Get Sketchy with MFT!

Woo hoo! It is time for the next Wednesday Stamp Club for My Favorite Things. If you haven't already made this a regular "thing" on your stamping agenda, well there is NO time like the present.


If you're like me, you've just ushered your kids back to school and you might just have found five minutes to yourself. Don't get me wrong, I love and adore those two young boys of mine, but I'm glad to be getting back into a real "routine" of work that needs to be done and housework that needs to get done, and yes, a few crafty moments in peace and quiet.



I totally adore the new My Mind's Eye Lost and Found II collection, and I've reached for my well loved, and often used Own Your Story stamp set and reached for one of my *new* favorites the File Tab.

Here's this week's original sketch, that tall and skinny panel originally frightened me, but in the end, I actually love this card!

Be sure to add YOUR version of this sketch to the Splitcoast Galleries using the keyword MFTWSC35 for your chance to win up to a $20 voucher at the MFT Boutique

MFT Teasers - Day One

It's time for the next release at My Favorite Things - we've switched up the format a little, treating you to seven whole days of teasers. Mark your calendars! The next release will be on Tuesday September 6th at 10pm EST.

Be sure to follow along on the MFT Blog all week, you won't want to miss your chance at Teaser Time Prizes - two are given away each day during Teaser Time and you'll maximize your chances at winning one by leaving a comment on all the participating designers posts each day....

Today we're announcing the newest Guest Designer Contest: Ripped and Rolled. That's YOUR chance to win the following month's release and join our Design Team for the month, participating in our weekly Wednesday Stamp Club challenge and Teaser Time Previews for our next release. You'll find all the details on this month's challenge on the MFT Forum on Splitcoast Stampers.

Today we're all previewing this month's Who's That Girl, this month she's Who's that Mummy! This sample is also doing duty as my sample for the MFT Guest Designer Contest....

I've added my sentiment with the new Ticket Tab Die-namic

I hope you're ready for a FUN week, I've had a blast getting ready for this release!

Remember to check the MFT Blog each day for a full list of participating designers,
and leave a little love on each of the preview post....

After all two designers are holding a Teaser Time Prize each day.
You'll maximize your chances at winning one by leaving a little love everywhere you go. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, September 6th around 7:30 pm.

MFT's Design Team Creative Chat

MFT has come up with a new monthly feature and we think it's something you'll really enjoy. The My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Chat is a new monthly feature, where we are challenged to explore our creative spaces and share valuable organizational methods, tools, and shopping strategies with you. You'll be able to peek into our creative spaces, ask questions, and share your own ideas in the MFT forum.  This month, we were asked the following questions:  

• How do you store and organize your Die-namics?  
• Any fun or helpful Die-namics purchasing strategies you'd like to share?  
• How do you store extra Die-namics die-cuts? 

I have a Clip it Up that I (quickly) outgrew for my stamp storage, but it is just perfect for my Die-namics storage.  I love that it keeps all my Die-namics at my fingertips, and even more than that, I love that they're organized!  They are in the clear bags that MFT uses for packaging so that I can see each of the shapes as I spin....

I have them sorted by "type" so that all of my scallops are together.  When adding a scallop to my project, I can pull them all out and see which one is the right scale for my project.

Along the same lines, I have all my Rolled Flowers in one sleeve, and all of my labels in another sleeve.  You'll see just behind I have all the Doily Borders together in one sleeve, and the Flowers and Stars and Waves are all in a separate sleeve behind that.  

 

As for "extra" Die-cuts, if I have one that has been cut but not used in a project for any reason, it goes back into the clear sleeve and I can incorporate it into a project the next time. 

My storage isn't too fancy, I "should'" have cute labels written up for each of the sections, but I haven't gotten that far.  I'm just glad that they're cleaned up, not littering the top of my desk, and categorized for easy access.  I find that my little system makes it really easy to mix and match my dies!

Visit Kim's Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge and get ready to delve into the minds of our creative team!

Do you Willow?

Today I have a non crafty post, about another thing I *love* 

I'm a HUGE fan of Willow House (formerly Southern Living at Home) in fact if I didn't already have two jobs I would *so seriously* consider signing on as a consultant..... 

I'm an active hostess with my friend Joanie, and this weekend, if you log onto her personal shopping site HERE and purchase any item $39.96 or more, you can choose any second item valued $40 or less for HALF PRICE! Please just include my name as the hostess on your order....


To make it even easier, you can email Joanie at jneenan (at) comcast (dot) net with your order, just tell her that Joanne B. sent you!

Here's just a few of my favorite products, but you can see the whole catalog online HERE


Willow House has just released their newest catalogue and I've found SO many fabulous new things.  This Athena Blue Crackle Vase is on my "wish list"


I can personally attest that the quality of the products is fantastic.  I've got the Jamestown Tray that I purchased oh my goodness, maybe eight years ago and I still use it every day.... (I keep mine on my kitchen counter with the olive oil, balsamic vinegar and salt and pepper shakers. I call it my "speed rack")

I purchased this Entertaining Bucket and Tray years ago and it is always out when we have company. It does not sweat or leak at all.

This pretty Belle Meade Cream and Sugar is coming home with me.....

and I'm slowly collecting all the pieces in the Cinnebar collection - my kitchen has red walls and these pieces are a perfect match!

Thanks girls and HAVE FUN!

Sew Nifty

Hey friends! Its Sketch Time! I am so glad that I've been back on the weekly sketch kick with My Favorite Things!

The early part of the summer I just couldn't get it together, but I've been relishing a little stamping time lately. The kids, and their constant bickering has worn me down. It has been a wonderful summer, but I'm ready for us all to get back into a "routine" and for them to start spending time with other kids their age...

I picked some nice serene patterned papers from Girls Paperie and reached for my Sew Nifty Stamp set and Die-namics and threaded up a new bobbin.  

I used the tiny heart from Notched Tag and the File Tab Die-namics  too, I {heart} both of those dies!
Here's this week's sketch if you'd like to play along.....

You'll find a list of all the girls on the Design Team that are participating in previews today on the MFT Blog!

Blog Candy Winners

Hi everyone! Thanks so much for all your participation in my blog candy contest!  I loved reading all about your favorite movies, so many great ones.

The winner from here on the blog is Trina!

Trina said..."Right now I'm waiting for Conan even though Jason Momoa doesn't look nearly as good in the previews as he did on Game of Thrones! :D"

Oh, Trina, can I tell you I *loved* Game of Thrones.  I'll admit that lately I've been big on watching shows on my iPad while stamping.  I got sucked into Bachelor Pad. Someone help me.  And then, I have a problem watching Real Housewives. Those ladies are a MESS.  

I also chose one winner from my crafty Facebook Page found HERE - you can see who the winner is for that contest over there. :)

Guess what? I bought a few extras to share with you after back to school.  My six year old broke his arm at camp last week, so its a little crazy between tending to my small patient, getting ready for back to school, and prepping for the MFT September release (which, will be amazing!) Crafty prizes coming in early September!! 

Feeling Sketchy?

For me, a sketch is like a crossword puzzle, or even like a jig-saw puzzle.  I love printing out the weekly sketch, and figuring out what stamps and paper are going to come together to finish the puzzle.

This week I was feeling a little "scrappy" and I did a little bit of stamp combining, and played with some remnant pieces of patterned paper.....

I've got my favorite flourish element from Own Your Story as well as the new Die-namic and Stamp combination from Just the Ticket. The teeny, tiny heart is from the Notched Tag Die-namic and of course, a bit of trim using Simply Scallops (Medium)

Lots of rolled edges and distressing here, and since you can't run those seams through your die-cutting machine I cut them off, and use them as a bit of trim.  

Hmmm. I'm going to have to raid the boys bureau and see what jeans they've outgrown so I can use more denim in my projects.

Here's the original sketch for this week's Wednesday Stamp Club - you should seriously play along each week - after all there is a $15 prize each week for one participant selected at random. And, if that participant has used MFT stamps, well woo-hoo that $15 becomes a $20 voucher to the MFT Boutique. 

......just add your sample to the Splitcoast Stampers Gallery using the listed keyword

by next Tuesday the 23rd by noon EST. 

Who's Your Mummy

Its time for our Who's that Girl Hop - its the time when we unveil our upcoming VIP Kit featuring our new Who's That Girl and an un-released Die-namic. Can you believe the summer is drawing to a close (sniff. sniff.) 

I was excited to dig out my Halloween patterned papers, this one was from the Girls Paperie collection last year. I loved it, and barely used it last year, so here goes!  You might know I'm a fan of sentiments with a pun in them.  So, of course, I had to go with "Who's Your Mummy."

I've added the sentiment using the First Place Award Ribbon's fishtail banner.  And embellished with a little button and bakers twine trio.  A bit of green peeks out using the Simply Scallops Die-namic.

Want a peek at all the fun packed inside this month's VIP Kit? 

You'll get an EXCLUSIVE - never to be offered again - stamp set which coordinates with this month's Who's That Girl! 

AND the next Rolled Flower Die-namics - the Rolled Mum. 

These have been a HUGE hit, and you'll love adding to your *collection*

I'm really excited to send you off to visit with my friend Julie Dinn
have a GREAT time hopping around!

Candy Time! (again!)

I had so much fun with my blog candy contest last week, and I *happen* to have another prize package ready, so how about we do it again?

This week, I have TWO prize packages.  I'll be giving away one set off of this post on my blog, and I'll be giving away one at random to one of my "followers" on my ...just a little something... page on Facebook.

You see, I'm trying to keep the crafty stuff on the crafty side, and the family stuff on my main page.  After all, my extended family, former colleagues and college pals aren't obsessed with paper like we all are.  *giggles*

I picked up a few extra of the Pure Innocence: Popping By so that I could share with you all, she's SO very cute and I love paper piecing her little outfit.  I've got to say, the sentiments in this set in particular are totally fabulous!  I tell you the Die-namics File Tab make for easy peasy sentiment placement - seriously handy!

I've paired it with the Die-namics Mini Film Strip, and added a border along the bottom edge with the  Die-namics Solid Bracket Border.

I'm over the moon excited that my new My Mind's Eye patterned paper are starting to arrive.  I've pulled papers from a few of the new Lost and Found 2 collection - I got all four of those 6x6 pads, and have the other 6x6 sets on order.  I'm totally stalking my mail-carrier.

This sketch is the weekly sketch from CPS - lots of layers, and lots of fun!  This week's sketch is actually sponsored by My Favorite Things - woo hoo!  So be sure to put together your entry for a chance at a prize over there too! Your entry for CPS gets linked up here

 

Now, as I mentioned I'm giving away TWO prize packages containing the stamp set and all THREE of the Die-namics I've used on today's project.  All you have to do to enter for the prize being held here on the blog is leave me a comment with either your favorite movie title, OR the name of a movie you're really looking forward to that is coming out soon.

I'll do both.  First, I love, love love the movie Some Kind of Wonderful. In fact, I think it is about time that I netflix it again....  

And, two movies I'm dying to see - First is The Help. Did you read the book? It was fabulous.  I can't wait to see it. And, secondly, I am thrilled they're making a new Muppet Movie. I will admit.... I might have squealed out loud in the theater when I saw a preview for it, and TOTALLY embarrassed my two kids. 

Remember that a second prize package will be awarded at random to one follower on my ...just a little something facebook page....  nothing special to enter, just sign on as a follower of the page, and you're entered.  Winners will be selected on Friday, August 26th! 

Blog Candy Winner (and a new candy contest coming soon!)

Hi everyone! It was so great to have you all pop by over the last week - and I've loved hearing about all your favorite summer memories. I've got two weeks left before my boys head back to school and we're just home from an amazing weekend visiting with my parents on Nantucket.  Playing at the beach, hanging out on the porch, just relaxing....  just what this girl needed!

Congratulations to Steph Herbert - selected at random with the help of Random.org.


Steph Herbert said...Love your card! What a sweet giveaway! My favorite memory from this Summer might sound strange. My grandpa passed away and the whole family gathered together for his funeral. We are a large family and don't always get along. We hadn't all been together in a very long time. Although it was a sad occasion, we managed to make it more of a celebration. It was so nice to be together and I cherish the memories that we made. :)

I will be offering a NEW Blog Candy - again just for fun later this week.  I'll be giving out double prizes. One for a commenter to my blog, and one to a follower of my new Facebook page for ...just a little something...


I'm trying to move all my "crafty" facebook stuff off my main page, and keep all the stampy stuff together.  As it turns out, not *everyone* in my life loves stamps, ribbon and paper like I do.  So, if you're a Facebook lovin' girl like me, be sure to follow this page - you'll double your chances to win by following on FB and on the blog. 

Wednesday Stamp Club - Tomato Time

Okay Friends, it is August, and that means tomato time.  I participate in a crop share at the local farm, and tomato time is when that really pays off.  Of course, it means a lot of tomato processing time in my kitchen, but it also means a lot of tasty tomatoes in my tummy.  Mmmm.

This week's Wednesday Stamp Club challenge is a sweet - and might I add easy one?  I pulled these fun summery papers from Simple Stories and stitched them all up. The text paper piecing on the shirt is something I've been seeing on line lately, and I like it. :)  And, it keeps the focus on that tasty basket of tomatoes.   The image is Who's That Harvesting Girl - i love that you can switch out what's in her basket depending on what's in season.... 

 

My sample today leans towards the simpler side, but hey, I'm okay with that.
Besides, I've got tomatoes to be eating. *giggle* 

Be sure to play along in the Wednesday Stamp Club challenge each week for
YOUR chance to win a $15 gift certificate to the MFT Boutique!

you'll find a list of all the MFT Designers with samples for you today on the MFT Blog

August Design Team Creative Challenge

It's time for another Design Team Creative Challenge with my friends at My Favorite Things. This month, Christina had a challenge for us, to incorporate a fun fold into our projects.  There are so many different creative folds, and we can use any of them, no standard cards today baby!

**by the way, I'm offering Blog Candy featuring a new MFT a la modes image
and TWO Die-namics. Be sure to read this post here**

Me, well I've always loved the "joy fold" - and I reached for my new Pure Innocence: Caramel Apple and added on a sentiment with the File Tab Die-namic.

It is a side opening card, and for mine, you un-tie the bow to see what's inside..... you'll see I've edged the front penel with the Simply Scallops Die-namic. Here's a tip, I have a little shirt box that I've been decimating to use as an additional layer for strength.  I cut once with paper, once with thin cardboard and it makes my pieces a little more durable.  

and then here's the fun inside! That little flap covers the inside panel, and I tucked another portion of the sentiment inside.  I've used the fish tail banner from the First Place Award Ribbon and one of the Pretty Posies cut from canvas.  

You know why I love fun folds like this? You can use a lot of different pattern papers, because you know what, if you use up your pattern paper, you can justify buying even MORE. *giggle*

Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog for a full list of designers participating in today's Design Team Creative Challenge. I can't wait to see what the girls have folded up for the occasion!

...just a little... BLOG CANDY!

Its been a while since I've done a give-away so how about it... are you ready for a PRIZE? 

Usually I make you complete a challenge for a chance at a prize, but its summer, and I know your crafty time is at a premium with the kids home, or possibly off on vacation.... I'll start back up with prizes for a challenge once school starts up again!

Every once and a while, while I'm picking up my essentials at MFT,
I pick up a little something for my prize box....for my sweet blog readers.

Today I have an extra a la modes: I've Met My Match an extra Die-namics Hearts A Plenty (one of my favorites) and this fun new File Tab (an essential if you ask me)

I've put them together in this sweet little sample featuring paper from My Mind's Eye

Here's all you have to do, is leave a comment on this post... I want to know what your favorite memory is of this summer?  I've had such a great summer with my boys, they both swim like fish and I've been loving watching my six year old work so hard on learning to ride that bike!  My older son has a real love of reading, I adore watching him grab a book and head out to my chaise lounge and tackle a few chapters.  This summer has been the best one yet, I'm in FULL denial that we've got only three weeks left till school begins! 


What's YOUR favorite 2011 summer memory?  Leave me a comment for your chance to win.  The winner will be selected from all the comments at random on Monday, August 15th.  

**Please leave your email address within the comments if your profile isn't already linked to an email address. Because, if I can't FIND you, I can't reward you with a prize!**

Happy Birthday

How is it possible that my eldest son will be nine tomorrow. NINE? Really? That's not possible, he was just born like five minutes ago?

Goodness, its true, it really does go by in the blink of an eye!  He's having a fun time teasing me that this is his last year as a "single digit!"  I'm very excited to give him this card tomorrow, its built upon his very favorite color - orange!

I'm using the new Tag, You're It Die-namic as well as the By the Numbers Stamp Set and Die-amic, and embellished with the Stacking Stars Die-namic too.  The number nine was cut out of corrugated cardboard for a fun masculine look.

I think these two are going to be a GREAT birthday pairing for me for those last minute birthday card needs - I know I'm not alone in never having one ready when I need it right?

SFYTT - Hi-YA!

A new month means that its time for the next SFYTT sketch challenge, and yeah, so far I haven't missed one! Woo- hoo!  Did you know that Jen posts the sketch for the SFYTT followers on Facebook on Friday night? So, if you wake up early and want to stamp while everyone else is sleeping, you're in business!

I didn't get a chance to ink up Karate Girl for the MFT new release this week, so I've had her ready and waiting for her turn.  I paired it with the new Authentique pattern paper, I've got to say, I'm surprised by how much I love this yellow one in particular! Not normally a go-to color for me, but its fabulous!

You'll spy my handy Simply Scallops Die-namic and I've added a sentiment with the fish tail element included in the First Place Award Ribbon.  I love mixing and matching up all my Die-namics!

By the way, MFT Headquarters is on vacation this week but they're
having a free shipping deal - be sure to check out the details HERE

Hope you have a great weekend and get some fun stampy time! 

I DARE you, Get Dirty!

Splitcoast Stampers is for me, where my obsession with stamping began.  To be able to search for a particular stamp set I'd just purchased, and see *so* many gorgeous cards with it.  I loved participating in the daily challenges, and with each one, I became more confident in my ability to create.  I met so many wonderful people on Splitcoast and learned from all of the oustanding Tutorials written each week.

What I didn't know, is that it would literally, change my life.  Sounds crazy, but its true.  I'm now blessed three days a week that my "hobby" has become my job. That I've met some of my very closest of friends.  That I now consider myself - an artist? 

I never would have dreamed that I'd be lucky enough to be asked to join the Splitcoast Dirty Dozen, these girls were my stamping HEROES and now, I'm pleased to count so many of them as my dear friends.

Serving on the dozen was a HUGE accomplishment for me, what a huge honor to have my work recognized. I enjoyed every single moment and challenged my creative boundaries and grew so much during those six crazy months.

This week, Splitcoast is holding the Dare To Get Dirty - a series of challenges hosted by present and former "Dirty Girls."   Did I mention there are PRIZES - if you complete all of the challenges before August 10th, you're in the running for a prize, selected at random from all those that complete ALL the challenges.  (and yes, you can combine them.)

You've got to be a member of the Splitcoast Fan Club to participate in the challenges - but I can't recommend the Fan Club enough.  Here's a few reasons

1) Access to the monthly Dirty Dozen Gallery - you'll have over 100 amazing - totally drool worthy projects to inspire you.  You'll also have access to all the previous Dirty Dozen Galleries - learn from the best of the best and pick up some new ideas!

2) Instant upload privileges! Your uploads to the Galleries will *instantly* be visible - you won't have to wait for moderator approval. Which means - Sunday uploads are a-okay.  I'm an "instant gratification girl" so this is a big deal for me.

 3) You're supporting the greatest Stamping Community ever!  Splitcoast is THE place for cardmakers and stampers - help support this amazing community!

4)  As I mentioned above, these challenges are FABULOUS and you're going to learn SO much, try new things in your projects, and you'll have FUN too.

Okay, so my sample for my challenge I'm hosting is below, but you've got to head on over to the forum set aside for the Dare to Get Dirty challenge!

I'm having lots of fun with the new Just the Ticket Stamp set and Die-namics from MFT.  I also reached for the Open Scallop Duo (the larger of the two) and ran through a piece of corrugated cardboard for a real rustic look.  Pattern papers are from Authentique. 

Have fun and go ahead, I DARE you to Get Dirty!