MFT Design Team Creative Challenge

Welcome to the My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Challenge for May. This month, our focus is on flowers, and I'm sure you've noticed that I love using Die-namics to create custom flower embellishments for my cards and pages.

My Favorite Things has SO many flower Die-namics to choose from - in fact you can find all the Flower Die-namics in this category <--- how handy is that? Today I have a fun way you can change the look of your Die-cut flowers to add even more dimension and visual interest.

I've just shown my new friends that I met this weekend at the MFT Retreat how to add this type of effect to their die-cut flowers.  It totally changes the look of the flower.  I love being able to switch up the look of my dies.  All you need is a bone folder and a scoring board. 

As an example, this is the Flower Medley Die-namics all dolled up with some additional scoring....

You'll place the die on your scoring board, and score from the tip of each petal, straight across the body of the flower.  

Turn the die-cut on your score board continuing to add scoring to each section of the flower. Turn and score, turn and score.  Once you've added score lines from the tip of each petal across the body of the die-cut burnish each line with your bone folder.  The more you work the folds, the fibers in the paper will loosen and you'll have beautiful, molded details to your flower.  

For those of you that are visual learners, stay tuned, I'll have a quickie video on this soon.  I'd have it today, but I've just returned from my visit to MFT Headquarters.... I'll be back soon with a visual aid..  

You'll find a list of all the designers with projects to share on the MFT Blog.  

Favorite Photos Mini Album

You all probably think I've gone away and forgotten entirely how to stamp! Some days I feel like that's the case, but I've been actually been really busy behind the scenes with a few projects.

I'm excited to share a mini album that I made for a recent class featuring the Mini Album Bracket STAX.   This nesting die set is fabulous for mini book building and I have a fun project to share. This little book is just LOADED with lots of My Favorite Things Stamps and Die-namics.  

The cover includes the beautiful, and really luscious Poppy Builder Die-namics paired with a Leaf Filled Flourish.  At a recent MFT new release party, we were asked if we could choose only one flourish which one would it be, and it's this one.  Not too fancy, a really nice sized element.  I love the embossing on the leaves....  Th sentiment "Favorite Photos To Remember" is plucked from Expand Your View.  If you don't already own Typewriter Alphabet, go ahead and grab it, it is perfect for personalization! 

On the inner cover, I gave the chalboard technique a little try, pairing stamps from Off the Chart, and Captured Memories and Right This Way.

Now here's a fun little idea I have for you... you can use the smaller sizes of the Mini Album Bracket STAX to make a mini-er album within your mini album.  

I cut the second largest size from Steel Grey Cardstock.... The Keys and Locks Die-namics hang like  little charms over the top of my photo.  

This tiny little spread sits inside the "inner mini."  The stamped elements are from Captured Memories - a really amazingly fun stamp set.  And Cute Cameras, goodness, I just love those babies!

My final spread features the grid background from Graph Paper Notes, stamps from Off the Chart and then the Pie Chart Die-namics.  

I'll bore you with this photo one more time, it doesn't get old around here!  The "love this" is stamped to an Accent It: Labels and Tabs Die-namics.

The mini book is held together with a Vintage "o" ring.  Pretty handy little clips, I can easily open back up the ring and add a few pages when I have a little more time to scrap.

Release Rewind

I'm back with a quick card made using the Life's Directions stamp set from the recent release over at My Favorite Things. Several of us are participating in a little Release Rewind group posting, be sure to check the MFT Blog to find out who's playing along tonight! 

If you happened to miss out on Teaser Time last week, be sure to head over to visit all that's new.  There were just a TON of new stamps, Die-namics and a beautiful new color released too. Everything is in the BRAND SPANKIN NEW Category and oh my goodness - lots of goodies!

I've been trying to go a little cleaner and simpler with my cards, and I love the fresh feel of this white cardbase, white woodgrain patterned paper.  Feeling pretty farm fresh. I've added just a bit of patterned paper with my Mix and Match Banners topped with a Steel Grey Button and a little Hemp Cord.  

By the way, have you checked out the MFT Premium Dye ink yet?  It's lovely, really lovely.  Just look at this RICH coverage on the sentiment and what's incredible is that it dries incredibly fast.  No smudging.  ---> love that <---- 

You might have noticed that I will often tuck the bow on my buttons just behind the button, here's a tip, it helps keep the bow tied!

I'm so excited, I'm headed to MFT Headquarters later this week for a little weekend retreat. YEAH!!!  I've got a lot of paper trimming and packing to do before I head out, so I'd better jet!!

MFT New Release is HERE!

Oh hooray it's time for the New Release at My Favorite Things - there are so many fun new things in this month's release! 

 I hope you'll head on over to the BRAND SPANKIN NEW COLLECTION and take a peek!  

Tonight I'm here to share the new Notepad Die-namics with you.  I have been loving the Laina Lamb Designs line at MFT for my new found love of getting scrappy, but these elements are simply amazing for cardmaking too.  I have a few cards to share with you using this fun new Die-namics.  Since we have a boatload of fun new stamps, I've mixed and matched it a few different ways.

Up first, cmbining a few fun trends I'm using the new Chalkboard Greetings stamp set with this adorable navy and mint patterned paper.  Chalkboard Greetings is this month's Triple Scoop - that means that you can earn it for FREE with a qualifying purchase of $60 or more!  Yeah, who doesn't love a free gift?!

I stamped the sentiment with Versamark and embossed with a detail white embossing powder for this fresh feel.  Two Fishtail Flags STAX peek out from the bottom... yes, I'm obsessed with the Fishtail Flags!

Up next, I created a little pick me up with the Cheerful Blessings Stamp Set. <----- I really adore this set!   I thought this would be a sweet pick me up for one of my boys tucked into their lunchboxes. The sentiment was stamped onto a Heart STAX Die-namics.  A small die-cut element from Accent It: Labels and Tabs peeks out from just below the main panel. 

 
Did you see the super adorable Happy Hellos Die-namics?  What a fun assortment of cheerful greetings.  In particular, I adore this scripty "hello."  Oh look, there I go again with the Fishtail Flags. Have you picked them up yet?  Trust me, you'll love them....  A little Pink Lemonade Button and a bit of Hemp Cord sit atop a corrugated cardboard Heart STAX. 

Feathers, what a fun and super hot trend, and this die set is a bunch of fun to play with!  The Feathers and Arrows Die-namics were cut from Steel Grey card stock and then spritzed with my silver paint.

I've selected another of the uplifting greetings from Chalkboard Greetings.  If you haven't seen the full set graphics on this, be sure to check out THIS post on the MFT Blog! With a series of upcoming tests, I'm sure this card will find it's way into my older son's backpack in the next few weeks.

Thanks for joining me tonight for a closer look at the Notepad Die-namics!

The MFT Design Team is all on board tonight to showcase the full new release package.  You'll find a list of all the participating designers HERE on the MFT Blog.  Be sure to check out all the New Release goodies HERE in the Brand Spankin' New section.

Blueprints 3 & Cheerful Blessings

I'm back with another My Favorite Things Teaser today! We're plugging along towards our new release tomorrow night at 10pm EST.  Remember to check in on the MFT Blog for details about the Teaser Time prizes, and for links to all of today's participating designers.

If you're not familiar with Blueprints, you need to take a closer look. Each Blueprints set is a die collection that works together to take all the work out of layout planning, paired with a PDF that outlines four ways to combine them for an effortless cardmaking session!  Just pair with your desired stamps, card stock and patterned paper.  It's a great jumpstart for your crafty session!

Today I've paired Blueprints 3 with one of this month's sketches and the adorable Cheerful Blessings stamp set which was designed by Lisa Johnson for My Favorite Things.  You'll find the die graphics for this month's Blueprints collection over on the MFT Blog, this one is particularly fun - it includes 13 Die-namics!!

I love that Blueprints gives you such a creative jump-start, but I also adore the piercing that is designed into some elements! You'll find a delicate pierced edge all around the edge of the circle, as well as on the thin strip that I've layered across the bottom of my card....

I dug into a new paper pack from Pink Paislee and grabbed two of my Naturals Buttons.  I've just restocked on my Kraft card stock, and that makes me a happy, happy girl.  The scalloped border was cut from Whip Cream card stock.

Remember that you can find a full list of the MFT Designers with samples to share today on the MFT Blog.  You'll want to find out all the details on this month's Teaser Time Prizes and of course, you'll want to see the die graphics, and the fun four sketches that go with this die set.

All the latest stamps and Die-namics will be available as part of our May 2013 release Tuesday night at 10pm EST!  Be sure to join us on the New Release party thread HERE from 8-10pm!

Cheerful Blessings

Today I'm here to share a sample from the new, and every so sweet Cheerful Blessings stamp set from Lisa Johnson Designs.  This uplifting set features a fun mix of fonts.  I paired it with the Layered Rose Die-namics.

The sentiment sits on top of the Traditional Tags STAX, one of my most go-to die sets.  I've embellished with the Fishtail Flags STAX and Fishtail Flags Layers STAX, if you read here a lot, you know I use those babies regularly.

I've selected the MFT Hot Fudge ink for my sentiment. It's such a warm, rich color. My flower embellishment was created with the Layered Rose Die-namics paired with the Royal Leaves.  A fluffy seam binding bow sits on top of the tag...

You can see the full stamp set graphics on the MFT Blog, you'll also be directed to other designers participating in Teaser Time today and you'll be able to find all the details on how YOU can win a Teaser Time Prize.  

My Favorite Things - Life's Directions

I'm back with another My Favorite Things teaser for you today!  I hope that you've been over to the MFT Blog every day for information about Teaser Time Prizes (who couldn't use a little extra spending money for this great release?) and for full set and die graphics.

Today I'm here to share a card made with the new Life's Directions stamp set, paired with a few elements from Blueprints 3 and the fabulous new Chicken Wire Die-namics.  

I've wanted a Die-namics that would cut a full card front and I'm beyond excited that we now have it! I cut the Chicken Wire twice, once from Kraft and once from Steel Grey.  You might notice that they're very slightly offset for a shadowed effect.  They sit on top of a piece of Whip Cream Cardstock which has had it's edges distressed and rolled. 

I adore the pierced panel on the new Blueprints 3! As you see it fits just perfectly inside the arched element also included in this die set.  I reached for my Circle STAX to create a little matting for the center panel.    

The sentiment "Under the Weather" for me reminds me of chicken soup, and for that, the rooster was just perfect.  (I might also have roosters on the mind after my new rooster coffee mugs..... convenient timing!)  

The bottom panel was stamped with Versamark using the Distressed Backround Blocks.  Stamping the background in a watermark fashion doesn't detract from the overall design of the card, but gives a light texture to the bottom panel. 

I've finished the design off with just a bit of Hemp Cord and two Wild Cherry buttons. 

Don't forget to head over to the MFT Blog for all the set graphics for both Life's Directions & Distressed Background Blocks.  You'll also get a closer look at the Chicken Wire Die-namics too! 

Peaceful Wildflowers from My Favorite Things

Welcome back! It is time for teasers to begin for My Favorite Things!  Be sure to stop by the My Favorite Things BLOG for details about Teaser Time prizes as well as links to all the participating designers. The new release is scheduled for Tuesday, May 7th at 10pm EST.  

Today I have a soft and sweet card to share using the new Lisa Johnson Designs: Peaceful Wildflowers Stamp Set and the coordinating Lisa Johnson Designs: Wildflowers Die-namics.

Using the Rounded Banner STAX, I diecut a frame into my Kraft card stock.  Using my Factory Green ink, I repeatedly stamped the background to a piece of Whip Cream card stock.  Using the Wildflowers Die-namics I cut three sets of petals and leaves.  I inked the top with Factory Green ink and the tops with Pink Lemonade Ink. PS, this selective inking is easily achieved if you use just the corner of the ink pad.

 

I added a small strip of Factory Green cardstock and stamped the sentiment onto a Designer Labels 3 STAX jut a big of zig-zag stitching holds the accent in place.

To add softness to the card, all the edges of my main panel were softly inked with a white ink. This is a beautifully designed stamp set and I'm really looking forward to working with it again!  I hope you'll come back to visit with me later to see what other amazing stamps and Die-namics are included in this month's release.  

Don't forget Tto head on over to the MFT Blog to see the full set graphics, find out how to win a Teaser Time Prize, and for links to all the other participating designers today!

One Heart.

This week has been just unreal.  I'll admit to being a complete and total sloth today, I had a bunch of things to do this morning, and I'm unable to think or keep focused.... I'm completely tuned into the news, as I move from room to room, I'm switching on televisions, turning on the radio and listening in. 

I know I mentioned the One Fund to you the other day, and last night I ran across this site One Heart Boston.  All proceeds will go to support the One Fund, so it's a win-win.  I have a One Heart t-shirt on it's way to me, which I will wear with pride for the city I love. 

I'm so ready for it to be next week. I look forward to being able to get in my studio and do something crafty.  My heart just isn't in it yet. Hopefully soon.....

Under the Weather?

Good morning everyone! It's been ages since I've been able to sit down and stamp just for fun.  But last night, I made a cup of coffee and headed down to my little studio to make a card.  My kids are home on break this week, so my late night stamping is really the only quiet time I'll get this week.

I can't even tell you the last time I put a big fluffy bow on a card, but I simply adore this Kraft Ribbon.  If bow tying is tricky for you, here's a link to a little video a year or so ago showing how to tie a big fluffy bow, you can find it here.  The MFT Ribbon ties like a dream, I love love love it!

This new Pure Innocence image: Under the Weather is just perfect for some paper piecing. I dug through a new stash of 6x6 patterned papers and selected Simple Stories Vintage Bliss and picked an assortment of patterns for the coverlet, bed sheet and her pj's.

It's been a long time since I pieced a more detailed image like this, and let me say, that it is still one of my favorite stamping techniques.

I've got to head on over and pick up some more Kraft card stock from MFT, my supply is dwindling and that's when panic starts to set in!

Have a GREAT day!

Boston, You're My Home.

You may or may not know, but I'm from Boston.  I've lived here all my life and I just can't wrap my mind around Monday's tragedy.  I worked in two of the high rises in Boston's beautiful Back Bay, I walked those streets every day!  I met and married my husband there and had my first apartment right on Dartmouth Street.  I enjoyed my lunch hour at Copley Square with friends and I even waited to see my husband cross the finish line of the historic Boston Marathon from that very spot where the attacks took place. It's sickening, terrible and so very sad.

(photo credit)

The medical expenses for the victims will be staggering.  They have such a tough road ahead of them....  I'm writing today to ask you to consider supporting The One Fund.  You can read more about this 501(c)(3) charity which has been established to help the victims.

I'm proud to see my former employers at Hill, Holiday on the list of corporations that stepped up right away to help.  This city has a huge spirit, and a huge heart.

Release Rewind - April

There were so many amazing products included in the My Favorite Things April Release that I didn't really get to play with it all yet.  So, today I'm excited to be posing as part of the MFT Release Rewind.

You'll find a list of all the designers participating on the MFT Blog. All the projects shared today have been made with the recently released MFT goodies!  I've placed links all at the bottom of the post versus a million links throughout the post. 

Up first, is a bit of retro fun with the Accent It - Reel Life Die-namics and the Expand Your View stamp set.  The sentiment is nestled onto one of the Lead the Way Die-namics.

I've been scrambling to keep up with all the photos I've been taking, and I ran across these fun photos from the end of school last year. The Laina Lamb Design stamps and Die-namics are a perfect fit for these fun 4 x12 photo pages I found.  Each is holds a 4x4 photo or layout.

These photos are from the last day of school last year, I can't believe how quickly the last day of school for THIS year will soon be here.  It's funny to see these photos because the boys have grown SO much in the last year.  ....sigh....

Up first is my beloved new Story Titles Die-namics.  I cut it from cork paper, but it would just rock with cork sheets too.

I didn't want to cover up any of this sweet photo, so I opted to tuck a File Tab Die-namic sticking out of the top of the pocket, and embellished over the outside of the photo pocket with an Electric Red button.  The "FAVORITE" is from Expand Your View.

The last pocket is used for a journaling card. I added the Mini Film Strip Die-namics, a Star STAX and then an assortment of sentiments from the Expand Your View stamp set.  I'll save you my messy handwriting and journal later.  Every day is an adventure, especially when you have TWENTY five six and seven year olds. Bless that woman.

This next set of three photos is on the backside of the pocket.  The Reel Life Die-namics is a simply perfect fit! I love the retro feel of this die, so fun! 

Reel Life -what a fun die, and as a Mom of boys, I can use about million occasions.  For a quick finish I cut a Steel Grey Circle STAX and fit it behind. Easy peasy.  Customization is a breeze with the Expand Your View stamp set.

Story Titles - oh goodness, have I convinced you yet that you must have this? I'll just use it on everything till you say yes! This little square is for my son's amazing Third Grade teacher, he really loved his year with her, and I've got my fingers crossed that my younger son will have her next year!  

The last pocket is again my journaling square The Story Starters Die-namics has a fun, super on trend knocked out type. I've stitched each of the edges in place. 

Okay, so that's my little scrappy effort for the day.  Little by little, I'll catch up with this!

Oh my goodness, Teacher Appreciation day is rapidly approaching, and I'll admit, I have a lot to do.  I usually need to avert eyes when I'm headed into school this time of year, or else I end up with a creative assignment for all the teachers.  I'll be adding these sweet personalized tags to gifts for my boys two teachers and two classroom aides.   The Typewriter Alphabet is great for adding your personalization to just about anything! 

I used my Traditional Tags as a base, and then cut my Red Delicious Die-namics from Jellybean Green and Electric Red card stocks. It is finished with a Factory Green button, a bit of twine and bit of Kraft grosgrain.   The sentiment "You're Sweet" is from the Chocolate Sentiments stamp set which is this month's Triple Scoop stamp set. 

Here are the links to the products I've used tonight.  Remember you'll find everything available NOW in the MFT Boutique

Expand Your View Reel Life Story Titles Red Delicious Story Starters Steel Grey Mini Film Strip Kraft File Tab Black Licorice Ink Hemp Cord Electric Red Buttons Hot Fudge Lead the Way Star STAX Electric Red Cardstock Jellybean Green

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