Sassy & Sweet Notes

Happy Saturday!

Are you on Facebook? Friend me!
And "Like" my illustration page while you're there!

I'll be glad you did!! *grin*

Happy 4th!

Alan and I want to wish you and your family a very happy and SAFE 4th of July!

Plans for us today include farm chores, farm chores, and more farm chores!

We might sneak a meal or two in... and surely a big, fresh cup of coffee (for me!)

Have a wonderful day of celebration!

Whipper Snapper "Sneak Peek"

Whipper Snapper Designs posted a 'sneak peek' on their facebook page of a couple of my soon to be released stamp images, that are part of their upcoming Fall/Winter release. I thought I'd spread the fun and show you one of those peeks here, too!

Head on over to the Whipper Snapper Designs facebook page to see the another! *grin*

Daisies Smile

Whipper Snapper is gearing up for the big Spring/Summer 2012 release, which takes place in December. They've been sharing sneak peeks on their Facebook page, and I thought I'd share my own sneak peek of one of my upcoming images for the release.

The image is colored with Copic and Touch Twin markers. Once I was done coloring the image, I sprayed the entire layer with a nice even coat of spray adhesive (Aleene's Crystal Clear Tacky Spray). While the adhesive was still tacky, I sprinkled on Martha Stewart crystal fine glitter, and brushed off the excess.

Sparkle MANIA!!

Happy Monday!

Farmgirl Betty

I've got three new cling sets releasing for Whipper Snapper in October, and I'm so excited about them! Meet Farmgirl Betty... a natural-fiber birk-wearing sweetie! Farmgirl Betty and Farmer John harvest all kinds of friendly, organic goodness! Coming to Whipper Snapper in October.

Farmer John

I've got three new cling sets releasing for Whipper Snapper in October, and I'm so excited about them! I thought you deserved a sneak peek! Meet Farmer John... I'm smitten!

...and wait until you meet his gal, Farmgirl Betty! *grin*

A Cheery Birthday Card

I know lots of people with September birthdays, so I thought I should get on the stick about making some birthday cards! Here's one I put together this evening. Cheery, don't you think?

I drew the image and then colored it with markers and colored pencils. I added lots of ultra fine glitter using a quickie glue pen for sparkle and shine. The sentiment is from my Simply Bloom cling set. I wanted a light and airy sentiment for the banner. I also stamped the background text image from All Things With Love on the base of the card.

Oh, and just may be a sneak peek at a new Whipper Snapper stamp...

Maybe.

*grin*

New Goody!

I ordered a new goody for my desk! Can you pick it out? Click on the photo for a LARGER view...

Not sure what it could be?

All that clutter got you mystified?!

Let me help you out...

I ordered a retail display rack for my markers! I had them stored in different containers previously, but due to their different sizes (some are round, some oval, and some square) and the way that the containers I was using were constructed, I wasn't able to keep the pens in the order I wanted them in.

The way this rack is built, it allows me to mix and match all the various sized pens I have, and keep them in the organized color order that I want! The other items in my area are all sorted by color too, so "order" is kind of an important part of my workflow.

I keep other markers in small drawer units at the back of my workspace, and of course my colored pencils are always front and center within easy reach. I organize most things by ROYGBIV (Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo, Violet, followed by Neutrals). It works for me.

Oh, and see that cutie of a card there in the front?

I made this for a co-worker this evening. She is a dog trainer in her spare time and she asked me to draw up a graphic for her for her puppy training classes. I turned the original drawing into this little display piece for her desk.

On the back of the piece I created a make-shift easel so it can easily stand on display. For ease of mailing, the lower section of the easel has a little tab that tucks up into the shallow pocket I created at the base of the display.

Am I the first person to dream up such an idea? I hardly think so... but I'm the first one in THIS craft room who has, and that's sayin' something! *grin*

Anyone else craving Fruit Loops?

Let's hear your suggestions...

I have been busy busy BUSY working on images for the Spring/Summer 2012 Whipper Snapper release. While there's still a bit of time for me to get final images off to Whipper, I thought I would check in with you and see if you have any special requests for images you'd like to see in the collection!

While there's no guarantee I'll be able to actually DRAW what you request, I'd sure like to hear your suggestions and try my hand at a few! So, let's hear it ... anything in particular that you'd like to see as a Whipper Snapper stamp?

Sneak Peek!

How about another sneak peek of one of my new images for Whipper Snapper's Fall/Winter release! Inspiration for this image was from a pretty antique blue Ball jar of wildflowers I had in my kitchen window this spring. Here's hoping we get LOTS of rain this winter to give next spring's wildflowers lots of reason to grow!

Happy Sunday!

Monday, monday...

Thought I'd share a sneak peek with you today of one of my upcoming new releases with Whipper Snapper. They're gearing up for the Fall/Winter release; you'll find details on their Facebook page where they've been sharing more sneak peeks of images in the release. How exciting!!

There are 166 full days remaining in the year (off topic, do you count down to Christmas?), and it looks like what's about left of July is going to be nothing but HOT. Unfortunately for us, August promises to be just as hot, or hotter. Maybe September will show us some mercy... 

It's been difficult to keep the garden alive in this drought. In fact, I'm failing. I've got tomatoes still hanging on, but it's so hot that even though they are flowering, they aren't producing any tomatoes and they're starting to look rather tired. The okra is trying to produce, but even it wilts down in the sun (even with daily waterings). Then there are the ants, the aphids, the cucumber beetles, and the grasshoppers ... all doing their part in causing problems. I tell ya, it's exhausting. I'm planning on putting in a "fall" garden, and if I stick to schedule I should be starting tomato plant seeds about now, and getting ready to plant other seeds around August 1. But I'm not sure it will be possible to keep anything alive then, either!

How's the weather where you live?

 

I do believe it's Summer...

Today and tomorrow's forecast is calling for highs of 94*. I can't tell you how REFRESHING that sounds! 10* cooler than it has been, and we're even seeing some clouds! Today is Summer Solstice, but I can't help dreaming of Autumn!! Of course, there are storms all around us and we aren't getting any rain, but at least the clouds are knocking the blister out of the temps.

Whipper Snapper is gearing up for the Fall/Winter release; you'll find details on their Facebook page where they've been sharing sneak peeks of images in the release. How exciting!!

Happy Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY!! 

Supposed to be HOT here in the "Milford Vortex" today and tomorrow (90+, and not a drop of rain)... meanwhile, Mom and Dad are still experiencing some snow flurries and chilly temps up in northeastern Washington. Unbelievable how late in the year they're seeing snow! I'm sooo very envious of their weather this year. I love the cold, and rain. Alan saw a news article that stated that 179 counties (~80%) of Texas is currently in "serious drought" conditions. From what I'm seeing, that's no joke.

This weekend, I plan to do a bit of work in the garden -- most (99%) of the seeds I planted have yet to sprout, so I may be looking into getting some plants from a local garden center and planting them in place of the unsprouted seeds. In addition to planting, I'll be wrapping the last of the beds with deer netting to keep the free-range roosters, cats, and armadillos out of the garden beds. Wish me luck!

In other news, I've been busy working on samples for an upcoming cling set release for Whipper Snapper! The release date is scheduled for April 18, and I can't WAIT! I have so many ideas for the new sets, and have been having a blast creating projects!

Speaking of Whipper Snapper, I'd like to do a little give-away! I'd like to offer one lucky reader the option of choosing one Whipper Snapper individual stamp (not set) of your choice. Have you SEEN the cute images from the Spring release?! Ack! If you'd like to be included in the drawing, leave a comment here on this post. Sunday evening I'll choose one name from all comments. The lucky reader will be able to browse through the Whipper Snapper store, select their stamp of choice (and mount preference), and I'll get it ordered up! Sounds like fun to me! *grin*

What are your plans for the weekend!?

Go Green with High Hopes

There's a challenge on the High Hopes Stamps blog, and I'm the hostess... check it out!

I made a pillow box that will come in handy next time I need to send a small gift to a friend. I used the Hoppy Single Flower and Hoppy Flower Border stamps to decorate the box and the center of the bow. The sentiment is from my upcoming *new* cling set from Whipper Snapper called All Things with Love.

Hope you're enjoying this fine Saturday!

Sneak Peek!

On March 14th Whipper Snapper is releasing four new cling sets, by ME! We've got some amazing featured designers lined up for the release; can't wait to see their projects! Here's a sneak peek at one of my projects for the release... feelin' crabby? This little guy is sure to put a smile on your face!

We're one day closer to the weekend!

Happy Thursday!

Birthday Cupcakes

Now that I've given Sue (Alan's mother) her birthday card, I can share it with you and not spoil the surprise! Oh, and by the way, don't tell anyone but you just MIGHT be seeing a SNEAK PEEK of one of my new cling sets for Whipper Snapper that's releasing next Monday. *grin*

I've been inspired by the doily craze in paper crafts, and for some reason I find myself using PINK again! Of course, I did make pink icing for the birthday cupcakes, so pink on Sue's birthday card seemed fitting.

I stamped the cupcake, rose, and banner images in brown ink and colored them with markers. I used paper snips to carefully cut them out, added fine crystal glitter for lots of sugary sparkle, and layered them on a tag.

In addition to the card, I made a cute cupcake topper! Again, the images were stamped in brown ink, colored with markers, cut out and layered together. I added glitter for shine, and adhered the entire ensemble to a toothpick.

The sentiment was adhered to a large sewing pin (which had a pearl colored head). The sharp end of the pin was then adhered to the backside of the paper cupcake beneath a piece of cardstock for safety. Cute! And the cupcakes sure were tasty!

We've Got a Winner!

Good morning! Thanks to all of you for participaing in this week's Share the Love give-away, and for sharing your birthday. My birthday is October 7th... and autumn is my favorite season! *grin*

I randomly selected one name from all comments on the Share the Love post, and congrats to the lucky winner who is IDA!

Ida said: "How fun! That bear stamp is so cute. Thanks for the chance to win. My B-Day is March 20 (First Day of Spring!)"

Ida, what a wonderful day for a birthday! You've got a little something extra to celebrate each year, don't you! Get in touch with me and I'll get your "love" package sent out to you right away!

I've got time for stamping today ... how about you!?

Oh, and how about a sneak peek at one of my new Whipper Snapper Designs images, releasing in February!? Cluck cluck!!

still sicky...

...and still miserable. Icky.

But how about another Whipper Snapper sneak peek!? Those are always fun!

cough cough, sneeze wheeze

Alan and I are both sick with whatever flu/sinus/chest crud that's making its way around. No fun, I tell you.

So while I don't have anything new and crafty to share, how about a Whipper Snapper sneak peek! *grin*

If you haven't already done so, check out the Whipper Snapper Designs page on Facebook. They've been sharing other sneak peeks there! Looks like February is going to be a fun month at Whipper!

My Little Annie

I have been hard at work finishing up the colored versions my spring/summer images for the upcoming Whipper Snapper release (not certain of the release date yet ... I'll update you when I know for sure).

I thought you might like a sneak peek. *grin*

I love Annie dolls, and thought it was time I had a little cutie of my own! I am particularly fond of her bloomers and striped stockings...and of course, her pet chicken!

Here's waking up to a happy Friday! One more day until the weekend!

Holiday Baking PaperCraft Style!

I did some baking last night... with Sizzix dies, old sheet music, glitter, and more!

I used a couple of Sizzix dies for the shape of the gingerbread boy, and the tag base. Once I had the gingerbread boys cut out (I used old sheet music adhered to thin chipboard for their bodies), I used markers to pink their cheeks, and used Ranger Distress ink to brown up the edges a bit. Then, I used a makeup wedge sponge to dab matte finish gel medium onto the body of the boy, and added some crystal glitter for sparkle. I like the uneven coverage I get by using the gel medium and makeup wedge. If some areas don't get glittered, that's OK with me! I used a primitive heart punch, button and hemp twine to add a little embellishment to the gingerbread boys.

The stars were done similarly, just without any paper adhered to the chipboard. I die cut the stars out of medium weight chipboard, inked them brown with Ranger Distress ink, added some faux stitching around the edges, dabbed on some matte finish gel medium, and then sprinkled on the glitter. Before they get glittered, they look like tin, or leather, stars. Once they're glittered, I think they look like little gingerbread snaps dressed up with sugar sprinkles! Easy on the eyes, and the hips! *grin*

Won't these guys be cute on packages of homemade goodies for the holidays!? Oh, and by the way, the little "Be Merry" sentiment on the tag is a sneak peek at a sentiment from a soon-to-be-released Whipper Snapper cling set!

Their only downfall is that they don't make the house smell all warm and wonderful while they're "baking". *grin*

Happy Saturday!!

Rustic Snowman

I'm feeling the need to snivvel about the weather. It was 6pm when I went to deliver eggs this evening, and the temperature was 86 degrees. Come ON, already!! So, I'm posting this snowman card, and dreaming of cold weather, snowflakes, and maybe even a few hot totties!

I first introduced you to this snowman HERE. He has quickly become one of my favorites for this year. *grin*  He's painted with white craft stamp ink, and I watercolored a bit of brown around the edges of him to make him stand out a bit from the kraft background. The sentiment stamp I used on this card is from my Think Snow cling set, from Whipper Snapper.

The printed paper is from Melissa Frances -- it's included in a Christmas Page Kit that has papers, fibers, chipboard tags and letters, and even some stickers in cute holiday shapes. I happen to have an extra kit and would love to give it away to one of you! If you'd like a chance at the kit, leave me a note on this post and tell me your favorite holiday beverage. I'll probably toss a few extra goodies into the box too, just for fun! You might notice I'm kind of buring this giveaway in the post, so only those who actually take the time to read the post will know how to enter. I'm feelin' like a sneaky pete! *grin* I'll choose one name on Thursday morning at 9am Central.

Cheers to Wednesday! ...then Thursday, and FRIDAY!

Warm Greetings Tag

I love snowmen. Snowmen of all kinds. Tall and short. Fat and thin, cute and vintage. I love them all. I always include a few snowman images in the January Whipper Snapper image release, and well, let's just say that this *might* just be a sneak peak at a fella you'll see in rubber in early 2011! How's that for an extended teaser?! I couldn't wait to share him. *grin* The sentiment and snowflake stamp I used on this card are from my Think Snow cling set, from Whipper Snapper.

I thought I would whip up this charming tag not only to give you a peek at my new snowman, but to also remind you about my crystal snowflake tutorial! I started creating layered crystal snowflakes for the 2008 holiday season and they were a big hit! The crystal snowflake tutorial page continues to be one of the most popular pages of my blog.

Here are a few projects I created that showcase my snowflakes; links to the original post about the project included below each photo.

Birch Bark Candle

Stylin' & Tasty

Designer Snowflake

Snowflakes, Kisses & Peace

Get ready to dust off those snowflake punches, dig out the crystal glitter, and have yourself some FUN!

Halloween Sneak Peek...

I have four cling mount stamp sets releasing on October 1st at Whipper Snapper. How about a sneak peek?! *giggle*

Happy Birthday, John!

We've got another birthday in the family today -- Alan's dad, John, celebrates his 74^th 73^rd 74^th birthday today. (I think I've finally got it right!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, John!

We're having John and Sue (Alan's mom) over for dinner tomorrow, and it should be fun. Burgers, presents, and cake! Can't go wrong with that on a Sunday afternoon!

I made a spice cake ...oops! not a spice cake... it's a butter pecan cake (mix), topped with a coconut pecan frosting. I hope it's good!

PS: Here's a sneak peek at another one of my new stamp illustrations, part of the upcoming Whipper Snapper release!

 

RAIN: it's a good thing!

We've managed to stay IN the path of the huricane weather that has been dumping fair amounts of rain on parts of Texas, among others. This is a GOOD thing, as our area is notoriously dryer than other areas, and we NEED the rain.

My muck boots are in need of a little fall cleaning -- gotta brush out the cobwebs and knock out the dirt. Rather than risk meeting a spider in my boot in the dark light of the morning, I chose to just slip on Alan's boots (they were fresh off his feet, clean as a whistle!)

This morning the duck pool is completely FULL (it was nearly empty yesterday), and the barnyard is looking more like a pond than a barnyard. That tells me we've had a fair amount of rainfall...here's hoping for a bit more!

Oh, and what do you know ... here's another sneak peek at one of my new images, part of the upcoming release at Whipper Snapper Designs! Can't wait!

A Birthday Chicken

Here's another birthday themed image, a sneak peek at another image that's part of the upcoming Whipper Snapper Designs release.

It's a birthday themed weekend! Stay tuned for more!

Today I spent a bit of time with the chickens and ducks, did a little cleanup in the garden (there's lots more to do!), did some illustration work, hung out with Alan, and started a batch of zucchini candy. I picked 12.75 pounds of patty pan squash today, so I decided to add some of it to the zucchini candy recipe. It works great in the recipe, and tastes super!

I also picked almost 9 pounds of butternut squash today, so I've got to decide how I want to put that up. We have 400ish pounds of steak burger coming our way some time this upcoming week, so Alan and I organized the freezers to make room. There sure is a lot of grated zucchini in the freezer! *grin*

What have you been up to?

Speaking of DUCKS!

We were, weren't we?

Here's a sneak peek of one of my new stamp images being released later this month at  Whipper Snapper Designs. And what timing, sharing a duck AND a birthday themed image ... someone near and dear is having a very special birthday this weekend! More on that later!

I'm not sure how it got to be Friday -- I was very busy this week, and the days just flew past. Not that I'm complaining... and I am REALLY looking forward to having Monday off work! Gotta love three day weekends!

This weekend I have plans to do some Spring/Summer drawing for Whipper Snapper, a bit of crafting, and I've got to get the last of the corn stalks out of the raised bed and get some fall seeds planted. Now just to decide on what to plant! I've got some containers that need some seeds planted in them, too. Maybe some radishes... maybe some onions... maybe some garlic! Decisions, decisions...

"Cheers" to the weekend... may it be DUCKY!

Carol's Chocolate Zucchini Bread

What does this image have to do with the title and topic of this post? Absolutely nothing! Just thought I'd share a peek at an new image for Whipper Snapper Designs -- part of the upcoming September release happening soon!

Friend and blog reader, Carol, sent me a chocolate zucchini bread recipe. Alan LOVES chocolate, and the recipe sounded delish, so Friday night I whipped up a batch. It did NOT disappoint! In fact, Sunday night I whipped up a second batch (stocking up the freezer with yummy homemade bread is a good thing!)

Carol gave me the OK to share the recipe, so here you go! Now go make it! Today! You'll be glad you did!

Carol's Chocolate Zucchini Bread
3 cups all-purpose flour (I used whole wheat flour with great success!)
¼ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon (Carol and I use a little less)
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt

2 cups white sugar
3 eggs
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups shredded zucchini (I used 3 cups)
1 cup chopped walnuts
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (why not add a few more, for good measure!)

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. degrees. Lightly grease two 9X5 loaf pans

2. In a large bowl, combine flour, cocoa, cinnamon, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Mix well. In a separate bowl, combine sugar and eggs, beat until well blended. Add oil and vanilla, mix well. Stir in zucchini. Add flour mixture, stir until just moistened. Stir in nuts and chocolate chips. Spoon into loaf pans.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, Remove from pans, cool completely on wire rack.

Enjoy!!

Thanks to Carol for the wonderful recipe! I love it, and so does Alan!

Instead of using zucchini for my second batch, I used patty pan squash! It was WONDERFUL!

Howdy Partners!

Things are busy behind the scenes for Whipper Snapper Designs, so I thought I'd toss in a sneak peek of something to come in September... Ten Gallon Tex will be one of my newly released images for Whipper, and I can't wait to see him in action as a rubber stamp!

I can't believe we're nearly done prepping for the holiday release, and are already in design mode for the 2011 Spring release! It's no wonder I always feel so behind when it comes to the holidays -- before I know it, they'll be upon us and I'll be in SUMMER mode!

But as always, I'm excited for the upcoming fall/winter release. I've seen some great sneak peeks on the Whipper Snapper facebook page, and I think it's one of the best I've seen for new art.

Exciting, exciting!!

What's this... a cowboy!?

 
Hi ya'll! I'm still up north visiting Mom and Dad, but wanted to drop you a quick note. We had a great time camping and floating (and flyfishing) the Kootenai River. I have lots of photos and even a few stories to share (but not tonight). I was planning on posting a few photos here during the trip, but we didn't even have cell phone service, nevermind remote wireless internet access!

Anyway, we returned home to Mom and Dad's house this evening so I thought I would share a little something crafty before I turn in for the night.

Before I left for my trip up north I was busy getting things ready to go. I got this cowboy image painted, but not made into a card. I thought I would share the painted image to give you another little SNEAKY PEEKY at one of my new stamp sets that will be releasing with Whipper Snapper on Monday! Yeehaw! You know my standard routine... the image was stamped in black StazOn and painted with Stampin' Up re-inkers.

Hope you've all had a good week... I talked to Alan earlier this evening and he said the weather in central Texas has been typical all week... sunny and 100+. Yippeeeee. What a *dreadful* thing to return home to... =)

Until next time, sweet dreams!

One Last Peek...

 

Whooo-hoo! Only one more week until this set is available! I can't wait!

Tomorrow we're headed to western Montana to do a little camping and fishing. I'm looking forward to the trip! Be back by Thursday!

Tractors & Chickens, oh my!

Now do you see why I'm so thrilled about this month's release?! Here's another peek for you!

Another Peek!

How about another peek at one of my upcoming new sets for Whipper Snapper... can't you just hear the engine rollin'! Be still my tractor lovin' heart!

About the time that this post gets published (scheduled blog posting is a Typepad feature that I love) I should be somewhere around 32,000' elevation, midway between Denver and Spokane on my way to spend the week with my parents. And in all honesty, I'm probably sound asleep on the plane. Zzzzz...

Oh! And speaking of flying! Alan and I picked up the new Wii Resort game a few weeks ago. One of the games included is called Island Flyover, and oooooh I love it! What a fun, stress free way to pass some time. We recommend the game!

Till next time!
Zzzzz...

This and That

Way too early in the morning on Saturday I'm flying up to northeastern Washington to spend a week with my family. I'm looking forward to the time with Mom and Dad, and I'm looking forward to not having to work! I took the entire week off, which is pretty unusual for me. We'll spend some time around the house, maybe attend the local county fair, and we've also planned a few nights camping in Montana where Dad will spend lots of time fishing and Mom and I will maybe do a little sewing on her hand-crank Singer. Sounds like loads of fun to me!

Alan is staying home to tend to the farm, and he will be missed. I wish he could go too -- I know he would enjoy this trip. But it's just too much time away from the farm in the heat of summer for us both to jet up north. He always reads my blog, so maybe you can post lots of nice comments for him to read while I'm away!

The August Whipper Snapper release will be Monday, August 24th. I'm over-the-top excited for this month's release! There will be three sets, and I can tell you right now, I *LOVE* every single one of them!! I have a couple of posts drafted up to share with you next week while I'm up north, but how about a wee little sneak peek now!?

What do you think the theme might be?!