Mother's Little Helper

I'm Attached

Happy Monday! Are you ready for the first week in February? What do you think Punxsutawney Phil will determine when he looks for his shadow, later this morning?  Hmmm. Not sure I personally put a lot of faith in the weather forecasts of a woodchuck, but that's just me. Large rodents aren't my thing, and I'm quite certain that if Phil or any of his brothers and sisters chose to show up in my backyard, Sweet Pea would make mincemeat out of them in nothing flat. That's just the way she rolls, and I approve.

It's the first MOJO MONDAY of the month, which means it's CONTEST TIME!  For every 50 card entries, one randomly selected participant will win the VERVE stamp set of her choosing, and there can be up to 7 winners!  Be sure to visit the Mojo Monday Blog for all of the details how to play along.  In the meantime, here's my sample this week:

I'm still thinking about the 100 Card Challenge I mentioned in my previous post, so consider this 2/100 for Mr. Truman.  I used MFT's Office Space stamp set, and I got a little slap-happy embellishing the sentiment panel with mini-staples, but still: I likey. Believe it or not, I found that hand-stitched panel hanging out in my stash, after I had created the masterboard using the stapler images. Bonus!

Here's a look a this week's sketch:

And here's yet another view of my sample (I notice fancy bloggers take lots of shots of their cards.  I'm trying to be fancy...):

For more interpretations of this week's Mojo Sketch, head on over to these lovely ladies' blogs:

• Debbie Carriere
• Julee Tilman (Owner)
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Wanda Cullen

Thank you for stopping by, and I'll see you later in the week with some brand-new look-sees at February offerings from Your Next Stamp. Are you excited? Good! :) 

Top Dogs! (YNS DT Dare)

Did you know my two rescue girlies, Sweet Pea and Daisy, are famous?  It's true.  They were even featured in the national higher education newspaper of record (kinda like the New York Times of colleges and universities), The Chronicle of Higher Education.  The Chronicle of Higher Ed did a feature last month about dogs on college campus, and my sweet puppy gals made the cut. It's kind of funny -- the article (click here if you want to read the whole thing) discusses how they escaped our back yard right before my husband was to speak for the first time before the faculty and staff and had to go search for them.  Here's the photo from article, which I absolutely love: 

It's no surprise, then, when I saw the new LOVE AND SMILES stamp set from Your Next Stamp that I discovered the perfect image for my hubby's Valentine.  And when Thanh challenged the YNS Design Team to create a CAS (Clean and Simple) card using red and white, I had the opportunity to get it done, pronto.  Check it out:

When I was creating my card, for some reason I had it in my head that the challenge was red, black and white, but D'oh!  I was wrong on the black.  Still, it's a neutral color, no?  I'm off the hook, right?  That's how I'm rationalizing my goof, anyway. 

So back to the card.  First, I stamped out Daisy (you can tell which one she is because she has the brown patch around her eye), then masked her.  Next, I stamped out Sweet Pea "behind" but in front of Daisy, because she's a little faster and the leader of the two when it comes to roaming around.  Left up to her own devices, Daisy just comes to the front porch and waits for someone to let her in (good dog!).  The girlies and their balloons were colored with Copic markers, then fussy-cut out. 

Ready to see what how the rest of the YNS DT interpreted this month's challenge?  Then head on over to the YNS Blog for pictures and links to all of the talented participating designers. 

Have a great weekend, and come back and visit me first thing Monday a.m. when I'll have a fresh Mojo Monday Sketch Challenge to share with you.  XOXOXO

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Love and Smiles (YNS); Dies: Spring/Summer Scene Die Set, Whatnot Seasons Die Set (YNS); Paper: Neenah Solar White, Copic X-Press, Red Hot (MFT), True Black (SU!), patterned paper from Doodlebug Designs Frosty Friends 6"x6" pad; Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic Markers, Corner Chomper (1/4"), Chevron Embossing Folder (Lifestyle Crafts), Jody's Foam Boosters, Signo White Pen

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

YNS New Release Blog Hop *Starring* SWEET PEA!

(Before I get to the Hop info, I just want to alert you to the fact that this is my FOURTH DAY IN A ROW of posting!  What on earth has gotten into me?!  I guess since I can't eat (*shaking my fist at Jenny Craig*), I'm distracting myself in my studio...)

Alrighty, then! Thank you for stopping by to see me today - are you visiting me by way of the Your Next Stamp New Release Blog Hop?  If so, you should have came my way by the marvelous MAUREEN.  If you've just stumbled upon me and you're interested in seeing the whole hop and having the opportunity to win free, adorable stamps (and who isn't, pray tell) make sure you start at the beginning of the hop with THANH (a super-cutie I had the privilege of meeting at CHA last week! :).

Here's all the hop info you need to know, bullet-pointed to summarize as odds are you've seen it by now:

• This release is HUGE and extra exciting because we're introducing a new illustrator to the YNS family, the fresh & fun ANGIE BLOM.  She's responsible for the totally on-trend INSTA-LOVE set and die as well as the new BUTTERFLY LOVE (which sneak peeked for you yesterday) and HAPPY HOME sets.  Welcome, Angie!
• There are THREE prizes hidden along the hop - to increase your odds of winning one of the New Release Prize Packages, leave comments for all the participating designers.  Karen will announce the prize winners on the Your Next Stamp blog on January 28th.

Ready to see what I've made for your viewing pleasure?  When I saw the new I RUFF YOU set, I almost fell off my chair - it looks EXACTLY like my Sweet Pea!  You recall my absolutely precious rescue girlie, Sweet Pea, don't you?  If not, here's a photo to jog your memory:

(Isn't she the sweetest, relaxing in her cupcake bed?  I could eat her up, I love her so!)

Here's a little homage to my girlie-girl, using I RUFF YOU, now available in the YNS Store:

And here's a close-up...

Sweet Pea was stamped onto kraft paper, then her fence and body were paper pieced.  I had to try to reproduce her pretty brown eyes.  They look a tiny bit off, but I think it gives her an air of canine friendliness (go with me on this one). The blue sky was created using the good ol' Prismacolor pencil & odorless mineral spirits technique; I think it looks pretty cool on kraft paper, don't you?  The fence was paper pieced with actual wood paper, and I used Karen Giron's current Sweet Sunday Sketch as my blueprint.

As always, Karen has a very generous Blog Hop Special in the YNS Store - all online orders will receive 20% off!  Just use the discount code YNSJAN2013.

Ready for the next stop on this hippity hop?  Then leave me a comment (please!  I love to hear from you, and I want you to win the prize - I may just be one of the hidden treasure holders) and head on over to the sensational SUZANNE's blog (another new friend I was able to meet IRL at CHA, and may I say, she's as delightful as her creations :) ).

Happy hopping & shopping, friends!

 &

Happy Birthday, Dear Sweet Pea

We're not exactly sure when our beloved pup Sweet Pea was born, as she was a rescue dog that we adopted when she was approximately 3 years old.  The group that we adopted her from (Zoi's Animal Rescue, located right here in Claremore, America) first had her when she was a tiny puppy¹. Zoi's took in Sweet Pea and her littermates when were abandoned (I always picture a sack of puppies in a ravine...), so they have a rough idea when she was born.  On her paperwork, it says that her birthday is November 20th.  Therefore, Carter and I threw a *very* exclusive birthday party a week or so ago.  Both People magazine and Dog Fancy have been in a bidding war over the photos from the event, but I felt that my loyal blog readers deserved the first glimpse.

Here's the cake we bought at the local dog bakery, Aye Chihuahua.  It was about 8" in diameter.  Not sure what it was made of, but all dog-friendly stuff.  The older man who decorated it was so cute, and I think it cost me all of $7.00.  Not sure how exactly our local economy can support a dog bakery but not, say, a bakery for humans or a bookstore (*shaking my fist at WalMart*)... I'm glad it can, though.  When Aye Chihuahua first opened several years ago, I remember shaking my head & thinking, "Not a chance."  It's in a weird location and is so highly niched, it defied common sense that it could make it². Sometimes, it's nice to be wrong!

Here are Ringo and Sweet Pea, as Carter and I sing 'Happy Birthday.'  She looks a little suspicious of him, don't you think?  With good reason. He's a big clumsy boy, and his exuberance has been known to ruin good things for both of them.  By the way, do any of you know how to removed that weird dog-eye glow from photos?  I edit my photos with iPhoto, but it's not sophisticated enough to do that.  I have a copy of Photoshop that I need to learn how to use before it becomes obsolete (though I may already be too late), but I'm intimidated.

The cake has been cut and each pup has her/his slice.  Of course, I intended them to eat it in the kitchen, but Sweet Pea took hers and ran with it, directly to the living room³.  Please note the ripped flange on the chair to the right of Sweet Pea. That was courtesy of Ringo.  You cannot imagine my dismay when I first saw that.  Those chairs were mighty expensive when we remodeled a couple of years ago, and Sean has harangued me about the impracticality of my furniture selection ever since⁴.  I took him to the showroom and showed him what I wanted, and he agreed on it at the time, but nevermind that.  Fortunately, I did purchase the Furniture Protection program when we bought them.  Now, I've just got to figure out how to make it work for me.  After all the grief I've had to take about this furniture, Ringo is lucky he's so devoted to me or he'd now be a German Shepherd throw rug.

Sweet Pea saw me taking picture of her with the cake, and I think she thought I might take it away from her, so she moved to a different part of the living room, between one of the couches and the coffee table.

And there are the crumbs.  *sigh*  That is some very thick shag carpet, so who knows whether there are still some crumbs in it.  I'm kind of afraid to find out.  Pretty sure carpet like this should be outlawed as a health hazard, because you really don't know where it ends.  It's pretty to look at and feels good on barefeet, but even I have to admit, it's not the best choice for a house with two active dogs, a slovenly teenager, and an eight-year-old whose parents affectionately refer to him as "Pigpen."

And, here's Ringo with his piece.  Contrast this picture of Ringo at the side of a chair with the above photo of Sweet Pea beside the same chair to see the size differential between the two.  He is so big, and he's not done growing, yet.  When we boarded them over Thanksgiving, the vet weighed him in at 90 lbs. (Sweet Pea is a svelte 36 lbs.)  Since we're looking at this picture, I'll show you a few things about my house. 

See that white plastic table near the back windows?  That's been there for a few months, waiting for me to finish putting together the Lego Deathstar (3,802 pieces, I'll have you know).  Carter loves Lego and Star Wars, but he doesn't yet have the manual dexterity to put together much more than the minifigures.  Dad and Truman aren't interested, so I end up being Carter's builder.  I actually kind of like building Lego (it's the crafter in me), but this project is a huge one.  Hopefully I'll have it done before 2013.  I've definitely had time to finish it, but it's hard to get back into once you've stopped for a while. 

Beyond the Deathstar, on the wall to the right, is a little print of a cross section of Tenenbaums' house.  (The Royal Tenebaums is one of my all-time-favorite movies; if you haven't seen it yet, you must.  And you must watch it at least 3 or 4 times.  Trust me.)

The hallway beyond the arch leads to the master suite (aka my bedroom/bathroom/and rarely-used exercise room).  The Beatles canvas on the wall is self-explanatory, but I'll explain it anyway: I'm a huge Beatles fan, I love the pop art look & feel of it, and the pop of pink against the platinum wall just makes me happy.

Back to the dogs... hard to believe that less than a year ago, they looked like this:

Time flies -- gotta celebrate these sweet little moments whenever we can, don't you agree?

Footnotes:

1.  Sweet Pea was adopted out when she was a puppy, but the couple fell on hard times and had to move back in with one of their parents who wouldn't permit a dog. Zoi's has a policy that if there's ever a time when you can't keep an animal you adopt from them, you must return it to them.  Thus, Sweet Pea had been back with Zoi's for about 3 months when we adopted her.

2.  See?  This is why I will probably never own my own business.  I'm risk averse.  That's one of the reasons I so admire and like to support independent companies like The Cat's Pajamas, Your Next Stamp, My Favorite Things, Taylored Expressions, Paper Smooches, i {heart} papers, etc.  The gals behind those companies are willing to step out on a limb in a way I have a hard time seeing myself doing. 

3.  Actually, our kitchen and living area are all part of one large room.  Open floor plan, you see.

4.  I love my living room furniture and think it's beautiful and comfortable, but I swear if I could go back in time, I'd just get a naugahyde sectional and call it good.  No muss, no fuss, and no "Why did... this is the worst... What a bad idea..."  I finally solved this problem last year when Sean asked what I wanted for my birthday: "I want you to never mention the living room furniture ever again."  Now, when it gets brought up, I get to counter with: "Wait just a minute, Mr.  My birthday present..."  Do we sound like an old married couple, or what?

 

Can-Do Mojo Monday

Howdy, friends!  I'm back with another sample for this week's MOJO MONDAY sketch challenge - #264 for those of you keeping track.  Here's the latest, greatest sketch from the terrific Teresa Kline:

And here's what I did with it, using a wonderful Technique Tuesday quote stamp (Can Do) that I got from i {heart} papers:

Don't you love that?  When I first saw it in the ihp store, it immediately made me think of my little man, Carter.  As many of you know, he had very major orthopedic surgery last spring.  Within the last week or so, he's really turned a corner with his walking independently.  He's doing it for longer periods of time, and is straighter than ever.  His hands are staying down at his sides (as opposed to being held up near his shoulders, in an effort to maintain greater balance).  It may not seem like much to the average eye, but to me, it is truly a thing of beauty.

Speaking of things of beauty, I couldn't help but take a picture of this sweet scene, earlier this weekend:

Carter was reading his latest 'Fly Guy' book to Sweet Pea.  And yes, she is NAKED.  (Her collar was still drying from being doused in Febreeze after an unfortunate encounter with a skunk... Don''t let her adorable face fool you - this little gal is a troublemaker, deluxe!)

Other card ingredients available at i {heart} papers include:

• Memento Rich Cocoa Ink
• Brown Sugar Divine Twine
• Dimensional Dots
• Cork Sheet Paper

Ready to see what the rest of the Mojo Makers have put together to inspire you?  Then be sure to visit:

• Julee Tilman
• Debbie Carriere
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Stephanie Kraft
• Wanda Cullen

And head on over to the Mojo Monday Blog to learn how you can play with us in this week's Mojo challenge. 

See you soon, mi amigas!

Autumn with Rin Tin Tin

Hi, friends.  I apologize for being a flakey stamper/blogger.  I have a confession: I have a love-hate relationship with stamping/blogging.  There are times when I want to create something and put it "out there" and have friends (known & unknown) check it out.  And it's wonderful validation when something I've made or said resonates enough with someone that she takes the time to leave me a comment - I love that.  But I rebel against feeling like stamping/blogging is something I have to do.  Do you get what I mean?

I finished a great book yesterday -- Rin Tin Tin by Susan Orlean, about the famous German shepherd(s) of movie/TV fame -- and I read something that really captured how I've been feeling about stamping/blogging of late.  Orlean is interviewing a local amateur historian who offered to show her around the site north of Hollywood where the Corriganville Movie Ranch had been.  This was the venue where the TV series, 'The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin' was shot.  After Corriganville shut down in 1966, the land was eventually subdivided into lots for suburban homes and the Ronald Reagan Freeway.  Anyway, this local historian shows up for the tour in a calvary costume, as if he were an extra in the Rin Tin Tin series.  He had taped and watched every western he could that had been filmed at Corriganville to learn how to recognize the rock formations, and thus identify the location where a given scene had been shot. He would watch and re-watch the films/show with the sound off, so that he could focus on which rocks were which.

As Orlean writes on page 209,

"This seemed like an unusual sort of hobby, but no matter how specialized or particular a hobby might be, it always seems someone has dug into it.  Immersing yourself in a single interest so thoroughly sometimes means that the interest stops being something you do; instead you become a servant of that interest." [emphasis added]

I don't know about you, but I feel like I'm required to be a servant in so many areas of my life, that I need to be a servant to my leisure pursuits like I need a hole in my head.  And yet, because I tend to be an extremist where hobbies are concerned, I immerse myself in such endeavors to the point where in creeps commitments and obligations that I inevitably chafe against.  I can't just be an avid reader; I have to be in book clubs/write a novel/attend the Bread Loaf Writers' Workshop/edit a collection of essays.  I can't just enjoy stamping; I have to start a blog about it/be on design teams/serve on the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen.  Etc. 

Perhaps that's why I'm so enjoying cross-stitching after putting down my needle and floss for so many years.  It's a hobby that is contemplative without taxing my wee brain too much, I can do it while watching TV with the family or whiling away time in waiting rooms, and I love that I'm making something that will last for generations.  I'm making a conscious effort to NOT become obsessive about it.  Wish me luck on that... ;)

Anyway, here are some pictures of a piece that I finished recently (if you click on the photos, you can see the details better):

It's a pattern (appropriately) called 'Autumn' from one of my favorite cross stich designers, Vicki Hastings of The Cricket Collection (Leaflet # 304).  I stitched it on 28 count linen with DMC threads.  Here are some close-ups...

and...

As you can see from the bottom lefthand corner, I believe in 'signing' my cross-stich as I've often preached about signing my stamped projects.  Claim your art!

I've got more finished projects to share, but I'll save those for another day.  Thanks for stopping by to see me! :)

PS - I highly recommend Rin Tin Tin - Susan Orlean is a terrific writer (she's a staff writer for the New Yorker, and she's also author of The Orchid Thief, which was made into the movie Adaptation starring Meryl Streep). Of course, as a German shepherd lover, I'm a bit biased, but still.  It comes out in paperback on October 9th - FYI!

A {Puppy Lovin'} April Sketch For You To Try

Happy Saturday, peeps! Have you been good little bunnies?  I sure hope so - the Easter Bunny has BIG ears, you know, the better to hear whether you've been naughty or nice...

Hey - it works for Santa; I say if there's an expectation of treats on a given holiday, it's an opportunity to leverage good behavior.  We parents gotta use all the tools in our toolboxes, no?

Anyway!  I could easily go off on a tangent, but I've got important stuff to share with you delightful people today.  First of all, it's the first Saturday of the month, which means it's time for a brand new SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY!  Huzzah! (<-- say like Montgomery Burns)

This month's SFYTT is sponsored by the fabulous THERE SHE GOES

I've got to say, I am utterly smitten with TSG stamps!  They truly have something for any and every style, from cute and cartoony (which is my first love in stamping - for those, be sure to check out the sets illustrated by Torico - LOVE!), to elegant and refined; whether you like to color or prefer stamping with solid images. There are several sets with hilariously clever sentiments (I'm pretty sure Loads of Fun was created just for me), and TSG even has their own line of dies. Good stuff, I tell you!

Ready to see this month's sketch?  But of course you are...

And here's what I made with it, using what may just be the most adorable dog lovers set, ever created, PUPPY LOVE:

I've had my eye on this set for a long time; it was sold out when I placed my last TSG order, but I'm happy to report it is back in stock.  I made this card expressly for Mr. Carter.  I mentioned a while back that he would be having a major surgery coming up; it's scheduled for this month, on the 19th.  Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers.  We've talked about it a lot, and he's actually looking forward to it - he thinks it's going to be nothing but presents and Lego building and watching movies in his hospital room.  That pesky operation is a small price to pay for all the fun we're going to have...  So far, he's planning on viewing marathons of the Harry Potter, Star Wars, and Pirates of the Carribean series; all of these movies have their own Lego sets and Lego video games.  Coincidence?

Anyway, I'm going to give this card to Carter while he's in the hospital, along with a nifty gifty I think he's really going to like. (I would tell you what it is, but I know you can't keep a secret.) Here's what I know Carter will say when he sees it:

• Those dogs look like Sweet Pea!
• That one is you, with the green collar because green is your favorite color, and that one is me with the blue collar because blue is my favorite color.  {<-- Besides me, Carter is the only one in my family who would notice such a thing. I love that about him. :)}

Here we are, close up...

Don't you *ruff* it?!  I colored the little scene with Copics, masked the dogs, and airbrushed the sky.  The brads around the image layer are supposed to remind you of a studded dog collar - did it work?  The fun paw print paper is from We R Memory Keepers' Friends Furever 6"x6" pad. 

The details on how to participate in this month's sketch (and become eligible to be a future SFYTT Designer of the Month) are in the Notes to Know at the end of the post.  You'll definitely want to head over to The Sketcher Herself, JEN DEL MURO's blog to see what she and April DOM Dawn Barghorn have put together to inspire you.  And, of course, you'll also want to see the sensational samples stamped by my stupendous SFYTT Sisters...

Amber Hight
Amy Sheffer
Becky Carafa
Jen Tapler
Jodi Collins
Kerry Johnson
Megan Lock
Susan Liles

Thanks for stopping by to see my today, and I wish you and yours a miraculous Easter.

 

All New in Two Thousand One-Two!

Man, oh man! Do I have a bunch of good stuff to share with you today!  An excellent way to start off the New Year, if I do say so myself.  Thus, I shall quit chattering and get down to business. 

First things, first: it's the first Mojo Monday of 2012, so I've got a brand new sketch to share with you.  Take a look...

And guess what, you lucky ducks?  Alma gave me a special dispensation to give you an extra early SNEAKY PEEK of one of the new sets and dies being released on Tuesday, January 10th by The Cat's Pajamas!  Sneaky Peek Week doesn't actually begin until tomorrow, but thanks to my friend in high places, here's a look-see at the new FEELIN' CUPIDY stamp set and HEART ROSETTE CutUps die, using this week's Mojo Monday sketch:

You know that sentiment makes you want to break out in song: "Love hurts... love scars... love wounds, and mars..."

Isn't Mr. Bunny-as-Cupid a cutie? But watch out for those pointy heart arrows...  I colored Bunny Cupid with Copic markers and gave his wings a coat of Stardust Stickles.  I used the new HEART ROSETTE CutUps die to create the quarter-circle layer laid out in the sketch.  I kept it flat, but it folds up to make a beautiful, easy Rosette, as I'm sure you'll be seeing in TCP Sneaky Peeks during the course of this week. 

Of course, you'll want to go by the Mojo Monday blog for all of the details about how to play along with this week's sketch and kickstart your Mojo in this fine New Year.  And - bounus! - it's PRIZE WEEK! If you participate and your card is deemed one of the Mojo-est Of Them All, you win a FREE stamp set of your choice from VERVE STAMPS! Surely that beats many things, including a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, no?  For more visual inspiration, visit my fellow Mojo Makers to see how they interpreted this week's sketch:

• Debbie Carriere
• Julee Tilman
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Stephanie Kraft

Changing subjects: in one of my few posts from last month, I shared with you the news that I had to put my beloved German Shepherd, Gretel, to sleep at the end of November. I was absolutely heartbroken as Gretel was truly my canine soulmate.  The peril of being a pet lover/owner is that you know your time with them is limited, and barring a tragedy, you will eventually grieve their passing.  It's the circle of life, and all that Lion King-y stuff.

I guess you could say my husband, Sean, is kinda like Rafiki, because look what he presented me with on December 22nd:

A 10 week old, male German Shepherd puppy! We've named him RINGO (after Ringo Starr - I'm a big Beatles fan, you know.  Plus, it's a good dog name in that it's two syllables and ends in a long 'o' as recommended by the Monks of New Skete, an order of Monks that breed German Shepherd puppies and the authors of several books like How To Be Your Dog's Best Friend and The Art of Raising a Puppy). 

Look at that face!

He is a nipping, rambunctious force to be reckoned with, let me tell you!  And he's doubled in size, already.  Look at those paws - he's going to be H-U-G-E!  We're having a great time with him, even as I'm getting up in the middle of the night to take him outside to go potty.

I think Sweet Pea kind of likes him, too...

Awww! :)

 

December Sketch For You to Try ~ Hi-Ya!

Hi-Ya, friends!  It's the first Saturday in December, which means it's time for a brand new SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY.  And guess what?  For those who've been playing along in all of the SFYTTs for the year, it's the month of the HUGE Christmas Prize Drawing!  Yay!

Ready to see this month's sketch?  Here it is...Another great one, don't you think?  And here's what I did with it, using an image from one of our fabulous SFYTT sponsors from this past year, MY FAVORITE THINGS:

I've had this image -- Pure Innocence - Karate Boy -- colored and sitting on my desk since September, just waiting to be featured in a card.  I colored him when I attended a Copic Class at MFT Headquarters in Eustis, FL (better known as the hometown of THE MFT LADY, mi amiga Kim van der Sanden).  The Copic class was taught Colleen Schaan, and was held in conjunction with the grand opening of the MFT Store.  It was truly a memorable day. :)

Anyway, Carter has a buddy with a birthday coming up, and I figured putting Karate Boy in this month's SFYTT would be a great way to kill three birds (poor birdies...) with one stone: my SFYTT sample, the birthday card, and getting this little guy off of my desk.  Not sure if he does karate or tae-kwon-do, but maybe this'll inspire him to ask his mom for lessons.  I'm sure she'll thank me for that... ;)

You'll definitely want to stop by JEN's blog to see what she's made with this month's sketch and to read more about how to play along and eligibility for the HUGE Christmas Eve Prize Drawing.  To see what lovely creations my SFYTT Sisters have created with this month's sketch, please visit...

• Amy Sheffer
• Becky Carafa
• Iwona Palamountain
• Jen Tapler
• Jodi Collins
• Kerry Johnson
• Megan Lock
• Susan Liles
• Terri Moore

Now, in non-stamping related news, I'd like to leave a little tribute to a very, very special soul who left us this past week.  She was the kind of friend who comes along once in a lifetime, and I will miss her until the day I day.  I've never had a more loyal, trusted, or sweet friend, and she loved me and mine through thick and thin.  Until we meet again, my dearest Gretel...

(Gretel in 2008, modeling a bandana featuring images from The Cat's Pajamas)

Gretel Burrage, 2002-2011

Rest In Peace, Good Girl

Krafty Peeks, Day 2

Hi there!  Ready for a look-see at one of the new images being released on Sunday by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps?  Today, the Krafty Girls & Guests are giving you a peek at the latest from KKS illustrator, Emilie Goulet.  Emilie's got two collections of doggone C-U-T-E stamps that are perfect for dog loving crafters.

Check out this precious pup...

Ms. Poodle is from the Canine Capers 2 set.  Be sure to stop by the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge Blog for direct links to all of today's participating designers; it's a show to rival Westminster!  As usual, if you're interested in winning FREE stamps, you'll want to leave messages on all of today's Krafty Peekin' blogs; one lucky person will score Canine Capers 1, and a second will get Canine Capers 2. 

WOOF!

It's Monday: Do You Know Where Your Mojo Is?

Here it is!  In the form of Mojo Monday Sketch #191:

And here's what I did with it, using last week's TCP Tuesday Color Challenge (Spring Moss, Bashful Blue, and Gray):

I used the precious Field of Pinwheels image from The Cat's Pajamas most recent release.  I airbrushed the background by making a mask out of Eclipse masking tape and TCP's Grass CutUps die.  I stamped the image on top of the airbrushed background, then stamped it again on white card stock, colored it in with Copics, trimmed it out, and adhered the colored images to the background.  Clear as mud?  Good.  I aim to edify!

Ready to see what all the Mojo Makers did with today's sketch?  I love waking up every Monday and seeing what the gang made with this week's sketch.  Julee's done a great job of amassing a unique blend of stamping styles amongst the Mojo Makers, so you're sure to find at least one creation that jumpstarts your own creativity.    Then, create your version of the sketch and link it to today's Mojo Monday blog post.  If you upload to a public gallery, be sure to use 'MOJO191' as a keyword so we can give you snaps. 

Here are links to all my Mojo Maker comrades - stop by and give 'em a little sugar for helping you rev up your mojo this May Monday morning:

• Julee Tilman
• Debbie Carriere
• Maria Gurnsey
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Stephanie Kraft
• Teresa Kline

In a little non-stamping related chatter, I have to show you this picture of my dog, Sweet Pea.  Remember me introducing you to her a few months ago?  Well, she's developed another peculiar habit.  See for yourself:

I took this picture from inside the house, looking out onto the back deck.  That's Sweet Pea, perched on top of one of our two barbeque grills (my husband needed both; don't ask).  She walks back and forth on top of them; it's her version of a deer stand, I suppose.  (You know, those tall things hunters wait on when they go out deer hunting.  I think.  I don't know the first thing about hunting, to tell you the truth.  Despite marrying a boy from Antlers, Oklahoma - aka Deer Hunting Capital of the World.)  I guess getting on top of the grills gives her a better view than just sitting on the deck itself.  Better for spying on wabbits, and all of the other critters she likes to chase around the yard. 

She's a weirdo, but she's our weirdo and we love her.  You should hear Carter babytalk to her: "Who's the pretty princess dog?  Who's our sweet girl?"  So cute!

Have a wonderful day, and thanks for visiting me!

Supplies used:

Stamps: Field of Pinwheels by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Neenah 110 lb. Natural White from The Cat's Pajamas, Amy Butler Lotus Mat Pad by K & Co., Spring Moss & Spring Rain (PTI), Basic Gray (SU!); Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Mojo Monday 191 Sketch, Grass Cut Ups die (The Cat's Pajamas), Eclipse masking tape, Nestabilities - Labels # 8 & Scalloped circles, 1 1/4" circle punch, corner rounder, Copic markers, Spring Rain grosgrain ribbon (PTI), American Crafts medium and mini brads in silver, sewing machine, Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

My New BFF

You know, Paris Hilton had to create a TV show in order to find herself a new BFF.¹ Me?  I just went to a nearby Petsmart during an adoption event to find mine.  I wasn't even 'in the market' for a new BFF, but there was something about this particular gal that I couldn't forget.  A few weeks later, she came over for a playdate.  That was three weeks ago, and she hasn't left since.  Want to meet her?  

Introducing... SWEET PEA!

Isn't she adorable?  She came to us from Zoi's Animal Rescue, a no kill shelter located in my hometown of Claremore, OK. 

The shelter listed her as a three-year-old terrier mix.  She's pretty small (I'd say she weighs about 40 lbs., tops), and looks to have some Lab, maybe a touch of Pit Bull, and judging from the swoop of her rib cage to her hind quarters either some Whippet or Greyhound.

In other words, she's an All-American Mutt!  And as sweet and funny as can be... just look at her.  You can tell by those ears that she's got personality in abundance.

Sweet Pea is great with kids and is happy to have Carter hang all over her.  She's housebroken, crate-trained, well-mannered, and has obviously been on a leash before.  The shelter seemed to think that she has special needs (some vision and hearing loss on one side), but I've seen absolutely no evidence of that whatsoever.

Here's Sweet Pea's profile on Petfinder; I stared at it several times as I tried to decide whether or not I really wanted to commit to another dog.  One morning, I had just clicked off Sweet Pea's page, when out of the blue, I decided to visit my Dirty Dozen buddy Christine Okken's blog.  Seriously, her profile pic just kind of popped into my head, and it had been a while since I'd visited her blog or had seen what she'd been up to.  The title of the top post on her blog?  Such Sweet Peas.  I KID YOU NOT!!!  Doesn't that give you the shivers?!  I mean, if that's not a sign from above...

BUT -- don't let her sweet face fool you -- Sweet Pea is full of mischief and loves to hop the back fence to chase squirrels, ducks, and any other small creature that crosses her path; she's DEFINITELY got some sort of terrier in her².  And if she catches one?  She gives it a proper funeral in the flower bed in the front yard. Nice...  This is how she looked after a recent 'undertaking':

Oh, well.  That's okay, Sweet Pea.  No one understands better than I do that a girl needs to have her hobbies.  You're easy to wash, and even though you shed like a mother-button-son-of-a-basket, your search for a forever family is over.  Make yourself at home, girlie.  

 

Footnotes:

1. Paris Hilton's My New BFF show has aired two seasons, one of which was taped in the U.S., and the second of which was taped in London.  Apparently there's also third season which was taped in Dubai and has not aired due to legal problems.  Paris has recently said that she no longer wants to portray herself as the 'dumb blonde' as she has in both The Simple Life and My New BFF, so I'm thinking the BFF series is over.  And that's waaaaaaaaay more than you wanted to know about that.
2. There are tons of terrier breeds, and most of them originated in UK in order to keep various types of vermin under control.  Call me an apologist, but as far as the squirrels and what not, I think Sweet Pea's just responding to thousands of years of genetic coding.  Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly...

Dirty {not so} Little Secret

As some of you may already know, I've been carrying around a big ol' secret for the past month: I was tapped to become one of the Dirty Dozen for Splitcoaststampers!  It feels so weird to write that, and I really still can't even believe it's happened. 

Practically from the moment I logged on to SCS (and certainly after the first couple of uploads -- I need my instant gratification, you know.  Can't be waiting around for moderator approval, especially when working on a challenge!), I've been a member of the SCS Fan Club and looked forward to the 15th of each month to see who the latest Dirty Girls would be.  When stamping crossed that borderline (do NOT start singing that song by Madonna and thinking about what she's up to these days.  What's her marriage really like?  Is she going to adopt any more children from Malawi?  Has she had plastic surgery?  What's her workout routine?  No, don't go there!  Pay attention!) Where was I?  Oh, yeah.  When stamping stopped being a mere hobby I dabbled in when I had a bit of free time to a daily priority (that seems coincide with when one starts doing the SCS challenges on a regular basis), I began to fantasize that maybe, just maybe, one day...

Well, it's just really and truly a dream come true for me.  And for those of you who are a wee bit irritated that I didn't tell them before the reveal... I'm sorry!  Please forgive me!  It's the rules, you know?  And as all of you know, I would NEVER break the rules... (*so glad my mom doesn't read my blog*)

Anyway, my roomie during my Dirty stint is Denise Marzec (aka peanutbee).  We're the same age (she looks younger, but I'm sure I'm wiser ; ) ), and she looks so much like one of my college roommates (shout out to Nancy (Martin) Williams of Saint Augustine, FL!  Hi, Nance!) it kinda freaks me out.  Oh, and speaking of FREAKING OUT, that's what y'all are going to do when the new wave of Dirty Girls are revealed next month.  Hee hee!  I know, I know, that's mean of me to taunt you like that.  But I swear, when they were announced last night, I just about lost complete control of my bodily functions!  Don't ask me who they are because I won't tell you.  After all, I do know how to keep a secret...

After all that blah blah blah, how about a little eye candy?  Here's a ATC I made for a swap with the MFT gals, depicting me walking my canine soul mate, Gretel.  By the way, that German Shepherd stamp?  Specifically created in honor of the one and only Gretel Burrage!  It's true!  Woof to Kim and Christy!

 

 

Here's a group shot...

And yes, of course I always walk her in a skirt and heels...

I'll be back tomorrow for TCP Tuesday -- I'm the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess and I'll be serving up an inspiration challenge you won't want to miss!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Gone to the Dogs,  by My Favorite Things; Paper: Berry Sorbet, Blush Blossom, patterned paper by PTI, Georgia Pacific White; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black; Accessories: Copic Sketch markers, Fun Flock, Dimensionals, embroidery floss.

Even Dogs Love The Cat's Pajamas (and BLOG BON-BONS!)

Meet Gretel -- she's the world's greatest dog, my canine soul mate, and my constant companion.  She's practically my shadow.  As I type this, she's laying on a dog bed underneath my craft table.  When I wrap this up, I'll head for bed, and she'll sleep on her bed next to my nightstand.  If I get up in the middle of the night, she follows; if my husband does, she won't move.  On the rare occasion I sleep in, she stays put until i wake.  The only time this differed was when Carter was an infant and his nursery was located in what is now my craft room, adjacent to our bedroom.  Until Carter started sleeping through the night, she would stay by his bed at night and then come nudge me when he would wake.  I kid you not.  I can say to her "Gretel, go get in your crate," and she'll immediately go get in her crate in the utility room.  And she's never really been trained.  We took a puppy manners course long ago, and she learned a few basics like "sit," but otherwise, it's pretty much because we just understand one another completely.  I can't adequately express how much I love this dog.  Are you getting the picture?

When I told Gretel I was joining the design team of a stamp company called "The Cat's Pajamas" whose mascot was, well, a cat, she had reservations.  "You're a dog person," she said with her eyes.  I knew I had to do something to show Gretel that Sprinkle would never take her place, that this was purely about stamps, and that I wasn't laying the groundwork for bringing a live cat into our home.  I had a brilliant idea: Gretel loves to get all dolled up and wear bandannas.  I would make one for her decorated with images from the new "It's a Mod, Mod World" set!  So that's exactly what I did.  Here's a close-up:
I bought a plain white bandanna at JoAnn's, taped it down to my work surface so it wouldn't move around, then inked up my stamps with ColorBox Pigment Brush Pads and started stamping away, much as you would if you were trying to create a one-sheet-wonder background.  It turned out pretty cute, and Gretel was satisfied.  She's okay with TCP now.  My hope is that eventually, she will develop a fondness for Poochie, but I don't want to push her too quickly; I need to let it be her idea. 

Alma sent me an extra set of "It's a Mod, Mod World" to give away as Blog Bon-Bons.  Are you interested? (Silly question, huh?!)  It comes with 18 images, including both sizes of Sprinkle, Poochie, & Fifi, some cool cars and spaceships, a TV, stars, four sentiments, etc.  Really and truly, it's made up of the core images upon which the entire swanky empire that is TCP was built.  I'm telling you, it's a stamping necessity! 

So here's what I'm thinking: in honor of the peace accord between Gretel and Sprinkle, I want you to leave a comment on this post about your favorite pet.  It can be any animal, living or deceased.  Be sure to mention why this particular one was the most special.  I'll randomly select a number at noon on Sunday to determine the lucky winner.

And if you're not feeling lucky and just want to buy the set?  It goes live tomorrow (Friday!) and I'll have a couple more fun samples to show you.

Now, if you'll excuse me, it's late.  Gretel and I need our beauty sleep!