Hello, hello! I'm back home from CHA (the winter Craft and Hobby Association show, which was held in Anaheim, CA, from Jan. 12-15), and let me tell you, I had a blast. I'm not going to rub your face in it with a bunch of photos of me hugging crafty friends, though, as I think I got my camera out a grand total of twice. And those pictures were less than flattering of not-so-little ol' me, if you catch my drift. Oh, all right - I'll show you just one of me waiting on a bench in the hotel lobby...
*sigh.* Now you know why I'm once again hanging out with my buddy, Jenny (Craig, not "From the Block"). Anywhoodle, WHEN - not if, WHEN! - I get down to my goal weight, I will update my photo. Assuming I lose 2 lbs. per week, that should be sometime in late May (just in time for our bi-annual trip to Navarre Beach, FL). I'll keep you posted on my progress.
In the meantime, I want to show you a card I made for a sweet and special friend I had the opportunity to meet IRL (in real life) at CHA - the one and only WANDA GUESS! Last Saturday night, I went to dinner with a bunch of gals from the Taylored Expressions Baker's Dozen (besides Wanda, the group included THE Taylor VanBruggen *Herself*, our dynamic DT Coordinator Jami Sibley, our nifty newsletter/SCS guru Regina Mangum, super-sweet Shannon White, and totally-talented Tammie Edgerton). Wanda and I were seated next to each other at dinner, and let me tell you: the hilarity ensued! I confess, prior to the dinner, I wondered whether the TE crew might be just a little bit too nice for me and/or me just a little too... bawdy for them.
I won't go into details, but suffice it to say, those gals are as fun as they are talented (and that is saying A LOT!). That's one of the best things about being able to meet up with crafty friends in person: finding you have even more in common with each other and an easy familiarity that's usually impossible with those you meet for the first time. Wanda is delightful, FUNNY, and adorable, and I can't wait until we're able to meet up again.
We agreed we would exchange Moka Wanda (named after *she* who came up with the concept) cards, and I'm making good on my promise. Check it out:
Isn't that sentiment a hoot?! I {heart} it! And there are so many tiny details in the drawing that makes my heart go pitter-patter: those wee Copics and the Crop-A-Dile in her apron; the perfectly rendered heat gun, right down to the plug...
It was easy to create a card for Wanda because she's a blonde like me and wears glasses (see how much we have in common?!), and since I'm forever making cards in my own image... Don't you LOVE her glasses?! I swear, every Moka I make from now on will be wearing them, thanks to the Glasses and 'Staches set! We girls-with-glasses have to make up for many years of "men don't make passes" bad PR, and this will be my contribution to the cause. Here's a close-up of this crafty cutie:
Wanda was stamped in Momento Tuxedo Black then colored in with Copic markers. I drew the base-board with a Copic Multi-Liner, then masked her with Eclipse Masking Tape. Next, I airbrushed her walls in Copic Y21, and stipple-brushed her carpet in Crushed Olive Distress Ink. I used this week's Mojo Monday Sketch (#276, and designed by yours truly) as my blueprint. I was too late to create a sample for Monday, but I'm still in time to keep true to my New Year's Resolution to participate in ALL the Mojo Mondays of 2013. (Woo-hoo! 2 for 2! ;) )
Alrighty, gang. I'll be back soon. Have a good one!
Supplies you can purchase on the Taylored Expressions website:
What a fun card and sounds like you had an incredible time at CHA! Way to rock the mojo sketch!
Posted by: Wanda Cullen | January 18, 2013 at 08:33 AM
I was all set to be all jealous and 'whatevs' about your recent trip, what with all the name dropping and elbow rubbing, and then you end it all with this darling card and melt my heart. Dang you!
Loves ya!
Posted by: Amy Rohl | January 18, 2013 at 09:43 AM
SO cute! I do love this image.. And you done her good! Had a great time with you at CHA as usual... Miss you CAROL.. Um er... I mean CAROLE! ;)
Posted by: Deborah Anton | January 18, 2013 at 10:26 AM
Sounds like you had a great time. Very cute card, and since I'm also a blonde with glasses I can really appreciate it! I sure enjoy your blog. Happy Weekend.
Posted by: Troy Louise | January 18, 2013 at 04:49 PM
OH MY GOSH!! That picture is NOT you!! LMAO But it IS friggin' hilarious! And that sentiment is perfect - I need that one! Girl, this card is too cute for words. Your attention to detail is spot on, and your coloring is amazing. Wanda is such a lucky girl to get a card from THE Carole Burrage. But she didn't get to hang out with you in the booth all day like I did . . . highlight of my life. That and your performance art. LMAO My new official sign-off: Balls, balls, balls . . . BALLS!! XO
Posted by: Karolyn Loncon | January 19, 2013 at 10:51 PM
You are so funny! I love how honest you are! I am with you GF, this year is 'no more excuses' year! So I will be with you all the way! Love the card too GF!
Posted by: Wendy Bond | January 20, 2013 at 10:08 AM
XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO!!!
I miss you already girlfriend!!! It was so fun to hang out with you last weekend. Can we go back to the CHA non-reality vortex again now please?? Please?? LOVE your card and thank you for the very kind words. You rock!! :-)
Posted by: Wanda G (stampcat) | January 20, 2013 at 06:04 PM