Mother's Little Helper

There She Goes: Shiver Me Timbers & Ship Happens Blog Hop Challenge

It took a little begging, but we finally got Torico to illustrate a pirate set for us!! If you “need a little ‘aye’ candy”, well then “X marks the spot”.

Shiver Me Timbers is a 6x8 set that includes a total of 24 stamps and will sell for $24.00. The new stamps will be available on Saturday, April 27th at 11pm.  Here's what I made with this new favorite o' mine:

I’m sure it comes as NO surprise to all you loyal There She Goes fans, but we couldn’t go without creating a companion set to go along with this SUPER fun set!! Leave it to the Trendsetters to come up with so many FUNNY and AWESOME sentiments that one set just couldn’t hold them all.
Ship Happens is a  3x4 set that includes a total of 9 stamps and will sell for $9.00. The new stamps will be available on Saturday, April 27th at 11pm.  Naturally, I found the the 'having rum' sentiment from Ship Happens most appealing.  

Here's a close-up of my little rum runner (please note gin/rum blossom on his nose):

Would you like to win this new stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday, April 27th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

 

There She Goes: Phyllis Blog Hop Challenge

Tell me, dear readers: have you EVER followed a blog hop or purchased a stamp set named PHYLLIS?  I doubt it.  There's always a first for everything, especially when you're talking about There She Goes! I like that in a stamp company, don't you? :)

Meet our second new artist: Wendy Leach!  Wendy stole our hearts the minute we saw her first sock goblin drawing…so. darn. fun. This month’s set, Phyllis, is just TOO cute!!

Phyllis is a 3x4 set that includes a total of 3 stamps and will sell for $9.00.  Want to see what I created with said Phyllis?  Here she is...

And here's a close-up of her voluptuousness...

Would you like to win the new Phyllis  stamp set? Here is what you need to do: visit the Trendsetters' blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter's blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM EasternTime Saturday, March 30th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

 

Penelope/Nutmeg/Journal Lines Blog Hop Challenge

(Phew!  That was a mouthful! )

Hidey-ho, hombres!  It's time for another peek of There She Goes' March Release!  This month we're introducing a BRAND new illustrator, Megan Suarez (aka Dilly Beans).  She's started us out with three FABULOUS stamp sets, which you are going to love.   Her style could be considered slightly gothic; I think they resemble Gwen Stefani's version of harujuku girls.  No matter how you describe them, her images are fresh and fun!

Penelope & Birdcage is a 3x4 set that includes a total of 4 stamps and will sell for $9.00.

Journal Lines is a 3x4 set that includes 1 stamp, and will sell for $9.00.

Nutmeg is a 3x4 set that includes a total of 5 stamps and will sell for $9.00.

Today, I'm showing you the Nutmeg set.  As I sat down to make a card with this image, I immediately thought it would go well with the Amy Tangerine Sketchbook 6x6 patterned paper pad that I'd had for a while but hadn't used yet.  It's full of super bright colors and funky sketches.  For some reason, I was drawn to this particular piece:

It inspired me to create a little frame in which to 'hang' my image of Nutmeg:

Man-oh-man - what I wouldn't give for a headful of hair like Nutmeg's.  My hair is and always has been baby fine.  *sigh*  I've never been able to grow long girly-girl hair - with any kind of length, my hair is a stringy mess. And there is absolutely no way I can get away without washing it every day; when I wake up in the morning, I seriously look like this:

Thus, if you see me first thing in the morning, before I've showered/shined & shaved, I will inevitably be wearing a baseball cap, for the greater good.

But enough about me.  Nutmeg wants her hair big on purpose, as you can see in this close-up:

Here's a view from the side, where you can get a glimpse at the various levels of foam booster stacking, just in case that's your particular kink (no judgment!):

Would you like to win all three new stamp sets from Megan Suarez(Penelope&Birdcage/Nutmeg/Journal Lines)? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday, March 30th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

 

Thanks for stopping by to see me today, and I'll be back tomorrow with MULTIPLE POSTS!
And the crowd goes wild...

Lucky Duck & Hooked on Quack Blog Hop Challenge

If it walks like a duck, and talks like a duck…well, it’s probably a Lucky Duck!  Yep, There She Goes is releasing two new duck themed stamp sets that are sure to ruffle your feathers (in a good way)!

These darling ducklings and their mama (or papa?), illustrated by the AMAZING Torico, are so, so cute.  Lots of ducks and stamps to build the perfect scene.  This super versatile set is sure to become a staple of my springtime stamping wardrobe, and just think of all the sweet 'new baby' cards and decor... I'm already thinking of how to come up with some 'Duck Dynasty' cards for the men in my life; be on the lookout for hand-drawn beards and dew rags.  It's quite possible that ducks might be my new sheep!


LUCKY DUCK is a 4x8 set that includes a total of 24 stamps and will sell for $18.00.

While brainstorming the sentiments for Lucky Duck, as always, we took a turn for the dark side… (that's one of the reasons I fit in so well with the Trendsetters, you know).  The add-on sentiment set, HOOKED ON QUACK, is, in the words of that shyest of wallflowers, Jessie Rone, "ducking awesome."

HOOKED ON QUACK is a 3x4 set that includes a total of 7 stamps and will sell for $9.00.

For today's look-see, I used the current TSG Challenge (#200!) sketch and some duck-licious patterned paper (from Crate Paper's Little Boy Blue 6x6 pad):

Here's a close-up of this fine, feathered fowl:

Would you like to win the new Lucky Duck /Hooked on Quack stamp sets? Then visit the Trendsetters' blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetters' blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post.

You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday, March 30th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

 

 

Build Me Up, Buttercup

Just stopping by for a quickie.  It's There She Goes Again Day, where all of the TSG Trendsetters are making new cards featuring previously released stamp sets.  Go to the There She Goes Blog to see all of the lovely creations.  This week's TSG Again features ROFL Taglines, Dream a New Dream, and What's Up, Buttercup?

I put together a clean-and-simple number with the What's Up, Buttercup? set.  Check it out:

Just a plain white card base, some diagonal washi tape striping, a cute sentiment, and the lovely large Persian buttercup image.  I used Jessica's Tips and Tricks Sheet for this set, and stamped out the buttercup image three times.  Instead of coloring the image with markers, I inked a sponge with Scattered Straw Distress Ink and applied color that way.  So easy, and I like the variation in shading - more like a real flower.

That's it for me today, folks.  Hope you're having a great one, and I'll be back to visit you soon!

 

Two VERY IMPORTANT Things

FIRST of all, check out this FABULOUS new chair I got for my craft room:

Please ignore dog nose prints on the window and all the clutter on the side of my cardstock file cabinet.  It's one of the only magnetic surfaces in the house.  Since we're looking at it, though, let me share with you a couple of funny magnets friends have given me over the years.  Mind you, I have no idea what it is about me that inspired these gifts, but they make me giggle, I must admit.

Farm animal butts from Cammie, artwork and poetry by Truman, circa 2003.

From my GF Heather. :)

A truism from my buddy Jen del Muro.

Can't remember who gave me this one, but there are days when this rings so true.

This one, I bought myself because it reminded me of Claremore.  Hey - look at that cute, young gal in the photo.  There I am, on a field trip to the Zoo, tying Truman's shoe.  Look how young - 33 - and cute I was!  (I'm sure I thought I was fat when it was taken, of course...)  Now, I'm totally depressed - I am NOT aging well. Of course, I've had another kid and become a politician's wife since then, which, as Anne LaMott would say, is enough to make even Jesus want to drink gin from the cat bowl.

Which brings me to the SECOND very important thing: to see for yourself just how badly I am aging, head on over to the There She Goes blog, where I'm hosting Stampbook Saturday.  You will have a special place in heaven if you say I look good in the photo.  I don't care if you have to lie to do so (just don't tell me you're that lying).

Have a great Saturday, peeps!

The Di Sweater is BACK!

You know the one I'm talking about...
Yes, that one. The famous sheep sweater that I've been creating and recreating with paper and ink from just about the moment I started stamping. 

Ready to see my latest version of it?  I have to say, I LOVE what I made (and I rarely ever say that).  If you want to check it out, you'll need to head over to this post on the There She Goes blog.  While you're there, leave me a comment and let me know what you think.

xoxoxo!

Believe It or Not...

... I have actually written something resembling a tutorial.  But not really, because I don't know what the heck I'm doing.  But at least, I tried to demonstrate how I bumble-fumble my way into familiarity with a new-to-me coloring medium: Derwent Inktense Watercolor Pencils.

You'll need to head over to the There She Goes blog to witness this comedy of errors.  If you have an extra second while you're there, leave me a little love.  Maybe that will convince the TSG PTB that they didn't make a huge mistake in asking me to be a part of their team... ;)

 

PS - If you need more convincing to click on over to my TSG post, here's a little quote I pulled from it: "Thanks, Dick!"  Come on - anyone who has the stomach to regularly read my blog CAN'T RESIST that kind of teaser!

Mojo Monday, Ninja Style

Hi-ya, most honorable friends!  I don't know if you noticed, but I have a new blinkie on my side-bar...

That's right - I'm now a Trendsetter for There She Goes Stamps!  I adore TSG's whimsical images and clever sentiments, so when my long-time friend Jessie Rone asked if I'd be interested in joining TSG's design team, I leapt at the opportunity.  Let the fun begin!

I selected this week's TSG Challenge, and since it's the week of St. Patrick's Day, I decided we needed a color challenge in all sorts of shades of green:

I sifted through my TSG stamps to see which would work best in all green.  When I saw the NINJA SKILLZ set, I figured I'd go ahead and make my nephew Jack's birthday card, since he'll be turning 7 next month.  Both Jack and his BFF/cousin Carter are H-U-G-E Lego/Ninjago fans, so I knew he'd get a kick out a card featuring Ninjago's Green Ninja:

Here's a close-up of this emerald Master of Spinjitzu:

(His trademark eyebrows were hand-drawn, and his cupcake is frosted with Spearmint Stickles.)

I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch, #284, which looks a little something like this:

Instead of a bow, I embellished with a ninja star (aka the backside of a pinwheel die).  I eschewed the three-brad (or whatever) detail as I didn't want Lloyd (the Green Ninja's name) to trip over them.

For more info about how to play along in this week's TSG Challenge and be eligible to win a gift certificate to the TSG store, head on over to the TSG Blog.  And, for all the details on how to play in this week's Mojo Monday challenge, you'll want to visit the Mojo Monday blog.  Be sure to visit my fellow Mojo Monday Designers to be inspired by their interpretation of this week's sketch:

• Julee Tilman
• Debbie Carriere
• Marisa Ritzen
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Stephanie Kraft
• Wanda Cullen

 

Mother of All Blog Hops!

Hello, hello!  I had just purchased a brand new batch of stamps from THERE SHE GOES when I learned about TSG's third annual MOTHER OF ALL BLOG HOPS, and I thought, "It's fate! I must participate!"  TSG's fabulous Trendsetters (aka design team) and customers like me are all coming together to show you a lots TSG goodness as you blurf this Mother's Day weekend.

First off, I'd like to share with you a wee somethin'-somethin' I made with the brand new A LITTLE TREAT set...

Those of you who read my blog on a regular basis know I love a good foodie image, and this is one of the cutest yet!  Take a closer look at that scrumptious cake Ms. Chef is showing off...

As you can see, the icing is covered in Baby's Breath Art Glitter, popped up on foam tape, and topped with adhesive gem 'strawberries.' Delicious!

Speaking of delicious, since we've been home from Carter's surgery (my 7 year old had major orthopedic surgery a few weeks ago and is homebound, recuperating for the next several weeks), my family has been so blessed to have lots of friends and neighbors bringing us meals.  In fact, I've discovered the most HEAVENLY-but-easy spaghetti sauce recipe I'm going to have to share with you soon.  In the meantime, though, I've got lots of thank you notes to write, and fortunately, TSG's BON APPETIT was perfect for creating a colorful, clean-and-simple thank you that was just right for mass production.  See what I mean...

I made a dozen of these to have on hand over the next few weeks...

Lots of TSG's fun and fabulous stamps will be featured by MOABH participants today and tomorrow, so be sure to stay tuned.  As if seeing such yummy inspiration wasn't treat enough, you've also got the opportunity to win fantastic TSG prizes!  For all of the details/instructions, be sure to visit the There She Goes Blog.

Now, are you ready for the next stop on this Mother of all Hops?  Then click on the In Linkz button for instant transport.  Thanks for stopping by, and have a WONDERFUL Mother's Day!

 

 

Supplies used:

You Take The Cake - Stamps: A Little Something by There She Goes; Paper: Neenah Classic Crest White, Regal Rose (SU!), A Muse green gingham, Crate Paper 'Pretty Party' 6"x6" pad, On The Bright Side 6"x6" pad (MME), Copic Blend It X-Press; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Scattered Straw Distress Ink by Ranger; Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Icing CutUps die (The Cat's Pajamas), Nestabilities, foam tape, satin ribbon, adhesive gems, Baby's Breath Translucent Art Glitter from Barbara Trombley

My Compliments - Stamps: Bon Appetit by There She Goes; Paper: Neenah Classic Crest White, True Black (PTI); Ink: Marvy Matchables Black, Turquoise Color Box Brush Pad, Summer Sun (SU!), Citrus (Adirondack), Watermelon (Adirondack), Slate (Adirondack); Accessories: black brads (American Crafts), Corner Chomper

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.