Mother's Little Helper

Trick or Treat!

I finally finished my big banner PROJECT (that was for you, Michele) featuring all of the latest Moonlight Whispers and Emilie's Etchings images from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps' August release.  It was a labor of love, but I'm thrilled with the results and can't wait to show it off to you!

Here's a look at the full banner:

And here it is, in sections:

I showed you the Haunting Hilda and Happy Vampy panels in a previous post; the rest of the ghouls and goblins are now ready for their close-ups.  First up is the Potionmaster:

The Punkin Family...

And – possibly my favorite image from the release – Magical Mathilda...

For spacing purposes, I needed another image to work with.  Since we were a little short on testosterone, I invited Horace (a previously released image) to the party...

And here's Batty and Catty...

Belinda Bones...

Mr. Punkinhead...

Kreepy Kitty...

Moaning Moira...

and last, but not least, Frank n' Kitty...

Isn't that fun?  When I finally finished it, I announced to the family that they'd better like it, because it's going to be hanging in our living/family room for the next two months and five days!  Here's how it looks, inside (I took the previous photos outside to take advantage of the natural light.  You know why people always say that photos turn out better when the subjects are bathed in natural light?  Because it's true):

A few details, for those of you interested in that kind of stuff:

• The pennant triangles were created with The Cat's Pajamas' Pennant CutUps dies.
• For the letter panels, I made the letters using my Cricut and the Opposites Attract cartridge (STILL haven't figured out how to use it with Sure Cuts A Lot and download SVG files off the internet.  One of these days...).  The rosettes behind each letter were made using The Cat's Pajamas' Easy Rosette CutUps die.  I couldn't make a rosette without that die if my life depended on it!
• I hand-stitched around the edges of each scalloped pennant panel with embroidery floss, black on the image panels and orange on the letter panels.
• The buttons connecting the panels are actually a bunch of clear buttons I had in my stash.  I cut out 2 cm circles of the purple glitter paper with my Cricut using the George/Basic Shapes cartridge.  Then, I covered the circles with red-line sticky dots from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store, leaving the liners on top so I could punch holes in the centers with my Crop-A-Dile. Next, I removed the liner from the sticky dots and lined them up with the holes on the buttons.  Almost-instant glittery purple buttons!  (It was a lot easier than it sounds.)
• I connected the pennant panels by punching holes in the corners, threading them with a 5" length of orange & black gingham ribbon, threading the ends of the ribbon with a button, and tying the ribbon off.  Then, I trimmed the ends.
• The patterned paper are 8.5"x11" sheets from Hobby Lobby's Paper Studio line.  Can't remember their names and I don't have any left.  I used about three sheets of each pattern.
• The images were stamped on Copic X-Press Blending Card Stock (I get mine from Your Next Stamp; Karen has it on sale right now for 15% off if you've ever been interested in trying it.  Personally, I LOVE it) and then colored in with Copics.  I trimmed them out then popped them up on the panels with Jody's foam boosters.

That's all, folks! 

In other news, I'm headed out of town today for a fitness retreat (think hard work outs and healthy food, Biggest Loser style). If I learn anything brilliant, I'll definitely share when I get back home next week. I figure it'll be a variation of "Eat less, move more," but I'm hoping to come home with some insights that will help shore up my willpower and quell that little devil on shoulder that says "Come on, just one donut won't count... Now, how about something salty?  etc." Wish me luck!

 

Felt Up Mojo Monday

That sounds a little naughty, doesn't it? It's actually pretty innocent – I'm combining the current TCP Tuesday Challenge (use FELT in your design) with this week's Mojo Monday Sketch.  Here's the sketch:

And here's what I made, using The Cat's Pajamas' Hello Pumpkin set, one of my favorite Halloween images.  I love the penguins, of course, and there's something about that happy jack-o-lantern that just makes me smile.  See what I mean?

There's still one more day to particpate in this particular TCP Tuesday challenge; another challenge will be posted tomorrow.  Don't forget, every time you play along, you become eligible to be our next Swanky Stamper, and you also have the opportunity to randomly win $10 in Cat Cash.  For all the details on how to play along, see this post on Alma's blog.

Head on over to the Mojo Monday blog for instructions of how to particpate in this week's challenge, as well as for visual inspiration from the rest of the Mojo Monday design team. And for up close and personal descriptions of their lovely creations, head on over to these talented ladies' blogs, and leave 'em a little love for giving papercrafters at least one reason to like Mondays.

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

Hope your Monday is Mojolicious! :)

Supplies used:

Stamps: Hello Pumpkin by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Neenah Brilliant White #110, Cosmo Cricket Matilda 6x6 pad; Ink: Marvy Matchables Black; Accessories: Big Scallop and Pinking CutUps dies from The Cat's Pajamas, Ivory Linen Thread (TCP), TCP Felt from the Orange You Glad and Green With Envy collections; PTI ribbon & button, Copic markers, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

Krafty Peeks, Day 2!

Hey, gang!  It's Krafty Peek time - the Krafty Girls and Guests are showing you previews of all the new images being released on Sunday by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.  And if you're a lover of Halloween like I am, you're in for LOTS of TREATS (no tricks)!

Today, we're showing all of the latest from KKS's newest illustrator, Emilie Goulet.  I'm a HUGE fan of Emilie's - her stamps get better and better with every release!  Let me show you what I mean...

First up is HAUNTING HILDA:

Now, I'm in the middle of creating one big project with all of this month's images.  I'm sure you can't begin to guess what it is.  A recipe book?  No... An altered frame?  No... ;)  Back to Hilda - isn't she fun & sassy?  She comes with a sentiment that says "Have a Spooktacular Halloween!"

Here's Hilda's young friend, HAPPY VAMPY:

Eeeek!  <-- That's a squeal of delight (as opposed to fright) because I think she is just so dang C-U-T-E!  And I love her sweet and cuddly kitty.  Vampy's sentiment is "Happy Halloween."

I'll have more parts of my *secret* project to show you tomorrow.  Until then, head on over to the Krafty Challenge Blog for links to all of the designers participating in today's Peeks.  If you're interested in winning a full set (all 5!) of Emilie's new stamps, then leave a comment on all of the Krafty-Peekin', cotton-pickin' blogs - one lucky commenter will be randomly selected.

 

Check Me Out!

Starting TODAY, I'm going to be Special Guest Blogging on the 18th of every month for YOUR NEXT STAMP!  We're calling it "CAROLE'S CREATIVE COMMOTION" -- catchy, no?  You never know what I'll have up my sleeve (and neither will I, until I do it; y'all know I'm a bit loosey-goosey that way), so you're just going to have to go there to check it out.  I'll discuss the meaning of life, how to lose 10 lbs. in 5 days without even trying, and how to get your children to WANT to clean their rooms.  Plus, I'll also talk about stamping, crafting, and whatnot.

And did I mention that there will be PRIZES?!  Mmm-hmm!  That's correct!

So head over right now to the YNS Blog and read my post.  Then leave me a comment with your thoughts.  Pretty please?  It would mean a whole lot to me. 

 

Now, I've got to get my boys off on their first day back to school.  Carter is going into 1st grade - he's officially a big boy!  And my Truman will be a freshman in high school.  <--- That's just WRONG!  I'll be sure to show 'em off to you with the annual first day of school pic by the front door. 

*sigh...* Babies don't keep, do they?

Rosy Banana-Kiwi Espresso

Mmm-mmm - doesn't that sound tasty?  I could totally see that as coffee flavor of the month at some chi-chi coffee bar.

 

Even more delicious?  It's this week's COLOR THROWDOWN! Our hostess is the Divine DANIELLE, and here's the color combo she's challenging us all to use:

And here's what I did with it, using the new PARTRIDGE FAMILY image from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps:

I computer generated the sentiment (the font is called 'Partridge,' aptly enough - you can download it here if you're interested), and I can just imagine these swingin' birdies touring around in their Mondrian-esque bus, travelin' together, spreadin' a little love as they keep movin' on...

Here's a close up of the trio:

The sketch is a variation on this week's Mojo Monday sketch (it's so nice, I've used it twice - and it's only Wednesday).  Copic coloring, and lots of different Die-Namics from My Favorite Things (Say What? word bubble, circle from the Sweet Stack Label set, and the Four Point Frame), a few brads, and a bit of skinny banana colored ribbon.  You get the gist!

If it wasn't so late as I'm writing this (12:35 a.m. Weds.) I'd tell you how much I used to love the Partridge Family when I was little, and how I really thought I'd do a MUCH better job playing tambourine than dumb Tracy.  My mom's name is Shirley and she had blonde hair, so I'd always pretend she was Shirley Jones (aka Shirley Partridge). And to this day?  When I don my sleep mask, I think of Ruben Kincade, every time...

Head on over to the Color Throwdown Blog for info on how to play along with us this week and for samples by these groovy girls (who are cooler than David Cassidy's puka shell necklace, any day of the week):

• Danielle Kennedy
• Barbara Anders
• LeAnne Pugilese
• Tammy Hershberger (who was just named a brand-new DIRTY GIRL!  Be sure to congratulate her!)
• and our FABULOUS August Guestie, Lori Tecler

Come back tomorrow, because I have something SUPER fun to share.  Until then?  My lips are sealed.  (And consider yourself lucky you were spared the Go-Gos tangent due to aforementioned fatigue.)

In the meantime, I'll show you another somethin'-somethin' this image makes me think of.  Family Guy is kind of a thing with my family.  Sad, but true.  We love it.  And when we see bird related stuff?  One of us is bound to say (for example), "Hey, Carter, have you heard?"

To which the proper response is ALWAYS...

 

Shark Burgers, Anyone?

My card for this week's Mojo Monday sketch is an homage to my husband.  He's a man of many talents, but my project today focuses on his mastery of the bar (as in he's a great lawyer) and grill (as in he does amazing things with his Big Green Egg).

 

First, let me show you this week's sketch.  I enjoy all of the Mojo sketches, of course, but this one is definitely going into my favorites pile to be reached for again and again.  Take a look:

And here's my take on it, using the new BRUCE image from Kraftin' Kimmie's Emilie's Etchings line:

Isn't Bruce a hoot? (You'll recall that Bruce was the great white shark in 'Finding Nemo' as well as the name of the mechanical shark in 'JAWS.'  That Kimmie is purty clever! :) )  I think the Mister will get a kick out of this.  And check out that fun shark patterned paper in the background.  It's "Shark" from Three Bugs In a Rug's Under the Sea line.  I practically squealed when I stumbled onto it at my LSS over the weekend. 

Here's a close-up of Bruce:

Good to see he's trying to keep to his pledge to not eat fish and opting for burgers and hotdogs, instead.

Mosey on over to the Mojo Monday blog for instructions of how to particpate in this week's challenge, as well as for visual inspiration from the rest of the Mojo Monday design team. And for up close and personal descriptions of their lovely creations, head on over to these talented ladies' blogs, and leave 'em a little love for giving papercrafters at least one reason to like Mondays.

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

I hope you have a great week.  I've got a busy-busy one ahead of me!  Classes for my fall semester begin tonight (ALREADY!), and I've scheduled several doctors appointments, haircuts, etc. for the boys, trying to squeeze 'em in before their school starts on Thursday.  Then, of course there's Back-To-School nights and so on.  I'm very ready for us all to get back into some sort of regular routine.  I used to hate to admit this, but the older I get, the more I realize how much I need outside structure in order to be productive.  I know - you're SHOCKED to hear that left to my own devices I can be a wee bit of a slacker...

 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Bruce & Beachy Sentiments by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: "Shark" from Three Bugs In a Rug's Under the Sea line, "A Proper Gentleman" paisley from Graphic 45, Buckaroo Blue, Crushed Curry (SU!), Barn Red (CTMH), Copic X-Press Blending card stock; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Banner from The Cat's Pajamas Easy Rosette CutUps die, Copic Markers, Nestabilities pinking circles, Corner punch from Paper Shapers, American Crafts silver minibrads, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store

Krafty Recipe

Greetings, chiclets!  I'm happy because Mother Nature has finally showed we Okies a little mercy.  As I write this at 9 p.m. on Friday night, it's a lovely 70 degrees - unbelieveable after the miserable heat we've had for the last month.  It rained buckets today, but I don't think you'll find many around here complaining since we've had such a drought all summer.  Gives me hope there's a light at the end of this hotter 'n' heck tunnel! 

By the time you read this, it will be Saturday, which means it's time for this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps challenge.  Have you had a chance to go to the KKS website this week?  It's had a FABULOUS makeover!  So pretty and much easier to navigate.  Check it out - I'm sure you'll approve!  And don't worry, even though my photo is not there when you click on the Krafty Girls link, I assure you it's coming soon.  You know I {heart} my KKS and I'm not going anywhere (unless there's something Kimmie's not telling me... you don't think she's trying to send me a hint, do you???).

 

You know what?  I'm going to think positive and not let paranoia be my destroyer.  (<-- little shout out to all you Kinks fans in the hizzle)

Wanna hear about today's KKS challenge?  Of course you do!  Our hostess for this week's challenge is the transcendent TRACY, and she wants us to use a RECIPE!  Here are the ingredients:

• 1 flower
• 1 ribbon
• 1 piece of chipboard

And here's what I cooked up, using the lovely new ELAINE image:

I thought the rose patterned paper was only fitting for this English rose, as was the felt rolled rose flower.  I stamped Elaine's sentiment on to a piece of Technique Tuesday chipboard I had in my stash (turns out, I have about a MILLION pieces of chipboard in one particular drawer I never open...).  Elaine was colored with Copic markers and her overcast sky was lightly airbrushed.  I sure hope she's staying away from the part of London that's rioting.  That's some scary stuff.  Surely Elaine has better sense than to look for trouble.  On the other hand, it does seem to me that Elaine lives her life like a candle in the wind, never knowing who to cling to until the rain sets in...

Oh, wait.  I'm confusing her with someone else...

 

So, um, anyway.  Here's a close-up:

Ready to see what the other Krafty Girls have created?  Then head on over to the KKS Challenge Blog and take a look.  There, you'll also find information about how you can play along in this week's challenge and win the perky PATSY stamp (same one that Tracy used on her card).  You'll also find links to all the Krafty Girls playing today, so you can leave 'em a little love for inspiring you. 

Have a great weekend!  Pip pip, cheerio!

BUY THE WAY: Click HERE for this week's Frugal Friday special - you can get 40-50% off six selected KKS images through Sunday, but act quickly because they're going-going-GONE!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Elaine by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Rose Red, Old Olive (SU!), rose patterned paper by Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby), check patterned paper from Kaiser Kraft's Nan's Favorites 6x6 pad, Copic X-Press Blending cardstock; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Rolled Rose DieNamic from MFT, felt, Copic Markers and airbrush system, ribbon, Technique Tuesday rectangular chipboard, Nestabilities ovals & scallop ovals, embroidery floss, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

Your Next Stamp's Birthday Blog Hop!

One of the sweetest companies in the world of stamping is celebrating its second birthday today... YOUR NEXT STAMP!  Yay!  And guess what?  You're invited to the party!  In fact, you're already at the party!  

If you have just stumbled across my blog and want to join in all the fun and games, start at the beginning with Peggy's blog. If you've arrived at my cyber doorstep from Maureen's blog then you are right on track!

What is a birthday party with out games and some AMAZING prizes? We have a fun puzzle for you to solve along the hop and when you do you will be entered into the draw for one of TWO amazing YNS prizes! Check out the loot...

And behind door # 2...

Now, listen up, people: to win one of these fabulous prizes, you have to put the puzzle pieces together.  Not every stop on the hop will have a puzzle piece, so you need to pay attention.  When you see a puzzle piece, you need to click on it and follow the directions. [3rd party cookies must be enabled to do the puzzle] When you are done with the hop, put all the pieces together for your chance to win!  You have until Monday, August 15th at Midnight EST to complete the puzzle.

Of course, no birthday party is complete without a little ice cream, is it?  How about a delicious banana split?

This is one of the yummy brand new releases now available to you - it's called "Total Sweetness," and I think that's a pretty apt name.  Here's a close up of the image:

Mmmm... if I were her, I think I'd just lay back and take a little ice cream bath.  Sure beats the August heat, don't you think?

I created one more thing for today's hop - a birthday card for the birthday company:

A little bright, no?  I hope it doesn't melt the ice cream above it...

I used the colors for this week's Color Throwdown challenge (Daffodil, Saffron, Olive, and Dark Gray) and the image is YNS's exclusive Scrapfest 2010 image.  If you love this image (and who wouldn't?), Karen puts it and all the other exclusive Scrapfest images on sale each Spring during Scrapfest.  You've got to get them while you can because -- like offerings from the Disney vault -- they're only available for a short time, and they're always EXTRA C-U-T-E!!! 

I made a computer generated sentiment using Candy Round font and printing it in gray onto Saffron cardstock.  The sketch is this week's Mojo Monday sketch (#204). Here's a detail shot of the image and sentiment:

There are also lots of amazing deals right now in the YNS store to celebrate this auspicious occasion; and even better?  You don't need to remember a coupon code.  Ready to get hopping to your next stop?  Then head on over to the blog one of my favorite people in the whole wide world:  AMY! 

Happy Birthday, YNS!!!  And MANY more!

 

You Make My Heart Spin

Happy {Mojo} Monday, mateys!  It's already the 8th of August - which means I've officially been married 18 years and 1 day.  Yep, yesterday the Mister and I celebrated eighteen years of wedded bliss in which every day has been Christmas and every night, New Year's Eve... We went out to dinner with friends on Saturday night, then had a lazy Sunday.  Sean prepared his melt-in-your-mouth ribs for a special anniversary dinner, and we agreed to keep each other around for another 18 years. I don't know that I believe in the notion of "soul mates," but I do know that the best thing to ever happen to me in my life is my husband.  What can I say?  He's a keeper...

 Okay, enough mushy stuff.  Are you ready to see this week's Mojo Monday sketch?  It was designed by the delightful Debbie Carriere - take a look:

There's so much you can do with this sketch - I'm certain I will be using it again, and probably this week.  But because I didn't want to steal too much time away on my anniversary, I created a quick little scrappy number for my sample.

I haven't put together a card this fast in a long time, but I do like the way it turned out!  I used The Cat's Pajamas' Pinwheels CutUps die and a sentiment from TCP's What A Blast set. The patterned paper is from Echo Park's For The Record 6x6 pad.  I taped a toothpick to the backside of the pinwheel for a little visual interest.  The pinking details framing the text layer were created using The Cat's Pajamas' Inside Pinking CutUps die, and the negative part of the paper leftover after cutting the open pinking border.  Topping the whole thing off is a black satin bow.  Easy-breezy-beautiful, no?

You'll want to head over to the Mojo Monday blog for instructions of how to particpate in this week's challenge, as well as for visual inspiration from the rest of the Mojo Monday design team. And for close up and personal descriptions of their lovely creations, head on over to these talented ladies' blogs, and leave 'em a little love for giving papercrafters at least one reason to like Mondays.

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

Have a great day, and thanks for popping by to visit me!

 

August Sketch For You To Try

It's the first Saturday of the month - you know what that means: a brand new SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY, designed by the stamping industry's premiere card architecht, Jen del Muro!  She's the Howard Roark of stamping.  Now, generally, that last comment would set me off on a long Fountainhead/Ayn Rand tangent, but I've got ground to cover and must be disciplined today.¹ *sigh*

On a very happy note, this month's SFYTT is sponsored by one of my favoritest stamp company's in the whole wide world...

If you're a regular reader of my blog (God bless you and keep you), you know that I'm a proud Krafty Girl (aka member of the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps design team).  Getting to show you the SFYTT while using Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps makes me happier than a tick on a fat dog.  Ready for the sketch?

Another thing that makes me happy?  Combining challenges!  Saturday is also the day that Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps' weekly challenge is revealed, and this week the marvelous MELANIE is our hostess.  This week's challenge: DISTRESS IT²!  

Here's my distressed SFYTT, using the new MELANIE³ Travel Girl image from KKS's Moonlight Whispers line:

Here's a close up...

Doesn't she look happy?⁴ 

Using the new SFYTT and/or this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps challenge is GUARANTEED to make you just as happy, or Jen and Kimmie will come to your house and clean it.⁵ So what do you have to lose?!  Nuttin' honey.  For more inspiration, go to Jen's blog to see how she and August's Designer of the Month, TENIA NELSON, have used the new SFYTT.  And of course, you'll want to check out the creations by my sublimely talented SFYTT Sisters:

Amber Hight (she's on vacation, but will be posting later this month)
Amy Sheffer
Jen Tapler
Jodi Collins
Kerry Johnson
Megan Lock
Susan Liles
Terri Moore

Then, you'll need to head over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge blog for inspiration by the Krafty Girls -- including our two brand new team members, the beautiful and talented PAM VARNELL  and NICOLE ASPINALL!  You can also find out how to participate in this week's challenge and win the fun-fun Fred and Ginger image.⁶

Alrighty, friendly friends.  I must get this thing posted as - true to form - I'm already a wee bit late with it.  Have a great weekend!

Footnotes:

1.  Damn it.  I dislike having to be disciplined.  It interferes with my joie de vivre.

2.  Distressing... well, it distresses me.  To "distress" paper means to rough it up - rip it, shred it, wrinkle it, ink it up - whatever.  I never do it unless it's part of a challenge.  Weirdly enough, I created another distressed card earlier in the week for SCS's Dare to Get Dirty Challenges.  Distressing paper is counterintuitive to my preppy sensibilites.  Like buying jeans that are already ripped. 

3.  This image was named for Melanie, but I think it looks like another Krafty Girl - my buddy Kerry, who, like Melanie and KKS, also hails from Canada.  She's got a cute short-brown 'do, just like the image.  And I think she often makes this exact same pose...

4.  Like she's had maybe one too many Grapehead martinis.

5.  Subject to terms and conditions, which are beyond my imagination to think of at the moment.

6.  Which I've always thought resembled Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony.  Poor little Jenny from the Block... will she ever find true love?

JiFFy Challenge - Better-Late-Than-Never Edition

Good grief.  I'm over a day late now with my JiFFy challenge card for this month!  Suffice it to say, it's Friday but I feel like I've had a week of Mondays. 

  x 5 

Ugh.  I'd go into detail, but then you'd be depressed and want to jump off a cliff and that would make me feel even worse.  Instead, I'll just play a little catch-up and as I do so, I'll sing a happy song like, say, "Zip a Dee Doo Dah."  Here we go!

You remember the gist of our Just For Fun (JiFFy, for short) challenge, don't you?  It goes a little something like this: each month, a group of my stamping friends and I get together for a little challenge.  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, and no other patterned paper can be used.  Sometimes the image and the selected pattern go well together, and sometimes they're a ... challenging fit, but it's always JUST FOR FUN!

This month, Christina selected the so sweet Sugarplums Pumpkin Emma by CC Designs.  Meanwhile, Amy sent everyone Krafty Dots patterned paper by Recollections.  Pumpkins, black and kraft?  Why, I HAD to make my first Halloween card of 2011 - how could I not?

You know, all neutrals and no pops of color make Carole a dull girl, so I pulled out this fun & festive striped ribbon from Doodlebug Designs and based my color palette around it.  I drew stripes on Miss Emma's tights with a Copic Multiliner pen, then colored her in with Copics.  Her apron looked like it needed something, so I added some Adirondack Dimension Pearl polka dots in eggplant.  Then, I trimmed her out, and gave her a couple of silver brad hub caps for her little wagon, and popped her up on dimensionals.

Here's a closer look at Emma's tights and apron...

If you haven't already checked out how my JiFFy Girlfriends met this challenge, be sure to do so.  It's truth, it's actual: they've pulled out all the stops this month and created PROJECTS that are far more than satisfactual! 

• Michele Boyer
• Lori Craig
• Amy Rohl
• Christina Fischer
• Jody Morrow

Now, (just in case you want this song in your head all day, too) here's a little something special from me to you...

 

Supplies used:

Stamps: Sugarplums Pumpkin Emma by CC Designs, sentiment from Hello Pumpkin set from The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Krafty Dots by Recollections, Kraft, Black, Grape Jelly (by MFT), Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Sentiment Flag die by Lil Inker Designs, Copic Markers, Cuttlebug embossing folders, Doodlebug Designs ribbon and Sugar Coated Brads, Adirondack eggplant Dimensional Pearls, Inkessential opague pen, American Crafts silver minibrads, foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

That's How I Roll...

You wanna know how I roll?  You REALLY wanna know how I roll?  Well, I tell you in a bit.  It's a little scary.  Definitely not for those with delicate sensibilities or a strong gag reflex... But let's save the salacious stuff for the end.  It'll give you something to look forward to.

In the meantime, how'z about we throwdown for uno momento?  Yep, it's Wednesday which means it's time for the COLOR THROWDOWN! (<-- please read silently to yourself, but use an echo effect as you do so.  It should sound like Michael Buffer when he says "Are you ready to rumble?!")

This week, Teamster Tammy (aka Tammy the Hammer)¹ is our charming challenge hostess, and here's what she's throwing down...

Fresh, fun, classy & sassy.  Just like Slammin' Tammy², herself!  Here's my attempt to make our Tamboni³ proud...

I used one of the newest Emilie's Etchings images from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps: SPEEDY.  Get it?  "SPEEDY" is the turtle's name.  Turtles aren't generally considered fast animals.  Yet this one is wearing ROLLER BLADES!!! 

What's that?  Oh.  You think you're too sophisticated for such humor?  Well, I'll have you know that my six year old thinks this card is a RIOT, and he's the funniest person I know.  So there!  I think it's going to KILL with the first grade set, if I do say so myself...

The Color Throwdown is working with a smaller crew through the end of the month, since so many folks are on vacation and/or taking a little time to spend with familia.  But what we lack in quantity this week, we more than make up for in quality. I've browsed through this week's challenge gallery, and I know you're definitely going to want to visit the participating Color Throwdown designers (including the aforementioned Tammy Tutone⁴, whose number is indeed 867-5309) to oooh and aaah over their colorful creations and for further inspiration:

• Tammy Hershberger
• Broni Holcombe
• Barbara Anders
• Danielle Kennedy
• and our special August guests Lori Tecler (my fellow Cat Pack-er!)and Keva Brown

Why not stay out of the heat and stamp up a cool scene with this week's combo?  You can find all the details for how to play along on the Color Throwdown Blog.

Okay.  As I promised, here's a tiny bit about how I roll:

• I prefer mustard to mayonnaise.  The spicier the mustard, the better.  There's a jalapeno mustard I've been putting on everything these days, since mustard has fewer calories and less sugar than almost every other condiment.
• I'm rooting for Bert to win this season of Project Runway.  He's the old guy who made the adorable little dress that one the first episode (shown last week; if you missed it, you can find full episodes to watch on the Lifetime website).
• Truman (my 14 year old) and I went to see "Crazy Stupid Love" yesterday (with Steve Carrell and my new boyfriend, Ryan Gosling).  It was great - both Truman and I enjoyed it thoroughly.  If a teenaged boy and his mom can both give the same movie two thumbs up?  It's a good one.  Although both Truman and I also enjoyed "Jackass 3-D."  You do know who you're dealing with, here.
• Given the opportunity, I wait as late in the day to shower as I possibly can.  I dread getting ready.  Every day.  Dumb, dumb, dumb.  I don't know why I fight the system.  I should be more like water, as Sayuri recommends in Memoirs of a Geisha...
• My BSF Amy asked me the other day if my brain ever stops.  No, it makes random associations with everything, all the time.  It's like that annoying Bing commercial.  Exhausting!

 

• This is just a random collection of nothing, have you noticed?  But... THAT'S HOW I ROLL!  And now I'll leave you with more randomness - "Once In a Lifetime" by The Talking Heads.  I watched this yesterday -- one of my favorite music videos ever -- because it made TIME magazine's list of the 30 Best Video's Of All TIME.  I "get" this song in a way that I didn't when I first used to watch this, oh, 30 years ago. The existential angst of waking up to yourself at mid-life: who among us hasn't wanted to shout, "This is not my beautiful house!  This is not my beautiful wife!"  Same as it ever was...

 

(Interesting note: this video was created before the existence of MTV.  Which, to me, makes it even cooler.  It was an art project as opposed to something strictly commercial, you know?)

Footnotes:

1. There is no rhyme or reason for the nicknames I've given Tammy.  It makes me giggle just to type them.  And I think it baffles her a tiny bit, which makes it all the better.

2.  And now bafflement?  Has crossed the bridge to irritation.  Which of course, makes it even more fun.

3.  And by now?  The subject of full-on flummoxed!  Hurray!  My job is done.

4. Just in case you missed #3...

5.  There is no fifth footnote.  But - say it with me, now - THAT'S HOW I ROLL!!!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Speedy and sentiment from Roxy by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Whisper White, Old Olive, & Kraft (SU!), Copic X-Press Blending paper, patterned paper from Pink Paislee's Hometown Summer 6x6 paper pack; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, A|Muse Studio - Slate (for stippling the road); Accessories: Inside Pinking CutUps die by The Cat's Pajamas, Copic Markers, Copic airbrush system, Nestabilities Wonky Rectangles, Cuttlebug Circles embossing folder, grosgrain ribbon, foam mounting tape from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.

Thanks a Bunch, Mojo Monday!

The title says it all.  I could just show you pictures and not say another word.  But then, how likely is that?  NOT VERY!  Y'all know I'm a bit windy...

 

NOT that kinda windy (although that's how 'toots' were referred to in my house, growing up.  "Windys."  Mmm-hmm.  Lil peek into my childhood for you armchair psychologists in blogland.  Enjoy!)

Anyhoodle.  It's Monday, and thus it's time for another MOJO-LICIOUS sketch challenge, courtesy of one very talented Julee Tilman.  And, considering the fact that it's also August 1st, this is a winner-winner-chicken-dinner of a challenge: participate and enter your challenge via the linky tool, and you just may win the Verve Stamps set of your choosing! Admit it - that beats a (say it with me, now) poke in the eye with a sharp stick!  Indeed, it do.

Ready for the sketch?  Here you go...

And, are you ready for my interpy-tation of it?  O'course ye are!  Here she blows...

I used my newest Verve sets, Hope Blooms and Bloom & Grow.  They aren't THE newest Verve sets, though, and I hear from friends in the know that the upcoming August 12th release is TO DIE FOR!  It's an anniversary release, and Julee always pulls out ALL the stops for those.  I am certain there are a few with my name on 'em, and I'll bet there are some with your's on there, too.  Just sayin'!  Can't wait to get a glimspe!

In the meantime, though, why not play along in today's Mojo Monday challenge?  You just might be one of the lucky winners!  All of the details about how to play along are available on the Mojo Monday blog, as are samples from the rest of the Mojo Makers.  And for close up and personal descriptions of their lovely creations, head on over to these talented ladies' blogs, and leave 'em a little love for making your Mondays more manageable and less manic.  It's the least you can do!  (Not to make you feel guilty.  But still.  Would it kill you to tell them how much you appreciate this early morning inspiration?!  No.  It wouldn't.  Plus, it's good for you.  Builds character.  And it's good karma.  What?  You have too much good karma built up?  Didn't think so...)

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

Geez Louise!  I almost forgot to mention: my card also meets Christina Fischer's Dare To Get Dirty Challenge (yay, me!).  Want more info?  Well, I could tell you, but then I'd have to... (don't make me say it).  Just check out THIS LINK for yourself for all of the distressing details...

See ya later, peepages!