Mother's Little Helper

Krafty Peeks, Day 3

Hola, hombres! It's one of my favorite stampy days of the month: the first reveal of Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps' new Moonlight Whispers images, illustrated by the crazy-talented Annie Rodrigue. This month, Annie has a collection of GOTH GIRLS for you to know and love. These'll be all the rage with the teenaged girls to whom you send cards - I guarantee it! (<-- please say like the guy in the Men's Wearhouse commercials)

Since it's Saturday, it's also time for this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Challenge (#105), and because it's release week, we have a Sketch Challenge for you. Our hostess and sketch creator is none other than PRECIOUS PAM, and here's the sketch she's put together to inspire you:

And here's what I did with it, using the brand new WILLOW image...

Here's a close up of Miss Willow, so you can check her out in all of her 'shroom-y finery:

I have to say, that sentiment cracks me up, and I can't wait to send this card to an old friend. Jennifer and I got back in touch via Facebook. We went to high school together (she's a couple of years older than me, and I was really good friends during HS with her little sister) in Barstow, CA. Yet, somehow, both of us have ended up in northeastern Oklahoma. She now lives about an hour away from me, and get this: her family business is a mushroom farm! I think she'll get a kick out of this. :)

I know you'll want to check out all of KKS/Annie's new GOTH GIRLS, so go to the KKS Challenge Blog to see what images my fellow Krafty Girls and Guests have used, as well as how they've interpreted the sketch. There, you'll also find info about how to play along in this week's challenge and be eligible to win the new WEDNESDAY image that Pam used in her sample. 

And don't forget to leave comments on all of today's participating designers showing Krafty Peeks -- two lucky/random commenters will each win three of the new GOTH GIRL images.

Happy Saturday, friends, and I'll see you tomorrow for the KKS New Release Blog Hop! :)

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!

October Krafty Hop!

It's Krafty Release Day and the Krafty Girls and Guests are celebrating with a Krafty Blog Hop!  Be sure to start at the beginning of the hop at the KKS Challenge Blog and leave comments as you go, because two lucky commenters will receive packages of stamps from today's release!

As you sit back and enjoy today's hop, you'll see most of the new images, including:

• a trio of SNOW PEEPS from Cheryl Alger,
• Emilie Goulet's WINTER WONDERLAND quintet,
• and SIX new EVERY DAY GIRLS from the amazing Annie Rodrigue!

Ready for my contribution to today's festivities?  That's good, because like the image I'm using -- JULIE -- the party don't start 'til I walk in^*...

* - That's a lyric from 'Tik Tok,' by the way.  I've officially made the decision that it is my new go-to Karaoke song, replacing 'Love Shack,' which held that distinction for close to two decades.  Ke$ha can't sing that well, and neither can I, so it's a perfect fit.  Ponder that as I show you a close-up of party-girl JULIE...

Don't you just LOVE her?!  I know I do...

Wanna know who else I love?  My Krafty Girl-friend, ELAINE, who's next on today's hop and surely has something fantastic to share with you (that girl knows how to color, lemme tell ya)!

BUY THE WAY:  When you’re done hoppin’, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!  We have our Gimme Kimmies Kits for those of you who ‘need it all.' :)  The stamps are grouped together by artist and come with a discount, but only for a limited time!

Krafty Peeks, Day 3: Rock That Body!

Hip-hip-hooray!  Today's the day the Krafty Girls and our special Krafty Guests get to show you the newest Moonlight Whispers images from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  I just love being able to do that, because I know how much I used to anticipate seeing the newest Moonlight Whispers during Krafty Peeks before I became a Krafty Girl.  I still get that way each month when Kimmie reveals the images to the design team.  What can I say?  I'M A FAN!

 {<-- hee.  that's for you, Puffy}

In addition to it being ANNIE Peek Day, it's also time for this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge.  PRECIOUS Pam is our hostess, and she's put together a sketch challenge:

And here's what I did with it, using the brand-new MISSY image:

Missy's enjoying the music on her iPod so much, she doesn't even mind that she's working out!  Don't you just love her Beats?  I bought my son a pair of Beats for his birthday last year - he wore them non-stop for about 9 months.  He still wears them quite a bit, but fortunately, I don't seem to have to scream to him as much for him to hear me.  Several times, my husband and I were heard to have muttered, "I hate those damn things..."

Here's a close up of Ms. Missy...

Please note the sweet patterned paper - it's My Mind's Eye's Blink of An Eye 6"x6" pad and was a gift from my oh-so-sweet friend and fellow Okie-transplant, Megan Lock.  Thanks, chickadee!

Are you ready to see all the other new {MORE} EVERYDAY GIRLS?  Then head on over to the KKS Challenge Blog, where you'll see lots of fabulous samples, and get instructions about how you can play along with us and win the new JULIE image that Pam has featured in her card.  Also, be sure to leave comments on all of the Krafty Peeking blogs for your chance to be one of two lucky winners, each of whom will win three of the new {MORE} EVERYDAY GIRLS! 

See you tomorrow for the Krafty Blog Hop! :)

Krafty Peeks, Day 2: Chillin'...

Ready for a look at the newest Emilie's Etchings from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps?  Goody!  You're in the right place...

Another snowman!  Yay!  You can never have enough snowmen (or women) (or children), you know.  This fun guy is surrounded by little bluebirds of happiness.  And he has very fancy buttons, courtesy of Doodlebug Designs.  Yep, he's one very lucky snowperson.

You could be just as lucky; you could win all FIVE of the newest "Emilie's" just by commenting on all of the participating Krafty Girls' blogs.  How easy is that?  And to make it even easier for you?  There's a list with direct links to all of today's Krafty Peeking blogs on the KKS Challenge Blog.  So, leave a comment for me, then skedaddle on over to my peeps blogs.

And guess what's coming tomorrow?  One of my favorite days of the month... Krafty Peeks of the newest ANNIE RODRIGUE/MOONLIGHT WHISPERS images!!!  Be here or be... I don't know... out of beer?  Just be here!

 

 

Krafty Peeks, Day 1: Frosty Winter Friends

Today is the first day of Krafty Peeks for the October Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Release, and the Krafty Girls are showing off a bunch of very cute snowmen illustrated by Cheryl Alger.  Are you ready for a look-see?

I just love the little cardinals.  They seem to be telling Mr. Frosty something important.  Maybe something along the lines of "Your outfit is very cute, but could be deadly..."  This stamp comes with a sentiment that reads "Frosty Winter Friends."  Just to shake things up, I used one of Kimmie's Holiday Sentiments.  Why?  Because I'm a REBEL, that's why...

Again, my card is a little bigger than usual.  I wanted to use this week's Mojo Monday sketch, but to get it just the way I wanted it, I needed a bigger canvas than 4.25"x5.5".  Because the patterned paper I wanted to use was only 6" wide, I couldn't do a full 5"x7" card, which was my first instinct.  Instead, this measures out to 5"x6.5". 

Here's a close-up.  Hopefully you can get a better look at how sparkly it actually is in real life, thanks to the Stardust Stickles and coat of glitter along the edges of the image panel:

Head on over to the Krafty Challenge Blog for direct links to Krafty Girls previewing the latest "Cheryls."  You're bound to find something that tickles you and makes you glad winter weather is headed our way (at least it is in North America; I'm always confused about what the seasons are in Australia...). And -- if you like these cutie-pie snowpeople and free stamps, be sure to leave comments on all of today's Krafty Peeks.  Kimmie's giving away all three of Cheryl's new images to one lucky, random commenter!

As for me?  I've got so much laundry to do, I'm considering just burning it all and starting fresh. If you happen to be passing through Oklahoma and see a big ol' bonfire, don't be surprised.

 

Kraftin' Kimmie Blog Hop!

Yay!  The September stamps from Kraftin' Kimmie are finally available to their adoring public!  REJOICE!

 

To celebrate the release, the Krafty Girls and Guests are having a blog hop to show you most of the new images in one fell swoop.  If you came here from the divine DONNA's blog, you're on the right track.  If not, you may want to start at the beginning, at the KKS Challenge blog.  I know you won't want to miss any stops along this Krafty Christmas Extravaganza!

Here's a rundown of all the new releases:

• Cheryl Alger's adorable O HOLY NIGHT set
• NATIVITY SENTIMENTS (which coordinate beautifully with Cheryl's new set)
• Six new HAPPY HOLIDAYS images from the Emilie's Etchings line
• Six gorgeous ANGELS from Annie Rodrigue
• CHRISTMAS INTERIOR SENTIMENTS to doll up the insides of your holiday greetings

I'm showing you one more INSTALLMENT (love that word) in my Christmas KKS banner.  Meet ELYSIA...

(Banner construction and materials details are available on this post.) Elysia  comes with a sentiment that says "Hark!" and a separate halo stamp.  I masked the top of Elysia's head then stamped the halo on top of her.

I'd love to stay and chatter, but I figure you're ready to see what's next.  If so, head on over to precious PAM'S blog, where I know she has something magnificent to share with you.  Don't forget to leave comments as you hop along today; two lucky commenters will win packages of stamps from the new release!

And, of course, you'll want to get ahead of the holidays and SHOP EARLY for the latest, greatest Christmas images at the KRAFTIN' KIMMIE STAMPS store!

Krafty Peeks, Day 3

Season's Greetings, friends!  Where I live, "Season's Greetings" is a salutation typically used during the period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day.  I wonder why that is?  It seems like a perfectly non-specific way to say "Hello," doesn't it?  It's not "Winter Greetings" or "Holiday Greetings."  Just generic ol' "Season's".  Habit and usage have shortened its lifespan.  Ponder that for a while, if you will.

 

Still, "Season's Greetings" is a perfectly valid opener for this particular blog post because this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge is CHRISTMAS IN SEPTEMBER!  All the details on how to play are available on the KKS Challenge Blog, as are gorgeous samples from the Krafty Girls and Guests to get you in the spirit. 

But wait!  There's more!

It's also Krafty Peeks, Day 3, and today we're giving you glimpses of all the latest MOONLIGHT WHISPERS images!  Moonlight Whispers are illustrated by one of the best artists in the stamping industry, the incomparable ANNIE RODRIGUE.  This month, KKS has SIX heavenly new Moonlight Whispers images for you... ANNIE'S ANGELS! (Not to be confused with Charlie's Angels.  Don't even get me started on the fact that they're trying to remake that classic television program this fall.  It's a TRAVESTY!  I'd better stop right now before I go off on a full-blown tangent...)  Meet the operatic AURELIA:

(Banner construction and materials details are available on this post.)  Aurelia comes with a sentiment that says "Angels We Have Heard On High!" and a separate halo stamp.  I masked the top of Aurelia's head then stamped the halo on top of her.  Isn't she lovely?  Every single one of Annie's Angels are just as gorgeous. 

What's that?  You don't believe me?  The nerve!  Wait... do you hear that?  Listen closely...

 

THIS is what it sounds like when doves cry... you've wounded me deeply. (<-- Couldn't resist adding a Prince reference since I am, at this very moment, in Minneapolis and quite possibly hanging out with his Purple Highness.)

Don't take my unreliable word for how fabulous Annie's Angels are -- see 'em for yourself on the Krafty Challenge Blog.  There, you'll find sublime samples featuring all six of the Angels and direct links to all of the Krafty Girls' & Guests' blog posts.  You'll need those to make comments on all of the Peeking blogs to be eligible to win THREE of Annie's Angels (two people will each win three stamps).  And if you particpate in this week's challenge?  You could be eligible to win an AURELIA of your very own.  Git 'r' done!

 

See you underneath the Purple Rain!

Krafty Peeks, Day 2: Here Come's Santa Claus!

It's Day 2 of Peeks for the September Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps release, and today the Krafty Girls and Guests are given first-looks at the newest images in KKS's Emilie's Etchings line of stamps. 

As I mentioned yesterday, the entire September KKS release is all about Christmas, and if you like elves?  You are going to LOVE Emilie's latest stamps. Go to the Krafty Challenge Blog for direct links to all of the designers particpating in Krafty Peeks today.  Be sure to leave comments on all of the Krafty Girls and Guests giving Peeks today for a chance to be one of three lucky winners (two people will receive 3 of Emilie's new stamps; one person will receive the new Christmas Interior Sentiments Set).

I don't have an elf to show you today, though.  Nope, I'm giving you a Peek at the Man In Red (not to be confused with the Man In Black, aka Johnny Cash), himself -- SANTA!

(Ornament construction details can be found on yesterday's post.)

Okay, friends - that does it for me today!  To be perfectly honest with you, though, I'm pre-posting this.  Are you ready to get a tiny bit jealous?  I'm in wonderful company at the moment, hanging out with three of my BSFs (Alma de la Rosa, Amy Rohl, and Leigh O'Brien) at ScrapFest at the Mall of America in Minneapolis!  I'm a lucky, lucky gal, what can I say?  :)

I'll be back tomorrow with a Krafty Challenge and a Peek at the newest ANNIE images.  Want a hint?

 

Krafty Peeks, Day 1

Can you believe it's already time for another Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps release?  It feels like it was only yesterday that I was showing you the banner I made with the new KKS Halloween images.  But here it is: the middle of September.  Time be flyin'!  The holidays will be here before we know it...

 

Thus, it's only fitting that Kraftin' Kimmie's September release is all about CHRISTMAS!  Are you ready for four fun-filled days of Yuletide yumminess?  Excellent!  Then let's get it started...

Today, the Krafty Girls and Guests are giving you a look-see at the sweet new images by Cheryl Alger.  All of Cheryl's images this month revolve around the Nativity, and collectively they're called the O HOLY NIGHT set.  I'm a sucker for a cute Nativity scene; I have lots of 'em scattered all over the house during the Christmas season. I especially love images of Baby Jesus in the manger, surrounded by Mary and Joseph. Cheryl's got an adorable one among her images this month, and I'm sure one of the Krafty Girls will be showing it off to you today. 

As for me though, I've got a trio of cutey-patootie WISE MEN to show you:

Isn't that one of the sweetest Wise Men images you've ever seen?  I just love their little toes sticking out of their sandals!  (And no, I'm defnitely NOT a foot person...)  I'm working on yet another banner; I hope you aren't sick of them.  Once I got ahold of this wonderful release, I couldn't help myself! I don't have the whole banner done yet, but I do have several 'installments' (<--- how do you like that term, Michele? ;) ) to show you over the next several days. 

Here are a few banner details for those who are interested:

• I used Spellbinders' 2010 Heirloom Ornament dies for my base.  I bought these from Scrapmart while at the Creating Keepsakes Convention vendor fair a couple of weeks ago, but you can also order from Scrapmart online.  Their prices are really reasonable, and they're an Oklahoma-based company, which I like because Lord knows we need the industry here in good ol' OK. 
• Note: I'm not going to link other companies I may mention during this post because - of course - I want the spotlight to be solely on Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps because it's KKS's Peek Day.  But, I do want to go ahead and give you the info, because if I don't do it now?  It will flit out of my pea brain into the ether, never to return.  That's what happens to your brains on stamping, you know... Anyway, if there's something you really want/need a link to but can't find via a Google search, email me and I'd be happy to oblige.
• I got the idea for how to hang the ornament from my sweet friend, Susan Liles (she's not a company so I don't mind linking to her in this post.  By the way, this is not any sort of "rule" anyone has come up with - I'm just trying to do unto the company I'm representing as I'd want one of my designers to do unto me if I owned a stamp company.  Any thoughts on that?  I'd be very interested in your point of view :) ). 
• Behind the ornament die cut, I added an elegant "topper" made using The Cat's Pajamas' Sunflower Rosette CutUps die.  I used the Sunflower Rosette die cut unfolded - I like it that way almost as much as I like it all folded up!  I punched a hole in the ornament/topper, then added a loop of gold ribbon, tied around the ribbon with some PTI twine, and topped it off with a pearly button.  A gold cord will run through all of the loops.  The finished product can be used as a banner or garland. 
• I hand-stitched around the ornaments with metallic embroidery thread from DMC.  It's a little tougher to work with than regular embroidery thread, but it gives it a nice, rich look that's perfect for the holidays.
• The image was stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black on to Copic X-Press Blending cardstock.  I love this card stock so much - it's definitely my go to cardstock for all Copic coloring (which is pretty much all I do these days).  I only wish Copic would make it in ivory!  I'm sure the folks at Copic are getting a lot of requests for this.  I'll see what I can find out about it and let you know. :)
• The ornament base paper is Gumdrop Green cardstock from MFT, and the patterned paper is "Merry Christmas - Words" by the Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby).  The topper paper is Ruby Red card stock from SU!  I bought the gold ribbon and buttons at WalMart.
• And, of course, the image is popped up from the ornament with tons of Jody's foam boosters.

Go to the KKS Challenge Blog for direct links to all of the Krafty Girls and Guests posting Peeks today.  Want a chance to win free stamps?  Then leave comments on all of the Krafty Peekin' Blogs; one lucky commenter will win Cheryl's entire O Holy Night set PLUS the Nativity Sentiments set.  Woo-hoo!

See you tomorrow, friends!

Krafty Peeks, Day 2!

Hey, gang!  It's Krafty Peek time - the Krafty Girls and Guests are showing you previews of all the new images being released on Sunday by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps.  And if you're a lover of Halloween like I am, you're in for LOTS of TREATS (no tricks)!

Today, we're showing all of the latest from KKS's newest illustrator, Emilie Goulet.  I'm a HUGE fan of Emilie's - her stamps get better and better with every release!  Let me show you what I mean...

First up is HAUNTING HILDA:

Now, I'm in the middle of creating one big project with all of this month's images.  I'm sure you can't begin to guess what it is.  A recipe book?  No... An altered frame?  No... ;)  Back to Hilda - isn't she fun & sassy?  She comes with a sentiment that says "Have a Spooktacular Halloween!"

Here's Hilda's young friend, HAPPY VAMPY:

Eeeek!  <-- That's a squeal of delight (as opposed to fright) because I think she is just so dang C-U-T-E!  And I love her sweet and cuddly kitty.  Vampy's sentiment is "Happy Halloween."

I'll have more parts of my *secret* project to show you tomorrow.  Until then, head on over to the Krafty Challenge Blog for links to all of the designers participating in today's Peeks.  If you're interested in winning a full set (all 5!) of Emilie's new stamps, then leave a comment on all of the Krafty-Peekin', cotton-pickin' blogs - one lucky commenter will be randomly selected.

 

Kraftin' Kimmie Blog Hop!

Hello hello!  How are you this fine Sunday morning?  Enjoying yourself on the July Kraftin' Kimmie Blog Hop?  This month's hop is like traveling the globe, is it not?  Don't you feel cultured? If you've been keeping up with the Krafty Peeks of the past several days, you know that TODAY is RELEASE DAY for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  This month's release brings you:

• a very elegant Sympathy Set featuring several sentiments and a gorgeous floral image illustrated by Emilie Goulet,
• three new Back to School images from Cheryl Alger,
• five new Outdoor Fun stamps from Emilie Goulet, and
• six awesome new Traveling Girls from Annie Rodrigue!

Assuming you started at the tippy-top of the Hope with the Challenge Blog, you should have made your way here via my good friend, MICHELE.  Michele has a Traveling Girl named for her this month, and she also happens to be one of my stamping idols - if you're at all familiar with her work, you know why: everything she makes is sublime! 

That Michele is one hard act to follow, but hopefully you've caught your breath by now and are ready for my humble hop submission: a little card dedicated to my Krafty sister from Down Under, DONNA!

DONNA - another of the new Moonlight Whispers Traveling Girls - is quite a lovely little Sheila, hugging her 'Roo on a sunny day in the outback.  She looks happy - like she just ate a vegemite sandwich and washed it down with a Foster's lager.  Next on the agenda: tossing a boomerang!  And I'm done with all the Aussie stereotypes I can think of for the moment...

Please note the hand-stitching around the square and image panels.  A labor of love, but Donna's worth it!  Here's a close-up of her seam binding bow/sentiment treatment:

The sentiment is mounted on a Tim Holtz Memo Pin, stuck through the knots of the double bows.  Now for a detail shot of the Copic coloring/airbrushing (I masked her off with Eclipse masking tape before airbrushing the sky and ground):

As I worked on this card, and again as I'm typing this post, that old song by DeBarge "Who's Holding Donna Now" kept running through my addled brain.  Ugh!  Please, please... MAKE IT STOP!

I could go on a whole DeBarge monologue, but I'm going to let the album cover to the left speak for itself.

Back to the hop!  Are you interested in winning a package of stamps from the release?  Then be sure to leave a comment on ALL of the Krafty Girls and Guests participating in today's hop.  Of those who leave comments on ALL of the blogs, several lucky peeps will be randomly drawn and win BIG!  Woot!

And of course, when you've finished the hop, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!

In the meantime, though, I'm going to send you hippity-hopping over to our elegant Traveling Girl from merry ol' England, ELAINE!  Pip pip!  Cheerio!

Krafty Peeks, Day 4: Travel Girls!

Good morning, glories!  It's one of my favorite days of the month: the day we get to show you all of the new Moonlight Whispers images coming your way from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  Annie Rodrigue's illustrations just do it for me, you know?  I rank 'em right up there with key lime pie, La Coste shirts, A Prayer For Owen Meany by John Irving, Airstream travel trailers, and Deadwood.  Need I say more?

And, since it's Saturday, it's also time for this week's Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge.  You'll never guess who this week's hostess is...

 

It's little old me!  And - for once - I've decided to take it easy on you (I don't want the sound of your own wheels to drive you crazy).  (Just a little Eagles humor for the classic rock lovers in the house.  Carry on!) (My wayward son/There'll be peace when you are done...)

 

Okay, okay.  No more song lyric references.  Where was I? 

Oh yeah!  This week's challenge is easy-peasy, if I do say so myself.  All you have to do is FINISH THE INSIDE! Of your card, that is.  I'll show you what I mean, using one of the FABULOUS new TRAVEL GIRLS being released on Sunday from KKS. 

I chose to work with JEANNIE for obvious reasons...

{Please know that I am biting my tongue/fingers to not make any references to 'American Woman' by The Guess Who (and covered by Lenny Kravitz) right now}  Isn't she somethin'?  KKS is a Canadian company, you know, and I think this is what Kimmie and the gang think a lot of us Yanks look like...

• Farrah hair,
• cut off shorts, and
• tube socks

It wouldn't bother me in the least to look like JEANNIE - I think she's fab, posing in front of sweet Lady Liberty.  And you've got to admit: she's knocking you out with those American thighs! 

SORRY!!!!  You ought know I don't have the self-control to NOT quote AC/DC in a situation like this...

Wanna see inside?  Of course you do!

See?  It doesn't have to be fancy.  When I decorate the inside of a card, I generally keep it clean and simple.  For one thing, I'm usually out of creative juice by the time I get to the inside, and for another, I like to have plenty of room to write my message to the recipient.  In case you haven't noticed, I can be a little long winded...

 

Ready to see where in the world some of the other TRAVEL GIRLS are?  Then head on over to the KKS Challenge Blog where you'll be treated to lots of look-sees by my fellow Krafty Girls and our oh-so-special Krafty Guests. And be sure to leave a comment on all the Krafty Peeks you see today.  If you do?  you might be one of two randomly drawn lucky winners to receive THREE of the six new TRAVEL GIRLS!  Woot!

I'll see you mañana - aka RELEASE DAY! - for the Krafty Blog hop.  And be warned: the image I've used (another Travel Girl) lends itself to many a pop song.  The first that come to mind?  Hmmm... "Who Can It Be Now?", "Love Is Thicker Than Water", "The One Thing", and "I Honestly Love You."  Any guesses?

 

Krafty Peeks, Day 2!

{If you're looking for my post for the Your Next Stamp Blog Hop, please scroll down.  Thank you!}

It's Day 2 of Krafty Peeks for the July Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps release, and Kimmie's newest illustrator, Emilie Goulet, has created a whole slew of fun animal characters.  Case in point: BIKING BUSTER!

I like the way Buster thinks: why hop when you can pedal?  Buster was colored with Copic Markers and his tail was made fluffy with Liquid Applique.  I airbrushed the sky and sponged the pavement.  The sentiment is from the Mermaid Sentiments set.

Buster and the rest of KKS's July images will be available for purchase on Sunday, July 17.  In the meantime, be sure to visit the KKS Challenge Blog each day to get links to all of the designers showing off the new images.  And every day Kraftin' Kimmie will be giving away prizes (a.k.a. free stamps from the release!) to a lucky random commenter, so if that's the sort of thing you like, be sure to leave comments on all of the designers' blogs.  If you comment on all of today's Krafty Peeks, you just might win all FIVE of the new Emilie's Etchings images.  Beats a poke in the eye with a sharp stick, don't you think?  Not that those are your only options... 

Well, it's late as I write this, so I'm going to wrap it up and get a little shut-eye.  Nighty-night, friends!

 

Krafty Peeks, Day 1

Greetings from Paradise!  Actually, it's a wee bit hot here in Navarre Beach, FL to be Paradise, but it's pretty darn close.  And what a perfect place from which to post about Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps' newest illustrator, the awesome EMILIE GOULET!  Seriously, Emilie's whimsical and wonderful images have my name all over 'em.  For example, meet STANLEY THE SNAIL...

Be honest: have you ever seen a snail with such joie de vivre?  Such attitude?  Such cool sunglasses?  No.  You haven't.  And Emilie's got so, so, so much more up her sleeve where this little guy came from!  Can you tell I'm really excited by this new line?!  I'm ever on the lookout for images that can go 'unisex' - know what I mean?  Wanna see why?  Just look at the company I keep...

Here are is a picture of us Claremorons in Navarre; my little crew is there on the left.  And yes, as I warned you, I am the whitest person in the crowd and quite possibly on the entire beach.  HOWEVER!  As I tell my girlfriends, when we're 80 and they LOOK 80? I'm going to look 75 thanks to all that sunblock I constantly slather on...  But back to my point about unisex images: see all those boys?  And there are three missing!  These are some of my closest girlfriends, and WE ALL HAVE BOYS!!!  My other closest girlfriends in the town where I live?  Also all boys.  Off the top of my head, I only have a handful of local friends with girls.  It's a wee bit freaky.

Anyway!  The drift I'm wanting you to get the gist of: I NEED images I can make into cards for boys!  And Emilie's are delightfully gender-neutral and F-U-N!!!  Wanna see more?  Of course you do!  Then head over to the Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge Blog for links to all of the Krafty Girls and Guests who have beachin' Peeks to show you. If you're like me, and interested in things like FREE STAMPS, then be sure to leave a comment on all of today's Krafty Peeks for the opportunity to win ALL of Emilie's images from this release!:)

And for a different sort of beachin' peek, here's a pic of the fam, taken just a few moments ago...

Go to the KKS Challenge Blog now, or I'll be forced to take off my bathing suit cover-up, and I promise, NEITHER OFF US wants that to happen...

 

Hang 10, amigas!

Card details and supplies:

-- Stanley was colored with Copic markers and the sandy highlights were made via Barbara Trombley's Natural Elements (Cornmeal).  The fun pinking edges on the center patterned paper panel were made via The Cat's Pajamas' Pinking CutUps die.  Everything else seems self-explanatory to me (in my dotage...), but if you have any questions, don't hesitate to shoot me an email. :)

Stamps: Stanley the Snail by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps, to be released Sunday, June 12, 2011; Paper: Copic X-Press Blending Paper, Orange Fizz and Grape Jelly (MFT), patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Snorkel line; Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black, Blackberry Pigment Ink by A Muse|Studio; Accessories: Pinking CutUps die from The Cat's Pajamas, Nestabilities ovals, gingham ribbon, Copic Markers, purple brads, Barbara Trombley's Earth Elements (cornmeal), corner rounder (Creative Memories), foam boosters from Jody Morrow's Sticky Stuff Store.