Mother's Little Helper

Study, Study - School's Your Buddy!

I used to say that all the time to Sean (when we were in undergrad and law school together, which seems like both yesterday and a couple of lifetimes ago) and to Truman, when he was in elementary school. Not sure why I quit saying it and/or why I haven't beaten it to a pulp, likewise, with Carter. Maybe he's just lucky.

More likely, because, unlike Truman, Carter is one of those kiddos whom you have to sit down and do homework with, much to my chagrin. Before, I used to think parents did homework with their children (as opposed kids doing it for themselves, by themselves) did so because they were either helicopter parents or they needed to discipline their kids to do it themselves. So judge-y of me; "Not my child!" Famous last words, right?  Left to his own devices, Carter will sit and daydream, and a worksheet that should take 5 minutes will take an hour, with me coming in and out of the room a dozen times, telling him to get back to work. Plus, for lengthier homework assignments, I have to be his scribe because of his fine motor skills issues. It's enough to make me want to drink gin from the dog dish, I tell you.

Why have I gone off on this particular tangent? Because I made an education-themed card for the current YNS Sketch & Color Challenge (#27). I opted for the sketch, which looks like so:

Here's my version:

I wanted to make a quick card because I'm leaving this afternoon (I'm writing this on Thursday) to meet a bunch of girlfriends from my old hometown to see REO Speedwagon at the Tulsa Hard Rock Casino. Fun! So, I looked through my stamp sets for an image I wouldn't have to color or fuss too much with. Large sentiments, like this Einstein quote from YNS's Little Darling Belle stamp set are perfect for such times.

The "A to B" part of the quote reminded me that there was a cute and colorful alphabet pattern in my recently purchased "Teacher's Pet" by Echo Park 6"x6" paper pad. Added some cork for texture, a bit of ruler washi tape (that I first put on white card stock, then trimmed; it kind of goes against the simplicity of slapping on some washi tape, but I prefer the washi tape to retain its color. It's so sheer that if you put it on colored card stock or patterned paper, it looks messed up, in my opinion) adhered at a tilt, and a fun little paper clip to play up the school theme. 

Other YNS products used: Stitched Square Die Set.

Something like this would be good for inclusion in a gift pack of cards to one of my educator friends or one of Carter's teachers. It could also work as a graduation card, of which I am always in need.

Visit the YNS Blog to see what the other participating YNS designers have put together for your inspiration. There, you'll also find graphics for the color challenge, as well as info about how you can play along and possibly win FORTUNE & FAME (up to $20 in YNS moola and/or be selected as the YNS Top Pick. Top Pick-ers get featured on the YNS Blog and a nifty badge to wear on their blog, proclaiming them as a winner of this major award).

Okay, gang. Gotta go ROLL WITH THE CHANGES. Fortunately, the weather is clear so I won't have to be RIDIN' THE STORM OUT. Thanks for stopping by to see me. And remember, I'm gonna KEEP ON LOVING YOU.

(I'll stop with the REO puns now.)

 

Perk Up!

Hello from beautiful and temperate Pontiac, Michigan! The weather has been insanely glorious since we arrived on Sunday. Lows in the high 50's/highs in the mid-70's, sunny and clear. Perfect! I've been taking advantage of it while Carter's in therapy by taking long walks and getting lots of steps logged with my FitBit. Afterwards, I head back to the room, take a shower and get ready, then walk back over to the EuroPeds clinic. I sit and read for a few minutes, then Carter and his physical therapist come out and tell me what they've been up to over the past few hours. We head back to our room, grab a little lunch, do some homework, and then head out for the day's adventure. Not a bad way to spend a couple of weeks!

We're both excited for tomorrow (which is today, by the time you read this) -- a few months ago I bought tickets for us to see MARVEL UNIVERSE LIVE; can't believe the time has already arrived!  (Why does that same time seem to be dragging with regards to the house we're remodeling?! More on that in a different post...)

Anyway, I created today's card before I left Oklahoma. It's for the current Your Next Stamp Challenge (#23); YNS Challenges always have a sketch or color component, and if you're feeling really ambitious, you can incorporate both. This time, I went with the color challenge, which is:

Very autumnal, no?

I broke out the new PERK UP stamp set, which I had yet to use.

I like a cup o' joe in the a.m., usually, but if I don't get one, it's not a big deal to me. I'm definitely not one of those coffee fanatics that lose their minds this time of year because Starbuck's Pumpking Spice Lattes are back on the menu. Still, I couldn't resist this cute, kawaii caffeinated stamp set. Have you ever seen such a happy little coffee bean grinder or french press? I think my favorite is the standard coffee maker. I watercolored backgrounds for each image panel -- on trend and SO easy!  Win-win.

My card was inspired by this sweet card by my wonderful friend, Wanda. One of the things I like best about Wanda's card is how it features lots of images from a single set.

YNS products used include: Perk Up stamp set, Stitched Rectangles die set, Stitched Squares die set, Spellbound Gumdrops, and Silver Tinsel Gumdrops.

Go to the YNS Blog and see what the other participating designers made with YNS Sketch/Color challenge #23. There, you'll also find graphics for the sketch, as well as info about how you can play along and possibly win FORTUNE & FAME (up to $20 in YNS moola and/or be selected as the YNS Top Pick. Top Pick-ers get featured on the YNS Blog and a nifty badge to wear on their blog, proclaiming them as a winner of this major award).

Thanks for stopping by today, friends! Have a fabulous first weekend of Fall.

 

Michigan Mojo

Carter and I have been traveling all weekend, driving a total of 18 hours to get from Durant, OK, to Pontiac, Michigan. We're back for another two-week stint at Euro-Peds Center for Intensive Pediatric Physical Therapy. This is, I believe, our fifth time to come to EuroPeds, and Carter makes wonderful gains in strength, balance, and mobility every time we're here. It's a good thing, so let's celebrate with donuts!

This week's Mojo Monday Sketch (#416) was the perfect opportunity to break out My Favorite Things' tasty LLD Donuts & Sprinkles stamp set and coordinating dies.  Take a look at the sketch, and you'll see what I mean:

Circles galore! Because I wanted to use the long sentiment above the donuts (perfect to send to my college freshman, who I'll have you know is actually going to his mailbox to retrieve my cards/packages! Of course, I have to text him that it's probably there, and I always add a little present to sweeten the pot) I had to figure out that element in the lower right hand corner. I came up with adding a tiny trio of donuts, and threaded baker's twine through two of them before tying up a bow.

Other card facts:

• The sentiment was heat embossed in white detail embossing powder on a Blu Raspberry scalloped die cut, made using Blueprints 23 Die-Namics.
• The background was created by stamping MFT's Pin Stripe Background stamp in Daffodil Premium Dye Ink on Smooth White card stock.
• This card also fulfills the current MFT Color Challenge:

And now?  I'm a bit tuckered out after driving all those hours, unloading the car, and unpacking/nesting in our abode, aka a 2 bedroom unit at The Residence Inn.  Oooh -- want to hear something fabulous (at least, to us)? Get this: we always stay at this particular Residence Inn when we come to EuroPeds. Previously, the clinic was located in a hospital near downtown Pontiac, about 20 minutes away from our hotel.  Within the last few months, EuroPeds relocated to a new, stand-alone building. That building is DIRECTLY ACROSS THE STREET from our hotel!

I'm going to wrap this up before I head off on another tangent.  (I think I'm getting a little punchy from fatigue...) Head on over to Mojo Monday Blog to see how you can participate in this weeks challenge, and be sure to visit my fellow Mojo Makers for inspiration:

• Julee Tilman (Owner)
• Justin Krieger
• Lori Tecler
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Wanda Cullen

Thanks for visiting me today, and wish Mr. Carter good luck on his therapeutic journey, if you would. I'll be back later on in the week and fill you in on his progress and our adventures. :)

Boots, Class, & a Little Sass

It's Monday again, friends. How do you feel about that? I'm on the fence. On the one hand, it's my favorite month -- temps are getting cooler, fall is on it's way -- and we're edging ever closer to my birthday, which is Friday. Yay! On the other hand, why I am I excited about having another birthday/turning older?  (Answer: it does beat the alternative...)

Other things on my mind: Carter and I leave on Saturday for another two-week stint at the EuroPeds Pediatric Intensive Physical Therapy clinic in Pontiac, Michigan. We always enjoy our weird little vacations there, and have lots of traditions we've created and haunts we frequent when we're in that part of the world. Plus, Carter always makes incredible gains in his gross-motor skills while we are there. All great things. But in the meantime: I've got a ton of work to do to get organized, packed, etc. And y'all know I'm a tiny bit lazy...

Once we get there (after an 18 hour drive that we'll break up over a couple of days), all will be well. And for now, I'm going to quit dreading and pretend that I like packing, etc. Wish me luck!

But enough about me. Let's distract ourselves with a little stamping therapy, shall we?  Here's my sample for this week's Mojo Monday Challenge:

Fun stuff, right? Taylored Expressions (one of my favorite stamp/paper craft companies) has just started a new weekly challenge and challenge blog, the Share Joy Challenge. I have a ton of wonderful TE product that I received when I used to design for them, but never got around to using. Darnell has a new NBUS (Never Before Used Schtuff) Challenge, so this created the perfect storm for a three-fer:

I've been wanting to use the cute-cute SADDLE UP stamp and coordinating die set for a long time, now. This seemed like the perfect opportunity. I was inspired by the color scheme of the Share Joy Inspiration photo. I would totally wear these boots, wouldn't you?

I created a trendy little watercolored background for the boots and then adhered my images on top of it with Jody Boosters. Want to see the sentiment?  It's on the tag, which the recipient can pull up and then put back when she's done looking at it. (Tag created using TE''s TAG STACKLETS ONE die set.)

Well, cowpokes, I have miles to go before I sleep, so I'd best head yonder.

Now, however, you should giddy-up over to the Mojo Monday blog for all the cotton-pickin' details re: how you can play along in this week's challenge. Then, you must high-tail it to these gifted gauchos' blogs for even more inspiration:

• Julee Tilman (Owner)
• Justin Krieger
• Lori Tecler
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Wanda Cullen

TE Saddle Up Stamp & Die set	TE - Tag Stacklets One die set	Copic X-Press Blending Card Stock	MFT Smooth White Card Stock
Doodlebug Designs - Hello, Sunshine 6"x6" pad	MFT Card Stock	Memento Tuxedo Black	MFT Hybrid Ink - Blu Raspberry
Copic Sketch Markers	Uni-ball Impact Gel Pen, White	Kuretake Gansai Tambi Watercolors - 36	Crop-a-Dile
Vagabond Die Cutting Machine	Jody's Foam Boosters	MISTI

InLinkz.com

Stalker Moms Are the New Soccer Moms

I'm back! From Monday through Wednesday, Sean and I took a whirlwind trip to Boston/Cambridge, MA. We helped Truman get moved into his dorm room, took a look around campus, heard various Deans and college administrators talk about the First Year, and ate some awesome seafood that is just not available here in landlocked Oklahoma. It was a great trip, and though I'm sad I won't get to see my eldest until Parents' Weekend (a couple of months from now), I'm so excited for him to embark on this big adventure. My heart is full!

Here's a pic of Truman, standing in front of the library on Monday evening:

Next is me and my baby, right before we said goodbye on Tuesday evening. I'm sweaty (no A/C in those dorms! Never so happy to see a box fan in my life...), sans makeup, and puffy from being teary-eyed all day, but he looks pretty cute:

It's probably a good thing that we live so far from Boston; if I was closer, I might be tempted to do a little spying or "just happen" to bump into him, from time to time. You've heard of soccer moms, right? If geography cooperated, I would become the first self-admitted stalker mom. That's the inspiration for my Fun Friday card for this week, using the current Your Next Stamp sketch challenge (#21):

If you see someone slithering around Harvard Square in Groucho Glasses, with her hair tucked into a baseball cap, you'll know it's me. But don't tell! Sadly, this really does look kinda like a selfie:

Please note my beautiful ribbon hair. Oh, well. I'm pretty on the inside! All of us are beautiful in God's eyes! Etc.!

(It's been a while since I used the vomit smiley; you have no idea how happy it makes me to be able to that. I wonder what that means?)

Go, go, go to the YNS Blog and see what the other participating designers made with YNS Sketch/Color challenge #21. There, you'll also find graphics for the sketch and color scheme, as well as info about how you can play along and possibly win FORTUNE & FAME (up to $20 in YNS moola and/or be selected as the YNS Top Pick. Top Pick-ers get featured on the YNS Blog and a nifty badge to wear on their blog, proclaiming them as a winner of this major award). How can you resist?

YNS - Silly Monsters Incognito One stamp set	YNS Silly Monsters Incognito One coordinating die set	YNS Circles die set	Taylored Expressions - Pinking Circle Stacklets
Taylored Expressions - Say What Dies	Doodlebug Designs - Day to Day 6x6 pad	MFT Card Stock	Copic X-Press Blending Card Stock
Copic Sketch Markers	Memento Tuxedo Black	MISTI	Jody's Foam Boosters

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Clowning Around with Charlie Brown

Hey, friends.  This is going to be a quickie, even though I'd like for it to be longer because I have a lot of backstory and extra photos I'd like to share with you. However, it's 9-something p.m. as I write this on Sunday night, and I have to get up at 4 a.m. tomorrow to make a 7 a.m. flight out of Dallas (wake, shower, load car, drive). Sean and I are heading up to Boston so that we can help Truman move into his dorm room. I have spent the whole weekend packing up all of Truman's stuff. I still have yet to pack my own bag.  Eek!

Anyway, I didn't want to leave without showing you the sample I made for this week's Mojo Monday sketch, #412. I'm sure it will not be a huge surprise to know I made it with Truman in mind...

I used a new-to-me stamp set by Lil Inker Designs called The Fine Print.  It's got several what-seem-to-be-snarky sentiments, but when you read the fine print, they are quite sweet. Take a closer look at this one:

There's a story behind the Charlie Brown zigzag. Truman was bald for a long time as an infant, and so for his first birthday (his birthday is on Oct. 30, hence he's had lots of costume parties and Halloween has always been a big deal at our house) he was Charlie Brown.  Here's a look at part of a scrapbook page from way back then:

And since I'm showing scrapbook pages, here's a part of a two-page spread devoted to the clown I spoke of in my last post:

I've already started buying little gifts I can stick in the cards I'm going to send Truman as part of the oft-mentioned 100 Card Challenge.  I picked up this USB drive a week or so ago for him, and now I have the perfect card to go with it. :)

Alrighty, folks - this is way longer than I intended, already. I have miles to go before I sleep!  Wish me luck, and I'll be back soon.  In the meantime, be sure to visit the Mojo Monday blog where you'll find this week's sketch and get info about how you can play along in the current challenge. For further inspiration, visit my craty Mojo Monday Design Team Members at:

• Julee Tilman (Owner)
• Justin Krieger
• Lori Tecler
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Wanda Cullen

From Awesome to Paw-some

I have survived this week! That definitely calls for a

Whew! First up was a day I've been dreading for almost 19 years: my oldest has flown the coop and left for college. I've had lots of teary moments, but ultimately, I'm grateful for the opportunities he has before him, for this exciting time in his life (I LOVED both college and law school -- good times!), and that he's launched in a way I couldn't have even dreamed of when he was a baby. So far, so good -- so what's the use of belly-aching, right?

Next up, Pinterest and what-not convinced me I had to make all sorts of teachers/para/staff gifts for Carter's 1st Day of School (grade 5). And, believe it or not, I did it! They turned out pretty cute. I will try to show you them in a post this weekend, however, if you follow me on Facebook or Instagram, you've seen them and/or can check them out now. If you don't follow me, you should (not to shame you, or anything, but I am a teeny bit entertaining. I mean, you're reading this -- that social media type stuff is way shorter... ;) ). But just in case those venues aren't your thing, I do have a sweet 1st Day story later on in the post. 

So, back to where we started: TGIF!  And not only is it F, it's FF!  Meaning: Fun Friday, in Your Next Stamp speak.  This week, I opted to make something with the newest Color Challenge, which looks a little something like so:

Here's what I created with this summery-scheme, using the adorable new Pheobe With Her Wagon stamp set and coordinating dies:

I can't tell you how thrilled I am that YNS's longtime illustrator, Fhiona, is creating new characters and stamp sets for YNS. Fhiona was the initial flagship illustrator for YNS, and a big reason why I fell in love with this sweet company. And the fact that her first set in a long time has a Daisy-looking dog?

To get a gander at how this week's participating YNS Design Team members interpreted the current sketch and/or color challenge, head on over to the YNS Blog. You'll also find information there about how to participate in the challenge and be eligible to win up to $20 in YNS moola and/or be selected as the YNS Top Pick. Top Pick-ers get featured on the YNS Blog and a nifty badge to wear on their blog, proclaiming them as a winner of this major award. FAME & FORTUNE could be YOURS!

(Insert seamless transition...) Check out this first day of school photo, taken early a.m. yesterday:

That good looking young man to the left is my youngest son Carter. The guy to the right is a friend of Truman (my oldest son)'s, named Neil Patel. Neil is a great friend to Truman, and Carter, too. Like a few of Truman's friends, he sees Carter as a little brother. Neil will be a senior in high school this year, and a couple of weeks ago, he contacted me via Messenger on FaceBook. He told me how he remembered how sad & lonely it was to take 1st Day of School pictures right after his older (and only) brother left for college, and he volunteered to come over and take 1st Day photos with Carter.

Is that not one of the sweetest, most thoughtful things you've ever heard a teenaged boy do? I will tell you, I've adored Neil since the moment I met him. But now? I'd seriously consider adoption...

Thanks so much for stopping by today, friends.  I'll be seeing you very shortly!

YNS - Pheobe With Her Wagon stamp set	YNS Phoebe With Her Wagon coordinating dies	YNS - Rainbow Fun die set	YNS Fun Faces stamp set
YNS Silver Tinsel Gumdrops	Doodlebug Designs - Hello, Sunshine 6"x6" pad	MFT Card Stock	Copic X-Press Blending Card Stock
Memento Tuxedo Black	VersaMark	Copic Sketch Markers	Jody's Foam Boosters
PTI - Rustic Cream Button Twine	MISTI

InLinkz.com

You're Seriously Awesome

Hello, hello!  I'm here, and I'M NOT GOING TO TALK ABOUT the fact that my firstborn is leaving for college tomorrow. 

I'm telling myself that I am absolutely fine with this fact. It's a good thing! Especially considering the alternatives. It's the circle of life, right?

Right. So let's move along, shall we? Everything is right with the world. (*breathing in through the nose, out through the mouth... breathing in through the nose, out through the mouth...)

Today I've got a TRIPLE THREAT card for you! That's right, I've combined three -- count 'em: 3! -- challenges in one single card. I'm not going to claim it's the holy trinity, but it's definitely a trinity of some sort. Let me explain:

1. It's my sample for this week's MOJO MONDAY card sketch -- # 411, for your information.
2. The color scheme is from the current COLOR THROWDOWN challenge, #355.
3. I used stamps and dies from Lil Inker Designs, just in time for their AUGUST MONTHLY MEET-UP challenge.

Here's my card, also very suitable for my 100 Card Challenge for Truman (the aforementioned eldest sweet child o' mine):

The Basic Gray card stock was so dark, I knew I'd need to add an interior panel of white to make it useable. I also know myself well enough to know that I'd better do so when I make it, or it might never get done. There are so many great sentiments in the Seriously Awesome stamp set, that I couldn't help but stamp one in Tempting Turquoise ink to the interior panel:

Compare and contrast to the various challenge parameters:

And be sure to visit the MOJO MONDAY BLOG to see how you can play along. For further inspiration, visit my craty Mojo Monday Design Team Members at:

• Julee Tilman (Owner)
• Justin Krieger
• Lori Tecler
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Wanda Cullen

Thank you so much for coming to visit me today! I get by with a little help from my friends, like you. :)

Little Inker Designs - Seriously Awesome stamp set	Lil Inker Designs - Pointelle Cover Up die	Lil Inker Designs - Seriously Die	Stampin' Up Card Stock
SU! Tempting Turquoise Ink	Jody's Foam Boosters	MISTI	YNS Silver Tinsel Gumdrops

InLinkz.com

You Light Up My Life

No, I'm not going to force you to watch a Debbie Boone video. Although here's a fun fact to know and tell: I did perform that song, acapella, with Lori Souza and Patricia Breedlove for the Belle View Elementary School talent show, when we were in the third grade. So there you go!

Let's make this interactive: see if you can figure out what that song has in common with my sample for the current Your Next Stamp Sketch/Color Challenge:

Figure it out?! 

You're so smart. 

I'm thinking this one is going to be part of my 100 Card Challenge for Truman. I honestly can't believe that sweet little baby who was taking his first steps what seems like yesterday is leaving for college in a mere 18 days...

I'm trying to be a big girl and tell myself that this is exactly what's supposed to happen at this stage in his life, that all is right with the world, and I've done my job thus far to get him launched into adulthood. This is good! This is positive! And it's also okay to be a little weepy.

I could go on and on, but I'll spare us both. How about a look at the sketch I used to make my card?

We've already established that you're smart; now, show us how talented you are by participating in YNS's Sketch/Color Challenge #19.  You just might win up to $20 in YNS Bucks or be selected as the Top Pick and get an extra-special badge for your blog. Get all of the details re: how to play on the YNS Blog, as well as more inspiration from YNS's handy-dandy design team members.

Thanks for stopping by to visit me today!  MWAH!

YNS - Perfect Chemistry	YNS - Fast Food Fun Sentiments	YNS - Stitched Rectangle Die Set	YNS - Whatnot Seasons Die Set
YNS - Candy Apple Red Glittered Gumdrops	YNS Sketch Challenge #19	Doodlebug Designs - Day to Day 6x6 pad	Taylored Expressions - Say What Dies
Stampin' Up Card Stock	UltraSmooth Premium White Card Stock	MFT Electric Red Premium Dye Ink	Memento Tuxedo Black
Jody's Foam Boosters	Copic Sketch Markers	MISTI

InLinkz.com

The Fabulous Mr. Fox

Hi, friends, and for all of my U.S. readers, Happy Memorial Day!

Man, oh man -- for the previous eight years, Memorial Day Weekend was monumental for my family.  Not because we were remembering those who fought for our country and died, but because it signaled that the Oklahoma legislative session was out and Dad would be home more-or-less full-time until January. As I've mentioned in previous posts, my husband took a new job last July which required him to leave his office as state senator and necessitated a move to the opposite end of the state. Though I was sad to leave my longtime home of Claremore, one of the HUGE benefits that came with this move/life change is that my husband of nearly 22 years very rarely has to spend a night away from us (as opposed to residing at the state capitol for a third+ of the year), and more often than not, he is literally a stone's throw away. It's been such an improvement, words fail me. I know that must seem like an obvious statement, but after a few years, you adapt and get used to whatever rhythms life imposes on you, and hardships become the norm. Now, in addition to honoring the intended purpose of Memorial Day, this weekend is a less-heightened event for us, and that is a very, very good thing for which I am especially grateful.

So, there you go. Coincidentally, this Memorial Day coincides with Your Next Stamp's FEATURE DAY, a monthly reason for the YNS design team and guest designers to give folks a little eye candy.

For this particular Feature Day, we were challenged to:

• create a project that CASEs (Copy And Share with Everyone) another DT member
• this project should inspire you/you love it and would remake it as your own
• remember to tell your readers that if they comment on the YNS blog, they have a chance to win a FREE STAMP SET of their choice

I'm not telling you anything you don't know when I say that choosing what to CASE from the oh-so-talented members of the YNS Design Team was tough, tough, tough! Not leaving-your-family-and-putting-your-life-on-the-line-tough (let's keep this in perspective...), but not an easy-peasy choice, just the same. I hemmed and I hawed, but eventually, I decided the most recent project that I wished I'd made for my very own was the lovely LAURA'S super cute Fox Journal that she proffered for the most recent Design Team Dare.  Here's the nifty notebook and pen I wish I had as my very own:

Isn't that absolutely delightful?!  Every single thing about it is sweet perfection, to my eyes. Thus, when I converted it to a card, there were minimal changes I elected to make. Really and truly, besides size, the main change I made was using a ribbon embellishment in place of the notebook's elastic closure band. See for yourself:

That oh-so-perfect patterned paper is from Doodlebug Design's Friendly Forest 6"x6" pad.  Supplies from YNS include

• Woodland Cuties stamp set
• Woodland Cuties coordinating dies
• Circles die set
• Stitching Marks Circles dies
• Black Licorice Glittered Gumdrops

Here's a close-up of this darling little fox, illustrated by the fabulous Macy Wong:

Now, head on over to the YNS Blog and check out what my crafty comrades have created, then leave a comment. I really want YOU to win the stamp set of your choice! (What can I say? I'm a giver... ;) )

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. 

(Tear) Splattered Thanks

It's the last Friday in April -- can you believe it? This time next week, we'll be starting the merry month of May. Three weeks from this coming Sunday, my eldest will be graduating from high school. I really don't want to think about that right now, so instead, let's focus on something a little less fraught with emotion: Your Next Stamp's Fun Friday Challenge. We can all agree that's a good distraction from the relentless march of time, no?

For the first time in a while, I decided to forgo the given sketch and instead try my hand at Color Challenge #12.  Here's what I came up with:

And here's the inspiration photo/palette for Color Challenge #12:

I created a splattered background using re-inkers in the four lightest of the given colors. To do so, I put drops of re-inker in individual paint wells, then added several drops of water to them.  With a cocktail straw, I flicked and blew the colors on paper until I was satisfied by the coverage, then I dried it with my heat gun.  A border of garnet (PTI Scarlet Jewel card stock) was cut out using the Stitched Rectangles die set.  I also wanted to try the current trend of stacking and gluing several of the same word die cuts to give the sentiment some heft and dimension, and I used the Fancy Thanks die to do so.

I believe I used six or seven sentiments to create this effect.  It looks and feels a lot like a wooden accent die cut.  Pretty cool!

Visit the YNS Blog to see what the other participating YNS Designers have created to inspire you.  Why not play along with us? You just might be selected as the YNS Top Pick and get a nifty blog badge plus a write up all about YOU on the YNS Blog.  As always, one random selected participant will win up to $20 in gift certificate moola to the YNS store. So, whether you want FAME & FORTUNE or FILTHY LUCRE, we've got you covered. You just need to make a measley card. How hard is that?

Jackson Pollock, eat your heart out...

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I'm going to cry about how that sweet little baby turned into a legal adult while I blinked...

Mojo Monday -- Woof!

Howdy, pups!  It's Monday, so you know what that means: time for a brand-new Mojo Monday Sketch to spark your creativity. Know what else it means? That tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day!

How do you plan to celebrate? Me, well, I've got good news and bad news. The bad news: Carter will be undergoing another surgery at Gillette Children's Specialty Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Fortunately,it's not a "major" surgery, according to our orthopedic surgeon. Of course, the last time he said that, it took Carter 3 or 4 months to get back on his feet. But the doctor promised this surgery was much less invasive than the last, so we'll see. Speaking of Carter, it's been a while since I showed a picture of him, and he's grown quite a bit. And gotten even more handsome, if I do say so myself.  Don't believe me? Then check out this cutie-pie...

Now for the good news: since we'll be in MN, and my BSF Amy Rohl lives just over the border in Wisconsin, she's coming to visit me on Tuesday! Yay! It's been far too long since I've had a chance to see her, so I'm looking forward to hugging her neck.

So that's what I'm doing. Not so fun, then fun. Kind of a metaphor for life, no?

Ready to see the card I made for Mojo Monday?  It's a two-fer, and I have to admit, I think it's pretty darn cute.  I combined this week's sketch with the current My Favorite Things Color Challenge, which looks like so:  Here's what I put together:

As a mom to two rescue girlies, the new Pure Innocence Woof You set is a must-have. First, I stamped puppy Daisy (there are lots of ways to tell my dogs apart if you know them, but to the unitiated, Daisy is the dog with the brown patch on her eye) and masked her, then stamped Miss PI. That step ended up not being necessary, because I decided to stamp Daisy out again on Primitive White card stock (because she's more Primitive White than stark white in color). I then colored her eye, nose, collar, and shadows with Copics, cut her out and put her to the side. I colored Miss PI in, using Color Challenge-friendly colors. 

To create the various patterns on the different shades of card stock, I used three different MFT Background stamps (Linen, Small Brick, and Paw Print), inked in Coral Crush Pigment Dye Ink, Steel Blue Hybrid Ink, and Tropical Teal Pigment Dye Ink.  I used a stitched-scallop Die-namic from Blueprints 23 for the Steel Blue horizontal detail, topped with a strip of Primitive White. The side embellishment was created using Pet Accents Die-namics, Platinum Shimmer bakers twine from The Twinery, and a button from my stash.

Here's a look at the brand-new Mojo Monday Sketch (#389!):

Be sure to visit the Mojo Monday blog to learn how to play along with this week's sketch, and go see these lovely ladies interpretations for more inspiration:

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

Thanks so much for stopping by.  Erin go Bragh!

MOTHER'S LITTLE HELPER: I always like to make the hair color of the images on my cards match those of the eventual recipient.  Most of the time, however, I don't know who will receive a particular card when I initially make it. My solution: color everyone blonde at first. It's super-easy to go back in and darken hair color, but you can't go back and lighten it.  

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 March Release Sneak Peek

Good news for fans of Your Next Stamp: tomorrow is the day for the March New Release!  And today?  Well, today I have a preview of two new stamp sets hitting the shelves (or whatever sort of display unit Karen keeps 'em on).  I'm on the record of being a big fan of what I refer to as "food with faces" images.  These two sets, then, are right up my alley...

Take a look at FRUITY FUN.

 

Cute enough on its own, right?  But just imagine the possibilities with the new CREATE A CHARACTER set...

Be still my food-with-faces lovin' heart! 

Carter (my 10 year old) packs his lunch to school everyday; a ham and cheddar (yes, he's specific about the cheese - woe unto whomever tries to slip him a slice of American cheese...) with mustard sandwich, a Capri Sun, and two 'sides' -- usually a Go-gurt and a sweet of some kind (Little Debbie, Oreos, a chewy granola bar - you get the picture).  Sometimes, depending on the morning and my mood, I slip a little note in, too.  When I do, he never fails to makes a comment after school about the note, so I know he likes them.  Thus, when I got my designer package from Karen in the mail this month, I knew just what I needed to make: a set of lunchbox notes just for Mr. C!

Here's a group pic:

I started by die-cutting a kraft card stock base using YNS's LARGE POSTCARD DIE, then I pierced around all of the scallops with a paper piercer for a little visual interest.  Not for Carter, mind you -- that sort of detailing was done strictly for YOU!  You're welcome. ;)  Next, I cut a panel of Spring Rain card stock out with a Mega Nestability Rectangle, inked a background using a Cloudy Day stencil and some Sweet Tooth Premium Dye Ink.  The grass was created using YNS's SPRING GRASS DIE.  I have to thank my MISTI, again, for just-right placement and coverage of the sentiments (not to be morbid, but you're going to have to rip the MISTI from my cold, dead fingers as I will never give it up before then).  As for the fruity images themselves, their bodies and faces were stamped out in Black Licorice Hybrid Ink, masked, and then their limbs were added.  They were colored in with Copic markers, fussy cut out, and then popped up on Jody Boosters.

Here's a look at the crew individually.  First among equals is Mr. Apple, who's been spending many a night with John Travolta caressing his face at the disco.  If you're wondering why he has a yellow-ish corner, it's because he's a Honey Crisp apple, which is our favorite variety (remember I told you Carter can be particular; can't imagine where he got that from...).

Now, Sir Pear.  He might be my favorite, as I'm a girl who likes green.

Oh, Miss Peach. I liked you better before I judged -- no lie -- 30-SOMETHING PEACH FLAVORED ENTRIES in SOSU's Founder's Day Peach Cook-off today. Actually, the entries (ranging from cupcakes to barbeque sauce) were pretty fabulous, but after the first 20, you get a tiny bit peached-out.  The overall winner was a FANTASTIC peach salsa. Miss Peach looks happy about that...

And last but not least, the goofy class clown Strawberry, who is probably closest in personality to Carter, himself.

These notes would be plenty, as-is, to cause a happy little ruckus in the cafeteria, but as you know, I'm a long-winded sort of gal.  Thus, I also put a white card stock panel on the back to personalize them even further, like so:

I know you're itching to see the other YNS Sneak Peeks, so head on over to the YNS blog for a complete look and links to the design team and our fabulous guest designers.  Thanks for stopping by today, and I'll see you tomorrow for the YNS New Release Blog Hop. :)