Red, White & Blue @ Little Red Wagon

This week at

Collette is the hostess and she wants to celebrate Memorial Day with a red, white and blue theme. Now, not being American, I didn't go with anything patriotic, just used colour combo and made this....

I used Wryn - Howdy Cowgirl from Tiddly Inks.  I must admit, I'm ridiculously proud of my idea to add that finger-knitted bit of twine.  Looks very cowgirl-ish if I do say so myself.

So why not whip something up and then gallop on over to Little Red Wagon and link up?  (Tee heeheeheehee)  And, while you're there, be sure to check out the wonderful projects the other Girlfriends have created.

Easel-y Does It @ Tiddly Inks

Subtitled: Lou Tried to Kill Me

Part One

For the next two weeks at

the challenge is "Easel-y Does It" which means, as you might have guessed, is that we want to see easel cards. And a Tiddly Inks image too, of course!

Ah, easel cards. Not my favourite things to make. I can never get them to sit/prop to my liking. So, I procrastinated a bit. Then Life decided to try to squish me under its heel (no worries, I've got both arms locked above my head hold it back - ha!) and I had no time to create. So there I was, scrambling yesterday afternoon to make my easel card. And, what does a person do when they've got to get something done in a hurry? Go with something they know? Use a Tiddly Inks that's already been coloured and sitting patiently waiting to be affixed to a card? Heck, no! This is exactly the time to try something completely brand new and totally untried.

And, believe it or not, it actually turned out not half bad.

Digi was a past freebie but there's an image in the shop that's part of the Inky Critters set that's pretty much the same. Speaking of freebies, did you know that Freebie Tuesday is back? Just keep an eye on the blog on Tuesdays so you can snag yours.

Easel card cut file is a freebie from Birds Cards.

So, why not take it easel-y (take it eassssalllll-y, you know, Eagles-style) and whip up a card for the challenge?  And be sure to also check out the fabulousness the DT has come up with.

Part Two

So I had a job interview last night.  Now, I have been on very few job interviews, or interviews of any kind for that matter, in my life.  (Coincidentally, I blogged about my last interview back in 2010.  You can read 'bout it here if you're interested.)  This was how I got my last job (I have three currently in case you're wondering)....

Her:  Hey, you'd be good at this.
Me:  *shrug* Yeah, I could do it.
Her:  Want to?
Me:  Do I get money?
Her:  Yep.
Me:  'Kay.

And that's generally my speed when it comes to interviews.  But this was a honest-to-goodness real interview, you know, one I would have to prepare for.....and panic over a bit when I heard I would be interviewed by five people.  Gulp!

So I did some research about the place I was applying at, about what to say and what not to say in an interview.  I printed out extra copies of my resume.....and I didn't even use GOOS paper, thanks very much.  And off I went to the interview.

Know what?  I was excellent.  Not someone-should-have-videoed-this-so-they-could-put-it-up-on-YouTube-as-an-example-of-how-to-give-an-exemplary-interview excellent but replaying it in my head on the way home I did not find any wrongdoings to obsess endlessly over.  I did not have that smack myself in the forehead, "Why didn't I say that instead?" moment.  And, let me tell you, my friends, that is a freakin' miracle.  I did my very bestest in that interview and I can be confident in the knowledge that, if I don't get this job, well, at least it wasn't because I tanked the interview. 

But actually, during the first three minutes, I did almost tank it.

Yep, the first question I was asked was to describe how some of the work I do currently would translate into the job I was applying for.

I opened my mouth and said, "Well, some of the work I do do......."

Now, imagine time basically stopping for a moment, 'coz that's what happened to me after I uttered the words doo-doo.  I doo-dooed in an interview.  And, of course, all the Mes inside my head went nuts.

Me # 1:  Did you just???
Me # 2:  You didn't!!
Me # 3 : Bwahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!  You just said doo-doo!  Hahahahahahahahaha!
Me # 4:  IF YOU LAUGH I WILL MAKE SURE CHOCOLATE NEVER TOUCHES YOUR LIPS AGAIN!!!

Well, obviously Me # 4 got control of the situation right quick.  I made a kind of strangled sound, which I very successfully turned into a small cough/clear of the throat, and continued on.  And, like I said above, fairly brilliantly.

And when I got home I ate some chocolate 'coz Me # 4 said I deserved it.  Me # 4 also said I should find a sense of humour more suited to my actual age and not my age with the 1s place value dropped off.  But I just chewed my chocolate all see-food style really loud so I couldn't quite hear her anyways.

Nom-nom-nom-nom-nom-nom-nom.....

Also for:

Corrosive:  anything goes
Crafting From the Heart:  anything goes
Craft Your Passion:  anything goes
Aud Sentiments:  cute + sentiment
Simply Papercrafts:  anything goes
The Pink Elephant:  anything goes
Christmas at Sweet Stampin':  cute + Christmas
Tuesday Throwdown:  anything goes
Through the Craftroom Door:  anything goes
Inky Chicks:  pearls
Papertake Weekly:  theme - easel card
Artistic Inspirations:  anything goes + dies
Crafty Cardmakers:  shaped card
Scrap-Creations:  celebrations

Flowers Everywhere @ Melonheadz Friends

For the next two weeks at

we've got an easy one for you. Challenge is "Flowers Everywhere" which is pretty self-explanatory....so let's see those blooms and blossoms!

This is what I did....

I used one of Nikki's freebies......but you can pop on over to the shop and see some of the fabulous bundles she has there. They are all so much fun!

You know you've got lots of flowers and flower stamps in your crafty stash so why not enter the challenge? And be sure to check out what the rest of the DT has made.

Also for:

Corrosive:  anything goes
Crafting From the Heart:  anything goes
Craft Your Passion:  anything goes
Penny's:  anything goes
Aud Sentiments:  cute + sentiment
Simply Papercrafts:  anything goes
Crafty Catz:  kids
Creative Corner:  anything goes
The Pink Elephant:  anything goes
Pink Gem:  lots of flowers
613 Avenue Create:  image, die cut, solid colour paper, flowers, ribbon
Craft-Dee Bowz:  anything goes + bow
Cutie Pie:  layer it up + cute
Incy Wincy:  lots of layers
Crazy Challenge:  use ribbon
Use Your Stuff:  flowers
Digitally Sweet:  April showers bring May flowers
If You Give a Crafter a Cookie:  inspirational photo
Artistic Inspirations:  anything goes + die cuts

The Happy Couple - Fab Friday @ Tiddly Inks

It's Friday. I can't even put an exclamation mark after that like I usually do 'coz these last few weeks have been completely kicking my butt. So, dear Readers, forgive my brevity.

Here's my make....

I used Happy Couple. Absolutely perfect for wedding cards.

Make sure you go check out the other Fabby Friday makes the rest of the DT has come up with.  You can see 'em right here.

Also for:

Simply Papercraft:  anything goes
Kitty Bee:  sew cute
Creative Corner:  anything goes
Aud Sentiments:  cute + sentiment
Penny's:  anything goes
Crafty Sentiments:  anything goes
Through the Craftroom Door:  anything goes
Papertake Weekly:  have a heart
Cutie Pie:  layer it up + cute
Crafty Boots:  ribbon or lace
Craft Your Passion:  anything goes
Crafting From the Heart:  anything goes

To Die For @ Little Red Wagon

This week at

it's Susie's turn to host the challenge and it's "To Die For"! Which means she wants to see projects with die cuts.

I decided to go all out and do this.....

....make pretty much my whole card out of die cuts.  Go me!  (I've chosen to ignore the hideous stitching.  I'd appreciate it if you would do the same.  Thanks muchly.)

You know you've got lots of dies kicking around so why not whip something up and head on over to Little Red Wagon and link up? And, while you're there, be sure to check out the wonderful projects the other Girlfriends have created.

Make An Impression @ Little Red Wagon

This week at

Carolyn would like us to "Make An Impression". Well, as a matter of fact, I usually do. Problem is, it's generally not a favourable one. I like to compare myself to a bitter beer, or blue cheese....I'm an acquired taste. But, Carolyn's after a different sort of impression.....you know, like to one you get when you dry emboss. That sort of actual physical impression.

Kinda like this....

See what I did there?  Can't say I didn't go all out for this challenge!  I used an embossing folder and then coloured in the impressions with with Inktense Pencils.  I added clear Wink of Stella to the centres of the flowers, which doesn't show up in the photo, of course.  This one was lots of fun to make, I'm going have to try this technique again sometime.

You know you can impress (tee hee) us this week so why not head on over to Little Red Wagon and link up? And, while you're there, be sure to check out the wonderful projects the other Girlfriends have created.

Guest DTing @ Top Tip Tuesday

I was quite honoured a month or so back when I was contacted by Samantha from Top Tip Tuesday asking if I would like to be a Guest Designer for her wonderful challenge. And, I (obviously) said yes.

The challenge is Animals and this is what I did.....

The challenge is sponsored by Crafty Sentiments Designs and I used Couples.  Originally I had intended to colour these guys up all bright and cheery but when I saw this piece of heart patterned paper I decided to colour them up to match it instead.  That panel behind is embossed with hearts too....but you can't tell 'coz I went and covered it all up.  Sometimes I hate when I do that.

And, seeing as this is Top Tip Tuesday, I do have a tip for you.  Whenever I print out a digi I always write the size of the digi in the top corner of the paper or on the back if I'm fussy cutting.  ("I'm" is a bit misleading.  I always make my Silhouette do the fussy cutting.)  That way if I decide to paper piece something on the image or if I've just made a mistake colouring (there's been a time or two when I've glued part of the stamp over a boo-boo and no one has been the wiser) I can print out the image again at the exact same size, no prob.  In a household where people are constantly hopping on and off the computer I can't be certain someone won't close out Word without saving or shut off the computer if it freezes before I'm done with my card.  Saves me a lot of aggravation and grumbling!

So, why not join us for the challenge?  You can enter either by following the theme or if you have a tip.  And be sure to check out what fantastic creations the DT has come up with.

Also for:

Crafting From the Heart:  anything goes
Craft Your Passion:  anything goes
Cutie Pie:  layer it up
Simon Says Stamp:  let's get sentimental
If You Give a Crafter a Cookie:  inspiration photo
Pile It On:  cute animal
Cards 4 Guyz:  make you mark - Not sure if patterned paper is allowed or not.....
Scrap-Creations:  anything goes
Digi Sketch:  animals
Southern Girls:  animal crackers

May Flowers @ Tiddly Inks

For the next two weeks at

the challenge is "May Flowers" which mean that we want to see your projects with flowers....and a Tiddly Inks image too, of course. Easy, eh?

Well, no. At least not for me. *heavy sigh* My mojo tanked. *insert sad, pouty face* I HATE it when that happens. Seriously, I tried four different cards, some making it to completion before something (like a Wink of Stella pen with some sort of tummy bug upchucking everywhere) before getting tossed. I was actually going to skip this challenge. You know, declare defeat and slink away with shoulders hunched and bottom lip extended. But, the thought of doing that was really sticking in my craw. So, I tried something extremely simple but different.

Certainly not fabulous, nowhere near fantastic, it's gosh-durn plain.  But, sometimes that's what you gotta do, right?  Whether you've to make something real quick to use, or your mojo abandoned you, it gets the job done.

So, did ya notice what I did differently?  I didn't use my Prismacolors to colour this up.  I used Paint and coloured this digitally, which you can do with Tiddly Inks images.  (Always make sure you check each digi company's TOU.  Some do not allow you to digitally colour their stamps.)  And, I didn't use a "main" image I used one of the wonderful extras you can get with some of the stamps.  This is included with Bugs and Kisses.  

Thing is, even though I'm not pleased with it, I know at some point I'll be thrilled that I have it in my stash as there will be sometime when I need a card real quick and this one will fit the bill.  So, I guess it was time well spent.

Hey, make sure you head on over to the challenge site. The DT, whose mojo has certainly not tanked, has some fabulousness to show you....including new digis!  So, way you go, go check 'em out!

All About Kids @ Melonheadz Friends

For the next two weeks at

It's all about rugrats, kidlettes, anklebiters, kiddos, munchkins, pipsqueaks, crumbstealers, wee ones, kiddlywinks and how I used to refer to my kids when they were small, little ducklings.  ("Follow Mama, my little ducklings.  Did everyone remember to put their Good Behavior on?  *pantomime putting on a coat*  And don't forget to put some Nice Manners in your pockets.")  (Do you ever look back on when your kids were small and wonder what alien being possessed your body for a time in order for you to be able to say things like that and not become debilitatingly nauseous?)

But, I digress.  Which, as some of you know, my Dear Readers, it's par for the course 'round here.  Okay, back to business.  The challenge is "All About Kids" so let's see those project that feature kids!

This is what I did.....

Doesn't he look so sad? Makes me want to hug him, it does. I used an image from Sad Day Kidlettes. I've linked you to the combo pack so you can snag both the black & white AND coloured images.

I honestly don't know why it's so hard to get a decent photo of black Thickers.  They always look so dark and fuzzy.  *grumble*

You know you've got lots of stuff relating to kids in your crafty stash so why not enter the challenge? And be sure to check out what the rest of the DT has made.

Also for:

Sister Act:  anything goes
Time Out:  inspirational photo - I was inspired by the stripes and colours.
Simon Says Stamp:  let's get sentimental
Papertake Weekly:  anything goes
Crafting From the Heart:  anything goes
Craft Your Passion:  anything goes
613 Avenue Create:  anything goes

Why This Isn't a Card - Fab Friday @ Tiddly Inks

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy - it's Friday! Wait a minute....why am I so excited about it? I'm going to spend my Friday in an arena watching hockey. And let me tell you, in the spring, the hockey sweat smell is a whole lot more pungent than it is in the winter. I know, just the olfactory image you wanted in your head, right?

I do have something you (and I) can be excited about though.....new Tiddly Inks stamps - yay!! And they're wedding images, so perfect for the upcoming season of matrimony.

I decided to use Wedding Bells for my make. It's really cool 'coz you get two versions of the digi, one with the veil and one without. I decided to go with the without version.....

....and I decided to go with something other than a card.  As the title says, there's actually a reason for that too.  When I was getting figuring out what patterned paper to use I noticed that it looked perfect in the middle of that background piece buuuuut the piece measured 6 x 6 as is.  So, I had a choice.  I could either make a card that was slightly bigger than 6 x 6 (which is too big for my taste) or cut into the paper and end up without that loveliness around the outside.  Went back and forth a bit.....had one part of me chanting, "Cut it, cut it, cut it" (to be read in a deep Southern USA accent) and another saying, "No!  Why would you cut into that brilliant paper?  It would be ruined! Just make a large card." (to be read in a slightly shrill voice......and don't forget the Heightened Received Pronunciation accent).

So quite a dilemma, as you can imagine.  As you can see,  in the end I compromised. I didn't cut the paper but I didn't make a card either.

Made both the voices a bit huffy but they got over it eventually.

Wanna see something funny though?  Made a bit of a boo boo when I put this together.......

*snicker*  No big deal really, I can just put a piece of cardstock on the back.  (Wanna know something though, it bugs me that the pizza piece is sideways.  Is that silly or what!)  But, really, I shoulda glued everything to the pizza side and then I could have saved myself that piece of cardstock. 'Coz dollars to doughnut (or Tim Bits....they taste better anyways) sometime down the road I'm gonna need that exact piece of paper for something I'm working on that I'll have to finish Right Now.

'Coz isn't that always the way?

Make sure you go check out the other Fabby Friday makes the rest of the DT has come up with.  You can see 'em right here.  And say hi to all the new Tiddly Inkers while you're at it.

Also for:

Crafty Ribbons:  anything goes with ribbon
Clear It Out:  anything goes + anything goes - Flowers are at least two years old, trim at least one.
Deep Ocean:  flowers
Papertake Weekly:  anything goes
Top Tip Tuesday:  duo
Fussy and Fancy:  lots of flowers
Crafts 4 Eternity:  sepia
613 Avenue Create:  anything goes
Glitter 'n' Sparkle:  anything goes
That Craft Place:  no cards
Crafting From the Heart:  anything goes
Craft Your Passion:  anything goes
Fab 'n' Funky:  flowers
Penny's:  anything goes
Simon Says Stamp:  let's get sentimental

Distress It! @ Little Red Wagon

This week at

Tracy's got hosting duties and apparently she's feeling a little anxiety because she wants us to de-stress. Pardon? Sorry, what? Oh, distress? Oh! Okay then, she wants to see projects with distressing. So, roughing up edges, using inks, ripping and tearing etc. (Although, as busy as Tracy is, I'm sure she could use ways to de-stress. She's a bit of a super-hero to get it all done, I'm thinking.)

This is what I did.....

Really, on a distressing scale, with 1 being "Edge mussed up with fingernail" and 10 being "Crumpled into a ball and drove over with a car before flattening back out" it's only about a 3.  I'm just not an edge-inker.  I do it occasionally but I always tend to blotch a spot which really cheeses me off so I shy away from it.  Girlfriend Carolyn is an excellent inker, maybe I'll start sending her the pieces I need inked. 

Digi was a freebie from Create With Tlc.

You know you could rock this challenge so why not head on over to Little Red Wagon and link up? And, while you're there, be sure to check out the wonderful projects the other Girlfriends have created.