Mother's Little Helper

Winter Joys (YNS Sneak Peek)

Winter joys, you ask? Didn't it just turn fall, like, last week? Yes, especially when you live in my part of the world, where it's still warm enough that no jacket is required (shout out to Phil Collins!). Still, we papercrafters have to be ahead of the actual calendar so that we can that we can show fellow enthusiasts what they NEED in time to create their seasonal projects. In real life, though, I'm still firmly in early November. Case in point: last week, I stood in line behind a woman who was telling the clerk that she had already completed her Christmas shopping. I was very restrained. I did not say a word, and I fought the impulse to stab her in the neck with the stylus attached to the credit card reader. I took a deep breath and told myself, "Self. You have plenty of time left to shop. You are a good person, even if there are gifts in your closet that you still haven't delivered from last Christmas. The holidays have not beat you. Yet."

Back to my crafty non-real-life... Tomorrow YOUR NEXT STAMP is coming out with its November release. Huzzah! As it is YNS Release Day Eve, I've got a sneak peek for you of an ADORABLE (<--- when I all-cap, you know I mean what I say) new stamp and die set, ICE SKATING PHOEBE.  Phoebe is the latest recurring character from YNS's original flagship illustrator, the fabulous Fhiona. Everything Fhiona draws is darling, and Ice Skating Phoebe is no exception.  Check her out:

Ain't she sweet, as she glides along her amazingly symmetrical, tree-lined frozen pond? Here's a fun-fact for you to know and tell: see that silvery-blue cardstock I used to create Pheobe's pond (die-cutting it with good ol' Nestabilites Labels 14, which are now offically 'vintage' as I don't think you can buy them but from a third-party seller these days)? I scored it from the packaging of a set of Sonicare toothbrushes I bought at Costco last week. It was a big, 12"x12" sheet; so pretty and shiney - I couldn't let it go to waste.

As always, Ice Skating Phoebe has a coordinating die set. Here's a look at the complete stamp set.  I love the font selected for all the sentiments, don't you?

Here's a close-up of Sweet Miss Phoebe (she wanted me to let you know that those little brown 'hairs' are low-lights):

YNS is releasing two new collections of sparkly Gumdrops tomorrow. Here, I've used the new ICE ICE BABY Gumdrops. (Saying that makes me smile. It's all I can do not to type "Stop. Collaborate and listen...") Other YNS products used on this card include Banner - Piercing Holes Die Set; it's what gives the sentiment layer that marquee look.

For those of you interested in card-making details: I used the Ice Skating Phoebe die set to cut out Phoebe and her trees with Copic X-Press cardstock. I stamped the images onto the die-cuts with Momento Tuxedo Black ink, using my handy-dandy MISTI. Next, I outlined the snowcovered branches and colored the tree trunks with Copics, before tracing the snow outlines with Stardust Stickles. I set those aside to dry, then got to coloring Phoebe. The background patterned paper is from Doodlebug Designs' Frosty Friends 6"x6" paper.  The sentiment and cardbase are made with MFT's Smooth White cardstock, and the sentiment is stamped in SU!'s Brilliant Blue ink.  Various layers and images are popped up for depth and dimension using Jody Boosters.

Okay, friendlies. That's it for me today. Be sure to check out all the other sneak peeks the YNS designers have created for your viewing pleasure. A link-list of participating designers is on the YNS Blog.  I'll be back tomorrow with more to share.  Thanks for stopping by to visit me!

Snuggly Squirrels (YNS October Sneak Peek)

One of my favorite picture books as a child was "Miss Suzy" by Miriam Young, and illustrated by the awesome Arnold Lobel. 

If you're a big fan of children's books, as I am, you'll remember Arnold Lobel from books like Frog and Toad, The Ice Cream Cone Coot and Other Rare Birds, and the Caldecott Award winning Fables. All great stuff. But there is something particularly winning about Miss Suzy. Lobel's little squirrely girl is a fastidious housekeeper. She sweeps with her little twig broom, and has the cutest little acorn coffee cups. I'd go so far as to say that Suzy is the rodent version of Martha Stewart.

Thus, when I saw Your Next Stamp's delightful new SANDY AUTUMN GREETINGS stamp set, I couldn't help but think of sweet Miss Suzy.

How adorable is that image?! I just love it. And for those of you (like me) who like coordinating die sets that free you from the work of fussy cutting, you're in luck. This stamp set has a coordinating set of dies, too. Even if you think squirrels are just fluffy rats, you can't help but be charmed by these sweet illustrations:

So cute and cuddly!

In addition to the to-be-released-tomorrow SANDY AUTUMN GREETINGS stamps and coordinating dies, I also used YNS's Stitched Rectangle Dies and Love Me Some Latte Gumdrops. The patterned papers are from Doodlebug Designs' Fall Friends and Friendly Forest 6"x6" paper pads.
Visit the Your Next Stamp Blog for links to all of the other YNS designers previewing goodies from the October Release, then come back and visit me tomorrow for the YNS New Release Blog Hop. Thanks for stopping by! :)

And just in case you have a few extra minutes and want to hang out with Miss Suzy a little longer...

 

Three Little Pumpkins

Happy Labor Day weekend, for those of you visiting from the U.S.!  I love this weekend for a variety of reasons: 1) it means summer is just about over (and hopefully the heat and humidity that go with it) and fall is around the corner; 2) it's September, which is my birthday month (a.k.a. my favorite month of the year); and last but not least, my boon companion and saving grace, Mr. Carter Burrage (my soon-to-be 11 year old) was born on Labor Day, way back in 2004. Now I have one more reason to celebrate this weekend -- it's new release time for Your Next Stamp. Yay!

I've had so much fun creating for this release, I have to tell you.  Longtime readers know I'm a fan of cute, kawaii and cartoon-y, and this release has all that and more. Plus it's chock-full of Halloween goodness, and what kid-at-heart doesn't love Halloween?

Ready for a sneak peek?  Of course you are!  Here's a look at YNS's new HALLOWEEN PUMPKINS stamp set and coordinating dies:

My card was inspired by this cute little poem I found while searching my stash of Halloween paper pads. It's from We R Memory Keeper's "Spookville" collection from a few years ago.

From there, I die cut the three different shaped pumpkins from Pumpkin Pie card stock, then stamped the pumpkin images on the card stock with VersaMark ink.  Same story for the leaf stems, using Old Olive card stock. The jack-o-lantern faces were cut from black card stock and adhered onto the stamped die cut pumpkins.

Other YNS products used include the Fence, Spring Grass, Stitched Squares, and Bookmark/Tags - Large die sets.

I'm sure you're anxious to see more previews from this fabulous release, so head on over to the YNS Blog where you'll find a linky-list to all of the design team members and guest designers who have created lovely projects for your viewing pleasure.  Thanks so much for stopping by today, and be sure to come see me tomorrow for the YNS September Release Blog Hop.

Calling All Party Animals!

There's a party going on this weekend, in case you haven't heard.  And, I'm issuing you a PERSONAL AND EXCLUSIVE INVITATION. No, it isn't to celebrate my husband's and my 22nd wedding anniversary (that was yesterday), though you are welcome to congratulate me on that fact. I don't care what anyone says -- staying married that long takes hard work and perseverance (in addition to all the hearts and flowers, etc.)! He's a lucky, lucky man, wouldn't you agree?  

But back to that party I was talking about... It's a bash to celebrate Your Next Stamp's 6th Birthday! Yep, it's been six whole years since Karen Dedman launched her sweet little stamp shop, and my how it's grown!  In human years, YNS would be starting first grade! You moms out there know how much love and work it takes to nurture a child to age six; Karen's got little ones of her own, and has been rearing them and her awesome company, simultaneously. I don't know how she does it - some days it's all I can do to take a shower, know what I mean?

I'll give you all of the celebratory details WHEN YOU COME VISIT ME TOMORROW (hint, hint... I'm subtle, don't you think?) during the YNS 6th Birthday Blog Hop. There are prizes, discounts, and even an exclusive *FREE* stamp set with qualifying purchase.  Believe me when I tell you that you don't want to miss it.

In the meantime, here's a little sneak peek of one of the ADORABLE birthday-themed sets being released this month.  It's called PARTY ANIMALS, and the first must-ink image for me is the Daisy-look alike with a spot over his/her eye...

Total cuteness, right?  Here's a close-up of the pup, in case you need further convincing (please note the balloon has been fussy-cut and popped up on foam boosters):

Here's a look-see at the entire PARTY ANIMAL set, which of course has a coordinating die set for those of you who like that sort of thing (which I believe is just about everybody):

I know you're anxious as all get out to get previews of all the other new sets, so go to the YNS Blog for a linky list to all of the designers participating in today's peeks. In addition to the awesome YNS Design Team, there are several fabulous guests joining the fun this weekend.  Good times!

See you tomorrow!

YNS Stitched Square Dies	YNS - Stitched Rectangle Die Set	YNS Blue Sapphire Glittered Gumdrops	YNS Neon Sunrise Gumdrops
Doodlebug Designs - Hip Hip Hooray	Copic Sketch Markers	Stampin' Up Card Stock	Copic X-Press Blending Card Stock

InLinkz.com

A Sparkly Sneak Peek...

Greetings, patriots and friends from abroad!

For those of us in the U.S., today is all about the red, white, and blue. And, of course, fireworks. Fortunately, my SNEAK PEEK for Your Next Stamp's July New Release is in keeping with both of these festive imperatives...

The tag above features YNS's new FIREWORKS BACKGROUND stamp set, which comes with both the fireworks background and sentiment. 

The fam and me are headed to a 4th of July party at some friends' house this evening (keep your fingers crossed that it doesn't rain -- there's a 50% chance. Few things are more dispiriting than soggy fireworks...), so I thought making a tag would be the perfect way to kill two birds with one stone: a design team sample/hostess gift topper combo. Everyone wins! I've been thinking about what to bring the host and hostess. First thought: I could bake them an apple pie. What could be more all-American? Second thought: they'll probably have so much food on hand for the party that receiving one more edible will be met with feigned enthusiasm, at best. Third thought: I could make them a big jar of homemade salsa.  Fourth thought: see second thought.  Fifth thought: just bring wine; not terribly original, but it will eventually be put to good use. The originality will come in the form of my cute, cute tag (that was HAND-STITCHED, with love). Needless to say, I'm going with my fifth thought. 

I really think this firework image is one of the best I've ever seen. Of course, at first glance -- especially around this time of year -- is that it's for July 4, but really, fireworks are perfect for all sorts of congratulatory occasions. Weddings, birthdays, graduations, thank-yous for hot-nights-of-whatever, you name it. Such possibilities!

To create this glittery fizgig, I first stamped the image in VersaMark, then applied PK Glitz Heat Activated Glue Powder.  After hitting it with my heat gun, I then scattered PK Glitz Peppermint Twist Glitter on top.  Once the glue powder dries with the glitter on top, the glitter stays put. Easy-peasy! The sentiment was heat-embossed with regular white fine detail embossing powder.  To get the stitching detail on the Blueberry layer of the tag, I used YNS's STITCHED SQUARES DIES.

This month's YNS release is full of exotic animals, ninjas, rainbows, clowns -- you name it!  Visit the YNS Blog for links to all of today's Sneak Peeks, then come back tomorrow for the New Release Blog Hop for even more stamping splendor. I guarantee it will be amazing!  In the meantime,

YNS June Release Sneak Peek

Where y'at? How's your momma and dem? I’m writing you from the second row of a mini-van as the fam rolls down the highway, toward today’s destination of New Orleans. (Waving “hi!” to NOLA native Lexi Daly) We are stopping in NOLA for the evening to eat the best food in the world and stroll around Bourbon Street before grabbing a few hours of shut-eye. I imagine the evening may involve the consumption of a beverage or two, as well. Then, on Saturday morning, we’ll hit Café Du Monde for some coffee & beignets, then we’re on the road again until we arrive at our destination on Florida’s Emerald Coast. Let the good times roll!

 Speaking of good times, it’s Sneak Peek day for Your Next Stamp’s June Release.  I’m going to give you a look-see at the new Whatnot Sentiments Five set.  As you’ve probably seen, big swirly sentiments are in papercrafting vogue right now. Whatnot Sentiments Five has the basics covered for you in one sweet set.  I love it, and know it’s going to be one of those go-to sets for a good long while.

This year’s graduation season cleaned me completely out of congratulatory cards, thus my first impulse when I got this awesome set in my hand was to replenish my stash.  I also wanted to try my hand at the Bokeh technique I’ve been seeing on Pinterest. I think I likey…

I’d write you up a nifty tutorial, but as I mentioned, I’m on the road.  I did take some pictures of the process, but I’m pretty sure they are still stuck on my phone.  I know, I know – fat lot of good they’re doing you there.  Just go to Pinterest or Google Bokeh Technique, and you’ll find several YouTube videos that can probably explain the whole process better than I can, anyway.  Here’s what I can tell you from my experience:

• You’ll need watercolor paper.  If you can’t find yours after a move in which you’ve only unpacked half of your stuff, WalMart does carry some watercolor paper, if you live in a small town with no other hobby stores from which to purchase it.
• It’s kind of a messy technique.  While I love trying new techniques, I know myself well enough to know that if they’re kind of a bother (as the messy ones usually are), I probably won’t want to do it again anytime in the near future.  Thus, I usually plan on making a set (i.e. at least three) of such cards.  Knowing this ahead of time will save a little sanity as you won’t be kicking yourself for going to all this trouble for one measly background.  Here’s my trio of Bokeh Congrats cards – stash replenished!

Other YNS supplies used include Stitched Rectangle Dies and Black Licorice Glittered Gumdrops.

Alrighty, peeps.  That’s all I’ve got for you today.  I’ll be back tomorrow, though, for the YNS June Release Blog Hop.  I’ll also give you an update/lowdown on our hours in New Orleans.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

Miso Happy -- YNS Sneak Peek

Konnichiwa, peeps! I've been pretty scarce of late. Lots of stuff going on, not the least of which is my first-born graduating in a few short days. I know by merely mentioning that fact you'll cut me some slack, so I'm going to milk it for all it's worth. We good? Good.

In spite of such earth-quaking events, stamp companies still seem to be having releases. Go figure! I'll let Karen off the hook for this, and I'll even participate in the goings-on despite my heart and brain being elsewhere. I know, I know... it's big of me. I'm a big gal, what can I say?  (I'm working on that, though...)

Enough about this and that. Ready for a look-see at a super cute new stamp set by Your Next Stamp?  Of course you are!  Here's a sneak peek of the new SOY AWESOME...

Did you know that if I could eat only one thing every day for the rest of my life, it would be SOUP?  It's true. I love love love me some wonderful soup. Hot & sour soup is probably my favorite, but a good lobster bisque or clam chowder is close behind. I don't have a great source for miso soup, but I've found a lot of recipes on Pinterest. If this cute bowl is anything to judge by, however, I'm sure I will adore it. Did you know that purple bowls are good luck in Japan?

Neither did I, until I made it up. Let's just go with it, shall we? Look at those yummy cubes of tofu and scallions... mmm. Lots of fab images in this set. Don't believe me? Then check 'em out...

Delicious cuteness! The background paper is orgami paper I purchased many moons ago at Michael's. I created a bamboo-esque treatment using YNS's STITCHED RECTANGLES die set. Utsukushii!

Head on over to the YNS Blog to see and find links to all of the other May sneak peeks being shared today.  Then, come back tomorrow for the New Release Blog Hop, and I'll have two more projects to share with you.  Thanks for visiting today, and I'll see you then!

YNS March Release Sneak Peek

Good news for fans of Your Next Stamp: tomorrow is the day for the March New Release!  And today?  Well, today I have a preview of two new stamp sets hitting the shelves (or whatever sort of display unit Karen keeps 'em on).  I'm on the record of being a big fan of what I refer to as "food with faces" images.  These two sets, then, are right up my alley...

Take a look at FRUITY FUN.

 

Cute enough on its own, right?  But just imagine the possibilities with the new CREATE A CHARACTER set...

Be still my food-with-faces lovin' heart! 

Carter (my 10 year old) packs his lunch to school everyday; a ham and cheddar (yes, he's specific about the cheese - woe unto whomever tries to slip him a slice of American cheese...) with mustard sandwich, a Capri Sun, and two 'sides' -- usually a Go-gurt and a sweet of some kind (Little Debbie, Oreos, a chewy granola bar - you get the picture).  Sometimes, depending on the morning and my mood, I slip a little note in, too.  When I do, he never fails to makes a comment after school about the note, so I know he likes them.  Thus, when I got my designer package from Karen in the mail this month, I knew just what I needed to make: a set of lunchbox notes just for Mr. C!

Here's a group pic:

I started by die-cutting a kraft card stock base using YNS's LARGE POSTCARD DIE, then I pierced around all of the scallops with a paper piercer for a little visual interest.  Not for Carter, mind you -- that sort of detailing was done strictly for YOU!  You're welcome. ;)  Next, I cut a panel of Spring Rain card stock out with a Mega Nestability Rectangle, inked a background using a Cloudy Day stencil and some Sweet Tooth Premium Dye Ink.  The grass was created using YNS's SPRING GRASS DIE.  I have to thank my MISTI, again, for just-right placement and coverage of the sentiments (not to be morbid, but you're going to have to rip the MISTI from my cold, dead fingers as I will never give it up before then).  As for the fruity images themselves, their bodies and faces were stamped out in Black Licorice Hybrid Ink, masked, and then their limbs were added.  They were colored in with Copic markers, fussy cut out, and then popped up on Jody Boosters.

Here's a look at the crew individually.  First among equals is Mr. Apple, who's been spending many a night with John Travolta caressing his face at the disco.  If you're wondering why he has a yellow-ish corner, it's because he's a Honey Crisp apple, which is our favorite variety (remember I told you Carter can be particular; can't imagine where he got that from...).

Now, Sir Pear.  He might be my favorite, as I'm a girl who likes green.

Oh, Miss Peach. I liked you better before I judged -- no lie -- 30-SOMETHING PEACH FLAVORED ENTRIES in SOSU's Founder's Day Peach Cook-off today. Actually, the entries (ranging from cupcakes to barbeque sauce) were pretty fabulous, but after the first 20, you get a tiny bit peached-out.  The overall winner was a FANTASTIC peach salsa. Miss Peach looks happy about that...

And last but not least, the goofy class clown Strawberry, who is probably closest in personality to Carter, himself.

These notes would be plenty, as-is, to cause a happy little ruckus in the cafeteria, but as you know, I'm a long-winded sort of gal.  Thus, I also put a white card stock panel on the back to personalize them even further, like so:

I know you're itching to see the other YNS Sneak Peeks, so head on over to the YNS blog for a complete look and links to the design team and our fabulous guest designers.  Thanks for stopping by today, and I'll see you tomorrow for the YNS New Release Blog Hop. :)

Happy 2015! And a YNS Sneak Peek...

Hello, friends! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and are looking forward to this new year. I, for one, am glad to leave 2014 behind. It was one of those character building years, if you know what I mean. Hopefully, 2015 will not give me as many opportunities for growth and let me coast a little.  Still, 2014 ended on a couple of high notes. The biggest and best moment of the entire year for me: my oldest son, Truman (now 18 and a high school senior), received the amazing news on Dec. 11 that he has been accepted, early admission, to Harvard! For reals! Color me a proud mama...

Then, from Dec. 26 - 30, our family (including my in-laws and my sister-in-law's family) went on a 4 night Disney Cruise to the Bahamas & Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. It was our first cruise ever, and we had the best time. I was kind of skeptical; as a big fan of David Foster Wallace, I was leery that it would be "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again"¹. Au contraire - every one of us enjoyed it immensely. And even though it was a Disney Cruise, it wasn't overdone Disneyana. Super clean, the food was great, and the service was amazing.  A little pricey, but still: I recommend!

Okily dokily. Enough about me. How are you? Do tell. Leave a comment and let me know what you're up to, what your New Year's Resolutions are, how your pets are doing, whatever. Just talk to me! Be interactive. Give a little bit of your time to me².

Ready to see one of the super cute new stamp sets being released tomorrow by Your Next Stamp? This is a little Irish number called MAGICALLY DELICIOUS:

Doesn't that leprechaun make you want to do a little jig?  The set comes with lots of images and sentiments, including a little Irish lass, a rainbow, a pot of gold, several shamrocks, etc. See what I mean?

Here's a closer look at Fightin' McTavern³...

Now, you may be wondering what those shamrock-y things covering his eyes are.  Come on folks, you know me -- those are BEER GOGGLES!  And yes, they do come with this fabulous new stamp set. You'll note that I added a little beard (he seemed to young for the beer goggles without it), and please observe his ruddy complexion, complete with gin blossom. Hey -- I'm Irish and Scottish, so I'm allowed to utilize these stereotypes.  As for the layout, I was inspired by these cards created by my sweet friend, Susan Liles. (Hi, Sus!). 

To see peeks of all EIGHT of the new stamp sets and all FIVE of the new die sets, head on over to the YNS Blog for links to all of my fabulous fellow design team members and our guest designers.  You'll be ever so glad you did!

Come back tomorrow for the YNS New Release Blog Hop, okay?  See you then!

Footnotes:

1.  This is a link to a PDF of DFW's essay, which was originally titled "Shipping Out" for Harpers Magazine.  The essay was re-titled "A Supposedly Fun Thing I'll Never Do Again" when a collection of DFW's essays were published in a book by the same name.

2.  Did that make you start singing "Give a Little Bit" by Supertramp? 

3.  Fightin' McTavern is my leprechaun name.  What's yours?

Supplies Used:

Stamps: Magically Delicious (YNS)

Dies: Whatnot Seasons (YNS), Circles (YNS), Flower Fun Scallop Die (YNS), Fishtail Banner Stacklets (MFT)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Gumdrop Green (MFT)

Paper: Doodlebug Designs Kraft in Color 6x6 pad, Kraft, Solar White (Neenah), Sour Apple (MFT), Classic Yellow Green (Prism)

Accessories: Green Apple Glittered Gumdrops (YNS), Wink of Stella Glitter pen (YNS), solid green twine (Divine Twine), Dots embossing folder, Copic Markers, Jody's Foam Boosters

Boom Clap! YNS December Release Sneak Peek

Howdy, peoples! Did you happen to see a recent announcement on the Your Next Stamp blog this past week, hmm?  Well, if not, here's the gist of it: I'm happy to report I'm once again working with the fabulous Karen Dedman (YNS's super sweet and wonderful owner) as a part of YNS's design team. Yay! Happy days!

On Sunday, YNS is releasing seven new stamp sets and six new die sets.  Here's a first look at the new BOOM! stamp set: Isn't that firecracker a little... firecracker?  So cute!  He (I'm assuming gender, I know...) reminds me of my favorite School House Rock character, Bill (from "I'm Just a Bill").  The BOOM! set comes with three different friendly-faced explosives, including a bomb and dynamite, along with several pow-erful sentiments. Here's a close-up of the little blaster, along with a detail of the embellishments, created with YNS's Whimsy Star die set and YNS Glittered Gumdrops in Winter White, Candy Apple Red, and Blue Sapphire:

Head on over to the YNS Blog where you'll find a link list to all of the talented designers sharing sneak peeks of the new YNS stamps and die sets.  You'll be ever so glad you did!

I'll be back tomorrow with for the YNS December Release Blog Hop to show you a couple more projects created with more fun & fabulous new YNS stamps. Until then, have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by to visit me! :)