night I was in bed by 9 something, and I'm pretty sure I'd still be sleeping right now if the air conditioner filter in my bedroom hadn't been clanging around (meaning it's dirty and needs to be cleaned; I've been waiting for DH to do it, but I fear this is a case of the old saying: wish in one hand and $h!t in the other.  See which fills up faster... *sigh*).

Anyway, I'll keep you posted on the diet.  I am DETERMINED this time!  For real.  I'm even drinking my coffee without creamer, which is HUGE and a first.  The beach vacation was really a wake-up call for me. 

Enough of my navel-gazing.  Let's move on, shall we?  How about we change the topic to this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps challenge (#83): Cards for Little Peeps!  The challenge -- hosted by the delightful DIANA (also known as Stampin' Nana Diana, MommaD, and real-life mother of Kimmie, herself!  Isn't that just the coolest thing?  That a mom and daughter share a hobby and that Kimmie has her mother on her design team?  I love that and wonder what a relationship like that would be like.  Maybe in my next life...) -- is just what it sounds like: make a card for a little person in your life!

Here's what I put together with my little niece Blair in mind (she'll be turning 2 next month):

What little girl doesn't love fairies?  Even I did, as evidenced by being Tinkerbelle for Halloween one year.  This particular fairy is TALLULAHBELLE from KKS's Moonlight Whispers line.  I've been dying to ink up these sweet fairies since I got 'em, and I just love T's crazy hair cones/horns/whatever you want to call 'em.  Same reason Malificent is my favorite Disney villain.  But I digress.  As usual.

To see more cards for little peeps, head on over to the KKS Challenge Blog.  There, you'll also find out how you can win a set of four Steven Leary images plus Dancing Dylan (the image Diana is using this week).  Hint: all you have to do is play along with us!

A few card details:

• Talullahbelle was colored with Copic Markers, then trimmed out and glued to the sky background.
• I created the sky background using my Copic airbrush system and air compressor, using the technique I learned from my buddy LEIGH
• I added Bonnie Blue and Lemone Tranparent Ultrafine Art Glitter to T's wings using a Quickie Glue Pen
• I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but I switched out the thread in my sewing machine to a light yellow thread.  Matchy-matchy!
• The purple and yellow Prima flower was a gift from my pal and fellow Krafty Girl MICHELE
• The banner die-cut for the sentiment was made using The Cat's Pajamas' Easy Rosette CutUps die, which includes the perfect sized banner for your 'skinnier' sentiments
• The sentiment is from Kimmie's Fairy Sentiments set
• I used this week's Card Positioning Systems sketch, #222

Okily-dokily, neighbors.  Have a wonderful weekend!  I'll be back next week with lots of fun new images by The Cat's Pajamas as SNEAKY PEEK WEEK will be in session!  Holla!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Tallulahbelle and Kimmie's Fairy Sentiments by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: patterened paper from Echo Park's Springtime 6x6 pad, Pure Plum (PTI), So Saffron (SU!), Copic X-Press blending paper; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, A Muse Studio Blackberry; Accessories: Easy Rosette CutUps die from The Cat's Pajamas, Nestabilities Labels Nine, Copic markers and airbrush system, Bonnie Blue and Lemone Transparent Ultrafine Art Glitter, Prima flower, gingham ribbon, sewing machine, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

The Cat's Pajamas ATC Blog Hop: SHIP HAPPENS!

Perfect example of *ship* happening?  That I flubbed up the blog hop!  Sorry for breaking the chain for hours, girlies. 

 

I am filled with shame.

But I'm also filled with delight - you can be filled with more than one thing at a time, you know.  Why am I delighted?  Because thanks to Linda's wonderful organization, and some WOW-ZA Cat's Pajamas lovers, I am the proud owner of TEN mini works of art!  That's what this blog hop is all about, you know.  To see 'em all, start at JULIE'S blog.  And if you've been following the hop in order, you should have arrived here from my buddy, pal, and lifelong (well, stamping-lifelong) friend, SUSAN'S blog.

Ready to see my tiny canvas?

and here's a group shot...

I used the three porthole images from BY THE SEA and the sentiment from SHIP HAPPENS to create this nautical number.

Ready to resume the hop?  Of course you are!  Then skeedaddle on over to the explosive, dynamic, extraordinary, and legendary LINDA's blog, and thank her for getting this swap a-goin'!  And keep an eye on our SCS Member Company forum, because I'm thinking that after everyone gets a glimpse of these wee creative canvases?  There'll be more ATC swaps in the future, and YOU can get in on 'em!  You know you want to...

 

Raise the {Daffodil} Lantern

Hello, my pretties!  Happy happy Hump Day!  Wednesdays are long days for me for the next several weeks as I've started the summer semester; I'm in class from 4:30 - 10 pm (same on Mondays) through the end of July.  Blech.  But the subject matter is interesting: Career Counseling and Diversity Issues in Counseling.  Well, at least they're interesting to me, especially compared to all of the legal casebooks and texts I had to read in my previous life. 

I'm sure you'd like nothing better than to hear all about my course assignments and readings -- but really, I think we need to move on to more colorful subjects.  Like, say, this week's COLOR THROWDOWN!  Tammy the Hammer is this week's hostess, and she's throwing down a citrus-y combo that's sure to quench your palette...

I decided to use another of my brand-new ASIAN INSPIRED gals from last weekend's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.  I know you must tire of hearing me say how much I love Annie Rodrigue's Moonlight Whispers girlies, so I'm going to refrain from doing so. (But you know what I'm thinking...)  This time, I've used NATSUKO.  Her name means "Summer Child," which I thought went perfectly with Tam's colors. :)

The moment I saw this image, I immediately thought of the Chinese film, 'Raise the Red Lantern.'  Have you ever seen it?  I'm not a huge foreign film buff as I find subtitles a bit distracting (much harder to get 'lost' in the movie when you also have to read what the actors are saying), but I heartily recommend it.  It's visually stunning and has such a great story line: it's set in China in the 1920's and tells the story of a young girl who becomes the fourth wife (or third concubine/mistress) of a wealthy business man, and the politics of living in that household.  The significance of the red lantern is that each day, whomever the master intends to spend the night with has her house (each wife has her own house/rooms that are adjacent to the main house and connected via a courtyard) festooned with red lanterns by servants.  She gets pampered (receiving a foot massage that is apparently addictive) and gets to pick the meals for the next day (which all of the other wives must eat).  Anyway, it's a fabulous movie - it came out in the early '90s and was nominated for an Oscar.  Definitely worth renting (Netflix has it on disc) or buying if you can find a copy.  I'll put the trailer at the bottom of this post if you want to learn more about it.

Anyway, had she been carrying a red lantern, that little smirk on Natsuko's face could be seen as taunting the other wives.  Considering that her lantern is daffodil, and that the sentiment that comes with her is all about remembering kindnesses, let's assume she's not gloating about the foot rub that's coming her way.  I love the little hairnets (or whatever they're called) that Annie has sheathed her hair buns in.  What a unique take on pig tails.  Is that done?  I don't think I've ever seen them before.  They remind me of what my mom used to wear to bed when I was growing up.  She'd go to the beauty shop once a week to get her hair done, then every night before bed, she'd wrap her hair in toliet paper and then crown her swaddled head with a pink satin hairnet.  No wonder I'm so weird...

And, seeing that birds of a feather flock together, well, need I say more about the other eccentrics that make up the Color Throwdown design team?  (I say that with love, girls!)  Why not stop by the Color Throwdown blog to see what the other gals have come up with, then go to their blogs and thank them for putting up with the likes of me?  I'd truly appreciate it, you know. :)

• Tammy Hershberger
• Broni Holcombe
• Barbara Anders
• Danielle Kennedy
• Laura Pryor
• and June Guestie, Betty Wright

Wanna play along with us?  Of course you do!  Just use CTD146 when uploading to a public gallery and add your creation to the Color Throwdown blog using the linky tool.

Other card details?  Well, let's see:

• The sketch is based loosely on last week's Mojo Monday (#194) sketch that I missed while I was out of town.
• Natsuko and her lantern were colored with Copic markers and her dress was paper-pieced.  Her lantern was given a shimmery coat of Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen.  I scribbled the ink on it, then spread it around with a waterbrush (a trick I learned from my pal Jen).
• I used My Favorite Thing's Faux Crochet Border Die-namic to create the scallop-y detail near the bottom of the card.

And now, for your viewing pleasure...

 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Natsuko by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: leaf pattern from Echo Park's Springtime 6x6 pad, tangerine pattern from Basic Grey's Ambrosia paper pad, yellow woodgrain from Bella Blvd's Mr. Boy Quadrants 12x12 sheet, Kiwi Kiss & Tangerine Tango (SU!), Copic X-Press blending paper, Georgia Pacific white; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic markers, corner rounder, Dainty Doily Border Die-Namic by My Favorite Things, Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen, ribbon, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

Mojo Mu Shu

Ugh.  Well, it's definitely Monday.  I was just finishing up, adding links to a 700+ word post when Claremore had another of its famous power failures and I lost the whole blasted thing.  No 'restore previous session,' no nothin'.  Not a word of it saved automatically.

 

Grrr...

Oh, well.  On the grand scale of tragedy, I guess it's not so bad.  Just a wee bit annoying.  But don't mind me if I keep this kinda brief.  I can't afford another hour at the computer as I've got to get Mr. Carter to a doctor's appointment this a.m.  We're visiting a new-to-us neurologist just to 'check in' and see if there's anything we could/should be doing.  I figure he'll just stare at me blankly and tell me to ease on down the road, but due diligence requires I check it off my list. 

Ready for this week's Mojo Monday sketch?  Of course you are!  Here goes...

And here's what I did with it, combining this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge, 24 Krafty Karats - use GOLD on your card:

I used one of the brand-new and available now ASIAN INSPIRED Moonlight Whispers girls.  You know I love these bobble-headed beauties!  This is TAKARA; her name means 'Treasure' in Japanese.  I colored Takara's dragon friend to resemble Mu Shu from the Disney movie, Mulan.  In my 'real' post, I went on a big Mulan tangent.  Sorry you missed it.  Maybe another time!

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 'MOJO195' so we can shower you with compliments.

And head on over to this post KKS Challenge Blog to see more ASIAN INSPIRED Annies by the oh-so-talented Krafty Girls and find out how you could win one of your very own by playing along in this week's challenge.

Sayonara, sisters!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Takara by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Yuzen Chiyogami (Japanese origami paper, purchased at Michael's), Pure Poppy (PTI), Not Quite Navy (SU!), gold metallic (Creative Memories), beige from stash, Copic X-Press blending paper; Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Pinwheels, Easy Rosette (banner), and Open Pinking CutUps dies from The Cat's Pajamas, Copic markers, DMC gold embossing thread, Fiskars rug embossing plate, Nestabilities circles and pinking circles, gold brads, gold grosgrain ribbon, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

Kraftin' Kimmie June Blog Hop & Shop!

Hola from the homestead; I'm back at my abode after a wonderful week long beach vacation. I'm what passes as 'tan' {for me}, rested, and ready, so let's get hoppin'!

Today Kraftin’ Kimmie Stamps is releasing their new JUNE stamps! 

As you’ve seen over the last few days in our Krafty Peeks, we have AMAZING new stamps for you to play with this month:

• a NEW line of stamps from the incredible Emilie Goulet; this month features lots of Beach Fun images
• gorgeous Asian Inspired beauties from Annie Rodrigue
• and adorable little Spring Girls from Cheryl Alger

You'll see most of the new images while you sit back and enjoy our Krafty Hop.  If you want to start from the beginning, just head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie Challenge Blog.  As you hop from blog to blog, be sure to leave a comment at each and every stop because some lucky stampers will win packages of stamps from the new release!!  And when you’re done hoppin’, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!

If you're hopping in order, you've come here via the Awesome ANGIE, and I'm sure she's delighted your senses.  Ready for a bit o' cuteness?  Because I have a sweet Cheryl Alger girlie to share with you...

This image (like the sentiment that comes with it) is called "Friends Are For Hugging."  Her bear reminds me of a Steiff teddy that I had growing up and that has been well loved by each of my boys (awww...).  Before I get too misty from reminiscing, I'm going to send you on your merry way to someone I am genuinely IN AWE of, our spectacular, inimitable illustrator, the one and only ANNIE RODRIGUE!

BUY THE WAY: Kimmie always has lots of great deals with her Gimme Kimmie Kits (in which you can get ALL of the new images from your favorite KKS illustrator at a discount), but with so many great images this month, there's a NEW discount bundle in town: Gimme Kimmies Komplete June Kit includes the ENTIRE release (for those that NEED it all) at a 20% discount!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Friends Are For Hugging (Cheryl Alger Designs) by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: plaid - Lilybee Designs Happily Lost 6x6 Tiny Tablet, polka-dot - Crate Paper's Emma's Shoppe 6x6 pad, Neenah 110 lb. Natural White (from The Cat's Pajamas); Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, A Muse Studio Cranberry; Accessories: Copic markers, Buttons CutUps dies and Cherry Divine Twine (from The Cat's Pajamas), felt (from My Favorite Things), SU! Scallop border punch, ribbon, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

Krafty Peeks, Day 1

Greetings from Paradise!  Actually, it's a wee bit hot here in Navarre Beach, FL to be Paradise, but it's pretty darn close.  And what a perfect place from which to post about Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps' newest illustrator, the awesome EMILIE GOULET!  Seriously, Emilie's whimsical and wonderful images have my name all over 'em.  For example, meet STANLEY THE SNAIL...

Be honest: have you ever seen a snail with such joie de vivre?  Such attitude?  Such cool sunglasses?  No.  You haven't.  And Emilie's got so, so, so much more up her sleeve where this little guy came from!  Can you tell I'm really excited by this new line?!  I'm ever on the lookout for images that can go 'unisex' - know what I mean?  Wanna see why?  Just look at the company I keep...

Here are is a picture of us Claremorons in Navarre; my little crew is there on the left.  And yes, as I warned you, I am the whitest person in the crowd and quite possibly on the entire beach.  HOWEVER!  As I tell my girlfriends, when we're 80 and they LOOK 80? I'm going to look 75 thanks to all that sunblock I constantly slather on...  But back to my point about unisex images: see all those boys?  And there are three missing!  These are some of my closest girlfriends, and WE ALL HAVE BOYS!!!  My other closest girlfriends in the town where I live?  Also all boys.  Off the top of my head, I only have a handful of local friends with girls.  It's a wee bit freaky.

Anyway!  The drift I'm wanting you to get the gist of: I NEED images I can make into cards for boys!  And Emilie's are delightfully gender-neutral and F-U-N!!!  Wanna see more?  Of course you do!  Then head over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge Blog for links to all of the Krafty Girls and Guests who have beachin' Peeks to show you. If you're like me, and interested in things like FREE STAMPS, then be sure to leave a comment on all of today's Krafty Peeks for the opportunity to win ALL of Emilie's images from this release!:)

And for a different sort of beachin' peek, here's a pic of the fam, taken just a few moments ago...

Go to the KKS Challenge Blog now, or I'll be forced to take off my bathing suit cover-up, and I promise, NEITHER OFF US wants that to happen...

 

Hang 10, amigas!

Card details and supplies:

-- Stanley was colored with Copic markers and the sandy highlights were made via Barbara Trombley's Natural Elements (Cornmeal).  The fun pinking edges on the center patterned paper panel were made via The Cat's Pajamas' Pinking CutUps die.  Everything else seems self-explanatory to me (in my dotage...), but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email. :)

Stamps: Stanley the Snail by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, to be released Sunday, June 12, 2011; Paper: Copic X-Press Blending Paper, Orange Fizz and Grape Jelly (MFT), patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Snorkel line; Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Blackberry Pigment Ink by A Muse|Studio; Accessories: Pinking CutUps die from The Cat's Pajamas, Nestabilities ovals, gingham ribbon, Copic Markers, purple brads, Barbara Trombley's Earth Elements (cornmeal), corner rounder (Creative Memories), foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

A {Beachin'} June Sketch For You To Try!

Hi, everyone!  By the time you read this, my fam and I should be pulling out of Jackson, Mississippi, and heading down the highway towards our destination of Navarre Beach, on Florida's gorgeous Emerald Coast.  It's our first beach vacation in a couple of years, and all of us are really looking forward to it.  We're going with the same group of friends we went with last time (three other couples, with 10 boys between us; Carter is the youngest, and the oldest is starting an internship and won't be able to come this time).  This time should be even more fun, though, at least for me.  Last time, Carter wasn't fully potty trained or walking independently.  No diapers and less carrying of a heavy kiddo is a good thing!

As the first Saturday in June, it's time for the latest and greatest SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY!  They're always great, but this month is an especially fun sketch that I really enjoyed playing with.  And we also have a FABULOUS sponsor this month: STAMPING BELLA! 
You know I love love love Stamping Bella - both the stamps and THE Bella herself, the incomparable Emily Block.  She's every bit as fun, stylish, and witty as her images.  Stamping Bella is more than just stamps, though.  All the latest embellishments, papers, tools, and anything else a stamper or scrapbooker could want can be found on in the Stamping Bella store.  If it's hip and happening?  Rest assured, Emily's got it!

Are you ready to see the new sketch?  Of course you are!

When I get home from vacation, I'm definitely going to be using the sketch with one of my HUNDREDS of Stamping Bella images, but with time being of the essence as I skedaddle out of town, I need to combine today's sample with this week's KRAFTIN' KIMMIE STAMPS challenge, which is Cut it out !! - Use Paper Piecing on your Card.  The Divine DONNA is this week's KKS Challenge hostess, and if you participate in the challenge, you could win the stamp she used in her sample, the lovely LILYBELLE.  Go to the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge blog for more details, as well as challenge submissions from all of the Krafty Girls and Guests.

Here's what I came up with, using both the sketch and paper piecing.  You'll notice it's vacation related...

This is ELEANOR.  Don't confuse her with me, because she's MUCH tanner than I am.  Yes, I know she's not very tan.  That's the point.  By the way: if you're watching the news over the course of the next week and you hear of beached whale sightings on Navarre Beach?  Ignore it.  You'll know whom they're really referring to...

The waves at Eleanor's feet were made using The Cat's Pajamas' Waves CutUps die, and I tore a little craft to resemble a sandy beach.  All the patterened paper is from October Afternoon's Seaside 8"x8" pad, and Eleanor was colored in with Copic markers.  Her bathing cap's flowers have a little Wisteria glitter on them for sparkle.  The depth and dimension are courtesy of foam boosters from my buddy Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store. 

Be sure to stop by Jen's blog to see what she's done with the sketch and to find out who the Designer of the Month is.  Then, swim on over to my SFYTT Sister's cyber coves to see what fetching finery they've created:

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

Okay, peeps.  I've got to go get the car packed up before the hubster gets home in a couple of hours.  Then, it's 8 hours or so on the open road.  Wish us luck!  I'll be back later in the week with Krafty Peeks of the June Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps release, and maybe a few vacation photos.  Don't worry, there won't be any of the aforementioned beached whale.  Of that I can PROMISE you! ;)

 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Eleanor & Beach Sentiments by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: October Afternoon Seaside 8"x8" pad, Night of Navy, Crushed Curry, Kraft (SU!), Aqua Mist (PTI), Copic X-Press Blending Cardstock; Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Momento Paris Dusk; Accessories: Waves CutUps Die by The Cat's Pajamas, Nestabilities circles, squares, and pinking circles, Copic markers, Wisteria Transparent Art Glitter, Jody Morrow's Foam Boosters.

Hello There, Dead Birds!

Time for another one of my Hump Day challenge combos: Color Throwdown + TCP Tuesday = Today's Color Throwdown challenge is being hosted by Miss Cathy.  Are you ready for this jelly?  'Cause here's what she's throwing down...

One of my first and dearest stamping buddies, the one and only Jen del Muro, is this week's TCP Tuesday Hipster Hostess With the Mostess.  She's our inspiration guru, you know, and here's her latest breathtaking billboard o' beauty to get your creativity flowing:

Fortunately, we did have a couple of colors in common (the celery and melon).  To wrap everything together, in addition to the pumpkin, I pulled some of the dark brown from that yummy apron to come up with this...

Isn't this sa-weet?!  I love this set -- Catch My Drift -- from The Cat's Pajamas' latest release.  The little bear isn't colored at all -- I actually paper-pieced him using The Cat's Pajamas' Paper Thin Wood Veneer.  That stuff is so wonderful.  If you don't have any yet, be sure to put a package on your next TCP order.  I promise, you'll thank me!  

What else can I tell you about this card?  I used my favorite LOBster, Leigh O'Brien's awesome cloud technique (so easy, and she's even made a video tutorial which you can find HERE).  The word bubble is from My Favorite Things' Say What Die-namic set (I used the smaller of the two dies).  Otherwise, the ballons are paper pieced, lots of corners were rounded, and that's all, folks!

All the details to participate in this week's TCP Tuesday challenge can be found on THIS POST on Alma's blog.  And all of the deets re: this week's Color Throwdown can be found on the Color Throwdown Challenge blog.  My offer continues to stand: 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!

I'm happy to say that I've actually had a taker on my GENEROUS offer; my fabulous, funny protégé, the one and only Jenny Peterson is going to be getting some happy mail from Oklahoma in the near future!  A while back, I wrote you a footnote saying that you needed to add her to your blog reader and/or subscribe to her blog.  Did you do it?  You should have, because since then?  She's been made a member of the Cat Pack and is the current Guest Designer for My Favorite Things.  Yes, I am a prophet.  I'm telling you: when I make these kinds of proclamations and predictions?  You can take 'em to the BANK!!!

 

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 (is feeling under the weather, and probably won't be posting until later in the week if at all, but drop her a 'feel better' wish, why don'tcha?)
• Cathy Rulli
• and June Guestie, Betty Wright (one of the amazing designers I 'served time' with on the SCS Dirty Dozen - welcome, Betty!!!  So glad to have you playing with us this month!)

Wanna play along with us?  Of course you do!  Just use CTD144 when uploading to a public gallery and add your creation to the Color Throwdown blog using the linky tool. 

BCNYA, homies!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Catch My Drift by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Paper Thin Wood Veneer from The Cat's Pajamas, green plaid from LilyBee Design's Picket Fence 6"x6" pad, all other patterned paper from My Mind's Eye's Fine and Dandy "Tickled Pink" 6"x6" pad, Georgia Pacific white; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Say What Die-Namic from MFT, Copic Airbrush System, Leigh's Cloud Technique, We R Memory Keepers flocked brads from the Peep collection, orange satin ribbon from A Muse|Studio, corner rounder, Nestabilities ovals and big scallop ovals, Bow Easy, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.