Mother's Little Helper

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...

Just for Fun! (and a little 'Teasing...)

My buddy Michele Boyer (shel9999) and I have another Just For Fun challenge to share with you!  Perhaps you saw our first Just For Fun challenge last month, but in case you didn't, here's the gist of it: one of us picks out a stamp, the other selects and sends patterned paper.  Then, on a given day at a given time, we reveal to each other -- and all of you -- what we came up with.  Fun, fun, fun!

June's stamp: Winobella by Stamping Bella

June's paper: a coordinating paisley and plaid from the Magnolia collection by My Minds Eye

At first I was going to make a wine tag like my friend Kristi (kmallett78; yeah, I agree -- she needs to bite the bullet and start a blog.  I keep telling her, but she doesn't listen to me.  Maybe your telepathic powers will push her over the edge...) made here, but when I went to look for some sort of template, I couldn't find one.  I let out a big, fat, heavy *sigh* because I always prefer other people to create the wheel instead of having to do it myself.  I trudged to the wine rack and got out a bottle to figure out the dimensions, and it hit me: wouldn't it be easier to just make a wine label?!  My lazy self agreed, so that's what I did using the 8.5" x 11" white adhesive sheets of paper I bought a few months ago from Papertrey Ink.  Here are the results:

And here's a close up of the label:

How much fun will this be to bring to a friends house the next time we come for dinner?  And just think about the Christmas gift-giving possibilities...

The sentiment is by Inky Antics; it was a happy little twist of fate that her leg fit perfectly in the middle of it.  Her Wilma Flintsone-ish necklace is made from small Swarovski crystals.  The wine glasses and the wine bottle she's holding are covered in Sakura Glaze pen to give them a glassy sheen.  The lace at the top of her dress was dotted with Liquid Pearls, and her hair has gold Copic Spica highlights.

I think this is either a bottle of Pinot Noir or Merlot -- I can't remember and it doesn't say on the back.  I just remember it had a rooster on the front.  But I liked that the blue foil around the top coordinated with our patterned paper.  (<-- obviously I'm a true connoisseur...).  I know red wine is supposed to be better for you, but I'm a white wine girl, myself.  And not Chardonnay, if I can help it -- it's too oak-y.  I prefer something a little lighter.  My favorite reasonably priced wines are Pepi Pinot Grigio and Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc.  And, believe it or not, I can get both of them right here in Claremore, America.  Besides being light and crisp, they have the fabulous feature of a screw top!  Now, before you get all snobby on me, hear me out: this makes these perfect for picnics, RVing, etc., and it eliminates cork rot.  Have you ever had a wine go bad from cork rot?  Tastes like you're drinking Ultra Clean.

Now, before you run out and buy a case or two of Pepi or Pine Ridge, stop by Michele's blog and see what she's created.  I'm sure it will be fabulous and make mine seem like I must have been hitting the bottle when I made it...
Cheers!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Winobella by Stamping Bella, Great Minds by Inky Antics
Paper: Paper Basics Adhesive Paper by Papertrey Ink, patterned paper from Magnolia collection by My Minds Eye
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Taken With Teal (SU!)
Accessories: Nestabilities, Copic Sketch & Spica markers, Sakura glaze pen, Swarovski crystals, ribbon, Liquid Pearls, bottle of wine.

Well, since I had the paper out, I thought I'd avoid those dirty dishes and that laundry calling my name and participate in this week's MFT Sketch Challenge.  Here's a little MFTeaser of the new MINI set being released this Wednesday, Call Me!  Kinda bright, but I kinda likey stuff that way...

For more Teasers of the newest MFT sets, lookie here.  And be sure to join us on Wednesday evening (9-11 p.m. EST/8-10 p.m. CST)  for MFT's New Release Cocktail Party/2nd Birthday Party/Kim's FORTIETH Celebration in the MFT Member Company Forum on SCS.  With so much to celebrate, there are going to be discounts galore, like...

*$2.00 US shipping for orders under $40, and for Intl orders and US orders over $40, they'll receive the same $2.75 discount until July 15th.

*FIRST 50 orders will receive a full sized Stickles glitter glue!

*The Girl Who Wants It All special for the July Collection is $49.95.

Plus, you'll learn how you can become the next MFT Guest Designer.  And if that weren't enough -- and surely it is -- I do have a little surprise in store for my friend Cammie.  You'll need to be there to see it, though, because I don't think I want it tarnishing my sweet and innocent blog...

Supplies used -- 

Stamps: Call Me! by MFT

Paper: Tempting Turquoise, Pumpkin Pie, Georgia Pacific white, patterned paper from the Magnolia collection by My Mind's Eye

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Nestabilities, black pen for floor boards, brads, ribbon, felt flower, button, embroidery thread, Dimensionals

A Serene SFYTT, and Thoughts on Sneezing

I'm bound by the Doggy-Owner Code to report that my favorite MFT set is Gone to the Dogs (after all, Gretel does have her own stamp in that set), but a close second is this one -- Serenity Now!  It was in my first package of yet-to-be released stamps I received from Kim last November, and I had to wait all the way until February to use it in public.  What a hardship!  Anyway, I needed to make 10 samples for Kim with a MINI set, so naturally this is the one I wanted to use.  And, because the delicate balance I thought I'd struck in my papercrafting has been -- HAPPILY! -- turned topsy-turvy with the Dirty Dozen gig, I'm looking any which way I can to kill multiple birds with the same stone.  Thus, you might just be seeing my version of this week's Sketch For You To Try at an LSS near you!

Be sure to check out what Jen and the rest of Team SFYTT -- Amy, Shannan, and Susan -- have done with this cool sketch.  While you're at Jen's blog, please show some love to June's SFYTT Guest Designer, Dawn Easton.  Dawn is such a sweetheart and so talented to boot.  In fact, she and July's Guest Designer (who will be revealed next week) remind me a lot of each other.  (How's that for a teaser?!)

Did I just say 'teaser'?  Hmmm... Must be because I've got MFTeasers on the brain!  Starting Monday, all the MFT gals will be showing off the newest sets being released next Wednesday.  You know that the first Wednesday of every month we have the MFT New Release Cocktail Party from 9-11 pm EST/8-10 pm CST in the MFT Member Company forum on Splitcoaststampers, don't you?  Good.  I hate the thought of you being completely out of the loop.  Do you use an electronic calendar yet?  I'm having to start, because I MUST get a centralized system in place.  So, after much resistance, I've begun using iCal (the calendar system that comes with Macs).  One of the features I find pretty cool is that you can set repeating events up with one entry.  Thus, instead of having to scribble in the MFT party twelve times, I can type it in once and click on 'repeating event' and it's done!  (Okay, I'm beginning to bore even myself... time to move on...)

Supplies used:
Stamps: Serenity Now! by MFT
Paper: Georgia Pacific white, rest by Memory Box
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Cuttlebug Paisley and Spots & Dots embossing folders, glitter by Art Glitter, May Arts ribbon, Copic markers, sponge daubers.

Thoughts on Sneezing
An interesting General Stamping forum thread has me thinking.  The original poster was lamenting the fact that she would like to be on a design team, though she's not sure that she's ready, and that she's irked by those of us on multiple teams.  The gist of it was that perhaps designers should be limited to only one team to open up opportunities for other stampers.  I don't really have a comment on that because, while I understand where she's coming from, that argument is riddled with tons of holes that, once I started, I'd be sitting here all day trying to fill.  No offense to the OP; I've just been trained to 'think like a lawyer' and that's the way we roll.

Rather, what really crawled into my brain and hasn't come out was a point that someone made down-thread.  She said that what bothers her are DT members is who 'GUSH GUSH GUSH' about the product and certain designers whose blogs who show nothing but their DT work; she prefers 'the more subtle approach.'

Maybe I saw a bit of myself in her comment and that's what struck a nerve.  I confess!  I'm a GUSHer!  Mea culpa!  But I hope those of you who read my blog regularly know that my gushing is sincere.  I am really, really fortunate have the privilege of working with companies whose stamps and style I truly adore.  Like every one, I have a very full life and I simply don't have the time or inclination to play with images I don't like. 

And just by nature, I'm an enthusiastic 'sneezer,' according to authors like Malcolm Gladwell, who wrote The Tipping Point and Seth Godin (author of Unleashing the Ideavirus).  If I something appeals to me, I have an irresistible urge to pass it along -- to 'sneeze' it, if you will.  And if you find my sneezing contagious, then we stampers tend to say I've 'enabled' you. 

You are your own 'opinion leader,' in the language of all those business books.  Only you can decide for yourself whether or not the person sneezing at you from her blog (and really, isn't everyone sneezing on her blog?  What other reason is there for blogging than to share what you love with others?) is doing so because she's a 'promiscuous sneezer' (one whose opinions have been bought).

I do post a lot about my DT work, I recognize that, especially lately.  In order to work on the more elaborate projects that are exclusive to the Dirty Dozen galleries, most of what I'm creating these days that I can blog about are projects that I'm making which also meet my DT commitments.  That's life -- there's only so much time a mom and wife can stamp and still have a family, you know?!  But I'm a pretty straight shooter, and I hope you don't think that I'm bought and paid for by the likes of the evil-business-geniuses known as Kim, Alma, & Julee. (Hee!)  I'd be buying their stamps and using them if I weren't on their teams; I did just that before I was, and I'll continue to do so should they ever kick me off. 

If you find my sneezing contagious, I'm thrilled!  But if you think I'm a big ol' windbag, just blurf on down the road to someone else whose sneezing you prefer.  It's a big wide world out there, and there's something for everyone, you know?

Gesundheit!

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!

Arrr! It's TCP Tuesday, Matey!

Shiver me timbers!  It's hard to believe it's Tuesday already; time is a scurvy varmint that won't stay still.  Avast! Today's Hipster Hostess with the Mostess is Leigh, who is filling in for a vacationing Toni.  Leigh came up with not only a swanky color challenge, but also a groovy graphic to go with it.  Check out Leigh's mad computer skillz:

Isn't that fabulous?  That's our Leigh for ya.  And here's what I came up with to play along:

I inked my little Skully stamp in Ruby Red and Old Olive to create the patterned Soft Sky background paper.  Pretty cute, huh?  If you need a primer about how to play along with us, here you go:

1.   Visit the other TCP gals for more inspirational ideas -- I know Leigh, Ana, Jen & Karrie have awesome eye-candy to get you going.
2.  Make your card.  Do you have to use TCP stamps?  Not necessarily, but we when you do! Use TCPTUES13 as a keyword if you upload it to your Splitcoaststampers gallery.

3.  Leave a link to your card (either by linking your blog post or your SCS gallery link) as a comment to this blog entry by Saturday night.

4.  Check Alma's Holey Moley Monday Slideshow next Monday to see yourself and the other submissions in all their swanky glory!

What are ye waitin' for, Land Lubbers?!  Get to stampin!

Supplies Used: Stamps: Errol, Skully and Swashbucklin' Day by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Soft Sky, Ruby Red, Old Olive (SU!), Georgia Pacific white; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Ruby Red, Old Olive (SU!); Accessories: Nestabilities, SU! ribbon, tag punches, embroidery floss, black pen for doodling, Copic Sketch Markers, hole punch, foam boosters from Jody Morrow/texasjodylynn sticky share.

A Royal Sketch For You To Try!

Today's Sketch For You To Try takes me way back.  I think maybe in a previous life I was Queen Elizabeth of England ("The Virgin Queen," you know).  I distinctly recall hanging out in the circle drive of the castle, listening to my dad, Henry VIII, bellow at one wife or another and thinking to myself, "Lady, you'd better watch your p's & q's or heads are going to roll..."  Fortunately for me, Pops died without a male heir and I was in charge.  Think I'd get married and let some guy take over as ruler?!  Love-schmove -- give me POWER!!!

Anyway, enough of my past-life babble.  When I saw Jen's SFYTT for this week, I thought the square image panel would be perfect for this Lizzie Anne Designs set I had yet to get inky.  Isn't it sweet?  (The thought bubble is by DoodleFactory, btw.)  The color combo isn't one I would have come up with -- Blue Bayou and So Saffron -- but I like it.  It was inspired by the patterned paper, which is from the Nana's Nursery Baby Boy stack.

Be sure to get the sketch from Jen's blog and check her and SFYTT Guest Designer Dawn Easton's samples, then skip-to-your-lou over to Amy, Shannan, and Susan's blogs to see their interpretations.  If you want to play along with us, remember to use 'SFYTT' when you upload to your Splitcoast gallery so we can marvel over your creation. 

See you later, subjects!

Supplies used -- Stamps: Once Upon a Time by Lizzie Anne Designs, DoodleDADs by DoodleFactory for Starving Artistamps; Paper: So Saffron, Blue Bayou (SU!), Georgia Pacific white, Nana's Nursery Baby Boy Stack by DCWV; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Copic Sketch & Spica markers, Bella Baubles, Dimensionals.

TCP Tuesday -- Now that's what I call a BOW!

Greetings, gentle readers.  Today, I'm your Hipster Hostess With the Mostess, and I bring you another inspiration challenge.  If you read my blog last week, you learned that I had the opportunity to stay at the very chi-chi Greenbrier resort in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia.  I have to say, the atmosphere -- rolling hills, well manicured grounds, stables, fabulous interiors -- has had quite the impact on me.  I seem to be standing up straighter, extending my pinky whenever possible, and talking with a faux British accent.  Very upper crust.  Like when Madonna started living in England.

(Two Madonna references in two days!)

Anyway, while I was there, I took a few pictures I thought might be interesting TCP Inspiration Challenges.  As I've previously mentioned, Dorothy Draper was the interior designer who redecorated the Greenbrier after it's brief stint as a military hospital during WWII.  It's amazing -- lots and lots of crazy bold colors -- just over-the-top... well, let me show you what I mean.  Here are some window treatments from one of the side halls:

 

And here's a close up of that bow:

 

Aren't those something?  Yes, they are something -- they're your Inspiration Challenge!  Make a card using either or both of these pictures as your inspiration!  When I posted these pics to show the other TCP gals, they're were a wee bit less than enthusiastic.  I think I heard a collective "Hmmmmm...."  Please, please, please -- for the love of all that's good and holy -- don't make me give you my lecture that this is supposed to be a CHALLENGE, as in " A test of one's abilities or resources in a demanding but stimulating undertaking."  Can you do it?  YES, YOU CAN!!!  (too much Bob the Builder around these parts...)

Here's what I came up with just this morning.  (Okay, and yes, when I actually sat down to do it, I was thinking to myself, 'Oooh, self.  This is hard!")

From the length of those big windows, I chose to make a long note (3.25" by 6.5").  I went with the bold yellow, green, and white color scheme, then I chose Skating Kitty because she looks so Jackie-O with her pill box hat.  I had her remove her skates to avoid scratching up the barely visible light gray marble floors.  Of course, the crowning glory is that bow.  I bet your saying, "Carole, wherever did you find that fabulous ribbon that perfectly matches?!?!"

And to that I answer, "My child, have you not heard that necessity is the mother of invention?"

I started with some inch wide satin ribbon, a few Copic markers, and PRESTO!

Pretty cool, huh?

So how do you play?  Simple...

1.   Visit the other TCP gals for more inspirational ideas (look on the Design Teammates Blogroll for those with 'TCP' by their names).
2.  Make your card.  Use TCPTUES12 as a keyword if you upload it to your Splitcoast gallery.
3.  Leave a link to your card as a comment to this blog entry by Saturday night.
4.  Check Alma's Holey Moley Monday Slideshow next Monday to see yourself and the other submissions in all their swanky glory!

Supplies used -- Stamps: Skating Kitty,  sentiment from It's a Mod, Mod World, all by The Cat's Pajamas; Paper: Yo-Yo Yellow, green cardstock by Creative Memories, Georgia Pacific white, patterned paper by Making Memories; Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Accessories: Ribbon from Jody Morrow/texasjodylynn share, Copic Sketch Markers, Long Rectangle Nestabilities, Doodlebug Designs Sugar Coating, foam boosters from Jody Morrow/texasjodylynn share.

Dirty {not so} Little Secret

As some of you may already know, I've been carrying around a big ol' secret for the past month: I was tapped to become one of the Dirty Dozen for Splitcoaststampers!  It feels so weird to write that, and I really still can't even believe it's happened. 

Practically from the moment I logged on to SCS (and certainly after the first couple of uploads -- I need my instant gratification, you know.  Can't be waiting around for moderator approval, especially when working on a challenge!), I've been a member of the SCS Fan Club and looked forward to the 15th of each month to see who the latest Dirty Girls would be.  When stamping crossed that borderline (do NOT start singing that song by Madonna and thinking about what she's up to these days.  What's her marriage really like?  Is she going to adopt any more children from Malawi?  Has she had plastic surgery?  What's her workout routine?  No, don't go there!  Pay attention!) Where was I?  Oh, yeah.  When stamping stopped being a mere hobby I dabbled in when I had a bit of free time to a daily priority (that seems coincide with when one starts doing the SCS challenges on a regular basis), I began to fantasize that maybe, just maybe, one day...

Well, it's just really and truly a dream come true for me.  And for those of you who are a wee bit irritated that I didn't tell them before the reveal... I'm sorry!  Please forgive me!  It's the rules, you know?  And as all of you know, I would NEVER break the rules... (*so glad my mom doesn't read my blog*)

Anyway, my roomie during my Dirty stint is Denise Marzec (aka peanutbee).  We're the same age (she looks younger, but I'm sure I'm wiser ; ) ), and she looks so much like one of my college roommates (shout out to Nancy (Martin) Williams of Saint Augustine, FL!  Hi, Nance!) it kinda freaks me out.  Oh, and speaking of FREAKING OUT, that's what y'all are going to do when the new wave of Dirty Girls are revealed next month.  Hee hee!  I know, I know, that's mean of me to taunt you like that.  But I swear, when they were announced last night, I just about lost complete control of my bodily functions!  Don't ask me who they are because I won't tell you.  After all, I do know how to keep a secret...

After all that blah blah blah, how about a little eye candy?  Here's a ATC I made for a swap with the MFT gals, depicting me walking my canine soul mate, Gretel.  By the way, that German Shepherd stamp?  Specifically created in honor of the one and only Gretel Burrage!  It's true!  Woof to Kim and Christy!

 

Here's a group shot...

And yes, of course I always walk her in a skirt and heels...

I'll be back tomorrow for TCP Tuesday -- I'm the Hipster Hostess with the Mostess and I'll be serving up an inspiration challenge you won't want to miss!

Supplies Used:
Stamps: Gone to the Dogs,  by My Favorite Things; Paper: Berry Sorbet, Blush Blossom, patterned paper by PTI, Georgia Pacific White; Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black; Accessories: Copic Sketch markers, Fun Flock, Dimensionals, embroidery floss.

Krafty Queenie

Oh, Queenie.  I feel your pain.  I'm up to my eyeballs in partially completed home improvement projects, and do I ever need to do a little deep cleaning.  And laundry... I don't even want to think about that!  So I won't.  Instead, I'll think about Jen's Sketch For You To Try, and I'll imagine what fun and fabulous things Shannan, Susan, and Amy have made with it... *sigh* That's better!  Be sure to go by Jen's blog to get the sketch and see the samples made by Jen and this month's SFYTT Guest Designer, the super sweet and talented Dawn Easton.  Then, go to the abovementioned trio's blogs for more inspiration.  Next, put off your own chores to tackle the much more important task of making your own card with this sketch.  If you upload it to your SCS gallery, be sure to use 'SFYTT' as one of your keywords so that we know you have your priorities in order!

Supplies used --
Stamps: Queenie by CC Designs, sentiment by The Cat's Pajamas
Paper: Kraft, Real Red, Brocade Blue (SU!), Georgia Pacific white, gingham dp by Making Memories, paisley dp by Creative Memories, chambray dp by Chloe's Closet
Ink: Real Red (SU!), Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Liquid Applique, Nestabilities, SU! slit punch, SU! ribbon, Dimensionals

ETA: Get a load of this!  My so-called good stampin' friend, Amy Rohl (rohla) has a blog now!  Wanna know how I found out?  By seeing it on someone else's blogroll.  Um-hmm.  That's right.  Neat, huh?  And she's made, like, thirteen posts already this month.  So, clearly, she's got enough time on her hands to do the navel gazing required of a prolific blogger, but not enough to inform me, her dear friend, of its existence.  Chick's got a lot of nerve... Why don't you go to her blog and let her have it for me?  What?  Oh, don't give me that.  She's not modest or virtuous in any way, shape, or form by not wanting to draw attention to herself.  She's HOLDING OUT!  Something I have zero tolerance for.  And you can quote me on that!

Ms. Rohl, welcome to a new world, population: 2.  You and Cammie. 

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!

Ain't It the Truth...

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

Will It Go Round In Circles?

Um... yeah.  Will it fly high like a bird up in the sky?  Uh, no.  No birds here...  But circles?  Yep, I've got circles!  Like this one, which I made for yesterday's Sketch Challenge on SCS (based on a card by Frances who created her card with one of Jen's SFYTTs... ooftie!  Things were so much simpler when we just drew on cave walls with rocks, weren't they?  Of course, then we had to worry about things like starvation and discovering fire... What was the name of that movie?  Quest For Fire!  Did you ever see that?!  But I digress...) using the new Here's The Scoop set by My Favorite Things:

Then there's this one -- a graduation card for the son of some good friends (I've previously mentioned the great worth of the red & white zebra paper).  This is one of the easiest cards I've made in an age, but I really like it.  "Congrats All Around" -- another new MFT set -- is just perfect for making a quick and cute card, when you still want to make something (you know you're never allowed to buy another card again, don't you?  Your conscience won't let you, and your significant other would mock you endlessly.  Or at least that's how we roll at my house. We're kind of a tough crowd...) but you don't want to make a significant investment of time and energy.  Okay.  Enough yapping.  Here's the card:

See what I mean?  Easy, but still pretty fab.  And tomorrow?  I've some Verve-age for you!  Class Act stamping returns!

Supplies used:

SC179/SFYTT Here's the Scoop
Stamps:Here's the Scoop by MFT
Paper:Soft Sky, Chocolate Chip, Real Red, patterned paper by Daisy D's
Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black, VersaFine Archival Vintage Sepia
Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, Nestabilities, SU! ribbon, Dimensionals

Congrats Around the Graduate
Stamps: Congrats All Around by MFT
Ink: Real Red (SU!), VersaFine Archival Onyx Black
Paper: Real Red, Basic Black (SU!), patterned paper by Me and My Big Ideas
Accessories: Nestabilities, black foam boosters from Jody Morrow, ribbon.

MFT Presents!

So, I've been leading up to the fact that My Favorite Things is revealing something completely new with the June New Releases.  Are you sitting down?  Because I'm going to show 'em to you in all their glory!  But as you know, nothing with me is ever that easy or straightforward; where would be the fun in that?!  So, first, I'm going to tell you a little bit about the thinking behind this new endeavor.

All of you are familiar with the inimitable Christy Beckwith, whether you know her name or not.  She's been the one and only illustrator for My Favorite Things stamps since its inception over a year ago.  Kim (MFT owner and Boss Lady Extraodinaire) knew she had amazing ideas that would translate well into stamps, but she needed someone with gifted hands to get those ideas down in black and white.  She looked around and stumbled onto Christy, and it was love at first sight.  Christy's utterly unique style is so identifiable and now so connected with MFT, it would be positively silly for Kim to try to 'fix what ain't broken.'

So when other artists began asking Kim if she'd be interested in making stamps with their work, or when she'd see something created by another illustrator and thought 'That would be a great stamp,' she'd hem and haw, but eventually come to the conclusion, "Nope, much as I'd like to I can't.  Wouldn't be prudent to add more ingredients to an already perfect soup."  Then she had a flash of brilliance -- "Why don't I just create another line of stamps?  A sister-company, if you will, to My Favorite Things?!"

And thus MY FAVORITE THINGS PRESENTS was born.

Here are the very first images to be released by My Favorite Things Presents, a series of florals by artist and illustrator Annie LaPointe.  I've kept these really simple -- not because you're stupid! -- but because I want you to be able to see the beauty of the images without being distracted by embellishments.

Lavender,

Chamomile, and

Take a Break

Aren't they gorgeous?!  And every bit as much fun to color as the MFT stamps you already know and love.  Each image is available as a single stamp (I'm pretty sure; I'll correct this later if I'm wrong) and goes on sale tonight during the MFT New Release Cocktail Party (9-11 p.m. EST/8-10 p.m. CST).  Click HERE to take you directly to the party venue! 

I still have a couple of other things I've made with more (yes, more!) new sets from this month's release, but I don't want your head to explode by showing too much stamping goodness in one post, so I'm going to save them for tonight and then post them here tomorrow.  See you at the par-tay!

Supplies used:
Stamps: Lavender, Chamomile, and Take a Break by My Favorite Things Presents
Ink: Brilliance Archival Graphite Black
Paper: Fabriano Medioevalis note cards from StarLitStudio
Accessories: Copic Sketch Markers, ribbon