The Flat Minty Project was launched 11 days ago and it’s time to catch up with FM on her first week of travels. Where oh where has she been? Let’s find out!

FM went back to Minnesota to check on Mint Chick Claire (shades of bliss) and her new beautiful baby girl! Rosemary Claire was born on Wed. May 7th at 11:25am. Congratulations to Claire and her family!

The baby tour continued in Australia! After such a long trip, FM took a nap with baby Lily before hanging out with Tara (tarty00).

Back to the U.S. for a stop at Mint Chick Trisha’s (mommy2talesia) house where baby Devlin was NOT impressed with FM and savagely ripped her arms off. How rude. There she is posing with her daughter Tally, post-arm disaster.

Next up, hiking in Arizona with Megan (mturnidge). Ouch! FM’s lady bits aren’t made for sitting on a cactus.

More outdoor adventures ahead – this time with audiscrapsdigi! Look at the gorgeous redwoods in Northern California!

Off to the happiest place on earth – Disney World! Big thanks to Jen (Audrey77) for taking me along on her laptop on her summer family vacation!

After all her fun adventures FM went to help a good cause with close to home in Ontario. Mellykat took FM on the Big Bike for Heart and Stroke! She didn’t have permission from all the riders to post their photos so she put FM’s face over them…scary!!!! LOL.

On her last set of adventures for the week, momdahn took FM on some interesting and random adventures in Shelby, Ohio. First she ref’ed a Whippets game.

Then she sings her famous version of, “This Little Light of Mine,” at the First Lutheran Church in Shelby, Ohio.

FM tries her hand in the medical field and tries to cheer her disgruntled patient.

Find all photos from The Flat Minty Project here.
Where will she go next? That’s up to you!

Is it just me? Or is this really funny….

An Engineer’s Guide to Cats
Two professional engineers illustrate the proper care and practical benefits of cats. None of the cats, humans, or engineers were mistreated in the making of this film. They were however, slightly annoyed.

This week controversy threatened Idol Golden Boy David Archuletta“Acheleta Archuleta’s comfy seat atop the AI throne. As reported by TMZ.com David’s dad, Jeff, has been such a royal pain in the ass, that he was officially banned by producer’s from all backstage rehearsals.

“…Sources tell TMZ that Jeff has been a complete pain in the ass, interfering with the entire production. He has badgered producers, the band, vocal coaches and even other contestants. The final straw came …when Jeff wanted to change the lyrics to David’s first song, “Stand By Me.” Jeff insisted on adding a verse from Sean Kingston’s hit, “Beautiful Girls.” Producers sent him an e-mail telling him the lyrics could not be changed. They were beyond pissed when David sang the song with Kingston’s lyrics during the live show.”

Apparently the whole thing cost AI a bundle of cash (I’m guessing they didn’t have the rights to that song). Note that Proud Papa was also banned from the set when David did “Star Search” a few years back. Not good.

I thought the controversy would have hurt him this week but he made it through and as predicted the final showdown will be David vs. David…or David Squared…or David to the power of two. Whatever you prefer to call it. It was no surprise that Sayesha got the boot this week, but what WAS a surprise, aside from how GINORMOUS Paula’s boobs looked on Wednesday, and aside from how coherent she was YET again this week, was that she ….said…..(wait for it)…..(you won’t even believe it)…..something NEGATIVE – and on several occasions too. Looks like Paula’s no longer in her happy place! And I have to say, she’s much more enjoyable this way. Yes,she looked completely uncomfortable telling Sayesha that she was wasn’t good enough for the finals, but it was her first time. With enough practice I think she’ll be able to tear those contestants to shreds – just the way we like it. You know the show would be SO much better with 3 Simons.

So I’m not really going to comment on the individual performances because well, they were kind of …’eh’. DArch sang some old school ballads (gasp – what a surprise) and Cook sang some grunge rock. Nothing overly WOW. I will say that the sentence “I need you Boo” is not something I ever want to hear DArch say again. Cook is always awesome, but next week, I want to be wow’ed. Gimme the goose bumps brother! I’m waiting.

Wednesday night = RESULTS NIGHT. I hate results night. I always feel like I’ve just wasted an hour of my life after I watch it and that is why I always tape it. This way, without commercials, without the aweful Ford music videos, without the CHEESY group sing song, without the recap of what each judge specifically said about EACH individual performance (which I already know – because I watched last night, which is WHY I’m sitting here watching the results Ryan but thanks for the friggin’ recap) I only waste about 25 minutes max.

I did stop on Fantastia’s performance. Very energetic. I didn’t understand a single word she sang but I did catch Simon making the FUNNIEST most confused face ever right at the end of her performance (while he was clapping). It was kind of a “what the bleep was that?” kind of face. I have no idea what he was thinking, but it was the highlight of the show for me.

I also stopped on portions of the hometown visits and was amused to notice that Cook’s fan’s were ALL older (and by older I mean anywhere from 20-50) year old women and a good number of men while DArch’s fan base was STRICTLY 12 year old girls. LOL. I personally hope that Cook does not win just because I think he’ll do a lot better on his own not being tied to a contract with Idol and not being forced to have his first single be the token cheesy Idol winner song. I’d like to see Cook pull a Daughtry and let DArch win the show.

I’m looking forward to next week! And you know I’ll be back with my commentary…and then oh whatever will I blog about???

Looking forward to your comments as well.
Have a good one!

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Toss everything in a closet and order some take out (I like chinese, but I’m cool with pizza) – Miss Mint is coming over! I want to travel, see the sights, meet new friends and maybe indulge in a few adventures. So I’m sending my flattened self to your house. Print me out an take me with you! (please?). Snap some pictures of Flat Minty with you, or your kids or your pets (or a stranger) doing something fabulous, funny, unique or totally ordinary (sorry, I don’t do toilets) and post your image(s) in The Flat Minty Gallery. Don’t forget to let us know what she’s doing and where she is (specfic location, city, state, country) so we can all follow her adventures!! Once Flat Minty has worn out her welcome, forward The Flat Minty Project to a friend – and let’s see how far Flat Minty will go!!!

::DOWNLOAD YOUR FLAT MINTY HERE::

The Flat Minty Project (FMP) will be ongoing and was never meant to be a contest (just for fun) but in the spirit of the Post-NSD Sale Hoopla, I thought it would be a good excuse to give away some more stuff! So post your images by May 31 for your chance to win board books and gift cards! Every photo you post (at a different location, for a total of no more than 5) will count as one entry. A random draw will select 3 winners! First prize is the new May Special Combo Board Book Set, second prize is a $10 GC and third prize is a $5 GC. The rest of you win the joy of hosting Flat Minty and sharing your photos with us. ;) Winners will be announced June 1.

The whole concept is really based on the well known Flat Stanley Project (see explanation below), but I was actually inspired by Joscie Cutchens’ Flat Joscie. She sends Flat Joscie (by mail) to friends who host her and document their adventures together in a journal. I just thought the concept was SO cute that I knew right away I HAD to make a Flat Minty. So before I sent her off into the world, I took some pictures of her at home. Here she is just hanging out with the pets.

And here she is getting eaten by the pets…

They eat everything. LOL. But she made it out alive and started her worldwide adventure by visiting some of the Mint Chicks. Here she is in Texas with Tay. While there, FM enjoyed the warm weather and dressed the part with a lovely custom cowboy hat courtesy of ‘Shanta Silver Original Paper Hat Designs Inc.’ How jealous am I that this is what her community pool looks like. Wowza.

She then made her way to Minnesota where she spent the day with Claire and her son at their favorite park. After a long day at the park, FM’s legs were tired so she hitched a ride in Claire’s son’s back pocket.

While in Minnesota, Flat Minty also went to Missy’s house and made some Play-Doh PacMan’s with her boys. Apparently, her youngest has become quite fond of FM and has been taking her all around the house with him…so cute.

By the morning she’d travelled to Indiana to have breakfast with MJ’s little boy. (Mmmm Oatmeal!) How cute is he in his little ‘Hunk’ t-shirt. LOL.

Here’s Flat Minty in Australia visiting Kirstie! Awesome – never been there so  she picked up some souvenirs to bring back home. Vegemite…yum. FM looks forward to many more Australian adventures!

Flat Minty got the royal treatment from Joscie in Hawaii where she got LAMINATED and LEI’D! Oh boy! FM loves to accessorize!

Joscie really showed FM a good time. They searched out hybrid ideas at the craft store, took a ride in the car, saw a rainbow and was even treated to dinner at Chili’s.

I have to admit I’m really enjoying seeing the pictures of FM on her adventures. It’s oddly entertaining to tell you the truth and I can’t wait to see where she pops up next! Print her out and take her with you on your next adventure (pretty please) and if you’re really feeling ambitious make a FLAT YOU and send it to your friends. I’d be happy to take a picture of my pets eating a flattened you. LOL! Pictures with Mr. M by special request only!

Thanks guys – that’s all for today!!!

In case you’re interested…

The History of The Flat Stanley Project.

The Flat Minty Project is based on the popular Flat Stanley Project invented in 1995 by a Canadian school teacher. The original project was based on a children’s book from 1964 in which the title character is flattened when a bulletin board falls on him. The students were asked to make their own paper cut out’s of send Flat Stanley and to send him to students other schools. The children were asked to host Stanley and document and places and activities in which he was involved in a journal. A simple lesson in communication snowballed into an international frenzy as Flat Stanley began appearing everywhere. Media attention was generated when Clint Eastwood took his daughter’s Flat Stanley to the Academy Awards resulting in articles in People magazine and CNN.com. Several Flat Stanleys were hosted by Olympic athletes in Torino, Italy at the 2006 Olympic Games and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger was seen showing his son’s Flat Stanley to Jay Leno.

A weird mix of blog topics today – I have SO much to share with you that I don’t even know where to begin! Let’s start with some totally adorable crafts courtesy of Mary Jo and Tay. With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s a great excuse to create something fabulous. But these gorgeous ideas work for just about any occasion so bookmark this post for future reference. And don’t forget to pick up your FREE card template from Tay below.

Mother’s Day Wooden Gift Bag and Note Cards
By: MaryJo Johnston

Looking for a handmade gift idea for Mother’s Day?
This little wooden gift bag is the perfect project and comes together in a snap!

You’ll need:
Your favorite Peppermint Creative Kit and Elements (I used the Painted Season Kit)
(1) Wooden gift bag (I purchased mine at Michael’s for $0.89!)
Foam adhesive squares
Letter stickers
(1) Brad
Ribbon
Glue

Instructions: Gift Bag
1. Choose two patterned papers and print onto cardstock.
I used the Floral Garden and Rose Tulip papers from the Painted Season Kit.
2. Trace the wooden box front on one of the patterns, cut and adhere to your gift bag.
3. From the other patterned paper, cut a block and cover the lower half of your gift bag.
4 .Print a third patterned paper thin strip or trim, cut and adhere over the seam where the two papers meet. I used the Trim2 from the Painted Season Kit.
5. Punch a circle die cut, frame or journaling block and adhere letter stickers to the front spelling “mom”. I used the Label2 from the Painted Season Kit.
6. Attach a small ribbon bow to the front of your circle.
7. Adhere the circle die cut, to the front of your gift bag, using a foam square for dimension.

Instructions: Note Cards
1. Measure your gift bag to determine the size your note cards should be. (I created a set of 4″ x 4.5″ note cards)
2. Choose two patterned papers and print onto cardstock.
I used the Floral Garden an Rose Tulip papers from the Painted Season Kit.
3. From one paper, cut card to 8″ x 4.5″, fold in half.
4. From the other paper, cut a block 3″ x 3.5″, ink edges and adhere to front of card.
5. Cut or punch a flower from patterned paper and attach to the right side of your card with a brad. I used the Bloom3 from the Painted Season Kit.
6. Repeat these steps for as many note cards as you would like.

Shanta also created a gorgeous little Mother’s Day card and created a template of it to share with you! 

Mother’s Day Tie-Front Card
By: Shanta Silver

::DOWNLOAD HERE::

To create this project as she did,

You’ll Need:
Purple Paper: Peppermint Creative Foxy Lady Kit
Flowers & hearts (cut out): Peppermint Creative Foxy Lady Kit
White Grosgrain ribbon
White silk flowers ($4.99 at Hobby Lobby)
Pink Buttons (Hobby Lobby)
Rhinestones
Mini Glue Dots
Sticky Doos 3D Foam Squares ($1.99 Hobby

But feel free to put your own spin on it and create something unique. Be sure to post what you create in the Peppermint Creative Gallery so that we can see what you did !!

Before I go, I feel obligated to post my thoughts on Idol this week because (a) I have so many and (b) we hit a major milestone on Wednesday:

Bye bye Jason Castro! Awww, so sad….Not really.

But let’s back up a tad to Tuesday night, shall we? This week was Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame week. Yippeee! Finally a roster of hip, cool, classic music to choose from. It’s what I’ve been waiting for all season long. This should be the best week ever, right? Hmmm…not so much.

Hands down, without doubt this should have been David Cook’s week. I was waiting to be blown off my couch but I was reluctantly disappointed by his first performance (Hungry Like the Wolf by Duran Duran). Thankfully, he killed the second song (Baba O’Riley by The Who) and reminded us all why he’s going to sell the most records when this is all over. Skipping over Sayesha (because although she has a great voice, she kind of bores me), we move on to Jason Castro. Note to Jason: yes, you have the hair, but you are not Bob Marley. Please refrain from singing reggae. Thank you. After butchering his first song (I Shot the Sherriff), he pretty much sealed his fate by forgetting a whole bunch of words on the second song. (Mr. Tambourine Man). Not that remembering them would have made the performance any better to be honest. Simon told him to pack his suitcase and I’m pretty sure he did. That leaves us with Little Archuletta. Great voice, nice kid, always perfectly on key – but so damn BORING! His song selections are soooo safe yet the judges refuse to give him anything but glowing comments. Suspicious if you ask me. Me thinks there is a little conspiracy going on and will not be suprised when he wins….if he doesn’t pass out before then.

Did anyone notice how shockingly coherent Paula was? She barely stuttered or slurred. I figure she either got in big dog doo doo last week and cleaned up her act or she’s run out of pain pills. Hmmmm. You decide.

Check back tomorrow for another great Mother’s Day Hybrid Tutorial from Claire!
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It’s party time, it’s party time!!!! Get dressed and come on over! I think this just might be the single BIGGEST release in Peppermint Creative history and it’s ALL 30% off – ALL MONTH LONG. Yahoooooo!!!! You can thank your trusty Mint Chicks for looking out for you – they set me up with a 50 page product request list and told me to get to work…and so I did! And boy did they have some great ideas. Looks like 16 heads are better than one! On the downside, I haven’t seen Mr. Mint, (or my pillow, for that matter) for days and we are about 6 days past the “we absolutely have to go grocery shopping today or we’ll starve” point. But that’s ok! The floors are dirty, the cupboards are bare, the pizza man knows us by name and the cat litter box needs to be changed but it’s ALL worth it just to bring you the greatest POST -NSD hoopla EVER.

And if new products and a sale weren’t enough to get you pumped, how does chances to win free Shutterfly Photo Albums, free Board Books and PC gift cards sound?

Here’s the deal. I’ve got coupons for two 20 page Custom Shutterfly Photo Albums to giveway! (Sizes 8×8″ & 12×12″) All you have to do is spend $15+ for a chance to win the 8″ album, or spend $25+ to be entered into a draw for both! Your name will be automatically entered into the draw when you purchase. Draw will take place on May 22 and winners will be announced then. This offer is not valid on combined purchases however, you may make multiple purchases for multiple entires.(i.e. two 15+ orders gives your two entries for the 8″ book.) Draw closes: May 21, midnight EST..you must shop before then to be eligible!

 For details on the Board Book and Gift Card Giveaways, please visit me tomorrow for the launch on The Flat Minty Project. PLUS stay tuned to this blog for the next few days for super cool tutorials and projet ideas for creating beautiful hybrid Mother’s Day Cards.

I’ll save my Idol recap since I have SO much to say today (and I have plenty to say about Idol…bub-bye Castro!) so come check in for that if you enjoy my ranting and complaining. LOL.

Oh! Before you get distracted by the bright mirage of new products below (you’ve already scrolled down..haven’t you) I wanted to tell you that for the first (and probably last time) Board Books are 30% off, plus I’ve introduced a new combo special (one 5×5″ & one 8×8″) for the month of May. COOL!

So back to the party – where do I begin? We’ve got papers and kits, elements and stamps..plenty to keep you busy. There WILL be a new freebie this month. Please check back later this week – I’m not quite done yet but I think I did enough to warrant you not being mad at me. Right? Ok good. You are so understanding. Hugs.

So check it out!! Here are the goods! I hope you all find something you love and enjoy using. I can’t wait to use some of it myself. After I take a nap, of course.

Click here to see what the team has created with the new loot so far! Lots of fun and funky new things to play with. If you have Photoshop or Elements, the Custom Shapes are a MUST HAVE!! AND that’s all FOLKS!!!! I’m off to  grocery shop and take a nap!

Happy shopping! Feel free to email me with your questions, concerns and compliments. ;)