Mother's Little Helper

SFYTT, Gangnam Style

Good Saturday morning and Happy December, everybody!  Do you have all of your Christmas decorations up and all of your holiday shopping done?  Not me.  I don't have a single decoration up yet, my holiday newsletter and photo of the kids hasn't been written/taken, and I've bought a few gifts, but not many.  In other words, I'm slacking. 

One thing I did prepare for: I bought Carter's Star Wars Lego advent calendar a couple of months ago when I first saw it at Target.  I hid it in the attic, and yesterday he reminded me several times to get it out and set it on his little desk in 'his area' (a bay-windowed nook off of the kitchen where a play table, toys, and his video game/DVD center resides).  He woke up at five a.m. this morning to open the first window.  My bedroom is right off of the main room in our house (see photos from yesterday's post), and somehow, the acoustics are such that if a pin drops anywhere on the first level of our home, it sounds like thunder in the bedroom.  Which means?  I woke up at five a.m. this morning.

 

Anywho - enough about me and my mysterious ways.  It's the first Saturday of the month, which means it's time for a brand-new SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY, created for you by The Sketcher Herself, JEN DEL MURO!  This month, our sponsor is noneother than the #1 stamping website in the world...

Yay!  We all love SCS, do we not?  Splitcoast is generously donating a free Fan Club membership to the winner of the BIG SFYTT DRAWING taking place on Christmas Day (Jen will notify the WINNER on the 25th).

I shan't (<--- hmmm... I think I'll try to see how many times I can use this word today, just for kicks & giggles) keep you in suspense any longer -- here's this month's fabby layout:

And here's what I did with it, using the new SNOW KISSES set from The Cat's Pajamas:

Hang on, little dude!  TCP's penguins are great images to use when you're not feeling like investing a whole lotta time in coloring.  Plus, they're cute & fun, don't you think?  Here's a close-up, in case you need further convincing:

See the fussy cutting around the main image?  Fussy!  See the Stardust Stickles used to embellish his snowflake?  Sparkly!  See the heat-embossed sentiment? Texture-y! All of the papers [with the exception of the pre-scored card base (bought when I first started stamping, and for whatever reason, I'm now on a mission to use them up when I can) and a wee-bit of Copic's X-Press Blending paper for the image] are from Echo Park's Winter Wishes 6"x6" pad.  The three vertical panels behind the image are constructed from felt (TCP), ribbon from my stash, and a paper panel edged-out (is that a paper-crafting term of art or did I just make it up?) with one of TCP's new HOLIDAY TOPPERS CutUps dies.  A bit of Purple Plum Divine Twine finishes it off. 

You'll definitely want to head over to Jen's blog to see what she and this month's delightful Designer of the Month, TANGII CRANE have put together using this month's sketch.  Then, you'll need to pass Go, collect your $200, and take a ride on the Reading Railroad to see what my spectacular SFYTT Sisters have created to inspire you.

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

I'm off to try to get a little bit done today before a big shindig tonight.  Which reminds me: gotta practice my Gangnam-Style-horsie-dancing, dust off my Cupid Shuffle, and stretch so that I can properly Dougie. I'm pretty sure it's also going to have karaoke, so you know I'll need to break out a little 'Love Shack' and 'Tik Tok' (because the party don't start 'til I walk in). I'm open to requests if y'all have any!

 

TCP Sneaky Peek: Merry Everything!

Happy Saturday, friends!  Have you been keeping up with all of the Sneaky Peeks the Cat Pack has revealed since this past Wednesday?  If not, never fear - I'll give you a link at the end of this post where you can get all caught up.  In the meantime, today is SNEAKY PEEK #5, and here's a look-see at tthe new set I'm going to show you...

The darling duo is from the new MERRY EVERYTHING set, and here's what I created with them, using the brand new STAR ROSETTE CutUps die:

Aren't those sharing/caring bunnies precious?  I think so, too.  Speaking of sharing & caring, I'd like to share a bit more with you about this oh-so-special Limited Edition Release from The Cat's Pajamas.  This is the beginning of Alma & TCP's TENTH year in business!  Not too many stamp companies can say that, you know.  So, to celebrate (and to sidestep some of the manufacturing headaches currently taking place in the world o' polymer), this entire release is being produced in Limited Edition RUBBER Cling!  Now, I love my clear stamps, but I am an unabashed HUGE fan of good-old-fashioned RUBBAH!  Nothing makes a crisper, richer imprint, in my humble opinion.  Given the choice between the two, I'll go for rubber, everytime.  But don't just take my (expert) opinion on the matter - let Alma herself convince you, in her own words:

I started making rubber stamps at my dining room table, hand cutting rubber and cushion and attaching them to wood blocks to sell to the local stamp stores where I was teaching 10 years ago. 

So much has happened to stamping in 10 years. But my love of stamping is still going strong. 

So this release, I am excited to celebrate the way The Cat's Pajamas started. With rubber stamps. Not just any rubber stamps. Cling Stamp sets for easy storage and positioning. Perfect for those who love rubber, but also love the convenience and ease of clear. Limited Edition because these stamps are extra special, lovingly assembled at my dining room table. Just like I did 10 years ago. So snap them up, because only a small number will be made. My table is only so big.

And, for those of you shopping from home this weekend, you're not too late to snap up a special sale...

It's our 10th Anniversary and we've decided to give a little something back this year. So on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday you can purchase all our NEW Limited Edition stamp sets and dies EARLY. Yup, that's before the official release. AND we'll give you FREE shipping in the US and FREE International Shipping on all orders over $65. Happy Anniversary from us to you!

Head on over to TCP's Splitcoaststamper's Member Company Forum and visit the Winter Sneaky Peek threads for glimpses of the previous Sneaky Peek sets.  While you're there, you'll also want to stop by the IN IT TO WIN IT thread and say "hi."  Why do you want to do that?  Well, to be eligible to win featured products from this fabulous release, silly! :)

I'll be back before you know it with more yummy SNEAKY PEEKS!  In the meantime, though, let me give you an EXCLUSIVE and personal invitation from me to you.  Mark you calendars!

Supplies used - Stamps: Merry Everything by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Neenah Solar White 110 lb. (TCP), Cranberry Crisp & Crushed Curry (SU!), Copic Blending X-Press cardstock, Reminisce's 'Giftwrapped' patterned paper from its Santa's Workshop line; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Cranberry Crisp (SU!); Accessories: Star Rosette CutUps die (TCP), Jen del Muro's Nov. 2012 SFYTT, Copic markers, PTI New Leaf Grosgrain ribbon, Bow Easy, Star & Tree pins from Little Yellow Bicycle, Jody Morrow's foam boosters.

Long Time, No Me

Hello out there!  It's me!  I'm alive!  I'm sure many of you had given me up for dead, but never fear: I have survived a looong and tiring spring/summer of pediatric orthopedic surgery and its aftermath.  Actually, the aftermath is ongoing (aftermaths have a tendancy to do that, you know), but Carter is doing great.  We still have a ways to go until he is once again walking independently, but his legs and gait are much straighter and he is getting stronger every day.  Now that school is back in session, he uses a walker most of the time to get around, with occasional use of his wheelchair to go the long distances to the cafeteria, etc.  I'm told that its considered a high privilege amongst his classmates to get to be the person who pushes his chair on such occasions.  Leave it to Carter to convert a wheelchair into social currency! 

In case you're interested, here's a recent photo of my beautiful boys, taken on the first day of school (Aug. 9th):

Truman is now a high school sophmore, and Carter is a second grader.  Aren't they a couple of clean cut cuties?  They make their Mama's preppy little heart pitter patter (when they aren't driving her to drink).

And though I haven't done ANY stamping over the summer, I have managed to keep crafty.  Spending so much time in Minnesota (at Gillette Specialty Children's Hospital and the nearby St. Paul Embassy Suites.  Thank the good Lord for the daily Manager's Reception - free wine and snacks!) and Oklahoma City (we did about a month and a half of Lokomat therapy, four days a week, after we returned home from MN) I needed something highly portable that didn't take up a whole lot of space.  Thus, I rediscovered one of my first crafting passions: cross stitch!  I'll show you some of the projects I've finished and am working on in a different post. 

The reason I am posting today, though, is that my buddy Jen del Muro called me yesterday.  We chatted for a while, and I mentioned to her that I had just cleaned off my craft desk after months of using it as the place to pile life's random - how shall I put it? - crap.  With a clean desk, I was feeling the first itch to get inky, and wouldn't you know it: just in time for the brand new SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY!  And guess who the September SFYTT sponsor is?  KRAFTIN' KIMMIE! 

I'm a former Krafty Girl, and I adore Kimmie and all of her wonderful stamps. I especially love the Moonlight Whispers line, illustrated by the AMAZING Annie Rodrique.  Pretty much every month, I'm forced by Annie's talent to purchase a Kimmie Kit because I MUST possess each and every one of her images. Therefore, I have lots and lots of lovely rubber just waiting to get inked up.  It seemed serendipitous that my desire to stamp coincided with KKS's sponsorship, so here I am.  LUCKY FOR YOU! ;)

Enough backstory.  Ready to see this month's SFYTT?  It's a goodie, as usual:

Mr. Carter is turning 8 next Thursday, so I used CURTIS to make him a birthday card...

I'd love to say the idea for using the linen thread (from The Cat's Pajamas) to resemble a fishing line was the result of my own cleverness, but that would be a fib.  I copied the idea from my brilliant buddy, Michele Boyer - here's the card that inspired me.  I did come up with something kinda cute on my own, though.  Check out this little fish hook I created by bending a straight pin...

Not too shabby for a rusty, worn-down-to-a-nubbin stamper like myself!

Make sure you visit Jen's blog to see what she and Designer of the Month, Leslie Good, have created, and then visit my SFYTT Sisters to see what goodness they've put together to inspire you.

• Jen del Muro (you can also get all of the details about how you can participate on Jen's blog)
• Amber Hight
• Amy Sheffer
• Becky Carafa
• Jodi Collins
• Susan Liles
• Jen Tapler
• Megan Lock
• Kerry Johnson
• Tracy Shultz

As for future postings, I'm going to try to post once or twice a week, but probably no more than that.  My vida loca just won't permit it, and I've been told I'm cranky (the nerve!) when I'm stamping on a deadline.  Thus, I'll be keeping it light and aiming for that ever elusive balance.  (I can hear you snickering, you know. I agree; the idea of me and balance is akin to, say, Lady Gaga and demurity. But still. One can try.  Wish me luck!)

 

Supplies - Stamps: Curtis by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps; Paper: Campfire 8 x 8 pad from October Afternoon, Prism Mystic Dark, PTI Ripe Avocado, Copic X-Press Blending Paper; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic Markers, Mini Brads from Queen & Co; Linen Thread from The Cat's Pajamas, Jody Morrow's Foam Boosters, straight pin, PTI ribbon in Ripe Avacado.

You've still got time...

... to participate in the May SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY!

To refresh your memory, here's the current SFYTT:

And here are a couple of cards I made with it...

A mustachio'd masculine birthday card, using THE MUSTACHE SET and the Mustaches and Mustache Slide CutUps dies from The Cat's Pajamas.  And...

A Claremore Zebra themed graduation card using Paper Smooches' ZOO CREW and SMARTY PANTS sets. 

Ready to give it a go?  Then here are the Notes You Need to Know:

Jen and the SFYTT Sisters (no relation to Josie and the Pussycats) will have a new SFYTT and samples for you on Saturday, so be on the lookout.

In the meantime, I'd like to wish MISS MEOWY (aka Alma de la Rosa, owner/illustrator/Creative Cat of THE CAT'S PAJAMAS) a wonderful 29th birthday! (Again.)  She's one of my favorite people in whole wide world - talented, kind, smart, and cool.  In other words, she's the whole shebang.  Love you, Alma!

Now, I'm off to cook and clean - Drunko Bunco's at my house tonight.  We'll promise to keep it down if you promise not to call the cops.  Deal?

 

Quick and Easy ConGRADulations

Good Saturday morning, friends!  I hope you and yours are doing well this fine May day.  I'm writing a little drive-by blog post before I hit the shower and then face the laundry.  *sigh*  Perhaps I should hit the laundry first, though, because I think I may be out of clean underware.  TMI?  Yeah, sorry about that...

Anywho - Claremore High School had it's graduation this week, and as Truman gets older, we seem to know more and more graduating seniors.  I've got a stack of announcements I need to respond, so I thought I'd better get cracking on an easily mass-produced card.  Fortunately, this month's Sketch For You to Try is perfect for the image and paper I wanted to use.  Yay!

Here's another look at this month's SFYTT...

I think I've mentioned once or a hundred times that our school system's mascot is the Zebra.  You can't imagine the squeal I made when I saw this ADORABLE zebra from Paper Smooches' Zoo Crew set:

Hee - aren't his/her eyes so expressive?  Kim Hughes is just the best (as an illustrator AND a person - love her!).  The sentiment is from Paper Smooches' Smarty Pants set.  I first stamped it out under the zebra in Marvy Matchables Black (my FAVORITE black ink for coverage when you don't need to color the image in with Copics.  It smears with Copics, but it's fabulous in all other respects - rich and deep).  Then, I stamped it once more with SU! Real Red, cut out 'grad,' and popped it up on top of the background sentiment with one of Jody's Foam Boosters.  See...

Now that I look at it, you can see one of the pink liners from the foam boosters on the patterned paper to the left of the image panel.  I could reshoot the photos, but I think I'm just going to chalk it up to wabi sabi. 

Even though it's pretty clean and simple, I did add a few things for texture and visual interest: the black cardstock is embossed with a Cuttlebug dots embossing folder, I Corner Chomped several of the corners, and I added a bit of red and white twine from The Twinery (gifted to me by Cammie Camster).  Easy but sweet, and I should be able to create a half-dozen or so within an hour now that I have the prototype.

Ready to see more second-takes on this month's SFYTT?  Then be sure to visit my SFYTT Sisters who are also making new cards with the May sketch today:

• Jen del Muro (you can also get all of the details about how you can participate on Jen's blog)
• Jodi Collins
• Susan Liles
• Jen Tapler
• Tracy Shultz

Thanks again to SKIPPING STONES DESIGN for sponsoring this month's SFYTT.  And thanks to you for coming by to visit me! :)

A Fan-STACHE-tic May Sketch For You To Try

Happy Cinco de Mayo, mi amigas!  I hope today brings you mariachi music, guacamole and margaritas!  What I'm certain it will bring you: a brand new Sketch For You To Try!  Olé!

 (Note: that small introductory paragraph used four - count 'em, four - exclamation points.  One for each brief sentence.  I fear I've used my exclamation quota up for this entire post in a single outburst; I've shot my punctuation wad, so to speak.  And yet, I know I'll type a few more exclamations as this post goes forward.  Despite knowing that exclamation points should be used rarely and with discretion in good writing, I like 'em and use them with what some might call "annoying frequency."  Can I help it?  I suppose I could, but here's the deal: I write like I speak, and I'm an enthusiastic gal. Besides, it's my blog, and if I want to use dozens of exclamation points per post, that's my and Bobby Brown's prerogative. When Bobby tells me I have to lay off the exclamation points, I shall do so willingly.  Until then: !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

So, um, where was I?  Oh yeah! (<--- exclamation point) May's new SFYTT!  This month, the SFYTT is sponsored by SKIPPING STONES DESIGN.

With all of the hullaballo surrounding Carter's surgery over the past couple of months, I was distracted and forgot to submit my choice for a sponsor set.  However, I know from seeing SSD images all around the stamping blogosphere that they have tons of beautiful and fun stamps in all sorts of styles.  Definitely check them out - you'll be glad you did. :)

Here's the new sketch Jen's put together to challenge and inspire you this month - I'm pretty sure I'll be adding it to my 'Go-To' sketch file...

And here's what I made with it, using The Cat's Pajamas' F-U-N & fabulous new THE MUSTACHE SET:

In addition to The Mustache Set, I also used TCP's funky new MUSTACHES CutUps die to cut the big mustache out of felt.  I liked that furry 'stache so much, I decided to thread a strip of felt through the lower sketch strip, using the oh-so-innovative-&-creative MUSTACHE SLIDE CutUps die.  (I can't help but giggle when I think of the name of that die.  Then my mind starts to wander, and I start singing in my head "Why don't you come with me, little girl, on a magic mustache slide?")

Look, Ma!  It lays flat for easy mailing!

My color scheme was inspired by this week's TCP Tuesday Color Challenge, hosted by the lovely Lori Tecler:

For info about how to play along in this week's challenge, see THIS POST on Alma's blog. Other card supplies include patterned paper from Pink Paislee's Hometown Summer 6"x6" collection, Prism's Intense Kiwi cardstock, Marvy Matchables black ink, Cuttlebug Argyle embossing folder, Tim Holtz mini stapler, Corner Chomper, and foam boosters from Jody Morrow's sticky stuff store.

You'll definitely want to visit JEN'S BLOG to see how The Sketcher Herself and our Designer of the Month, ANNIE ROSENSTIEL, used this month's sketch.  And it goes without saying you'll want to visit my superlative SFYTT Sisters to see what sort of splendor they've created for your viewing pleasure. 

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

and our newest Sister, Tracy Shultz!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I must take leave to celebrate Mexican heritage and pride...

 

Exciting News!

Hi, friends!  Long time, no see.  My life has been turned upside down (not in a terrible way - just in an "I can't find my behind with both hands" way - since we've come home after Carter's surgery). Still, I couldn't NOT be a part of sharing this F-U-N May Day news.  Are you ready for it?  Let me break it down for all you visual learners out there...

+

 

= Stamping Heaven!

That's right - YOUR NEXT STAMP is Splitcoaststampers' newest MEMBER COMPANY!!!  To celebrate, the YNS Design Team and a few special friends are throwing this celebratory blog hop.  Again, for the visual learners...

We have 3 hidden prizes along the way, so make sure you comment on all of the participating blogs for your best chance to win! Here’s the hop list:

Dana- http://gotjoycreations.blogspot.ca/

Kerri- http://cardsbykerri.blogspot.ca/

Cabio - guest - http://cabioscraftcorner.blogspot.ca/

Carole- http://motherslittlehelper.typepad.com/

Diana- http://doodledeedesigns.blogspot.ca/

Veronica- http://lk2thestarz.blogspot.ca/

Jen D- http://iheart2stamp.com/

Jen R- http://www.tennisgirl27.blogspot.ca/

Kelli - guest - http://stampingwithadream.blogspot.ca/

Susan- http://www.susiestampalot.com/

Wendy- http://sugarpea-designs.blogspot.ca/

Peggy- http://cardcrazy.wordpress.com/

Lydia - guest- http://understandblue.blogspot.com/

Jenny P- http://mylittlestampinspot.blogspot.ca/

Karen- http://yournextstamp.blogspot.ca/

The hop will run from today, May 1st at 8:00 am (EST) until Sunday, May 6th at midnight (EST). Winners will be announced Monday, May 7th on the Your Next Stamp Blog  and the YNS Splitcoaststampers  forum.

Now, because of my aforementioned haywire life, I know you won't mind me showing you a little something that has been viewed by human eyes before, but never on this blog. So it IS new for the hop, in a way.  Please let me retain my illusions/delusions for the moment, okay?  Mama's sanity is hangin' by the most slender of threads at uno momento and you don't want to be responsible for sending me over the edge, do you?  Let me tell you, my edge of reason ain't pretty.  For example, yesterday my eldest (15 year old) son and I were... having words.  We managed to come through it in a civilized fashion, but I did warn him that next time, I would be taking his phone away from him and taking him on a little drive.  We'd go for about 5 miles to a remote - but scenic - country road, and then I would be dropping him off.  He could then spend an enjoyable couple of hours finding his way home and thinking about ways to avoid similar situations in the future.  He said, "You wouldn't really do that, would you?" 

My answer: "Trust me. Or find out the hard way. It's up to you, buddy."

Anywho... enough o' my rambling.  If you want more crazy talk, there's always the monthly CCC - CAROLE'S CREATIVE COMMOTION - which occurs on the YNS Blog on the 18th of every month. (How's that for wrapping up a tangent with a tidy little bow?)  And speaking of the CCC, here's what I made for my last CCC post, using the cute new ELLIE LOVES LATTE set:

(I used the April Sketch For You To Try as my blueprint, by the way. :) )

Karen - YNS's lovely owner and just an all-around-awesome gal - is also in the process of moving, so YNS is having a HUGE moving sale!  You'll want to shop early to get all of the stamps and dies you want at fantastic prices because quantities are limited. Don't forget to check out the Bargain and Retired Stamp Bins on the YNS site, too, for savings of up to 70% off!

Ready for more YNS goodness?  Then hop along to the delightful DIANA'S BLOG for something special.  And don't forget to stop by and visit us in YNS's SCS MEMBER COMPANY FORUM!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here we are, close up...

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

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

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

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

 

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.

Happy March, friends!  I love March - spring is in sight, and it's the one year of the month that my favorite color is most in style.  It's also Cerebral Palsy Awareness month - a cause near and dear to my heart.  Another reason to love March?  Jen's got a fab new SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY!  Check it out...

This month's SFYTT is sponsored by THE CRAFT'S MEOW - take a look at TCM icon, Little Frieda, peeking from behind the curtains... isn't she a doll?

I had the pleasure of meeting TCM ownder, Lisa Hjulberg, at CHA in January, and she is a delight.  I'm so thrilled to be playing with one of her brand new sets, SEW LOVELY.  It's chock full of vintage/retro goodness. I promise you, if I didn't already have this set in my hot little (actually, they're cold and big-knuckled, but that that's a tale for another day...) hands, I'd definitely be buying it ASAP.  Here's what I did with it, using this months SFYTT:

Doesn't the gal in the image look just like me, as I stand near my dress form, with my pearls and swingy flip-do? (Nod your head.)  When I looked at the images, I just had to reach for my Material Girl by Cosmo Cricket 6"x6" pad of patterned paper - an oldie but a goodie.  I think, subconsciously, whenever I pick the main background patterned paper, I gravitate towards the brightest color to use as my main accent color.  Hence the turquoise cardstock, ribbon, and flocked brads.  The ivory panels were all sponged with Wild Honey Distress Ink.  The image and sentiment were stamped in SU! Ruby Red Ink. A little sewing was also required, as was the tiny clothes pin. 

I've gone on the record about the necessity of signing one's cards, so I was giddy to find this image was part of set - take a look at my backside...

Be sure to visit Jen's blog to see what she and the Designer of the Month, ROSEMARY DENNIS, have put together to inspire you.  You'll also want to swing by my SFYTT Sisters blogs to see what sensational stuff they have up their sleeves:

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

Before I let you go, I have to share a picture of my favorite little wizard, all dressed up for Book Character Day at his school yesterday.  He definitely has me under his spell. :)

And here's the skinny re: how you can participate in this month's SFYTT.  Keep 'em coming all through the year, and you'll be eligible to win a HUGE prize package in December.  (And, as fast as this year is flying by, December will be here before we know it!)

Hi, all.  Just a quick post to show you another card made with this month's Sketch For You to Try, using an image by this month's sponsor, Your Next Stamp.

Those of you long-time readers are familiar with this particular motif...

If you don't know what motif I'm referring to, then head on over to the YNS blog for this month's CAROLE'S CREATIVE COMMOTION post, where you'll learn about a certain fetish I have and have a chance to win this cute little sheep (appropriately called 'Cute Sheep') image for yourself. 

There's still plenty of time to submit an entry for this month's SFYTT.  You know, Jen picks the Designer of the Month from participants, so git 'r' done!  Here's the sketch you'll need:

Karen of YNS has generously extended the following offer to all of this month's SFYTT participants:

For more 'take 2s' on this month's SFYTT, be sure to visit these SFYTT Sisters, who have something special to show you:

Jodi
Susan
Jen T.
Kerry

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

('cause LOVE RULES at the Lo-o-ove Shack!)

Thank you for letting me get that out of my system.  Now I can proceed...

Proceed to what, you ask?  Why, to the brand-new, February SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY! Here it is, in all of its pink,gray & black glory:

This month's SFYTT sponsor is a goodie -- one you know I {heart} -- YOUR NEXT STAMP! Yay!

YNS owner Karen Dedman is cool, classy, sweet & sassy -- a plethora of positive personality traits, wouldn't you agree? Her stamps are all that, too. Plus a bag of chips. And they come in more than 31 flavors. What else can I say?  A lot, I'm sure, but it would be redundant and frankly, I'm a busy gal¹. Ain't got time for such nonsense and what not. You hear what I'm sayin'? Anyway, look at what Karen has for you SFYTT partipants this month. Isn't she a gem?

I made a little somethin'-somethin' in tribute to my all-time # 1 go-to karaoke song^2,3.  Check it out:

You know what that is?  A funky little shack -- FUNKY LITTLE SHACK! ;)  I used YNS's LOVE SHACK set (isn't it darling?), and paper pieced the shack with some woodgrain digi paper from Crystal Wilkerson (printed out on regular ol' printer paper, because why not).  The image comes with the "Love Shack" sentiment, but to make it lyrically appropriate, I added "baby" from PTI's Limitless Label set.  The heart die cuts were made using Lil' Inker Designs fun new Of The Heart die.  I bought a Corner Chomper recently, hence the rounded corners⁴. The gray panel was embossed with Paper Studio(aka Hobby Lobby)'s Woodgrain embossing folder. The heart patterned paper is from Echo Park's Yours Truly 6"x6" pad.

It even lays fairly flat, thanks to keeping the layers and embellishments to a minimum. No worries about extra postage, damage during transit, or fitting in an envelope, which makes me happy. :) Just a few of Jody's Foam Boosters for a tiny bit o' dimension. 

Ready to see what The Sketcher Herself, JEN DEL MURO and the Designer of the Month, ANGELA THOMAS, have put together?  Then head on over to Jen's blog, where you'll also want to add your versions of this month's SFYTT⁵. And, of course, you'll want to check out what my fantabulous SFYTT Sisters have put together to make you ooh and aah:

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

Footnotes

1.  Seriously, if you knew what I had on my plate right now, you would cry for me.  And then you would kick me.  Then, because I'm testy from having so much on my plate, I would kick you back.  Then it would be a brawl and get ugly.  Thus, out of mutual respect and affection, I will restrain myself and not list out what I have to do before I leave town on Tuesday. (I could put a footnote here about my upcoming trip, but footnotes within footnotes are tiresome even to me.  That's a post for another day.  See?  You have something to look forward to, which should make you think twice about wanting to kick me...)

2.  It really is my go-to karaoke song, and I have sung it on stages and in homes all across this country.  From Florida to Las Vegas and several places in between.  I can sing it in any arrangement, but I prefer to sing it as a duet, where I take the Fred Schneider part and someone else (preferably Kristi Mallett, as so far, she is the only person I've sung it with who knows the song well enough to do it justice. For those of you who don't know her, she's one of my BFFs, the wife of Class Act Brad, and soon to be my next-door-neighbor. Heaven help her...) take the girls' parts.  There are times, however, when I've been forced to take matters into my own hands and push to the background those who don't take their responsibilities to the audience seriously.  Yes, Janette, Cindy, and Tammy: I am talking to you.  Fortunately, I don't think any of you know I have a blog. {hee}

 

3.  I also do a mean Tik-Tok by Ke$ha (after all, the party don't start 'til I walk in...), but that requires serious beverages ahead o' time.  By the way - all this karaoke talk does NOT mean that I can sing.  I can't.  But -- say it with me, now -- what I lack in talent, I make up for in ENTHUSIASM! Good karaoke doesn't require (and sometimes prohibits) good singing, it merely requires COMMITMENT. If you're going to grab the mic, don't act shy and embarrassed. Go big, or sit down.  And that's all I have to say about that.

 

4. Rounded corners may show up frequently for a while, thanks to my new tool.  I like anything that makes me say "CHOMP" as it reminds me of those old commercials re: my beloved McRib.  CHOMP!

5.

I love how January seems like a fresh new start on everything, don't you? For example, today I've got fresh-from-the-oven stamps and dies from THE CAT'S PAJAMAS to show you, as well as a hot-off-the-press SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY. Whoopie!

+

=

Don't you agree?

Coincidentally, TCP is also the sponsor for this first SFYTT of 2012.  Thanks, Alma!

Ready to see this month's sketch?  I know you are...

Here's what I did with it, using today's Sneaky Peek set, BUNNY SIDE UP...

I used lots of TCP's CutUps dies on this little number, including the fresh, new EGGS IN A BASKET and QUEEN OF HEARTS BORDER. You can also spy TCP's swanky GRASS and CLOUD BORDER CutUps dies. Love!

My little scene is going to be easy to slip in the mail, too.  I always like it when I can pull that off...

Be sure to visit The Sketcher Herself, JEN DEL MURO's blog, as well as my SFYTT Sisters, to see how they've used TCP stamps to interpret this month's sketch:

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

And, remember, you've got a fresh start on the SFYTT annual challenge.  Use every sketch during its month, and you'll be eligible to win a H-U-G-E prize package worth over $250 worth of stamps, gift certificates, and a 1 year subscription to the Splitcoaststampers' Fan Club.  Here are all of the details:

For direct links to all of the Cat-Packers giving Sneaky Peeks of the adorable BUNNY SIDE UP set, visit Alma's blog. All of the new TCP stamps and dies will be released and available to the public on Tuesday, January 10th. Want to win this cute Easter bunny for free?  Then just leave a comment on today's IN IT TO WIN IT thread within TCP's Member Company forum on Splitcoast.

Okay, peeps.  That's all I've got for you today!  Thanks for stopping by to see me, and have a wonderful weekend.  See you soon! :)

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gretel Burrage, 2002-2011

Rest In Peace, Good Girl

You've been waiting patiently, and at last, it's Release Day for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  And, as always, we Krafty Girls and Guests are celebrating with a blog hop.  The hop started at the KKS Challenge blog, with lots of lovely stops.  If you're hopping along in order (and you really should - so many gorgeous creations!) you should have come here from the blog of one of our Krafty Guests, the hilarious and talented JENNY PETERSON (I love that gal! Seriously. She's one of my favorite new designers in the world o' stamping. You MUST check her out. That's an order, soldier).

I'm sure you've got the details down by now, but just to summarize: as usual, Kraftin' Kimmie has something for everyone this month!

• Cheryl Alger's new SNIPS & SNAILS set for all the little guys in your life
• Emilie Goulet's CANINE CAPERS 1 & 2 sets for all the dog lovers in the hizzy
• Six new GOTHIC GIRLS from Annie Rodrigue's Moonlight Whispers line
• and BONUS!  The release of the heretofore Krafty Day Exclusive BEST FRIENDS stamp, illustrated by Annie Rodrigue

It's enough to make your head spin with delight, is it not? Well, steady yourself, because I've got another of Annie's Gothic Girls to share with you.  This cute little gal is named BELLA...

I kicked it old school and did a little faux stitching around the image layer; it's been a while since I pulled that one out of my bag o' tricks! Here's a closer look at the lovely Miss Bella...

Isn't she darling?  Perfect for the cat lovers in your life.  Looking for an all-purpose friendship stamp?  Then look no further than BEST FRIENDS; I lurve this stamp! Here's a little number I made with it for Krafty Day, last month:

(Just noticed I used the same sketch for both cards!  It's October's Sketch For You To Try, and obviously, I likey... :) )

It's time to send you onward, to the oh-so-marvelous MELANIE's blog.  Just a reminder before you leave me, though.  Be sure to leave comments at all of the stops on the hop to be eligible for the drawing for packages of NEW stamps; two lucky commenters will win lots o' images, free of charge!  And when you get done with the hop, skeedaddle to the Kraftin' Kimmie Shop because all of the new images are NOW available! :)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here we are, close up...

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

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

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

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

 

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.

March Sketch For You To Try

Happy March, friends!  I love March - spring is in sight, and it's the one year of the month that my favorite color is most in style.  It's also Cerebral Palsy Awareness month - a cause near and dear to my heart.  Another reason to love March?  Jen's got a fab new SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY!  Check it out...

This month's SFYTT is sponsored by THE CRAFT'S MEOW - take a look at TCM icon, Little Frieda, peeking from behind the curtains... isn't she a doll?

I had the pleasure of meeting TCM ownder, Lisa Hjulberg, at CHA in January, and she is a delight.  I'm so thrilled to be playing with one of her brand new sets, SEW LOVELY.  It's chock full of vintage/retro goodness. I promise you, if I didn't already have this set in my hot little (actually, they're cold and big-knuckled, but that that's a tale for another day...) hands, I'd definitely be buying it ASAP.  Here's what I did with it, using this months SFYTT:

Doesn't the gal in the image look just like me, as I stand near my dress form, with my pearls and swingy flip-do? (Nod your head.)  When I looked at the images, I just had to reach for my Material Girl by Cosmo Cricket 6"x6" pad of patterned paper - an oldie but a goodie.  I think, subconsciously, whenever I pick the main background patterned paper, I gravitate towards the brightest color to use as my main accent color.  Hence the turquoise cardstock, ribbon, and flocked brads.  The ivory panels were all sponged with Wild Honey Distress Ink.  The image and sentiment were stamped in SU! Ruby Red Ink. A little sewing was also required, as was the tiny clothes pin. 

I've gone on the record about the necessity of signing one's cards, so I was giddy to find this image was part of set - take a look at my backside...

Be sure to visit Jen's blog to see what she and the Designer of the Month, ROSEMARY DENNIS, have put together to inspire you.  You'll also want to swing by my SFYTT Sisters blogs to see what sensational stuff they have up their sleeves:

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

Before I let you go, I have to share a picture of my favorite little wizard, all dressed up for Book Character Day at his school yesterday.  He definitely has me under his spell. :)

And here's the skinny re: how you can participate in this month's SFYTT.  Keep 'em coming all through the year, and you'll be eligible to win a HUGE prize package in December.  (And, as fast as this year is flying by, December will be here before we know it!)

February SFYTT, Take 2

Hi, all.  Just a quick post to show you another card made with this month's Sketch For You to Try, using an image by this month's sponsor, Your Next Stamp.

Those of you long-time readers are familiar with this particular motif...

If you don't know what motif I'm referring to, then head on over to the YNS blog for this month's CAROLE'S CREATIVE COMMOTION post, where you'll learn about a certain fetish I have and have a chance to win this cute little sheep (appropriately called 'Cute Sheep') image for yourself. 

There's still plenty of time to submit an entry for this month's SFYTT.  You know, Jen picks the Designer of the Month from participants, so git 'r' done!  Here's the sketch you'll need:

Karen of YNS has generously extended the following offer to all of this month's SFYTT participants:

For more 'take 2s' on this month's SFYTT, be sure to visit these SFYTT Sisters, who have something special to show you:

Jodi
Susan
Jen T.
Kerry

Have a wonderful weekend, friends!

Stay Away, Fools!

('cause LOVE RULES at the Lo-o-ove Shack!)

Thank you for letting me get that out of my system.  Now I can proceed...

Proceed to what, you ask?  Why, to the brand-new, February SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY! Here it is, in all of its pink,gray & black glory:

This month's SFYTT sponsor is a goodie -- one you know I {heart} -- YOUR NEXT STAMP! Yay!

YNS owner Karen Dedman is cool, classy, sweet & sassy -- a plethora of positive personality traits, wouldn't you agree? Her stamps are all that, too. Plus a bag of chips. And they come in more than 31 flavors. What else can I say?  A lot, I'm sure, but it would be redundant and frankly, I'm a busy gal¹. Ain't got time for such nonsense and what not. You hear what I'm sayin'? Anyway, look at what Karen has for you SFYTT partipants this month. Isn't she a gem?

I made a little somethin'-somethin' in tribute to my all-time # 1 go-to karaoke song^2,3.  Check it out:

You know what that is?  A funky little shack -- FUNKY LITTLE SHACK! ;)  I used YNS's LOVE SHACK set (isn't it darling?), and paper pieced the shack with some woodgrain digi paper from Crystal Wilkerson (printed out on regular ol' printer paper, because why not).  The image comes with the "Love Shack" sentiment, but to make it lyrically appropriate, I added "baby" from PTI's Limitless Label set.  The heart die cuts were made using Lil' Inker Designs fun new Of The Heart die.  I bought a Corner Chomper recently, hence the rounded corners⁴. The gray panel was embossed with Paper Studio(aka Hobby Lobby)'s Woodgrain embossing folder. The heart patterned paper is from Echo Park's Yours Truly 6"x6" pad.

It even lays fairly flat, thanks to keeping the layers and embellishments to a minimum. No worries about extra postage, damage during transit, or fitting in an envelope, which makes me happy. :) Just a few of Jody's Foam Boosters for a tiny bit o' dimension. 

Ready to see what The Sketcher Herself, JEN DEL MURO and the Designer of the Month, ANGELA THOMAS, have put together?  Then head on over to Jen's blog, where you'll also want to add your versions of this month's SFYTT⁵. And, of course, you'll want to check out what my fantabulous SFYTT Sisters have put together to make you ooh and aah:

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

Footnotes

1.  Seriously, if you knew what I had on my plate right now, you would cry for me.  And then you would kick me.  Then, because I'm testy from having so much on my plate, I would kick you back.  Then it would be a brawl and get ugly.  Thus, out of mutual respect and affection, I will restrain myself and not list out what I have to do before I leave town on Tuesday. (I could put a footnote here about my upcoming trip, but footnotes within footnotes are tiresome even to me.  That's a post for another day.  See?  You have something to look forward to, which should make you think twice about wanting to kick me...)

2.  It really is my go-to karaoke song, and I have sung it on stages and in homes all across this country.  From Florida to Las Vegas and several places in between.  I can sing it in any arrangement, but I prefer to sing it as a duet, where I take the Fred Schneider part and someone else (preferably Kristi Mallett, as so far, she is the only person I've sung it with who knows the song well enough to do it justice. For those of you who don't know her, she's one of my BFFs, the wife of Class Act Brad, and soon to be my next-door-neighbor. Heaven help her...) take the girls' parts.  There are times, however, when I've been forced to take matters into my own hands and push to the background those who don't take their responsibilities to the audience seriously.  Yes, Janette, Cindy, and Tammy: I am talking to you.  Fortunately, I don't think any of you know I have a blog. {hee}

 

3.  I also do a mean Tik-Tok by Ke$ha (after all, the party don't start 'til I walk in...), but that requires serious beverages ahead o' time.  By the way - all this karaoke talk does NOT mean that I can sing.  I can't.  But -- say it with me, now -- what I lack in talent, I make up for in ENTHUSIASM! Good karaoke doesn't require (and sometimes prohibits) good singing, it merely requires COMMITMENT. If you're going to grab the mic, don't act shy and embarrassed. Go big, or sit down.  And that's all I have to say about that.

 

4. Rounded corners may show up frequently for a while, thanks to my new tool.  I like anything that makes me say "CHOMP" as it reminds me of those old commercials re: my beloved McRib.  CHOMP!

5.

New Year, New Stamps, New SFYTT!

I love how January seems like a fresh new start on everything, don't you? For example, today I've got fresh-from-the-oven stamps and dies from THE CAT'S PAJAMAS to show you, as well as a hot-off-the-press SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY. Whoopie!

+

=

Don't you agree?

Coincidentally, TCP is also the sponsor for this first SFYTT of 2012.  Thanks, Alma!

Ready to see this month's sketch?  I know you are...

Here's what I did with it, using today's Sneaky Peek set, BUNNY SIDE UP...

I used lots of TCP's CutUps dies on this little number, including the fresh, new EGGS IN A BASKET and QUEEN OF HEARTS BORDER. You can also spy TCP's swanky GRASS and CLOUD BORDER CutUps dies. Love!

My little scene is going to be easy to slip in the mail, too.  I always like it when I can pull that off...

Be sure to visit The Sketcher Herself, JEN DEL MURO's blog, as well as my SFYTT Sisters, to see how they've used TCP stamps to interpret this month's sketch:

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

And, remember, you've got a fresh start on the SFYTT annual challenge.  Use every sketch during its month, and you'll be eligible to win a H-U-G-E prize package worth over $250 worth of stamps, gift certificates, and a 1 year subscription to the Splitcoaststampers' Fan Club.  Here are all of the details:

For direct links to all of the Cat-Packers giving Sneaky Peeks of the adorable BUNNY SIDE UP set, visit Alma's blog. All of the new TCP stamps and dies will be released and available to the public on Tuesday, January 10th. Want to win this cute Easter bunny for free?  Then just leave a comment on today's IN IT TO WIN IT thread within TCP's Member Company forum on Splitcoast.

Okay, peeps.  That's all I've got for you today!  Thanks for stopping by to see me, and have a wonderful weekend.  See you soon! :)

 

December Sketch For You to Try ~ Hi-Ya!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gretel Burrage, 2002-2011

Rest In Peace, Good Girl

Kraftin' Kimmie New Release Blog Hop!

You've been waiting patiently, and at last, it's Release Day for Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps!  And, as always, we Krafty Girls and Guests are celebrating with a blog hop.  The hop started at the KKS Challenge blog, with lots of lovely stops.  If you're hopping along in order (and you really should - so many gorgeous creations!) you should have come here from the blog of one of our Krafty Guests, the hilarious and talented JENNY PETERSON (I love that gal! Seriously. She's one of my favorite new designers in the world o' stamping. You MUST check her out. That's an order, soldier).

I'm sure you've got the details down by now, but just to summarize: as usual, Kraftin' Kimmie has something for everyone this month!

• Cheryl Alger's new SNIPS & SNAILS set for all the little guys in your life
• Emilie Goulet's CANINE CAPERS 1 & 2 sets for all the dog lovers in the hizzy
• Six new GOTHIC GIRLS from Annie Rodrigue's Moonlight Whispers line
• and BONUS!  The release of the heretofore Krafty Day Exclusive BEST FRIENDS stamp, illustrated by Annie Rodrigue

It's enough to make your head spin with delight, is it not? Well, steady yourself, because I've got another of Annie's Gothic Girls to share with you.  This cute little gal is named BELLA...

I kicked it old school and did a little faux stitching around the image layer; it's been a while since I pulled that one out of my bag o' tricks! Here's a closer look at the lovely Miss Bella...

Isn't she darling?  Perfect for the cat lovers in your life.  Looking for an all-purpose friendship stamp?  Then look no further than BEST FRIENDS; I lurve this stamp! Here's a little number I made with it for Krafty Day, last month:

(Just noticed I used the same sketch for both cards!  It's October's Sketch For You To Try, and obviously, I likey... :) )

It's time to send you onward, to the oh-so-marvelous MELANIE's blog.  Just a reminder before you leave me, though.  Be sure to leave comments at all of the stops on the hop to be eligible for the drawing for packages of NEW stamps; two lucky commenters will win lots o' images, free of charge!  And when you get done with the hop, skeedaddle to the Kraftin' Kimmie Shop because all of the new images are NOW available! :)