At the Movies!

Today I have a preview from My Favorite Things for you using the new At the Movies Stamp set and Die-namics. You know I love those combination sets right?   Remember, all the new stamps and Die-namics dies will be added to the MFT Boutique on Tuesday, January 3rd at 10pm EST!

These quickly have become my go to stamps for when I need a card relatively quickly, but I still want it to  look great.  You see, the Die-namics do all the hard work for you, and these "collage" type sets offer so many parts and pieces that you can combine in a whole bunch of ways.

I've used my Mix and Match Banners again for a fun little cluster on the top of my card.  Loving doing that lately....  

I adore the open "lights" in the font here.  After stamping with Brilliance Ink and setting aside to dry, I then filled each bubble with a sparkly pen for lots of glitter and shine in real life.

I've also used the "clapper" element as well as the tiny ticket.  But as you can see in this full set graphic, there are a TON of options depending on what YOU need to make a card, project or gift for!

Be sure to check the MFT Blog today for a full list of participating designers and I'll see you again tomorrow with another project! 

How to Tie a Loopy Bow!

I think the question I'm asked the most, is regarding bows.  So, I thought as part of my regular Feature Friday videos for My Favorite Things that I'd give that a whirl. 

The truth is, that the bow is never going to look good when you first tie it.  It needs a bit of fussing around, to get the tails in place, to adjust the loops to the right volume.  I've shown how I do it on the video below. You'll find options for tying a bow with one tail behind and one tail in front, and, I've shown a version with both loops up top, and both tails hanging below.  

As for WHAT I use for tying a bow, my preference is 5/8" Grosgrain Ribbon, 5/8" Saddle Stitched Grosgrain Ribbon and Cotton Twill Ribbon.  

I don't have a *huge* variety of ribbons, just LOTS of the ones that I love the most! 

Here's my finished sample with Pure Innocence: Snow Day along with the new Mini Wavy Pennants Die-namics which will be available beginning Tuesday, January 3rd at 10pm EST! I've paper-pieced this little image with the new October Afternoon Farmhouse patterned paper.  (((love it)))

If this technique doesn't work for you, then I'll have a bow tying video for you again soon, 

one with the "Cheater's Bow" and one with the "Tailored Bow."

Triple Scoop Time!

Welcome to day three of teasers for My Favorite Things!  The new release will be available on Tuesday, January 3rd at 10pm EST, but we'll have previews for you each day to get ready!

Be sure to check the MFT Blog each day for a full list of participating designers!  Today we're sharing samples with the Triple Scoop Promotional Sets....  I'm working with the Clearly Sentimental about Romance Set.  And as I mentioned, I've fallen in love with the Mix and Match Banners Die-namics. 

I'm highlighting the new Jumbo Monarch Border Die-namics on today's card.  You can use this border with the points facing up, or down.  Today I've tiled them by cutting the die three times and staggering them for this fun fish-scale type pattern.

Remember that this beautiful set, Clearly Sentimental about Romance is MFT's free gift to customers placing a $60 purchase (excluding taxes and shipping)  all you have to do is remember to add it to your cart.  The set is only available as a reward this month, otherwise, it will be available for individual purchase next month! You'll love the beautiful assortment of sentiments in this month's Triple Scoop Set, just in time for a beautiful Valentine for your loved one!  

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Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers with samples for you! See you again tomorrow!

Bunch of Hearts Flopsey

Welcome back to day TWO of Teasers for the upcoming release at My Favorite Things!

Today I'm sharing a card I created using the new Bunch of Hearts Flopsey.

After coloring my friend Flopsey and trimming him out, I covered the bunch of hearts with my crafting frenemy Stickles.  Trust me when I tell you that you've seriously got to back away and not touch those stinkers.  Because however long you think you need to let them dry, why don't you go ahead and double that. *giggle*  Once I left him overnight to dry, I completed my card the next day.  I had all the papers picked out, and ready to add my nicely dried Stickles to the scene.  

I've added the "I Love You" banner using the new Mini Wavy Pennants Die-namic. They're a great way to add a nice little sentiment to your project, which is always a tough one for me.... I think these are going to be a fun new addition for me. 

  

Do you see the fun new Jumbo Monarch Border Die-namics across the bottom? I love the chunky size of this accent! I'm using it again on my card for tomorrow in a fun and different way.

Here's a peek at the full Bunch of Hearts Flopsey set - which includes not only this great cluster of hearts, but also a variety of fun lovey sentiments! I think these will be GREAT for Valentines for my kids.

Be sure to check the MFT Blog for a full list of designers with samples for you today. 

And I'll see you again tomorrow!

...I seriously, seriously love Teaser Time...

Teaser Time Begins!

It is time for the My Favorite Things teasers for our upcoming January Release.  Love and romance are in the air for todays previews featuring Who's That Parisian Girl. 

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

• You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
• The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST.  You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
• The guest designer contest is ON!  Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW.  Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily.  The winners will be posted on January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

After studying French for many, many years in school and hosting a foreign exchange student from France, I was overjoyed when my husband (then fiancee) and I got to spend New Years in Paris for the year 2000.  It was an incredible opportunity!  

However, at the time, we were both totally broke!  We had friends living in the city and the chance of a lifetime, but I'd LOVE the chance to go back to explore more. Shop and take a million photos.  Sip coffee at a cafe and people watch... devour, oh I mean nibble delicious French pastries....spend more time in the museums. Did I mention shop?  

Today I'm using the Die-namics Eiffel Tower - which I've affixed on top of a Die-namics Rosette.  I've added the sentiment with the Die-namics Mix and Match Banners.  I've really fallen in love with those Mix and Match Banners this week... you'll be seeing them quite a bit this week!

Hint: If you're not familiar with the Rosette Assembly I have a video on that subject here.

Here's a look a the full set in action, it includes the Eiffel Tower in two sizes, as well as a TON of coordinating sentiments. 

I'm excited for Teaser Time to begin! I'll see you again tomorrow with another preview!! Be sure to visit the MFT Blog for a full list of participating designers!

Cause for Celebration

With only two sketches left in the year, I was determined to find a minute to play along in this week's Wednesday Stamp Club for My Favorite Things. And sadly, I hadn't used this new Pure Innocence: Cause for Celebration.  I've loved this patterned paper from Crate Paper: Peppermint Collection and was dying to find a use for this specific piece.. the red text printed paper....

Alright, now I'm being totally honest here.  I didn't 100% follow the sketch, but it is close.  I switched the tab from the left hand side to the right hand side of my main panel... and of course, my giant bow is moved on over where the tab was indicated.... but hey I stamped!  So yeah for that! 

I hope you too will sneak away to your stamp table, break in those stamps you picked up at the last release, use up some of your Christmas paper and enjoy a quiet minute among the holiday craziness!  Remember, one lucky participant will win a gift voucher of up to $20 to the MFT Boutique! Just have your entry in by noon EST on Tuesday, December 27th to the Splitcoast Stampers Gallery.

 

 Be sure to check the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers with samples for you! 

Pure Innocence In the Air - Available Now!

If you're like me, you're in a frenzy of wrapping paper and cookie baking and final last minute preparation.  However, you've got to take a moment to snatch up the My Favorite Things Pure Innocence In the Air VIP Kit! They're available only in limited quantities, so if you'd like to bring the kit home with you, I recommend not waiting, these kits have been known to sell out lately!

This month's VIP Kit includes two new Pure Innocence stamp sets as well as the new Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics, the latest in the series of Rolled Flowers. (It goes together in a snap and is SO very sweet!)

For my card today, I colored in the Pure Innocence cutie and trimmed her out. She's been added to a scene with a set of Flat Bottom Clouds Die-namics cut from white felt.  Do you see I stitched the bottom edge of them in place? The sentiment was added with the File Tab Die-namics.

I'm so proud of myself for coloring the whole image with my Copic markers. No paper-piecing.  I know, I seriously even surprised myself!

I'm back to my regularly scheduled cookie baking, but I hope you'll swing by the MFT Blog for a full list of participating designers!

Feature Friday...Fabric

A customer on the MFT Facebook page asked about how to use your Die-namics dies with fabric.  Which was the inspiration for this week's Feature Friday Video. We're here to help, so please let me know if you have any specific questions!

I've used three different types of fabric in this project, regular fabric scraps, lightweight cotton canvas and burlap (loving burlap, you'll see a lot of it in the next month or so!)

And there's a great way to cut fabric so that you don't have rough hanging edges.  I've backed my fabric with Heat and Bond before running it through my die-cutting machine. Easy peas and I love the smooth edges.  Worth the extra minute of preparation.... You'll see step by step how I've done it in today's Feature Friday Video below or over HERE on YouTube.

Here's my finished sample with Own Your Story and Simply Scallops from My Favorite Things.  I also used the Large Rolled Rose cut from burlap for my embellishment. Clearly this card is NOT mailable, but I still love that rose! Patterned paper today is from October Afternoon Farmhouse. I love, love the ivory and grey combination.

Believe!

We're down to the last few weeks of the 2011 Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch Challenge

for My Favorite Things.  These sketches are a fabulous jump start to a project and a great way to ensure that I get at least a little crafty time during this busy, crazy time of year.  

These sketches are also great because they ensure that I put all my stamps and Die-namics to work.  Today I'm using my Layered Labels Die-namics.  I love the way these three pieces look together.   

I knew I wanted a Christmas sentiment so I could put this Girls Paperie paper from my stash to work... but  none of the sentiments fit in the oval.  Here's a tip.  I actually snipped the sentiment from Inspired by Christmas in half with scissors.  I can place it back in its packaging together so that I can line it up on the block straight for another project, or use it staggered like this.

I was able to leave space for a Let It Snowflake Die-namic.  Honestly, you know I love this die. It's getting a workout lately.  I tend to use the two largest flakes and then add an embellishment to the center. 

 

Now, you might notice that oh my land, I messed up the sketch, and all I can say is "Yes, yes I did." This is when multi tasking takes me down.  And I'd already stitched the green pennant in place.  So, I was sort of "committed to that layer." So instead of a wide border going down the middle of my card, I've got a skinny one.  But you now what, it's all good, because I stamped, had fun and now I have a Christmas card to mail off to a dear friend. 

I hope you'll join in on the fun by stamping your own creation for MFTWSC50 and adding your sample to the Splitcoaststampers Gallery. You'll want to have your project in by Tuesday, December 20th at noon EST for your chance at the prize!  Visit the MFT Blog for a full list of designers with a sample for you today! 

MFT's Creative Challenge: It's a Wrap!

Today's the My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Challenge.

I don't know about you, but the final preparations for Christmas are in FULL effect at my house.

Now is when all the extra things pop up, teacher presents, yankee swaps etc.

But honestly, the love is in the details....

and it doesn't have to be an expensive gift to be thoughtful....

Take this sweet one, its just a little candy, but I decorated a little jar I had

(you all have a crafty stash of canisters like me right?)

...please say yes, because I hoard this type of stuff and I don't want to be alone.... 

supplies on this one include:  By the Letters Die-namics, 

Hearts a Plenty Die-namics and the 1/4 Rosette 

I also had fun creating these little pouches.  This one is the perfect size for a little gift card

this version is holding a small card game for one of my sons.

This pouch is SO easy to make. Easy, peasy!

I trimmed one of my pieces of felt to allow about 1/2 inch on either side of the card box.

Then I folded the bottom edge up about 2/3 of the way and zipped it through the sewing machine.

I repeated the process again on the other side, and tucked the game inside the "pocket"

 I simply flipped the edge down over the top and wrapped ribbon around....

The tag is a Tag, You're It cut from corrugated cardboard, and then 

I covered the bottom with a bit of polka dotted scrap. 

The right hand side of the tag was coated with White Crackle Paint....

The oval is cut from the Layered Label Die-namics, and I stamped the "To" from Tag, You're It. 

Finally I added a felt Let It Snowflake Die-namics.  

Here's a larger version of this gift wrap treatment.  I think you'll be seeing a lot of burlap around here

because I just bought a few yards of it at my local craft store.

I used the same process to cover up a few books for my older son....

and then altered a tag using the Layered Label Die-namics

and stamped the "No Peeking" from Tag, You're It

I added a custom flower with Pretty Posies Die-namics

Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog for a full list of designers with samples for you today!

Desperately Seeking Gabby!

I'm looking for Gabby - who sent me the following comment and is a prize winner.  I've tried your email twice, but haven't heard back with a mailing address.

Gabby, if you're reading, please email me at joanne (dot) basile (at) gmail (dot) com with your mailing address by Friday at 5pm EST. Otherwise, I'll draw a new winner!

Gabby said...

What a lovely card you have made using the new Pink Paisle sketch. Such nice use of colors and your sweet PI is colored and paper pieced so nicely. You've Got Mail is at the top of my list, although several others are just a blink of an eye's distance away. Thanks for offering the give-away :) stampinmyselfsilly@comcast.net

WSC - Sweet Dreams

Oh my goodness, what a week. I certainly stamped my face off for this release, and I hope you found a few things you enjoyed.  

All the new goodies are in the Brand Spankin New Category on the MFT Website.  Then again, a few things may have already sold out.... the great news is the new site will give you an email if you hit "notify me" when your favorites go out of stock. What an awesome new feature! 

Today I've got a little sample for you for this week's Wednesday Stamp Club.  Yes, I've fallen off the WSC wagon the last few weeks, but I'm hoping to finish the year on target.  This week's sketch is a pretty sweet (...and easy...) one. I did however skip those little embellishments up the right hand side. (You forgive me right?) 

New Patterned paper is from October Afternoon and oh my word. I'm in Paper Love.

This set Pure Innocence: Bedtime Story is incredible for paper-piecing. 

Here's an up-close shot of the paper elements...

If you're not familiar with the technique, I've done a video on Paper-Piecing before
which you can find here and just below I've added a video at the bottom of this post showing
how I added all the layers together....like this.....

Be sure to upload YOUR sample for this week's WSC to the Splitcoast Stampers Gallery using the keyword MFTWSC49.

Winner of Givewaway #2

Thanks so much to all of you that participated in giveaway #2 for the Tag, You're It and By the Numbers.  


The winner as selected by Random.org is Linda Monroe!

By the way, I've just received my latest purchase, which has extras for one of YOU.... watch for a post later this week!

New Product Tour: Ski Bunny

Okay friends, its HERE the new release from My Favorite Things! We've only been taunting you with it all week long. All of us on the Design Team have one last sample to share with you, and I was THRILLED to work with the new á la modes: Ski Bunny. 

The last few years, I've taken back up skiing. I used to go often in high school and college, and then didn't ski for years.  Skiing is pretty much my husband's favorite thing, ever, and I've got two busy, active young boys who love it too. So, count me in.

Besides, I've found that there's nothing that is more freeing than being out in the fresh air, enjoying the BEAUTY of the top of the world.  I love when we get off the lift and I just take a peek around.  My husband is always ready to dash down the mountain, and me, I just want to enjoy the scenery. The quiet whooshing sound of my skis through the snow.  No to-do list.  No laundry. No dishes. Just whooshing.   

As I was working on my project I was feeling in need of layout inspiration.  I recently received a *beautiful* card from Jody and I loved every single thing about it.  I re-created her layout here, switching out all the elements.  For starters, this card is a little bigger than my usual cards, but not by much. The chocolate panel is 5 1/4 square - usually my square cards have a 5" square main panel. That extra 1/4 made a huge difference.  I like it. 

To build off of the beautiful layered element Jody used, I made a Mini Rosette (here's how video showing you how to make a rosette, including how you can make it mini....) and layered it with a felt Let it Snowflake Die-namics, and added a tiny heart from the Homespun Birdhouse Die-namics. 

I've been on a tear lately with the Tab Die-namics, and guess what, the new Mini Tabs Foursome is going to be a MUST have.  Between the original four tabs, and these four mini tabs, you'll be SET for sentiment placements!

I had a ton of fun building her outfit from various patterned papers.  For instance, the hat is built in two parts, the dark grey damask paper was used for the main portion of the hat and then an ivory pattern for the flap.  I did a similar treatment with her cute ski jacket, the bodice of the coat is red, and then I used the ivory for the trim as well.  To paper piece the skis, I cut the front ski out a second time, so that it isn't one continuous piece of patterned paper, it is actually two paper-pieced skis.   (If you're not familiar with Paper-Piecing you can see a video of how to do it here.) 

Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog for a full listing of all the new goodies, because we've all got something to share with you today!