Mother's Little Helper

Happy Labor Mojo Monday!

Happy Labor Day, folks!  For those of us in the U.S., it's a three day weekend.  Here's a fun Labor Day fact for you: eight years ago, on Labor Day 2004, a certain little boy was eager to leave his mother's hostile womb.  He was so ready to meet the world, he decided to be born 9-10 weeks before his due date! That young man's name is Carter Tillman Burrage, and he's still does everything according to his own timeline.  To illustrate, here's another pic from the first day of school:

I was telling Carter to smile like a normal person (we have been going through a prolonged 'goofy smile phase') and he was anwering me with his standard "Aye-aye Captain, I mean Sir, I mean Pooh-bah!" Hence the salute.  Truman, as you can see, was getting a little weary of his younger brother's antics and was anxious to get off of the front porch lest anyone he knew were to drive by and see him in such an embarrassing predicament. Teenaged angst - it is what it is.

Anyway, what are these fine young men doing today?  Well, the oldest one is still asleep (of course), and the youngest one is watching a Spongebob Squarepants marathon on his parents' bed while he plays with Lego Star Wars minifigures and occasionally snuggles with his dog, Sweet Pea.  Life is good, is it not?

And what am I doing?  Why, I'm writing a late blog post for this week's Mojo Monday sketch, #257.  Wanna see it?  Of course you do!

I wanted to do something quick and easy for this one, so I pulled out one of my all-time favorite Verve sets, Starstruck.  (My Verve stamps are my go-to stamps when I'm not in the mood to spend a lot of time coloring an image.)  I love all the sentiments in the Starstruck set, but as a Madonna fan, this combination is my favorite:

Makes you want to Vogue, doesn't it?

This was pretty quick and easy (for me - I tend to be one of those who belabor everything...).  I used a pre-scored white cardbase, patterned papers from Echo Park's A Boy's Life, and built everything around my beloved primary colors. I like this card so much, I might have to make a couple more just like it while I still have all of my stuff out - it's nice & versatile.  Could go to a person of any age or gender; those don't happen too often! 

Be sure to visit the Mojo Monday blog to see how to play along - since it's the first Monday of the month, it's contest week, which means you could win a free set of Verve Stamps!  You'll also want to check out what the rest of the Mojo Makers have created to inspire you:

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

 

Supplies - Stamps: Starstruck by Verve Stamps; Ink: Adirondack Denim, Red Pepper & Sunshine Yellow; Paper: A Boy's Life by Echo Park, Sno Cone & Red Hot from My Favorite Things, Prism Classic Yellow, white base from stash; Accessories: Corner Chomper, Circle and Petite Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Banner die from Lil Inker Designs, Star Trio and Star Border Die-Namics from My Favorite Things, Jody Morrow's Foam Boosters.

Mojo Monday With Sympathy

Most paper crafters I know aren't especially fond of making sympathy cards.  I'm certainly not.  They make me sad.  But, as I learned after my mother passed away last fall, it's those gestures made during hard times that mean the most to the recipient.  The father of a dear friend passed away in a very sad and sudden manner recently.  Thus, I put away the fun & cartoon-y stuff I tend to gravitate towards and went straight for my Class Act Stamps (aka Verve) to create an appropriately elegant and respectful sympathy card. 

I used this week's Mojo Monday sketch as my blueprint:

And this is what I put together:

It may look fairly simple, but let me tell you - this took me a long time to make!  There are always a lot of decisions to make when you're creating a card, but they seem weightier when you're creating a sympathy card, don't you think?  Everything has to be just so.  The color scheme, for example.  For some reason, I got it into my head that I wanted to use purple, gray, and white as my color scheme.  I searched through my plethora of 6"x6" pads (I swear, I should just get rid of all of my 12"x12" patterned paper, as I use it so seldom these days) and found some good gray patterned paper, but couldn't find any purple patterned paper that wasn't a weird shade or whimsical.  I had to ditch the stark white cardstock I wanted to use, though, because the patterned paper had more of an ivory background, and I'm pretty sure Jody has a rule about that (I can't knowingly break Jody's rules, or she'll haunt me).  Should I do gray and purple felt flowers?  I was thinking so, but the gray felt I have is a cool gray and didn't blend well with the warmer grays of the patterned paper and cardstock, so I opted for just purple flowers.  What color should the ribbon be?  I didn't want to use gray ribbon on top of the gray patterned paper and cardstock layer where the bow would be - too much gray.  I don't have any purple ribbon that's dark enough to match the purple felt or cardstock.  Maybe I should put black pearls as the flower centers and use black ribbon?  No, I don't like to use black on sympathy cards.  I mean, I know I'm making it because of a death, but using black ribbon seems so... literal.  And so on, and so on, and so on.

This is why I don't like making sympathy cards - they're hard!

Fortunately, though, I didn't have to come up with the sketch, too.  Mama-to-twin-baby-boys JULEE did that for me.  And she's done it for you, too.  Go to the Mojo Monday blog to find out how to participate in this week's sketch challenge, and guess what?  Since it's the first Monday of the month, it's PRIZE WEEK!  If you participate and your card is deemed one of the Mojo-est Of Them All, you could win a free set of Class Act Stamps (aka Verve) of your choosing! So get 'er done.  And for more inspiration, please visit my fellow Mojo Makers' blogs to see what sort of loveliness they've created to inspire you:

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

 

Mojo 240 Sketch Kind Words Set Loopy Blooms dies Head Over Heels 6"x6" pad TCP Felt Neenah Classic Crest Cardstock Flags & Tags Stamp and Die Set Geometric Circles Embossing Folder Nestabilities Circles Stampin' Up Card Stock Jody's Foam Boosters

InLinkz.com

 

Mojo Monday #232

This one is going to be a shorty, folks, because I am still feeling the effects of the flu. That nasty bug has gone through my entire household this past week, and I am still achey and sniffly.

 

But I didn't want to go two weeks in a row without submitting a Mojo Monday sample, and I have a lovely new Verve set that needed to be inked right away (time is of the essence, and you know how much I hate wasting essence...). With you in mind, and despite my feverish state, I pushed through the agony to create you a sample. Yes, yes, I know: I'm a giver...

 

Are you ready for this week's splendiferous sketch, courtesy of our Interim Head Mojo Maker (while Ms. Julee is prepping for her sweet baby boys), the terrifically talented Teresa Kline? (Weird - in my semi-delirium, I typed another Teresa's name there - someone I worked ever-so-briefly with 15 years ago. Cray-cray!)  Of course you are...

And here's what I made with it, using Verve's newish LUCKY YOU set, and Shamrock & Rounded Scallop Frame dies:

I stamped the ivory panels with the smallest shamrock image in A Muse's Lichen pigment ink for some custom-made patterned paper. The darker green ink - used for the scalloped border, big shamrock embellishment, and sentiment -  is Adirondack Earthtone's Meadown by Ranger. The patterned paper at the bottom is from Simple Stories' Happy Day 6"x6" pad. Here's a close-up of the sentiment panel:

Be sure to go by the Mojo Monday blog for all of the details about how you can play along in this week's challenge. 

For further takes on the sketch, visit my fellow Mojo Makers

• Debbie Carriere
• Mary Fish
• Sarah Bigelow
• Teresa Kline
• Stephanie Kraft

And now, before I pass out, I am going hither my bedchamber. I leave you with this sage advice: get your flu shot next year!!!

 

Surprise Hop for Julee

I'm so thrilled to be able to participate in this very special surprise hop in honor of soon-to-be-Mom-to-twin-boys and all-around-wonderful person, JULEE TILMAN¹!  If you're hopping in order, you've come to me from Miss Meowy, also know as the incomparable ALMA DE LA ROSA.  If you just stumbled in and want to start from the get-go, head over to Julee's blog and/or our hop organizer, the talented TERESA KLINE's blog.  Teresa will have all of the blog participants listed on her blog if you find a broken link or get lost. 

I first got to know Julee when I was a Verve Diva back in 2008, and I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to work with her again as part of the Mojo Monday Design Team. Julee is as classy as her stamps (which are my go-to images and sentiments when I need to do some Class Act Stamping²), and I know she's going to be a terrific mom. :)

Before I show you what I've made in Julee's honor, let me give you a look-see at this week's MOJO MONDAY sketch, #229:

And here's my take on it...

I used my favorite 'New Mama' image, DIANA by Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps³, and my favorite 'New Baby' sentiment, "There Are No Small Miracles" from the BEAUTIFUL YOU⁴ set by Verve Stamps.  Diana was colored with Copic Markers on Copic X-Press Blending Cardstock, then fussy-cut.  The patterned paper is from Echo Park's new This & That - Charming 6"x6" pad.  The Carribean bakers twine is from The Twinery, and was a gift from my BSF/faux nemesis, Carolyn King, with whom I roomed⁵ at CHA.  I needed something on the card to represent twins, so that's where the wooden buttons come in.  I hope Julee likes it! :)

Teresa asked each of us to offer words of parenting wisdom.  This is tough, because as you all know, I am centuries old and very wise; to limit myself to just one pearl of wisdom... Hmm... I think it would be this: as overwhelming as babies may be at times, and as tired as you will surely get, try not to wish that first year away. Rock your babies and mindfully enjoy their infancy as much as you can.  Like my favorite parenting poem says:

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I’ve learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep.⁶

Lucky you, you now get to go visit someone who is not only a great friend of mine, she's also one of my favorite stampers, the sensational SUSAN LILES!

Footnotes:

1.  Julee is the owner/illustrator of VERVE STAMPS, as well as the founder/chief sketcher of the weekly MOJO MONDAY sketch challenge.

2.  Class Act Stamping... it's a long story.  See this post if you want more info.

3.  DIANA is actually named for Kimmie's mom - isn't that the sweetest?  I had to leave the Kraftin' Kimmie Design Team in late November last year because I was still overwhelmed after my own mom's death and not sure I could honor DT commitments, prepare for finals and the holidays, and remain sane.  Still, I left on great terms with Kimmie, who is the soul of graciousness, and I still ADORE KKS's images.  So much so, I had to order the Gimme Kimmie Kit of all the new Moonlight Whispers released yesterday.  Go check 'em out - they're FABULOUS!

4.  BEAUTIFUL YOU is Verve's 1st anniversary set, and Julee had the wonderful idea of having design team members submit a sentiment that had meaning to them.  "There Are No Small Miracles" was mine, and here's the story behind it.

5. "... with whom I roomed" - that rhymes!

6. From 'Song For a Fifth Child' by Ruth Hulbert Hamilton

 

November Sketch For You To Try

It's November - have you started your Christmas/Hanukkah/Kwanza/Festivus shopping yet?  I actually have, believe it or not.  Not any of the 'big' stuff, though; just the easy ones.  But still, it's a start...  And speaking of starts, you know the start of every month brings another fabulous SKETCH FOR YOU TO TRY (aka SFYTT) by my great friend, Jen del Muro. 

 

And, as if that isn't enough in it's own right, we've got an equally fabulous sponsor this month, the oh-so-elegant and just plain cool, VERVE STAMPS!

For years now, Verve Stamps have been my 'go-to' images when I need to do what I refer to as 'Class Act Stamping.'  Everyone needs a little class at the ready, don't you think?  Well, for me: it's Verve.  And it has been, ever since I had the good fortune of being a Verve Diva, many moons ago.  You know what I learned then?  Verve's owner/illustrator, JULEE TILMAN is a class act, too.  No wonder, is it?  To paraphrase Forrest Gump, classy is as classy does.  I'm thrilled that I once again am able to play with Julee on a regular basis as a member of her Mojo Monday design team.  Believe me when I tell you that Julee is 31 flavors and then some + a bag of chips.

Sadly, I'm in need of a class act sympathy card.  I received this STUNNING one from Jen in the mail earlier this month (in which she used Verve Stamps, naturally), and since there was no way in world I could improve upon it, I CASE'd it as best I could, using this month's sketch and the materials I had on hand:

I used a trio of sets to create this (Kind Words, Hope Blooms, and Bloom & Grow), as well as the Elegant Leaves A Cut Above die.  I trimmed out the flowers by hand so that I could leave a little margin of Baja Blue cardstock, and then centered them with some gem brads I've had in my stash forever.

Be sure to visit my SFYTT Sisters to see what they've come up with, using this wonderfully versatile sketch:

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

And, of course, you'll want to check out Jen's blog to see creations by THE Sketcher, herself, and our Designer of the Month, Broni Holcombe.  While there, you'll find all the info you need to play along with us this month.  For those of you who have been participating monthly, we're getting oh-so-close to the HUGE Christmas Day drawing!!!

_________________________________________________

Warning: What follows is non-stamping related. It's kind of sad, so proceed with caution, and skip altogether if you want.  You won't hurt my feelings a bit...

This card was made for a good friend who lost her father this week in a terrible car accident.  It's especially sad, because both of her parents are elderly, and her father was more or less taking care of her mother.  I know she and her family are going to have to face some very hard decisions in the coming weeks, in addition to grieving their loss.  

During the course of making this card, I learned some terrible news: a good friend of ours from law school suffered a stroke in her sleep earlier this week, and she isn't going to make it.  Judy is my age - just 42.  She is general counsel to our Governor, and Sean was delighted to reconnect with Judy and be able to work closely with her, since Gov. Fallin was inaugerated this past January.  If you are the praying kind, please keep Judy's friends and family in your prayers. 

Perhaps it's because I'm still riding the waves of my own grief about my mom that I'm more in tune with the hardships that others are enduring, but, man: it sure seems like there is more suffering going on these days than usual.  Whether that's true or not, I'm learning that the best way to move through difficult days is to allow yourself to feel sad and be with those emotions.  Then, embrace your loved ones and be grateful that you have people to love who love you back. 

Thank you for reading this, and reading my blog, in general.  It really means a lot to me that there are folks out there who enjoy what I make and take time to read what I write.

{{{{{{You}}}}}}}

For Shirley

A very special member of my local community was laid to rest yesterday.  His funeral was one of the most beautiful, thoughtful ceremonies I have ever attended; John would have loved it.  His widow, Shirley, is a dear friend of mine.  John and Shirley were married for 57 years and raised four beautiful children together.  Since I met them when I moved to town 15 years ago, they have served as role models for me in so many areas of my life.  Via the bookclub I became a member of a dozen years ago at Shirley's invitation, I've become friends with two of their daughters; I've repeatedly told them how much I envy them having had John and Shirley as parents.  John was 81 years old when he died, and he lived a wonderful life.  It was my pleasure and privilege to know him.

My sample for this week's Mojo Monday sketch (#208) is a card I've created for Shirley.  Here's a look at the sketch:

A month or so ago I sent Julee some extremely rudimentary sketch ideas, and she's given me credit for designing this week's sketch; to say that she is being VERY generous in attributing the sketch to me is an understatement!  My idea was to be able to do a little color blocking, something I haven't done in quite a while.  Here's what I came up with:

I couldn't decide which of two sentiments from Verve's lovely Forever In Our Hearts set that I wanted to use, so I just used them both.  I inked everything - including the Rose Seam Binding from The Cat's Pajamas - with Walnut Distress Ink, using a foam applicator.  I couldn't get the panels to measure out to a true square, so I just added a layer of patterened paper and a border die cut (Faux Crochet Border Die-Namics by MFT). 

My color scheme was inspired by this week's COLOR THROWDOWN challenge.  I didn't have a chance to create a card in time for the challenge announcement on the CTD Challenge Blog, but I didn't want to let the whole week go by without using Danielle's sweet combo.  

Speaking of Danielle, it's her birthday today!  Happy Birthday, Danielle!  If you have a second, stop by her blog to wish her a happy day, and to drool over her gorgeous work.

Head on over to the Mojo Monday blog for instructions of how to particpate in this week's challenge, as well as for visual inspiration from the rest of the Mojo Monday design team. For up close and personal descriptions of their lovely creations, mosey on over to these ladies' blogs, and leave 'em a little love for giving papercrafters at least one reason to like Mondays.

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

Thanks for stopping by today, and I'll be back soon.  Have a great week!

PS - Check out the cool Link Manager I'm using below to show/add links to most of the products I've used.  Isn't it awesome?  If you're interested in trying it out for yourself, head over to the In Linkz site.  The Beta version is currently being tested, so you can use it for free through December as long as you have a coupon code.  And just because I'm soooo nice and I appreciate you reading my blog soooo much, I won't make you hunt the coupon code down.  Here it is:

17423064

Thanks a Bunch, Mojo Monday!

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

 

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

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

Ready for the sketch?  Here you go...

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

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

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

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

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

See ya later, peepages!

Purty Colors!

Last Friday, my friend Steuby-Shanoopy-Shannan-Teubner made a comment about me on her blog.  It was in passing, but it didn't escape my notice.  She is the current Viva La Verve sketch challenge hostess, and she came up with a very cool sketch and gave a tutorial for a quilt-y paper technique.  Here's Shannan's sketch:

As Shannan was demonstrating the aforementioned quilt-y technique, she made the following comment:

"This is a perfect time to use those less-loved colors like Orchid Opulence or Yo-Yo Yellow. Unless you're Carole."

Well.  I could hardly let such a remark slip by, could I?  I daresay, that was a direct challenge.  Especially considering I'd just received a Verve order in the mail the previous day.¹ Usually when I receive a new shipment of stamps, I let it sit and collect dust for at least 6 months or so unless it's got a design team deadline attached to it.  Not this time!  Shannan, this one's for you, sister...

Just for kicks & giggles, I added a little Green Galore and Cool Carribean to my beloved Orchid Oppulence and YoYo Yellow.  And -- for the record -- the folks at Echo Park share my sensibilities; see that delightful, perfectly coordinating patterned paper?  That's from Echo Park's new Summer Days 6"x6" paper pad.  To keep things lively, I added a little Stardust Embossing Glitter from Powder Keg to give the flowers and leaves a little flash.  The edges of the paper layer were inked with Papaya pigment ink from A Muse | Studio. 

Thank you, Steuby-Doo, for getting me back to my vibrant roots.  My Bold Brights had been missing me. This really is a great sketch and fun technique.  I likey! 

Here's another bright little number I threw together when I was trying out my new A Muse|Studio inks:

Fun & super easy.  I repeatedly stamped out the guitar (in Cranberry, Orange, Fern, Ocean, and Blackberry A Muse|Studio pigment ink) and then heat embossed the  You Rock sentiment in black embossing powder.   All stamps are from the Rock Star set.

Okay, dahlings.  It's late and I'm plum tuckered out.  I'll be back manana with a sample for this week's Color Throwdown.  See you then!

Footnotes:

1.  Perhaps you didn't notice, and of course, I didn't mention it (BECAUSE I'M SO MODEST!), but I was one of the April Mojo Monday sketch challenge winners, and so I was lucky enough to receive a free Verve stamp set of my choosing.  Fortunately, this occurred right at release time, so I selected the beautiful new Bloom & Grow set.  But, as I mentioned to the fabulous Julee Tilman in an email, if you give a mouse (or me) Bloom & Grow, she's going to need the accompanying dies and a few other new sets to go with it...  I ended up with a nice, fat package of Verve-iliciousness in my mailbox a couple of days later.  That's what I call some happy mail! :)

Supplies used:

Bloom & Grow: Stamps - Bloom & Grow from Verve Stamps; Paper - Summer Days 6"x6" pade from Echo Park, Orchid Oppulence, YoYo Yellow, Green Galore (SU!), Neenal Solar White; Ink: Green Galore, VersaMark, A Muse Papaya, Marvy Matchables Black; Accessories - Elegant Leaves and Floral Circles A Cut Above dies by Verve, Stardust Embossing Glitter from Powder Keg, brads, gingham ribbon, Jody's foam boosters.

You Rock: Stamps - Rockstar by A Muse|Studio; Paper - Neenah Solar White, True Black (PTI); Ink: Cranberry, Orange, Fern, Ocean, Blackberry, VersaMark; Accessories: black detail embossing powder, Jody's foam boosters.

August JiFFy!

It's already time for another JUST FOR FUN (JiFFy) challenge with my JiFFy girlfriends -- this month has flown by so quickly.  Anyone else wondering where August went? 

For today's challenge, Kim sent everyone some sunny paper from Echo Park.  Once the paper was mailed out, Michele revealed her image selection: the very sweet Willow Writing Recipes from Whiff of Joy.  Here's what I came up with:

Looks pretty straight-forward, doesn't it?  Well, you wouldn't believe how long it took me!  I just couldn't seem to get it together.  Of course, that might have something to do with the fact that I waited until 2:30 a.m. this morning to get it started (have I mentioned that I tend to procrastinate?).  When in doubt?  Color block!  I thought about throwing on more embellishments and sewing, but then I thought, "Nah... why clutter it up?  Plus, if you take the picture and write a quick blog post, you might be able to sleep for an hour or so before the kids wake up..."

What do you think?  Should I have added more for more's sake?  Or is highly-labored, semi-clean-and-simple the better option?  Give me your thoughts.

(Card details: Willow was colored with Copic Markers.  I supplemented the given image and patterned paper with Kraft cardstock from PTI and Prism Suede Brown Dark cardstock.  The sentiment is from Verve -- it was a gift in my recent order (Thanks, Julee!).  The twill is from My Favorite Things.)

I'm positive my well-organized, Type-A JiFFy Girlfriends had theirs done weeks ago.  That's just how they roll.  Why not visit them to compare and contrast?  It'll be like watching one of Oprah's makeover shows, with mine being the 'Before' and these ladies' being the glamorous 'After's:

Michele Boyer,

Julie Campbell,

Kim Hughes, and

Lori Craig

(Alli Miles is on vacation, but may be posting when she gets home tomorrow or the next day.)

Now, if you'll excuse me...

A {Rosy} Sketch For You To Try

Happy Saturday, everyone!  Do you have big plans this weekend?  I've got a busy one -- the fam is hanging out with friends at Grand Lake on Friday night, then on Saturday I'm heading over to Kansas City for dinner and fun with... wait for it... Alma de la Rosa (THE Cat's Pajamas), Kim van der Sanden (The MFT Lady), and Sweet, Sweet Lori Craig!  Lucky me!

Alma and Kim are gracing middle America with their presences to teach classes at one of the best stamping stores in the country, Stamper's Ink.  I couldn't let them come to what is practically my backyard without extending them the pleasure of my company, could I?

I'll fill you in on any insider info I get from these Titans of Stamping next week.  In the meantime, how about a little SFYTT for your viewing pleasure?

I must admit, I was a little stumped at first by Jen's sketch this week.  But once I decided upon who I wanted to make a card for -- my husband's grandmother is celebrating her 100th birthday in a couple of weeks -- the heavens parted, the sun shone, and I saw the light.  (See photo for detail...)

Well, that and I got a new shipment of Verve Stamps in the mail (thanks to Jackie Pedro's enabling), which inspired me to do a little Class Act stampin'.  I actually didn't use any of the new sets I bought, though.  I started searching through all of my Verve sets for just the right sentiment for Granny, who is truly one of the most wonderful people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing.  She personifies unconditional love.  Anyway, between Verve and my newfound passion for felted flowers using MFT's Rolled Flower Die-namic (and the leaves from the Sheltering Tree and Leaf Trio Die-namic), I came up with something I think is really pretty.  Who knew I had it in me?!

(MFT seems to be sold out of the Rolled Flower Die-namic at the moment, but I'm sure it will be back in stock very soon.  Those things are hot, I tell ya!  If you don't have it yet, you need it!)  The roses were topped with pearl-y Bella Baubles.

The moral of this story: a challenging sketch can get you thinking outside your normal box.  Not only can you come up with something surprising, your brain gets some exercise while you're at it.  Win-win!

Speaking of winning, why not head over to Jen's blog for the sketch and to see her and August Guest Designer Ashley N. Newell's winsome samples?  Then, visit my sensationally talented SFYTT Sisters for their takes on today's sketch.  I'm particularly interested to see where their brains took them this week!

Susan Liles
Amy Rohl
Amy Sheffer
Leigh O’Brien
Megan Lock
Amber Hight
Sony Christoph
Jodi Collins
Kelly Lunceford
Jenn Diercks

Have a great weekend, and I'll see you on Monday with a JiFFy Girls challenge!

Supplies Used: Stamps: Just For You by Verve Stamps Paper: October Afternoon ‘Thrift Shop’ 8x8 pad, Neenah Ivory, Regal Rose, Old Olive (SU!) Ink: Regal Rose, Old Olive (SU!), Tea Dye Duo (PTI) Accessories: MFT Rolled Flower Die-Namic, MFT Sheltering Tree and Leaf Trio Die-namic, Nestabilities circles, Bella Baubles, felt from TCP’s Seeing Red and Green with Envy collections, satin ribbon, sewing machine, Jody’s foam boosters  

A Lucky Sketch For You To Try

My black thumb has been well-documented on this blog -- I've mentioned many times that I'm a serial plant killer.  But Lucky Bamboo and I get along fabulously.  I love it!  I rarely have to water it, and it seems to thrive no matter how much it's neglected.  Plus, it's got all that good feng shui going for it, and while I'm not a devotee of that practice, I'd be willing to err on the side of Pascal's Wager where it's concerned.  In other words, why not?  It's purty!  As is 'Asian Flair,' which has moved into the ranks of my top three favorite Verve sets.  Just a little fun fact for you to know and tell!

Anywho, this card uses Jen's Sketch For You To Try for this weekend.  Get the sketch from Jen's blog, and be sure say "Hi!" to the fun and fabulous Jessie Rone, Jen's Guest Designer for the month of July.  Then, blurf on to see the stunners Amy, Shannan, and Susan have created.  Take a few moments to catch your breath, then get to stampin'!  If you upload it to your Splitcoaststampers gallery, be sure to use the keyword 'SFYTT' so we can check out what you've made.

Did you have a fun-filled Fourth?  We went to our next-door-neighbors for a cookout.  The boys swam, and the big boys set off fireworks, then we watched the City of Claremore's fireworks before heading home.  We're so lucky -- we have a great view of the City's fireworks display from our backyards.  Are you ready to see how festive I was feeling?  Well, feast your eyes...

While it's certainly nothing like my pals Laura (a former professional cake-decorator) or Lexi (entertainer extraordinaire) might throw together, I did feel like a poor man's Martha, bringing my theme-appropriate dessert to the soiree. ; )  Here's the recipe, in case you're interested.

Supplies used:
Stamps: Asian Flair, Floral Whimsey (Verve)
Paper: Brilliant Blue, Basic Black (SU!), Georgia Pacific white, Aitoh Origami paper
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue, Lovely Lilac (SU!)
Accessories: Copic Sketch markers, SU Blender pen, ribbon, Dimensionals, Creative Memories square punches

News Roundup

So much stuff going on these days -- I thought this time of year was when folks took it easy, but apparently not if you own a stamp company (or design for said people)!  Let me tell you what the trio of evil-business-geniuses for whom I sneeze on command (hee!) have been up to:

1.  Alma of The Cat's Pajamas will soon be releasing some of the swankiest sets the stamping industry has ever seen.  That is no exaggeration.  Sprinkle, Poochie and the three Penguins (note to self: trio of penguins/trio of evil-business-geniuses... ) have much to celebrate very soon.  I'm not sure I'm at liberty to share anything at the moment, but when I am?  Ooftie!  I'd better go to Sam's and start stocking up on tissue, because the sneezing will be like nothing you've ever seen...

2.  Julee and Verve Stamps (formerly known as Verve Visual) will be celebrating Verve's one year Anni-Verve-sary with a commemorative set that will send the best kind of shivers down your spine, and might very well make you cry.  I know I got teary as the team was just talking about it.  No joke.  And in the meantime?  Well, five new sets were released just last week, and

Verve has become Splitcoaststampers' newest Member Company!  So be sure to stop by the Verve Forum and say 'hi!', hang out and chat with us! To celebrate, Verve will be giving FREE SHIPPING until July 15th for those who enter the special code.

And since I'm talking about Verve, how 'bout I show you what I made for the June Verve Project Parade, since I haven't posted it here yet...

3.  Last night was My Favorite Things' New Release Cocktail/2nd Birthday Party, and the joint was jumpin' to put it mildly!  Kim and Co. released four new sets (two featuring Who's That Girl, two featuring MFT's newest character who is bound to hop into your heart) and two new Annie La Point images.  And even though it's Kim's (she'll be 40 in a few short hours!) and MFT's Birthday, she's decided to give her customer's the present: all of the new stuff at a discount of nearly 10% and FREE SHIPPING (US) if you purchase the July Collection.

 

Here's a little something I put together for someone special using one of the new Annie LaPoint images...

I'm going to give this to her today, and there's a chance she may read this, so I'm not going to go into to much detail.  But I do want to show you a close up of one thing I think is pretty doggone clever of yours truly...
The 'water' coming out of the shower head is made from seed beads! 

Well, I had planned to show you a card I made for my dear, sweet, lovely friend Cammie that I revealed at last night's party (the censors just barely deemed it viewable), but time has gotten away from me.  I gotta get up and go!  But now can you see why I have such bony fingers?

And just in case I don't have a chance to tell you tomorrow...

VERVE is the word!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Detour!

Thanks for stopping by, but today I'm busy leading the Project Parade on the Verve Visual blog.  So, I'll make you a deal -- go there, and I'll show you not only a a card I came up with using this Inspiration Challenge

but I'll tell you a bunch of fun facts I know you've been DYING to know about me.  What?  That's not enough?  Geesh, you guys are tough.  What's it going to take?  Free stamps?  Oh, all right.  I tell you how you can get free stamps, too.  Happy, now?!

Have a great day!

Back in the 'Hole

Thanks to all of you who've wondered where I've been and if everything is alright.  Well, the truth is, I was abducted Sunday morning by three men, taken to the middle of nowhere, and made to stay until yesterday. 

During that time, I was forced to undress and endure water torture (in the form of a sulphur bath and shower 'massage'), then was required to lay silently on a table for 50 minutes with my eyes closed while this woman tried to rub me out.  Fortunately, aromatherapy and whatever other concoctions she had in her arsenal were no match for me. 

Nor was the constant wining and dining, and attempts at bribery in the form of sportswear bearing little alligators and plaids.  When they realized that nothing they could do  -- fabulously comfortable beds, rich history and tradition, interiors by the amazing Dorothy Draper -- none of these so-called 'luxuries' could make me spill the beans, they promptly whisked me back and deposited me in my wreck of a craft room known as the 'stamp hole.'  Your secrets are still safe with me, stampers. 

But I don't know for how long -- I heard rumors that they're going to try to wear me down with the same sort of routine a week from tomorrow.  This time, they're changing their tactics.  Instead of the remote mountains of West Virginia, they've apparently arranged for some place in the Nevada desert.  The Four Seasons, I think it's called?  Anyway, please pray for my continued strength.

Despite this ordeal, I still have some eye candy to share with you, believe it or not.  Here's a card made with Verve's new Floral Whimsy set:

This is a little more 'earthy' than my typical color palette, but I really like the way it came together.  The next one, on the other hand, I'm a bit less sold on.  I wanted to make something simple with Verve's Filigree Fantasy set and use some of the new PTI Lemon Tart and Lavendar Moon inks and cardstock I had yet to try.

When DH stopped by the 'Hole recently, he saw it on top of my desk and asked "Did you make that?"  I said yes, and wondered by he asked.  He just kind of shook his head and said "Doesn't look like you."  He's right.  Looking at it now, I think I probably should have added some black to make it pop.  Comme ci comme ça...

Tomorrow, however, I'm line leader for the Verve Project Parade (going on now on the Verve Blog -- check it out -- it's way fabulous, as usual.  But this time? In addition to gorgeous creations, the blog entries themselves are fun, too. On each day of the Project Parade, the featured Verve Design Diva will be answering a series of questions about her creative process, who and what inspires her, her habits, etc.  I love reading stuff like that about other stampers, don't you?), so I will be working my fingers to the bone to come up with something Verve-ilicious.  Hopefully for both of us, I'll end up with more than bony fingers.  Until then, comrades.

Supplies used:
Brown-Eyed Susans: Stamps: Floral Whimsy (Verve Visual);Paper: Close to Cocoa (SU!), Spring Moss (PaperTrey Ink), Georgia Pacific White, gold background and patterned paper by My Minds Eye; Ink: VersaFine Archival Vintage Sepia, VersaFine Archival Onyx Black, Garden Green (SU!);Accessories: Nestabilities, Copic Sketch Markers, sueded ribbon, Dimensionals

Lemon & Lavender Flourishes: Stamps: Filigree Fantasy (Verve Visual); Paper: Lemon Tart, Lavender Moon, White (PaperTrey Ink); Ink: Lavender Moon, Lemon Tart (Pefect Match, PTI); Accessories: Nestabilities, PTI Lemon Tart ribbon, Making Memories ribbon tool, Dimensionals