Mother's Little Helper

Taylored Expressions December Sneak Peek: Shine Bright and Dig In

Happy Hump Day, hermanas!  It's Day 2 of Taylored Expressions' Petite-a-Palooza, so I've got a couple more mini-stamp sets that come with coordinating dies to show you. Just because we call this year-end celebration "Petite-a-Palooza" doesn't mean it's small, though. Fourteen brand new petite sets (all with coordinating dies) will be released tomorrow, one of which is the oh-so-elegant SHINE BRIGHT.  Take a look...

For this pink & black girly number, I used a glossy black cardstock against a hot pink background to make it pop.  The multicolored glitter (it's called "Nebula Opaque" and is by Barbara Trombley's Art Glitter) was heat set using VersaMark watermark ink and glue powder.  The wrought-iron like back ground was a cinch to create using TE's Circles Cutting Plate.  Here's a closer look at the chandelier:

Oooh... sparkly!

Now for something a little less feminine -- a set called DIG IN that features two big pieces of construction equipment that comes with two dies.  I don't know what they're called -- diggers? -- see if you can identify them:

I focused my project on the little safety cone, and came up with this for a young pup who will soon be turning the Big Four-Oh...

The cones were colored in with Copic Markers, lightly shaded with a white Prismacolor pencil, then numbered using a Copic Multiliner.

And since we're on the subject of young pups, petite items, and diggers, I'll take this opportunity to show you that new family member I alluded to in a post last week.  Meet Miss DAISY!

Ain't she a cutie full o' charm?  She kinda resembles our Sweet Pea, don't you think?

There's actually a reason for that; I guess you can say I have "a type" (just like my friend Kim, whom I mentioned in yesterday's post.  BTW, in response to my post, Kim informed me that she now has a FIFTH black cat for a total of SIX cats... +2!)  

As I was saying before I distracted myself, the rescue organization we adopted Sweet Pea from (Zoi's Animal Rescue) sent me Daisy's picture when they found her all by her lonesome, wandering the streets of Tulsa, suffering from ringworm and covered in fleas. How could we resist?!  She's made a full recovery and is now a chunky little mix of mischief and delight.  We've had her for a little over 3 weeks now, and we think she's probably around 10 weeks or so.

Ready for more cuteness?  I know you are! Then head on over to these lovely ladies sites to see what they've got up their sleeves for you.  I'll see you tomorrow (same Bat Channel, same Bat Time) for Release Day!

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Courtney Kelley
• Jen Shults
• Joan Ervin
• Kerri Michaud
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess

Supplies used for Shine Bright card from the TE store:

*label stacklets 7	*circles cutting plate	*memento tuxedo black full pad	*best glue ever
*precision applicator metal tip	*metal adapter shim

InLinkz.com

Supplies used for Dig In card from the TE store:

*choice black cardstock	*choice snow white cardstock	*best glue ever	*copic markers
*precision applicator metal tip

InLinkz.com

Taylored Expressions December Sneak Peek: Joe To-Go and Max & Muffin

Bonjour, mon petit chous! I'm going to skip the chit-chat today and get down to bidness. Mama's on a tight deadline and doesn't have time for her typical foolishness. Besides, I've got a couple of cute projects to show you using Taylored Expressions' newest goodies for December, and perhaps they'll inspire you to change your naughty ways in time for Santa to bring them to you for Christmas. Then again, if you're like me, you might just say "{Expletive deleted} Santa -- I'll buy 'em for myself, and be naughty, anyways.  Who does he think he is, sitting up there in the North Pole, lazing around all year long but for one day?  He has hundreds of slaves (that he euphemistically refers to as "elves") do all the dirty work, and he gets all the credit. Poor Mrs. Claus does nothing of note but feed his fat can, and he has the nerve to think he can judge me?"

(Okay, obviously I have enough time for a little foolishness...)

This month is Taylored Expressions' Third Annual PETITE-A-PALOOZA! We're celebrating the end of another great year by releasing 14 petite sets, all of which come with coordinating dies. Woot!

When I saw the new JOE TO-GO set, I knew I wanted to pull out a couple of items from my stash that I'd been hoarding for just such an auspicious occasion.  First off, take a look at this paper from We R Memory Keepers. It was released a couple of years ago. See if you can tell why it might be special to moi:

Give up? The map on the paper is actually an old map of the state of Oklahoma, minus the panhandle (sorry all you folks out there in Beaver and Hooker, OK. Yes, those are actually towns in Oklahoma and you should not be surprised that I have good friends from both those places. They are wonderful people, but I can't deny the fact that they come from Beaver and Hooker makes me like 'em even better). 

Random, but awesome, right?!  And lookie here, up in the northeastern part of the state.  There's little old Rogers County, and Claremore, my hometown!

Anywho, just had to share that bit o' trivia with y'all.  I decided to actually cut into this paper (don't worry, I have a couple more sheets of it, at least one of which will remain pristine) to create a travel coffee mug using one of the many photo tumblers I purchased at Hobby Lobby on a hoarding kick years ago.

Several stamped and die-cut coffee-with-cozy cups later, and here's my tumbler insert:

The final product...

My so-sweet-and-creamer-y coffee will taste even more like dessert when I drink it out of this mug!

Next up is the new MAX & MUFFIN set, concept by our very own uber-talented Jen Shults (she of the Deconstructed Sketch fame, among other myriad accomplishments). These two cute kitties reminded me of a very dear friend of mine who has FIVE cats, four of whom are black. You might think she's just a crazy cat lady, but she also happens to be happily married, the mother of two smart and beautiful daughters, and the founder/owner/operator of a very successful small business that has around a dozen full-time employees. And at least her animal hoarding is done with a conscience: her cats were all adopted from shelters, and the reason so many are black?  Because black cats have the hardest time finding homes to adopt them. 

This card was made especially for my wonderful friend, Kim (whom many of you might know better as "The MFT Lady." I'd link you to her blog, but this is a TE post, after all, and that would be a weird sort of cross-promotion/worlds-colliding kind-of-thing I'd prefer to avoid. If you know who she is, you know how to find her.  If you don't, Google her after you finish visiting the gals on the link list below.  There. I've covered it all as graciously as I know how and will now just show you the damn card...).

All the black kitties are colored in the various shades of Copic Grays (Neutral, Toner, Warm, Cool - not necessarily in that order). Kim's gray cat in the middle is colored in a lighter shade of one of those grays, but I can't remember which.  Here's a close-up so you can  see some of the detail, including the meticulous and time consuming tri-colored hand stitching around the sides. (Kim, you're worth it.)

Tired of me yet?  Me, too!  Then go visit these other FAB-U-LOUS gals and see what Petite-a-Palooza perfections they have to color your world:

• Carole Burrage
• Charmaine Ikach
• Courtney Kelley
• Jen Shults
• Joan Ervin
• Kerri Michaud
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess

Joe To-Go supplies used:

*workplace wishes	*choice snow white cardstock	*choice black cardstock	*choice kraft cardstock
*copic markers	*best glue ever	*1/4" sticky tape	*precision applicator metal tip
*metal adapter shim	*memento tuxedo black full pad

InLinkz.com

Cat Lady Card supplies used:

*banner stacklets 1	*grass border	*doodlebug 6x6 pad - home for the holidays	*choice snow white cardstock
*doodlebug sprinkles - ladybug	*memento tuxedo black full pad	*copic markers	*best glue ever
*precision applicator metal tip	*foam tape - 1/8" thick	*metal adapter shim

InLinkz.com

Taylored Expressions November Sneak Peeks: Falling For You & Chalkboard Elements 2

Are you getting excited? Taylored Expressions November Release Day is just one sleep away! On Thursday morning, you'll be able to buy all the new stamps and dies to your heart's content (or at least until TE runs out of inventory)! If you're an acorn lover like me (I have lots and lots of acorn-themed decor adorning my house in the autumn months; as I've mentioned before, one of my favorite sayings is "Tall oaks from tiny acorns grow" due to both of my boys having been preemies), then you're definitely going to want the FALLING FOR YOU dies, which coordinate with the previously released Falling For You stamps set...

Here's a side view so you can see the sweet acorns, all popped up on foam tape for depth and dimension...

Another new stamp set this month is an addition to TE's wildly popular Chalkboard Elements set, CHALKBOARD ELEMENTS 2. I just had to use it to make one of my all-time-favorite/most-used card creations, the quick-and-easy graduation card:

I used TE's Chalkstock paper for the sentiment layer -- it's okay if it gets a bit smudge-y; that's part of the charm of the chalkboard look, no?

Go visit the rest of my Baker's Dozen team mates to see what they've got up their sleeves for November's last sneak peek.  And make sure to get plenty of sleep tonight so you can be bright and early for Release Day tomorrow! :)

• Charmaine Ikach
• Courtney Kelley
• Jen Shults
• Joan Ervin
• Kerri Michaud
• Pattie Goldman - Guest Designer
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess

Supplies used, card #1:

 

*falling for you dies	*color block cutting plate	*choice buttercream cardstock	*memento rich cocoa full pad
*doodlebug 6x6 pad - happy harvest	*foam tape - 1/8" thick	*best glue ever	*precision applicator metal tip

InLinkz.com

 

Supplies used, card #2:

*grad cap	*choice snow white cardstock	*best glue ever	*foam tape - 1/8" thick
*precision applicator metal tip

InLinkz.com

Taylored Expressions November Sneak Peeks: Witty Wine Quotes & Rock My World

Happy Tuesday, friends, and welcome to Day 2 of Taylored Expressions' November Release Sneak Peeks.  The stamp sets I'm introducing to you today feature two of my favorite things: wine and music!  First up is a sentiment set that I'm going to be getting a ton of use out of, WITTY WINE QUOTES:

Isn't that sentiment a hoot?  And in my case, it's all together too true. The images in the background are from another new set, WINE A LITTLE, which some of the other TE gals are showing off today and I will be featuring later this week.  I thought cork paper would be a perfect embellishment for a wine-themed card (especially with the corkscrew from the new WINE CHARMS dies), and I love the shape of the new LABELS STACKLETS 7 dies.

For my next card, I went for a groovy/retro feel, as befitting vintage vinyl. Take a look-see:

Lots of different colored inks made for a rainbow of records, using images from the new ROCK MY WORLD stamp set.

Speaking of rocking your world, head on over to the rest of my Baker's Dozen buddies blogs to see their fantabulous creations - you'll be ever so glad you did!

• Charmaine Ikach
• Courtney Kelley
• Jen Shults
• Joan Ervin
• Kerri Michaud
• Nancy McKinney
• Pattie Goldman - Guest Designer
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess

Supplies used for Card #1:

*quatrefoil cutting plate	*cork paper	*choice buttercream cardstock	burlap twine - ivory
*tim holtz distress ink pad - milled lavender	*foam tape - 1/8" thick	*best glue ever	*precision applicator metal tip
*metal adapter shim

InLinkz.com

Supplies used for Card #2:

*memento tuxedo black full pad	*choice black cardstock	*choice snow white cardstock	*metal adapter shim
*foam tape - 1/8" thick

InLinkz.com

Taylored Expressions November Sneak Peeks: Pockets & Pages

It's release week for Taylored Expressions, and today we start off our Sneak Peeks by introducing you to a new product line we're super excited about! As I'm sure you've observed, pocket scrapbooking is everywhere in the world of papercrafting. I'm a lapsed scrapbooker (that's how I was introduced to the obsession that is stamping), myself, and have long felt guilty about letting my photos languish on my computer. Yet, I enjoy card-making so, I don't want to give it up, and I only have so many crafty hours in a week. TE's new POCKETS & PAGES is the answer to my quandry: a quick-and-easy way to personalize pocket scrapbooking with stamps and dies that can also do double-duty with my primary hobby of card making.  Let me show you what I mean...

Here's a super-fast 12"x12" scrapbook page I made of photos taken at an award ceremony last week. Do you know how long its been since I actually printed out a photo of myself?! YEARS, literally; my descendents one day will question whether I ever existed, there's so little photographic proof of me. I used stamps and dies from TE's Pockets & Pages collection (specifically the stamp sets {Documented}, {InstaFun}, and {What a Day}, and the P&P dies Bars of the Year, Essentials 3"x4", Label It, and 3x4 Bubble In) to tell the story of what was going on in the photos and deliberately kept it as simple as possible.  After all, if it takes me too long, I won't stick with it and I'm determined this time to do so.

Here's a close up of the center strip:

I'm a big believer when it comes to scrapbooking, captions should be hand-written when possible.  After all, when people see your handwriting, they hear your voice in a way that computer generated font just doesn't capture.  The fact that my handwriting is not the neatest doesn't bother me -- it's mine and I own it, just as I own my baby-fine hair and near-sighted vision. It is what it is, and it be what it be!

So that's how I intend to do it -- quick and easy!  Pockets & Pages products work with all pocket scrapbooking products currently on the market (for example, my page sleeve came from a Project Life kit I bought over a year ago but was too intimidated to try out when I received it; Pockets & Pages came to my rescue!).  Be sure to visit the rest of the Baker's Dozen to see how they've used Pockets & Pages, especially if you're interested in making your pocket scrapbook pages gorgeous and not Plain Jane like mine. :)

• Charmaine Ikach
• Courtney Kelley
• Jen Shults
• Joan Ervin
• Kerri Michaud
• Nancy McKinney
• Pattie Goldman - Guest Designer
• Regina Mangum
• Sankari Wegman
• Shannon White
• Shelly Mercado
• Stephanie Kraft
• Taylor VanBruggen
• Wanda Guess

*choice snow white cardstock

*best glue ever

InLinkz.com

Taylored Expressions October Sneak Peek: A Winter View

Oh, October is glorious, is it not?  Te quiero Octubre; es un mes hermoso. (translation: I love October; it's a beautiful month.)

And what's one of the beautiful things about October?  I'm still ahead of my Christmas shopping and creating!  Of course, considering the fact that I have been known to shop on Christmas Eve, I currently feel no sense of urgency, but I am getting in the mood.  What helps is the fact that I have so much darlingness (that's a technical term. folkses) to play with thanks to Taylored Expressions' October release.  Not only am I anxiously anticipating Christmas, I'm already thinking about the New Year.  Take a look-see:

I laid those bricks myself, people.  Yess, I know it look laborious, but you're worth it.  Take a closer look inside this party. You're invited, so need to feel like a Peeping Tom - you're just walking up the steps and anticipating the revelry you're about to join...

A WINTER'S VIEW is another awesome collection of images in TE's gorgeous window perspectives. Other views include a nativity scene and a wintery exterior.  Several of my Baker's Dozen teammates will be showing you these viewpoints today, as well as other fabulous sets.  Check 'em out, and be in awe! :)

Charmaine Ikach
Jen Shults
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Pattie Goldman
Sankari Wegman
Shannon White
Shelly Mercado
Stephanie Kraft
Tammie Edgerton
Taylor VanBruggen
Wanda Guess

Supplies used:

 

*picture window	*window accessories	*banner stacklets 1	*choice snow white cardstock
*foam tape - 1/8" thick	*memento tuxedo black full pad	*best glue ever	*copic markers

InLinkz.com

 

Taylored Expressions October Sneak Peek: Christmas Doodles and Sack It Penguin

Happy October 1st, friends!  You know what that means, don't you?  Time for us papercrafters to get ready for CHRISTMAS!!!  Don't groan - you know that's how we roll! Fortunately, Taylored Expressions has a ton of darling new holiday stamps and dies that are going to make you feel so holly and jolly, you'll be hankering for a big ol' cup of egg nog and humming "Up On the Housetop" within seconds.

Don't believe me?  Well, then check out this little number, created with the new CHRISTMAS DOODLES set...

That swoopy-swirly garland has a host of different options for adornment, and I opted for a few ornaments.  All of the papers are from the new TIS THE SEASON PROJECT PANTRY KIT, and I stamped out the "Noel" sentiment on top of the label from TE's Band-It die set.  I couldn't resist adding a little hand-stitching around the edges, as well.  Yes, it's a little time consuming, but it's also strangely soothing.  I tend to be nervous when I use the sewing machine on my cards because I'm afraid I'm going to screw something up and have to start over (that's happened more times than I want to count); hand-stitching takes longer but I feel more in control of the process.

  Moving right along, here's Carter's favorite of my October release samples...

Isn't that penguin adorable?!  TE has THE CUTEST gift packaging dies coming out with the new SACK IT line, but I thought I'd use the SACK IT PENGUIN dies to make a card and show off another way you can use these cute critters.  There are also SANTA and REINDEER versions coming out this month.  My Baker's Dozen pals will have lots of other views/uses so be sure to visit them today and check out their splendid sneak peeks!

Charmaine Ikach

Jami Sibley

Jen Shults

Joan Ervin

Kerri Michaud

Pattie Goldman - Guest Designer

Sankari Wegman

Shannon White

Shelly Mercado

Stephanie Kraft

Tammie Edgerton

Taylor VanBruggen

Wanda Guess

 

Supplies used:

Noel Card:

 

*band-it	*memento tuxedo black full pad	*copic markers	*tim holtz distress ink pad - shabby shutters
*best glue ever	*foam tape - 1/8" thick

InLinkz.com

Sack It Penguin Card:

 

*delightful day conversation bubbles	*choice black cardstock	*choice snow white cardstock	*best glue ever
*foam tape - 1/8" thick

InLinkz.com

 

Taylored Expressions September Sneak Peek: Halloween Doodles and 13 Dead End Drive

Happy Hump-Day, heavenlies!  The Taylored Expressions 5th Birthday Bash continues, and today's party game (complete with prizes, o' course) is I-SPY.  Head over to Taylor's Blog for all of the details and to learn how you could be the winner of a TE gift certificate. Yay!

Today I'm sneak-peeking a sweetly spooky new stamp set and die.  First up is HALLOWEEN DOODLES, a fun combination of Halloweenie images that is sure to get you in the haunting mood. Now that Carter has started to take his lunch to school everyday (he no longer lets me take the easy route of having him buy his lunch in the cafeteria... *sigh*), I thought he'd get a kick out of finding a few little lunchbox notes as Halloween nears.

In addition to the new stamp set, these feature TE's new BRACKET NOTECARD die.  Want to see each notecard up close and personal? Of course you do...

I think that jack-o-lantern is adorable, but I think my favorite is Frankie...

I heat-embossed all of the images and sentiments for extra texture...

Next up is something a little different for me, but I really like the way it turned out.  I sponged a couple different colors of ink (Adirondack Denim and Purple Twilight) on to a piece of Choice Snow White Card Stock, then spritzed it with water.  Next, I wadded it up into a tight little ball, then smoothed it back out and ran it through a quatrefoil embossing folder. 

This gave me an eerily appropriate background to show off the new 13 DEAD END DRIVE die.  Check it out:

The layout is simple, but I think the die cut image really pops.  Every once in a while, it's fun to try something new, don't you think?

Speaking of new things, the rest of my fellow Baker's Dozen has lots of eye-candy for you to feast on, so be sure to visit them today!

Charmaine Ikach

Heather Jensen

Jen Shults

Joan Ervin

Kerri Michaud

Regina Mangum

Sankari Wegman

Shannon White

Shelly Mercado

Stephanie Kraft

Tammie Edgerton

Taylor VanBruggen

Wanda Guess

Supplies used for Lunchbox Note Trio:

 

 

Supplies used for 13 Dead End Drive:

Taylored Expressions September Sneak Peek: Party Banner Cutting Plate & Birthday Treat Toppers

Good September Morn! I'll let you in on a not-so-little secret: September is my favorite month of the year. Why, you ask? Well, it's my birth month (which calls for a month-wide celebration in certain parts of the world, namely my house/mind) and it's Mr. Carter's birth month (he will be NINE this week -- I can't believe it). My lifelong suspicions that September is indeed blessed among lunations has been confirmed by the fact that it's also Taylored Expressions birthday month! 

 

Taylored Expressions is turning the big oh-five, and to celebrate this auspicious occasion, TE is partying all month long, and you're invited! Here are the deets for Release Week:

• Party games and prizes throughout the week
• Sneak Peeks on Tuesday and Wednesday on all of the Baker's Dozen blogs
• Release Day on Thursday, with new goodies available at the TE web store at 8 a.m. PST
• Designer Spotlights on Friday
• FREE GIFT WITH PURCHASE - Your order of $50 or more (before tax and shipping) qualifies you to receive the petite stamp set and die combo From Me to You (a $17 value).  This offer is good through September 15^th or while supplies last.  One free set per customer.

Grab a cup of coffee (or whatever beverage you're drinking this a.m. -- since it's a party, mimosas and/or Bloody Marys are perfectly appropriate. And considering time zone differences... well, you don't need permission to imbibe from a person whose blog signature is poured out of a martini glass... ;) ) and let's get this party started!

First game up: Tic-Tac-Toe! Play along by creating a card that connects three adjoining spaces on the board for a chance to win one of five TE gift certificates.  (Full instructions are available on TAYLOR'S BLOG.)

All you have to do to participate is upload your entry to Splitcoaststampers with the keyword TETICTACTOE.  TE Stamps are not required to play.

Ready for a couple of Sneak Peeks?  First up, here's the new PARTY BANNER CUTTING PLATE (you KNOW how I love my Cutting Plates, and this one maybe my fave yet!):

Believe it or not, this colorful card was created using just black and white cardstocks. I colored the white die cut flags with my Copic markers, cut them out, and then glued them on top of the black flags (I trimmed most of the black flags off, first, leaving just a tiny bit of tag for the colored flags to adhere to.  I didn't want any black poking out from under the colors).  This sentiment, from the new BIG BOLD BIRTHDAY set made me giggle:

Next up is a Strawberry Shortcake-esque confection, created using the new BIRTHDAY TREAT TOPPERS dies and a sentiment from the FROM ME TO YOU customer gift set.  It's also my Tic-Tac-Toe card (I went for the diagonal win: Rhinestones (on top of the candles), A Birthday Card, and Ribbon):

Let the cake eating begin!  For more sweet stuff, be sure to visit my Baker's Dozen teammates:

Charmaine Ikach
Heather Jensen
Jami Sibley
Jen Shults
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Shannon White
Shelly Mercado
Stephanie Kraft
Tammie Edgerton
Taylor VanBruggen
Wanda Guess

Supplies used, HB & Stuff card:

 

Supplies used, Eat Cake card:

Taylored Expressions August Release Day: Sweet Tea

Yay!  Release Day is finally here for Taylored Expressions, which means no more waiting - you can go to the TE website and shop to your heart's content!  Frequent readers know there are certain stamp images that make my heart content:

• sheep images, so that I can make more variations of my beloved Diana Sweater motif, and
• lemon images, because I love anything lemon flavored and I embrace the whole "If Life Gives You Lemons..." philosophy.

Well, guess what? TE has a new set this month that is right up my alley.  It's called HEY, SWEET TEA, but it also serves up something for us lemon lovers.  Take a look:

It's hard to tell from the photo, but there is actually some light yellow coloring in the glass so that it looks more like real lemonade.  The glass and lid were cut out using the new coordinating MASON JAR GLASS & LID die set.  The lid looks white in the photo, but it's actually cut from silver paper.

As with all things glassy these days, I gave it a coat of UTEE shine and authenticity.  Is this a just the cutest set?  I love it!

Speaking of love, go visit my pals on the Bakers Dozen and leave them some love - I promise, they've made beautiful projects to inspire you!

Charmaine Ikach

Heather Jensen

Jen Shults

Joan Ervin

Kerri Michaud

Sankari Wegman

Shannon White

Shelly Mercado

Stephanie Kraft

Tammie Edgerton

Taylor VanBruggen

Wanda Guess

Supplies used: Stamps - Hey, Sweet Tea (TE); Dies - Mason Jar Glass & Lid (TE), Pinking Circle Stacklets (TE), Banner Stacklets 2 (TE); Papers - Choice Snow White (TE), Doodlebug Designs Fruit Stand and Flower Box 6"x6" pads, Prism Classic Yellow, silver; Ink - Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaMark; Accessories: Copic Markers, ribbon (TE), sewing machine, UTEE, foam tape, Eclipse Masking tape.

Taylored Expressions August Sneak Peek: Classroom Cuties & Love Teaching

Hallo, hallo!  Greetings (ON MY HUBBY'S & MY 20TH ANNIVERSARY!) from Holland! Today, I've watched wooden shoes get made by hand, seen windmills, and toured a cheese factory. Then, my old man and I got lost trying to find our way back to our hotel from city center, and walked at least 7+ miles.  The good news? A walk in Amsterdam can easily turn into a pub crawl if the parties are willing, and well, you know me... LIFE IS GOOD! :)

And what makes life even better? When Taylored Expressions has fabulous new stamps and dies to release, as we are this week. Today, I've got two back-to-school themed projects to show you. For the first one, I've made the proto-type of a little somethin' somethin' that will be put into mass production very soon. Mr. Carter's birthday is September 6th, and we always bring cupcakes for the class. How awesome will it be when his classroom treats come personalized, like so:

Can you say "Nom-nom-nom"?! And while every kiddo loves a little Batman ring or whatever trinket can be found on a store-bought (the only kind I 'make') cupcake, isn't it so much better when it actually has his name on it? I made this using the new CLASSROOM CUTIES stamp set, along with TE's PINKING CIRCLE STACKLETS dies. Here's a close-up, so you can get my gist...

I don't know about you, but I always like to butter up the new teacher with a little giftie on Back-To-School Night. I used to teach (at the college level) once upon a time, and I'm sorry: I know it to be a fact that teachers are predisposed to like gift-givers. They're human! This year, take a look at what Carter's teacher will be receiving (appropriate for hanging in his/her classroom):

Wouldn't that warm the cockles (whatever cockles are) of any teacher's heart? It's a 5"x7" altered canvas, using TE's new LOVE TEACHING stamp with the BLACKBOARD & ACCESSORIES die set.  Take a closer look...

I heat embossed the stamp image with white detail embossing powder onto chalk-stock cardstock to make it look chalk-board-y. Don't you love the perfect little eraser and piece of chalk? That's the 'Accessories' part of the 'Blackboard & Accessories' die set - delicioso! Please give me extra-credit for the hand-stitching around the background layer and the delightful ruler twill that makes for hanging. I strive to be the teacher's pet!

Ready to see more A+ projects from the Baker's Dozen? Then please visit my classy team mates (and our awesome Guest Designer, Heather Jensen):

Charmaine Ikach
Heather Jensen
Jami Sibley
Jen Shults
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Nancy McKinney
Sankari Wegman
Shannon White
Shelly Mercado
Stephanie Kraft
Tammie Edgerton
Taylor VanBruggen
Wanda Guess

Supplies used:

Carter's Cupcakes: Stamps - Classroom Cuties (TE); Dies: Pinking Circle Stacklets (TE), Paper: Choice Snow White (TE), Prism Baby Blue Dark; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic Markers, Staedtler Triplus Fineliner Markers, Doodlebug Glitter, bamboo skewer, foam tape

Teacher's Canvas: Stamps - Loves Teaching (TE), Dies: Blackboard & Accessories die set; Ink: VersaMark; Paper: Chalk-stock Cardstock, Peppermint (Bazzill Card Shoppe), Cherry wooden paper, October Afternoon 'Report Card'; Accessories: White detail embossing powder (Stampendous), heat tool, 5"X7" canvas panel (Hobby Lobby), ruler twill ribbon, foam tape

Taylored Expressions August Sneak Peek: Clip It On

Lots of cool new stuff to show you from Taylored Expressions August release, so I'm going to get right to it.  Today, I'm featuring a new die set called CLIP IT ON.  If you're like me, you love office supplies and are always tempted by any little tchotchkes that can make your daily paperwork more fun and brighter.  Well, take a look at these...

With the CLIP IT ON die set, some extra thin chipboard, and a coating of UTEE (Ultra Thick Embossing Powder), I was able to fashion some sturdy, bright & cheery office clips.

After die-cutting the chipboard, I inked the shaped pieces with Neon ink from Hero Arts to make sure they were nice & noticeable.  Then, I stamped images and sentiments from TE's new OFFICE EPHEMERA and WORKPLACE WISHES stamp sets before getting them wet on both sides with VersaMark and dipping them in UTEE.  Next, my heat gun went to work to transform them into something shiny and sturdy.  This is how they do their work on an ordinary index card:

And here's an idea for storage and/or gift-giving for your favorite executive assistant:

Now it's time to visit the rest of the Baker's Dozen to see what clever creations they're sharing today:

Charmaine Ikach

Jen Shults

Joan Ervin

Kerri Michaud

Sankari Wegman

Shannon White

Shelly Mercado

Stephanie Kraft

Tammie Edgerton

Taylor VanBruggen

Wanda Guess

Taylored Expressions August Sneak Peek: Butterfly Parade and Say What?

Goedemorgen from Holland!  My husband and I are celebrating our 20th anniversary this week by showing the Dutch how it's done.  We got in yesterday morning at 7:45 a.m., napped in our hotel room until 2 p.m., then walked/pub-crawled through Amsterdam until about 4 a.m.  It's now 2:00 p.m., and after a quick blog post, we're ready for a late lunch and visiting Van Gogh's museum and the Anne Frank House.  I forgot my camera cord, so I won't be able to make you watch my slides until I get home, but rest assured, wij gaan lekker aan de rol (we are going to have a good time)!

Back to bidness.  Ready for some sneak peeks of some fabulous new stamps and dies from Taylored Expressions?  First up, I have BUTTERFLY PARADE to show you, an adorable full-size stamp set (concept by our very own Wanda) that coordinates with the BUTTERFLY IN THE SKY die set. 

I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch (#305) and couldn't resist a little hand-stitching around the borders of the green layers.  See that elegant background shape?  That's TE's new LABEL STACKLETS 4 die set - another must have.  Here's a close up:

Be sure to go by the Mojo Monday blog to find links to other design team samples and for instructions in how to join the challenge.  It's the first Monday of the month, and you know what that means: PRIZE WEEK!  Up to seven randomly selected participants will win the Verve Stamps set of their choice just for playing along.  Why shouldn't one of those winners be you?  You deserve it!

Know what else you deserve?  An adorable mini-set like SAY WHAT? that coordinates with the SAY WHAT CONVERSATION BUBBLES die set and will combine like cuteness with all of you Moka, Cuppie, critter and character stamps.  I decided to let them do the talking for themselves on this little number:

Fun stuff, don't you agree?  Do you think you can stand any more fun?  Of course you can.  Then head on over to these loverly ladies blogs to see what they have up their sneaky peeking sleeves:

Charmaine Ikach

Heather Jensen - Guest Designer

Jen Shults

Joan Ervin

Kerri Michaud

Nancy McKinney

Sankari Wegman

Shannon White

Shelly Mercado

Stephanie Kraft

Tammie Edgerton

Taylor VanBruggen

Wanda Guess

Taylored Expressions June Release Sneak Peek: Graphic Greetings - Get Well & Ray of Sunshine Cutting Plate

I don't know about you, but I am tired this morning!  Long days on the beach and a night of karaoke will do that one (at least it will to this one).  You will be proud to know that I did manage to squeeze in my two go-to songs (Love Shack & Tik Tok) before our group was "invited to leave" the bar.  You'll be doubly proud (and possibly surprised) to learn that my behavior had nothing to do with that request.  It's a long, ridiculous story, but suffice it to say, I don't think we'll be going back there this evening... Still, what's a vacation without creating a few such memories?  They make for awesome anecdotes, don't you think?

Anyway.  Enough chit chat.  Let's get down to bidness: it's Day 2 of Taylored Expressions June Release Sneak Peeks, and I have a couple more projects to share with you.  

The first one features the newest Graphic Greetings image, Get Well:

Graphic Greetings images are so perfect when you want a to quickly stamp a card that says it all.

Next up, I've got a trio of congratulatory cards that came together by accident.  First, let me show you the cards...

And here's a single:

The black center and single ray are meant to represent an exclamation point - get it?  Actually, I had intended to make a sunshiney card, but as I was gluing the rays down, I got to the last one and realized that according to my pattern, I'd have to put two yellow rays side-by-side, which just wouldn't do.  My husband walked by and I told him my dilemma.  He took a look and said, "I think it looks cool with the black ray and center - kind of like an exclamation point."  I thought that was pretty clever, don't you? Thank you, Dear Heart!

More sneak peeks of this awesome release can be found on these lovely ladies blogs:

Charmaine Ikach

Jen Shults

Joan Ervin

Kerri Michaud

Nancy McKinney

Regina Mangum

Sankari Wegman

Shannon White

Shelly Mercado

Stephanie Kraft

Tammie Edgerton

Taylor VanBruggen

Wanda Guess

I'll be back for Release Day tomorrow!  Thanks for stopping by to visit me today. :)

Supplies used:

Get Well:

Stamps: Graphic Greeting Get Well (TE)

Dies: Banner Stacklets 1 (TE), Square Nestabilities
Ink: Adirondack Brights Purple Twilight
Paper: Doodlebug Fruitstand 6x6; Choice Snow White (TE), Bermuda Bay (SU)
Accessories: Pebbles Crystal Candy Dots, Purple Bakers Twine (Twinery), foam boosters (JSSS)

Exclamation Points:

Dies: Ray of Sunshine Cutting Plate; Band It Dies (TE)
Stamps: Simple Greetings (April 2013 SOTM kit) (TE)
Paper: Choice Snow White (TE), Basic Black (PTI), Sunny Yellow (CTMH), Circus Peanut & Candy Corn (Bazzill)
Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Black hemp (WalMart), foam boosters (JSSS)

Taylored Expressions June Release Sneak Peek: Stars & Stripes and Beach Border Die

Howdy, friends!  I am pleased to report that I am writing this post from beautiful Navarre Beach, Florida. We are on one of our favorite vacations - a biannual trip we take with a group of families that are among our dearest friends from Claremore.  And, as usual, we are having a GREAT time.  After a long, hard spring, this is just what we needed to reconnect and remember that the greatest blessings we have in life are each other. Life -- once again -- is good! :)

Fear not: I won't be showing any photos of myself in a bathing suit.  Instead, I've got a couple of sneak peeks to share with you of Taylored Expressions' June Release.  Ready for a look-see?

Here's a duo of cards I made with the STARS & STRIPES stamp set and accompanying die:

The background was created using the new RAY OF SUNSHINE Cutting Plate; you know how much I love TE's Cutting Plates, and believe me, this one is going to be put to great use.  I can't wait for you to see everyone's projects they've made with it because they really highlight how versatile it is.  Such possibilities!

Speaking of possbibilities, I think this stamp set is genius; perfect for patriotic cards for Indepedence Day or for your favorite member of the armed forces. The image and sentiments have a slightly weathered look to them, as you'll be able to see more clearly in this shot of a single card:

The Stars & Stripes die is perfect for not only this stamp set, but also for moving cards (imagine a little cross-country scene) or for cards highlighting your home state.  I'm looking forward to making some Oklahoma-themed cards soon.  

Are you thinking I'm pretty Yankee-Doodle-Dandy for my patterned paper choices?  Well, don't give me any credit.  I just used what I received in Taylored Expressions' new Patriotic Pantry Pack.  Take a look:

The Basic Recipe Kit includes the following coordinating supplies:

Doodlebug Stars & Stripes 6x6 Paper Pad (24 double-sided sheets)
8 sheets of 8.5" x 11" cardstock (2 sheets each of 4 different colors)
5 yards of ribbon (1 yard each of 5 different styles)

and in the store there is a listing of supplies to spice up the kit too.

I have one more project to share with you before I hit the beach today, and it's oh-so-appropriate:

A perfectly beachy scene, created in a flash, thanks to the new BEACH BORDER die.  I cut the border out in cork, distress the background paper layers and inked the edges, then stamped the sentiment (from the new RIDE THE WAVE set) in orange ink.  Easy-peasy!

Ready to see what the other TE Designers have to show you today?  It'll be a feast for your eyes, I promise!

Charmaine Ikach

Jami Sibley

Jen Shults

Joan Ervin

Kerri Michaud

Nancy McKinney

Sankari Wegman

Shannon White

Shelly Mercado

Stephanie Kraft

Tammie Edgerton

Taylor VanBruggen

Wanda Guess

Gotta go, gang.  Hasta manana!

Supplies used:

Stars & Stripes Duo

Stamps: Stars & Stripes (TE)
Dies: Stars & Stripes coordinating die (TE), RRay of Sunshine Cutting Plate (TE), Banner Stacklets 1 (TE)
Paper: Patriotic Project Pantry Kit (TE)
Ink: Wild Cherry (MFT), Star Spangled Blue (CTMH)
Accessories: Foam boosters (JSSS)

Aloha

Stamps: Ride the Wave (TE)
Dies: Beach Border (TE)
Paper: Gathering 6x6 Bundle from Authentique, Kraft (PTI), Cork & Orange Fizz (MFT)
Ink: Adirondack Brights Sunset Orange, Tempting Turquoise (SU!)
Accessories: Heidi Swapp edge distresser, Zots adhesive dots, foam boosters (JSSS)