Mother's Little Helper

Mother of All Blog Hops!

Hello, hello!  I had just purchased a brand new batch of stamps from THERE SHE GOES when I learned about TSG's third annual MOTHER OF ALL BLOG HOPS, and I thought, "It's fate! I must participate!"  TSG's fabulous Trendsetters (aka design team) and customers like me are all coming together to show you a lots TSG goodness as you blurf this Mother's Day weekend.

First off, I'd like to share with you a wee somethin'-somethin' I made with the brand new A LITTLE TREAT set...

Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis know I love a good foodie image, and this is one of the cutest yet!  Take a closer look at that scrumptious cake Ms. Chef is showing off...

As you can see, the icing is covered in Baby's Breath Art Glitter, popped up on foam tape, and topped with adhesive gem 'strawberries.' Delicious!

Speaking of delicious, since we've been home from Carter's surgery (my 7 year old had major orthopedic surgery a few weeks ago and is homebound, recuperating for the next several weeks), my family has been so blessed to have lots of friends and neighbors bringing us meals.  In fact, I've discovered the most HEAVENLY-but-easy spaghetti sauce recipe I'm going to have to share with you soon.  In the meantime, though, I've got lots of thank you notes to write, and fortunately, TSG's BON APPETIT was perfect for creating a colorful, clean-and-simple thank you that was just right for mass production.  See what I mean...

I made a dozen of these to have on hand over the next few weeks...

Lots of TSG's fun and fabulous stamps will be featured by MOABH participants today and tomorrow, so be sure to stay tuned.  As if seeing such yummy inspiration wasn't treat enough, you've also got the opportunity to win fantastic TSG prizes!  For all of the details/instructions, be sure to visit the There She Goes Blog.

Now, are you ready for the next stop on this Mother of all Hops?  Then click on the In Linkz button for instant transport.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a WONDERFUL Mother's Day!

 

 

Supplies used:

You Take The Cake - Stamps: A Little Something by There She Goes; Paper: Neenah Classic Crest White, Regal Rose (SU!), A Muse green gingham, Crate Paper 'Pretty Party' 6"x6" pad, On The Bright Side 6"x6" pad (MME), Copic Blend It X-Press; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Scattered Straw Distress Ink by Ranger; Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Icing CutUps die (The Cat's Pajamas), Nestabilities, foam tape, satin ribbon, adhesive gems, Baby's Breath Translucent Art Glitter from Barbara Trombley

My Compliments - Stamps: Bon Appetit by There She Goes; Paper: Neenah Classic Crest White, True Black (PTI); Ink: Marvy Matchables Black, Turquoise Color Box Brush Pad, Summer Sun (SU!), Citrus (Adirondack), Watermelon (Adirondack), Slate (Adirondack); Accessories: black brads (American Crafts), Corner Chomper

Exciting News!

Hi, friends!  Long time, no see.  My life has been turned upside down (not in a terrible way - just in an "I can't find my behind with both hands" way - since we've come home after Carter's surgery). Still, I couldn't NOT be a part of sharing this F-U-N May Day news.  Are you ready for it?  Let me break it down for all you visual learners out there...

+

 

= Stamping Heaven!

That's right - YOUR NEXT STAMP is Splitcoaststampers' newest MEMBER COMPANY!!!  To celebrate, the YNS Design Team and a few special friends are throwing this celebratory blog hop.  Again, for the visual learners...

We have 3 hidden prizes along the way, so make sure you comment on all of the participating blogs for your best chance to win! Here’s the hop list:

Dana- http://gotjoycreations.blogspot.ca/

Kerri- http://cardsbykerri.blogspot.ca/

Cabio - guest - http://cabioscraftcorner.blogspot.ca/

Carole- http://motherslittlehelper.typepad.com/

Diana- http://doodledeedesigns.blogspot.ca/

Veronica- http://lk2thestarz.blogspot.ca/

Jen D- http://iheart2stamp.com/

Jen R- http://www.tennisgirl27.blogspot.ca/

Kelli - guest - http://stampingwithadream.blogspot.ca/

Susan- http://www.susiestampalot.com/

Wendy- http://sugarpea-designs.blogspot.ca/

Peggy- http://cardcrazy.wordpress.com/

Lydia - guest- http://understandblue.blogspot.com/

Jenny P- http://mylittlestampinspot.blogspot.ca/

Karen- http://yournextstamp.blogspot.ca/

The hop will run from today, May 1st at 8:00 am (EST) until Sunday, May 6th at midnight (EST). Winners will be announced Monday, May 7th on the Your Next Stamp Blog  and the YNS Splitcoaststampers  forum.

Now, because of my aforementioned haywire life, I know you won't mind me showing you a little something that has been viewed by human eyes before, but never on this blog. So it IS new for the hop, in a way.  Please let me retain my illusions/delusions for the moment, okay?  Mama's sanity is hangin' by the most slender of threads at uno momento and you don't want to be responsible for sending me over the edge, do you?  Let me tell you, my edge of reason ain't pretty.  For example, yesterday my eldest (15 year old) son and I were... having words.  We managed to come through it in a civilized fashion, but I did warn him that next time, I would be taking his phone away from him and taking him on a little drive.  We'd go for about 5 miles to a remote - but scenic - country road, and then I would be dropping him off.  He could then spend an enjoyable couple of hours finding his way home and thinking about ways to avoid similar situations in the future.  He said, "You wouldn't really do that, would you?" 

My answer: "Trust me. Or find out the hard way. It's up to you, buddy."

Anywho... enough o' my rambling.  If you want more crazy talk, there's always the monthly CCC - CAROLE'S CREATIVE COMMOTION - which occurs on the YNS Blog on the 18th of every month. (How's that for wrapping up a tangent with a tidy little bow?)  And speaking of the CCC, here's what I made for my last CCC post, using the cute new ELLIE LOVES LATTE set:

(I used the April Sketch For You To Try as my blueprint, by the way. :) )

Karen - YNS's lovely owner and just an all-around-awesome gal - is also in the process of moving, so YNS is having a HUGE moving sale!  You'll want to shop early to get all of the stamps and dies you want at fantastic prices because quantities are limited. Don't forget to check out the Bargain and Retired Stamp Bins on the YNS site, too, for savings of up to 70% off!

Ready for more YNS goodness?  Then hop along to the delightful DIANA'S BLOG for something special.  And don't forget to stop by and visit us in YNS's SCS MEMBER COMPANY FORUM!

Hello, hello!  It's The Cat's Pajamas' New Release Blog Hop time, in addition to being TCP Tuesday.  Our Hipster Hostess With the Mostess this week is my sweet friend JULIE MASSE, and she's got a Supply/Technique Challenge for us to create HOMEMADE FLOWERS!

As our Challenge Hostess, Julie is starting off today's blog hop, so if you didn't start there, you may want to head back to the beginning so you won't miss one beautiful thing.  If you've been a good little hopper, you've come my way via my oh-so-sweet and talented Dirty Dozen teammate, CHRISTINE OKKEN (we served on the SCS DD together in 2008 - good times!).

If I told you what a long and grueling week this was, I would not be lyin'.  In addition to the internal angst that accompanies having your seven-year-old undergo 5+ major orthopedic surgeries, I have the external aches that go with sleeping on one of those impossibly uncomfortable hospital fold-out chairs for the past five nights.  You know what I could use right now (in addition to a Xanax drip and gallon-sized premium margarita)?  A little BUBBLE THERAPY! 

Fortunately, Sprinkle is looking out for me...

Glamour puss Sprinkle lounges in a paper pieced tub with a Copic airbrushed background.  Her bubbles were made fluffy with liquid applique.  The sentiment was heat embossed with white detail embossing powder - see what I mean?

And I fulfilled this week's challenge using my brand new POM POM FLOWER CutUps Die.  It makes such a yummy, fluffy flower - I lurve it so.

Okay, gang.  Be off - I've got a bed to fold out and try to catch a few winks on before a nurse comes in here with a flashlight & meds (that should be right as I doze off...), and you'll want to see what sort of breathtaking wonderfulness my favorite Pickler, AMY SHEFFER, has to inspire you! 

And don't forget to head on over to The Cat's Pajamas website when you finish the hop, for all of the swanky new goodies are waiting for you to give them a good home and put them to use.  :)

I'm so thrilled to be able to participate in this very special surprise hop in honor of soon-to-be-Mom-to-twin-boys and all-around-wonderful person, JULEE TILMAN¹!  If you're hopping in order, you've come to me from Miss Meowy, also know as the incomparable ALMA DE LA ROSA.  If you just stumbled in and want to start from the get-go, head over to Julee's blog and/or our hop organizer, the talented TERESA KLINE's blog.  Teresa will have all of the blog participants listed on her blog if you find a broken link or get lost. 

I first got to know Julee when I was a Verve Diva back in 2008, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her again as part of the Mojo Monday Design Team. Julee is as classy as her stamps (which are my go-to images and sentiments when I need to do some Class Act Stamping²), and I know she's going to be a terrific mom. :)

Before I show you what I've made in Julee's honor, let me give you a look-see at this week's MOJO MONDAY sketch, #229:

And here's my take on it...

I used my favorite 'New Mama' image, DIANA by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps³, and my favorite 'New Baby' sentiment, "There Are No Small Miracles" from the BEAUTIFUL YOU⁴ set by Verve Stamps.  Diana was colored with Copic Markers on Copic X-Press Blending Cardstock, then fussy-cut.  The patterned paper is from Echo Park's new This & That - Charming 6"x6" pad.  The Carribean bakers twine is from The Twinery, and was a gift from my BSF/faux nemesis, Carolyn King, with whom I roomed⁵ at CHA.  I needed something on the card to represent twins, so that's where the wooden buttons come in.  I hope Julee likes it! :)

Teresa asked each of us to offer words of parenting wisdom.  This is tough, because as you all know, I am centuries old and very wise; to limit myself to just one pearl of wisdom... Hmm... I think it would be this: as overwhelming as babies may be at times, and as tired as you will surely get, try not to wish that first year away. Rock your babies and mindfully enjoy their infancy as much as you can.  Like my favorite parenting poem says:

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.⁶

Lucky you, you now get to go visit someone who is not only a great friend of mine, she's also one of my favorite stampers, the sensational SUSAN LILES!

Footnotes:

1.  Julee is the owner/illustrator of VERVE STAMPS, as well as the founder/chief sketcher of the weekly MOJO MONDAY sketch challenge.

2.  Class Act Stamping... it's a long story.  See this post if you want more info.

3.  DIANA is actually named for Kimmie's mom - isn't that the sweetest?  I had to leave the Kraftin' Kimmie Design Team in late November last year because I was still overwhelmed after my own mom's death and not sure I could honor DT commitments, prepare for finals and the holidays, and remain sane.  Still, I left on great terms with Kimmie, who is the soul of graciousness, and I still ADORE KKS's images.  So much so, I had to order the Gimme Kimmie Kit of all the new Moonlight Whispers released yesterday.  Go check 'em out - they're FABULOUS!

4.  BEAUTIFUL YOU is Verve's 1st anniversary set, and Julee had the wonderful idea of having design team members submit a sentiment that had meaning to them.  "There Are No Small Miracles" was mine, and here's the story behind it.

5. "... with whom I roomed" - that rhymes!

6. From 'Song For a Fifth Child' by Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

 

... Jenny Suchin Designs!  Yep, that's right - Jenny Suchin, a long-time member of the YNS Design Team, now has her own line of YNS stamps! Congratulations, Jenny S! And to celebrate, YNS is throwing this blog hop. Naturally, it starts at the aforementioned, illustrious JENNY SUCHIN's blog; if you're following along, you should have arrived here from the delightful DANA's blog.

Ready to see what I've created, using Jenny's new SPECIAL DELIVERY set? You aren't going to believe it...

SEE?!  I TOLD YOU SO!!! Can you believe a woman whose children are named 'Truman' and 'Carter' made the above card?! Yes, I know I have previously disclosed my prejudice against elephant images, but this one is different.  I'd explain why in detail, but this is a blog hop, after all, and I don't want to slow you down.  Instead, I'm going to save my explanation/apology/diatribe for the next CAROLE'S CREATIVE COMMOTION post, which will be on the YNS blog on the 18th.  Mark your calendars!

Anyway, back to my card.  I colored the elephant with Copics and then gave his skin some visual interest via a colorless blending marker.  The sky background was airbrushed, and each panel of the parachute is covered in Art Glitter, as is the bow. 

Are you interested in winning your choice the new Jenny Suchin Designs sets being released?  One of your stops along the hop is a "secret blogger," and a randomly selected commenter on her post will win the blog hop prize.  Best way to cover your bases and increase your chances of winning is to leave comments on everyone's posts along the hop.  (Plus, we just like hearing what you think.  Give us warm fuzzies, you know.)

Next stop on the hop is my homegirl, JENNY PETERSON.  I know she's got something fabulous and clever to share with you, so hop along, little bunnies!

 

Howdy, friends!  Whether you know it or not, you're in the middle of The Cat's Pajamas' New Release Blog Hop!  If you've been following along, you've come to me from my buddy-pal-and-life-long-friend AMY's blog.  If you haven't, and you're interested in seeing all of the latest and greatest stamps and dies from the swankiest stamping company in the universe, then you'll want to start at the very beginning.  As Maria Von Trapp sings in the introduction to "Do Re Mi," the very beginning is a "very good place to start," and our very good place happens to be JULIE'S blog.  She's our Hipster Hostess With the Mostess for this week's TCP TUESDAY Technique Challenge, and she's challenged us to EMBOSS on our cards.

Wanna see what I've got up my sleeve?  Presto!

I used the ADORABLE new WARM FUZZIES set, the latest from TCP's OuOu Illustrations. I just love this cute little gal in her bulky scarf and sweater.  And look - she has a little blue bird of happiness on her head.  Mind you, if a bird planted itself on my head, I'd be freaking out.  I've got a weird dislike of most birds, though. I think it stems back to being chased and pecked by a chicken when I was three years old, and multiple viewings of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" at an impressionable age.  But no matter - this gal's a cutie full o' charm, no matter which way you slice it!

Most of the Bird Girl is paper pieced, though her skin, hair and bird are colored with Copic markers.  I used QuikKutz Geometric Circles embossing folder to emboss the white background layer, then embellished with some black Zva crystals, my trusty corner rounder, and black satin ribbon.  The sketch is the current one from Card Positioning Systems.

Next stop on the hop is the always-awesome JEN!  Have a great day, and don't forget to shop 'til you drop when you finish the hop at The Cat's Pajamas website, where you'll find all of the stamps and dies from this fabulous release NOW available. :)

 

Hi, everyone!  I hope you're enjoying this New Release Blog Hop, brought to you by the swankiest company in all of stamping, The Cat's Pajamas.  If you're an obedient little hopper (and Santa's watching, you know...), then you should have started at newly-minted Dirty Girl JULIE'S blog then hopped along at a few lovely stops before coming my way via the always-awesome AMY.

You've seen some amazing projects so far, and there are many more to follow.  Rather than interrupt your flow with my chatter, I'm going to start 'showing' and stop 'telling'...

I made a cute little wreath ornament out of two of The Cat's Pajamas lovely new colors of SEAM BINDING (Cranberry & Evergreen) and used the new J*LLY H*LIDAY set with some of TCP's white shrink plastic to creat a mini-wreath tag. 

Here's how to make one for yourself.

First, get some floral wire, or other thin wire that you can easily bend:

Next, wrap the wire a few times around a cup or other round object to form the base of the wreath. (Mine is about 3" in diameter.)

Cut you seam binding using pinking shears.  I cut mine into lengths of three inches and double-tied them as I went. 

Start tying them around the base, and don't worry if it looks a little shabby before it starts getting fluffy. This step takes a little time, so be sure you put on a good movie like "The Muppets Christmas Carol" or "Elf" to help get the Christmas spirit flowing.

Before you know it, you'll have your own mini-wreath to hang from your tree and enjoy for years to come.

And here's a close-up of the tag. 

I used TCP's CIRCUS PANELS CutUps die to shape the tag, then stamped out the sentiment and colored it it with Copic markers.  Then, I heated the shrink paper with my heat gun and it shriveled and bent, then straightened out again at a wee one-inch long.  Magic!

Now it's time for you to make your way to one of our recent Swanky Stampers who is playing along with us for this release, the sensational STEPH HERBERT.  Merry hopping, peeps, and when you're finished, don't forget to head over to The Cat's Pajamas website where all the new release items are NOW on sale!

You've been waiting patiently, and at last, it's Release Day for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  And, as always, we Krafty Girls and Guests are celebrating with a blog hop.  The hop started at the KKS Challenge blog, with lots of lovely stops.  If you're hopping along in order (and you really should - so many gorgeous creations!) you should have come here from the blog of one of our Krafty Guests, the hilarious and talented JENNY PETERSON (I love that gal! Seriously. She's one of my favorite new designers in the world o' stamping. You MUST check her out. That's an order, soldier).

I'm sure you've got the details down by now, but just to summarize: as usual, Kraftin' Kimmie has something for everyone this month!

• Cheryl Alger's new SNIPS & SNAILS set for all the little guys in your life
• Emilie Goulet's CANINE CAPERS 1 & 2 sets for all the dog lovers in the hizzy
• Six new GOTHIC GIRLS from Annie Rodrigue's Moonlight Whispers line
• and BONUS!  The release of the heretofore Krafty Day Exclusive BEST FRIENDS stamp, illustrated by Annie Rodrigue

It's enough to make your head spin with delight, is it not? Well, steady yourself, because I've got another of Annie's Gothic Girls to share with you.  This cute little gal is named BELLA...

I kicked it old school and did a little faux stitching around the image layer; it's been a while since I pulled that one out of my bag o' tricks! Here's a closer look at the lovely Miss Bella...

Isn't she darling?  Perfect for the cat lovers in your life.  Looking for an all-purpose friendship stamp?  Then look no further than BEST FRIENDS; I lurve this stamp! Here's a little number I made with it for Krafty Day, last month:

(Just noticed I used the same sketch for both cards!  It's October's Sketch For You To Try, and obviously, I likey... :) )

It's time to send you onward, to the oh-so-marvelous MELANIE's blog.  Just a reminder before you leave me, though.  Be sure to leave comments at all of the stops on the hop to be eligible for the drawing for packages of NEW stamps; two lucky commenters will win lots o' images, free of charge!  And when you get done with the hop, skeedaddle to the Kraftin' Kimmie Shop because all of the new images are NOW available! :)

It's Krafty Release Day and the Krafty Girls and Guests are celebrating with a Krafty Blog Hop!  Be sure to start at the beginning of the hop at the KKS Challenge Blog and leave comments as you go, because two lucky commenters will receive packages of stamps from today's release!

As you sit back and enjoy today's hop, you'll see most of the new images, including:

• a trio of SNOW PEEPS from Cheryl Alger,
• Emilie Goulet's WINTER WONDERLAND quintet,
• and SIX new EVERY DAY GIRLS from the amazing Annie Rodrigue!

Ready for my contribution to today's festivities?  That's good, because like the image I'm using -- JULIE -- the party don't start 'til I walk in^*...

* - That's a lyric from 'Tik Tok,' by the way.  I've officially made the decision that it is my new go-to Karaoke song, replacing 'Love Shack,' which held that distinction for close to two decades.  Ke$ha can't sing that well, and neither can I, so it's a perfect fit.  Ponder that as I show you a close-up of party-girl JULIE...

Don't you just LOVE her?!  I know I do...

Wanna know who else I love?  My Krafty Girl-friend, ELAINE, who's next on today's hop and surely has something fantastic to share with you (that girl knows how to color, lemme tell ya)!

BUY THE WAY:  When you’re done hoppin’, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!  We have our Gimme Kimmies Kits for those of you who ‘need it all.' :)  The stamps are grouped together by artist and come with a discount, but only for a limited time!

Yay!  The September stamps from Kraftin' Kimmie are finally available to their adoring public!  REJOICE!

 

To celebrate the release, the Krafty Girls and Guests are having a blog hop to show you most of the new images in one fell swoop.  If you came here from the divine DONNA's blog, you're on the right track.  If not, you may want to start at the beginning, at the KKS Challenge blog.  I know you won't want to miss any stops along this Krafty Christmas Extravaganza!

Here's a rundown of all the new releases:

• Cheryl Alger's adorable O HOLY NIGHT set
• NATIVITY SENTIMENTS (which coordinate beautifully with Cheryl's new set)
• Six new HAPPY HOLIDAYS images from the Emilie's Etchings line
• Six gorgeous ANGELS from Annie Rodrigue
• CHRISTMAS INTERIOR SENTIMENTS to doll up the insides of your holiday greetings

I'm showing you one more INSTALLMENT (love that word) in my Christmas KKS banner.  Meet ELYSIA...

(Banner construction and materials details are available on this post.) Elysia  comes with a sentiment that says "Hark!" and a separate halo stamp.  I masked the top of Elysia's head then stamped the halo on top of her.

I'd love to stay and chatter, but I figure you're ready to see what's next.  If so, head on over to precious PAM'S blog, where I know she has something magnificent to share with you.  Don't forget to leave comments as you hop along today; two lucky commenters will win packages of stamps from the new release!

And, of course, you'll want to get ahead of the holidays and SHOP EARLY for the latest, greatest Christmas images at the KRAFTIN' KIMMIE STAMPS store!

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!

 

Hello hello!  How are you this fine Sunday morning?  Enjoying yourself on the July Kraftin' Kimmie Blog Hop?  This month's hop is like traveling the globe, is it not?  Don't you feel cultured? If you've been keeping up with the Krafty Peeks of the past several days, you know that TODAY is RELEASE DAY for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  This month's release brings you:

• a very elegant Sympathy Set featuring several sentiments and a gorgeous floral image illustrated by Emilie Goulet,
• three new Back to School images from Cheryl Alger,
• five new Outdoor Fun stamps from Emilie Goulet, and
• six awesome new Traveling Girls from Annie Rodrigue!

Assuming you started at the tippy-top of the Hope with the Challenge Blog, you should have made your way here via my good friend, MICHELE.  Michele has a Traveling Girl named for her this month, and she also happens to be one of my stamping idols - if you're at all familiar with her work, you know why: everything she makes is sublime! 

That Michele is one hard act to follow, but hopefully you've caught your breath by now and are ready for my humble hop submission: a little card dedicated to my Krafty sister from Down Under, DONNA!

DONNA - another of the new Moonlight Whispers Traveling Girls - is quite a lovely little Sheila, hugging her 'Roo on a sunny day in the outback.  She looks happy - like she just ate a vegemite sandwich and washed it down with a Foster's lager.  Next on the agenda: tossing a boomerang!  And I'm done with all the Aussie stereotypes I can think of for the moment...

Please note the hand-stitching around the square and image panels.  A labor of love, but Donna's worth it!  Here's a close-up of her seam binding bow/sentiment treatment:

The sentiment is mounted on a Tim Holtz Memo Pin, stuck through the knots of the double bows.  Now for a detail shot of the Copic coloring/airbrushing (I masked her off with Eclipse masking tape before airbrushing the sky and ground):

As I worked on this card, and again as I'm typing this post, that old song by DeBarge "Who's Holding Donna Now" kept running through my addled brain.  Ugh!  Please, please... MAKE IT STOP!

I could go on a whole DeBarge monologue, but I'm going to let the album cover to the left speak for itself.

Back to the hop!  Are you interested in winning a package of stamps from the release?  Then be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the Krafty Girls and Guests participating in today's hop.  Of those who leave comments on ALL of the blogs, several lucky peeps will be randomly drawn and win BIG!  Woot!

And of course, when you've finished the hop, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!

In the meantime, though, I'm going to send you hippity-hopping over to our elegant Traveling Girl from merry ol' England, ELAINE!  Pip pip!  Cheerio!

Mahalo from Oklahoma! :) 

I'm so happy Karen (owner of Your Next Stamp) invited me to be a part of this month's Your Next Stamps Blog Hop. If you've been hopping in order, you've arrived on my cyber doorstep fresh from the delightful DIANA'S.  If you've come by to see me unaware of the YNS Hop, I know you'll want to start at the beginning with current Dirty Girl KERRI MICHAUD; trust me: you don't want to miss one C-U-T-E thing in YNS's July release!

As I've mentioned before, YNS is one of my very favorite stamp companies, and Karen knows how much I ADORE her oh-so-sweet World Kids collection.  Since YNS is welcoming a couple of new World Kids to the collection this month, Karen generously asked if I'd like to help introduce them to you.  

Please meet KALI from HAWAII...

Isn't she a doll?  Check out her fringe-y grass skirt:

I stamped and colored a second skirt then chopped it up, removed a few 'blades', and spread it out a little.  Then, I adhered just the waistband to the main image via a Quickie Glue Pen.  One more fun way to add texture.  Additional texture is provided by the felt sunshine and cork sand. 

Now, ready to see what the Boss Lady, Herself has come up with?  Of course you are!  Then head on over to visit the fabulous, fantastic KAREN!  And thanks, again, Karen, for including me in this month's fun!

 

Oh, I ALMOST forgot!  Might'n you be interested in winning the two newest World Kids for your very own?  You would?  What a surprise... ;)  To make it nice in easy on you, all you have to do is enter your name in the linky tool thingamabob (<-- technical term) on any of the hop designers' blogs.  One random winner will be selected to recieve his/her own KALI and KAI. 

And -- this is good, too -- when you finish the hop and immediately go to the Your Next Stamp site to shop (because you are smart enough to recognize resistance is futile), be sure to use coupon code YNSJULYNR to recieve 10% off your entire order.  Woo-hoo! 

Okay.  Now here's the linky tool thing:

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...

 

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.

TCP New Release Blog Hop - Bubble Therapy!

Hello, hello!  It's The Cat's Pajamas' New Release Blog Hop time, in addition to being TCP Tuesday.  Our Hipster Hostess With the Mostess this week is my sweet friend JULIE MASSE, and she's got a Supply/Technique Challenge for us to create HOMEMADE FLOWERS!

As our Challenge Hostess, Julie is starting off today's blog hop, so if you didn't start there, you may want to head back to the beginning so you won't miss one beautiful thing.  If you've been a good little hopper, you've come my way via my oh-so-sweet and talented Dirty Dozen teammate, CHRISTINE OKKEN (we served on the SCS DD together in 2008 - good times!).

If I told you what a long and grueling week this was, I would not be lyin'.  In addition to the internal angst that accompanies having your seven-year-old undergo 5+ major orthopedic surgeries, I have the external aches that go with sleeping on one of those impossibly uncomfortable hospital fold-out chairs for the past five nights.  You know what I could use right now (in addition to a Xanax drip and gallon-sized premium margarita)?  A little BUBBLE THERAPY! 

Fortunately, Sprinkle is looking out for me...

Glamour puss Sprinkle lounges in a paper pieced tub with a Copic airbrushed background.  Her bubbles were made fluffy with liquid applique.  The sentiment was heat embossed with white detail embossing powder - see what I mean?

And I fulfilled this week's challenge using my brand new POM POM FLOWER CutUps Die.  It makes such a yummy, fluffy flower - I lurve it so.

Okay, gang.  Be off - I've got a bed to fold out and try to catch a few winks on before a nurse comes in here with a flashlight & meds (that should be right as I doze off...), and you'll want to see what sort of breathtaking wonderfulness my favorite Pickler, AMY SHEFFER, has to inspire you! 

And don't forget to head on over to The Cat's Pajamas website when you finish the hop, for all of the swanky new goodies are waiting for you to give them a good home and put them to use.  :)

Surprise Hop for Julee

I'm so thrilled to be able to participate in this very special surprise hop in honor of soon-to-be-Mom-to-twin-boys and all-around-wonderful person, JULEE TILMAN¹!  If you're hopping in order, you've come to me from Miss Meowy, also know as the incomparable ALMA DE LA ROSA.  If you just stumbled in and want to start from the get-go, head over to Julee's blog and/or our hop organizer, the talented TERESA KLINE's blog.  Teresa will have all of the blog participants listed on her blog if you find a broken link or get lost. 

I first got to know Julee when I was a Verve Diva back in 2008, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her again as part of the Mojo Monday Design Team. Julee is as classy as her stamps (which are my go-to images and sentiments when I need to do some Class Act Stamping²), and I know she's going to be a terrific mom. :)

Before I show you what I've made in Julee's honor, let me give you a look-see at this week's MOJO MONDAY sketch, #229:

And here's my take on it...

I used my favorite 'New Mama' image, DIANA by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps³, and my favorite 'New Baby' sentiment, "There Are No Small Miracles" from the BEAUTIFUL YOU⁴ set by Verve Stamps.  Diana was colored with Copic Markers on Copic X-Press Blending Cardstock, then fussy-cut.  The patterned paper is from Echo Park's new This & That - Charming 6"x6" pad.  The Carribean bakers twine is from The Twinery, and was a gift from my BSF/faux nemesis, Carolyn King, with whom I roomed⁵ at CHA.  I needed something on the card to represent twins, so that's where the wooden buttons come in.  I hope Julee likes it! :)

Teresa asked each of us to offer words of parenting wisdom.  This is tough, because as you all know, I am centuries old and very wise; to limit myself to just one pearl of wisdom... Hmm... I think it would be this: as overwhelming as babies may be at times, and as tired as you will surely get, try not to wish that first year away. Rock your babies and mindfully enjoy their infancy as much as you can.  Like my favorite parenting poem says:

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.⁶

Lucky you, you now get to go visit someone who is not only a great friend of mine, she's also one of my favorite stampers, the sensational SUSAN LILES!

Footnotes:

1.  Julee is the owner/illustrator of VERVE STAMPS, as well as the founder/chief sketcher of the weekly MOJO MONDAY sketch challenge.

2.  Class Act Stamping... it's a long story.  See this post if you want more info.

3.  DIANA is actually named for Kimmie's mom - isn't that the sweetest?  I had to leave the Kraftin' Kimmie Design Team in late November last year because I was still overwhelmed after my own mom's death and not sure I could honor DT commitments, prepare for finals and the holidays, and remain sane.  Still, I left on great terms with Kimmie, who is the soul of graciousness, and I still ADORE KKS's images.  So much so, I had to order the Gimme Kimmie Kit of all the new Moonlight Whispers released yesterday.  Go check 'em out - they're FABULOUS!

4.  BEAUTIFUL YOU is Verve's 1st anniversary set, and Julee had the wonderful idea of having design team members submit a sentiment that had meaning to them.  "There Are No Small Miracles" was mine, and here's the story behind it.

5. "... with whom I roomed" - that rhymes!

6. From 'Song For a Fifth Child' by Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

 

Your Next Stamp Blog Hop, Introducing...

... Jenny Suchin Designs!  Yep, that's right - Jenny Suchin, a long-time member of the YNS Design Team, now has her own line of YNS stamps! Congratulations, Jenny S! And to celebrate, YNS is throwing this blog hop. Naturally, it starts at the aforementioned, illustrious JENNY SUCHIN's blog; if you're following along, you should have arrived here from the delightful DANA's blog.

Ready to see what I've created, using Jenny's new SPECIAL DELIVERY set? You aren't going to believe it...

SEE?!  I TOLD YOU SO!!! Can you believe a woman whose children are named 'Truman' and 'Carter' made the above card?! Yes, I know I have previously disclosed my prejudice against elephant images, but this one is different.  I'd explain why in detail, but this is a blog hop, after all, and I don't want to slow you down.  Instead, I'm going to save my explanation/apology/diatribe for the next CAROLE'S CREATIVE COMMOTION post, which will be on the YNS blog on the 18th.  Mark your calendars!

Anyway, back to my card.  I colored the elephant with Copics and then gave his skin some visual interest via a colorless blending marker.  The sky background was airbrushed, and each panel of the parachute is covered in Art Glitter, as is the bow. 

Are you interested in winning your choice the new Jenny Suchin Designs sets being released?  One of your stops along the hop is a "secret blogger," and a randomly selected commenter on her post will win the blog hop prize.  Best way to cover your bases and increase your chances of winning is to leave comments on everyone's posts along the hop.  (Plus, we just like hearing what you think.  Give us warm fuzzies, you know.)

Next stop on the hop is my homegirl, JENNY PETERSON.  I know she's got something fabulous and clever to share with you, so hop along, little bunnies!

 

TCP New Release Blog Hop!

Howdy, friends!  Whether you know it or not, you're in the middle of The Cat's Pajamas' New Release Blog Hop!  If you've been following along, you've come to me from my buddy-pal-and-life-long-friend AMY's blog.  If you haven't, and you're interested in seeing all of the latest and greatest stamps and dies from the swankiest stamping company in the universe, then you'll want to start at the very beginning.  As Maria Von Trapp sings in the introduction to "Do Re Mi," the very beginning is a "very good place to start," and our very good place happens to be JULIE'S blog.  She's our Hipster Hostess With the Mostess for this week's TCP TUESDAY Technique Challenge, and she's challenged us to EMBOSS on our cards.

Wanna see what I've got up my sleeve?  Presto!

I used the ADORABLE new WARM FUZZIES set, the latest from TCP's OuOu Illustrations. I just love this cute little gal in her bulky scarf and sweater.  And look - she has a little blue bird of happiness on her head.  Mind you, if a bird planted itself on my head, I'd be freaking out.  I've got a weird dislike of most birds, though. I think it stems back to being chased and pecked by a chicken when I was three years old, and multiple viewings of Alfred Hitchcock's "The Birds" at an impressionable age.  But no matter - this gal's a cutie full o' charm, no matter which way you slice it!

Most of the Bird Girl is paper pieced, though her skin, hair and bird are colored with Copic markers.  I used QuikKutz Geometric Circles embossing folder to emboss the white background layer, then embellished with some black Zva crystals, my trusty corner rounder, and black satin ribbon.  The sketch is the current one from Card Positioning Systems.

Next stop on the hop is the always-awesome JEN!  Have a great day, and don't forget to shop 'til you drop when you finish the hop at The Cat's Pajamas website, where you'll find all of the stamps and dies from this fabulous release NOW available. :)

 

The Cat's Pajamas ~ Blog Hop!

Hi, everyone!  I hope you're enjoying this New Release Blog Hop, brought to you by the swankiest company in all of stamping, The Cat's Pajamas.  If you're an obedient little hopper (and Santa's watching, you know...), then you should have started at newly-minted Dirty Girl JULIE'S blog then hopped along at a few lovely stops before coming my way via the always-awesome AMY.

You've seen some amazing projects so far, and there are many more to follow.  Rather than interrupt your flow with my chatter, I'm going to start 'showing' and stop 'telling'...

I made a cute little wreath ornament out of two of The Cat's Pajamas lovely new colors of SEAM BINDING (Cranberry & Evergreen) and used the new J*LLY H*LIDAY set with some of TCP's white shrink plastic to creat a mini-wreath tag. 

Here's how to make one for yourself.

First, get some floral wire, or other thin wire that you can easily bend:

Next, wrap the wire a few times around a cup or other round object to form the base of the wreath. (Mine is about 3" in diameter.)

Cut you seam binding using pinking shears.  I cut mine into lengths of three inches and double-tied them as I went. 

Start tying them around the base, and don't worry if it looks a little shabby before it starts getting fluffy. This step takes a little time, so be sure you put on a good movie like "The Muppets Christmas Carol" or "Elf" to help get the Christmas spirit flowing.

Before you know it, you'll have your own mini-wreath to hang from your tree and enjoy for years to come.

And here's a close-up of the tag. 

I used TCP's CIRCUS PANELS CutUps die to shape the tag, then stamped out the sentiment and colored it it with Copic markers.  Then, I heated the shrink paper with my heat gun and it shriveled and bent, then straightened out again at a wee one-inch long.  Magic!

Now it's time for you to make your way to one of our recent Swanky Stampers who is playing along with us for this release, the sensational STEPH HERBERT.  Merry hopping, peeps, and when you're finished, don't forget to head over to The Cat's Pajamas website where all the new release items are NOW on sale!

Kraftin' Kimmie New Release Blog Hop!

You've been waiting patiently, and at last, it's Release Day for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  And, as always, we Krafty Girls and Guests are celebrating with a blog hop.  The hop started at the KKS Challenge blog, with lots of lovely stops.  If you're hopping along in order (and you really should - so many gorgeous creations!) you should have come here from the blog of one of our Krafty Guests, the hilarious and talented JENNY PETERSON (I love that gal! Seriously. She's one of my favorite new designers in the world o' stamping. You MUST check her out. That's an order, soldier).

I'm sure you've got the details down by now, but just to summarize: as usual, Kraftin' Kimmie has something for everyone this month!

• Cheryl Alger's new SNIPS & SNAILS set for all the little guys in your life
• Emilie Goulet's CANINE CAPERS 1 & 2 sets for all the dog lovers in the hizzy
• Six new GOTHIC GIRLS from Annie Rodrigue's Moonlight Whispers line
• and BONUS!  The release of the heretofore Krafty Day Exclusive BEST FRIENDS stamp, illustrated by Annie Rodrigue

It's enough to make your head spin with delight, is it not? Well, steady yourself, because I've got another of Annie's Gothic Girls to share with you.  This cute little gal is named BELLA...

I kicked it old school and did a little faux stitching around the image layer; it's been a while since I pulled that one out of my bag o' tricks! Here's a closer look at the lovely Miss Bella...

Isn't she darling?  Perfect for the cat lovers in your life.  Looking for an all-purpose friendship stamp?  Then look no further than BEST FRIENDS; I lurve this stamp! Here's a little number I made with it for Krafty Day, last month:

(Just noticed I used the same sketch for both cards!  It's October's Sketch For You To Try, and obviously, I likey... :) )

It's time to send you onward, to the oh-so-marvelous MELANIE's blog.  Just a reminder before you leave me, though.  Be sure to leave comments at all of the stops on the hop to be eligible for the drawing for packages of NEW stamps; two lucky commenters will win lots o' images, free of charge!  And when you get done with the hop, skeedaddle to the Kraftin' Kimmie Shop because all of the new images are NOW available! :)

October Krafty Hop!

It's Krafty Release Day and the Krafty Girls and Guests are celebrating with a Krafty Blog Hop!  Be sure to start at the beginning of the hop at the KKS Challenge Blog and leave comments as you go, because two lucky commenters will receive packages of stamps from today's release!

As you sit back and enjoy today's hop, you'll see most of the new images, including:

• a trio of SNOW PEEPS from Cheryl Alger,
• Emilie Goulet's WINTER WONDERLAND quintet,
• and SIX new EVERY DAY GIRLS from the amazing Annie Rodrigue!

Ready for my contribution to today's festivities?  That's good, because like the image I'm using -- JULIE -- the party don't start 'til I walk in^*...

* - That's a lyric from 'Tik Tok,' by the way.  I've officially made the decision that it is my new go-to Karaoke song, replacing 'Love Shack,' which held that distinction for close to two decades.  Ke$ha can't sing that well, and neither can I, so it's a perfect fit.  Ponder that as I show you a close-up of party-girl JULIE...

Don't you just LOVE her?!  I know I do...

Wanna know who else I love?  My Krafty Girl-friend, ELAINE, who's next on today's hop and surely has something fantastic to share with you (that girl knows how to color, lemme tell ya)!

BUY THE WAY:  When you’re done hoppin’, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!  We have our Gimme Kimmies Kits for those of you who ‘need it all.' :)  The stamps are grouped together by artist and come with a discount, but only for a limited time!

Kraftin' Kimmie Blog Hop!

Yay!  The September stamps from Kraftin' Kimmie are finally available to their adoring public!  REJOICE!

 

To celebrate the release, the Krafty Girls and Guests are having a blog hop to show you most of the new images in one fell swoop.  If you came here from the divine DONNA's blog, you're on the right track.  If not, you may want to start at the beginning, at the KKS Challenge blog.  I know you won't want to miss any stops along this Krafty Christmas Extravaganza!

Here's a rundown of all the new releases:

• Cheryl Alger's adorable O HOLY NIGHT set
• NATIVITY SENTIMENTS (which coordinate beautifully with Cheryl's new set)
• Six new HAPPY HOLIDAYS images from the Emilie's Etchings line
• Six gorgeous ANGELS from Annie Rodrigue
• CHRISTMAS INTERIOR SENTIMENTS to doll up the insides of your holiday greetings

I'm showing you one more INSTALLMENT (love that word) in my Christmas KKS banner.  Meet ELYSIA...

(Banner construction and materials details are available on this post.) Elysia  comes with a sentiment that says "Hark!" and a separate halo stamp.  I masked the top of Elysia's head then stamped the halo on top of her.

I'd love to stay and chatter, but I figure you're ready to see what's next.  If so, head on over to precious PAM'S blog, where I know she has something magnificent to share with you.  Don't forget to leave comments as you hop along today; two lucky commenters will win packages of stamps from the new release!

And, of course, you'll want to get ahead of the holidays and SHOP EARLY for the latest, greatest Christmas images at the KRAFTIN' KIMMIE STAMPS 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!

 

Kraftin' Kimmie Blog Hop!

Hello hello!  How are you this fine Sunday morning?  Enjoying yourself on the July Kraftin' Kimmie Blog Hop?  This month's hop is like traveling the globe, is it not?  Don't you feel cultured? If you've been keeping up with the Krafty Peeks of the past several days, you know that TODAY is RELEASE DAY for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  This month's release brings you:

• a very elegant Sympathy Set featuring several sentiments and a gorgeous floral image illustrated by Emilie Goulet,
• three new Back to School images from Cheryl Alger,
• five new Outdoor Fun stamps from Emilie Goulet, and
• six awesome new Traveling Girls from Annie Rodrigue!

Assuming you started at the tippy-top of the Hope with the Challenge Blog, you should have made your way here via my good friend, MICHELE.  Michele has a Traveling Girl named for her this month, and she also happens to be one of my stamping idols - if you're at all familiar with her work, you know why: everything she makes is sublime! 

That Michele is one hard act to follow, but hopefully you've caught your breath by now and are ready for my humble hop submission: a little card dedicated to my Krafty sister from Down Under, DONNA!

DONNA - another of the new Moonlight Whispers Traveling Girls - is quite a lovely little Sheila, hugging her 'Roo on a sunny day in the outback.  She looks happy - like she just ate a vegemite sandwich and washed it down with a Foster's lager.  Next on the agenda: tossing a boomerang!  And I'm done with all the Aussie stereotypes I can think of for the moment...

Please note the hand-stitching around the square and image panels.  A labor of love, but Donna's worth it!  Here's a close-up of her seam binding bow/sentiment treatment:

The sentiment is mounted on a Tim Holtz Memo Pin, stuck through the knots of the double bows.  Now for a detail shot of the Copic coloring/airbrushing (I masked her off with Eclipse masking tape before airbrushing the sky and ground):

As I worked on this card, and again as I'm typing this post, that old song by DeBarge "Who's Holding Donna Now" kept running through my addled brain.  Ugh!  Please, please... MAKE IT STOP!

I could go on a whole DeBarge monologue, but I'm going to let the album cover to the left speak for itself.

Back to the hop!  Are you interested in winning a package of stamps from the release?  Then be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the Krafty Girls and Guests participating in today's hop.  Of those who leave comments on ALL of the blogs, several lucky peeps will be randomly drawn and win BIG!  Woot!

And of course, when you've finished the hop, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!

In the meantime, though, I'm going to send you hippity-hopping over to our elegant Traveling Girl from merry ol' England, ELAINE!  Pip pip!  Cheerio!

YNS Blog Hop: Aloha!

Mahalo from Oklahoma! :) 

I'm so happy Karen (owner of Your Next Stamp) invited me to be a part of this month's Your Next Stamps Blog Hop. If you've been hopping in order, you've arrived on my cyber doorstep fresh from the delightful DIANA'S.  If you've come by to see me unaware of the YNS Hop, I know you'll want to start at the beginning with current Dirty Girl KERRI MICHAUD; trust me: you don't want to miss one C-U-T-E thing in YNS's July release!

As I've mentioned before, YNS is one of my very favorite stamp companies, and Karen knows how much I ADORE her oh-so-sweet World Kids collection.  Since YNS is welcoming a couple of new World Kids to the collection this month, Karen generously asked if I'd like to help introduce them to you.  

Please meet KALI from HAWAII...

Isn't she a doll?  Check out her fringe-y grass skirt:

I stamped and colored a second skirt then chopped it up, removed a few 'blades', and spread it out a little.  Then, I adhered just the waistband to the main image via a Quickie Glue Pen.  One more fun way to add texture.  Additional texture is provided by the felt sunshine and cork sand. 

Now, ready to see what the Boss Lady, Herself has come up with?  Of course you are!  Then head on over to visit the fabulous, fantastic KAREN!  And thanks, again, Karen, for including me in this month's fun!

 

Oh, I ALMOST forgot!  Might'n you be interested in winning the two newest World Kids for your very own?  You would?  What a surprise... ;)  To make it nice in easy on you, all you have to do is enter your name in the linky tool thingamabob (<-- technical term) on any of the hop designers' blogs.  One random winner will be selected to recieve his/her own KALI and KAI. 

And -- this is good, too -- when you finish the hop and immediately go to the Your Next Stamp site to shop (because you are smart enough to recognize resistance is futile), be sure to use coupon code YNSJULYNR to recieve 10% off your entire order.  Woo-hoo! 

Okay.  Now here's the linky tool thing:

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...

 

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.