Mother's Little Helper

Whatever Floats Your Boat...

I love that sentiment!  And these images...
Both the sentiment and the images are from The Cat's Pajamas brand-new By The Sea set.  It's definitely one of my new favorites.  Every single one of 'em makes my heart go pitter-patter!  *Sigh!*  As a stamper, it doesn't get better than playing with images you absolutely love. 

This little number was actually created a couple of weeks ago as a sample for my Dirty buddy Bev Rousch's Dare to Get Dirty Challenge, Sew Unexpected, to use sewing on a card.  I hand-sewed a blanket stitch around the orange layer.  You don't need to have a machine to sew on your cards -- just a needle, some thread (for hand-sewing, I prefer to use two strands of embroidery floss; I have a ton of different colors from my past-life as a counted-cross-stitcher), and a little patience.  It's actually kind of soothing to me to do a little hand-stitching.  Unlike machine stitching, in which I'm always holding my breath, afraid I'm going to screw up and have to start over...

Other details about this card.  You know that song by Landon Pigg that's in the AT&T commercials?  The one that goes "I think that possibly, maybe I'm falling for you..."  (I just Googled it and found out the title of that song is 'Falling In Love at a Coffee Shop.'  Learn something new every day!) That's the way I'm feeling about this Kraft chipboard Circle Cut-Out Mat from my pal Jody's Die Cut shop.  I actually created the entire card around it (from the layout, to rounding the corners, to using kraft as a base layer, etc.).  Just know you're going to be seeing more of these as I'm bound and determined to push them to the limits of their versatility! (Which I am predicting will be limitless, so again, I warn you: you will be seeing a lot of these from me...)  This is one of my favorite cards I've made in a long time.  I'd like to give myself credit, but I'm afraid it belongs to the Alma for drawing such fabulous images and the CCOM (Circle Cut Out Mat is too long to type out over and over again, although I just did. *sigh*).

Breaking News!  Check out the list of my Cat Pack Cronies on the sidebar.  See a familiar-yet-new-to-TCP name on there?!  Yep, the adorable, Preppy (yay!), and oh-so-talented Joanne Basile is joining the litter!  Jo, you need to know, is a great friend of mine.  We even shared a bed at CHA this past weekend.  (That fact is not nearly as interesting as it sounds... it was king-sized and neither of us are snugglers, so there was a gulf of un-mussed bedding between us.)  Sprinkle is so excited at the mere idea of being lavished with Jo's buttons & bows, and sweet, fresh designs! 

Supplies used:
Stamps: By the Sea by The Cat's Pajamas
Paper: Kraft (PTI), Orbit Orange (Wasau), Natural White (Neenah), patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Lil Man collection
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Chipboard Cut Out Mat and Foam Boosters from Jody Morrow, embroidery floss & needle, TCP's Candy Sprinkles Buttons and Candy Sprinkles Ribbon, Copic Markers, Nestabilities, twine

A Haunting Hop!

Here I am -- your last stop on the MFT Blog Hop!  You did start with Kim and hit all the stops, coming my way via my AMAZING friend, Amy, didn't you?  If not, go back now -- you don't want to miss a thing!

I am so excited about this MFT release -- it's definitely filled with some of My Favorite Things!  I love books, trees, chocolate, and of course, Halloween.  My oldest son's birthday is on Halloween Eve, so we've had our fair share of Halloween-themed parties, and I have oodles of Halloween decorations that I put up every October 1st.  It's just such a fun time of year, and I'm thrilled to have this new image of Who's That Girl handing out Halloween candy...
First, I stamped out the scene on one of MFT's Perfect Paper Panels.  I drew in the sidewalk and masked off the characters and sky before stippling Going Gray (SU!) ink to make 'concrete'.  Next, I colored in WTG and the Trick-or-Treaters with Copics, adding a little tennis-shoe-like detail with a Copic MicroLiner on the kiddos' shoes.  The very hip child in the Flopsey costume got a fluffy tail via Liquid Applique.  Then I paper pieced WTG's dress and bowl, cut out the images, and glued them to a back ground of Moonstruck paper by CTMH (Close To My Heart).

Last year I purchased this Cuttlebug Skeleton Scroll embossing folder, but never got around to using it.  I was determined to do so today, so I pulled it out and used it to emboss the Moonstruck paper.  CTMH paper has a white core, so after embossing it, I lightly went over it with a sanding block and the scrolls and skellies popped out in white.  Other embellishments include MFT's Gem Brads and black Perfect Plaid ribbon.

Since I'm the last stop on this hop, I have the privilege of handing out a little blog candy!  Mmmm... CANDY!  That gives me an idea -- why don't I give away a little chocolate?  As in the new Chocolate Bunny (Flopsey) set?!  Just leave me a comment, and I'll draw the winner at 9 p.m. EST Wednesday night (during the MFT New Release Cocktail Party in the MFT Member Company Forum on Splitcoast).

See you at the party tomorrow -- your official invitation is below! ;)

What: My Favorite Things New Release Cocktail Party
Where: Here, in the MFT Member Company Forum on Splitcoaststampers
When: Wednesday, August 5, 2008 -- 8 - 10 p.m. EST
Why: Sneak Peaks, Prizes, Eye Candy, Contests, Chatter and just plain F-U-N!

BUY THE WAY: Here's the skinny on all the *new* stuff being released by MFT on Wednesday, August 5th...

Trick or Treat with Who’s That Girl $15.95 (WTG set)
Chocolate Bunny (Flopsey) $9
Grow Love $15.95
I {Heart} Books $17.95
Spooktacular Ribbon Nest & matching Adornments crystals

Weekly Spotlight: Diamond Glaze and Flock
HTDT Tutorial: DT Tips & Tricks
First 50 (free gift to first 50 customers): Memento Dew Drop Collection, week 6! color: Dandelion
Hook up: Purchase the August one-click collection at a 10% discount: $52.95 (retail $58.85)

Supplies used:
Stamps: Trick or Treat (WTG) by My Favorite Things
Paper: Perfect Paper Panels (MFT), Pumpkin Pie, Basic Black (SU!), Moonstruck (CTMH), Cricut Doodlecharms patterned paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Going Gray (SU!)
Accessories: MFT Adornments gem brads, MFT Perfect Plaid Ribbon, Copic Markers, Liquid Applique, Cuttlebug Skeleton Scroll embossing folder, sanding block, stipple brush, Nestabilities, Jody's Foam Boosters

SFYTT-Topper Twofer!

Good Saturday morning!  (I'm actually writing this post on Tuesday -- believe it or not! -- because on Saturday morning, I will be in Orlando attending the CHA SuperShow with dozens of your favorite stampers.  I say that not to rub it in.  As I've told you before, CHA is totally over-rated.  You are having much more fun right where you are.  I promise!  Seriously -- wish I could trade places with you right now.  What I wouldn't give at this moment for some kids to pick up after and some laundry to do...  YOU are the lucky one.  Remember that!)

(Excuse me while I try to keep a straight face.  *think about washing dishes and picking up dirty socks* *think about feeding  Okay.  Better now.  Moving right along...)

Today I'm combining two challenges: first, as on every Saturday, I have a sample for Jen's Sketch For You to Try.  Today is also the first of the month and that means it's time for a Flower Soft Design Team Challenge. 

This month, Jen Buck challenged us to use a Flower Soft Topper.  What's a Topper, you ask?  Well, it's a paper scene that gives you the ability to add dimension through layering images with foam mounting tape; in the United Kingdom (Flower Soft is actually a UK company, although they do have a US branch) they call this process 'decoupage.'  In certain paper crafting circles here in the U.S., it's referred to as 'paper tole.'  Me?  I call it 'popping stuff up on foam tape.'  Because I'm just fancy that way...

Ready for me to stop telling and start showing?  Okily dokily...
Isn't that a precious scene?  It's from Flower Soft's Window Shopping Toppers pack, which gives you enough supplies to decoupage/paper tole/pop up on foam tape three projects each of two different scenes.  I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but I've added the LIFE-CHANGING Polar White Flower Soft to the window panes & ledge, on the ground, and on the hat, cuffs, and collar of the little girl's coat.  While I'm talking about this stuff, I just have to say: if you only buy one new embellishment this paper crafting season?  Polar White Flower Soft is THE one to get -- I'll let you know when I find a link selling it.  It should be available any day now.

Please note the personalization on the tag added to the gift basket -- I figure if I get this off now, it will for sure be the very first Christmas card my new baby niece will receive in her life! :)  Wouldn't it be cool to have the first Christmas card you ever received?  That would be worthy of putting out every holiday season, don't you think?  I'm thinking so...  Might just have to inform her parents of that great idea... *giggle*

And here's a view of all the different layers:

You can also see where I backstitched around the artichoke border layer with red embroidery floss to give it a homey little touch.

Ready to see what the other Flower Softies have done with their Toppers?  Me too!  Be sure to check out the following talented ladies blogs as you're blurfing around this fine day:

Valerie Stangle
Deb Saaranen
Charmaine Ikach
Niki Estes
Jennifer Buck
AJ Otto
Sharon Johnson

And don't forget to go to Jen's blog where you'll find not only this awesome sketch but also the identity of this month's Guest Designer!  They'll both have samples to inspire you, as will my fabulous SFYTT Sisters (one of which -- Amy Rohl -- I'm rooming with at CHA as you read this! :) Though I promise: we're not having nearly as much fun as you are.  Scout's honor.  Not that I was ever a Girl Scout.  (I was a Blue Bird one year -- you eventually become a Camp Fire Girl if you stick with it long enough.  Which I did not...)  So scoot on over and visit my home girls

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Kelly Lunceford, and
Amy Sheffer

Back to the grind and drudgery that is CHA.  *sigh* 

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Wonderful Wishes by Verve
Paper: Flower Soft Window Shopping Toppers, Red Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke (SU!), patterned paper by Daisy D’s and Sweetwater (snowflake)
Ink: Red Riding Hood Red (SU!)
Accessories: Polar White Flower Soft, foam mounting tape, Nestabilities, paper piercer, embroidery floss, Making Memories poinsettia, gem brad, ribbon, Cuttlebug tag die

Just For Fun!

Low and behold: it's time for another JiFFy (Just For Fun) Challenge!  This month, Michele selected and sent out the patterned paper ('Sun Dress' and 'Strawberry Patch' from Basic Grey's Lemonade line), then Lori revealed her image selection: Daisy  by Sugar Nellie Stamps. 

And here's what I came up with...

Isn't she sweet?  I was just in the mood for her too, what with all the news of little girls in my world (my dear friend Rachel just found out she's having a little girl, as I reported last week, then over the weekend, my sister-in-law gave birth to baby Blair Elizabeth.  She's the first granddaughter for my in-laws, and we're all looking forward to having a little princess to spoil).  I colored Daisy in with Copic markers, then highlighted her here and there with an opague white pen.  The edges of the image layer were lightly sponge-inked with a Rose colored Colorbox pigment ink.

I can't wait to see what the other JiFFy gals have come up with!  As you blurf today, be sure to visit

Michele Boyer
Lori Craig
Julie Campbell, and
Alli Miles (who will be posting a bit later today -- she's been under a mountain of dirt... when you visit her blog, you'll see what I mean!)

Supplies used:
Stamps: Daisy by Sugar Nellie; sentiment by A Muse
Paper: Crushed Curry, Purely Pomegranate (SU!), Natural White (Neenah), Strawberry Patch & Sun Dress (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Colorbox Rose pigment
Accessories: Nestabilities Labels 1, sewing machine, Copic Markers, SU! Crushed Curry ribbon, opague white pen, Jody's Foam Boosters

A Splash-y SFYTT...

Keep your fingers crossed that by the time you read this, Carter, Rachel and I are safe and sound in the loving, hot & sweaty arms of Oklahoma!  Good-bye mid-70's temperatures... I'll feel you again in oh, say, October... *sigh*

Changing the subject...

Here's what I came up with for Jen's Sketch For You To Try for today...

Isn't Sprinkle the swankiest mermaid you've ever laid eyes on?  Sorry, Darryl Hannah, but it's true. 

It's a little bright, but remember, I've been a bit limited in my cardstock wardrobe of late, and only had these two shades that would go with that ribbon I wanted to use (one of TCP's new embellies -- the buttons are by TCP, too). 

Oh, who am I kidding?  I'd make something this loud even in the comforts of my stamping studio.  Where I'll be SOON!  Woo-hoo!  Have I mentioned how happy I am to be going home?!  At least for a few days... (I leave on Thursday for a little jaunt to Summer CHA.  Which will be fun, but I can't get my head around it at the moment, since I'm actually writing this from my hotel room in Michigan on Thursday a.m....)  (Are you having a hard time following my random train of thought?  *sigh*  Me too...)

Back to the card!  I felt like the yellow panel needed... something, so I stamped off a pattern with the starfish and nautilus images (also from the new TCP By the Sea set, as are Sprinkle and the sentiment) in Amber Colorbox Pigment ink.  Sprinkle was colored with Copics and her water-y background was shaded with Prisma colored pencil and blended with odorless mineral spirits.

Be sure to swim on over to Jen's blog, where you can find the sketch and samples by Jen herself and July Guest Designer Regina Mangum.  Then, feel free to use any stroke you prefer (back, breast, butterfly, or freestyle; heck, do the whole Individual Medley if you so desire...) to make your way to my SFYTT Sister's sites for their sure-to-be-special takes on today's sketch:

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Kelly Lunceford
Amy Sheffer

Supplies used:
Stamps: By the Sea (S-9668 CL) from The Cat's Pajamas
Paper: Solar Yellow, Orbit Orange (Wausau), Solar White (Neenah), patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Snorkel Collection
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Nestabilities, yellow brads from Pink Hedgehog Papercrafts, Jody's Foam Boosters, Copic markers, Prisma colored pencils, odorless mineral spirits, TCP Candy Sprinkles buttons & ribbon, hemp

Food, Glorious Food!

As I hinted yesterday, I have a YUMMY Dare to Get Dirty challenge for you that has just started on Splitcoaststampers! 

This year, several of the challenges are based on previous Dirty Dozen gallery themes.  I selected one that's near and dear to my heart from February, 2007: Good Enough to Eat!

Who doesn't love food?!  And what paper crafter doesn't enjoy creating food themed cards, invitations, gifts, home decor, recipe cards, and so on?  If you want to see the specifics of my challenge, check it out within THIS forum on SCS.  I hope you'll play along!

And here's a peek at my sample... I not only used food in it, but I was inspired by food to make it as well.  First I'll show you, then I'll explain...
I ran across a package of Pixie Stix the other day at JoAnn's -- hadn't seen those in forever!  Later that same day, I had some fries from Halo Burger (it's a regional Michigan hamburger chain... oooftie!  Is it GOOD!  I love their slogan: 'Seven days without a Halo Burger makes one WEAK!'), and it came in a kind of unusual shaped container.  Which always gets me thinking...

Anyway, here's my version of it -- perfect for housing Pixie Stix!  Tell me this wouldn't cheer up a little sickie?!  And isn't that image too, too adorable?!  I so love the The Cat's Pajamas' Penguins!  The image is brand new, from TCP's just released You Sick Thing set. 

Have you already ordered this month's Kitty Kat Pack?  It includes all 3 new stamp sets (You Sick Thing, By the Sea, and Fun in the Sun) for $38.40 (they retail individually for $48).  There are 35 images and sentiments in those sets, which means at the Kitty Kat Pack price, you're only paying roughly $1.09 per stamp.  And TCP images and sentiments?  Way, way, way better than any dollar stamp you'll EVER find!  Just sayin'...

In non-stamping news, by the time this post goes live, I'll hopefully be all packed up and hanging out for the last time this year at EuroPeds with Carter and our friend/PT Rachel who's been spending the last few days with us.  (She's preggers, btw, and just found out it's a GIRL!  Little Abigail!  (After Abigail Adams... Rachel's good people...) We're working out the details of the betrothal, and should have everything nailed down soon.  I demand a HUGE dowry for the hand of my handsome little guy.  I'm sure you understand...)

Anyway!  Shortly after noon-ish EST, we'll be hitting the road for home sweet Oklahoma.  We'll drive straight-through and probably arrive at my front door around the crack of dawn on Saturday morning.  I'll be one tired mama by then, but boy, will it be wonderful to get to sleep in my own bed!!!  And see my oldest, whom I haven't hugged sinced he left for camp on July 7th.  Too, too long. 

I'll still be back on Saturday morning with my sample for Jen's SFYTT.  In fact, I'm headed that way to write my post right now...

Supplies used:
Stamps: You Sick Thing by TCP (N-9672 CL)
Paper: True Black (PTI),  Solar white (Neenah), Blush Red Dark (Prism), patterned paper from American Crafts' Celebration collection
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Nestabilities, Foam Boosters and redline adhesive (Jody Morrow), Copic Markers, Black Glaze pen, Pixie Stix

Are you ready to get Dirty?!

Because DARE TO GET DIRTY '09 has started!  Every year Splitcoaststampers celebrates the 'birthday' of the Dirty Dozen by having Dirty Girls past and present come up with challenges for an entire weekend!  They are always fabulous, and it's so much FUN!  In fact, it's arguably the best time you'll have stamping all year!

I've come up with one of the challenges, myself.  I can't tell you what it is yet, but I'll give you a hint: it's YUMMY!

If you're interested in playing along, head on over to THIS forum on SCS.  That's home-base for all the challenges and chatting.  I'll see you there!

And be on the lookout for my challenge.  It will be posted both here and on SCS at 11 a.m. tomorrow.  If you need any more enticement, here's something to whet your appetite: two of your favorite stampers -- my favorite Amys: Amy Rohl and Amy Sheffer -- have made samples for my challenge so you KNOW the eye candy will be awesome!

Let's Go Surfin' Now!

Welcome to The Cat's Pajamas first Blog Surf!  We're combining our Surf with this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge, and the lovely Leigh O'Brien is serving as our Hipster Hostess with the Mostess.  As such, she's the first in line; hopefully you started with her and arrived here riding the wave of Jen del Muro' s fabulousness.  If not, hang ten back that way -- you don't want to miss any of the gnarly goodness! 

Leigh put together a fun, summery inspiration challenge -- check it out:
As you might be aware, I love love love bright colors, so taking the color scheme from the flip-flop fabric, I came up with this little number...

I used a GLUE 4 section shallow tray to create a home-decor project celebrating summer fun!  First, I painted the tray with white acrylic craft paint, then gave the top a couple of coats of Plaid's Extreme Glitter paint in turquoise -- very shiny!  Next, I hand-tied and adhered 75 buttons (count 'em!) to the frame. 
But the stars of the show are all of the images from the new Fun in the Sun Clearly Swanky Set, being released this Wednesday.  Sprinkle and Poochie are participating in various summer-y activities, and in each incantation, they've got a touch of the new TCP Glitzy German Glitter Glass -- so chunky (in a good way ;) ) and sparkly! 

There's Poochie on his surf board... Sprinkle relaxing in her pool with a tasty glass o' lemonade...

Here's Sprinkle once more, Hula dancing babe that she is...

And, last but not least, Poochie is stylin' and profilin' with his board and his super-cool Hawaiian shirt.

In addition to Fun in the Sun, TCP will be releasing two more Clearly Swanky sets on Wednesday -- You Sick Thing (must have for all those get well cards we all need to make from time to time) and a delightful set of all new images, By the Sea. 

You can -- and I suggest that you do -- buy them when they come out on Wednesday, but wouldn't it be even better to get them all for FREE?  Yep!  That's what I thought!  All you need to do, then, is leave a comment on every post in the Blog Surf (Alma will select a winner at noon on Friday).

And don't forget to play in the TCP Tuesday challenge with us for a chance to be the next Swanky Stamper and win $25 in Cat Cash ($ to spend on the TCP website)!  Leigh will have all the details on her blog.

In the meantime, though, I know you'll want to continue your sufin' safari by heading over to the one, the only, the beautiful & tubular Tracy Falco!!!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Fun in the Sun by The Cat's Pajamas (to be released on Wednesday, July 22, 2009)
Paper: Solar White (Neenah), Lunar Blue, Magenta, Solar Yellow (Wasau)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: GLUE 4-section shallow tray, white craft paint, turquoise Plaid Glitter Extreme paint, buttons, hemp, Copic markers, TCP Glitzy German Glass Glitter, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug swiss dots embossing folder, Jody's Foam Boosters

The Cat Pack Doesn't Hop...

... it surfs!  Stay tuned...

Chicken Soup-y SFYTT

I just love everything about the card I'm about to show you.  Not because of anything I did, mind you, but because of the sketch and the image I used.  The sketch, of course, is Jen's SFYTT.  She makes the best sketches, don't you think?  This week's is as versatile as ever and has a mod & funky feel to it.  PERFECT for The Cat's Pajamas images.  (You know there's a 25% off sale at TCP going on as I type and you read, don't you?  Bargain bonanza!)  The image I used is one of my ALL-TIME FAVORITE TCP images -- in fact, it was one of the first ones I ever bought (in rubber, at Stamper's Ink in the Kansas City area on one of our trips up there to see Carter's pediatric orthopaedist.  That's a fantastic store, by the way, if you're ever in the area), loooooong before I could have ever dreamed of being on the Design Team.  I still kinda have to pinch myself about that... I'm a lucky stamper!

Anyway, enough yappin' -- here's my sample for today's SFYTT:
I just love that big chicken, maxin' and relaxin' in that bowl of soup as if he were in a hot tub.  Too, too funny!  And the great news: this image has been resized and is now part of the You Sick Thing Clearly Swanky set that will be going on sale this Wednesday, July 22!  Can I get a woot-woot?! 

Now head on over to Jen's blog to get the sketch and see what she and July Guest Designer Regina Mangum have put together, then make your merry way to my oh-so-spectacular SFYTT Sisters' sites for their takes on today's nifty sketch:

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl, and
Kelly Lunceford
(Amy Sheffer is hitting the road for a little vacation time, but she'll be back next weekend.  Safe travels and good times, Amy!)

As for this weekend?  Not exactly sure what Carter and I have up our sleeves.  I have a lot of design work to get in the can, but we've GOT to take advantage of this amazing Michigan weather and get outdoors, so I figure we'll try to hit the Detroit Zoo one day, and Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad (a re-creation of a late 1800's village with a working narrow-gauge engine; Carter will be ALL OVER that train, let me tell you) the next.  In the meantime, have a wonderful weekend, and thanks for visiting me! :)

Supplies used:
Stamps: You Sick Thing by The Cat's Pajamas (N-9672 CL)
Paper: Blush Red Dark (Prism), True Black (PTI), Natural White (Neenah), patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Lil' Man collection
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copic Sketch & Spica markers, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Circles embossing folder, button, emroidery floss, Marvy silver pen 

Bella-rific Friday!

In yesterday's post, I showed you the stamps I brought with me on the road, including several new Stamping Bella images.  I was pushed over the edge by the whole Eco-Bella bottle promotion a few weeks ago -- anyone else have a hard time resisting 'free with a purchase of $XXX' stuff?  Among my new stamps are my first ever Kettos -- they are so fun & funky and completely unique!

I used Wasabi Ketto and this week's Bella-rific Friday Sketch Challenge (which you can find here) to create this little number...

As I was coloring her, I began thinking of Memoirs of a Geisha (oh my, how I LOVED that book!), so I decided to make her make-up very Geisha like -- a little 'skin' around the hairline with white make-up and a red dot of lips.  I also tried to make her kimono more elaborate by adding some sort of detail (I was going for a flowering vine...) with my colored pencils. (She was colored in with Prismacolor pencils and blended using odorless mineral spirits.  I used Paula Williamson's grass technique which you can find in this tutorial here.)

Since I'm out of town, virtually everything I'm creating these days is a Limited Supply Challenge.  I didn't have a sentiment with me that 'worked' with this image, so I just handwrote my own and added a little swish & dots with Copics.

In non-stamping news, things are going very well.  Carter is doing GREAT at EuroPeds and loves being there.  He's sad to leave when it's time to go, and I take that as a very good sign.  He's already standing up so much straighter, his gait is stronger, and he's decided he doesn't like his wheelchair and that he wants to walk whenever possible with his tripod canes. (YAY!)  We've been doing wonderfully with the potty-training up until last night, when he had a couple of accidents.  I suppose that's to be expected... *sigh.*  Still, he's progressed so fast in that area, I shouldn't complain.  Hopefully today will be accident free.  Keep your fingers crossed for us!

And I would be totally remiss if I didn't share this with you -- The Cat's Pajamas is having it's first *SALE* of the year! 

I'll see you tomorrow with a sample for Jen's Sketch For You To Try.  Have a wonderful Friday!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Wasabi Ketto by Stamping Bella
Paper: Natural White (Neenah), Citron & Magenta (Wausau), patterned paper from Carolyn Gavin 'Greenhouse' Designer Paper Pad from K & Co.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Prismacolor pencils, odorless mineral spirits, blending stumps, Nestabilities, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots embossing folder, buttons (PTI, wooden), Copic markers, gingham ribbon, Jody's foam boosters.

Stamping on the road...

As promised, I'm going to show you how I stamp on the road.  Well, I'm not actually going to show you me stamping -- that would be about as exciting as watching paint dry.  No, I'll just answer the questions posed to me by my very talented buddy, Amy Sheffer.  In an email exchange this weekend, she asked:

By the way, Carole, how do you stamp on the road? What do you take with you without renting a UHaul just for stamp supplies??? Do you have a secret? You make it look effortless. And to think you did all that DD stuff last fall! HOW?!?

(I could have edited out the complimentary stuff there at the end, but I want the record to reflect Amy's generous nature and make all you out there reading this think I'm hot snot on a gourmet platter.  Did it work?  Please don't tell me you think I'm more like cold booger on a paper plate; that would wound my fragile psyche.  It's bad enough I'm living out of a shabby hotel room, isn't it?!)

I don't have any secrets, but I have gotten pretty good at whittling down stuff to the essentials.  I still don't use 85% of the consumables I bring, but they aren't what takes up most of the room. 

Anyway, I'm going to quit telling and start showing.  All of my stamping stuff I brought with me fit into these two crop totes, the small green tote bag, and this unwieldy Ott Light.
And here's what's in the bags...
Two 12"x12" containers of patterned paper and cardstock, and a GLUE 4-section tray.  As for what paper to bring?  I bring several sheets of my neutral basics (the various white/cream shades of Neenah, MFT Perfect Paper Panels, Kraft, black, Prism Suede Brown Dark and Blush Red Dark), a package of 12"x12" bright colored Wausau cardstock that I bought at Target the last time I was out of town, the latest patterned paper I've purchased over the past couple of months, and any specific papers I've been sent to use in design work.
A bag of stamps.  It may not look like it, but this is one area that I limited myself this time!  I only brought new release stuff from MFT and TCP, and my latest order from Stamping Bella.
A bag of ribbon (this was probably the hardest to decide on).  I ended up just going with my latest from a recent Jody ribbon share, some MFT ribbon, and a few basics like ginghams in all colors, and grosgrain in red, black & white.  If I'm desperate, I can always color the white grosgrain with my Copics.  (Hey!  There's a little secret you might not be aware of!)
Some Flower Soft, and a travel bag of miscellaneous embellishments.  Including lots of MFT hot fix crystals.  But I forgot my hot fix tool... D'oh!
My Copic Markers. A few people have asked about the cases I keep them in.  They're Copic Sketch Cases from Hobby Lobby, and they each hold 36 markers.  The little bag on top holds my Copic Spicas and some other pens, like a black artist's pen, an opague white pen, a Glaze pen, etc.
A few sponges, my favorite ink -- Memento Tuxedo Black -- and a bunch of little inks, mostly Colorbox Pigment Ink Brush Pads.  I don't used colored inks too terribly often, but I like to have a few options, and there's enough in there to do the trick if I need 'em.  Case in point: I used the Scarlet Colorbox ink on my TCP Tuesday card a couple of days ago.
My Scor-Pal (I prefer this when I'm on the road because it's much lighter than the Scor-It.  At home, though, I'm a big fan of the Scor-It because I love its deep scoring), a clipboard with my Copic chart, and some sketches underneath, large and small paper trimmers, and a calendar (made for me by my Dirty Dozen roomie, Denise Marzec :) ) containing all of my design obligations.
Cuttlebug with plates, a CD case containing all of my Nestabilities, and a few punches.
This thing I keep on my desk that houses all of my mounts and some odds and ends up top.  I could have whittled this down some, but it would have been a bigger hassle than just bringing the whole thing.

Another Ott light (I'm kind of a freak about having good lighting -- probably because I have bad eyes...), Prismacolored pencils, blending stumps, odorless mineral spirits, and a carousel to put the pencils in by color family.
Last but not least, here's a look insider the little green tool tote.  It's mostly carrying adhesives and a few must have tools (paper piercer, Stamp-a-Majig, Eclipse masking tape, teflon bone folder, etc.).

Let me know if you have any further questions -- I'd be happy to help!  But for now?  I'm bushed and hitting the hay... Nighty-night, peeps!

A Tutti-Fruity MFT Blog Hop!

Howdy, Hoppers!  Did you start at the beginning of our Blog Hop trail at Boss Lady Kim's blog then make your way here via the ever-so-amazing Amy?  If not, be sure to giddy-up that way when you finish here because I guarantee there's some eye-pleasin' paper craftin' going on and you won't want to miss a thing!

You've heard the saying 'Necessity is the mother of invention,' haven't you?  Well, this week, I've also found that necessity is the mother of creation.  Let me explain... I'm currently out of town for a couple of weeks, and I forgot my travel mug.  If I have to chauffer children anywhere in the early morning hours, I prefer to do so in the company of a big, tall cup of Joe.  I don't need fancy coffee -- the regular stuff suits me fine, but I like it with my fat-free non-dairy powdered creamer and two or three Splenda (depending on the size of the mug).

Anyway, I made a Target run yesterday, and on my list of thing to buy?  A new travel mug.  I happened to stumble across a nifty customizable number (a much better version of the ones I've bought in the past -- the brand is MiGo and it's made by the Aladdin company).  A little bell rang in my head, and before you know it, I had traced the template, stamped out and colored this...
I used one of my favorite new MFT Presents sets, the adorable Feelin' Fruity, and stamped out all the cute fruit with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.  They're colored in with Copic markers with a little opague white pen and/or white Prismacolor pencil highlighting.  Here's my finished product...
I know my morning java is going to be a whole lot tastier in my cute new mug!

Ready to see what's next on the blog hop trail?  Then skedaddle on over to the lady with talent -- and blog candy! -- to spare, my sweet friend CHRISTINA!!!

BUY THE WAY: On Wednesday, July 15th, My Favorite Things will be releasing three new sets

1.  Bubble Bunny (featuring Flopsey) for $9.00

2.  MFT Presents Annie LaPoint's Spread a Harvest of Hope (the wheelbarrow image) for $9.00, and

3.  MFT Presents Stephanie Fizer's Feelin' Fruity for $17.95  (in addition to all of the cute fruit you see above, this set comes with 8 punny/funny/fruity sentiments)

The first 50 customers after the release will receive a free Memento Dew Drop in Bamboo Leaves.  And be sure to check out this week's How'd They Do That tutorial -- Candice is covering advanced blending techniques for all of you Copic Marker lovers!

Supplies used:
Stamps: MFT Presents Feelin' Fruity
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Bright White (Wausau)
Accessories: MiGo Custom Photo Mug, Copic Markers, white opague pen, white Prismacolor pencil

TCP Tuesday!

Three cheers for TCP Tuesday!  I'm this week's Hipster Hostess with the Mostess, and have I got a Sketch Challenge for you!  Ready to take a look?  Okay, here you go...

You might notice a bit of a circular theme.  Consider me your own personal Toni Tennille.  (Alright, that's an awfully obscure reference. I guess if you have to explain the joke, it's really not worth the cost of telling it, but see, I just reminded myself of that song 'Circles' by the Captain & Tennille, where Toni's singing the line from the chorus about how she and love, "drew a circle, beautiful circle, wonderful circle that drew him in."  Who's him?  I guess Darryl...  I obviously know way too much about the Captain & Tennille.  I mean, why do I know the Captain's first name, but at times forget my own?  Crazy!)

Can you tell it's late as I'm writing this???  Moving right along (now that song from The Muppet Movie is playing on my mind's soundtrack... *sigh*  Talk about monkey-mind)...

Wanna see my sample?  Of course you do!  Why?  Because I'm also going to show you a preview of one of the new sets and some embellies being released next week by The Cat's Pajamas!  How lucky can you get?!  (I could do a little riff here about 'How Lucky Can You Get?' as sang by Barbra Streisand in the movie Funny Lady, but I figure I've pushed my luck enough as it is for one post...)
Now, that image may look a bit familiar -- 'Poochie on Crutches' has been available in rubber as a single image, but now it's new and improved (as in bigger!), and part of the new You Sick Thing Clearly Swanky Set that goes on sale next week.  I'll be showing you lots more TCP new release stuff in the week to come, never fear! 

Here's a close-up of poor, poor Poochie.  (He actually is reminding me -- uh-oh, here I go again! -- of my husband's executive assistant at the state capitol.  She took a bad spill a couple of weeks ago, and basically broke BOTH of her legs!!!  Isn't that awful?!  I've already sent her a card, but I'm thinking she might just appreciate one more featuring a dog who feels her pain...)  Check out that DEE-LISH chunky German Glass Glitter.  It's the latest in TCP's new embellishment line, and it's wonderful!  I adhered it using one of Jody's redline circle stickers.

Wanna play along with us this week?  Come on -- be like Darryl (The Captain) Tennille and get drawn in by these beautiful circles -- they were made with an extra special ingredient, just for you.  (LOVE!)

Here are the deets. (Lifted from Ana's page.)
1. Each a week one of The Cat’s Pajamas DT members will host a challenge.
2. The challenges will vary {stamp, color, theme, sketch, etc.}
3. You will have until {this} Saturday night to complete the challenge.
4. Link your project on this week’s hostess’ challenge announcement. This week you will link your project HERE!
5. TCP stamps are not required, but of course, highly encouraged. {Unless it is a challenge calling for a specific stamp}
6. There will be one winner each month. She/he will be deemed that month’s Swankiest Stamper and get $25 in Cat’s Cash {money to spend on the TCP site!}.
7. When uploading to SCS or PCP, please use the keyword TCPTUES67 for this challenge.
8. Alma will post the entries from the week the following Monday on her blog.
9. The newly crowned Swanky Stamper will be announced on the First of the Month and have his/her winning entry posted on The Cat’s Pajamas website where he/she will reign for the entire month.

Can't wait to see what you'll come up with!

I'll see you later this evening for the MFT Blog Hop.  And on Thursday?  I'll show you what it's like to stamp on the road... 

Supplies used:
Stamps: You Sick Thing by The Cat's Pajamas
Paper: Solar White (Neenah), Lunar Blue, Re-Entry Red, and Green (Wausau), patterned paper from American Crafts' 'Celebration' collection
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, ColorBox Pigment brush ink pad in Scarlet
Accessories: TCP Glitzy German Glass Glitter, Jody's Sticky Spots and foam boosters, paper clip, Copic Markers, gingham ribbon, Nestabilities.

A Fresh-Squeezed SFYTT

Ready for an MFTeaser of one of the new sets being released by My Favorite Things next Wednesday?  I used Jen's SFYTT and the new MFT Presents Stephanie Fizer set, Feelin' Fruity, to create this citrus-y sample:
This set is just adorable -- lot's of cute-cute kawaii-inspired fruits and punny little sentiments.  I came up with this one, thinking it would be perfect for sending pats-on-the-backs. 

To create the main image, I stamped off Mr. Orange (first name: Julius) several times in Memento Tuxedo Black on an MFT Perfect Paper Panel, then colored them in with Copics.  To give the peel that appealing (hardy har har) bumpy look of an actual orange, I dotted the edges with an orange Copic Spica pen.  Gives it a little sparkle. 

Be sure to head over to Jen's blog for the sketch, and to see what she and July Guest Designer Regina Mangum have come up with to inspire you.  Then, ease on down the road to my SFYTT Sisters' sites for their interpretations of the sketch:

Kelly Lunceford
Susan Liles
Amy Sheffer, and
Amy Rohl

Speaking of roads, Carter and I are hitting one today.  We'll be driving about 550 miles to our hotel reservation in Terre Haute, Indiana.  Then, tomorrow, we'll drive the remaining 400 miles to get to our home-away-from-home (aka The Residence Inn) in Michigan.  On Monday, Carter will begin another two-week stint at EuroPeds.  This will be his first trip to EuroPeds since his Selective Dorsal Rhizotomy, and I'm excited to see the progress he'll make. 

Though it's kind of a bummer to be away from home for so long, I'm thrilled to be escaping the oppressive Oklahoma heat and humidity.  I took a look at the 10-day forecast for the area we'll be in, and the highs are supposed to be in the high 70's and low 80's.  I can live with that!  I'm also looking forward to meeting my AMAZINGLY talented MFTeammate Paula Williamson in person, and to our friend/Carter's physical therapist, Rachel, coming to stay and play with us during the second week.

I'll be back for sure on Tuesday as I'm the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess for the TCP Tuesday challenge this week.  I also thought you might find it kind of interesting to see how one manages to stamp 'on the road' -- I've done it enough now that I've got it pretty well down.  I'll 'see' you soon from the Great Lake State!

BUY THE WAY:  This weekend, My Favorite Things is continuing its month-long 3rd birthday bash! From Fri. July 10th - Sun. July 12th, ALL in-stock, full sized Who's That Girl? sets are 15% off!!!

Out of stock sets (including Catch Some Rays) and 3 x 4 MINI sets are NOT included.

The discount will automatically be applied to your order; the correct price from all applicable sets is already deducted.

But wait...there's MORE!

We still have a stash of 6 x 6 Daisy Bucket Papers, so EVERY order that requires shipping will receive a sampler until the supply runs out.

We'll be celebrating all month long at MFT, and the presents are all for YOU!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Feelin' Fruity by MFT Presents (to be released on 7/15/09)
Paper: MFT Perfect Paper Panels, Pumpkin Pie & Tempting Turquoise (SU!), patterned paper from Carolyn Gavin 8.5"x8.5" Greenhouse Designer Paper Pad from K & Co.
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Accessories: Copic Sketch & Spica markers, ribbon from The Cat's Pajamas, SU! Scallop Circle punch, 1.5" circle punch, Brenda Walton adhesive rhinestones by K & Co., felt flower by Chatterbox, Jody's Foam Boosters