Pure Innocence: Butterfly Kisses

Is it okay to say that I've got a crush on my own project? I couldn't wait to ink up this adorable Butterfly Kisses stamp set - one of five new releases that will be available on Tuesday night at 10pm EST.

I added a little MFT Adornment to her hairclip, and lots of glimmer to her wings with a Stardust Pen. You'll see my new, beloved, Simply Scallops Die-namics stitched down the front, and I've added a teeny flower from the Flower Trio finished with a button and a bit of twine.


I went ahead and used up lots of the paper - its My Mind's Eye Fine and Dandy to finish off the inside, using all the same elements (the second of the petals in the Flower Trio) as well as the Layered Label Die for my sentiment placement.



I {heart} Pure Innocence and I have another one saved up for you for the Release Blog Hop on Tuesday night.

Be sure to visit the MFT Blog today for a full listing of all the designers participating in Teasers today! I'll see you tomorrow with another one!

MFT's Guest Designer Contest -

Good morning everyone! I am SO excited to be one of the hostesses for this month's Guest Designer Contest for My Favorite Things. The Guest Designer contest is YOUR chance to win the following month's release - this case, January's release, and join the Design Team in daily previews.

My sweet friend Lisa and I are the hostesses this month, and we have a FUN challenge for you! Designed around one of the things that we both love to do best!

Stitch It Up!

Wow us with your stitching this month for the Guest Designer contest....you can use hand sewing, machine sewing, faux stitching or adding sewn embellishments. We'll be looking for really clever ways to add handmade charm to your projects this month, be creative with any type of stitching in your work this month.

Now, if you don't have a sewing machine, that's totally fine, there are so may ways to add hand or faux stitched details to your project too! We'll be looking for the most clever and charming entry to win our hearts - and of course, to win the upcoming release too!

You'll find all the entry details on THIS thread on the MFT Member Company Forum.

So with that challenge in mind are you ready to see my sample? I used the sweet Pure Innocence: Don't Open Until (currently out of stock - sorry!) for my sample, and colored with Copics for her face, but used my Prismacolor Pencils for the image. I added cross stitch detail to my panels, and to adhere my Die-namics Hearts A Plenty die (part of our last VIP Kit and available as part of our December 1st release!)


I love adding a mix of both hand and machine stitching to my projects, I think it lends such a sweet charm. I also love any sort of *extra* that you can add to your Die-namics to personalize your project....


To coordinate with my card, I added a mini tote created out of felted diecut squares. They've been machine stitched together and then I hand stitched on a handle from Twill Tape, buttons and of course, a stitched Die-namics Hearts a Plenty diecut.

Currently this tote is holding a Gift Card Sleeve, but don't you think a little girl would love filling this with hairbands, or tiny trinkets, or a few dollars to go shopping with mom?


I can't wait to see YOUR samples for the MFT Guest Designer Contest - What will you Stitch Up? I'm sure you will all AMAZE Lisa and I!

Greatest Hits - Pure Innocence

Good morning!! I'm sorry for my long absence from blogging - my husband and I headed off on a weekend adventure to California, and I had a million things to do to prepare, and thus no "pre-blogging."

Today however is a FUN day! The girls on the My Favorite Things Design Team have prepared our monthly Greatest Hits group posting for you today and this month, it is focused on Pure Innocence. YEAH! If you didn't notice - I truly adore this line.

Greatest Hits is such a fun posting each month, when we take a particular line of stamps out for a little fun. Bringing our "older" stamps out to play with our "newer" paper and accessories!

I've paired "Merry Kissmas" with the new Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather paper, my Little Open Scallop Strip, and the Polka Dot Greetings Die-namic (sorry, currently out of stock....)poking out as a tab.

I'm finally getting into the habit of cutting matching paper twice, for an inside and out look. For me, this is especially helpful since I have such a hard time fitting greetings onto my cardfront. (And, um, it also justifies my excessive paper purchases? *giggle)

Be sure to visit Kim's blog today after 11 am for a full list of designers participating in Greatest Hits today! Its so fun to see the variety in what everyone chose to work with!

Sweet Dreams

Oh the only time I really love a Monday is when it is Pure Innocence Teaser Time. I've been DYING to share this card with you.


As you can see, I went to town paper piecing this scene, PJ's, the bedding and coordinated sheet, a matching lampshade. Fun times! I've used the Polka Dot Greetings Die for my sentiment placement and you might recognize the sketch from Mercy's sketch last week.

I took an extra minute to stamp the image with light grey ink to a piece of white cardstock, and added the sentiment "You're a dream come true."



This is one of THREE new Pure Innocence sets that will appear as Teasers today. Be sure to hop around to see what the other girls on the team have put together for you today. Kim will have links to all the participating designers today at 11 am EST.

Don't forget to leave a little love wherever you stop today, because each day two stamp sets are for grabs, you'll never know who the blog candy holders are... check Kim's blog each day to see if you've won!

Paperie Princess

Sorry that its been DAYS since I've posted anything.... I've been busily preparing for MFT's next release, and creating samples for my November classes. (Sorry, such a tease!)

And here's a confession, when I'm working on class materials, and new release samples, my stamping space gets TOTALLY trashed. As I was trying to restore some order the other day, I ran across this sweet scrap of paper from Girls Paperie. And decided that it needed to get matched up with MFT's Pure Innocence Princess stamp. Right away....

Because after all, it is a shame when cute stamps, and sweet papers don't meet up... right? This morning I'm rushing off to a soccer game with the little guy. After a great deal of moaning and whining last week, he had a great time. Lets hope that this week we're able to skip the moaning and just move onto the fun.... fingers crossed.

Sweet Sunday Sketch

Happy Sunday everyone! I am SO in love with this week's Sketch from Karen that I've created two cards this weekend with the sketch. One is for today, one is for this coming Wednesday's MFT VIP kit. Isn't it great when a fabulous sketch inspires you to KEEP creating. I love that.

For today's sample, I played around with my Pure Innocence: Birthday Princess stamp set, and some fun new paper from My Mind's Eye - Animal Crackers.

Of course, I had to incorporate some ledger paper, because lately it is a *must* on any project I'm working on.

And if you're using ledger paper, then you really just HAVE to pull out the new MFT Die-namics - Notebook Edge Die to give it a little extra "something" and of course, with all these layers, and patterns, there's nothing to pull all the elements together like a bit of stitching right.

You see why my most favorite cards take forever to make - but these are the ones that I tend to love the best...



Be sure to head on over to Karen's Blog, see her stunning sample, and of course add YOUR card using her fabulous sketch with her inLinkz widget. This week's sketch was drawn by Nancy McKinney who is playing along with us too - so be sure to visit her, thank her for the sketch, and see what she's whipped up for the occasion!

Of course you'll want to hop around to visit all the Sweet Sunday Sketch Samplers, because its always fun to see how everyone has interpreted the sketch each week. Its time to grab a cup of coffee and peruse the samples, have a SWEET Sunday everyone!

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

Shop Hop Time!

Hope you're having a blast hopping through this month's Shop Hop to celebrate the official release of all the latest goodies from My Favorite Things. Between all the cute new stamps, and all the amazing new Die-namics dies... there is a LOT of goodness to be added to your stamping collection this month. (see if you call it a "collection" it seems so much better right?)

You should have started up at Kim's Blog - you won't want to miss a single stop tonight because these girls always bring their A game to the Shop Hop!


As a mom of two (superhero obsessed) boys, you have to know how I love this little Pure Innocence Super Boy. You could work this up for Halloween, but it also is just perfect for a card for the little hero in your life.

And thinking of all things boy-ish, I think you'll adore the newest Die-namics on the block..... if you haven't seen it just yet, take a peek at the new Star Border.

I'm sure you'll agree that it is just perfect for a quick little accent right? I often want to add a little trim, but my scallops aren't the right choice for a boy. And now, I've got stars. Yeah!!

The sentiment was tucked onto the projet with a little mini-binder clip - I'm in a schoolish mood since both my boys started school this week. I'm in awe that BOTH my kids are in school now full days. Time flies eh?

Now, its time for you to fly on over to visit Sherrie. If I know one thing, it is that her project tonight will blow you away, her work is always simply stunning. Have fun, and happy shopping!

My Balloon - Happy Birthday

Good morning and happy Friday everyone! This morning I've got an interview for a daycare client for for the fall - please cross your fingers for me, and then we're taking the boys off to the city for the day!

We're going to the Children's Museum, and then headed to see Cirque du Soleil - a total surprise, they have no idea! So excited for Fun Family Day!

Today I have a little Pure Innocence: My Balloon cutie to share with you. I picked up this bright and cheery Echo Park Paper at my LSS and I thought all these vibrant colors would look great with a pop of black. I love the look!

I had a little birthday card to make for a client of mine, and I love that I can personalize them to look just like my little friends.

You'll see that I'm still on a bracket bonanza with the Framed Greetings Die-namics die. You'll see that I cut one bracked with the gingham paper and then split it in half, decorating the top and bottom elements of the square panel. I tell you, just love that die! But I think you *might* have noticed that right?

MFT's Shop Hop - Are We There Yet Gift Set

Hi everyone and welcome to this month's MFT Shop Hop! I hope that you've popped on over from Jessie's blog, if not, please take a moment to start up at Kim's Blog so that you don't miss any of the projects that the team has put together for you today!

I'm working with the new Pure Innocence set titled "Are We There Yet" and I put together a little giftie for Kim's daughter Emma. Emma will be joining us at CHA this summer, and what little girl wouldn't like a little set of goodies to keep her occupied on her journey?

I created the luggage tag/bookmark first - she is of course fully paper pieced. I propped her sunglasses on top of her head. Mine are usually a headband instead of eye protection anyways.

You'll spy the new Die-namics Framed Greetings Die which I've foled in half for a tab. I love multi-purpose elements like that. SWEET!

You'll see that I added a bit of Jumbo Scallop Die-namic too. I sewed all the layers in place for extra durability.

I tied it to a little cello bag with MFT's Creme Cotton Ribbon and filled the bag with the essentials for a six year old, a new pack of crayons, a lip gloss, a package of silly bands and a pack of gum.

The flip side of the tag/bookmark has a space to fill in her address, and I stamped her name with the new Banner Day Alphabet. The little sentiment "Jet Setter" cracks me up.

And of course, she'll need a journal to document her travels, take notes, or just color. I used the new Banner Day Alpha and Banner Day Die-namics die to customize the front of a Composition notebook - everything is anchored in place with Zip Dry - my fave glue for alterables!

I hope that Emma loves her little gift set, and also, that it eliminates Kim and Martin having to hear "are we there yet?" at least a few times!

Thank you SO much for stopping by tonight, your next stop on tonight's Shop Hop is the amazingly talented Sherrie! Happy Hopping & Shopping!

Go Team! MFT Pure Innocence Previews

Monday of MFT's release week means one thing - Pure Innocence previews! If you haven't been following along, we've been previewing new stamps and accessories since Saturday, and will continue to have new things to share until Wednesday July 7th!

You still have time to enter this month's Guest Designer Contest, which is, of course, your chance to win the full August release and join the Design Team in daily previews! You'll find all the information on the MFT Member Company Forum on Splitcoast.

Today I have a sample of Pure Innocence Cheerleader to share with you, and yes, you may remember that I warned you, I *love* the new Jumbo Open Scallop Die-namics. So yes, I'm using it again today. I think it is just the perfect accent no?

Be sure to hop on over to Kim's Blog today after 11 am to see a full list of designers participating in previews today. There are three new PI's previewing today, so you'll want to pop over there so that you don't miss a single bit of cute eye candy!

Best Medicine

Oh Mondays are always so fun when it is MFT Preview Week - let the Pure Innocence Previews Begin!!

Don't you love when you trip across a piece of patterned paper that you've been hoarding, I mean, reserving for a long time and then finally make a project out of it?

I've had this piece of Graphic 45 for, oh at least a year and was thrilled when I decided I needed a bit of blue something to go with this adorable new "Best Medicine" stamp set from MFT.

I've put my new Die-namics Scallop to work with a piece of ivory felt this time. Swoon, I love the clean look of the cut, I love it paired with the ivory twill. Fuzzy and cozy, just what a get well card needs right?

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog today after 11am for a full list of designers participating in previews today! Between new stamps, and Die-namics I'm sure there will be a lot of eye candy today!

PI Preview

Who says Monday morning has to get off to a rough start? I've got some My Favorite Things Pure Innocence previews for you today, which I hope will put a smile on your face.

Up first is "Make Mine a Double" and I cut into the GORGEOUS new paper from the Girls Paperie that I've been coveting since I saw it pop up during CHA previews. Isn't this sweetie's paper pieced dress too cute?

I popped up the ice cream one level for a little added detail, and also just because I'm crazy like that with the paper piecing. I also stamped a second band for the detail strip on her dress.

Finishing accents include lots of machine stitching, and some twill tape (thanks to Sherrie, I'm now addicted to the stuff!)

Up next is our little PI celebrating as the queen for the day. Again, with the paper piecing. *giggle* For this card, I've used an MFT Fossil Scalloped note card. Such a fun little size. I'm adding this to my birthday stash for all my little friends! Isn't her little crown so sweet?

Patterned Paper here is My Minds Eye Quite Contrary.

I've added a coating of Glitzy Glitter to the cake, because really, shouldn't frosting be nice and sugary? Mmmmm.

And, because I've been having SUCH fun playing with these cuties, I've got a third sample for you!

Check out this studious little cutie pie. Patterned paper is Material Girl from Cosmo Cricket, and I actually even used a piece of patterned paper with my apron lace punch. Why hadn't I thought of that before, because I love it!!

I must say, it was one of those patterned papers that I had no idea what I'd do with it... but it works just great as a punched accent. Once I liked that... I also took that same patterned paper, punched a small circle, coated it with Glitzy Glitter and added it as a center of my flower accent.

After I finished coloring the image, I soaked a scrap of denim fabric with blender solution and pressed it against the little colored skirt. It transferred the texture of the denim right onto her skirt. I love the little bit of texture it adds to the project.

Be sure to check Kim's blog today after 11am for a full list of designers participating in previews today! Tomorrow is the Jolinne preview day - I'll see you then!!

You Make the Grade and Paper Piecing Tutorial

Are you excited that today is the preview day for My Favorite Things February release for Pure Innocence?

This month, there are three new sweeties for you to scoop up, and I adore all of them.... but today I'm here to share "You Make the Grade!"

I happened to have just one sheet of this October Afternoon apple patterned paper left, and I thought it was just perfect for a school-ish card. I'm so glad I'm a paper hoarder, because then I always have the one I need...lol!!

I decided that it was time for me to work on a little video tutorial for Paper Piecing. After all, it is one of my most favorite techniques.

(Can I just say that somehow, iMovie always picks the worst frame ever to make the still frame -- am I right? I look frightening in this shot... how nice!) If you'd prefer, you can also view the video on YouTube here.

Paper Piecing is a wonderful way to add texture, pattern, color and dimension to your projects. And little details make all the difference. Don't just add the clothes, and leave elements like body parts, sunken... trim out all the extras for a perfectly pieced look! If you're not familiar with the process you can see all the details on my little video right above!

Be sure to stop by the MFT Blog today after Monday at 11 am EST for a full list of designers participating in previews for Pure Innocence today!

And, for your chance to WIN the full March Release and join the Design Team for one month, be sure to check out this month's Guest Designer Contest hosted by Frances and Cindy! Entries are due by Tuesday night - so ladies... get stamping!! You'll find the full challenge details on the MFT Member Company Forum!

MFT's January Guest Designer Contest!

You may have noticed that the MFT Design Team has started with previews for this month's release.

Which means, that its also the time that we announce the Guest Designer contest for January.

If YOU would like to win the full February release for free and play along with the Design Team for next month's launch - then this is YOUR chance!!

My sweet friend Christina and I are the hostesses this month, and when we chatted the other day, we wanted to have something related to the New Year, and here's what we've got....

USE BLING! That's right, to celebrate the hope of a shiny new year, bring out your bling and let it shine!

Christina and I have both used the Bling Bet set, along with MFT's Crystal Adornments. Here's a little hint..... I've also used two varieties of a product that I am completely in love with that MFT will now be offering.

My little Pure Innocence sweetie is truly in a winter wonderland inside her shaker case. I'm seriously loving these things.

Be sure to stop by this thread to read all the details on the contest, and I really, really hope you'll play along.

Also, be sure to stop by Kim's blog today after 11am for links to all the girls on the team who have samples today!

I'll be back with a preview tomorrow from the new release! I've had a blast working on samples, and totally can't wait to share everything with you!