Mother's Little Helper

Whale Done, JdM!

Call me loco - I've played for two weeks running in the Splitcoast sketch challenge.  I guess I'm just a wild & crazy gal, huh?  No telling what sort of shenanigans I'll get into next...

Here was this week's sketch:

And here's what I made with it, using the HAPPY HARBOR set from my dear buddy, Jen del Muro's new stamp company, REVERSE CONFETTI:

I knew from the first minute I saw this set, I wanted to make a preppy little something with that cute whale image, and what's preppier than a repeating whale motif in pink and green?  Nuttin', honey!  I love the fonts Jen's selected for all of her stamp sets.

I also love that i {heart} papers carries all of the REVERSE CONFETTI sets so that with one card, I can create a three-fer:

• participate in a sketch-challenge
• get design team credit
• support a great friend's business endeavor

If that ain't a win-win, then I, dear friends, am a monkey's uncle.  And considering the fact that I'm fairly certain I'm 100% female, well, that's just impossible.

So, what have you got up your sleeves this fine weekend?  I've promised to take Carter to see a matinee of 'Man of Steel' this afternoon, but I have to confess, I'm dreading it.  I love superhero movies, but I've heard this one is about 30 minutes longer than it needs to be.  Gah.  Have you seen it yet?  What did you think?  I'll give you my thoughts in the morrow.

 

Supplies used from i {heart} papers:

Happy Harbor stamp set by Reverse Confetti Design Co.; Momento Cottage Ivy ink; Ultra Smooth White Card Stock by Crafter's Companion; Dimensional Dots

Other supplies: Regal Rose (SU!) and New Leaf (PTI) cardstock; Oval & Scallop Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Corner Chomper; Strano ribbon

Frankly, My Dear...

It's been at least 6 months of Sundays since I've participated in a Splitcoaststamper's challenge, and thanks to my youngest spending a week with his grandparents, I've got a little extra time on my hands to play.  Not to mention the fact that I have literally OODLES of new stamps, papers, and embellishments from i {heart} papers that are begging to be man-handled by my large-knuckled, nail-bitten, scarred-up digits.  One of my many favorite things about i {heart} papers is that, because it carries so many different stamp and paper lines, there is ALWAYS new stuff every single time I visit the site.  I'm not beholden to a release schedule everytime I feel the need to do some retail therapy and freshen up my papercrafting wardrobe.  I'll give you a little tip for navigating the IHP website: when you get there, immediately hit the "new items" button on the left side bar.  Then, go to the bottom of the page and hit the "see all" button.  Do that once, twice, or thrice a week and you'll always be in the know regarding the latest and greatest from many of your favorite manufacturers.  IT'S A GOOD THING!

So, where was I before I got off on that IHP puffy-heart tangent?  Oh, yeah - the Splitcoast challenge!  I saw yesterday's SCS Sketch Challenge (#441 - can you believe it?  I looked back in my gallery and the first SCS sketch challenge I ever played in was #97, in November of 2006.  Want to see what I made?  It was only my 8th upload to SCS. I was just a baby of 37 back then...

Such clear photography and excellent composition skills I had... (*shudder*) )

Enough of that frightening walk down memory lane.  I'm older, I'm wiser, and I've surely put in 10,000 hours of stamping since then.  According to Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers, that should make me an expert.  The good news/bad news about a pursuit/rabbit hole like stamping, though, is there are always so many new trends and techniques to try out, one can never know all there is to know (or, alternatively, feel like any sort of authority. Dammit!  Wish I'd known that back in 2006... ;) )

So here's the SCS sketch for this week:

And here's my interpretation of it, using CAS-ual Friday Stamps' Frankly stamp set:

I had to pair up this sentiment with some mustachioed patterned paper from Carta Bella's Giddy Up Boy 6x6 pad, in a tip of the hat to Rhett Butler (the paisley paper is from that pad, too).  The Frankly set comes with a pretty Art Deco-ish graphic, like so:

I thought that if I just inked the two outer 'petals' on the left and right, it could resemble a mustache and keep with my masculine card theme. 

The real impetus behind this card, though, is the "Everything is going to be just fine" sentiment.  I don't know about you, but when I'm having one of those 'dark nights of the soul', what I really want/need is somebody to hug me and say those very words.  Fortunately, I have a husband who knows me well and does just that. 

 

Other card details:

• the mustache paperclip has been sitting on top of my desk for YEARS.  It was a little gifty from my buddy Leigh O'Brien, whom I dearly love, miss, and desperately hope will start gracing the world with her stamping again SOON
• inks used: Tim Holtz's Distress Inks in Chipped Sapphire and Walnut Stain
• dies used: Banner Stacklets 1 from Taylored Expressions
• cardstock used: Neenah Natural White, Prism Mystic Dark and Suede Brown Dark

The boy is coming home tomorrow, and I have miles to stamp before I sleep.  Thanks for stopping by to visit, and I'll be back soon. :)

Last Chance SFYTT

Howdy gang!  I've got another take on the March Sketch For You To Try - and you've got until midnight tonight to get yours done before April starts.  I know its a sweet, spring Saturday, but come on.  You don't really have anything better to do, particularly if you're sitting here reading my blog.  You know I speak the truth. ;)

This month's SFYTT is sponsored by THE CRAFT'S MEOW, and I pulled out the fabulous and versatile SEW LOVELY set one more time to create an all-purpose card for my stash.  I don't know about you, but I can never have enough of these sorts of cards - good for thank yous, birthdays, encouragement, or what not. Just to refresh your memory, here's a look at this month's Sketch:

I flipped it on its side (that's allowed, you know):

Before I got started this morning, I checked out the Splitcoaststampers Color Challenge for this week, which was to use Elegant Eggplant, Concord Grape, and Melon Mambo.  I can't remember the last time I participated in a SCS challenge, and this color combination just obnoxious enough to capture my imagination.  So if you're looking at the card and thinking, "Hmm... that ribbon really doesn't match", know that it's by design.  I used TCP's Button and Flower Button CutUps dies and felt to create my corner embellishment.  The patterned paper is from Echo Park's 6"x6" Springtime pad, and the inks I used were Adirondack Brights Watermelon and Seedless Preserves Distress Ink.  The label shaped image is a perfect fit for Spellbinders' Nestablilities Labels Four dies.  Easy-peasy!

Have you got big plans for the weekend? I got a wild hair yesterday and decided to invite some friends over for dinner tonight.  It's been a long time since we've done any entertaining, and for some strange reason, I'm in the mood.  I'm on the hunt for a good Mojito recipe for pre-dinner cocktails, so if you've got one, send it my way.  Not sure what sort of appetizer I'll whip up (maybe this yummy black-eyed pea hummus I fixed for New Year's Day; it's so good, I've been craving it ever since), but the rest of the menu is White House Grilled Lemon Mustard Chicken, salad, roasted parmesan cauliflower, asiago bread with butter, and Key Lime Pie for dessert. Mmm-mmm good!

And then tomorrow?  The new season of Game of Thrones starts!  Life is good! I hope you can say the same.  Tomorrow is also April Fools' Day.  I don't have any pranks planned yet, but I'm sure something will come to me... By the way, the temp here is supposed to get to 90 degrees tomorrow.  Isn't that crazy? So much for Spring! Have a great weekend, and I'll see you bright and early Mojo Monday morning.

Thanks a Bunch, Mojo Monday!

The title says it all.  I could just show you pictures and not say another word.  But then, how likely is that?  NOT VERY!  Y'all know I'm a bit windy...

 

NOT that kinda windy (although that's how 'toots' were referred to in my house, growing up.  "Windys."  Mmm-hmm.  Lil peek into my childhood for you armchair psychologists in blogland.  Enjoy!)

Anyhoodle.  It's Monday, and thus it's time for another MOJO-LICIOUS sketch challenge, courtesy of one very talented Julee Tilman.  And, considering the fact that it's also August 1st, this is a winner-winner-chicken-dinner of a challenge: participate and enter your challenge via the linky tool, and you just may win the Verve Stamps set of your choosing! Admit it - that beats a (say it with me, now) poke in the eye with a sharp stick!  Indeed, it do.

Ready for the sketch?  Here you go...

And, are you ready for my interpy-tation of it?  O'course ye are!  Here she blows...

I used my newest Verve sets, Hope Blooms and Bloom & Grow.  They aren't THE newest Verve sets, though, and I hear from friends in the know that the upcoming August 12th release is TO DIE FOR!  It's an anniversary release, and Julee always pulls out ALL the stops for those.  I am certain there are a few with my name on 'em, and I'll bet there are some with your's on there, too.  Just sayin'!  Can't wait to get a glimspe!

In the meantime, though, why not play along in today's Mojo Monday challenge?  You just might be one of the lucky winners!  All of the details about how to play along are available on the Mojo Monday blog, as are samples from the rest of the Mojo Makers.  And for close up and personal descriptions of their lovely creations, head on over to these talented ladies' blogs, and leave 'em a little love for making your Mondays more manageable and less manic.  It's the least you can do!  (Not to make you feel guilty.  But still.  Would it kill you to tell them how much you appreciate this early morning inspiration?!  No.  It wouldn't.  Plus, it's good for you.  Builds character.  And it's good karma.  What?  You have too much good karma built up?  Didn't think so...)

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

Geez Louise!  I almost forgot to mention: my card also meets Christina Fischer's Dare To Get Dirty Challenge (yay, me!).  Want more info?  Well, I could tell you, but then I'd have to... (don't make me say it).  Just check out THIS LINK for yourself for all of the distressing details...

See ya later, peepages!

Dare to Get Dirty - 2011!

Are you ready to get Dirty?  Because it's that time of year... Each summer the Splitcoaststampers Dirty Dozen and Dirty Dozen Alumni get together to issue challenges for all of the SCS Fan Club members.  I'd love for you to play along with me! 

I can't tell you what the challenge is (for that, you'll need to go HERE ), but I can show you my sample.  There are also beautiful samples made for my challenge by the amazing Andrea Ewen, and my favorite Hot Pocket, Christina Fischer. 

Here's a look-see at what I came up with...

I used Lil Inker Designs' brand new Rainbow & Clouds die and the accompanying stamp set (which comes with 20 all-purpose sentiments - yay!) to make this sunny little 3.5"x5" card.  Isn't it fun?  So much fun, in fact, I did something I haven't done in a while - I created a whole group of the same cards...

I remember when I first started stamping: I always made multiples of the cards I created.  My thinking was, "Well, I've got all of this paper and stuff out already.  If it's going to take me this long to do one, I might as well do several..."  Still makes a lot of sense, but I hardly ever do that anymore, since I generally use images that I've colored.  But no coloring on this little number, and it seemed wasteful to die-cut four rainbow stripes in each color, only to throw three away.  (Granted, I throw a lot of paper away daily, but don't distract me from my illogical thinking, please.)  So now I've got a sweet little set of cards, each with a different sentiment from the accompanying stamp set. 

Here's a detail shot of the rainbow-like handstitching I did around the black layer:

I just alternated a blind stitch in my four rainbow colors.  Easy & colorful!

Now, do as Mother tells you and GO GET DIRTY! :)

a·muse-ings

Don’t tell my husband…

But I done went and did it.  Actually, I don’t think he’ll be surprised. 

What am I talking about?

Remember in a recent post I discussed how I had been reading through past blog posts starting from the beginning in an effort to get them categorized?  One of the notes I took during that process¹ was how much I used to love working with a·muse stamps.  I can remember buying my first issue of StampIt! Magazine in the spring of 2006 and seeing this wedding card²; it was love at first sight.  I did an internet search for the company that created the clean, sweet image…

Well, we all know how that story ends.

Fast forward from 2006 to March of 2011.  I was as intrigued as everyone else in the stamping community when I read all of the announcements about the creation of a·muse|studio as a home party/direct sales company.  My initial response was “Huh?  You’ve gotta be kidding.  Why would they want to go and do something crazy like that?”  But…  Having met Linda Hartwich at a couple of CHAs over the years, and knowing that my dear friend and boss lady, Miss Meowy, has a great deal of respect for Linda and her business acumen, I had to do a double-take.  Of course, I have also always thought Julie Ebersole was the neatest chick around; for me, the words ‘Julie HRR’ and ‘a·muse’ are synonymous.  I’m also a faithful reader of Joan Bardee’s blog, Paperlicious³, and she did fabulously detailed review of a·muse|studio’s cardstock and inks.  Then, I saw that my fearless leader, Jenn Balcer (longtime SCS general manager and Dirty Dozen Coordinator during my stint as a Dirty Girl) had become a consultant.  Just so happens, Jenn and I were due for a chat.

Next thing you know?  Jenn’s convinced me that signing up as an a·muse|studio consultant would be money for nothing and chicks for free!  Well, maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but after weighing the pros and cons, it sounded like a win-win proposition.  Here’s why:

1. When have I ever had the opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a direct sales company whose products I already adore, have bought for years, and which involves my passion for stamping? Answer: never, and odds are, never again.  The market is fresh for a|muse studio, and if I’m ever going to do it, now is the time when I’m only one of two so far in Oklahoma. Such possibilities!
2. The only money I’d be out is the price of the start-up kit, which is on special for the time being.  I easily spend that much over the course of a month or so in crafting supplies and materials.  And, because I have such an inventory⁴ of a·muse stamps, many of which are being re-issued, my previous ‘investments’ can be utilized to support my new endeavor.
3. Besides a consultant discount on a·muse’s proprietary products (stamps, dies, inks, papers, embellishments, and so on) I’d also have a discount on things like Copic markers and refills and Nestabililities dies.  Can't beat that with a stick!
4. Unlike some of the other direct sales stamp companies, a·muse|studio puts no restrictions on their consultants serving on other stamp company design teams.  Which means I wouldn’t have to leave my beloved Cat’s Pajamas.  That would be a deal-breaker.  But again, that Linda is a smart chickie who knows that.
5. Orders are made through a personalized website (here’s the link) and shipped directly from a·muse|studios; what could be easier than that?  I remember all too well my brief stint in Creative Memories and having to sort through those boxes and make deliveries (*shudder*)…
6. So many of my friends know of my passion for stamping and want to try it, but when they see the stuff I usually create, it seems too involved and they say, “Fuhgeddabout it.”  I totally get that.  I’ve been doing this for about five years now, and my projects have gotten increasingly complicated.  That’s what makes stamping ‘stick’ as a hobby; if you catch the fever, you can do more, and more, and more.  After all, when I look at someone like my friend, Amy Sheffer, or say, Becca Feeken, I feel like a pre-schooler.  Granted, they have a more elegant, detailed style than I, but you catch my drift.  Here’s the deal though: a person isn’t going to catch stamping fever unless she has success at the beginning and thinks, “This is fun!  I can do this!”  That’s where a·muse comes in: the images are darling, but still simple enough that a beginner doesn’t need advanced skills to feel she’s made something she could be proud to send out to friends.  The a·muse style also doesn’t require an inordinate investment of time.  It’s a great way to start stamping.  Those that are ‘hooked’ can either stay with clean-and-simple stamping, or go on to develop a different style.  Either way, I’m helping convert the masses; as we all know, the world NEEDS more stampers!
7. If it doesn’t work out, no big deal: I can always throw in the towel with a month’s notice.  I’ve bought shoes that require a greater investment and bigger commitment.

So, by now you’ve figured it out: I’ve become an a·muse|studio consultant, and I’m really excited about this fun opportunity⁵! 

If any of you are persuaded by my reasoning and feel this might be the kind of opportunity you’re interested in exploring, feel free to drop me an email.  We can correspond that way, or if you’d rather, send me you number and I’d be happy to give you a call.  If you’re already convinced and looking for an upline, I’d be thrilled to serve as that for you.⁶  And if you just want to do a little plain, old-fashioned shopping, hit the button on my sidebar or this link and get after it! 

I'm going to end this lengthy post with a little walk down memory lane to show you a few of my favorite a·muse designs over the years…

This is the first card I ever made with a·muse stamps, and was made for the first SCS challenge I ever participated in:

A sweet & simple Valentine...

I have an abiding love for happy octopus and/or jellyfish images, not to mention the color combo of Orchid Opulence, lime green and orange...

Here's where my a·muse cards begin to get a little less clean and simple.  Still, I think these show the versatility of the images.  A great image is a great image, regardless of the stamper's style, know what I mean? And I love the symbolism behind bees and beehives (industry, diligence, social organization, hope, etc.):

I made this one to celebrate the cuckoo clock I bought during one of mine & Carter's trips to Frankenmuth, Michigan.  I *love* cuckoo clocks so much; they're homey and comforting.  Of course, I tire of the cuckooing very quickly, but fortunately you can turn that part off.  Still, you have to pull the 'pinecone' thingys twice a day, which I think is a good reminder of how quickly time passes.

The last one I'm going to show is a card I made for my last Dirty Dozen gallery.  It shows two of my favorite things: books and faux postage.  Guess who I sent this to, to thank her for all she had done for me during my tenure as a Dirty girl?  You got it: Jenn Balcer.  Full circle moment, or what?!

Thanks for hearing me out, peeps!  Have a wonderful day. :) 

---

Footnotes:

1. Which is still not finished; I get caught up reading all of the comments all over again, too.  Then it makes me wonder what some of those folks are up to these days, so I click on their blogs and start reading, and the next thing I know, an hour has passed… you feel my pain, don’t you? 
2. I cannot believe I found this magazine!  I have thrown away countless papercrafting magazines over the past five years.  Yet somehow, I still can show you exactly which a·muse image turned my head… spooky!  The designer of the cards featured in this issue of StampIt! is Linda Beeson.
3. Joan and I have a lot in common.  We’re both lawyers, although she practices and I don’t.  She lives in the D.C. area and works in D.C. for a government agency.  I grew up in Alexandria, VA (my dad was an engineer with the Department of Defense), and then later returned to the D.C. area briefly as a newlywed.  We’re the mothers of sons.  We have aging mothers who live with (in Joan’s case) or near (in my case) us, and who occasionally drive us batty (Joan’s FAR more patient and a much better daughter than I am).  She’s a great writer; I enjoy good writing and like to think I can string a few words together in a pleasing manner.  And, oh yeah, we’re both members of that high-niche group of crafters who refer to themselves as ‘stampers.’ 
4. See what I mean? ------->
5. Does this mean all you’ll start seeing on my blog is a·muse and a·muse only?  No, silly.  I’m still a loyal member of The Cat Pack and plan to be until the moment I PERMANENTLY retire (as opposed to temporary retirement, like that period between Sept. of ’09 – July of ’10) from designing.  Now that I've reduced some of my design team commitments, I also plan to do more stamping/playing just for fun; after all, isn't that what this is supposed to be about?  So you never know what you might find when I pop up in your reader or in-box. You will, however, be seeing more a·muse designs around these parts in the future, and I consider that a good thing. :)
6. My aforementioned cyber-friend Joan B. is calling her team “Team Paperlicious,” which I think is really cute.  “Team Mother’s Little Helper” is a mouthful, and “Team Carole” reminds me of a bookclub I was once active in, in which the founder referred to it as, say, “Mary’s Book Club” (that’s not her real name, btw).  That always irritated me to no end.  I don’t really know why, but it did.  Which is why I’ll never be a household name like Donald Trump or Lilly Pulitzer.  So be it.  Anyway, the team name I’ve come up with embraces my philosophy of both stamping and life: TEAM WABI-SABI!  I've frequently mentioned my admiration for the Japanese philosophy/aesthetic of wabi-sabi, but for those who need a primer, it's basically this: beauty lies in imperfection, impermanence, and authenticity.  It's being content with what is and living in the moment; it's small moments of celebration.  Wabi-sabi isn't mass produced or disposable.  Examples of wabi-sabi to me are: cracks on the spine of a much-loved and often-read book; bite marks and scratches from Hot Wheels on a coffee table (especially if your children are now much older); "every lesson learned a line upon your beautiful face" as opposed to botox injections.  You catch my drift. :)

VERVE is the word!

... it's got groove, it's got meaning... Verve is the time, is the place, is the motion, and Verve is the way we are feeling! 

Don't ask me from what weird depths that little ditty came from, but it's actually kind of fitting.  Verve is definitely the word today because I'm going to show you something from every single set Verve is releasing!  I know!  I'm usually stingy, only wanting to give you one or two things to look at a time.  But today, I'm feeling a wee bit generous...

Here's one I made for today's SCS sketch challenge, using the "Feeling Groovy" set, which comes with a ton of great sentiments from song lyrics as well as a couple of funky flowers that beg for coloring:

Don't you love that font?  And here's another sentiment from the same set, this time paired with a sweet image from Elzybells U.K.:

I made that one expressly with my DH in mind.  Last weekend while we were in Las Vegas, he went to the trouble of arranging for us to see LOVE, the Cirque du Soleil's homage to The Beatles because he knew I'd love it.  And he only looked at his Blackberry a couple of times during the performance; that's HUGE progress, people!

Next is one of my new favorite sets -- Asian Flair.  I love the patterning possibilities with this one and look forward to playing with it often.

And again, isn't that sentiment perfect? (Especially for you ribbon lovers out there) (Yes, Jody, that includes you! )

One of the new sets being release is a sentiment set called "Here For You," which provides just the right words of encouragement or empathy.  Here's an example:

Just a simple long-note, but the sentiment combined with that great Impression Obsession image, it lets the recipient know the whole flock is with her.

There's also the upbeat "All About You" sentiment set, which expresses feelings like "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me," or "What would I do without you?"  And isn't this next one a fabulous way to say "Have a nice day"?!

Last but not least, Verve's introducing a new collection of individual stamps called 'Plain Janes' because they don't have a printed index on the acetate.  This first one is a Bible verse from Psalms 37:4.

Right now through July, you can get the entire June Verve stamp collection -- 4 sets = 37 stamps (doesn't include the Plain Jane) -- for only $42!  Dang!  Julee's practically giving 'em away!!! At a price like that, you simply can't afford to NOT get your Verve on! 

If you're still not convinced, by all means head on over to the Verve Gallery and see what the other fabulous Verve Design Divas have come up to show off the new polymer.  It's a feast of Class Act stampin'!  And you can also find the recipes for each of my cards there, as well. 

Now, I need to go rest after all of this sharing!

Will It Go Round In Circles?

Um... yeah.  Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky?  Uh, no.  No birds here...  But circles?  Yep, I've got circles!  Like this one, which I made for yesterday's Sketch Challenge on SCS (based on a card by Frances who created her card with one of Jen's SFYTTs... ooftie!  Things were so much simpler when we just drew on cave walls with rocks, weren't they?  Of course, then we had to worry about things like starvation and discovering fire... What was the name of that movie?  Quest For Fire!  Did you ever see that?!  But I digress...) using the new Here's The Scoop set by My Favorite Things:

Then there's this one -- a graduation card for the son of some good friends (I've previously mentioned the great worth of the red & white zebra paper).  This is one of the easiest cards I've made in an age, but I really like it.  "Congrats All Around" -- another new MFT set -- is just perfect for making a quick and cute card, when you still want to make something (you know you're never allowed to buy another card again, don't you?  Your conscience won't let you, and your significant other would mock you endlessly.  Or at least that's how we roll at my house. We're kind of a tough crowd...) but you don't want to make a significant investment of time and energy.  Okay.  Enough yapping.  Here's the card:

See what I mean?  Easy, but still pretty fab.  And tomorrow?  I've some Verve-age for you!  Class Act stamping returns!

Supplies used:

SC179/SFYTT Here's the Scoop
Stamps:Here's the Scoop by MFT
Paper:Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, patterned paper by Daisy D's
Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, VersaFine Archival Vintage Sepia
Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Nestabilities, SU! ribbon, Dimensionals

Congrats Around the Graduate
Stamps: Congrats All Around by MFT
Ink: Real Red (SU!), VersaFine Archival Onyx Black
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black (SU!), patterned paper by Me and My Big Ideas
Accessories: Nestabilities, black foam boosters from Jody Morrow, ribbon.

Where in the World is That Girl?

Right here!  But not for long -- her bag is packed and it appears she's getting the heck out of Dodge.
When I saw the long panel on today's SCS Sketch Challenge, I knew I had to use this image from the brand-new "Going Places" set from My Favorite Things.  I really like this set so much because I love to travel.  Fortunately, DH loves to travel, too, and some of the best times we've ever had have been while exploring places we'd never been before.  Maybe it's because I live in a small town, but I love that feeling of going to another country and realizing how big the world is and how very little of it I've seen.  I dream of one day -- maybe in my fifties? -- being able to travel extensively, taking trips abroad for weeks at a time, really getting to know another country.  I think it would be so exciting to actually live in another country for a couple of years (with the knowledge, of course, that we'd come back home eventually) and absorb that culture throughout the seasons.  Maybe someday, that opportunity will present itself.  Until then, however, I guess I'll just stamp about it...

The good news is, even from my home here in Claremore USA, I can hang out with friends from all over the globe who share this quirky little passion called 'stamping.'  Tonight, we'll be meeting in the MFT Member Forum for our monthly New Release Cocktail Party (9-11 p.m. EST/8-10 p.m. CST).  In addition to some fast & furious fellowship, there will be tons more MFTeasers of the new sets and a chance for you to become MFT's next Guest Designer!  If you've been to one before, you know they're a lot of fun, and if you haven't, don't you think it's about time we changed that sad fact? 

See you later tonight!!

Supplies used: Stamps: Going Places by MFT; Paper: Basic Black, Georgia Pacific White, dotted dsp by BoBunny Press, postcard dsp by Reminisce; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, Cool Carribean & Summer Sun for sponging; Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Ribbon, sponges, Nestabilities, dimesnionals.

TCB But Hardly in a Flash

Several years ago -- pre-kids, which feels like a different lifetime -- DH and I stopped by Graceland on one of our cross-country road trips between Oklahoma and Washington, D.C.  Have you ever been?  It's fabulous -- so kitschy and nutty!  So much crazy goodness in one place should be illegal.  I'm not sure what my favorite room was, but the TV room in the basement ranks in the top three. A mirrored ceiling, three TVs set into the wall, a wet bar covered in Yo-Yo Yellow vinyl, blingy pillows, that jacked-up monkey on the coffee table; I ask you, what is not to love?  The pièce de résistance, however, has to be the lightening bolt mural on the wall.

For those of you unfamiliar with the King's personal philosophy, the lightening bolt was symbolic of Elvis's slogan, "TCB," which stands for "Taking Care of Business."  TCB + the lightening bolt = Taking Care of Business in a Flash.  Elvis and Priscilla created a logo for this creed, and even had a TCB Oath that members of his Memphis Mafia had to take (the last line of which was "freedom from constipation" -- I kid you not.  Clearly, Elvis had a sense of humor.  Still, freedom from constipation is a worthy goal...).  The TCB logo was emblazoned on everything from his karate uniform and jewelery to the tail of Elvis's private jet, the Lisa Marie.

For some reason, that logo cracks me up.  I don't know why -- it just makes me smile.  And I also like that it kind of looks like CTB (my initials).  I'm not really the tattoo type (nothing wrong with 'em, just can't bring myself to do it.  Although every time I go to Vegas and knock back a couple of drinks, I threaten to get one), but if I was, I would totally get the TCB logo just for kicks and giggles.  Apparently, this is not an original idea by a long shot.

So why am I telling you all of this?  Well, I'm taking care of some business these days, but nothing I can really share because it's either for an upcoming release or I'm only half-way finished with it.  Additionally, I'm trying to prepare for the Arlington Shoebox Swap next weekend, and that's a little time consuming.  And by the way, when I TCB?  It's hardly in a flash.  I'm slow.  I wish I wasn't, but I am.  About the only thing I do in a flash is eat.

I do have one thing I can show you, though, that has not yet graced ye olde blog.  I made this for last week's color challenge to use Groovy Guava, Basic Gray, and Blush Blossom.  Isn't she adorable?

Supplies used -- Stamps: Ohsopretty Bella by Stamping Bella; sentiment by River City Rubberworks, Cornish Heritage Farms Pretty Pattern Backgrounder, A Muse oval; Paper: Groovy Guava, Basic Gray, Blush Blossom, Strathmore Bristol white cs, Afternoon Tea dsp, gray dp by Creative Memories; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, Basic Gray, Blush Blossom; Accessories: Copic Sketch & Spica Markers, Art Glitter, sewing machine, ribbon, Bella Baubles, Dimensionals.

Oh, and I still have to show you the cake from Sean's Birthday party last weekend!  Hee hee!

Pretty funny, huh?  They definitely got the eyes right, but in real life his eyebrows don't go down to his nostrils.  (Not quite.)  Well, since I'm lifting photos left and right for this post, I might as well just let you judge for yourself.  Here's my cute 40-year-old hubby, Sean:

And last but certainly not least, the new Verve Visual sets I was telling you about yesterday (Father Figure and Great Expectations) go on sale today -- AND -- Verve is having a Star-Studded Sale where you can get 15% off all star-themed sets (and there are several) between now and May 15th!  Again -- perfect for making those graduation themed cards. 

Elvis would approve.

Look, Ma! No alcoholic beverages!

If one were to judge me based on only my last two blog entries, one might come to the conclusion that I have a problem with the hooch.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  I am a temperate and restrained woman of good breeding and manners.  My only vice is I have a penchant for colors that make others (*cough* Beate *cough*) say things like "That made me throw up a little in my mouth!"

Take, for example, this week's SCS Color Challenge, to use Glorious Green, Real Red, and Night of Navy. Glorious Green: the merest mention of this color makes stampers shriek and writhe like they're being boiled alive (I've been watching too much of "The Tudors" lately -- sorry for the visual).  Green is my very favorite color (particularly kelly green), and while I might not personally consider GG as glorious as the folks at SU!, I can still use it without having to choke back the contents of my stomach.
GG has a little too much blue in it to a great green (let alone glorious), but it's okay.  In fact, I think combined with Real Red and Night of Navy, it's downright preppy, which in my book is always a good thing.   This card uses My Favorite Things' newly released Mother's Day set, and I think this may just be the card I end up giving my Mom. 

One of the things I tried with this card was to create kind of a 3-D shadow-box-y (<-- that's a technical term) effect by cutting out the white space between the main image and the image frame, popping it up on some foam tape, then mounting it onto a back ground of green gingham patterned paper.  I really like the way that turned out and will probably play with this idea more in the future.

The color scheme for this next card was determined by the cause for which it was made.  Teal is the color of the awareness ribbon for Ovarian Cancer. 

I was reading Faith Hofrichter/Markie's Mom's blog last week and learned that she's been battling Ovarian Cancer.  Fortunately, she's in remission, but she's been going through a lot lately with her mother in the hospital, so I wanted to make her a card to let her know I was thinking of her.  I figured MFT's "Think Pink" could just as easily "Think Teal" -- that's the great thing about this set -- it can be tailored to show almost any girlfriend dealing with a condition that you're rooting for her.

Supplies used:

Glorious Mother's Day -- Stamps: Mother's Day by MFT; Paper: Night of Navy, Real Red & Glorious Green (SU!), Georgia Pacific White, gingham dp by Creative Memories; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, Versafine Archival Onyx; Accessories: Nestabilities, Copic Sketch & Spica markers, Glorious Green SU! marker, SU ribbon, Making Memories and Prima flowers, Bling-y Brad from Gina K., Uniball Signo white pen.

Think Teal -- Stamps: Think Pink by MFT; Paper: Taken With Teal, Purely Pomegranate & Soft Sky by SU!, Georgia Pacific White, patterned paper by Close To My Heart; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, Taken With Teal & Purely Pomegranate (SU!); Accessories: Copic Sketch markers, circle punches, SU! scalloped circle punch, SU! ribbon, Nestabilites, foam mounting tape.

Such a Tease!

Who me?  Never.  I prefer to give people what they want...  Just call me the Ado Annie of the stamping world (I do live in Oklahoma, after all).  And what I'm sure you want now?  Another MFTeaser!
I made this for yesterday's SCS Color Challenge to use Cameo Coral, Creamy Caramel, Mellow Moss, and Apricot Appeal.  That Girl from the new My Favorite Things' "Can Ya Dig It?" set is wearing a lovely dress of My Mind's Eye paper and a fetching Creamy Caramel hat whilst patting down her plant.  This is EXACTLY how I dress when I'm gardening.  Or it would be, if I gardened.  But I love these sweet images, and I admire people who garden.   I really think a well-tended garden, be it flower or vegetable, is a thing of extraordinary beauty.  Maybe one of these days...

But first, I've got to get a few *special* things done for tonight's MFT New Release Cocktail Party, which will be tonight from 9-11 in the MFT Member Forum HERE.  You really don't want to miss it.  I'm planning a tribute to my dear friend and surrogate, Cammie...

See you tonight!!

Supplies used -- Stamps: Can Ya Dig It? by MFT; Paper: Cameo Coral, Mellow Moss, Apricot Appeal, Creamy Caramel (by SU!), Georgia Pacific white cardstock, dps by My Mind's Eye; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, Creamy Caramel, Mellow Moss, Soft Sky; Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Prima paper flowers, ribbon, corner rounder, stipple brush, brad.

Take a Bow...

It seems only appropriate that I use the Love Bugs image in my swan song as a Guest Designer for Paper Pretties.
I feel kinda like Wade E. Bug looks -- if only she lived closer, I'd love to present Christie Ortman with a fragrant bouquet and tip my hat to her as I bow out of what has been a delightful experience.  Little did I know when I signed on for these three months that I'd have the opportunity to help launch her brand new stamp company -- what an exciting surprise!  And I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the Prettie Girls and my fellow Guest Designers (Dawn Easton, Danielle Lounds, and Nancy Riley).  It's been great gals!  I will definitely be keeping in touch, and see you at all the Prettie parties!

This card also fulfills a couple of challenges -- today's Bloggers Challenge, which has a theme of Spring Flowers (Lady Bug is holding a flower, has a flower in her hair, and the patterned paper is flowered -- surely that's flowery enough!), and the Limited Supply Challenge for today.  Get what Jen Javorsky came up with us for today: Use unloved embellishments in your stash on a card with flowers.  Okay, I've already argued my case that this card should qualify as a card with flowers.  As for the unloved embellishments?  Check out those whickety wack Karen Foster Boot Loopy Brads -- what was I smoking when I bought those things?!

With all the other challenges going on, I chose to forego a challenge to make a simple, one-layer black and white card.  You know I hate to back down from a challenge, but that one is too cruel and unusual, even for me.

Supplies Used -- Stamps: Love Bugs by Paper Pretties, sentiment from Clear Design Anytime Messages by Hero Arts; Paper: Green Galore & Bashful Blue by SU!, Georgia Pacific White, DCWV Glitter Mat Stack; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, SU! Basic Black; Accessories: Cuttlebug, corner rounder, Copic Sketch & Spica Markers, Karen Foster Boot Loopy Brads, Dimensionals.

Not So Boring...

My submission for today's SCS Sketch Challenge centers around Stamping Bella's Not So Bored Border:
Not only do I love the image because it's just so fun to color, but I love the name of it, too.  Around my house, "bored" is a dirty word.  Seriously. The idea that a person could be bored in this day and age is outrageous!  We have so much at our fingertips to entertain us, let alone work that needs to be done -- boredom is a luxury no one can afford.  Least of all a certain eleven-year-old boy named Truman who knows uttering, "I'm bored!" will get him scooping German Shepherd poop fast enough to make his head spin...

Supplies used -- Stamps: Not So Boring Border by Stamping Bella, sentiment by Rubber Soul; Paper: patterned paper by the Paper Studio, Georgia Pacific White, SU! cardstock in Tempting Turquoise, Basic Black, Certainly Celery, and Cameo Coral; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, Palette Hybrid Noir Black; Accessories: Copic markers, SU! Perfect Layers, pinking shears, Glossy Accents (for flower centers), Dimensionals, Fiskars Texture Plates, ribbon.

I Did it AGAIN!

Why, oh why do I check to see if the next day's Splitcoast Challenge is posted when I'm on my way to bed?!  It's crazy -- I know that 83.62% of the time, I'm going to start thinking about what I might do for the challenge, and then, well, no Sandman for me. 
And when I saw that today's Color Challenge were these soft, elegant colors, then I thought about my brand-spanking new Thinking of You set by Rupa Shevde for Gina K. Designs, resistance was futile.

Otherwise, I'm working on a bunch of different projects that I can't show you yet, and I've got some good news I can't share with you yet, either.  Am I not just so very MYSTERIOUS?!  Why, I'm a veritable riddle wrapped in an enigma!

Supplies used: Stamps: Thinking of You by Rupa Shevde for Gina K. Designs; Paper (all by SU!): Soft Sky, Whisper White, Basic Gray, Soft Sky patterned paper; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, Basic Gray, Soft Sky reinker; Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Bella Baubles, slit punch, ribbon, 3-D Dots.