MFT Previews Continue - You Spin Me

Everyone loves a little fun in the sun, including our sweet friend Fred Bear! Welcome to day TWO of Teasers from My Favorite Things.  I've sort of been a stamping maniac, so I have previews for you every day of Teasers - stay tuned all the way through Tuesday June 5th at 10pm for the upcoming release!!  There are LOADS of fun goodies to share, so you won't want to miss a single preview day.

Don't forget to head over to the MFT Blog to see what my friends on the DT have put together for you. There are TWO stamp sets previewing today, so you won't want to miss a thing! 

I'm using the new Fred Bear and the Pinwheel. I added the sentiment to the Mini Tabs Foursome, and added the Button Quartet from corrugated cardboard.   The little pinwheel was stamped to two different patterned paper scraps and then pieced back together. A teeny, tiny little rhinestone is stuck into the center of the pinwheel. 

I'm usually pretty timid when it comes to coloring fur, but I grabbed lots of my brown markers and spotted and speckled the heck out of Fred. (And then fought my compulsive urge to blend it all out.) 

Here's the full stamp set of Fred Bear and the Pinwheel, he has three sweet sentiments to pair with the image....

Pattern paper today is Dear Lizzie: Neapolitan....  I'm loving the pink and green combination, so you can count on seeing lots of this fun paper again in the very near future. *wink*

Don't forget to head over to the MFT Blog to see what my friends on the DT have put together for you. There are TWO stamp sets previewing today, so you won't want to miss a thing!

Stamp to Win with MFT!

We're jumping right into MFT Teaser Time, but why don't you go ahead and join us for the Wednesday Stamp Club sketch this week? It's a great chance to earn a little extra shopping money to spend at the next release...

As I promised a few weeks ago, I'm *trying* to not use my newest stamps for the WSC and share some love for my older and still amazing stamps from My Favorite Things.  I have quite the collection of Pure Innocence images, and I dug through looking for a springy one for this patterned paper.  If you want a peek at ALL of the PI's you can find the full collection HERE.  This sweetie is You're So Tweet which I've cut my main panel with the Rectangle STAX and then used the Circle STAX for the semi circle in the layout.... just a little bit of scalloped trim peeks out from the bottom, I like lifting those edges forward for a little extra dimension. I used the Simply Scallops Die-namics for a petite scale detail....

I added the sentiment to the inside, with the images stamped lightly in a "watermark" style....

a little bit more of the scalloped trim and the same patterned papers finish the card off

Here's this week's fun layout! I really hope you'll play along with us. Check the MFT Blog for all the participating designers.  See  you at midnight with another MFT Preview!

MFT Previews Begin - Godspeed

I'm so excited that it is finally time to share all the latest stamps and Die-namics for the upcoming release from My Favorite Things on June 5th. I've been having a BLAST getting ready, and I've made a complete disaster out of my stamping area.  I have projects to share every day between now and the release!  So get ready for lots of fun.... Here are the details about the upcoming release on June 5 at 10 PM EST:

• You can attend the New Release Party on June 5 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 June 5 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 June 5 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

We're kicking-off Teasers for MFT with Who's That Girl from Godspeed.  She's a breeze to paper piece and you'll love the huge assortment of sentiments included. The other image in the set is also incredible and it is Who's That Guy as a soldier.  This patterned paper is Studio Calico and I have this gorgeous striped twill ribbon, both of which are from the Ribbon Carousel.  

Did you see the *amazing* new STAX Die-namics that will be joining the MFT Lineup? It's the Traditional Tags STAX and I simply can't get enough of this one (you'll see it a bunch from me this week....)  I love being able to make my own tags, in a bunch of sizes. Outstanding for sentiments, or main panels, or even stand alone tags.  

Be sure to stop on over to the MFT Blog for a full list of designers with samples for you today. And don't forget to leave all the girls a little love. There are two $10 prizes awarded for each day of Teasers. 

See you tomorrow!! 

Homemade & From the Heart

For today's project, I've used my MFT Stamps and Die-namics to dress up little treat.... I've created a gift pouch out of a brown paper lunch sack and then embellished and filled it with my favorite cookies. 

As a mom of two kids with severe food allergies, I'm very frequently making home-made treats.  I have a fun little packaging to share with you today.  It is created by folding up a regular brown paper lunch bag.  These would be perfect for tucking a little something into your kids lunch boxes, or a thoughtful favor if a friend stops by for coffee.

I've tucked a hand stamped recipe card for the little back pocket, but it could just as easily hold a little note.  In this week's Feature Friday video I'll show you how easy it is to create the paper pouch and then step by step how I embellished it.  I'm using the Tag, You're It stamp set, as well as the Fishtail Flags STAX Die-namics.  Just a quick bit of embellishment with the Hearts a Plenty Die-namics and the Button Quartet Die-namics. The main panel is cut with the Circle STAX Die-namics.

Here's the recipe I use from Smitten Kitchen (my favorite foodie blog) only I sub in chocolate chips for walnuts, and craisins for raisins.  Oh my lord, they're so tasty! I still have one left with my name on it, the other two are treats for the boys...  I added the recipe title with the Typewriter Alphabet.  I cut the recipe card and its matching matting with the Rectangle STAX.

I've got a step-by-step video to share with you today, which shows how I create the paper pouch, and also how I embellished it.  You can find it here on YouTube if that's easier for you.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! If you make a little paper pouch, please leave me a link, I'd love to see what you're up to!

Get Sketchy with MFT!

It's sketch day over at My Favorite Things and this tall and skinny panel had à la modes all over it for me.

I picked an oldie but goodie, What's Cooking and paired it with this fun new paper from Dear Lizzie - Neapolitan. Today, what's cooking is Oatmeal Raisin cookies from my favorite cooking blog: Smitten Kitchen.  They're delicious.  And I figure they have oatmeal and fruit in them, so they're healthy right?

I'm lately loving the combination of Sweet Tooth and Fossil Cardstock.  I think Ivory and Kraft are best friends, especially when adding a generous helping of Distress Ink to all the edges.....  

My Pretty Posies Die-namics are at work today (I really love that set...) and I added Maya Road Wood Buttons for the centers. I threaded with Honeydew Twine to coordinate with her fun paper pieced mixing bowl....

Be sure to check the MFT Blog for a full listing of designers with samples for you today.  And you'll want to be sure to play along for your chance at the prize, selected at random. A little extra spending money never hurts, especially with a new release just right around the corner! I've been stamping my brains out to get ready for Teaser Time and I'm super excited to share what comes next! 

It's Time to be a VIP!

Oh my goodness people, I'm so, very very excited about this month's MFT VIP Collection!  This month MFT is offering the Fun in the Sun VIP Collection you'll want to be sure to grab yours as soon as possible, because the VIP Collection kits will often sell out.  And, otherwise, these two new images, and two new Die-namics dies will not be available for sale again until Jun 5!  

I was lucky enough to spend a week with my family in Hawaii this spring, I had such fond memories of our trip while making this little card. I kept the layout simple, diced the sentiment apart, and then stitched int onto the main panel.  I'm using my Circle STAX Die-namics (I like having both sets for really close layers like this...) and slowly stitched all the way around the main panel.   I used an assortment of light brown Copic markers to make the speckled sand at her feet.  Ugh, I wish my feet were in the sand right now, instead it's been raining here for days.  .... sad...

The new Die-namics Hibiscus is completely spectacular.  Do you see the amazing embossed detail on the leaves?  Yes, I'm pretty much in love with this die....

This month's kit includes the following: 

• Pure Innocence Hula Girl stamp set
• Pure Innocence Sprinkler Girl stamp set
• Fun in the Sun Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again $9 value, FREE)
• Hibiscus Die-namics
• Notched Border Die-namics

Remember to check the MFT Blog for a full list of designers with samples to share with you this evening!

You're So Bubbly

I'm pretty bummed out that its raining today.  Rainy daycare days are certainly trying when you're home with little ones.  The kids get really wound up, and there just isn't enough coffee in the world on days like this.  Thank goodness I've got dinner already in the crockpot... 

The best days are when it is sunny and we can go out and kick a ball, blow bubbles and play on the swings. The kids love helping me pull weeds in the garden too.  Which is an excellent motivator, since I loathe that chore...

This little Pure Innocence: Blowing Bubbles is going to be a birthday card for one of the cuties.  She's a real sweetheart, this teeny-tiny little girl, who will very shortly be turning three.  The tiny flags are from my Die-namics Fishtail Flags STAX. 

How fun is this new Doodle Deux patterned paper from Prima?  I paper pieced the tiny little shirt and gave her a grey little skirt.  I {heart} grey.... there is just so much of it in my closet, that and a boatload of denim. 

I'd bookmarked this week's Sweet Sunday Sketch from my friend Karen Giron and was excited to stamp away while watching the House Series Finale last night.....  

Okay friends, see you tonight for the MFT VIP Collection and again tomorrow for the Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch.  

So Sweet...

Good morning everyone! I hope you had an amazing weekend and that just maybe, you even got to squeeze in a little crafty time.   I've been busy getting ahead for some upcoming deadlines, all I can say is there is a whole lot of awesome coming up soon from My Favorite Things, I think you'll love it as much as I do...

Today I'm sharing a project made with one of my favorite items from last month's release, Vertical Greetings 2.  I'm using some pretty pattern paper from Pink Paislee and a bit of vintage seam binding.

Since the sentiment only takes up the top bit of the coordinating Die-namics, I cut it again from patterned paper to fill up the bottom half of the shape.   Then all the edges were softly inked with my distress ink and blending tool for a little aging....

I've been tweaking my camera settings, and playing around with lighting, and I'm excited, you'll see what I mean over the next few days, I'm loving the new photos, I wish I had this card still to re-shoot but I used it as a birthday card for my dear cousin.

Did I mention that I also have my sweet blog-designer working on a new blog design. I'm pretty excited about all of that.  Good things are coming. (((love))

What's more, I'm entering my last two weeks of work as a childcare provider.  If you didn't know, I've been running a home childcare business for the last nine years, and I now have only four sessions left.  I can't believe it.  Lots of changes here at home, and I'm so very excited.

have a great day everyone!  See you tomorrow night for the new MFT VIP Collection!

Berry Sweet

It is nearly time to pick berries here in New England... so I decided today that  it was time to pair my My Favorite Things Die-namics Berry Box with some new, summery patterned paper.

I've used the Circle STAX inside and out so I could tuck the sentiment on the inside of the card.  Remember, if you purchase both the Set 1 and Set 2 STAX you'll be able to get close layers like this.

I'm using Simple Stories: Summer Fresh, I love the bright, happy, and homespun feel to this collection. I pulled together a coordinating thank you card using little Pure Innocence: Berry Girl.  She's been finished with a little bit of paper piecing (If you're not familiar with the technique, you can find a how-to video here.)

I tied a quick Cheater's Bow using the Wild Cherry Ribbon.  (If you're having a tough time with bow-tying, the Cheater's Bow might work for you.  You can see how to tie one on this video.)  

While I was at work, I set up my camera so that I could share a quick How-To video showing how the Berry Box Die-namics works.  You'll love the embossing features on this die.  The Die-namics will pre-score all your fold lines to speed the box assembly and create a beautiful debossed seed pattern.

I added two berry flavored candies inside each of my Berry Boxes, and tucked eight finished berries inside this fun ceramic berry box I picked up on a recent trip to the mall.

Have a wonderful day! The weather here is supposed to be completely spectacular this weekend.  I hope you enjoy every minute of it!

You Lightup My Life

It's time for another Wednesday Stamp Club sketch from My Favorite Things.  I was feeling a little rusty after a few days without any crafting (...those kids keep me busy...) so a sketch was just what I needed to get back into the swing of things.

I hadn't had a chance to ink up the new à la modes: Lightbulb Moment from the last release, and this week's sketch was just crying out for an à la modes.... 

I'm expecting some new paper any day on delivery from the Ribbon Carousel, so I in the meantime, I sifted through my older pads of paper to tide me over.  This is October Afternoon: Farmhouse paired with a bit of text printed paper from my scrap bin. My card stock choices today include Black Licorice, Fossil and Sweet Tooth all from MFT. 

I did fool around with the sketch just a little, subbing in a flag banner for my sentiment and added in a grosgrain bow too.  Here's this week's sketch for you to play along. Remember that if you don't have the exact shapes outlined in this sketch that you can just get inspired by the sketch and tweak it as need be...

You'll find a full list of participating designers on the MFT Blog today.  You can see what the other designers used for that label shape...  I'm pretty interested to see how the girls incorporated that element too!  

Cheers to You!

I'm not sure if you've picked up the new Indie Chic patterned paper from My Mind's Eye, but I pretty much have fallen in love with this paper.  I had fun mixing and matching them and using it to put together my project for my Feature Friday project today.  The Let's Toast Die-namics and stamp set is fabulous for dressing up a bottle of wine, or even a fancy bottle of water. 

In today's video I'll show you my project start to finish, and also share with you how to use the STAX Die-namics to create this fun frame for my sentiment.  I've also shown step by step how to create this layered Fringed Perennial Die-namics. 

For me, I love using Brilliance Ink for a nice full coverage. It's worth the extra drying time....

As you can see, I've used my Fishtail Flags STAX Die-namics.  By the way, these are a great way to use some leftover patterned paper.  Since it is a tag (and doesn't need to get stuffed into an envelope), I'm free to let the flag ends hang below the bottom edge.  And voila! Gift tag for a hostess gift, mother's day treat.... lots of gift giving possibilities here!

Here's my newest video showing how I put this together in lots of detail. Thanks so much and have a truly wonderful weekend!

All stamps and Die-namics are from My Favorite Things

You're a Stitch

Okay, so I cheated and skipped a week of the My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club challenges, but I'm jumping back up on the horse.  This week's sketch grew into a square for me, versus the original A2 in the sketch, but you see where my overall inspiration was right?  

After all the crumpled edges on my card yesterday, I went ahead and crumpled all those edges to go along with the vintage feel of this fun stamp set.   I'm trying to stick with using some older stamps and Die-namics for the Wednesday Stamp Club challenge as I have um...quite the collection and its a good excuse to keep them in the rotation.  I used the Sew Nifty stamps and Die-namics for my card today.

I mixed it up using this new My Mind's Eye Indie Chic patterned paper and a bit of seam binding for my ribbon.  The Mini Tabs Foursome is at it again (those haven't left my desk lately.)  I've used Fossil Cardstock for the matting and Sweet Tooth Cardstock for the card base. 

Here is this week's layout, I hope you'll come and play along. Remember to have your sample to the Gallery at Splitcoaststampers by Tuesday May 15th for your chance at the weekly prize at random.

If you're looking for more sketchy inspiration remember that you'll find a full list of participating designers on the MFT Blog today.  Thanks and have a GREAT day!

Want to WIN over $200 in stamps and Die-namics from MFT?

If you love My Favorite Things, then you won't want to miss out on our Guest Designer Challenge where you can WIN over $200 in stamps and Die-namics!  The winner joins us for our Wednesday Stamp Club challenges as well as Teaser Time for the following month's release.

And now, you've got a full month to enter your submission.  This month, the challenge is a sketch challenge!  How amazing is that?  Of course, I had to pull together a little sample for you using this fun little sketch.

I'm using the à la modes: Picture Perfect stamp set which I've paired with my new My Mind's Eye Indie Chic patterned paper.  My accents are all with the Black Licorice card stock, and just a smidge of Fossil Cardstock for my sentiment.  My Mini Tabs Foursome comes to the rescue for the second time this week. Really, they're pretty fantastic if you didn't pick them up yet.... My flower embellishment was created with the Pretty Posies Die-namics cut from a scrap of text printed paper.

I added a little touch on my patterned paper that I haven't done in a while. (I've been too afraid of messing up my nails.)  If you only secure the middle of your patterned papers, you'll be able to pry up the very outer edges after any stitching and lightly distress with your fingernail.  This is an especially cool effect with double sided paper.  You can even ink up those rumpled edges slightly too for a little extra dimension on those crumpled edges.  And besides, you don't need that much adhesive if you're sewing - it will serve only to junk up your sewing machine by sewing through that....

So, here's the details on the MFT Guest Designer Contest. But you'll find ALL the information on this thread. You can enter as many times as you would like, but you may enter ONLY a CARD. One card per entry. Submissions are due by June 4th at 12pm EST.  (Please note: this is 24 hours earlier than past deadlines as we need plenty of time to consider all of the entries.) 


My best advice is:

1) Take GREAT pictures of your project.

2) When posting on your blog, show us how YOU will represent MFT should you win the contest.

3) Put effort into your card. The prize is HUGE and the honor is HUGE.

4) Have fun!

We're looking for well- executed cards and great technical work.   Jody and I are the contest judges and will announce the winner at the Release Party on June 5th at 9:15pm EST.  The winner of the contest should plan to participate in 3 (of 5) Teaser Days as well as the release blog hop.

Here's the sketch for you to follow to play along, and I really really hope you will!