August Pure Innocence Previews

Today's the day that we have FIVE Pure Innocence stamp sets up for previews. I have two of them to share with you, and as always, I'll follow up with the other three SOON!

My first preview is Pure Innocence: Poppy.  This card is 100% scrap and I love that.  None of this is from the same paper collection, I just dug around to see what papers I'd like to use to put this together, and then let my sewing machine have at it, and crazy stitched it all together.... I've finished my card off with a large gingham bow.  This ribbon is part of the MFT Black Collection.

I've reached for the new Die-namics Bracket Tab for my sentiment today - these tabs are super handy for me!  I love the pretty detailing on the edge....

My second preview is for Pure Innocence: Sunflower Girl - I've reached for my My Mind's Eye Stella Rose patterned papers.  I love this sweet little Sunflower Girl.  For this card, I reached for last month's File Tab Die-namics.  See, they make a nice pair, I think you need them both. *giggle*

I'm getting down to the end of my twill ribbon. Yikes. Scary. Must. Go. Find. More.


Have you started your sample for this month's Guest Designer Challenge - Embellish Yourself?  Looks like today is JUST the day to get that done. Entries are due Monday by 10pm EST.  Happy Stamping - I can't wait to see what you create!

Celebrating Summer

Today I'm participating in a fun project with my friend Jenn Shurkus.  Jenn truly is a CREATIVE CHICK that I've met through this amazing hobby of ours.  She's the store manager at Colorful Creations in Hyannis, and I've had the great pleasure teaching there.  Jenn has her customers SO organized, and they are SO fun to visit with.   I've *loved* watching Jenn's style change and grow the last few months as she's embraced new creative opportunities. I love when great things happen to great people!

Jenn's blog has been celebrating all things nautical and summery this month and so many of the items are up for auction HERE.  Its all to benefit Jenn's friend Sue Avila who was recently diagnosed with Lung and Stomach Cancer.  Please take a moment to read all about the auction and Sue Avila here

I'm thrilled to be included in Jenn's lineup this month! She's a fun and creative chick, so funny and a wonderfully thoughtful friend.  Of course, I had to throw a little Pure Innocence: Make a Splash into the creative mix over there as I've been teaching Pure Innocence card classes at Colorful Creations!
 
Is there a better feeling than wiggling your toes in the sand? Why is it that a tuna sandwich never tastes better than on the beach?  I'm looking forward to an extended weekend visiting with my parents on Nantucket, waking up to the sounds and smells of the ocean.  Explaining to my kids why the stars are SO much brighter out at the beach than they are at home. Hundreds of amazing photo ops while the boys build sand castles, ride the waves and defend their lunches from seagulls!  Relaxing on the deck, catching up with my parents, enjoying "wine and cheese time" and reading a good book.  Oh my goodness, how I can I forget, home-cooked breakfast by my Dad.....I can't wait....

Have a GREAT day everyone!

Just the Ticket and a la modes Previews

Just another day of FUN teasers for My Favorite Things!  

Starting this month, the à la modes are moving up to join the rest of the stamps and Die-namics at our release at the beginning of the month.  If you haven't yet picked up some à la modes, yikes, you are missing out!

These fun and fabulous images are fast becoming some of my favorite stamps to work with.  Two new à modes are joining the lineup this month, I've got a preview of I Spy today and I'll have a sample of the other set, Bundle of Baby on release night!

How cute is this super sweet à la modes peeking through her spy glass?  There are so many options with this sentiment, I chose to pair "I see..." with "What you mean" which conveniently fits so nicely on the new Bracket Tab Die-namics.

Isn't this new patterned paper so pretty? It's from Prima's Madeline line..... and I so love it! Once my card was finished, I coated the spy glass with a coat of Glossy Accents.  My six year old was looking at this with pure amazement wondering how I created glass on my card.  Ah, I love that boy!

I've also got a sample of a SUPER fun set this month called Just the Ticket.  I've used the sketch from a recent Mojo Monday - I used the circle sketch, but then added it to a card-front.  I am already looking forward to playing with this fun ticket set a *lot* I think its going to be LOTS of fun!  Patterned paper is Authentique and the card base is MFT's Fossil.

Be sure to check the MFT Blog for a full listing of designers participating in previews today. Remember that two Teaser Time Prizes are given each day during Teasers, and all you have to do is leave a comment on the previews.  Check the MFT Blog each day to see if perhaps YOU are a winner!

My Favorite Things - August Release Previews!

Welcome to the very first day of Teasers for My Favorite Things August Release!  We'll have previews for you the next five days, and the new release will be on Tuesday, August 2nd.  Get ready for lots of fun, this is going to be a great release!

Warning, this is a HUGE post!  Grab a cup of coffee and settle in, I've got a LOT to share today...

My first preview today is for last month's Clearly Sentimental About Sympathy. This was the Triple Scoop set last month, but starting on August 2nd, it will be available for purchase.  This is a lovingly designed set, for that occasion that we as stampers will from time to time need to create a card for.

As it turns out, I needed to create using this set sooner than I'd anticipated... twice.  But like I always say, as cardmakers, we never want to have to make this card, but you'd best be prepared, because inevitably you're going to need it.....

For the first, I kept the design clean and simple as I wanted the sentiment to stand out, and I didn't want to "over-design" given the circumstances.  A quiet text paper with a subtle bloom printed over it spoke to me from the Lily Bee Picket Fence pattern paper.  I stamped the sentiment onto a piece of vellum using Brilliance ink. 

There are beautiful sentiments included in this set, you'll be able to find just the set you need for both the inside and the outside of your card.

As I mentioned above, I've now needed to use this set twice. Which completely breaks my heart.....  I reached for a sketch from Karen Giron's Sweet Sunday.  The border on the bottom of the panel is a piece of vintage trim covered with the Solid Bracket Die-namics.  I paired the leafy flourish from Own Your Story with one of the scripty sentiments in Clearly Sentimental about Synpathy, and stitched all around the main panel.

 
My last preview today is for the adorable By the Numbers Die-namics and Stamp Set.  Oh My Word are you going to have a fun time with this one.  You might have noticed the last few months that I've had a lot of fun incorporating tags into my cardfronts? Well, this month, My Favorite Things has an amazing set for tags - with both stamps and Die-namics included!

In my this sample, I've included both the Die-namics by the Numbers die as well a new Die-namic you'll see more about on Monday....  (its part of a fun new set revealing that day....) You see, we're pretty good about making sure all these things work together to maximize value for you.  Sweet right?

I had a blast putting this scrappy little card together using last month's Mini Ticket Die-namics as well as the Die-namics Star Border.  I'm always a fan of anything I can use for a quick birthday card, let's face it, I'm SO not prepared for these things in advance.  Luckily, I'm very well supplied where stamps and paper are concerned. 

How about a sweet little card for a baby or toddler?  I put together this 2 Cute card with my October Afternoon Schoolhouse papers, a button from my stash and the last of my saddle stitch ribbon. (Um. Sounds like I need to go shopping. Out of saddle in my three go to colors! *gasp*)

This little project is embellished with lots of stitching, the Solid Bracket Die-namics my Large Simply Scallop Die-namics as well as the new Tag, You're It Die-namics.  *More on that one later this week.*

Last, but certainly not least, lets talk about the
My Favorite Things Guest Designer Challenge.   

This is your chance to wow the judges and earn a prize package valued at over $100!  You'll also get to join the Design Team for the month of August, participating in weekly Wednesday Stamp Club challenges, and Teasers for the September release!

Jody and I are your hostesses for the challenge, and this month, the theme is Embellish Yourself! Create something that can be worn, create an accessory for yourself, perhaps a pin, name tag... the sky is the limit, so feel free to add your own creative flair. We're looking for well-executed cards/projects that show good technique and style. Ready for the challenge? Here are the details:

-Projects must feature some MFT stamps or products, but are not strictly limited to MFT stamps or products.
-The deadline for entries is August 1 at 10pm EST.
-When uploading your entries, please use the keyword MFTGUESTDT0811.
-Jody and I will review all the entries and choose a winner. The winner will be announced at the Release Party at around 8:45pm EST on Tuesday, August 2.
-The winner will receive a selection of stamps from the next release with a value over $100. You'll also join the MFT Design Team for that month!
-As winner of the guest designer contest, we ask that you participate in 3 (of 5) teaser days as well as the release blog hop.

But, of course, I can't just *mention* the challenge and not give you a little sample myself!  I picked up some plain hairclips at my local sewing and notions store... and knew the new Large Rolled Rose would be perfect for the job.  I created this sweet Rolled Rose Hairclip with the leaves from the Upsy Daisy Die-namic and my glue gun (I've learned to love that thing...)

But, of course, I couldn't just make a hairclip, I wanted to tuck it onto a card.  I have *lots* of this Girls Paperie paper still and its so lovey and sweet, I have SO much fun working with it! I've used the new Tag, You're It Die-namic which you'll see much more about later this week, as well as the Well Worn Greetings Stamp set and Die-namics.

and here's how this sweet little hairclip became the project embellishment.  The back part of the clip goes through this hole I punched with my slot punch - then the front slips under the oval sentiment panel. Now it is fully removeable for a little gift attached to the card. Sweet right?

I can't wait to see what you create for the challenge - put your thinking caps on, we've had some AMAZING guest designers lately so you want to bring that A game of yours!

My Type of Chick....

Today I've got a little something to share with you for the Wednesday Stamp Club. I pulled this together last week before I headed off to Chicago for the SuperShow with my girlies at My Favorite Things.

We only get to see eachother once, maybe twice a year, and its been TWO years since I've seen my sweet friend Jody. I talk to either Kim or Jody every single day, sometimes a FEW times a day, so I was beside myself with excitement that we'd all be together!

I wanted to tuck a little something special for each of them in my bag...  and this is the card I brought along for Miss Jody!  I just picked up a little Authentique paper for both of us, and I was itchy to put this pretty yellow and grey patterned pack to use.  Of course, there is a lot, and lot of stitching on this card.  Lately, I've been putting lots of my layers flat together, but flat SEWN together.

The stamp set that I've used today is Own Your Story - its a favorite, a go to for me.   The Die-namics that I've used are the Pretty Posies Die-namic and the Simply Scallops Medium Die-namics! 

Did you pick up the VIP kit?  If yes, then you're also receiving this amazing Open Scallop Duo!  I'm telling you, always be sure to pick up that VIP you're crafting with new goodies before they're available to the general public. Woo-hoo!

Now that you've heard me babble, here's this week's Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch.  I think its pretty fabulous and you'll have a lot of fun....  Be sure to add your sample to the Splitcoast Galleries by Tuesday, August 2nd by noon EST for your chance to be selected at random to win a $15 gift certificate to the MFT Boutique.  If that card selected at random uses MFT Stamps - then woo-hoo the prize becomes $20!  

Be sure to check the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers playing along this week!

Showing my MFT Spirit!

Today the MFT Designers are showing their team spirit with an award ribbon made using our CHA-exclusive stamp set, My Heart Belongs To. It pairs well with the previously released First Place Award Ribbon and will give you many new options in creating gorgeous works of art.

MFT wants YOU to join in the CHA festivities with a special opportunity to own My Heart Belongs To. When you purchase $50 or more, we'll send you a FREE CHA-exclusive stamp set valued at $9. This special is good through July 24th, or until we run out. Here are the details, at a glance:

* Promotion dates: July 19, 10 PM through July 24
* Spend $50, and we'll include the CHA-exclusive stamp set, My Heart Belongs To, in your order (limited supply)
* The free set will be sent to ONLY the first 500 orders over $50 during the promotional period
* Your order must require shipping (digital-only orders will not qualify)

To get you inspired, many of us on the Design Team have samples made using the new My Heart Belongs To.

Up first is the medallion that I'll be sporting this week while I'm working at the MFT Booth!  

I'm using the First Place Award Ribbon, the 1/4 Rosette Die-namics and the Open Scallop Doily. I've attached a pin-back so that I can add this to my CHA Lanyard!

How about another one?  I made a second so that Kim  (a.k.a The MFT Lady)
would have one to wear too.
Since she's the boss, she can pick whichever one she likes best!

I've used all the same supplies, but substituted in my Dizzy Doily Die-namics.
Don't you love how all these element work together? Fun stuff!
By the way, I love using Jean Scraps on these award ribbons!

But, you know, this isn't *only* for medallions and ribbons.  

How about a sweet little giftie bag that I put together for one of my daycare clients? 

Do you spy the little bit of Solid Bracket Die-namics.  I {heart} that die....

I hope you love this sweet set - remember it is only available two ways - you can come visit the MFT Booth and do our Make and Take if you're at the Supershow in Chicago.  We'd love to see you there! OR you can earn it for free with a a $50 purchase at MFT Stamps. But remember, supplies are limited to the first 500 orders! Happy Shopping!

Wednesday Stamp Club

Its Wednesday and I'm back on a roll! While I've been packing and prepping for my trip to Chicago, I made sure to carve out a little time to play along in this week's Wednesday Stamp Club. I'm always bummed out when I don't get a chance to ink up all of the stamps that came for My Favorite Things, so I left this sweet Pure Innocence: Water Lily stamp out so that I'd get her nice and inky!

This patterned paper is from Basic Grey and I've added in that scripty paper from Prima that I've been loving!  Instead of the flowered element on the sketch, I added a Die-namics Hearts a Plenty

This is a sweet (and I might I add, super easy) sketch to work with - and remember there i a $15 prize at random for one lucky participant!

You'll want to add your sample using this week's keyword MFTWSC29 to the Splitcoast Galleries by Tuesday July 26th at noon EST! Be sure to check the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers with a sample to share with you!

Most of all, HAVE FUN!

Its time to be an MFT VIP

Are you ready to be an MFT VIP? Its your chance to get your hands on next month's Who's That Girl - this month it's Sunflower Who's That Girl!

You'll find the newest VIP Kit here: MFT VIP KIT

....and just look at all the goodies included....

• Sunflower Who's that Girl stamp set
• Sunflower Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again $9 value, FREE)
• Open Scallop Doily Duo Die-namics die - a Die-DUO how awesome of a perk is that?

So, how about we take a little peek.....

Did I mention, I LOVE sunflowers? My college girlfriends sent me a bouquet of them when my oldest son was born, and I always think of that when I see them in the store.....

If you haven't been hopping along, well then GOSH you've missed a ton of beautiful samples using this set. Be sure to start up at the MFT Blog so that you don't miss a single thing....

I'm really excited about this, very pretty, Who's That Girl.  Her dress is just perfect for paper piecing.  If you're not familiar with how to do this here's a quick step by step.

I stamped Who's That Girl and Die-cut the image.  Colored her arms, the flower, her neckline and the background. Be sure to color *before* you add on any pieced elements! If you assemble, then color, you might have your marker touch the patterned paper and make a mess. Trust me, I've done this and you'll be so bummed to have to start over! 

Using a liquid adhesive (I recommend a Quickie Glue Pen) apply her dress over the stamped image.
But you see, now her arm is covered. Let's fix that....

I simply stamped another image to a piece of white cardstock, colored just the arm and the flower stem and trimmed it out.
Remember to color, then cut, it is WAY easier than trying to color a tiny piece of paper!

 Apply the "extra" arm and flower stem using liquid adhesive and your image is complete!

I love paper piecing, but admittedly, some images are easier to tackle than others.  This one, I'd say is pretty easy to work with! I've used the new Basic Grey Sweet Threads patterned paper for my project today, and this pretty script paper is from Prima.

Do you spy the Die-namics Open Scallop Duo (I've used the larger of the two to mat my main image....) I've added a luscious seam binding bow to finish off my card.

Before you go.... we have a FUN announcement tonight:

We have a special treat for you today!  In addition to the release of our newest VIP Collection, we are excited to offer you the opportunity to earn our CHA-exclusive stamp set, My Heart Belongs To, absolutely FREE. It pairs well with the previously released First Place Award Ribbon and will give you many new options in creating gorgeous works of art. When you purchase $50 or more, we'll send you a FREE CHA-exclusive stamp set valued at $9. This special is good through July 24th, or until we run out. Here are the details, at a glance:

Promotion dates: July 19, 10 PM through July 24

• Spend $50, and we'll include the CHA-exclusive stamp set, My Heart Belongs To, in your order (limited supply)
• The free set will be sent to ONLY the first 500 orders over $50 during the promotional period
• Your order must require shipping (digital-only orders will not qualify)

Okay, that's an even MORE fun reason to shop tonight, right?  The next stop on tonight's hop is JULIE 

Sweet Sunday Sketch - Sewn Up!

Wouldn't it be nice if time stood still so you could fit in all the crafty things you WANT to do? Sadly, that's not the case. I love playing along in the Sweet Sunday Sketch challenge, but I don't often get the chance. This week, when I saw the sketch pop up on Facebook, I immediately printed it out, and stuck it in my to do list. Which was pretty crazy of me, because I'm leaving for CHA on Thursday at the crack of nasty early! But, I wanted to stamp. And, I have new patterned paper.

The rest of the to-do list went out the window.  Besides, I wanted to bring a card for a friend that I'm DYING to see in Chicago in JUST a few short days.  So excited!

The stamp set I'm using today is the new Sew Nifty from My Favorite Things.  I {heart} the Die-namics of the spool of thread, and that lovely dressform too.  I stamped the sewing machine to the grid paper and then tucked in my other elements.  You can *barely* see my pennant shape on the layout, but trust me its there.  Do you see the tiny scissors Die-namic? Fun! It has a tiny hole on the top so you can use it like a charm.  Genius! 

Patterned paper is from Authentique, this is the 6x6 size, so great for cardmakers!

Be sure to stop by Karen Giron's Blog:  The Sweetest Thing for the latest from the Sweet Sunday Sketch team!  I miss those girls - and so glad I got to play along this week!


If you're going to be at the CHA Supershow I'll be there at the MFT Booth starting on Thursday and I can't WAIT to meet you!

Wednesday Stamp Club - I'm Under Construction

So, it looks like I fell off the Wednesday Stamp Club wagon - what can I say our family vacation got in the way! But I'm BACK! And I'm excited to get back into my groove of the WSC.

If you too happened to fall off the WSC wagon and you haven't made a card for the sketches lately, well JOIN ME!  Its only once a week, and now that the kids have been out of school and running us ragged, we need a little stamp time.

Well, remember how I was saying that its all about "creating" your life, and finding out who you want to be along the way. Well me, I'm breaking one of my life-long rules.  I am NOT a runner.  I've always said "I only run when chased." This was my mantra. Well people it seems, I'm breaking all the rules.

Given all this, it was only fitting that I ink up "Let's Get Physical" for this week's sketch.  I tucked my sentiment on using the new File Tab Die-namics.  Patterned paper is Playground from Echo Park. 

My friend Carole and I have often laughed that we have a hobby that doesn't do anything for your weight.  One of my part time jobs involves a lot of time at a desk, and lets admit it, cardmaking and blogging also involve a fair amount of time sitting on your butt.  So....after a week on a vacation, in a bathing-suit, I decided it's about time I do something about that.

Its all thanks to Lori Craig that I know I can do it. When we went out for dinner last month, she told me about an amazing application for your iPhone called Couch to 10k.  I don't necessarily have my eyes on any 10K's but I do know this. If it is a program designed for a couch dweller like me, there is a *possibility* I can pull this off.

I'm only on the second week, but already I look forward to my workout days. And for me, that's a HUGE change.  I'm usually the girl looking for an excuse NOT to work out.  But I've been loving getting up early, before the rest of the house is awake, and having a quiet hour to myself, before it gets hot, before my job as MOM starts for the day.  I think it is actually a good thing that I started this on summer vacation or else I'd NEVER have a moment to myself.  thanks LORI for being my inspiration!  {{heart you girlie!}} I'm not a runner yet, but I sure do hope to be.  <---- And those my friends, are words I thought I'd NEVER say.

I hope you'll join me in this week's Wednesday Stamp Club - here's this weeks awesome sketch.  I hope you'll forgive me skipping those two tiny embellies on the side.  I stitched over there instead.  And instead of a flower embellishment, I used it as a place to tuck a little gingham bow.  I sorta cheated. But dang girl, I RAN.  *giggle*

Have a GREAT time with the sketch, can't wait to see what you create! Remember you can find links to all the DT with samples today on the MFT Blog!

On a Roll!

I'm excited to be participating in today's Design Team Creative Challenge for My Favorite Things. Its a new thing we started this year and each month we have a new theme, or a new technique to work with.  Last month, we painted.... this month, we're rolling.

I wonder how all of the girls will interpret the challenge to roll.  Me, I've used the new Large Rolled Rose Die-namic, and I've rolled several elements within my project...... This new Large Rolled Rose is so easy to work with, that if you're like me, and too lazy to go find a paper quiller or a pair of pliers, you can very easily roll it by hand. Like I did.  (The couch was cozy and the pliers were on another floor, so sweet, I just rolled that baby right up!)

I love making home decor items - but do you feel my pain that they are difficult, very difficult to photograph well?

I've created a 6x6 inspiration piece for myself which I've then added to an 8x10 frame.... 

Here's an upclose look at the elements on my 6x6 panel. I've reached for the sentiment from Clearly Sentimental About The Journey. This is a quote I've always loved... and I'm excited to have this piece to remind me that I'm on a journey every day...

If there's anything you don't like about your life, you are fully empowered to CHANGE that.  

If you had told me eight years ago that I'd be a paper crafter, I would have said you were nuts.  I've NEVER seen myself as a creative person until only a few years ago, and now its my job, its how I know some of my very best friends, it is something that I find time to work on every single day.....

In addition to my rolled rose, I rollled my papers. I wound the top edge around a pencil and then crumpled it a little to see the pretty backside of the paper.  I wound the bottom edge up around a paper piercer to get a more tight curl.  I've also rolled up each of the edges of the scallop layer for added dimension.

You might even say that I created that luscious seam binding ribbon by "rolling" it around in some Glimmer Mist.  But, that might be stretching it....

I've used the Simply Scallops Die-namic as well as the new Solid Bracket Border.  I {heart} my Die-namics!

Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today for a full listing of all the designers playing in today's challenge!  I wonder, will the girls use any number of our rolled flowers, or will they find a different way to make their projects roll? I can't wait to see!

De-stressing with Inspired by Summer

I hope you're all having a great weekend and an amazing start to your summer.  I've been a little crazy around here, trying to get work done with my two boys at home, is always well, um...  a challenge?

I carved out some crafty time for myself last night because I was feeling particularly stressed out.  Luckily, I'd had the forethought to ink up this beautiful Inspired by Summer stamp set from My Favorite Things earlier in the day with my Brilliance Ink to watercolor paper.  I always like to stamp for a watercolor image far in advance to make sure that ink is really dried.  Because if it isn't, and you go to watercolor, hello, what a mess!

I try to get as many samples done for the new release as humanly possible each month, but we were in California for a week, and I had to stamp everything before I left....so I didn't get done as much as I usually do.  So, I'll be making my way through the remaining elements in the release.  If you've been on vacation like I was, you'll want to check out the latest release. There are some truly outstanding stamps and Die-namics included.  Kim did a re-cap of some of the designers projects, which you'll find here:

The great thing about watercoloring an image for me, is that it is uber relaxing.  It is a huge de-stresser for me.  I covered the leaves of the tree with Kiwi Kiss reinker with my waterbrush and tucked it aside to dry.  Then I layered in Always Artichoke re-inker for some shadows.  The tree trunk and limbs were done with Close to Cocoa re-inker and the ground with River Rock re-inker.  I used a very light wash of Soft Sky re-inker for the background.

Pattern papers are a jumble here. Some very old My Mind's Eye - Quite Contrary - its one of those scraps that I give a happy sigh when I trip across it in my stash.  The woodgrain is also from My Mind's Eye, but it is this year's collection Stella Rose. 

I do adore this new Solid Bracket Die-namic from MFT. It is such a nice finishing touch to any unsightly seams between paper patterns. :)

Because my cardfront was feeling pretty full already, I opted to finish off the inside.  After all, it was necessary because I'd used a Hot Fudge cardbase!  The inside is pretty neat and clean....

 

I hope you have a truly fantastic day, thanks for stopping by! I'm hoping to squeeze in a little more crafty time this weekend so I'll have a few new things to share with you this week!