It's time for the Baker's Dozen Studio Challenge. This is
a monthly opportunity for the Taylored Expressions team to share what
makes our stamping studios hum. Each month we have a fun, crafty
question so we can share our favorites, some tips and tricks, stamping
advice and more.
The question for June is:
What's on your summer reading list? Are you a big reader or not? If you are, what books have you read lately that you would recommend? Do you have a favorite author or genre? How about something for sitting out by the pool, or the beach, or even just the backyard...some nice light summer reading?
Do you use fancy bookmarks or do you dog-ear your pages? Or, do you use an e-reader? Everyone can use bookmarks and they make great favors and gifts. Let's see a little inspiration!
Oh, this month's challenge is so up my alley! I am a HUGE reader; I don't leave home -- EVER -- without a book in my purse. In fact, I feel naked if I don't have a book with me at all times. I'm petrified at the idea of being stuck somewhere, waiting indefinitely, with nothing to read. Isn't that strange? Some people feel that way about their phones. Me? I could honestly care less about having my phone with me, except that when I forget my phone (which is often), my husband and kids get very irritated with me. I get irritated with myself if I don't have a book with me, though. Books are truly my security blanket and refuge.
I have lots of authors whose work I love, and I like almost any and all genres. I should be embarrassed to say this, but the latest series of books that I've loved was the 50 Shades of Grey Triology by EL James. My husband gave me that book as a gag gift (of sorts) for Mother's Day 2012, and I finally finished reading it before Mother's Day this year. After I slogged through the first 80 pages (It takes them that long to finally kiss...), I was hooked, and within a week or so, I'd finished all three books. That's a record for me as I am not a terribly fast reader.
I enjoyed the books so much, I had to create a little something special for Sean for Father's Day with a 50 Shades theme:
It's a 5"x7" altered canvas using TE's Boys Will Be Boys stamp set and lots of Bazzill card stock. You might have seen it on Taylor's blog or the Bazzill blog when TE and Bazzill were have a cross-promotion a few weeks back. Here's a close-up:
Yes, all those little ties were individually stamped, cut out, and popped up on foam boosters. Sean liked it so much, he said he was going to display it in his senate office so more people could appreciate my handiwork. Think they'll get the reference? I guess if they do, then they're just as "bad" as me, huh? ;)
Lately, I've been doing a lot of reading on my Nook, but I am in no way a dedicated e-Reader. I like any and all forms of reading. And bookmarks are some of my favorite things to give/receive. Here's what I made for today's challenge, using TE's Mark Your Spot Bookmark die and Mark Your Spot stamp set:
I'm hosting Bunco next week, and I like to give little hints as to the gifts, so whosever turn it is to pick a gift will have to hem and haw. Increases the anxiety and anticipation! Just call me Hitchcock... Anyway, I'm going to put this bookmark on the outside of this gift (once it's wrapped):
Don't you think that's appropriate? Now I'm wanting this book for myself...
Tell me what you're reading this summer! I love a good book recommendation. And be sure to visit my fellow Baker's Dozen team mates to see their bookmarks and what's on their reading lists.
Supplies Used:
50 Shades Altered Canvas:
Stamps: Boys Will Be Boys (TE)
Dies: Oval from Labels Stacklets 3 (TE)
Paper (all Bazzill): Two Scoops Textured Card Stock, Date Swirl, Rock Candy, Marshmallow, Wax Lips
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Wild Cherry (MFT)
Accessories: blank canvas board (Hobby Lobby), bakers twine, foam boosters, scissors
Places Bookmark:
Supplies used:
Stamps: Mark Your Spot (TE)
Dies: Mark Your Spot Bookmark die (TE)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Choice Snow White card stock (TE)
Accessories: Copic Markers, Eclipse masking tape, tassel made from Green Apple Divine Twine
WOW! That card you made for Sean is AWESOME!!! What a lot of work, but so worth it! Love the bookmark too, and yes it is just perfect with that book. What a great gift idea!
Posted by: Kerri M. | June 18, 2013 at 10:12 AM
Very cool card, and I loved the books too! *blush* Great idea. A whole lot of work cutting all those ties, but definitely well worth the effort. :) May be quite a "conversation piece" for those that see it in his office. hee hee
Posted by: Kelly L | June 18, 2013 at 10:24 AM
FABULOUSNESS! Great card and adorable bookmark! How did you make that adorable twine tassel? Please share! Loved this post. Have a great day Carole!
Posted by: Wanda G (stampcat) | June 18, 2013 at 10:49 AM
I loved your 50 Shades card when I saw it the first time, Carole, but your bookmark is awesome! Love that fun tassel!
Posted by: Tammie E | June 18, 2013 at 10:50 AM
Well, I'm not quite as bad as you, Carole, cause I haven't read the shades of gray book yet but just give me a month or two....I hate trailing behind...lol!! Your card is fabulous and I love your adorable book mark....hope you win the prize!!
Posted by: Joan Ervin | June 18, 2013 at 11:46 AM
LOVE your bookmark and card! All of those ties are fabulous!!
Posted by: Charmaine Ikach | June 18, 2013 at 01:28 PM
Though I haven't read that series, I do love your card. I, too, am a nonstop reader, in spite of years of teaching college English. I always have a book in the car, by my desk, by the bed, in my suitcase and always a long list on hold at the library :-)
Posted by: Julie L | June 18, 2013 at 01:44 PM
Love your 50 Shades card, Carole! It's amazing - I made it through that series pretty quickly as I couldn't put it down. ;) Your bookmark is so fun - love the twine tassel!
Posted by: Stephanie Kraft | June 18, 2013 at 07:12 PM
LOVED your Awesome 50 shades of Grey card for your Hubby! and Your bookmark is DARLING Carole!! An I am in agreement with Miss Wanda! We need a tutorial on how you made that awesome tassel!! I do watch the GOT series too. lol and I feel naked without a book or my e-reader as well, lol Haven't read 50 shades of Grey yet, might have to load it up on my kindle though, lol ( a little more in-cognito that way, lol )
Hugs
Shannon
Posted by: Shannon White | June 18, 2013 at 07:25 PM
Your card is one of my absolute favorites! Love your bookmark and your tassel! BTW, I've already set my hair on fire (in a good way!) and will probably have to do it a few more times! lol!
Posted by: Shelly | June 18, 2013 at 07:49 PM
I certainly know how you feel. There's always a book in my purse. Never know when the car will break down or get stuck in traffic. I have this stamp set. Love yours!
Posted by: Cynthia Clark | June 19, 2013 at 09:22 PM