And I ain't just talking about my readers this time!
When I got the new catalog, I was immediately inspired by some of the new sets. My kids are moving into the puberty and teenage stages of their development...you know, the one where the cute fuzzy little caterpillar starts weaving a disgusting sticky cocoon around itself and you wonder what the heck happened to that darling caterpillar you raised so carefully and you wonder whatever will become of all that hard work you put in and if you are lucky, you'll live to see the cocoon break open and the beautiful butterfly emerge. 
But in the meantime, you are dealin', cause that's all you CAN do.
Actually, I enjoy being around my teenager/tweenager type children and love their snarkiness (as long as it's not directed at ME!
) and their wacky humor. It's not as hard to see the butterflies inside the cocoon as I thought it would be. But now that they are past the age where princesses, bears, and other juvenile-style images will work for birthday cards, a mom is kind of stumped as to what to stamp.
I've been really happy with Just Jawing in the catalog, but the new catalog has some even BETTER sets for those teenagers and young adults. For this card, I picked the new set called Extreme Elements and the single stamp Extreme Guitar and went to town:
Ingredients: (all SU! unless otherwise noted) Stamps - Extreme Guitar, Extreme Elements, Just Jawing; Paper - Kaleidoscope DSP, Pretty in Pink, Basic Black, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise; Ink - Summer Sun, Pink Passion, Green Galore, Tempting Turquoise, Only Orange, Versamark; Other - Small Star punch, 1 1/4" square punch, Ice Rhinestone Circle brads, Small Basic Grommets, Cheapo Target $ Spot circle punch, Basic Black & Tempting Turquoise grosgrain ribbon, black EP, Basic Black marker
I know, I know! It's GOJOMACIOUS! (YILM!) I was inspired by the Kaleidoscope paper, some of which reminded me of psychedelic rock posters from the 60's and 70's. So I did a bit of googling to find some images of some of those posters and used them as a jumping off point. The colors in many of those posters match the ones that are in this paper, which made it even easier.
I took it upstairs and showed it to the girls after I finished it and they thought it was really, really COOL. I'm so lucky that they still think their mom is cool...and I refuse to think about the day that might end and I just become that old lady who just DOESN'T UNDERSTAND, MOM!
The set Extreme Elements is, I have to say, one of the FUNNEST sets of stamps I have used in a long time. I've got plans for this one and I will never, never sell it. Well, at least while I have teenagers to stamp for. Ta!
Love the card Jan! We are truly in the same boat. As I write, I am unpatiently awaiting on Mr. Brown to bring that extremely awesome stamp set! My boys chose the Extreme Dirt Bike and I've been extreme dreaming each night on how to use them! I see extreme visions of graphic T's and psychedelic colors...or that might just be flashbacks...hmmm. I think that pairing it with some of the new Cast-A-Spell DSP and From the Crypt stamp set, I'll have my teen/tween years covered!! Keep up the extreme greatness!!!!
Posted by: Leslee | July 13, 2009 at 01:46 PM
This card truly, truly amazes me. Thanks for sharing all your stampy goodness with us, Janine.
B.
Posted by: brandi | July 13, 2009 at 02:28 PM
Jan-
I love it!!! The colors are just amazing and I love the way you brought it together with the Kaleidoscope DSP. You are truly inspiring and your work is one of a kind!
Posted by: Julie Arvin | July 13, 2009 at 02:28 PM
You are so silly! I just love reading your postings!!
Posted by: Susan McMillen | July 13, 2009 at 02:43 PM
I check your blog every day for inspiration and a few good laughs. But today I had to comment as I have two (yes two) cocoons festering in my house as I write this. I miss the cute fuzzy stage and for the most part, they are good boys. But I think I will be thrilled when the butterflies come to town!!!
Posted by: Linda Boyages | July 13, 2009 at 04:22 PM
I really like the way you used the ribbon. Great way to showcase it.
Posted by: Dixie Finn | July 13, 2009 at 04:46 PM
LOVE IT and will definitely have to CASE for my niece and nephews. They are not into the bears and balloons either. Too old. Thanks as always for the inspiration.
Posted by: Carey Rogers | July 13, 2009 at 05:35 PM
I have two adorable caterpillars (2 years and 3 months), but I STILL love the possibilities for these stamp sets! I have a husband who is still young enough to rock, and a dad who thinks he is (!)...I will get lots of use out of these stamp sets...when I order them on my next order:) Thanks for another hit of inspiration!
Posted by: Desirée | July 13, 2009 at 05:47 PM
I still have girly girls with me. My oldest is 14 and hasn't hit the "yikes years" as my mom called it. I taught high school, so I should be fine.
I am soooo thankful you used the Extreme Elements stamp! I have wanted to see it in action! It just has an exciting feel to it. After I saw your card, I think a pixie pink silhouette of the guitarist would make a great hannah montana card... or at least sort of like her... with shorter hair... well, okay maybe I need more chocolate to see this stamp better...off to see the wizard (he has the chocolate!)
Posted by: Leslie Jones | July 13, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Glad you're enjoying these years. I'm not sure I enjoyed them but I did survive them (which is infinately more important). My youngest is now 19 and I'm no longer cool but often just "strange". Kids...Thanks for sharing. Mary Jo
Posted by: mary jo | July 14, 2009 at 01:24 AM
Yes, you rock! I was so happy to see this, Jan! ... as these stamps were in my first SU order from the new catty. Finally, some images that suit my teenage son! You've done a FANTASTIC job with the images ... well done!
Posted by: Nancy Riley | July 14, 2009 at 02:36 AM
Love, love, love the card, and the stamp set, hoping it will arrive with our new UK catalogue, my teenagers would love that style of card. Thanks for sharing
Posted by: Amanda Fowler | July 14, 2009 at 07:10 AM
Well, again...you start me off with a big smile with your wry humor and adorable smilies. Not to mention the phenomenal artwork!!
Never in a million years would I have looked twice at EITHER of those stamps but you really made them look great! My kids (all boys which means they are totally different from girls as any school marm of the School for Boys with Wayward Fingers can attest!) are pretty much in the butterfly stage now...the youngest, age 19 is still struggling out of the cocoon but I can definitely see the butterfly inside peeking out! I loved your analogy on that...it's perfect! Just like this great card...it really does look like a poster! Jan
Posted by: Jan Hoyt | July 14, 2009 at 08:36 AM
Yup, I agree: those stamp sets are fabulous and they are definitely on my list of must-haves. I don't haveg any teenagers, but I do enjoy making some cool cards once in a while, so this is definitely a set that will do the job. I have my eye on that pirate set as well...
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy Major | July 14, 2009 at 09:57 AM
I just received this stamps last week, but I haven't had time to play with them. I love the more "cool" stamps. Not only do I have a teenage boy, but I have a husband in a rock band, so I am always on the lookout for cool rocking stuff. I love your card, and I'll be casing it.
Posted by: Christie | July 14, 2009 at 11:05 AM
I really like the new "extreme" stamps. They are right on target for the teenage group and for those always young at heart.
Posted by: Kreates Kards | July 14, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Great card, Jan. I also LOVE the extreme elements!
Posted by: Michelle Sturgeon | July 14, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Yeah, you are rockin' the stamps that I orginally had on my first order but had to take off, due to low fundage. I really want both of those - and I don't have teenagers yet. They sure look cool! Love what you did here.
Posted by: Staci Miserlian | July 15, 2009 at 12:21 AM
Wow, that card is fantabulous!!! :-) Way groovy and rockin'!
Posted by: Marilyn G. | July 15, 2009 at 09:11 PM
ok...This was on my "list" but I was trying to be good for another month. Now you are FORCING me to go get an order together. NOW.
Posted by: Starla(star) | July 16, 2009 at 02:58 PM
Ooooooh! I love what you did with these stamps! What a fabulous card! I have 2 cocoons at home, and I know nothing anymore (according to them! LOL), but I think I may have to order these! (Please, tell me this cocoon stage doesn't last too long!!!)
Big hugs!
Posted by: Elizabeth M. Harris | July 19, 2009 at 08:33 AM
Hi jan!
I love your card....it does ROCK!! I am wondering if you might tell me how you did the guitarist background and how you did the carmel colored background. I am assuming you used a SU set for the colorful one but, just not sure with the other.
Thanks so much....Mrs. Creative!!
Cindy
Posted by: Cindy | July 19, 2009 at 10:19 PM
wow! Thanks for the great inspiration! Awesome projects!
Posted by: Teri | July 20, 2009 at 10:30 AM