PI on the fly....

Here's the irony in today's post. I have two winter projects to share with you, which being that it is only OCTOBER I felt like I was ahead of the game....  And we got hit here in New England with a ton of snow. The trees hadn't even lost their leaves yet. Which, makes for mayhem.

So here I sit at Whole Foods, borrowing their WiFi with my two young boys with me.  Might I add that this type of thing ONLY happens when their dad is traveling on business.  Our groceries are packed in snow on the deck.  We've been camped out at the movies for the last few hours because there was food, electricity and most of all - heat.

So, here are my two previews for the upcoming release at My Favorite Things.  I'll skip the ordinary amount of chitter chatter. You know how I feel about PI. I love them.  The illustrator has two new characters, and I think they're pretty adorable.

Please check the MFT Blog for a full list of designers participating in previews today.  I HOPE to see you at the MFT New Release Party tomorrow night.  For a number of reasons.  not the very least of which would be that would mean I had power, and heat.

á la modes!

We're moving right along with Teaser Time for My Favorite Things, and today I'm tickled pink to share with you one of the newest á la modes!

Before I started paper crafting, I gave knitting a try....  I mostly made baby hats, and tons and tons of scarves.  I did knit a blanket for my older son, and I learned one thing... I needed a quicker craft.  I loved shopping for yarn, and picking out patterns, but once I got hooked on paper crafting, all those supplies languished.

For me, I love being able to fully finish a project in one sitting, which clearly wasn't happening with knitting.

My mom and my sister are both amazing with the knitting needles.  I'm always in awe of their patience.... to finish a huge project, and the part of knitting that scares me the most. Finishing.  Sewing all those sleeves, fronts, backs and putting together a finished piece.  Amazes me every single time.

My son still loves his "grammy socks" more than any others.  He also sleeps with the blanket my mom knit for him when he was born.  {{sweet boy}}

I decided to replicate the texture of handmade chunky knit pieces by paper piecing all of my image.  Patterned paper is from Crate Paper's 6x6 pad titled Random.  I added the sentiment "Knit Happens" with the File Tab Die-namics. You know I love a little pun sentiment.....

There are two á la modes previewing today, be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today to see the other one, and also, for a full list of designers participating in teasers today!

Introducing MFT's Vintage Cameo Die-namics

My grandmother is maybe the most thoughtful person ever.  I swear, she's got to have a master calendar with everyones dates and a good connection at the post office, because anniversary cards, birthday cards, Easter cards, they always arrive ON your special day.  She forgets NOTHING.

She often asks me for card packs to send to her friends, or to gift to her friends. And my *usual* style cards aren't exactly the right fit.  So, I was so thrilled to see the new Vintage Cameo Die-namics and Stamp Set. It is just right for elegant, clean designs.  A little more sophisticated, and let me just say quick and easy to work with.

My infatuation with the Glitz Design Beautiful Dreamer continues.....  I've added a tailored bow - which is a little more mailable than my ordinary loopy bows.  And I've added a little bit of trim with the Solid Bracket Die-namics.  If I haven't mentioned before this is a great basics, you'll use it a ton, and it is so reasonably priced. 

I'm hereby adding the Vintage Cameo Stamp Set and Die-namics to my list of supplies I reach for when I need a card NOW. Because, honestly, I never seem to have one on hand, which is purely ridiculous....

Here's a peek at the full stamp set (it is ginormous!) as well as the included Die-namics Die. 

Be sure to check the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers sharing samples with BOTH of the stamp sets revealing today!

Clearly Sentimental Day at MFT!

 Today's the day that we chat about the Triple Scoop for November's release at My Favorite Things! The Triple Scoop is a reward for customers purchasing $60 or more (excluding shipping and tax) and this month, the set is Clearly Sentimental about Christmas.  You can read more about the program HERE

Otherwise, the set will not be available for individual purchase until our December release.... which just *might* be cutting it close for any holiday cards you plan to create, so you might as well just be sure to pick it up this month. (...giggle....)

I've paired it with the Open Scallop Doily cut from corrugated cardboard. I love the rustic feel of that combined with this pretty, more formal paper from Echo Park. 

 

Here's a peek at the full set....

My next sample for you today uses last month's Triple Scoop set Clearly Sentimental about Abundance, which I used for a wedding card for my cousin this weekend.  I've paired it with the Prima Donna Petals Die-namics (again from corrugated cardboard) and I've used the Die-namics Clearly Sentimental Label as an accent piece to anchor my sentiment circle....  This set will be available on Tuesday for an individual purchase.

 

Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today for a full listing of participating designers! 

Wednesday Stamp Club

It is Teaser Time for the next release at My Favorite Things, but we're till playing along in our weekly Sketch Challenge.  If you ask me, this is a perfect sketch for those long, lean and leggy á la modes - I chose Fight Like A Girl!

I slipped this card into a friend's mailbox yesterday, she's the bravest, strongest, most inspiring woman I know.  I'm so proud to call her my friend! 

As you can see, I'm still loving this Beautiful Dreamer paper from Glitz Design.  I hope you're not tired of seeing it from me yet, because I'm still loving it, and I've got a bunch more on my desktop.  I've paper pieced her adorable little top, and boxing gloves.  I added a little Copic marker for some shadow on the pieced gloves. 

Here's the sketch for you to follow along with us this week, which is a pretty great idea because there is a prize given to one participant at random each week. And, did I mention we have a new release coming? A little extra spending money would be pretty handy right?

Have fun, and get your sample in to the Splitcoast Galleries by Tuesday, November 1st at noon EST for your chance!

It's MFT Teaser Time!

Hey friends! It's that time again - Teaser Time is beginning for My Favorite Things. We'll be taunting you with new goodies for the next seven days, the newest release will be Tuesday, November 1st!

Today we're sharing samples made with the newest Who's That Girl. She was available only briefly as part of the VIP Kit in mid October. But, my guess is you girls loved her, because she sold out in only a few hours time.

This set is a breeze to paper piece, today I've added a winter white scarf and mittens, and a soft blue sweater. If you hadn't noticed {heart} paper piecing! If you're not familiar with how to do that, you can find a quick tutorial (with video) here

I've added a bit of Liquid Applique for fluffy marshmallows.  And you'll see I've used the companion image, the oversized mug as an anchor for my sentiment. 

Isn't this patterned paper ca-uuute? It is the new Christmas line from Lily Bee which was part of my (incredible!) birthday present from Jody! Thanks Jody for spoiling me absolutely rotten!

I've added a bit of the new WoNkY Scallops Die-namic.  Such a fun little detail, I'm using it a few times on my projects this week.  Cute and quirky, I like it!

We're due to get a cold winter.  I seriously heard the possibility of SNOW - gasp - here in Boston this weekend. That is crazy early, and if it snows, I will cry.  Seriously. Tears.  I'm game for snow on my cards, but not yet ready for real snow!  That being said, if we do get a frigid winter as planned, there will be lots of reasons to pull out this warm and cozy stamp set!

Remember to check the MFT Blog each day for a full list of participating designers.  You'll want to leave a comment on each of the participating design team members projects each day, after all, that is how you'll maximize your chances at winning a Teaser Time Prize.

You'll have nearly all week to leave your comments, winners will be selected at 7pm on Tuesday, November 1st and announced on the MFT Blog at 7:30, just before the New Release Party.  Remember to leave your email address either in your profile, or within the body of your message, after all, if we can't reach you, you can't be awarded a prize!

Loving the Glitz!

 When I was in Houston with Kim from MFT last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Erin, one of the owners of Glitz Design.   I fell completely head over heels in love with the patterned paper she was using in their make and take called Beautiful Dreamer.   I think I might have squealed out loud in delight when she gave me some sheets of paper to play with.....  Pinks. Light Blue, Grey, Ledger Paper, Text Print Paper, Damask, Pink Houndstooth? Oh. My Word.  Yes please!! 

I paired it with Clearly Sentimental about Family and the Layered Labels Die-namics and a bit of Simply Scallops. But, as it turns out, I had a few *lovey dovey* cards to make this week, so while the paper was still handy, I had fun making another one. This time, using Clearly Sentimental About Love and the Open Scallop Doily Die-namics.

You'll notice I haven't direct linked all these products. My boys had the day off of school, which came as *quite* a surprise to me, and oh my word, do I have a lot of work to do!  All the stamps and Die-namics dies are from my (beloved) My Favorite Things. 

On Sunday, we had a wedding to attend, and I was horrified that I didn't have a card ready. And mentioned to my husband the possibility of needing to stop by the store to purchase one (gasp!) You can imagine the look he gave me.   

Lucky for me, I hadn't cleaned up from this crafty adventure, you'll find the wedding card back here on the blog on later this week as part of My Favorite Things Teaser Time for our upcoming November Release! 

Big or Small, Save them ALL! Hope You Can Cling To Challenges....

Big Or Small, Save Them All - HYCCT

Today, my sweet friend Barbara is a hostess for one of the Hope You Can Cling To challenges over at Splitcoaststampers! There are tons of prizes to be won by participating, and you'll be helping to brighten the day of someone who is affected, so be sure to check out ALL the challenges on the SCS Master Challenge Thread HERE.

 

Of course, Barbara and I talked about this ages ago, and I've even had my sample done for a few weeks, but oopsie, I forgot to schedule my post.  (duh!) 

 

Barbara's challenge is to use two sizes of any geometric shape on your project: Circles, rectangles, squares, ovals, you choose, just use two sizes!  I love doing this most notably with two circular panels.....  

I inked up my The Cat's Pajamas: Take Off stamp set for my Dad's birthday card, he's got his private pilot's license so this was just too fun for him.  My plane is paper pieced...  and for extra detail I stamped a second wing and folded it out so that it sticks right up off the card. And the "exhaust" is made cute with Liquid Applique!  A dollop of Glossy Accents and he has shiny little goggles.  Oh goodness, little details like that make me *super* happy.

 

 

This double circle detail is a "thing" for me and it makes adding a sentiment Oh So Fun!  I really DO hope you'll join us for the Hope You Can Cling to Challenges on Splitcoast Stampers.  You've got till November 7th to complete the challenges... so get going!! 

Feature Friday at My Favorite Things

 Today I'm blogging over on the MFT Blog. We're starting Feature Friday - and today I've got a quick video for you showing how to use Die-namics to turn a sentiment only card into something special.  If you've taken a class with me before, you know I don't buy a lot of pre-fab flowers, because then I never have the color I need to match whatever paper I want to work with.  This has been my *favorite* use of Die-namics dies!

Here's just a snippet of what I've been working on, you'll find the full feature HERE.  I hope you like our new feature!

Sketch It UP!

After a weekend away, my fridge is bare, I have lots of laundry to do, and unpacking from my class to take care of. But instead, I was DYING to work on a sample for this week's Wednesday Stamp Club.

After all, I am the VERY lucky recipient of a HUGE box of goodies from my sweet friend Jody!  This new patterned paper from Authentique is SO me. Pink. Green. ....swoon....

Here's this week's new sketch, I reached for Clearly Sentimental About You and my Hearts a Plenty Die-namics.

You really *should* play along this week, not only because there is a prize given away to one participant at random, but also because its a fun sketch, and because its always a nice excuse to carve out a little crafty time for yourself! Join us on the MFT Forum and upload your project to the Splitcoast Galleries using this week's keyword!

MFT's VIP Kit

Are you ready to be a VIP?  All the girls on the My Favorite Things Design Team are showcasing the newest VIP Kit featuring "Who's That Girl Gets Cozy with Cocoa."  As always, the VIP Kit includes an exclusive, never to be sold again stamp set and a new Die-namics Die which won't be available for another two weeks! You will LOVE the new Loopy Bloom.

Just look at this Loopy Bloom - and fall in love.  Isn't it fun? I swear it took no time at all to make! 

 

Here is my sample of Who's That Girl Gets Cozy with Cocoa using LOTS
of paper piecing from Echo Park Paper ....

Here's a tip, when you're paper piecing, you can give lots of dimension to your items by coloring in shadows with your T0 Copic Marker. I also advise trimming out two separate gloves rather than trimming that out as one piece, makes it just a little bit more realistic.

I gave my hot cocoa a bit of fluff using Liquid Applique for the marshmallows....

The sentiment from the exclusive mini set was curved to match the Oval Tab Die-namics and I used the Open Scallop Doily Duo to mat my main image.
 here's a quick peek at all the elements included in this month's VIP kit.
which, by the way, can be found HERE in the Boutique....

 

You'll find a list of all the participating designers on the MFT Blog - I've seen samples from a few of my team-mates and I can tell you, you're in for a TREAT!

I {love} my job

This weekend, I'm in Houston with Kim from MFT. We're attending a trade-show for store owners and I've been teaching a Paper Bag Book project. To be honest, I've been cutting Die-namics (thank goodness for my Vagabond!) and cutting paper, packing kits and writing instructions for WEEKS. Its been a huge project, but I believe the attendees will love their finished books. 

I've made one of these little books before, and I love them. In fact, we even made one of these with my son's Cub Scout Den. (By the way, they LOVED doing it!) You can find a tutorial I wrote for Splitocast Stampers here.  (I also have a YouTube video on how to make these here)

Here's the one we made in class today, it uses a *ton* of stamps and Die-namics.  I hope you like it!

supplies used:

ClearlySentimental About Friendship

Dizzy DoilyDie-namics

Prima DonnaPetals Die-namics

Own Your StoryStamp Set and Die-namics

Solid BracketBorder Die-namics

Leafy FlourishDie-namics

Open ScallopDoily Die-namics

Just My TypeStamp Set and Die-namics

Ticket TabDie-namics

Just the TicketStamp Set and Die-namics

Pretty PosiesDie-namics

Sew Nifty StampSet and Die-namics

First ClassFriend  Stamp Set and Die-namics

 

My new reader

One of my favorite milestones for my kids, is when they start reading, really reading. As in "Mom, I'm not sleepy yet, can you leave the light on so I can read to myself?" Or, when I wake up in the morning and they're already snuggled up with a good book.  {{{love that}}}}

I've been using a trip to the bookstore as a reward lately, and it works like a charm.  Money for books is money well spent.  However, I'm going to need a bigger bookshelf.... My six year old is now making the big step into chapter books.  And, he was needing a way to mark the page for where he left off (he was currently using baseball cards, or sticker's from the doctor's office, or little bits of artwork) so together we went to my crafty area and I let him choose from my (generous) stash of paper.

Once he picked this set from My Mind's Eye, I grabbed LOTS of stamps and Die-namics to coordinate.  This is the First Class Friend Die-namic for the frame, combined with the Just the Ticket.  I used Hearts A Plenty in cork along with the letters from Typewriter Alphabet, just a bit of Postage Stamp Border Die-namics across the bottom.

I've stitched it all together for durability (and yes, because I love to sew on my projects.) But this should help it last a little longer.  But let's be real, when he eventually ruins it, you know I'll have fun making a replacement......

Wednesday Stamp Club

For me, its that crafty time of the year when I start to hoard Christmas paper.  I can't help it... It's SO pretty!

Today I'm using patterned paper from Echo Park's new Christmas line to complete my Wednesday Stamp Club sketch sample.  I reached for a new favorite First Class Friend, along with the bird from Homespun Birdhouse as well as the Branch with Leaves (minus the leaves...)

I gave the little branch some frosty ice - using my Cat's Pajamas Glitzy Glitter.  The sketch called for three little adornments over in the top right hand corner, but instead, I've used two larger buttons....

Here's the sketch we're working with this week, can you believe we're onto our 41st sketch? Save for a few I missed in June summer, I've been playing along each week! Its really a great way to keep that stamping momentum up, try new things, ink up your stamp collection, and of course, have a chance at a weekly prize!!

Be sure to add YOUR entry to the Splitcoast Gallery using the keyword MFTWSC41.

Happy Stamping!