Introducing our Bacon Bits - Day 1

Our design team for the next term (June - Sept.) has been chosen, and we're thrilled to begin introducing them to you, one at a time, until their term "officially" begins on June 1.

The first new Bacon Bit to enter the pig pen is .... Kecia Waters!!!

A little about Kecia, in her words:

I am absolutely elated to be a Bacon Bit on Hambo Stamps Design Team. Thank you for such an honor and privilege!

I’ve been stamping for almost 10 years now. I love coloring images with alcohol markers and color pencils, and usually reach for bright, bold colors in my designs.

I just got married two years ago and I am so happy (and relieved) that my husband, Chris, encourages my card designing obsession. We often will spend our time together in my stamp room, with him surfing the web and with me coloring away. When I am not stamping, I am busy cheering my Ohio State Buckeyes onto victory in football, playing with my spoiled, but adorable dachshund, Sloopy, or teaching first grade. It all keeps me busy, but I love every minute of it.

How's this for a show of support from Sloopy? LOL

Welcome Kecia! We excitedly await your Hambo project debut at the Hoedown on June 6!

OWH Memorial Day Weekend Blog Hop!

We're so happy to be participating in this HUGE blog hop that Operation Write Home has organized to celebrate Memorial Day Weekend! We're just one of MANY blogs participating in the event, so if you came here from any direction other than directly from the OWH blog, please click here to start at the beginning: Start Hop!

We're all using OWH sketches this weekend, and because there are so many to choose from, you'll probably want to bookmark where they're all found for future inspiration. I'm using SKETCH #111 for my card:

Card uses Pelican (#4912) & Best Fishes (#1207)

I pierced around the DP, so it would be eligible for this week's Hambo Hoedown challenge. (Come play along with us, and earn free digis each week you play!)

Hambo Stamps proudly supports the mission of OWH, and to show our support, we're offering a whole line of digi stamps, illustrated by Asela Hopkins, with proceeds going to OWH.

You can find these images in the "Hop Art Designs" category in our digi store. This is an on-going benefit, so you'll be helping OWH with every Hop Art Designs digi purchase you make!

And today thru Monday, May 28, you can use coupon code OWHMD20 to save 20% on your Hambo stamp orders -- rubber or digi. If ordering rubber, please be sure to mention this code when you email your order. For our digi images, the code can be entered in the discount field during the checkout process.

Wishing each of you a safe & happy Memorial Day, and much fun with the rest of your hop! (Click HERE to continue with the hop.)

"Channel Surfing" Winners!!

We had so much fun with our "Channel Surfing" blog hop this past weekend, that there's already been talk of doing a "Part 2"; after all, there are still SO many TV shows to watch!

As promised, we've got two winners to announce from our hop. First up is the award to a random hopper who left a comment at every blog along the hop .... and that prize goes to Carol! As winner, Carol will receive a $15 shopping spree in our digi store. Congratulations Carol! Please email me to claim your prize.

Our second prize is awarded to the non-DT participant who created our favorite card of the hop. This was difficult because ALL of the cards were wonderful, but the Bacon Bits voted for their favorite, and that person is .... Jan Hunnicutt, who made us laugh with her "Get Smart" inspired card. Jan has won a $20 Hambo site-wide shopping spree (good for any of the stamps we sell - rubber or digi). Jan, please email me and I'll give you all the fun deets. Congratulations!

The new challenge is underway over on the Hoedown blog! This week's featured image is a little prickly:

Appropriately, the challenge this week is to use a Hambo image (any Hambo, rubber or digi) along with paper-piercing on the card. Get it? Big needle = piercing ... LOL! (Judy definitely show her sense of humor in concocting these challenges!)

And finally - we're participating in this weekend's OWH blog hop -- it's going to be HUGE!



Join us for a fun project, along with a special money-saving code. That's Sat., May 26. Then the next day will begin our new design team reveals! Tune in and see who's going to be rolling in the mud with us this next term. :)

Have a great day!

"Channel Surfing" - A Hambo Blog Hop!!

Thanks for tuning in to today's Hambo "Channel Surfing" Customer Blog Hop!! If you haven't already gathered from the title of this post, today we are using our Hambo stamps to create projects based on TV shows, past & present. I wonder how many of the featured shows were favorites of yours? Keep your remote control handy so you can click thru the "channels" and see! And the best part is that there will be no commercial interrup...... BUY HAMBO STAMPS!!!....tions (ahem) to slow you down.

We'll be awarding two prizes at the end of the hop: a $15 shopping spree in our digi store will be earned by one randomly-chosen hopper who leaves a comment at each of the "channels" along the way, and the second prize, a $20 Hambo site-wide shopping spree, will be awarded to the "Best in (TV) Show" project creator. Those winners will be announced here, as well as on the Hoedown blog post, on Wed., May 23. (Red carpet attire for the presentation is optional.)

So on with the (TV) shows!

Can you guess my show? It's "(Sax) & the City"! And while Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte are nowhere to be found, the city, who arguably was the star of the show anyway, is featured. I stamped and embossed the Skyline and Music Notes (rubber stamps), then added the "Monster Sax" digi, colored with Copics. I showed Tim my card and asked him which TV show he thought this was, and his first guess was "Hill Street Blues" -- so there you go, two TV shows for the price of one. :)

(Oh dear - one of those awful "Emergency Stamping Network" tests. Sorry!)

As you know, you can't channel surf without hitting reruns of something! Here is a rerun of mine, that was featured on the blog once before, but fits this theme so well I had to DVR it to play back today:

I always loved the Brady Bunch and still crack up at this "hamage" to it! This card uses several of our pig rubber stamps, along with the "Hogs & Kisses" sentiment.

So now that you've got couch warmed up, click on over to the next show in the schedule, over on the Sandy network. And just in case your cable goes out along the way, here is our TV guide to help you: 

Talk to the Ham - (YOU ARE HERE)
Sandy
Paula
Carolyn
Deborah
Karin
Jenn
Pat
Dawn
Jan
Carolina
Mary
Beverly
Melissa
Judy

Enjoy the show(s)! 

Reminder: Upcoming Blog Hop - Join Us!

Just a reminder: We have a fun customer-inclusive blog hop coming up next week! Our jammin’ theme is “Channel Surfing.” Using any Hambo image, either rubber or digital, create a project that represents and depicts a TV SHOW title! Maybe it’s your favorite program, or maybe it’s one that you don’t even like! Whatever it is, we want to see your TV Show creations!

The hop is scheduled for Friday, May 18, and is set to go live at 7:00 AM CST.  All blog hop posts must stay at the top of the page for that whole day.  A prize will be awarded to the customer whose TV-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits’ fancy in a hammin’ jammin’ way!  The winner will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo blog on Wednesday, May 23.

If you are interested in participating, please email Judy at hambodesignteam@gmail.com by 11:00 PM CST on Friday, May 11. (That's just a few days away, so hurry!) Sample blog copy for the hop will be available after you sign up, if you desire to use it.

Come channel surf with us!

Design Team call - going on NOW!

Hambo Stamps is accepting applications from now until May 16, 2012 for new Design Team Members.

We are looking for designers for the next four-month term: June 1 - September 30, 2012. The new Hambo Team will be announced beginning May 24.

All designers must be comfortable working with rubber and digital images, as each designer will work with rubber for 2 months of their term, and digital images for the other two months of their term.

Please e-mail your application to:
hambodesignteam@gmail.com by May 16, 2012.
Put Hambo DT Application in the subject line.

Application Information:
Your contact info (full name, address, phone number and email)
Blog or Website Address
SCS Gallery Link
Current/Past Design Teams (You do not need DT experience)

In addition to your blog & gallery links, please attach jpeg photos of three of your best stamped projects. All application items are due by May 16, 2012, 10:00 PM CST. We are looking for designers that can work with deadlines. We are also looking for designers who can follow directions, so please be sure your application contains all requested information.

Design Team Requirements:

* An active, established blog with several postings each week.

* One project and posting per week on your blog and SCS Gallery, as well as the Hambo Yahoo Group Photo file.

* Participate in Hambo challenges, blog activities and new release Sneak Peeks/Blog Hops,as well as the Yahoo group for Design Team members.

 

* Participate in at least one SCS challenge per month.

* Submit one project per month to print magazines for publication consideration (online magazines or Ezines excluded).

What you'll receive:

* Hambo Stamps red rubber and/or digital stamps each month of your term ~ some could be assigned but you will also be able to select some of your own choices too.

* The Hambo Stamps Design Team badge for your blog.

* Announcements & features on the Hambo blog (Talk to the Ham) and website as a Design Team Member, as well as our Facebook page.

* Consideration for extended contracts as they become available.

 

If you have any questions, please email Judy at hambodesignteam@gmail.com.

Be Our Guest - Amber Hillman!!

We've got another wonderful guest designing for us today ... welcome Amber Hillman!!

Those crazy Party Pigs have disrupted another celebration, and once again eaten all the cake. Here's a peek at the carnage:

Please click on over to Amber's Antics to see the rest of the fun easel card she's created. (And always think twice before inviting these pigs to your party!)

Thanks so much for designing for us today Amber! :)

And quickly - before you go: the last big sale of the season is going on NOW over at the Hambo store. Save 25% on all of your stamp purchases, including already-discounted stamps, with code "SCS25". This sale runs today, April 26 thru midnight Saturday, April 28. This code can be used on any in-stock stamps we sell -- rubber or digital.

Also -

It's a Hambo Blog Hop and you can join us!

Our jammin'  theme is "Channel Surfing." Using any Hambo image, either rubber or digital, create a project that represents and depicts a TV SHOW title! Maybe it's your favorite program, or maybe it's one that you don't even like! Whatever it is, we want to see your TV Show creations!

The hop is scheduled for Friday, May 18, and is set to go live at 7:00 AM CST.  All blog hop posts must stay at the top of the page for that whole day.  A prize will be awarded to the customer whose TV-themed creation tickles the Bacon Bits' fancy in a hammin' jammin' way!  The winner will be announced on the Hoedown blog, as well as on the Hambo blog on Wednesday, May 23.

If you are interested in participating, please email Judy at hambodesignteam@gmail.com by 11:00 PM CST on Wednesday, May 9. Sample blog copy for the hop will be available after you sign up, if you desire to use it.

Come channel surf with us!

Be Our Guest - Vicki Garrett

Please help us welcome another wonderful Hambo guest designer .... Vicki Garrett!!!

For today's Hambo project, Vicki chose to feature some of our pigs -- some very GUILTY-looking pigs. Here's just a little peek:

I know you're going to love her cheery birthday card, so hop on over to her Summerthyme Studio blog and see the complete project.

Thanks for guesting for us today Vicki!! :)

The "Make 'Em Laugh" winner is...

Thanks so much to everyone who hopped along with us on OWH's "Make 'Em Laugh" blog hop! I hope you found some laughs, some great inspiration, and picked up some deals or prizes! And I also hope you'll continue to support OWH in whatever way you can.

As promised, today we have a winner of a $15 Hambo Digi Store shopping spree! The winner was randomly chosen from all of those who commented on this blog during the hop:

Comment #8 was:

NewlexnessApr 14, 2012 06:58 AM

Thank you for sharing the cards. I have made about 250 cards for OWH (I am new to this) and really enjoy seeing all the creative techniques everyone uses (so I can copy when I am missing my creative side.)

Congratulations "Newlexness"! Email me for details as to how you can collect your prize.

Tomorrow a new Hoedown challenge begins. Come join us, and let the laughs continue! 

Make 'Em Laugh - OWH Blog Hop

Welcome to the Hambo Stamps stop on the "Make 'Em Laugh" OWH tour! If you arrived here from the May Arts blog, then you're in the right place. If you came via direct flight, then you're in luck because you happened upon a very fun blog hop featuring some of your favorite craft supply companies. You won't want to miss a thing, so head on over to the Stars and Stamps blog and begin your hop from there.

Our "Make 'Em Laugh" hop corresponds with International Moment of Laughter Day! Did you know there was such a day? I didn't, but it seems that I celebrate it often, as I love to laugh -- but even more -- I love to make OTHER people laugh! Laugh at me, laugh with me... just laugh! By sending silly cards along to our troops, we can not only provide them with a laugh, but also allow for them to share the same mirth with one of THEIR loved ones! Of course our troops can't run down to the corner for a local Hallmark store, so it's of great benefit for them to have our card donations from which to choose the perfect card for their homeward-bound sentiments!

OWH collects cards for holidays, as well as "every day" themes, so I figured a "get well soon" kind of card could be useful:

(All stamp images below by Hambo Stamps)

And inside:

Oops! Did I forget the "get well soon" part?? Silly me! :)  Did you notice the band aid? I just pierced some paper, then popped up the center with a dimensional.

The card above uses one of our Fractured Funnies sets -- stamps to use on the outside/inside of your card (or the top & bottom, if you wish) for a traditional set-up/punchline kind of joke.

Some of our Bacon Bits wanted to join in today's fun as well. Here, Deborah offers another Fractured Funny giggle:

and inside...

 Paula makes a funny pairing with one of the iconic Hambo pigs:

 As does Dawn:

And finally, Carolina contributes to the merriment:

Because we truly believe in the mission of Operation Write Home, we've teamed up with Asela Hopkins, who has illustrated the Hop Art Designs line of digi stamps, with the proceeds to benefit OWH. The money we raise from sales of these images will be forwarded to OWH to help ease the costs of shipping and supplies. Asela has just added a new image to the line ... meet "Daisy's Due" available now in our digi store:

As a thank you for supporting OWH and hopping along with us today, we offer a coupon code "OWH20", which will save you 20% on your stamp purchases, rubber or digital. Please be sure to use this code on your orders thru Monday (4/16) for the discount to be applied.

But wait - there's more! Leave a comment on this post, telling how you will be helping OWH (card donations? fundraising? shopping from partner stores? spreading the word?) and one lucky commenter will win a $15 shopping spree in our digi store! I'll randomly choose a winner from all of the comments posted by midnight Monday, with the winner announced here on this blog on Tues., 17th.

If you are planning to donate some cards, the Father's Day card deadline is looming - April 30. However, OWH welcomes other types of cards all year long! Please refer to their guidelines and deadlines for more information.

Now it's time to head to your next great destination ...  Sizzix!

Happy hopping!

Hop Along, Saturday

Coming this Saturday, April 14:

Hambo Stamps is proud to support our nation’s deployed heroes through Operation Write Home^®! This organization has sent over 1.5 million cards overseas so our service members can keep in touch with their loved ones while they’re away. And my "Talk to the Ham" blog is going to be participating in the "Make 'Em Laugh" blog hop this weekend! Come by to see the funny projects I'll be sharing – and take some time to check out OWH’s blogs and all the others participating, starting at the top of the hop, http://www.owhstarsandstamps.org.

This hop is a little different than most, because it will feature a bunch of your favorite craft stores -- all of whom support OWH in their mission. I think you'll be thrilled to see the line-up of stores, and we're honored to be a part of it!

And I'll let you in on a little secret -- I've heard whisperings some of these stores will be offering special deals to hoppers who stop by, so that makes it extra exciting!!

Come hop along with us, learn more about OWH and how YOU can support them, have some laughs, be inspired, and score some great deals in the process! ;)

What's the Word, Nerd?

A brand new Hoedown challenge has begun, with a Nerd as our featured image:

If you didn't already receive this image for free for playing in our challenge last week, no worries -- he can be purchased right HERE. He might not be the coolest guy on the planet, but I think he's cute, nonetheless. :)  This week's challenge is to use plaids, or mix-matched patterns -- something I tend to do without even trying! Come play along with us, and see what the Bacon Bits have cooked up for inspiration.

Nekkid as a Jay Bird!

Here's a funny little quirk about me: if I ever answer a question with "Yeah, I did." I just can't help myself from launching into the rest of the lyrics of "The Streak"  --

Yeah, I did. I was standin' over there by the tomaters, (pronounced as "domaters")
and here he come, runnin' through the pole beans, through the fruits and vegetables,
nekkid as a jay bird. And I holler'd over't  Ethel, I said "Don't look Ethel!"
But it was too late, she'd already been incensed.

I could go on, but you get the idea. We had the Ray Stevens song on a 45 record when I was a kid. Yes, we played it often! LOL

So I had to laugh when I received this card from a sweet customer, Sharon Taylor:

"Fastest thing on two feet ... He's just as proud as he can be, of his anatomy, he goin' give us a peek!"

Don't you love this scene Sharon has created? She used dies by My Favorite Things for the trees, grass and the clouds, and a Martha Stewart punch for the fence. Of course the pig is our own Ham on the Run. Sharon finished the card off with our "I Feel Pretty" Fractured Funny on the inside:

I love that this card is equally suitable for a man or woman. Great job Sharon, and thank you for sharing this with us today! :)

April Fool's 'Slop Hop' Winners!!

The Bacon Bits and I had such a fun time with our "Go ahead, laugh at us!" Slop Hop earlier this week, and we thank everyone who hopped along with us and left your sweet comments!

In addition to all of the silly cards we created, each of the designers had a free digi stamp to give away. Plus, we're also awarding a grand prize -- a $15 shopping spree in our digi store -- to a lucky person who commented at every mud hole along the way. So here now is the full list of winners, awarded by the following designers. (Specific digi images won are listed in parentheses.)

Beverly - Kim (Silly Birds with Hats)
Carolina - Lori Subosits  (Bailey Hug)
Dawn - Nancy  (Orange/Yam Kids)
Deborah - Donna Nuce  (Cool Dog)
Jenn -  Kim  (Floating Pig)
Paula - Cass  (Spring Bunnies)
Libby -  Nancy  (Turtles)
Judy -  Carolyn (Mom with Stroller)

And me -- awarding the Grand Prize ($15 shopping spree) to .... Harrahx2 !!!

If you are one of our winners, congratulations! Email me to claim your prize!!

Don't forget that we give away free digi images EVERY week over at our Hoedown -- you just have to play along with us to earn yours! :)