Clearly Sentimental.....

Today as part of our preparations for the upcoming October Release, we're talking about My Favorite Things Triple Scoop Rewards.  

If you're not familiar with the Triple Scoop - here's the 411.  With the purchase of $60 in merchandise from the MFT Boutique (excluding tax and shipping) you will earn a free 4x6 stamp set.  The set changes from month to month, and during the month it is featured as the Triple Scoop it is otherwise unavailable for purchase.  You'll find all the details on our Triple Scoop Reward HERE.

Last month's set will *soon* be available for individual purchase.  I love the way that the word family is provided as a separate element, so you can stamp it in your choice of fonts, and ink colors separate from the rest of your sentiment.  Here's a quick card that I made featuring the stamp set.

These Clearly Sentimental sets truly are fabulous for when you need a card on the go, or when you need to make a gift set etc.  As the collection has grown, I'm finding that I've got lots of options when I need a card for a very specific occasion.

This month's Triple Scoop Stamp Set is Clearly Sentimental About Abundance.  

Working with this sentiment, I've been reminded about how very blessed I am...  and that's such a good thing.  Remember to take time to stop and appreciate your blessings, enjoy each moment you are given.

I love that my craft gives me pause to reflect on this.  Thank you to Kim at MFT for creating such an impassioned set....

How could I forget? Do you spy the Ticket Border Die-namics.  This is a fun one. I like it a lot! And I do mean.... A LOT!

Remember to check the MFT Blog each day for a full list of designers participating in previews today.  We're up to our Third day of Teasers as part of our seven day release preparation.  You have until Tuesday to leave comments on each of the participating Design Team Members posts for you chance at one of 14 gift vouchers!

Inspired By Autumn

Welcome back to day Two (out of Seven!) of My Favorite Things Teasers for our upcoming October Release! Today there are two stamp sets being shared, and I'm working with Inspired By Autumn.

I certainly love summer, but living in New England, I always look forward to the nights getting a little cooler, those crisp first Autumn Days when I can put on a sweater and jeans.  I find I'm loving hanging out on my deck reading just a little bit more now that there's just a hint of coolness in the air.

So, for me, this wooden crate of apples just spoke to me.  In fact, I'm looking forward to a little pumpkin and apple picking this weekend.  Can you say Photo Op?  Honestly some of my favorite photos of the boys are from the fall, the leaves, the bright green grass, red apples. warm orange pumpkins.  {{{love}}}

I've stamped my main image to a lightly printed piece of text paper, and colored with Copic Markers.  My little tip for you today is that when coloring on a pattered piece of paper versus paper that is *meant* for markering, you've got to just go slow, take it easy and not saturate the paper.  Or else, you're going to be prone to a lot of color bleeding, a real mess. So, I blended this image very lightly... and didn't go nutso with the coloring....

My pattern paper is My Mind's Eye Six By Six: Vanity Fair and I've used the Solid Bracket Border Die-namics for that chocolate polka dotted piece....

Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers participating in previews today with Inspired by Autumn and/or Fred Bear and the Megaphone.  I'll see you tomorrow with another preview!

Feeling sorta sketchy....

We're just kicking off Teaser Time for My Favorite Things, but even still its WEDNESDAY so let's chat about the Wednesday Stamp Club!

I am having a LOT of fun with the First Class Friend from last month's release, and check it out, and give me a huge pat on the back, I used Colored Cardstock! Can you believe it? 

This is week number Thirty Nine of the Wednesday Stamp Club and here's the sketch we're working with.....  I had fun playing with October Afternoon's Boarding Pass.  I bought it expressly for this stamp set.

I very lightly colored the words Love Letter with my BG70 Copic Marker and then gave it three coatings of clear glaze pen. 

I hope that you'll get a chance to play along in the Wednesday Stamp Club this week. After all, one lucky participant will win a gift voucher, of up to $20. Might I add that's a pretty handy prize with a new release right around the corner.  

Be sure to add your entry to Splitcoast Stampers Gallery by noon EST on Tuesday, October 4th for your chance to win!

Teasers Begin for October @ My Favorite Things

I'm so very excited for the start of teasers for our upcoming October Release. I am very truly in love with this month's Who's That Girl stamp set. The set was highlighted in mid September as part of our VIP Kit and very quickly sold out.

We'll have teasers the next SEVEN days (yep, seven!) for the October Release. All the new Stamps and Die-namics will be available at 10pm EST on Tuesday October 4th.  Join us just before that for the New Release Cocktail Party from 8-10pm EST on the MFT Forum on Splitcoast Stampers. 

The set includes two main images, our beautiful Who's That Girl and a second image with Who's that Girl and a friend.  You'll also notice that the set includes pink ribbons in two sizes, one in a complimentary size to each of the images.  Genius no?

You'll love the variety of sentiments, perfect for a card supporting the cause - or even a just because card too.  Lots of versatility.

I've used my beloved File Tab Die-namics for my sentiment. Did you see my handy video tutorial on how to shorten that up to customize based on the length of your sentiment.  You can find the video here on YouTube.

Here's a close look at Who's That Girl Chooses Hope.  

Remember to check the MFT Blog today for a full list of designers participating in previews today.  Remember to leave a little love on each of the MFT Designers blogs this week, after all, there will be fourteen prizes given away this week just before the new release party. After all, you'll maximize your chances at winning a Teaser Time Prize by leaving some love on each of the designer posts each day!

Speaking of winning, The GUEST DESIGNER CONTEST for MFT is now up and running.  Trust me when I tell you that you want to win this.  The winner receives over $125 in product from our November release, joins us in the weekly sketch challenge on Wednesdays, and participates in Teasers for next month's release. You'll find ALL the details on the MFT Forum on Splitcoast Stampers. Entries aren't due until Tuesday, October 4th at noon.  Get your thinking cap on - and prepare to WOW the judges (Myself and Jody!)

Cut and Re-cut with the File Tab Die-namics!

Today I'm using my little cut and re-cut tip to shorten the length of my Die-namics die to perfectly accomodate the width of my sentiment. I shared a little video with exactly how I do this yesterday but here's a link to it on YouTube if you missed it.

For today's card, I did a LOT of paper piecing, which for me, is my favorite technique.  I stamped the hat and the dress to both a piece of ivory patterned paper and this raspberry polka dot, I trimmed apart the pieces to make a coordinating hat and lining to her coat and dress.  I also stamped the presents to three different papers so that I could have different wrapping papers, and a little ivory ribbon too!

Patterned papers are My Mind's Eye 12 Days of Christmas. This is just my kind of Christmas paper, pink, green aqua and lot of fun!

Shortening Your Tab Die-namics for a Perfect Fit!

You know I love those Tab shaped Die-namics from MFT, but sometimes, I have a short sentiment I want to use, and the tab is too long.

Today I have a fun little tip for you - you can adjust the width of these by simply re-cutting the die for a perfectly sized tab for your sentiment. I use this little trick a lot, here's a sample and a super short little video for you showing you how I get just the right width diecut each time!

I've reached today for my File Tab Die-namics, as well as Pure Innocence: Li'l Pumpkin, my Open Scallop Doily Die-namic, the Simply Scallops Die-namic and some fun patterned paper from My Mind's Eye.

This little tip will work with either the File Tab Die-namics or the Ticket Tab Die-namics - and here's how I did it!










Thanks for stopping by today!

It's time to Get Sketchy!

Its sketch time! I seriously love a sketch challenge, and this week's one was a lot of fun to work on. To me, working on a sketch is like working on a puzzle that you've got to solve.  For some people is a crossword, for other's a jig saw.  Me... its a sketch.

Its also a great excuse to dig into my patterned paper stash.  Today it is My Mind's Eye, Six by Six, Honey Cake.   I've added Hot Fudge matting and the cardbase is Fossil.  I reached for the Well Worn Greetings Die-namics and stamp set. 

 

I've added a bit of Simply Scallops Trim, and a twill bow.  Here's a hint, I used scotch tape to hold the ribbon in place across the back to get the bow to work on that funny angle.

Now, don't forget that each week, My Favorite Things offers a prize of up to $20 for one lucky participant. Be sure to add YOUR version of this week's sketch to the Splitcoast Stampers Gallery using this week's keyword.   Did you happen to notice our fun new I {heart} Getting Sketchy little blog button?  Do you love getting sketchy as much as I do?  You can profess your love for the Wednesday Stamp Club with this little blinkie. Feel free to grab it and use it!

I hope you'll join us in whipping up a little something fantastic with this week's sketch.  Entries are due by Tuesday, September 27th at noon EST for your chance at the weekly prize.  You'll find lots of inspiration from the MFT Designers this week, you'll find a full list of participating designers, including this month's Guest Designer, on the MFT Blog.

Most of all, I hope you have fun!

Enjoy getting sketchy with us this week!

VIP - New Product Tour

Well, here we are *already* at the middle of the month, which means it is time for our newest VIP Kit. This month, we're featuring the newest Who's That Girl: Who's That Girl Chooses Hope as part of tonight's New Product Tour!

In time for Breast Cancer Awareness month, you will love the amazing exclusive stamp set "Chose Hope" included in this month's kit.  I absolutely LOVE the way these sentiments were laid out with a mixture of fonts.  You'll be able to use this stamp set all year long for cards and projects, with sentiments like "I Believe in You." or "Thinking of You."

I also {{love}} how easily you can paper piece the images in this stamp set.  There are two different main images, this one where I've used two friends together, and another one with just one Who's That Girl.

I've used My Mind's Eye Six By Six pads again, this one is the Vanity Fair collection.  Lots of mixed stitching on this - it's like my own little version of quilting.

You'll also spy the newest of the Rolled Flower Die-namics is included in this VIP Kit.  This is the Rolled Gardenia Flower. 

Please be sure to visit the MFT Blog for a full list of designers participating in tonight's Blog Tour.  

MFT @ 2Peas!

Okay friends.....I've got a fun announcement for you today!

One of my favorite online destinations, 2 Peas in a Bucket is now selling My Favorite Things stamps and Die-namics dies!  I'm so excited about this because I buy a LOT of my patterned paper from 2 Peas and I've always been a fan of the store, they've got all the hot products, so I'm thrilled that they've picked up MFT!   Hooray!

I buy a lot of my patterned paper from 2Peas - like these fun new My Mind's Eye 6x6 paper pads this one is called Blush.  I've started a little gallery over on the 2Peas site - and I love how for each little layout, you can select the products from the 2Peas store that you've used! 

To celebrate, I've created this little - okay giant (this card is 6x6) card using my Fish Tail Banner, and the Typewriter Alphabet.  I've also used my beloved Hearts a Plenty Die-namics.  Having multiple of the Fish Tail Banners makes for speedy mass production of banners.  I love that you can spell out whatever sentiment you have in mind.  

You'll find the 2 Peas collection of MFT Stamps and Die-namics here (and lots of amazing patterned paper to go with!)

Get a little sketchy!

Wednesday so soon?  This month is zipping right by!  Today I'm happy to be working with the First Class Friend stamp set and Die-namics for the My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club sketch challenge. 

This is a fabulous set for when you want to color, not stamp. This is a giant stamp set so there are tons of elements to choose from to customize your project.  I've used the cancellation mark, the "urgent" stamp, the text on the tiny little postage stamp, as well as "stamp of approval" and of course "Happy Birthday"

I am LOVING this new patterned paper Crate Paper pack Random, this is the 6x6 pad.  

Be sure to add YOUR project, with this week's keyword, to the Splitcoast Galleries for your chance at up to a $20 prize!

MFT Design Team Creative Challenge - No Coloring!

Today is the My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Challenge. After a little break from our new release festivities last week, its time for us to jump in and try something new.  Each month in our Design Team Creative Challenge, we're exploring our creative side with a specific theme, product or technique.

This month's challenge was a scary one.... 
to step back from the markers, pencils and paints
and create a project with no coloring.  GASP!

There are a few artists on my google reader that do this regularly and it is striking.  But let's be real. I was terrified....

I decided that I couldn't live with the image stamped on plain white paper, so I stamped onto a piece of ledger paper.  I loved the way the girls on the team used the First Class Friend Die-namic as a frame for their image.  So, I gave it a go.  I left the ledger paper wider and taller, and then gave it a lot of distressing and distress-inking.  Finally that frame is stitched in place. (it was bugging me not to color it... so I had to employ all my other details instead!)

I reached for Pure Innocence: Book in Hand to make a card for a little daycare client of mine who is headed off to school. Sniff sniff.  I adore this little girl and I'm SO sad!  Excited for her for school, sad for me.....

I've added a bit more color back into the project with a sentiment circle, I reached for "missU" from the Say What Stamp Set and Die-namics. A bit of the Simply Scallops trim finish off my card.

Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today for a list of all the girls participating in this (scary!) challenge!

Talk Nerdy....

Have you had a chance to work on your Sketch for You To Try submission for September? I was happy to squeeze in a little bit of stamping time over the weekend, and inked up the new a la Modes: Talk Nerdy to Me.  I paired it with my new Crate Paper Random 6x6 paper pack which I picked up recently at 2Peas. (OMG. this paper is SO fun!)

For the circular panel, I chose my Open Scallop Doily Die-namics and then reached for the sentiments included in the Say What? stamp set.

I hope you're playing along in Jen's 2011 sketch challenges, remember there's one new sketch a month, so be sure to add your sample each month! Here's the link to her official SFYTT sketch this month. Have FUN!

My Favorite Things Release Rewind

I hope you had fun with this week's New Release at My Favorite Things. This month instead of our usual Release Rewind, we've put together a little video Release Rewind.

If you haven't had a chance to peruse Teasers from this week, or to visit the MFT Boutique - here's just a glimpse of , please grab yourself a beverage, and take a peek at some of the fabulous projects created by the MFT Designers this week!

If you prefer, the video is also live on YouTube here....

Enjoy and happy shopping!

Sketch it Up!

Wow, what a week it's been! Busy busy, but oh so fun! I hope you're ready to jump into this week's Wednesday Stamp Club challenge with this week's amazing sketch.

After all that stamping for the release, I *might* just be taking a few days off to recuperate!

This is a great chance for you to play along - be sure to submit your project for your chance to win up to a $20 voucher to the MFT Boutique. Just add your entry to the Splitcoast Stampers Gallery using this week's keyword MFTWSC36.


Here's the sketch of the week, and I think you'll agree, this one is pretty easy to work with


I chose to ink up this adorable Pure Innocence: Fresh From the Oven that hadn't yet had her turn at the stamp desk (what a shame!) She's paired with some Melissa Frances paper and a little cork Hearts a Plenty Die-namics.


I will say, I really *loved* using this week's sketch, and I'm adding this to my "go to file" after all, a good sketch always makes it real easy to put together a project in a pinch! Have a GREAT day!

New Release SHOP HOP

Welcome to the MFT New Release SHOP HOP!

now that we've been taunting you for a full week the latest stamps
and Die-namics are now available

but before you shop, those of us on the Design Team
have just one last HOP for you....

Each month, there is one set that I fall totally head over heels for, and this month it is this sweet Homespun Birdhouse Die-namic and Stamp Set.....

I tore apart a cardboard box to make a corrugated cardboard birdhouse, used the included circular die to create a punchout for the front of the house. All the cardboard elements were sponged with distress ink.

I *adore* the mini-pennant Die-namics for adding a little mini sentiment to your birdhouse. And for the record, baby braddies make the cutest eyes for your little birds. (Or a french knot with embroidery floss....)

I had fun pairing it with other complimentary sets this month including the Branch with Leaves, Mini Pennants and this Woodgrain Fence.... I also reached for my Cloud Trio and some white felt and the Fresh Cut Grass Die-namics for a little scene building.

For my card today I did a little inside and out treatment using the sentiment on the fish tail banner included in the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics.

I have another fun one with the Homespun Birdhouse Die-namics
paired with All Smiles and the Tag, You're It Die-namics

I tucked this card inside my first graders bag on the first day of school. As he's headed off with a broken arm and a cast, he's a little bit anxious... and I thought this might cheer him up as he was unpacking his bag....

I'm SO excited for this month's release, and I so hope that you are too! You'll find ALL the latest stamps and Die-namics HERE in the Brand Spankin' New Category.

Now, get ready to be amazed, because
I'm passing you over to one of my dearest friends.

She's just madly talented
have a great time visiting with my friend Jody Morrow!

Welcome to the MFT Pep Rally

This month we have a fun new feature as part of the September New Release....
We've got a Pep Rally going on today featuring products from tonight's big new release!

Today I'm playing with the new Prima Donna Petals Die-namics. This is an awesome multi-piece Die-namics just perfect for adding custom details to your project.

I love being able to make a flower that matches my card *perfectly* and hey, this is a great way to use those small scraps.

I adore this stamp set - Clearly Sentimental about All Smiles, what a happy collection of sentiments! Patterned paper is Echo Park "Happy Days" seriously what a perfect pairing! I added the sentiment with the Well Worn Greetings Die-namics

I thought it would be fun to take a close look at the Prima Donna Petals Die-namics. I've had fun using this flower building set already, and I think it will get a *lot* of use from me.

I've mentioned before that I don't buy pre-fab flowers, because I never had luck having the color I needed in the right shape and size. I adore that Die-namics lets me make the flower I need in the right shape in the right color.

For those of you that are visual learners,
I made a quick video for you today as to how to assemble the flowers.
I have fallen a bit in love with this Die-namics
(which means you'll see me using it a LOT!)

If you'd prefer, I also have the video uploaded to YouTube here

Now here's a fun new item we have for you this release... and here's a hint: This will be UBER handy if you're coming to the New Release Cocktail Party as your cheat sheet for prizes, but also will be great to help you make your selections for tonight's shopping - and not leave anything behind!

I've had a BLAST stamping for you this month, and I hope you've found a few things you'll just need to take home with you this month. Hope I'll get to chat with you at the New Release Cocktail Party over on the MFT Forum on Splitcoast Stampers TONIGHT from 8-10pm EST!

Remember that there are SO many of us participating in the Pep Rally Today - be sure to visit the MFT Blog for a full list of participating designers.