Today I've got a little Pure Innocence: Girl Scout to share with you.  One of my very best friends, asked if I'd put together a few cards for her little scout to give to her troop leaders.  And of course I want to make each of the cards different - so you'll be seeing a few scout-ish cards the next few posts!

Today my little scout is paired with Pink Paislee's Hometown Summer patterned paper, so bright and cheerful (except for the green polka dot, that's a scrap of Girls Paperie Twig and Tinsel....)  I started with Jen's Sketch for you to Try for the month of May, but then didn't want to cover up this cute houses paper...  I added a layer of stitching and a scalloped edge where one panel was to go, and totally skipped the little circular panel.  But, you can see the genesis of my layout.... sometimes I start off with a sketch and then veer off in another direction, and that's okay too. 

I've gotta say, it's amazing how stamping makes me feel better no matter HOW cranky I get.  I can just push aside whatever is bugging me, and focus on this little cutie!

Wishing all of you here in the US a wonderful Memorial Day.  I'm looking forward to a little backyard BBQ  kids playing in the yard and some adult beverages with friends.  My older son will be walking in the Memorial Day parade on Monday (my younger son is thrilled he gets to sign up for scouts next week!)  A big, HUGE thanks to all members of the US Armed forces, both past and present. Thanks for ALL you do! 

You Are Awesome!

Are you ready for the next sketch in My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club challenge. We're up to week TWENTY ONE! I'll admit, this one threw me for a loop, and the first sample got thrown in the trash burned! I tell you, it was the purple.  

But in the end, it worked out okay because I ignored all the dirty dishes found some spare time to make up a second sample, and the second one, I sorta love.....

I happened to dash into my LSS (you really ought to do that from time to time, its just being a good citizen and taking care of your local resources right - just tell your sweet husband that you're supporting the local economy and it is your civic duty!)  and I found more of this amazing Fancy Pants designer paper that I just looooove.  I also grabbed some Memento dew - drops.  I used the Grey one here to stamp the leafy flourish from Own Your Story (seriously, I'm going to keep on using it, resistance is futile!) 

I've cut the Simply Scallops Medium Die-namics die with Canvas.  Lovin' that look!  And lots and lots of Distress Ink - I tell you, don't get too close to me lately, I might give you a good coat of Distress Ink too!


Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today for a list of all the designers with a MFTWSC Sketch 21 card for you today.  I sure do hope you're playing along, after all, one lucky participant wins a PRIZE!  All you have to do to enter is add your project to the Splitcoast Galleries using this week's keyword!

Happy Vintage Birthday!

I really do LOVE this new Just My Type stamp set with the fun vintage typewriter and coordinating Die-namic for both the typewriter and the piece of paper.  So many awesome sentiments to include on your project - since the card is for my son's second grade teacher, I thought I'd go with Happy Birthday instead of the "You're not old, you're vintage." If she didn't think it was funny, my son would have had a BAD day. *giggle*

I added the "click clack" from the Own Your Story stamp set - loving the mixy-matchy thing lately.  I cut my Pretty Posies Die-namic from canvas.  Did I tell you that I"m the proud new owner of a Vagabond?  I can actually CUT CANVAS with that baby.  Sweetness.

I've got a triple trim treatment here with a bit of bakers twine inside the button a layer of flat striped ribbon and a twill ribbon bow.   These fun pattern papers are from Pink Paislee's Daily Junque collection.  Its fabulous.


In other (very sad) news I got an email that one of my LSS's where I teach is closing.  This totally breaks my heart!  I've loved teaching there, and I adore all the girls that have come to my classes.  So I'm asking you this. If you have an LSS near you, PLEASE PLEASE be sure to make some time to swing by, pick up a little something new, or pick up a little of your favorite paper that might not be brandy new - but very beloved.  Be sure to support your local shops whether it is your favorite mom and pop coffee shop, or your local stamping and scrapbooking store.  I just *happened* to pop into my LSS the other day and found  TREASURE TROVE of new goodies. 

Happy Birthday Barbara!!

Hope you're having fun hopping along wishing Barbara Anders a very happy birthday!

I'm tickled pink to work with Barbara on the MFT Design Team. Let me tell you that she's such a sweetheart, and such a hard worker too!  I've worked the CHA Show with Barbara a few times, and she is someone that you can always count on!  I LOVE that about her and I'm excited we'll be working the show together again in Chicago! 

If you've just hopped in, then you'll want to head all the way back to Tammi's Blog so that you don't miss any of the stops on the hop today.  Barbara is a pretty well loved chick and so, there are TONS of us stamping her up a little birthday love!  

I chose to stamp up a little Pure Innocence - Birthday Princess for Barbara, and as I always admit, I'm sentimentally challenged, so I reached for my handy Die-namic Notched Tag Die to add a little {heart} and "celebrate!" I've finished off with a bright polka dotted border with my Small Scallops Die-namic and a bit of turquoise twine.  Pattern Paper is MME Lime Twist - I super love these paper packs!

If you've diligently stopped through all the cards for Barbara today, I am officially the last stop, which means all you need to stop on over to leave some love for Barbara on her beautiful blog: Paper Pursuit.

Lori, you're so TWEET!

 

How about a little Happy Birthday Flash MOB for Lori Craig!  

If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Lori, then let me just tell you
she is one of the sweetest and hardest working girls you'll ever know!

If you've been to CHA then you have no doubt seen her hard at work helping with Make and Takes, classes, booth setup and just being an overall organizational queen! We love you LORI!

I'm SO looking forward to her trip to Boston in a few weeks - yeah!
How lucky am I to be taking a Copic class with her (at last!)
And then lucky me, I'll see her again in Chicago a few weeks after that. 

So many crafty friends are participating - posting some stampy love for Miss Lori and her mailbox is going to be LOADED with hand stamped cards?

Want to join in?  Simply stamp up some birthday wishes and get posting!

I hope you think this card is as bright and Cheery as Lori!  
Happy Birthday girlie {{{{hugs}}}} I'll see you SOON!

I paired Pure Innocence: You're So Tweet with my new Lime Tart patterned paper from My Mind's Eye.  I reached for one of my very favorite dies - the largest in the Die-namic Pretty Posies has been cut with Canvas - Oh my goodness, I LOVE my Vagabond!

Be sure to join us in wishing Lori a very happy birthday! Thanks for stopping by today!

My Type of Chick

Holy Crow peeps. TWENTY weeks of My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club Sketches - I'm thrilled that I've completed all twenty of them, and yeah for you if you have too.  If not, there is NO time like the present, because this weeks sketch is amazing! And you can go back and print out each one of those babies and put them to use...  they're all genius!

And I'm telling you, if you haven't purchased this stamp set Own Your Story yet, then maybe today will be the day I twist that arm of yours.  I've paired it with some luscious felt, and our Rolled Rose Die-namic.

Want to learn how to make a Rolled Rose? 
You can watch my little video tutorial here on YouTube.

Patterned paper is Fancy Pants Design and I've paired it with lots of stitching, and this seam binding bow.  and oh yes, my Simply Scallops Die-namic.

What a week! Two a la modes, our VIP Kit and now our newest weekly sketch.  It's been so, so fun!  Hope you've enjoyed it as much as I have!  Hope to see you in the MFT Forum!

Who's That Girl is here! May's VIP Shop HOP!

Are you ready to be a VIP?!

Its already the middle of the month, which means its time to share our latest Who's That Girl stamp set with you. She'll officially be added to the store in early June, but you have a limited time to pick this cutie up as part of this month's VIP Kit!  

Enjoy the Ride - VIP Kit

This month's kit includes the following: 

• Enjoy the Ride Who's that Girl? stamp set
• Enjoy the Ride MINI stamp set (VIP exclusive stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again $9 value, FREE)
• Simply Scallops LARGE Die-namics die
•  Lilly Bee Happily Lost 6 x 6 Paper Pack

If you didn't start up at the MFT Blog then be sure to swing back up to the front of this little blog hop so that you don't miss a bit.  I'm just a few stops from the end, so if you've jumped in here, you've missed a whole BUNCH of great samples.  

The last two years, we've had a LOT of fun on family bike rides with the boys! Mind you, I'm not a "sporty" girl, but I do love going out for a little tour with the boys.  Its a great way to get a little fresh air, a bit of exercise, but most of all, I love anything we can do all together.  That's going to be even more important as those little boys get older.... finding an activity that we all enjoy......

The pattern papers that I've used today are October Afternoon 5 and Dime - I've done a little sentiment tab thingy again.....  see I told you, it's becoming a *thing* for me.

I'm getting down to the last of my twill wide width ribbon. GASP. I'm going to have to find more.  I don't think I'm done with it yet.  I love the lush bow it ties.  I love that the ivory matches everything.  Must. Find. More. Twill.

While you're shopping, be sure to add those two a la modes I Need Some Face Time and I Treasure Our Frienship - and if you like this VIP Kit, then be sure to hop to it.  At *most* it is available for 24 hours, but there's always the possibility it will sell out, and be gone even sooner than that! So, as soon as you reach the end of this blog hop, be sure to go grab yours!

The next stop on tonight's hop is Julie Dinn - I hope you'll race on over to see what she's put together for you tonight with this fabulous new set!  Thanks SO much for stopping by tonight! 

a la modes Teaser Time: Thanks a Loot!

Today I have a second teaser for this month's mid-month release for My Favorite Things.  The a la modes have very quickly become one of my favorite lines within MFT.  I love their sweet faces, their long legs (um, JEALOUS!) their sassy outfits.  These illustrations have *so* much personality and they are SO fun to work with.  Both of the new a la modes will be added to the MFT Boutique at 10pm EST! 

Today's image is titled I Treasure our Friendship - and I couldn't help but pick the sentiment that is a pun "Thanks a loot!"  You might have noticed, but lately I'm into tabs and tags for sentiments.  I'm *so* sentimentally challenged, but this works for me!

The strand of pearls is coated in two layers of Glaze Pen, as is that beautiful ruby.  I just wish it showed up in this photo, its so shiny in real life!  Patterned papers are Stella Rose from My Mind's Eye.

Be sure to check the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers with a little preview for you today. And don't forget - tonight is the VIP Shop Hop!  We'll have a little hop for you tonight at 10pm EST - showing off the newest Who's That Girl.  All I can say is I LOVE HER!  The VIP Kit is a limited quantity offering - available for 24 hours maximum, and less than that if she sells out. So if you like, it, I advise you hop to it, and pick yours up as early - just in case! See you at 10!!

MFT Preview: I Need Some Face Time!

Welcome to Teaser Time for My Favorite Things mid-May release, featuring TWO a la modes and a new VIP Kit. I totally adore this new a la mode called I Need Some Face Time.  After all, I will full on admit being an iPhone addict.  (Though I'm not due for an upgrade to the 4 till this summer. Booooo!!!)

Today instead of chatting on the phone, my sweet little a la modes, is happily enjoying some "face time" with a friend.  The image from MFT comes with a blank screen, but I simply masked off the rest of the image, leaving only the screen, then stamped in another a la modes friend.  How fun is that? And I'm envious, my iPhone model doesn't have the face time feature....

How sweet is this patterned paper, its all part of the My Mind's Eye Lime Tart paper.  What a fun mix of papers! I've added a bit of scallop to the bottom of my main panel using Simply Scallops Medium.

but wait, there's more...

I did it again.  I had so much fun stamping with this image, that I went ahead and made up a second sample. This time, there's no face time... just phone time? Or with it's giant size is it an iPad (which I also loooove) 

I grabbed my Cosmo Cricket Upcycle patterned papers - love those bright colors, and my Notched Tag Die-namics.  I love that it works with lots of OTHER sentiments too.  I obmitted the "Just" from this sentiment and inked up only "Saying Hi."  I colored up the phone to look like mine, I've got a turquoise cover which makes it very easy to find the phone when it is ringing inside my purse and I'm scrambling!!

An important note about the a la modes this month is that they are in clear photopolymer, like all the rest of our stamp sets.  We've had our a la modes in cling rubber the last few months, but the great news is that by releasing these in clear, we're able to offer at a slightly reduced price.  And if you've used our other clear stamps, you can testify that the image quality is amazing - after all, MFT manufactures our stamps here in the USA which means you get the highest quality product! 


Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers that have samples with this cutie-pie today - I'll have a sample of a second a la modes tomorrow and then our VIP Kit release Tuesday night at 10pm EST! 

Merci! This week's Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch

Last week, I had about a bazillion cards I needed to make for Teacher Appreciation Week.  And I was scratching my head about what to do for the French Teacher... and then I remembered about the MFT Typewriter Alphabet I thought these papers looked a little bit French Country, so I grabbed my paper trimmer, Die-namics Dies and got to work using this week's Wednesday Stamp Club sketch.....

 Have you treated yourself to the Fish Tail Banner Die-namic yet?  I've just bought two extra sets, pretty handy to mass produce and they are *so* reasonably priced you'll be glad to have the extras!

I've also used the notebook pattern as well as the amazing flourish from Own Your Story.  That has quickly become a "go to" set for me.

The finished card is a 5 1/4 square big enough to fit all five of the banners on top.  I usually would have added another sentiment to the Four Point Frame on the sketch, but all my stamps are in English!  And that would have ruined the theme.... so I diecut the Butterflies Die-namic (sorry appears to be out of stock) to fill up that last little piece of the puzzle. 

I do hope you'll join us for this week's Wednesday Stamp Club challenge, remember to add your project to the Splitcoast Gallery with this week's keyword MFTWSC19 by next Tuesday at noon EST for your chance at being the lucky winner of a $15 gift certificate.  Check the MFT Blog today for a full listing of all the designers with a little sketch sample for you today!

My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Challenge

Arlene and Eva had an idea for this month's MFT Design Team Creative Challenge, and I'll admit, this one scared the pants off of me.  They challenged us to show off some monchromatic coloring on our projects.  Now, I've seen this look in blog-land before and loved it... but I've never been brave enough to give it a go.

I reached for an assortment of black and ivory papers, and all the W Copic Markers I have.  I used W00 for her skin, W1 and W2 for her hair and W5, W2 and W1 for her clothes.  The stamp set is Being Cute is What I Do. (seems you all like her too because she's out of stock at the moment..)

I love the font treatment in the Well Worn Greetings stamp set and there are SO many fun sentiments in that set to choose from.  I have a feeling this is going to be a "go to" set for me.

You'll probably recognize I used the newest SFYTT from Jen again.  I was a little freaked by the only coloring with GREY so I figured a little head start in the layout department would help me out! 

Is this my favorite card I've ever made? Well, not quite exactly, but I didn't skip the challenge (which I very nearly did..)  Be sure to visit the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers participating in this crazy challenge.

Skating by with an SFYTT

Good morning girlies, and I hope the Moms out there had a great day! Coffee and TiVO in bed, and a little crafty time in the afternoon.  A dinner I have neither to cook, nor clean up after. That's MY kinda day.
 
I think this little skater girl in Roll With It is SO cute, I couldn't wait to play with her again.  Jen's May SFYTT was calling my name, as was this ca-ute paper from Echo Park called Playground.  My girl isn't too girlie, she's sporty, except of course for her cutie pink helmet.  I've used "selective" stitching on this project, switching up the type of stitch used on alternating panels, and stitching only the corners on some panels.   

Here's Jen's original sketch - are you playing along?  Remember there's only ONE sketch each month, so be sure to knock that off your TO do list.  Check!  I'll admit that tiny panel worried me, but as it turns out, I loved it.  Funny how the one element you think will be the hardest is sometimes the thing you love the best about a project in the end?

Keeping the chitter chatter short today....  figure you girls listen to me babble often enough.

After a whirlwind two weeks, I'm looking forward to NOT hostessing a party next weekend. *giggle* though I do have some treats to bake for my little guys party at "Meet The Authors." (By the way, this is my favorite event of the WHOLE YEAR.)  How is the year already starting to wrap up?  It has FLOWN by.

Have a great day everyone. Be sure to carve yourself out a crafty half hour or so no matter how busy you are.  It is really SUCH an amazing stress reliever.....

Come Stamp with me! Pure Innocence Winged Things Day Three

I've been sharing samples from my upcoming lass at Ink About It.  This is the third sample we'll be making today with Pure Innocence: Little Lady as well as the new Notched Tag Die-namic.

If you're local, please join me on June 16th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm EST at
Ink About It in Westford MA!  

Patterned paper is Girls Paperie I heart this aqua, red, white and kraft color combination.    And my Tim Holtz Inksentials Blending Tool is my new BFF.  Do you spy the tiny Notched Tag? Squeal!!  I looooove the teensy little mini Die-namics.  Today it is cut from Red Felt and I dissected one of my stamp sets so that I could get just the word BUG off one of the sentiments.

All the credit on the Dainty Dots Die-namic covered with twine goes to Amy Sheffer with her stunning project here last week.  When I saw it, I had one of those ...head slap... that's BRILLIANT type reaction.  She's one of my favorites.....

Again, if you're local, would LOVE to meet up with you at Ink About It, we always have such a fun time! 

HB2U!

Well, I blinked and guess what, my littlest one turned SIX. Six? I can't believe it.

I'm knee deep in preparations for him including cupcakes for class, cupcakes for his buddies, a baseball game tonight two soccer games and a family BBQ tomorrow. Goodness gracious.

If you've been reading here a long time, you know that my boys both have nasty food allergies, which make bakery cake and cupcakes totally out of the question. I've found what I think is a pretty tasty little chocolate cupcake from Ms. Martha Stewart which you can find here. Although, I'll admit, I was pretty sad that my cardmaking abilities don't translate into cupcake frosting abilities. Grrr. They're tasty, but pretty sad looking little things when I'm done with them. Lucky for me, kids don't care, they just want to eat chocolate cupcakes.

I loved this week's Mojo Monday sketch, and while I deviated slightly, you can still see remnants of the original sketch in my design.  New patterned paper from My Mind's Eye.  Gosh, I just LOVE LOVE LOVE their papers.  I bought all four of the new Lime Tart paper packs. They are scaled down for cardmakers (yeah) and double sided (um, DOUBLE YEAH)

I really have neglected my beloved The Cat's Pajamas stamps lately, and I do so love me some PJ the bear in Honey Bear. While this stamp set was released around Valentines day, don't fool yourself, this is a GREAT set all year long.  I paired it with the Coolvetica Alphabet to add a personalized greeting "HB2U" of course. 

A promised, I'm going to *try* to get a little better about Copic colors. Here's a photo of what I used on my little PJ the bear....

Now... I've got to get back to the cupcake project, and clean up the disaster that has grown around my kitchen and start wrapping presents.  Gosh, I think I need staff or something to clean up as I move from one project to the next, its getting c-r-a-z-y around here!

Come Stamp with Me! Pure Innocence Winged Things Day Two

Today I've got my second sample from my upcoming class at Ink About It - the class is called Pure Innocence: Winged Things and the second project we'll be making is this sweet little Believe in Magic. 

If you're local I'd love to meet you, or catch up if we've had a class together before! 

Class will be held Thursday, June 16th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm in Westford, MA! 

The only difference, is that we won't be doing all this stitching!  I can't seem to help myself on the blog samples, but the ones I'm sending up to the store are (gasp) missing their stitching. As I mentioned the other day, I've convinced a few girls in my local classes that they really *need* a sewing machine, so I like to share the stitched samples as well so they know where I put the little extra details....

As usual, I've paper pieced her little outfit, and used Copic markers for the skin and hair.  Patterned paper here is Girls Paperie.

Class Samples Pure Innocence Winged Things Day One - Come Stamp with Me!

I've got a fun little series of posts for you today... its samples from my upcoming class at Ink About It here in Massachusetts. If you're local I'd LOVE to meet you, or if you've been to my classes before, then I'd love to catch up! We always have SO much fun working on these little beauties!  FYI, the phone number to the store is 978-392-0321 if you'd like to signup!

This next class is Pure Innocence Winged Things. We'll make three cards featuring these little cutie-pies, and use patterned paper from Girls Paperie.  Here's the first of my three samples.

The class is scheduled on Thursday June 16th from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.  (I've switched up my teaching schedule for the summer in order to not be spending "family time" in the classroom... Summer is pretty short here in New England!)

So, here's sample #1 (check back tomorrow for #2 and Saturday for #3!)  The stamp set is Butterfly Kisses and I'm using the Simply Scallops Medium in felt as our little accent....

Those of you that have taken my classes before know that I bring my blog sample, that has all my signature crazy stitching, but that the one we make in class will be the same (except for that stitching) I've already convinced a few of the girls to buy a sewing machine, will YOU be next? 

To anyone that is joining us, I'm also giving a link to my friend Jody's Sticky Stuff Sale.  I usually have a few on hand, but I know you all LOVE them.  Now's a great time to stock up so you can have LOTS and lots of dimension on your projects!

Pucker Up!

It is Wednesday People! What a crazy week its been, but what a fun one. This release has been a blast, and I hope you've loved every minute of it. I know I sure did! I saved my sample for Pure Innocence: Pucker Up for you because I wanted to use this fabulous sketch!

You'll see one of my new fave papers Pink Paislee Hometown Summer - isn't this watermelon paper totally fabulous? How about the teeny scale of the papers on this 6x6 pack? Just amazing for cardmakers.

Look at this cutie with her sweet little pig-tails. She's all set up to make some cash at her little lemonade stand. (the girls that live across the street from me do this and its SO stinkin' cute...)

As always, I hope you'll play along in this week's MFT Wednesday Stamp Club. We're on our eighteenth week. And I'm happy to say I've done all the sketches. How YOU doing with those sketches? This one is UBER cute, so I do hope you'll give it a go! Just upload your creation to the Splitcoast Galleries using the keyword MFTWSC18. 

Since this is the start of the May Sketches, it means if you participate in ALL the sketches this month, you'll also be eligible for the May BONUS Prize, its a special thank you to one winner, selected at random, who has completed  ALL of the May WSC sketches! 

MAY Shop HOP

MFT's SHOP HOP

If you've just tripped across our little hop,
be sure to start at the MFT Blog so that you don't miss a single stop!

What a week! Its been a crazy one for me both in stamp life, and in real life too. First Communion for my oldest last week, my little guy turns six this week. Birthday party (twelve six year olds what WAS I thinking) and cupcakes to make. Teacher Appreciation all this week - cards to make, treats to send. Mother's day - don't get me started, I'm not there yet....

What a FUN release for My Favorite Things this week. All I can say is thank goodness I'm a plan ahead type girl and was ready a bit early. And, with stamps this CUTE... it makes good therapy when life gets this hectic.... All the latest stamps and Die-namics are now available within the MFT Store. You'll find all the new goodies in the category Brand Spankin' New!

I adore this little Pure Innocence: Roll With It. With great sentiments like "This is how I roll." and "Skating By to Say Hi" its practically perfect. My hubby and I used to enjoy rollerblading on the weekends. (....before kids...)  I'll admit to being a little afraid to put the boys on skates just yet. We've tried ice skating, and um, lets just say they were not pleased that their ski skills didn't translate to ice.

I tried not to get too girly with my sample, she IS sporty after all. I'm kind of digging putting my image just a skootch off center and then adding a bow just along the side.

Want to hear a funny one? I couldn't get my little layout to come together, and guess what I did.... flipped it upside down. (pretty lucky for me that my panels didn't have words or flowers... nothing upsidedown.) So, here's my little tip, if you're having trouble getting things to come together for you, give it a flip and see if that improves things for you...

How about another sample?  

If you're my Mom.... look away...... spoiler alert.... this is your Mother's Day Card....

I'm assuming that Mom is no longer reading. So here goes!  I hadn't yet put the new Rolled Daisy Die-namic to use, and it is WAY too cute not to use, and not to share with you.  I cut it from ivory felt. Personally, those rolled flowers work the best for me with felt, it is so much more flexible.

If you joined us at the MFT Release Party, then I already peeked this one - but here goes for anyone that missed the party......

The sketch is this week's Mojo Monday - I hadn't played along with it in ages.  And this new cute paper.  Its Lime Tart from  My Mind's Eye.  I reached for Clearly Sentimental About Mothers and had lots of fun working this new paper.....

Here's a close shot of the flower, these rolled flowers have *such* amazing dimension. I used some Baker's Twine to sew the whole flower together and I love that it gives a realistic center to the flower.  It's all about the *little* touches right?

Okay, I've kept you long enough, I'm sure you're antsy to continue the hop, and get to SHOPPING right?

Be sure to SKATE ON BY to see JULIE! She's the next stop on our hop tonight and I know she's got something 

super super cute to share with you tonight!