The New Release is Here!

I'm excited that the newest release is here, and at last it's time to shop. But first I've pulled together a few items with some of the amazing elements included this month.

I couldn't help but make one more card with the Gift Card Greetings and Gift Card Pocket.  This is a *must* have if you ask me.  I'm using the Steel Grey Cardstock for all my matting here and a Whip Cream card base.    Instead of stamping directly to the Gift Card pocket (which is pretty cute too) today I've stamped to a Square Stax (which I matted with another Square STAX) and then stitched all around the B and crumpled the edges. This just gives a little more dimension to the pocket. 

You all know by now that I'm obsessed with these Fishtail Flags Die-namics.  Here's just a closeup of how I often attach them.  I'll stitch one on zig-zag style, then go over the second one with a straight stitch.  The edges are crumpled and distress inked on the top.  I've used a Snow Cone Button to anchor on top.

On the bottom edge of the Fishtails I like to roll the edges forward. Again, they're given a pretty decent swipe with some distress ink. 

Gift Card Greetings is also a sweet match to last year's Let's Toast Die-namics.  I put together a little wine bottle gift tag, after all, that's often a go to hostess gift for me. Now I've got a pretty wrap all ready for the holidays!

Can we talk for just a minute about the incredible coverage with the new MFT Ink?  This is Wild Cherry on Kraft Cardstock.  I'm SO impressed with the solid coverage.    Here's a close peek at the new Dainty Bows Die-namics.  I've cut it from Wild Cherry Felt. It's a little more durable than paper, the bow won't get crushed and oh my goodness, I just love the texture it adds.  

I really wanted to get another scrap book page done, but instead I spent hours reviewing and editing over 400 photos from my boys soccer games this weekend. I guess you can look forward to a soccer scrap page soon?

However, I did want to show another project using the fabulous new stamps from Laina Lamb Design.  If you picked up the Insert It 3x4 Die-namics this month, you're already one step ahead.  You can pair it with the new Calendar Basics and Days and Dates.

I used this the other day to make a valentines card, but as I'm currently SWIMMING in Christmas papers, I wanted to make one of those too.  You can use this set to create a custom card, or scrapbook page for any favorite date of the year!  Again, here's the Wild Cherry ink on Kraft Cardstock. So luscious!  The calendar is a perfect fit for the 3x4 Insert from last month's release.

And how much do I adore the Poinsettia Die-namics.  It's cut from Wild Cherry Cardstock, and finished with a Wild Cherry, Hemp Cord tied bow.  You'll see I found a place to tuck in a few more Fishtail Flags. By folding on the score lines on the center of each of the Poinsettia Petals, you'll get this gorgeous molded flower.  

Here's a look at the full card.  This one was so fun to put together. I'm loving embracing this new stampy, scrappy style.  (I think my markers might start to pitch a fit soon that they haven't been properly excercised!)

I hadn't had a chance to play with the new Snow Drifts Die-namics and the beautiful new Santa's Sleigh.  Together they make for a beautiful fresh and clean Christmas Card.  This would be easy, peasy to put together for your Christmas cards - you'd crank your die-cutting machine a bazillion times, but I'm sure you have plenty of TV to catch up on with your DVR right?

I tucked the sentiment onto a Fishtail Flag STAX.  This sweet "Merry Christmas" is from Lisa's Stitched Stockings Stamp Set. I added a Wild Cherry Button and a set of Royal Leaves to decorate the sleigh.

Okay, here's my last HURRAH for the new release.  I'm really, really excited to share my  Christmas Countdown Calendar!!  Since I first saw the Decorative Circle Tag STAX I knew precisely what I wanted to use them for.  My kids were so excited watching me make this, and then I set it all up to stage a photo.  They're now not so pleased that it is tucked away again for a few weeks.

They are really looking forward to adding each of these little tags to the mantlepiece to help count away the days till Christmas.  I've taken pictures in three sections because it is impossible to get clear photos of larger sized items like this.  

To begin, I cut out 24 Decorative Circle Tags STAX from assorted patterned papers.  I also cut 24 of them from Steel Grey Cardstock.    I cut each of the Steel Grey ones 1.5 inches from the top and stitched in place.  Then I cut the numbers 1-24 with the fabulous new High-Rise Numbers Die-namics and added in place with liquid glue.

I'm using mini clothespins to attach each of the countdown numbers to the baker's twine garland.  My little boys will be able to add these each day to the garland, easily, and it will come apart just as easily so I can tuck it away to use again next year!

I've anchored the garland to the mantle using the beautiful new Jumbo Snowflake Die-namics.  I cut it from felt and then added it to a coordinating cardboard version for stability - otherwise they'd fold over and be floppy.  Each snowflake was adorned with a Snow Cone Button tied with Hemp Cord.

I do have some recommendations to cut this snowflake from felt.  It looks so pretty, but you don't want a "hairy" snowflake. You can get the very cleanest cut by following these steps.

Be sure to use a quality felt, like MFT Felt.  The acrylic felt you'll find at the "big box" crafty stores doesn't work well.

Use the Metal Adaptor plate that is sold at www.mftstamps.com it will add increased pressure to your cutting stack, especially with finely detailed intricate cuts.

I added a cardstock shim to my sandwich stack too. The little felt pieces popped right out without any "hairy strings" that you can sometimes get when you cut felt.

Okay PHEW! You made it through the longest blog post EVER!  Be sure to visit the MFT Boutique to pick up your favorites from this month's INCREDIBLE release.

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