Mother's Little Helper

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

InLinkz.com

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

Awesome x 3

So, this is the third time in one week that I've used a sentiment that features some variation of the word "awesome." Pretty sure that's a record of some sort. I don't think I could do that again if I tried...

It's the 22nd of the month, which means it's Your Next Stamp's Feature Day!  Every month on the 22nd, YNS design team members are challenged to create a card around a given theme.  Because this is YNS's birthday month, this month's theme is CELEBRATE!

Clowns are celebratory, don't you think? (Or creepy/scary, but let's not go there.) Thus, I inked up the recently released WHEELIE FUN stamp set to put together this number:

I think this will for sure be a part of my 100 Card Challenge for Truman, as he is freaked out by clowns. At his first birthday party, David Boren (Sean's former boss, a former US Senator and the President of the University of Oklahoma for the past 20 years) and his lovely wife, Molly, had a clown deliver a proclamation that Truman was the first student in the high school graduating class of 2015 to be accepted at OU. Isn't that, well, awesome?!  Truman did NOT like the clown, however, and cried all through her presentation. (Maybe that's why he's going to Harvard, now, and not OU?  Hmmm... it's a theory!)  I'll have to remind him of this story when I send him this card.

Let's call this clown Tickles, because what little kid wouldn't love to be tickled by a clown? (hee)  Here's a close up of Tickles. Please note the embossing on the background behind him; a bumpy background makes his unicycle/juggling feat all the more extraordinary.

Head on over to the YNS Blog and check out what fun and festive cards the DT has put together for your enjoyment. Make sure to leave a comment and you'll be eligible to win a FREE YNS stamp set of your choosing! Free stamps -- that's wheelie awesome, for sure!

Thanks for stopping by, friendlies.  Have a wonderful weekend!

YNS - Wheelie Fun stamp set	YNS - Wheelie Fun die set	Doodlebug Designs -- Hip Hip Hooray 6"x6" pad	MFT Card Stock
Copic X-Press Blending Card Stock	Memento Tuxedo Black	Cuttlebug Clockworks Embossing Folder	Copic Sketch Markers
Jody's Foam Boosters	MISTI

InLinkz.com

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

Happy 6th Birthday to Your Next Stamp!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3. FREE STAMP SET!

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

Calling All Party Animals!

There's a party going on this weekend, in case you haven't heard.  And, I'm issuing you a PERSONAL AND EXCLUSIVE INVITATION. No, it isn't to celebrate my husband's and my 22nd wedding anniversary (that was yesterday), though you are welcome to congratulate me on that fact. I don't care what anyone says -- staying married that long takes hard work and perseverance (in addition to all the hearts and flowers, etc.)! He's a lucky, lucky man, wouldn't you agree?  

But back to that party I was talking about... It's a bash to celebrate Your Next Stamp's 6th Birthday! Yep, it's been six whole years since Karen Dedman launched her sweet little stamp shop, and my how it's grown!  In human years, YNS would be starting first grade! You moms out there know how much love and work it takes to nurture a child to age six; Karen's got little ones of her own, and has been rearing them and her awesome company, simultaneously. I don't know how she does it - some days it's all I can do to take a shower, know what I mean?

I'll give you all of the celebratory details WHEN YOU COME VISIT ME TOMORROW (hint, hint... I'm subtle, don't you think?) during the YNS 6th Birthday Blog Hop. There are prizes, discounts, and even an exclusive *FREE* stamp set with qualifying purchase.  Believe me when I tell you that you don't want to miss it.

In the meantime, here's a little sneak peek of one of the ADORABLE birthday-themed sets being released this month.  It's called PARTY ANIMALS, and the first must-ink image for me is the Daisy-look alike with a spot over his/her eye...

Total cuteness, right?  Here's a close-up of the pup, in case you need further convincing (please note the balloon has been fussy-cut and popped up on foam boosters):

Here's a look-see at the entire PARTY ANIMAL set, which of course has a coordinating die set for those of you who like that sort of thing (which I believe is just about everybody):

I know you're anxious as all get out to get previews of all the other new sets, so go to the YNS Blog for a linky list to all of the designers participating in today's peeks. In addition to the awesome YNS Design Team, there are several fabulous guests joining the fun this weekend.  Good times!

See you tomorrow!

YNS Stitched Square Dies	YNS - Stitched Rectangle Die Set	YNS Blue Sapphire Glittered Gumdrops	YNS Neon Sunrise Gumdrops
Doodlebug Designs - Hip Hip Hooray	Copic Sketch Markers	Stampin' Up Card Stock	Copic X-Press Blending Card Stock

InLinkz.com

Happy Campers

Hi, friends. How was your weekend? Mine was great. We had a bestie from Claremore come down and stay with us Friday evening, showed her our new hometown on Saturday, and then on Sunday the husband and I went to a church off our beaten path to hear a sermon given by a wonderful friend who was subbing for the regular minister (he did an awesome job -- go Dell!). To top all that off, Sean's been ever so diligent at his grill this weekend, and I'm anticipating some mouthwatering barbequed ribs and corn on the cob as I type this. Life is good!

(I'm still trying not to get in a funk about the fact that Truman is leaving in 16 days...)

Earlier today I saw a cute pic on Instagram where one of my local friends (whom you would love; she is so, so funny and cool. One of my favorite peeps I've met since we've moved) posted a picture of a trio of tents set up in her backyard. Her son and friends had a little impromptu camp out, and it inspired the card I created for this week's Mojo Monday.  Take a look:

That's some summertime fun, right there! Not only does it use this week's Mojo Monday sketch, but it also qualifies for the current TCP Tuesday Challenge from my longtime friends at The Cat's Pajamas (challenge = Anything Goes) and I'm going to enter it in TCP's Summer Blog Hop.  All ingredients are listed in the In Linkz area below.  As far as card details are concerned, the only perhaps less-than-obvious thing I did was stamp the image first on my background patterned paper layers, then again onto Ultra Smooth alcohol ink cardstock.  After coloring the image with Copic markers, I fussy cut it out, then adhered it to the patterned paper layer.

You'll definitely want to play in this week's Mojo Monday challenge (#409). Not just because it's a great sketch, but because it's the first sketch of the month, which means... PRIZES!!!  For every fifty entries, one lucky participant will be randomly selected to win the Verve stamp set of his/her choice.  That definitely beats being poked in the eye with a sharp stick, doesn't it?

Head on over to the Mojo Monday blog for more details about how you can play along, then go visit the other memebers of Mojo Monday's design team for further inspiration.

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

Thanks so much for visiting, and go make this Monday a fun day! :)

Mojo Monday Sketch # 409	TCP - Under the Stars	MFT Die-namics - Stitched Rounded Rectangles	Taylored Expressions - Pinking Circle Stacklets	Memento Tuxedo Black
Echo Park Happy Camper	Stampin' Up Card Stock	UltraSmooth Premium White Card Stock	Copic Sketch Markers	MISTI
Jody's Foam Boosters

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

Hello, My Love, I Heard a Kiss From You...

As I've told you many, many, countless times, often while I'm creating a card, a song plays on repeat in my mind. This time, it was a great pleasure: Strawberry Letter 23 by the Brothers Johnson. Here's a refresher, in case you've forgotten or have the misfortune to have never been exposed to this sublime sound from the seventies ('77, to be exact):

Aaah... Do you not feel particularly funky and fresh after watching/listening to that? I know I do. The impetus for my card was not actually this song, but this month's Design Team Dare from Your Next Stamp, the theme of which is Summer Fun.  What reminds me of summer?

STRAWBERRIES! My family are a bunch of strawberry-eatin' fools at this time of year. Truly. We add 'em to our daily protein shakes, cottage cheese, yogurt, and eat them on their own. Nom nom nom!

I was having dog difficulties (I'll save those for another post) when the actual DT Dare took place last week, but I jerry-rigged the guts of that card to fit the current Mojo Monday sketch, like so:

Mmm, mmm, good!  For the image panel, I stamped and masked, then stamped and masked some more, the strawberry image from YNS's Fruity Fun stamp set onto Strathmore Bristol paper. Then, for the first time, I used my new Zig Clean Color Markers (everybody's been raving about them, so I had to give them a shot, too). They're super bright watercolor markers, and very fun to work with. I added "seeds" to the berries by first making an outline with a white colored pencil, then adding a line of glue and Light Gold Opaque Art Glitter (by Barbara Trombley). Here's a closer look:

The sentiment is from YNS's Woodland Cuties stamp set, and the strawberry patterned paper is from Doodlebug Design's Fruit Stand 6"x6" pad.  Because it's Tall & Skinny week for Mojo Monday, this card measures 3.5" x 5.5", and I have to say, I'm loving this size.  A bit smaller canvas, but still fits into a regular A4 envelope. Yay!

Head on over to the Mojo Monday Blog for all the details re: how to participate in this week's challenge, and then visit these crafty folks for more inspiration.

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

 Stay as cool as the Bros. Johnson, peeps.

Gems Are Truly, Truly Outrageous

Title reference: do you remember the Jem cartoon/dolls from back in the '80s?

She was a little after my Barbie-playing prime, but my oldest niece was very into her, I do recall. When Carter and I went to see "The Minions" last week, there was a trailer for a new, live-action Jem and the Holograms (that was the name of Jem's all-girl band, you know) movie, with Molly Ringwald playing the mom.

Why am I bringing this up? Because I couldn't get that dumb theme song out of my head while I was creating my card for this week's Mojo Monday challenge, #407:

I used the Girl's Best Friend stamp set and coordinating die from Lil' Inker Designs. I was fortunate enough to win a $75 shopping spree to LID by participating in their February Monthly Meet-Up Challenge, and this is part of the lovely loot I ordered. I'm a big fan of Laura Pryor and Lil' Inker Designs -- she's super smart and innovative. If you aren't familiar with LID's products, do yourself a favor and visit the website. I'm forcing myself to use all of my stamps and dies from there at least once before I place another order, but my wishlist is growing, so I need to get after it! The weird part of me that fancies myself a tattoo artist (though I have yet to commit to a tattoo of my own and am not particularly good at drawing) is especially desirous of the Vintage Ink stamp set and coordinating dies...

Anyway -- back to my card. I don't know if you can tell from the photo, but on the sentiment layer I randomly stamped a smaller diamond and star image in Grout Grey ink (MFT Hybrid). I used silver metallic paper from my stash to die cut the large diamonds, and then backed them with white card stock that I brushed with Wink of Stella for extra sparkle. Both diamonds are popped up on Jody Boosters. 

Other card ingredients: patterned paper from Little Yellow Bicycle's Swoon 6"x6" paper pad; black and white card stock; Memento Tuxedo Black ink; black grosgrain ribbon.

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

Head on over to the Mojo Monday Blog for all the details re: how to participate in this week's challenge, and then visit these crafty folks for more inspiration.

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

Thanks for stopping by to visit me today -- you're a real gem!

Happy Beer Day

Happy Beer Day! What? You don't know what Beer Day is? It's another name for "birthday" for the beer drinkers in your life. See?

I used the current YNS Sketch Challenge (#18) to make this for Your Next Stamp's Fun Friday.  Here's a look at the sketch:

YNS products used for my card include For the Boys and Clowning Around stamp sets, and the YNS Circles Die set.  Here's a close-up of the tipsy pitcher:

I sure hope he has a designated driver...

I kept it pretty true to the sketch and didn't frou-frou it up too much as it's intended for a masculine recipient.  The pitcher is colored with Copic markers and popped up on Jody Boosters. The patterned paper layers were sponged inked on the edges with Pumice Stone Distress Ink. The patterned paper itself is from a couple of years ago -- Simple Stories' I {Heart} Summer 6"x6" pad. 

I'd add more chatter, but my allergies are going cray-cray and I'm going to hit the hay.  Forgive me for not being my normal, long-winded self.

Be sure to head over to the YNS Blog, where you can see several other Fun Friday projects and get all of the details about how you can play along with us. You just might win up to $20 in YNS bucks if you do!

Pineapples Aplenty, Part 1

As a Virginian, I have had a lifelong love and appreciation for that most majestic of fruits, the pineapple. Coming from the Old Dominion and Birthplace of Presidents, as far as we Virginians are concerned, we're the shizzle. How could we not think that, when the Virginian Creed states:

To be a Virginian either by Birth, Marriage, Adoption, or even on one’s Mother’s side, is an Introduction to any State in the Union, a Passport to any Foreign country and a Benediction from Above.

More often than not, the Creed is accompanied by that age-old (to us - we're Americans and brand-new, so what the hell do we know?) symbol of hospitality and welcome, the pineapple.

(I would include images here, but unfortunately I'm writing this post on my husband's wretched PC because I forgot my MacBook when we left town for St. Paul, MN.  It was early, I was cranky, and this is the price I pay... I don't know how nor do I want to take the time to relearn this operating system. Just imagine how AWESOME my post might otherwise be.  I'm sorry I let you down!)  Here is one image, though, of my very favorite new drinking vessel.  I bought this "for Carter" when we were in Florida a couple of weeks ago. But who do you think has been using it most?

Anyway, when I saw my good friend/REVERSE CONFETTI stamp company guru Jen del Muro's stamp set, PINEAPPLES APLENTY, the narcissist in me wanted to believe she had created it just for me. My rational self soon took over, but still felt that I NEEDED this set, with its coordinating dies, and the awesome & easy Pina Colada Quick Card Panels.  Lurve,lurve,lurve 'em!!!

I want/need/must jump back into my privilege of being on the Mojo Monday design team.  Julee has been far more patient than a saint with me, and now that I've been in my new home for a year (even though I still can't find a thing and will move the minute our purchased home is remodeled... don't try to keep up -- it's futile and I'm scattered. I'm a mess; can you relate?), I feel like I need to step up and be consistent. I'm not making promises, but I am endeavoring, and here's my contribution to this week's Mojo Monday Sketch # 405: 

 

As mentioned, I used Reverse Confetti's Pineapples Aplenty stamp set and coordinating Confetti Cuts.  That fabby pineapple panel is from the Pina Colada Quick Cards Panels.  The rest is black and white card stock, and the dotted pattenred paper is from Doodlebug Designs Craft in Color 6"x6" pad.

Head on over to the Mojo Monday blog for the sketch and info about how to play along.  It's the first Monday of the month, which means it's CONTEST WEEK! We'll have one winner for every 50 entries, up to a max of SEVEN winners!!! Winners will receive the Verve Stamps set of their choice. You can play as often as you like, and the more entries the more winners!

For more inspiration, head on over my fellow design team member's blogs -- you'll be ever so glad you did!

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

I just couldn't leave these sweet pineapples alone -- I'll be back soon to show you what else I made with 'em!  In the meantime, I thank you for visiting me and hope you have a wonderful, Mojo-filled week. :)

Your Next Stamp's July New Release Blog Hop

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

A Sparkly Sneak Peek...

Greetings, patriots and friends from abroad!

For those of us in the U.S., today is all about the red, white, and blue. And, of course, fireworks. Fortunately, my SNEAK PEEK for Your Next Stamp's July New Release is in keeping with both of these festive imperatives...

The tag above features YNS's new FIREWORKS BACKGROUND stamp set, which comes with both the fireworks background and sentiment. 

The fam and me are headed to a 4th of July party at some friends' house this evening (keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't rain -- there's a 50% chance. Few things are more dispiriting than soggy fireworks...), so I thought making a tag would be the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone: a design team sample/hostess gift topper combo. Everyone wins! I've been thinking about what to bring the host and hostess. First thought: I could bake them an apple pie. What could be more all-American? Second thought: they'll probably have so much food on hand for the party that receiving one more edible will be met with feigned enthusiasm, at best. Third thought: I could make them a big jar of homemade salsa.  Fourth thought: see second thought.  Fifth thought: just bring wine; not terribly original, but it will eventually be put to good use. The originality will come in the form of my cute, cute tag (that was HAND-STITCHED, with love). Needless to say, I'm going with my fifth thought. 

I really think this firework image is one of the best I've ever seen. Of course, at first glance -- especially around this time of year -- is that it's for July 4, but really, fireworks are perfect for all sorts of congratulatory occasions. Weddings, birthdays, graduations, thank-yous for hot-nights-of-whatever, you name it. Such possibilities!

To create this glittery fizgig, I first stamped the image in VersaMark, then applied PK Glitz Heat Activated Glue Powder.  After hitting it with my heat gun, I then scattered PK Glitz Peppermint Twist Glitter on top.  Once the glue powder dries with the glitter on top, the glitter stays put. Easy-peasy! The sentiment was heat-embossed with regular white fine detail embossing powder.  To get the stitching detail on the Blueberry layer of the tag, I used YNS's STITCHED SQUARES DIES.

This month's YNS release is full of exotic animals, ninjas, rainbows, clowns -- you name it!  Visit the YNS Blog for links to all of today's Sneak Peeks, then come back tomorrow for the New Release Blog Hop for even more stamping splendor. I guarantee it will be amazing!  In the meantime,