Mother's Little Helper

Happy 10th Birthday to Taylored Expressions!

Hi, friends! It's been a minute or two since we've last been in touch, hasn't it? I'm kind of bad that way. It's not so much "out-of-sight-out-of-mind," it's more like there's always a fire to put out and my brain is scrambled. You know what I mean, right? Anyway, you may be asking yourself: Self, why is Carole posting after nearly 3 years of radio silence? That graphic above may have already tipped you off, but if you're a tiny bit slow, here's the gist: Taylored Expressions is celebrating it's 10TH BIRTHDAY and there's a Designer Reunion Blog Hop going on - how could I possibly miss it?!

I vividly recall bumping into Taylor at a CHA over a decade ago, and her letting me in on the big news that she was starting her own stamp company. I couldn't wait to see what her images would be like, and I've been a huge fan since her first release when we met that cute little anthropomorphized cupcake, Cuppie.  In 2013, I had the honor of serving on the TE Design Team, which was without a doubt one of the highlights of my stamping "career."

Today, 40 past and present TE designers have joined in the fun to celebrate Taylored Expressions ten fabulous years in business, bringing papercrafters around the globe cute, classy, and innovative products.  Be sure to stop by Taylor's Blog to see who and where all the participating designers are showing off their latest and greatest TE projects.

I'm a September birthday girl myself (shout out to fellow Virgos!), so I've always gotten a kick out of the fact that TE's September releases are all about Birthdays.  Last night was release night (you can see the new goodies here), but for today, I've got some cards to show you featuring the previously released PARTY PALS STAMP & DIE COMBO:

I love this little gang of Birthday Buddies! When I do stamp these days, I do the thing I used to never do when I was a concept designer: I mass produce!  These days, I'm a real estate agent, and handmade cards are one way that I can keep in touch with my clients and stand-out from others in my field.  Thus, I make A LOT of birthday, new home, and home anniversary/birthday cards.  And since we're celebrating TE's 10th Birthday, it only made sense to make a set of 10 cards:

In fact, I have one or two of these hitting the mail today.  I'm also going to submit a couple to TE's awesome SHARE JOY campaign.  Here's a little more about that very special effort:

"At the heart of Taylored Expressions is a mission to share joy through the gift of handmade cards. As part of their 10th birthday TE is continuing that mission with the launch of a special Share Joy campaign focused on providing birthday cards to those in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities across the U.S. To make as deep an impact as possible TE is inviting card makers everywhere to join the campaign. Will you join us? Find out how to participate by viewing their Share Joy page here: https://www.tayloredexpressions.com/share-joy-birthday-2018."

Thanks so much for stopping by my dusty little corner of the web today, and thanks to Taylored Expressions for 10 years of great products, designs, and customer service.  I'll try not to be such a stranger!

xoxo - Carole

YNS November New Release Blog Hop

Are you ready are you ready are you ready?! Lots of fun/new stamps, dies and Gumdrops are now available from Your Next Stamp! If you haven't finished shopping or can't decide what you want, never fear: we have a blog hop to show off all the new wares and to persuade you that you really need it ALL. :) 

If you've been hopping in order, you've stopped by via sweet SUE.  If you just happened to visit me, be sure to start at the beginning with the oh-so-awesome ANITA. Remember, if you want to win a $25 YNS Gift Certificate, your best odds come by leaving comments at every blog. None of us know which lucky designer is "it" -- only the POWERS THAT BE (I'm thinking mainly Karen) know from whose blog the winner will be randomly selected. I always think/hope I'm "it" and that one of my readers/commenters will be the lucky one. Let's think about that together and make it so, mmm-kay? Power of attraction, and all that jazz...

Enough jibber-jabber. On with the show!

My first project combines two of my life's great loves: dogs and wine! For me, it just doesn't get any better than the new SIT STAY DRINK stamp set and dies. Take a look at this here wine tag, and you'll see what I mean:

Because she's so distinctive with her brown eye-patch, I tend to make every dog stamp I encounter these days look like my sweet rescue girlie, Daisy. If only Daisy was so talented as to balance a glass of wine on her head, I'd never need to get up from the couch again!

Here's a close up of the wine-tag, where hopefully you can tell that I've heat embossed the clever sentiment:

I'm truly thinking I need to mass-produce about a dozen of these to hang on wine bottles for the holiday season ahead. You can never have too many wine tags when you need a quick-and-easy host/hostess gift.

Next up, I used the new SPRINKLES - KNIT HAPPENS stamps and dies to create an homage to that object of holiday humor: the ugly Christmas sweater. Take a look-see:

I actually kind of love this and I'm thinking I made need to get an album-sized shadow box and make a permanent Christmas decoration featuring dozens of variations on the Ugly Christmas Sweater. What do you think? The images on these sweaters were fussy cut from patterned paper in Doodlebug Designs' Santa Express 6"x 6" paper pad. I especially love the one that looks like Mark Darcy (from Bridget Jones' Diary)'s reindeer sweater. Makes me giggle!

I'd chatter more, but I know you're anxious to get along to the next stop on our hop -- our marvelous guest designer MARTHA. Don't forget to leave a comment here and everywhere for a chance to win the $25 YNS Gift Certificate. And, as always, Karen has generously extended an awesome discount for those who are ready to shop NOW (my kind of people!).

 

Pie, Stretch Pants & Penguins (YNS October New Release Blog Hop)

Are you ready for some cuteness?  Good, because it's time for the...

There are lots of new stamps and dies NOW available for purchase at the YNS online store.  I've got a couple of cards to show you, using the aforementioned new products. First up is a pie-liciously sweet little something, created with the new WADDLES SWEETIE PIE stamp set:

Don't those little pies make you hungry? So cute! And that sentiment just cracks me up -- love it!  Here's a look at all the great images that come in WADDLES SWEETIE PIE:

Next up, I have a 3.5" x 5" (index card sized) card, using the fun new SANTA'S HELPERS stamp set and PEEK-A-BOO WINDOWS die set:

From the look of those little guys in the foreground, something is going on with that bouncy-looking penguin in the window.  What could it be?

He/she really is Santa's helper! Looks like Santa needs to cut down on the milk and cookies, no? 

Make sure you visit and comment on all the participating designers via the linky list below.  As you are probably familiar, the more you comment, the greater your chances of winning the "hidden" $25 YNS store gift certificate.  The winner will be announced on the YNS Blog on October 18th.  And, as always, Karen has provided a very generous discount for those smart peeps who order within the next few days.

Thanks for hopping by, friends, and be sure to leave a comment. I really want one of my readers to win that $25 in YNS bucks! And of course, visit my wonderful YNS design teammates via the linky list to see all the lovelies they've created for your viewing pleasure.  Happy fall hopping!

 

YNS September New Release Blog Hop

You know, I've always said that Karen Dedman (owner of Your Next Stamp) is the one of the sweetest peopl in the stamping industry. Do you want further proof? She has scheduled this release EXCLUSIVELY to celebrate one Carter Burrage's 11th birthday!  Isn't that awesome of her?  And since I'm his mom, Karen thought I should be the first and only person on this blog hop to wish him a "Happy Birthday!" (She doesn't want any of the other participating designers to steal my thunder and make me look lame in front of my own kid.) So, Happy Birthday, Carter! I love you!

Moving right along... Have you been hopping in order and leaving comments everywhere you go so that you have the best chances of winning the $25 YNS Gift Certificate? Oh, good. That makes everything so much easier. Then I don't have to tell you that the hop starts at the oh-so-crafty KYMONA's blog, and that you should have came this way via the super-talented SUE. I can just go straight to the cards.

 First, I decided to shake it up with the frightfully delightful new TRICKY TONIC stamp set and coordinating dies. Take a look-see:

I don't know what it is about me, but every design team I'm on, I seem to get assigned the stamp sets with adult beverages. Isn't that weird? Do you think I have a reputation of some sort?

(I suppose the martini siggy might have something to do with it.  No matter, I LOVE adult beverage sets, and TRICKY TONIC is one of the most fab I've seen in a long time. Even if I wasn't on the DT, I'd be snapping this one up in a jiffy! If these drinks tasted as good as they look, I'd be on a bender until Halloween, for sure. Good thing they don't, as I have the aforementioned 11 year old. Plus, stamping and drinking don't mix. Everything just gets a little... sloppy. What's not sloppy? These fun images:

 Next up: I have a VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT.  Are you paying attention?  Good.  Because you're hearing it here, first.  PICKLES are the new pineapples!  Don't believe me? Just take a look at this savory new stamp set, DILL-IGHTFUL, complete with coordinating dies:

I love this whole family, but I do believe the lil' gherkin is my favorite...

They're so cute, I just want to eat 'em up!

I'll add additional info about my cards and products used after the linky-list so that those of you who are anxious to keep hopping can do so.  Next stop on the hop is that oh-so-amazing and thoughtful gal I was talking about earlier, YNS's founder/owner/fearless leader -- KAREN!

 

TRICKY TONIC card:

• This card measure 5"x5".
• The shaker was made using YNS's Circle dies, and Halloween Mix sequins from Pretty Pink Posh. 
• The panels behind the drinks were made with the same YNS Circle dies, and the Circles Stitching Marks die set.
• I used Key Lime Translucent Art Glitter to create the "sugared" rim on the martini glass.
• The skeleton mug has a couple of 4 mm Silly Eyes from Pretty Pink Posh. 
• The black gumdrops are from YNS's brand new SPELLBOUND gumdrops.
• Patterned paper is from Doodlebug Design's Halloween Parade 6"x6" pad.

DILL-IGHTFUL card:

• This card measures 3.5" x 4.75" -- not a standard size, but large enough for a short little note. :)
• The image layer was created by using YNS's Stitched Rectangles die set.
• I sponged Tumbled Glass Distress Ink on the part of the background layer, then made a "floor" for the pickles to stand on with a piece of gingham washi tape from Doodlebug Designs.
• The pickles are popped up on foam boosters, as is the image layer.
• The pickles were colored in with Copic Markers, then "dotted" with a colorless blender to give them a bumpy looking texture.  I also highlighted some bumps with a Signo Opaque White pen.

Happy 6th Birthday to Your Next Stamp!

As promised in yesterday's post, there's a party going on and you're HERE!  Woo-hoo!  Ready to celebrate?  Of course you are!  Then let's get started...

First up, I've got a card featuring the new ZERO CALORIES stamp set and coordinating dies.  If you're like me, you end up sending as many or more belated birthday cards than timely greetings, therefore...

A fallen scoop of ice cream ranks right up there with an accidentally-let-go balloon as a sad and sorry sight, don't you think?  Look how happy Pinky's friends are, seemingly unaware that she has fallen victim to a dairy version of the Malachi Crunch:

Poor, poor Pinky.  May she melt in peace. (Whisper: other YNS products used on this card include the new BANNER DIE SET, Stitched Square Dies, Stitched Rectangle Dies, and the Fancy Frame Die.)

Next up, I've used the super-fun new CUTE ALPHA stamp set and coordinating CUTE ALPHA SQUARES die. Such possibilities with this set!  Think of all of the subversive things you could create with this!  But because this is a family friendly party, I've kept it clean and simple...

I know you're anxious to hop along and see what the other fabulous YNS Designers and guest designers have created for your viewing pleasure, but before you leave me, let me give you your goody bag and explain how you can be eligible for prizes, savings, and a free stamp set!

1.  PRIZES!  Three randomly selected lucky commenters will receive $50 YNS Gift Certificates, so be sure to say a sweet something at every stop on the hop to increase your chances of winning.

2.  SAVINGS!  I'll let this graphic do the 'splaining for me...

3. FREE STAMP SET!

Okay, friends -- keep the party going by conga-ing to all the blogs in the linky below.  Thanks for stopping by, and of course, HAPPY 6TH BIRTHDAY, YOUR NEXT STAMP!!!

Your Next Stamp's July New Release Blog Hop

Howdy, friends! Did you have a great 4th of July and/or Saturday? Did you see that there's a new Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating Champion? It's true -- 23 year old Matt Stonie beat longtime champ Joey Chestnut, eating 62 hot dogs in 10 minutes, to Chestnut's 60 hot dogs. Now, in years past, Chestnut has downed 69 hot dogs, so don't count him out. There's always next year!

I have lots of things to say about competitive eating, but I'll save that for another post. In the meantime, it's time for Your Next Stamp's July New Release Blog Hop...

As always, there's tons and tons of fabulous goodness in this month's YNS release.  Exotic animals, flowers, and clowns, oh my!  If you've been hopping along in order, you've come here from one of our two BRAND SPANKIN' NEW design team member's blogs, the oh-so-cute-and-crafty KYMONA. (Sidebar: if you need to start the blog hop from scratch, head over to our July Guest Designer, Francine Vuillème's blog.)

First up, I'm showing you the new FLOWER SPLATTER BACKGROUND STAMP.  This is the fourth of YNS's background stamps, and it's just as fantastic as the others.  Take a look...

For my sample, I went back to my preppy roots with a pink and green color combo, and paired the flowered background with one of my favorite recent sets, Whatnot Sentiments Five. 

 

Could it be any easier to make a quick-but-classy card than by using these two sets? I think not.

Next up, YNS is sending in the clowns. But not the creepy, Stephen-King's-IT-type clowns; these are fun and there's also an anthropomorphic cupcake thrown in, for good measure.

This set is called CLOWNING AROUND, and here's what I made with it, also using YNS's Circles and Piercing Holes dies sets:

Is that little guy fun, or what?  He can definitely give Bozo or Krusty a run for their money! 

I would love to go on and on, but I know you've got many blogs to visit and comment on (so you can win $20 in YNS store bucks; the more comments you leave, the better your chances of winning!  One lucky commenter will win a gift certificate by commenting on the *mystery blog* on this hop; I hope that blog is mine, and that commenter is YOU!). I will therefore reluctantly bid you adieu and send you on your way to the lovely LAURA'S blog.

PS -- Assuming that you're like me, and you love what you see but don't have the patience to wait for the blog hop to be over to see if you've won, go ahead and shop-shop=shop at the YNS Store, as all the new release goodies are available NOW.  And use this coupon code to receive 20% off your order -- then you can buy 20% more stuff for the same price.  Sort of! ;)

YNS June New Release Blog Hop

Well, friends, looks like we made it.

Look how tiny his waist looks in this photo. I'm envious.

We are in our very lovely condo in Navarre.  Go check it out -- it's VRBO listing #616393. Now that we live in Magnolia House, I can honestly tell you this condo is nicer than my home. BUT NOT FOR LONG! More about that in a different post. Now, though, I have some bidness to attend to. You see, I'm sorta in the middle of the Your Next Stamp June New Release Blog Hop. Those who are hopping along may have no interest in my travels or living situation. They may be ignorant to how remarkably fascinating I am and just wish to see whatever I've made to promote the latest and greatest from YNS. I get it. Sometimes when I go to blogs, I just look at the pictures, too.

So, as I was saying, you're in the middle of the YNS Blog hop.  Good little bunnies would have started with the Beautiful BRIANNA, and come here via the Wonderful WENDY. Now that you're here, I want to give you a look at a couple of new sets. First up, it's a lovely little lady who we're all very familiar with. She goes by the name of Belle, and she's no shallow Sheila. She's well read and sees the inner beauty in all.  In YNS Speak, we call her LITTLE DARLING BELLE, and, appropriately I made a bookmark for her (using the Bookmarks/Tags Large dies).

 

 

Isn't she sweet? I really think Belle is the Disney Princess with whom I most relate. In case you were wondering. But really?  I kinda dig the Disney Villains much more than the princesses. 'Cause I'm hardcore and that's the way I roll. I see myself as Maleficent, with her magnificent horns. Plus, she turns into a dragon, which is undeniably badass.  But I digress...

Next up is a look at what may be one of my favorite YNS sets, ever: HAPPY MEAL!  Look at these savory little fellers...

And here's a close-up...

Don't you just want to eat 'em up?  Well, guess what?  You can!  Because they're available now in the YNS Store, and from now through June 14th, you can get them at 20% off. McFabulous!

Now, hoppers, skeddadle on over to our LOVELY guest designer, LORI TURNER'S blog. Thanks for stopping by, and be sure to leave a comment 1) because you're a delightful person who wants to show me some love and 2) because it will better your odds at winning the $20 YNS gift certificate awarded to a random commenter.

YNS May New Release Blog Hop

Happy Mother's Day to all the Moms in the house, whether you claim a human baby, fur baby, fin baby, etc.

I'm sure there are all sorts of other babies I'm not naming, but it's late and I'm storm-weary. (We in Oklahoma are always dodging a tornado and/or hail at this time of year.) And if you aren't a mom, Happy Sunday/YNS New Release Day -- there's something for all to celebrate around these parts! 
I'm super excited to share that for the first time in a very long time, Your Next Stamp has some new FHIONA illustrated stamps available!  For many of us -- me included -- Fhiona's illustrations were the reason we fell in love with YNS in the first place. The fact that her latest drawings pertain to something that's very near and dear to my heart? Well, that's an added bonus. As I always say this time of year, I love me a good graduation set. This year, more than ever, as I'm sure regular readers are tired of me mentioning, seeing as my #1 son is about to collect his high school diploma in one short week. Here's a card I made, just for Truman, using the brand new Fhiona-illustrated GRAD KIDS set:

I don't mind telling you, I was bawling as I finished up this particular number. Here's a close-up of this cutie, colored to favor one of my favorite people in the whole wide world:

My next project features the second of the two sushi-themed sets YNS is coming out with this month (I gave you a sneak peek of SOY AWESOME yesterday).  Today, I want you to take a look at MAKI A WISH.  I promise you, if you're a sushi lover like I am, you need both sets and their coordinating dies.  See what I mean?

Just in case you need further evidence, here's the set in it's entirety. As I say in all sincerity, I could eat my body-weight in sushi, so this and its sister set are definitely going to be among my all-time-faves.

Next stop on this glorious hop? One of our fabulous guest designers, who just happens to be my oh-so-talented BSF: the AMAZING AMY ROHL!!!

Just a reminder, leave a comment as you go to increase your chances of being the lucky random commenter to receive a $20 gift certificate to the YNS Store.  And, when you place your order -- give yourself a Mother's Day Gift, why not?!  You deserve it! -- be sure to use this month's discount code to get 20% off. 

Your Next Stamp April New Release Blog Hop!

It's Tax Day here in the states. *sigh*  For many (including mi casa, this year) that is indeed a bummer. Fortunately, Your Next Stamp has perfectly timed its April Release to distract us from us such unpleasantness, and here you are, right at the beginning of the YNS New Release Blog Hop! 

There are 7 new stamp and die sets being released today, and I promise, there is something for everyone in this month's crop. Whether it's Waddles, Jessica, books, bunnies, birdies, or beers -- YNS has you covered. (And that's just some of the stamps!) The new YNS dies are to-die-for, too, including Large Bookmarks, Stitched Rectangles, another fun Peek-a-Boo, and Fun With Squares, in addition to those that coordinate with stamp sets. Versatility + Variety = Awesomeness!  Ready to see what I mean?

First up, I've used the new BOOKWORMS RULE stamp set and LARGE BOOKMARKS die set to create this placeholder for my youngest reader in the house:

Isn't that image delightful: a huge stack of books, with fairy tale references popping out of the pages, and topped by a very smart looking worm balancing a healthy snack on top of his head? After cutting out the bookmark on white card stock, I stamped the image in Momento Tuxedo Black ink, then colored it in simply (in other words, without a lot of fancy shading) with Copic Markers. Because Copics tend to bleed through card stock, I went ahead and made another bookmark die cut to cover the back side. Rather than have a bare white back, I stamped a sentiment on backside in a certain little guy's favorite shade of blue:

Here's a look at the entire BOOKWORMS RULE stamp set, so you can i.d. all the cuteness for yourself:

Right in time for all your masculine card needs comes the new FOR THE BOYS stamp set.  At least, it's right in time for me, as next week is my husband's birthday. To my great good fortune, Sean is absolutely obsessed with his Big Green Egg grill. I'm pretty sure he'll get a kick out of this card...

(Patterned paper by Doodlebug Designs from the "Happy Camper" 6"x6" pad; sketch courtesy of the current Sweet Sunday Sketch, #264.)

In addition to the Happy Grill Dude, FOR THE BOYS includes a Brew Meister and Master Control.  Take a look:

Perfect for guy birthdays and Father's Day, don't you think?

As always, Karen is generously giving away $20 to the YNS Store to one wonderful commenter, selected at random from one of the blogs on the hop. Increase your odds of winning by leaving a comment for everybody (not only might you win, but you'll also give some hard-working designer a reason to smile) -- you have until Friday night at midnight (EST) to do so. And, as you hop along and create your shopping list, don't forget that you can get 20% off of your YNS purchases between now and the 19th by using the coupon code YNSApril20.

Ready to see what the tremendously talented TRACY has up her sleeve for you?  Then off you go! :)

Your Next Stamp March New Release Blog Hop!

Are you ready, are you ready, are you ready?!?!  It's time for the YOUR NEXT STAMP March New Release Blog Hop!  If you've been hopping in order, you've come to my blog via the oh-so-talented-and-lovely ANITA (can that girl color, or what?).  If you're not hopping in order (you rebel, you), that's okay, too.  Just be sure to visit all the stops (you can see the locations via the linkymabob below) so that you can A) see all the fabulous projects the YNS Design Team and Guest Designers have created just for you, and B) leave comments at each stop so that you're eligible to win a $20 gift certificate to the YNS Store.  You may think to yourself, "Oh, why bother?  I never win anything..."  STOP IT!  That's stinkin' thinkin', friend.  Why, just last week I won a $75 gift certificate to a great stamp-n-die store, and I had only a 1 in 87 chance.  You've gotta be in it to win it, friends.  So comment, comment, comment -- eventually, you will win.  I guarantee it!

My sneak peeks for this month were all about my youngest son, Carter.  My hop cards, however, are all about my eldest, Truman.  He's a senior this year, and thus the new CONGRADS stamp set is especially close to my heart right now. Actually, I ALWAYS love a good graduation set, as that seems to be one of those annual events I'm always in need of several cards for. Take a look at CONGRADS, and you'll see why it's a must-have...

Here's what I made with it, incorporating as many of the sentiments and images as I could in one card...

The hardest part of this card was the large, layered panel to the left.  First, I stamped the mortar board image, then I masked it off.  I wanted it to look like it was "sitting" on the sentiment.  Next, using my MISTI (ok, I swear I'll quit talking about that thing soon...), I placed the sentiment just so and taped it off to be able to use multiple colors of ink to make the sentiment *pop* and add visual interest.

I then used Rectangle Nestabilities to cut the sentiment out. The tassel was stamped and colored a second time, then fussy-cut out and adhered to the first image.  Once done with the initial image layers, I decided a little color-blocking would be the way to finish out the card, as well as a way to incorporate a few more sentiments from the set. One thing I really like (now that it's made) about this card: it can serve as a starting place for LOTS of grad cards, utilizing school colors where the Steel Grey and Robins Egg are in this sample, in combination with traditional black and Primitive White. 

Next up is a little portrait of my soon-to-be-spreading-his-wings kiddo, using the new ADORKABLE stamp set.

Now here are a couple of things you need to know about Truman: he really is a scholar, but he's also a bit of a dandy.  I mean that in the best possible way.  If you need further proof, though, here is a photo of a pair of shoes I gave him for Christmas that he LOVES:

Need I say more?  Thus, here's what I'm going to consider #4 in my 100 Card Challenge for Truman...

The outfit (khakis, Buks, tortoise shell glasses, and Harvard crimson sweater do resemble my boy, but that's where he'd probably draw the line. His hair, he would have you know, is shorter (thank heavens -- he was trying to grow it out like Thor's for a year or so, but it was just a stringy mess) and blonder. Carter (to give Truman a hard time) would surely say this looks like Kyle One (shout out to all of the South Park fans in the hizzy).

I created the little blackboard (Harvard is old school -- it probably still has blackboards, if any college does, don't you figure?) using layered Rectangle Nestabilities with kraft cardstock and backed it with Black Licorice cardstock before stamping out the sentiment in Sweet Tooth Pigment Dye Ink. The "wallpaper" was created by stamping a Linen Background stamp in So Saffron ink onto So Saffron Cardstock. The left-hand side of the image layer was looking a little nakey, so I added a few YNS Grape Punch Glittered Gumdrops to balance it out. 

Are you already sold?  Then don't forget to use your coupon code when you checkout:

And if you still need more convincing, or are a smartie who wants to see the rest of the hop and leave comments to increase her chances for winning FREE STUFF, then by all means, head on over to visit sweet, sensational SUE!

YNS January New Release Blog Hop!

Howdy, friends!  How are you today?  It was the first day back at school for both of my youngin's.  Unfortunately, my sweet little guy, Carter (now age 10 and in 4th grade) started running a slight temp at school, so I picked him up early. I took him to Urgent Care to get swabbed and rule out the flu, but guess what?  No can do -- he's one of the many around the country who's got that nasty strain of stuff, so he's going to be hanging out with his mama at home for the next few days.  My poor baby!

(Just to let you know, I do have a tiny bit of decorum: I could have legitmately used the vomiting smiley instead of the one sick in bed, but I selected the less graphic/gross of the two.  I know, totally out of character, right? But it's my kid we're talking about here. And if there's any kind of jinx-y behavior involved with the selection of smilies, I don't want to irritate the deities of digestion.)

Moving right along...

Are you ready to change the subject, see a couple of cards made with ADORABLE new stamp sets, and have the chance to win a $20 gift certificate?!  Then you came to the right place!  I'm actually the FIRST stop on this month's YOUR NEXT STAMP January Release Blog Hop, so let's get down to business.  First up, I've got a card that could be used for a variety of occasions utilizing the new FUN CHARTS set:

I don't know if you can read the teeny, tiny print at the bottom, but here's a close-up in case you can't...

Funny, no?  I think this card could be sent as a thank-you, congratulations, graduation, whatever.  Anytime you want to send a greeting to someone to convey how excited you are for them, FUN CHARTS has got you covered.  It's also sized perfectly for those of you who do Project Life-type scrapbooking, too.  Take a look:

Next up, is one of my favorite sets of this release, SWEET AND COOL; you can also buy a new die set that coordinates with all of the images, and the set also works perfectly with the super cute and necessary-to-own (in my humble opinion) FUN FACES set.  I used both SWEET AND COOL and FUN FACES to create this repeating background pattern of perky popsicles:

Nom-nom-nom!  I could go for an Orangsicle or Bomb Pop right about now, couldn't you?  Here's all of the images and sentiments that come with this tasty set:

These stamp sets, plus six more, and five new die sets are all available NOW at the YNS Store!  Now, before you go shopping, you'll definitely want this discount code:

And of course, you'll want to continue on with the hop and leave comments everywhere to have a chance to win a $20 YNS Gift Certificate (yippee!).  The next stop of this wintery hop is none other than the jaunty and joyful JULIE ELAK!

Thanks for stopping by today, amigas, and I'll see you very soon. 

 

Taylored Expressions December Spotlight: Showered With Love

Guten tag, liebchen!
(I like a good beer buzz, early in the mornin', and Billy likes to peel the labels from his bottles of Bud...)

I actually have a reason for greeting you in German; the Sheryl Crow lyrics just happend to fit with the most German smiley I could come up with (and appreciate).  Did you watch The Sound of Music Live! last night?  I DVR'd it so I wouldn't have to sit through the commercials (and so I could watch my DVR'd American Horror Story: Coven, which I L-O-V-E!), but my first impression based on nothing: I love my Okla-home girl, Carrie Underwood, but to take on the magnificence that is Julie Andrews' Maria is a recipe for "Meh."  I adore Seth Rogan, but if he remade Citizen Kane, I'd be giving him the same advice. 

Actually, now that I think about it, a Seth Rogan-ized Citizen Kane might be brilliantly hilarious -- ooh, better yet: Danny McBride as Citizen Kane! This needs a visual:

  =

As gorgeous and talented as Carrie Underwood is, she ain't got what it takes to make me believe she can tame the seven unruly Von Trapp children and win the Captain's heart, let alone escape the Nazis. That's merely my personal opinion. No need to pelt me with cyber rocks and garbage. I'll watch it sometime this weekend and let you know if my proclamation still stands. If it doesn't, I will humbly recant.

Another thing I must humbly and regretfully tell you: this is my last month as a member of the Taylored Expressions' Baker's Dozen.  I have loved, loved, loved being on this design team, but as I alluded to in an earlier post, I have a new job on the horizon.

Actually I have two new jobs, but only one of them is full-time, starting in January: I'm going back to where I was before I started this whole bloggy-stampy thing! I'm resuming (?) my job as a college professor at Rogers State University (here in beautiful Claremore, America), in the School of Business and Technology, teaching courses such as Legal Environment of Business (aka Business Law), Professional Ethics, and Business Communications. That doesn't mean I'll be stopping this blog or papercrafting, but it may mean that I'm DT-free until I'm able to discern how/if I'm able to juggle other deadlines.

The good news: I discourage students from coming to my office hours. (That's a joke, but not really: I'm MUCH nicer/funnier/entertaining in class than I am when someone comes to my office, just like many professors I had as an undergrad. I think this makes me seem super-intellectual and intimidating, don't you?) That means I'll have more time for blogging! If anyone passes my office and sees me typing on my computer, it will totally look like I'm working!!! WOOT!  Thus, those of you who come here for the writing are in luck. If you come here for the purty pictures, well, I hope you like stock/borrowed-yet-given-credit photos from elsewhere.  It'll be like a very warped version of Papercraft's Moxie Fab.

 

Other good news: my job at RSU will enable me to get back into my retirement/pension program, and continue on the same fabulous state insurance program that we have now, once my DH retires from the state Senate, which is (THANK HEAVENS!) after this next session. As you know, our profoundly-adorable-smart-funny-kind youngest son, Carter, has cerebral palsy, and having good health insurance is of utmost importance to our family.

So, it's all good, even if I wish it could be a different. Such is life, no? One of the quotes I live by are the words of Wendell Berry: "We live the given life, not the planned." And guess what? It's ALL good. :)

Moving right along, I still have a month left to show you all the awesomeness that is Taylored Expressions, and this particular card comes with a little bit of local history. As I mention frequently, I live in the lovely small town of Claremore, Oklahoma, through which runs the Mother Road of Route 66. Just south of us by a few miles is Catoosa, and Catoosa is home to a Route 66 icon, The Big Blue Whale.

I absolutely ADORE beyond words this awesome beloved beluga. It's a famous Route 66 roadside attraction/homage to true love (a hubby built it for his whale-fancier wife), and though folks are no longer able swim, slide, or dive off of it, take a look at how cool it would have been to do so, back in the day:

Anywhoodle, when I got my hands on the new Petite-a-palooza set, SHOWERED WITH LOVE, I knew I had to make a tribute to this local legend.  Take a look-see:

I love me a whale stamp, especially when it comes with a die for easy-peasy die cutting!

I know you're on the edge of your seats to see what the rest of the Baker's Dozen has up their creative sleeves for you, so skeedaddle on over to:

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Courtney Kelley
• Jen Shults
• Joan Ervin
• Kerri Michaud
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess

PS - the second job I've got going on?  I'll tell you more later, but here's a hint...

 

*showered with love with coordinating dies	*pinking circle stacklets	*medium scallop border	*foam tape - 1/8" thick
*choice snow white cardstock	*memento tuxedo black full pad	*doodlebug 6x6 pad - stars & stripes*doodlebug 6x6 pad - stars & stripes*doodlebug 6x6 pad - stars &	*copic markers
*best glue ever	*precision applicator metal tip	*metal adapter shim

InLinkz.com

Taylored Expressions December Release Day: Light As a Feather

Well, I've got good news and bad news for you.  First, the good news: it's Release Day at Taylored Expressions!  All fourteen of the 2013 Petite-a-palooza stamp & die sets are now available -- holla!

Here's the bad news: we highly anticipated a snow day/school cancellation today and Mother Nature did not deliver. Bad Mama even let the little guy stay up late, so sure was she that we'd be out today. Now, he's tired, pouty, and grumpy, and I'm to blame. 

*sigh*

Let's focus on the good news, shall we? New stamps & dies! Hurray! Here's a clean-and-simple little something I put together using the new LIGHT AS A FEATHER stamp & die set:

I'd never heard that sentiment before I saw this set; I likey! I think it could even be used for a sympathy card. What do you think? As you contemplate that question of great importance, go visit my Baker's Dozen buddies to see what they've created for you viewing pleasure.

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Courtney Kelley
• Jen Shults
• Joan Ervin
• Kerri Michaud
• Regina Mangum
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess

Supplies used from the TE Store:

*light as a feather with coordinating dies	*memento tuxedo black full pad	*choice snow white cardstock	*best glue ever
*precision applicator metal tip	*foam tape - 1/8" thick

InLinkz.com

Taylored Expressions December Sneak Peek: Shine Bright and Dig In

Happy Hump Day, hermanas!  It's Day 2 of Taylored Expressions' Petite-a-Palooza, so I've got a couple more mini-stamp sets that come with coordinating dies to show you. Just because we call this year-end celebration "Petite-a-Palooza" doesn't mean it's small, though. Fourteen brand new petite sets (all with coordinating dies) will be released tomorrow, one of which is the oh-so-elegant SHINE BRIGHT.  Take a look...

For this pink & black girly number, I used a glossy black cardstock against a hot pink background to make it pop.  The multicolored glitter (it's called "Nebula Opaque" and is by Barbara Trombley's Art Glitter) was heat set using VersaMark watermark ink and glue powder.  The wrought-iron like back ground was a cinch to create using TE's Circles Cutting Plate.  Here's a closer look at the chandelier:

Oooh... sparkly!

Now for something a little less feminine -- a set called DIG IN that features two big pieces of construction equipment that comes with two dies.  I don't know what they're called -- diggers? -- see if you can identify them:

I focused my project on the little safety cone, and came up with this for a young pup who will soon be turning the Big Four-Oh...

The cones were colored in with Copic Markers, lightly shaded with a white Prismacolor pencil, then numbered using a Copic Multiliner.

And since we're on the subject of young pups, petite items, and diggers, I'll take this opportunity to show you that new family member I alluded to in a post last week.  Meet Miss DAISY!

Ain't she a cutie full o' charm?  She kinda resembles our Sweet Pea, don't you think?

There's actually a reason for that; I guess you can say I have "a type" (just like my friend Kim, whom I mentioned in yesterday's post.  BTW, in response to my post, Kim informed me that she now has a FIFTH black cat for a total of SIX cats... +2!)  

As I was saying before I distracted myself, the rescue organization we adopted Sweet Pea from (Zoi's Animal Rescue) sent me Daisy's picture when they found her all by her lonesome, wandering the streets of Tulsa, suffering from ringworm and covered in fleas. How could we resist?!  She's made a full recovery and is now a chunky little mix of mischief and delight.  We've had her for a little over 3 weeks now, and we think she's probably around 10 weeks or so.

Ready for more cuteness?  I know you are! Then head on over to these lovely ladies sites to see what they've got up their sleeves for you.  I'll see you tomorrow (same Bat Channel, same Bat Time) for Release Day!

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Courtney Kelley
• Jen Shults
• Joan Ervin
• Kerri Michaud
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess

Supplies used for Shine Bright card from the TE store:

*label stacklets 7	*circles cutting plate	*memento tuxedo black full pad	*best glue ever
*precision applicator metal tip	*metal adapter shim

InLinkz.com

Supplies used for Dig In card from the TE store:

*choice black cardstock	*choice snow white cardstock	*best glue ever	*copic markers
*precision applicator metal tip

InLinkz.com

Taylored Expressions: November Stamp of the Month & Key Ingredients

Hola, amigas!  Welcome to the Taylored Expressions November SOTM hop!  TE has done it again with this month's kit - it's just darling and oh-so-versatile.  Take a look...

I love the sunny flowered paper in KI kit, and took my cues for today's project from there:

As I prepared to photograph my card, I noticed something wasn't quite right...

Have you ever done something like that?  Looks like someone's got a case of the Mondays... ;)

For more information about how you can subscribe to TE's SOTM and/or KI kits, read all about it HERE on the TE webstore.

Ready to see how the rest of the Baker's Dozen and Key Ingredients team was inspired by the November SOTM bounty? Of course you are!  Then go visit these talented ladies and leave 'em some love!

• Amy Crockett
• Carole Burrage
• Cassie Trask
• Charmaine Ikach
• Courtney Kelley
• Jen Shults
• Joan Ervin
• Kerri Michaud
• Monika Davis
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Tracy Clemente
• Wanda Guess

*stamp of the month subscription - united states	*key ingredients subscription - united states	*pinking circle stacklets	*memento rich cocoa full pad
*copic markers	*best glue ever	*precision applicator metal tip	*foam tape - 1/8" thick
*tim holtz distress ink pad - scattered straw	*tim holtz distress ink pad - walnut stain

InLinkz.com