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! 

You're an All Star!

If you've been following along with the My Favorite Things releases for a while, you'll know that the mid month release includes two a la modes. These cling mounted sweethearts are quickly becoming a "go to" part of my stamping collection.

Today the designers are showcasing All Star - which will be available for sale beginning TONIGHT at 10pm EST. I'll be back to share the newest Who's that Girl as part of our VIP Kit tonight at 10pm too! Get ready for a FUN blog hop!

Till then, here's my sample of the latest a la modes, and be sure to visit the MFT Blog today for a full listing of all the designers with samples today!



Here we go mixy match again. I've got the new red polka dot from October Afternoon's Modern Home Maker, Striped paper from Girls Paperie (the green on the banner is the reverse of the blue stripe) - the yellow polka dot and the houndstooth are both unknown, from my scrap pile! The scrap pile gets a LOT of use lately thanks to Die-namics.

The number pattern is a Cuttlebug Embossing folder...which has been getting a little workout lately. The pattern is just subtle enough to fit in with anything!

The inside was finished off with all the same elements, and the sentiment - congrats onto Kraft paper. I'm liking trying to make my insides just as detailed as the outsides, and it helps me churn through the aforementioned scrap pile too!

Here's a fun tip for this new a la modes - I made short work of paper piecing my banner by using the Die-namics Banner Die! Fun, right?



Thanks for stopping by today - see you tonight for the VIP Shop Hop!

a la modes: Key to My Heart

Today we've got teasers lined up for the second of our new a la modes stamps this month, today you'll meet Key to My Heart. This little beauty, with her pretty hair and tiny waist... I'm a little envious of her adorable features, and she's so fun to color!

I've picked some feminine papers from the Cosmo Cricket Togetherness paper pack, and used a bit of my favorite striped ribbon from that company that my friend Carole refers to as "Big Stampin'"


In order to accommodate my large sized bow, I used a nestie to cut a half circle notch in my finished panel to slide the bow right up over the bottom edge of the panel. The sentiment is nested in a half circle off to the side....its been sort of a while since I've added a ginormous bow... I think I've missed them!

Be sure to check Kim's blog today after 11 am for a full link list of designers participating today, and we'll see you tonight for the 10pm EST Blog Hop featuring our latest VIP Kit!

a la modes: Cheers!

Happy Monday everyone! Surprise, we've got a la modes Teasers for My Favorite Things both today and tomorrow, and then the VIP Hop on Tuesday night. (I told you, this month is flying by....)

This past weekend, I made a new friend at a Christmas Party. It is called a Pointsetta. And I don't mean the flower.... You can get the recipe for this tasty, and festive adult beverage here... and don't forget to add a few fresh cranberries for garnish... Mmm. They go down easy, perhaps a little toooo easy?

So today, my a la modes: Cheers isn't drinking your average bubbly, she's enjoying a Pointsetta. Trust me. You'll love the stamp, and the drink too!

Be sure to check Kim's blog today after 11 am for a full list of all the designers working with Cheers today. And I'll see you tomorrow for a peek at the other super cute a la modes tomorrow morning and this month's Who's That Girl at the VIP Hop tomorrow night! Have a great day!

Greatest Hits: à la modes - and a little enabler alert....

I am really excited that it is time for My Favorite Things Greatest Hits again. Its the time when we take a specific line of stamps out for a little walk, pairing up some of our *older* sets with the latest paper and accessories. Its a nice time to visit with all the stamps on my desk.....

Today we're all working with the à la modes line. This sweet line was introduced this summer, and I would declare it a runaway hit! These adorable tiny girls, paired with oversized images. Today, I'm using Time to Celebrate

I couldn't help but dig into some new paper that I picked up while teaching this weekend. It is Melissa Frances paper, and just so super super cute..... I paired it with the Die-namic Banner Strip Die and some new Chocolate twine that I picked up last week. ....warning.....I think I'm in love with chocolate twine.....

Do you see that the cake is decked out in Glossy Effects. My kids couldn't help but touch that frosting this morning and thought the effect was pretty cool.

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog today at 11am for a full link listing to the sixteen designers playing along today! But before you go - ENABLER ALERT!

MFT's Christmas Comes Early Promotion

MFT loves to spoil our customers and this week is no exception. Christmas has come early for YOU. From December 7 though December 9, our MFT Santa will be slipping a little something extra into your "stocking". With each order of $25 or more (not including tax or shipping) placed during the promotion period, you will receive a FREE surprise gift with your order. We have a ton of gifts under the tree, and we'll pick one out just for you. It could be a stamp set, ribbon, or other crafty product. It'll be a surprise, so please don't send Santa a list. *wink*

Enjoy today's Greatest Hits posts and happy shopping!

Poppin Petal Treat Trio

Hi everyone! Today I've got a fun project to share with you using one of MFT's Templates. Since I am the proud owner of a new Cricut, I used the Poppin Petal Treat Trio SVG files, but you can also use the "print and cut" files if you don't have a digital cutter.

It is so handy to be a crafter particularly this time of year when you need little hostess presents, or thank yous for special people like the mail lady, the bus driver, school secretary etc.


The three little boxes can be filled with whatever YOUR recipient enjoys - tiny tea light candles, chocolate covered cranberries (YUM!) Hershey Kisses, or even the Via instant Starbucks coffee.

I printed out the box template three times out of Girls Paperie Twig and Tinsel paper and then cut the carrier with some Bazzil cardstock. Using my Cricut I cut out all the pieces in my stamping area, then carried my Scor Pal and the pieces up to my TV to watch a movie while I assembled.

I have a few tips and tricks for embellishing your carrier --which I thought I'd share.

I printed out coordinating handles from this fun red and white paper in the Girls Paperie Collection. The template will cut out a total of four handles. Two for the outside, and another two to go on the inside, so that it is finished inside and out. (so smart right?) I added MFT Baby Braddies both for extra strength for the handles, and also because they are cute.

If you wanted you can also stitch the handles in place - so long as you do your stitching before you assemble the carrier. It goes through easy peasy as long as everything is still flat!


The template also cuts out these little half moon shapes. They are coordinating box flaps. I used both sides of the patterned paper a little mixy-matchy feel. After filling the boxes, I just added a little ribbon bow (keeps me from eating the treats inside, and also, I love the contrast of the black gingham with the green, red and ivory)


For the front of the carrier, I added a label cut from the Die-namics Polka Dot Greetings, and stamped a sentiment from Merry and Bright and cut that out with an oval die. I added a Die-namic Let it Snowflake with felt and a Divine Twine tied button. Look how nicely it coordinates with my Miss You a Latte card from last month for a fun coffee themed gift set!

I really do hope you'll try out the MFT Templates for some of your holiday gift giving! I have got to say this was such a fun project to work on!

Happiness is Handmade

Yesterday, I spent from noon till 7pm in the kitchen. First it was 60 cookies for the second and kindergarten class celebrations, then it was cleaning up that mess and making dinner.

Then I decided since I'd already trashed the kitchen, that I might as well go ahead and make Pumpkin Whoopie Pies. Since, after all, I'd roasted and pureed a pumpkin for that reason the other day....

At 8pm after I'd cleaned everything up, and frosted the pies, I realized that I really, and I do mean REALLY needed to color something. To sew something. And, this week's My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club theme was just perfect for my day of baking.

Tag, You're It!

One Pumpkin Whoopie Pie with Cream Cheese frosting, in a glassine bag. Handmade tag tied on with gingham ribbon and linen thread. Happiness really IS homemade.

And, if you haven't picked up this adorable a la modes: What's Cooking - you might want to reconsider. She's totally fabulous, and in my case, exceptionally useful!

Be sure to play along with us in the Wednesday Stamp Club challenge adding YOUR tag to the SCS gallery using the keyword MFTWSC10272010

What's Cooking.....

I'm behind the eight ball in that I hadn't had a chance to ink up my new a la modes which were released from My Favorite Things this past week. And Mercy has a great, multi-layered sketch this week - I had to *stretch* the square panel on her sketch in order to make it work.. but I love it!

I picked up this fun paper from Little Yellow Bicycle at my LSS the other day, I did add in sentiment treatment using my Polka Dot Greetings Die-namic Die, and of course I created a "bow-tunity" using my favorite twill ribbon. I knew it would be just perfect for What's Cooking

Lately, I'm getting into the custom of finishing off the inside of the card - I just re-purpose some of the scraps leftover from my card, and a light grey ink, was just perfect for stamping the image again to the inside.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend! I'll be back tomorrow morning with my Sweet Sunday Sketch creation! Have a GREAT day today!

Sweet Sunday - Miss you a Latte

Today is going to be a two-fer posting day for me. I've got my Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge card now, and a little later, I'll have a post with a preview of one of the upcoming stamp sets from My Favorite Things.

What a fun sketch Karen has in line for us all this week, I can't wait to see what everyone does with that tiny square in particular. Me, I knew that this was the day I got to play with a little stamp that's been patiently waiting for me. Miss You a Latte

If you didn't already pick up the two newest a la Modes- you'll want to be sure to add them to your cart for when you check out - how can you not love this girl with the giant coffee cups? Too cute!

I'm (obviously) in love with this patterned paper from Girls Paperie - Twig and Tinsel. I used one of the red patterns to paper piece the red cups - I'm sure I'm not alone with getting a little bit excited when the red cups arrive for Christmas. Right? Then I added in the kraft holders, you know the ones that keep you from burning the skin off the palms of your hands?

In place of the square panel, I added one of the new Let It Snowflake Die-namics which will be released this coming Wednesday. Trust me people. You need this one. Need it. Finished off with a red button and a bit of Baker's Twine.

Be sure to stop by to see all the Sweet Sunday Samplers - and of course to add YOUR sample to Karen's blog too! I can't wait to see what you create!

• Karen Giron
  
• Jennifer Tapler
• Karen Motz
  
• Laura Fredrickson
• Lynn Put
• Sarah-Jane Kale
• Vicki Burdick

a la modes - Candy Cane Kisses

I had my class up at Ink About It this past weekend, and was I ever thrilled to find out that that they already had the new Tinsel and Twig collection from The Girls Paperie. I prompty scoffed up all of the papers (um, as well as the Toil and Trouble collection.)

And, as any kind friend would do (...once they've safely secured their own stash...) I made sure to tell all the girls in my class that this would be my newest obsession, and that as long as they happened to be in the store, that they might as well save the gas for a return trip, and simply pick up the Girls Paperie collections then. *giggle*

I also gave the girls a heads up that they'd soon be seeing the newest a la Modes from My Favorite Things, and hooray, today's the day! Today I've got the super cute Candy Cane Kisses to share with you - isn't she adorable?

Her teeny coat is paper pieced with one of the Tinsel and Twig patterns and I cut out an extra candy cane so that the layers were all correct. Remember, I'm a bit nutty about paper piecing, you always want to make sure to take care of the extra little layers so that no pieces are "sunken"

A set of Baby Braddies from My Favorite Things adorn each of the stitched corners on the main panel. And since I was having fun dicing up all the papers, I finished up the inside of the card adding extra scraps, stitching and the sentiment inside.


You'll remember that the a la Modes are My Favorite Things cling mounted stamps. You'll see the first four stamps in the collection here - I'm sure you'll love the adorable illustrations, and the clean, crisp impression from the cling mounted rubber.

Be sure to stop by Kim's blog today after 11 am EST for a full list of designers participating in previews today. I can't wait to see all the new cute samples!

Time to Celebrate!

I have got to say that I LOVE the new line of stamps from My Favorite Things - the a la Modes. There are currently four of these beauties available (and more on the way eeeks!) but this cutie pie with this giant whimsical cake called "Time to Celebrate." Is it me, or is this illustration seriously, seriously cute?


I'll admit that I have had this sweet stamp set on my desk top waiting patiently for me to kit my local MFT Classes (my second one is this weekend and its sold out - hooray!) helping Kim with some class materials for her for the end of the month, and the recent TCP Release.

As long as you've got paper and stamps already out, why not finish off the inside of the card too? This set has so many sentiments I couldn't help but tuck another one on the inside!

So once the *work* (...can I just say that I love that designing is now actually party of my JOB!) was done I was thrilled to just PLAY around a little bit!

Today is a daycare day for me, I'm still doing that two days a week. Tuesday & Thursday I've got five three and under, YIKES. They're cute but seriously I'm so tired by the time they all go. You can bet I'll be asleep at a reasonable hour tonight instead of stamping the night away.... thank goodness tomorrow is Friday!

Feelin' Groovy

Today lots of girls on the MFT Design Team will have samples to share of the latest à la modes girl, but I am, a day late, and a dollar short. oops! My crazy summer schedule is getting in the way of my stampin....

So, while the rest of the team has samples of the uber cute new "time to celebrate" à la modes, I have a sample of "groovy girl" she's the cutie pie new stamp set that everyone else showed you yesterday.

I picked up this sweet Echo Park patterned paper at my LSS the other day, and I was dying to put it to use. After all, isn't it just perfect for a flower child like miss à la modes?

Her little dress is paper pieced with the yellow daisy paper, and the peace sign was pieced with the orange zig zag.

You'll recognize this fun layout from Mojo Monday. I totally love it. Oh, and how could I possibly forget, I've used the MFT Open Scallop Dienamic across the top of my card - love this layout, I wouldn't have thought to put the scallops UP there.

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog today after 11am EST to see who's got samples using "time to celebrate"

Remember that two new à la modes are MFT's cling rubber and they will be available tonight, along with this month's VIP Kit. Speaking of VIP Kit, you'll want to stop by tonight for our VIP Hop so you can see the newest Who's That Girl, fall in love, and of course, add it to your collection!

a la modes Shop Hop

I hope you've enjoyed our fun little surprise with the release of the a la modes. Aren't they adorable? I seriously can not wait to see what they do next.

If you've just hopped over from Jessie's place, then you're in the right place, but if you just happened across our hop, be sure to start up at the MFT Blog so that you don't miss any of the samples from the team!

These foam cling rubber stamps are a dream to work with, and I love the crisp images!

You'll see I'm back to one of my new favorite papers, this fun camera print. Would you believe I bought it weeks ago with this stamp in mind, but couldn't wait to dig into it!

Both of the new a la modes, both Picture Perfect, and Birthday Girl are now available in the MFT Shop.

I've also added the MFT Die-namics Jumbo Ric Rac and the MFT Felt to my project as well. Seems I just can't make a card without those elements anymore *giggle*

Now, be sure to stop by Julie's blog to see what she's put together to celebrate the release of the a la Modes! Have a great time hopping along and happy shopping!

the a la modes: Birthday Girl

I hope that you just LOVED the a la modes yesterday from MFT, and well, today we have another one to share with you, this one, is the Birthday Girl!

You can probably imagine that my Jumbo Scallop Die-namics never seem to leave my desktop, I simply adore them. You'll see that I've also put the new Die-namic Rolled Flower to work, with a little Glittered Garnish in the center. I hope you'll humor me as I continue to play with this Creme Cotton ribbon, it truly is my very favorite accent lately - I mean it goes with absolutely everything!

I've paper pieced the dress as well as the cupcake liner so that everything would coordinate perfectly.

Don't forget that the a la modes are available only in rubber, and let me say, I've had SUCH fun working with them. Wonderful impression, gorgeous coverage!

Be sure to stop by Kim's blog after 11 am today, to see a list of all the designers participating in today's previews. AND, here's an extra treat - tonight at 10pm we'll have a little a la modes Shop Hop ready for you as the two new stamp sets are added to the MFT Store.

Introducing the a la Modes in Picture Perfect

Are you ready for a little surprise? To keep the MFT birthday celebration going, Kim has a surprise release this week. Seriously, how FUN is that?

Introducing the a la modes! This is a fun new line of stamps that I've been just SO excited to work with. Here are a few important pieces of information about this new line:

a la modes will be available only in rubber

Each set is produced in the USA using the highest quality rubber, with the deepest etch possible.

Each image and sentiment is backed on cling foam and scroll cut, making it ready for stamping right out of the bag!

Packaged in a clear hang bag, we've also provided the ideal storage solution by including a thick laminated header card in each set that can be used to store the stamp set, in its entirety after purchase.

$10.95 for the 3 x 4" set.

Here's a little peek at the set in action - this sentiment cracks me up "Oh Snap" I've added a bit of the Open Scallop Die-namics cut out of the MFT Felt. Have you tried it, it cuts like a dream!! Patterned papers are all an assortment from my scrap pile a little bit of everything.

Be sure to stop by Kim's blog today after 11am for a full list of designers participating in previews today! I know you'll just LOVE the a la modes! Be sure to hop on back tomorrow to see another one!