Country Tag

Happy Friday, everyone! Today's All That Scraps Preview is of the new set by Cookie Crumbs Stamps called Country Shelf. The darling homespun items are designed to go on and around the shelf image, but I thought they'd also be perfect on gift tags! I made this one with the stocking image, and I paired it with BasicGrey Figgy paper and some wide striped ribbon.

Stop by the ATS Blog to see some adorable samples with more of the images from this set! All of the ATS releases will be available Monday, November 2 at 10:00 pm! :)

Well, the weekend is here! It will be a fun one, for sure! I hope it's off to a great start for you! Thanks so much for visiting today! :)

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

So You Think You Can Stamp!

Happy Thursday! I'm interrupting the previews to share this fun project with you! You probably know by now that My Favorite Things is having a "So You Think You Can Stamp" contest. The grand prize winner will receive all the new MFT releases from December, 2009 through May, 2010!! Each week there is a different "dance" theme, and the winner moves on as a finalist. This week's (Week 4) theme is "Hip Hop -- so bold it POPS!". You can read all the details HERE on the MFT Member Company Forum at SCS.

I just had to play along and make a sample for this week! I used a Perfect Packaging jar to make these Hip Hop Treats. I used Flopsey Chocolate Bunny for the "hip hop" *giggle*, BasicGrey Lime Rickey paper for the "bold", and I used dimensional pieces to "pop" up the arm and footrest on the chair.

I spelled out "yum" on the lid with Bling 'Bet, and I applied Adornments crystals to the letters. The jar is filled with -- what else? -- Kisses and Hugs. :)

It was fun to make this bright, bold treat jar. I know it will brighten someone's spirits! I hope you'll play along in the SYTYCS contest -- you have until Monday, October 2 to enter this week's challenge!

I'll be back with another preview tomorrow -- thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a great day!
Christina

New Swiss Pixies!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! I'm excited about today's ATS preview, because Christine's new Swiss Pixies are some of the cutest yet! :) This is Nora -- isn't she adorable? I paired her with a sentiment from another new set, AmyR's Christmas Words. The paper is BasicGrey Figgy. I paper pieced her outfit, and I punched the snowflakes from the paper as well. I applied rhinestone stickers to the snowflake centers, and I also embellished with some Stickles and machine stitching.

You can see more previews of the new sets on the ATS Blog. All the new releases will be available Monday, November 2 at 10:00 pm Eastern!

That's all until tomorrow -- I hope you'll stop back to see more! Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Christina

Fall Fairy

Happy Tuesday! As promised, I have an All That Scraps Preview for you! This is Fidget Goblinspider, part of the Sweet November Stamps: Fairy Sweet line from new illustrator Amy Young. Isn't she cute? I used BasicGrey Indian Summer paper and turned her into a fall fairy! I colored with Copics and applied Stickles to her wings. The sentiment is from Thank You Sentiments by AmyR Stamps.

All of the new ATS releases will be available Monday, November 2 at 10:00 pm Eastern. Until then, stop by the ATS Blog for more previews -- and find out how to win a set of your own!

I'll have another ATS preview for you tomorrow, so I hope you'll be back! Thank you so much for visiting today! :)

Have a great day!
Christina

Back to Some Stamping!

Hello, friends! Happy Monday to you! I realize that my posts have been a bit sporadic lately -- life has forced my stamping and blogging to take a back seat (I hate when that happens!)! Subbing for most of the last two weeks caused other things to slip, and I spent much of the weekend catching up on laundry, housecleaning, errands, and bills. Plus, both Kyle and Megan are winding down their seasons in soccer and cross country. Kyle's soccer team is in the post-season tournament, and they play their next match tonight -- then again later in the week when they win. Megan did very well in her cross country meet Saturday in Louisville and earned a spot in her team's JV regional meet tomorrow. There has been a need for more "Mom" time than "Designer" time lately, but I wouldn't have it any other way! :)

I hope you'll be glad to know that I will have plenty of stampy fun for you in the next week -- it's New Release time! I'll have some ATS previews for you starting tomorrow, then the MFTeasers will follow! YAY! Today, though, I have a card to share featuring one of the new images from Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps. I fell in love with these funky and sassy Moonlight Whispers images, especially Francesca! Just look at that stack of cupcakes! :)

I used BasicGrey Urban Prairie paper, and I colored with Copics. I grabbed some embroidery floss and added stitching to a SU! felt flower, and I also machine stitched around the background paper.

This card is already in the mail to my sweet friend Joanne -- Happy Birthday, girlie! Stop by her blog and give her a little birthday love! :)

I'll have my first All That Scraps preview for you tomorrow -- I hope you'll stop back! Thank you so much for visiting today!

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Keepin' It Simple, Vol. 2

Happy Friday, everyone! Today I have another Keepin' It Simple installment for you. I used the Papertrey Ink sets Rustic Branches and First Fruits to stamp this clean and simple card. I stamped the wreath three times, in SU! More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie, and Really Rust. I stamped the sentiment from First Fruits across the center of the wreath in Chocolate Chip ink, then I added some Stickles to the berries.

The only other elements are scoring, a scalloped edge, and this gorgeous suede ribbon from My Favorite Things. I stamped a matching envelope, and ta da -- a quick and easy Thanksgiving card! I could easily change this up with different colors, sentiment, or ribbon -- lots of possibilities from one simple card!

As always, thanks so much for stopping by today! I do appreciate it SO much!

Have a fantastic Friday! :)

Christina

ATS Challenge: Tall Card

Hi there! Happy Wednesday to you! I'm STILL subbing, and I'm still trying to get a grip on my schedule! LOL! I did sneak in some stamping time last night, because I wanted to make a card for this week's ATS Challenge. The challenge is to make a tall card. This one is 6.5" tall and 3.5" wide.

I used this adorable Witch Emma, and the paper is BasicGrey Eerie. I colored the image with Copics, then I cut it out and popped it up on dimensionals. I embellished with ribbon, button, twine, brads, and Drippy Goo punch.

Guess what? The ATS challenges have a new home! You can find them on the new ATS Challenge Blog. Each Wednesday a new challenge will be posted, and you can link your own cards to the challenge posts! I hope you all will check out the samples and play along with us!

That's all for today! I'm off to begin another day with second graders -- I'm really going to miss them when their teacher returns! She's been really ill, so say a little prayer for her!

Thank you so much for visiting today! I'm always glad when you stop by!

Have a wonderful Wednesday! :)

Christina

Take Time

Hello, friends! Happy Monday to you! I'm trying to get myself back into some kind of a routine after subbing last week. Actually, as you read this I'm subbing again for the 2nd grade! It's been fun, but it's been a little difficult juggling everything! Our weekend was a busy one, but I did get a little bit of time to stamp last night -- yay!

This card was made with Take Time to Savor, part of the Zenspirations line from American Art Stamp (which is on sale 30% off right now, along with all the other AAS images!). I tried to channel the spirit of my friend and AAS design teammate Amy, who always does such great things with rounded corners and the Top Note die. :)

The paper is from the Earth Love Mini Deck by Cosmo Cricket. I colored with Copics, sponged the edges of the image panel, and added some Stickles to the cattails.

That's it for today! I hope your week is off to a great start -- thank you for stopping by to visit!

Have a great day!

Christina

Out of This World!

Happy Friday, everyone! It's been a busy week of substitute teaching -- three days in the 7th grade, and today I'll be in the 2nd grade! I've really enjoyed it, and it reminds me how much I love and miss teaching. The only problem is that it has really put a dent in my stamping time! Luckily, I found this card I hadn't yet shared with you. I had made it earlier this month for the My Favorite Challenge to "get digital." I used the digi papers (and this adorable Love Machine image) from the Mr. Roboto MFT September Kit.

I gave some color to the image with Copics and a Stardust pen, and I added some brads from the kit to his body. See the little gear in the corner? I used my circle punches to make it. I'm working on a tutorial -- I hope to have it soon! :)

Well, I'm off to spend the day with second graders -- wish me luck! I'm itching to get some stamping done, so hopefully this weekend I'll get busy!

Thank you so much for visiting -- have a fantastic Friday!

Christina

Keepin' It Simple

Happy Wednesday, everyone! This week, I began doing some substitute teaching at my girls' school. I'm also in the process of making card sets to sell at my friend's store. On top of that, I'm trying to juggle my family's ever-crazy schedule and my stamping commitments. SOOOO, my focus has been on Keepin' It Simple. The sets of cards I'm selling are all clean and simple designs that will hopefully appeal to everyone. Here's a sample!

I used the Papertrey Ink sets Believe and Snowflake Serenade, and I stamped the images on shimmery white cardstock. Rhinestone stickers, white organza ribbon, and a snowflake punch are the only embellishments on this simple white card. I stamped coordinating envelopes and packaged them in a set of four.

I'll have more Keepin' It Simple installments for you in the upcoming weeks -- with the holidays right around the corner, I need to simplify all I can! :)

I hope you are having a good week so far -- I'm so glad you stopped by today!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Christina

Monday Morning Stretch

Happy Monday, everyone! Today's card features Side Angle Pose from American Art Stamp. Oh, how I wish I could start my Monday morning like that! Instead, I'm sucking down coffee as fast as I can so I can just wake up! ;)

I colored the image with Copics and sponged the edges with SU! Soft Sky ink. The paper is from October Afternoon. The sentiment is from Inspirational Words, also from American Art Stamp.

It's a cool autumn morning here in Northern Kentucky -- we're starting in the 40's and working up to the 60's. I truly do love this time of year! Well, I'm off to get some laundry done and get the house back together after the weekend! I hope your day is off to a good start -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a great day!

Christina

ATS Friday Review: Pond Life

Happy Friday, everyone! I can't believe another week has come and gone! Today I have a review of the newly-released set called Pond Life. It's from a new illustrator, Heather Rolin. I just love her style -- the images are adorable!

It's a pretty clean and simple design. The paper is from my new Cosmo Cricket Earth Love Mini Deck. *squeal* I love it! I colored the images with Copics. I cut out and popped up the dragonfly, and I applied Stickles to the wings. I decided to place the sentiment inside the card -- it says, "A true friend is you friend."

Stop by the ATS Blog later on today to see what the other girls have done with this set!

It's another busy day at the Fischer house -- the kids are off school, Kyle has a soccer match this evening, and my high school reunion is tonight! EEEEK! I hope your day is a great one -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

Meet Me Under the Mistletoe

Happy Thursday, everyone! We had a lot of fun at the My Favorite Things Release Party last night! There were lots of prizes given away, and Kim announced the new contest, So You Think You Can Stamp!

Here's a card I shared last night. The image is from the new MFT set Santa Baby. I colored with Copics and added some Stickles. Before I adhered the ribbon, I gathered it at the top by pulling on the stitching from the end . I sponged everything (including the ribbon!) to give it a more antiqued, vintage look. The paper is the new Eskimo Kisses by BasicGrey.

I have two kids off school today for fall break -- all four of them will be off tomorrow! It looks like our weekend has already begun! :) I hope you're having a good day -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Christina

MFT October Blog Hop!

Hi there! You've made it to my stop on the MFT Blog Hop! If you didn't start at Kim's Blog, be sure to go back and start from there -- you don't want to miss any of the details of this month's release! It's a Brand Spankin' New MFT starting tomorrow, October 7! This release is a big one, with SO many great sets! Tonight I'm happy to be showing you Sweetie Pie Flopsey. It's no secret that I {heart} this little bunny! :)

I paired Flopsey with this October Afternoon paper to create a card that's as sweet as cherry pie! The image is colored with Copics, and I cut out and popped up the chef's hat. Some machine stitching and a lace edge punch give it a vintage kitchen look, don't you think? The other sentiments in the set are great for giving homemade baked goodies or sharing a recipe -- perfect with the holidays just around the corner!

Don't forget to join us for the Release Party tomorrow night from 8-10 pm Eastern on the MFT Member Company Forum at SCS. There will be more teasers, lots of chatter, and plenty of prizes up for grabs! Believe me, you want to be there! :)

That's all for my stop -- now make your way over to see what Frances has planned for you! It's sure to be something wonderful! I'm headed over to check it out myself! Thanks so much for hopping by!

Christina

A Balanced Holiday

Hi there! Happy Tuesday! Today's MFTeaser is of the set A Balanced Holiday. When I saw this set I immediately thought of this project -- a Countdown to Christmas Frame! It will definitely help me keep things balanced this Christmas season! :)

I purchased the frame at Michaels. I just love that the opening is at an angle -- perfect for the theme! I covered the frame with paper, then I sanded and inked the edges. I screwed two cup hooks into the frame. They were red, but I colored over them with a Copic marker to make them brown. I printed out the numbers and "Days 'til Christmas" on the computer. I punched out the numbers and matted each on a scalloped circle, then I inserted eyelets into each number so it could hang from a hook. Finally, I stamped, colored and paper pieced the image to place inside the opening. I added some MFT Adornments crystals to the tree.

Here's a closeup of the image. So cute and fun! :)

Tonight at 10:00 pm Eastern is the MFT Release Blog Hop! There are SO many great sets in this release -- you won't want to miss all the eye candy! Then be sure to stop by the Release Cocktail Party Wednesday from 8-10 pm Eastern. There will be more teasers, lots of chatting, and prizes, too! You can get the scoop HERE on the MFT Member Company Forum.

I'll be back tonight for the Blog Hop -- I hope you will, too! Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a great day!

Christina

MFTeaser!

Happy Monday, everyone! Today I have my first MFTeaser of the new October sets! Every one of them is just SO cute! Today's peek is of the set In the Background.

See the panel with the lines on it? That's a background stamp! I stamped the image in Riding Hood Red ink on vanilla cardstock, then I trimmed it to the panel size I needed. The tea kettle is paper pieced. You know how much I love this Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper -- it's just perfect with this set! :) I distressed all the edges and embellished with ribbon, button and twine.

You can get the scoop on all the new releases HERE on the MFT Member Company Forum at Splitcoaststampers. They'll be available Wednesday, October 7 at 10:00 pm Eastern. Join us for the Blog Hop tomorrow night at 10:00 pm and the Release Party Wednesday from 8-10 pm!

Well, I'm off to the pumpkin patch with Caroline's kindergarten class! It's going to be a beautiful fall day here -- I can't wait! Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a great day!

Christina

Sunday Supper: Cauliflower-Cheddar Soup

Happy Sunday, everyone! I have a quick post with today's Sunday Supper recipe. I'm headed back to the soccer field this morning -- Kyle's team won all three games yesterday, so the tournament continues!

It was cold at the field last night, and it's cold this morning, so I'm thinking that this soup might be the perfect thing to warm us up later!

Cauliflower-Cheddar Soup (from Gooseberry Patch Christmas Kitchen)

2 T. butter
1/2 onion, chopped
3 c. cauliflower, coarsely chopped
10-1/2 oz. can chicken broth
2-1/2 c. milk
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1-1/2 c. shredded cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat; saute onion until tender. Stir in cauliflower and broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, or until cauliflower is tender. Combine milk and flour until smooth; add to saucepan. Cook and stir over medium heat until boiling and thickened. Remove from heat; add cheese and stir until melted. Add salt and pepper to taste. Serves 4.

Don't forget to check out all the All That Scraps previews on the ATS Blog. They're all being released tomorrow (Monday) night at 10:00 pm Eastern!

I'll be back tomorrow with my first MFTeaser of the October releases! I hope you'll stop back! Have a great day -- don't forget to spend some time around the supper table!

Christina

Birthday Wishes

Happy Saturday! Did you know that it's World Card Making Day? There's a huge celebration over at Splitcoaststampers -- you can check out all the fun HERE! Unfortunately, I don't know that I'll get much of a chance to participate -- our day is already filled! Megan has a cross country meet at 10:00, and Kyle has his first game of the Regional Soccer Tournament at 12:30. With any luck, he'll keep winning -- that means two more games today!

Anyway, on to my card! It's another All That Scraps preview -- the set is Swiss Pixie Birthday Bash by C.C. Designs. The paper is from the BasicGrey June Bug paper pad. I colored with Copics and sponged the edges of the image and sentiment with SU! Certainly Celery ink.

Don't forget to stop by the ATS Blog to see more previews and to find out how you could win a set of your own! All the new sets will be released Monday, October 5 at 10:00 pm Eastern.

Well, I'm off to begin this busy day! I hope your weekend is off to a great start! Thanks so much for visiting!

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Meet Birgitta

Hello, everyone! TGIF!! Meet Birgitta, the newest of the Swiss Pixies by C.C. Designs. I colored her with Copics, then I doodled some white dots here and there to mimic the dots on this gorgeous BasicGrey Indian Summer paper. I also sponged around the image panel. I embellished with felt flowers, Sunflower Dew Drops, Fleur de Lis punch, and machine stitching.

Would you like to win Birgitta -- or any of the other new All That Scraps stamps? Then stop by the ATS Blog to comment on the Preview Posts! All the new releases will be available Monday, October 5 at 10:00 Eastern.

That's all for today! I'll have more stampy stuff to share tomorrow -- I hope to see you then! :)

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

Blessed Christmas

Happy Thursday, everyone! Today I have another All That Scraps Preview to share with you! The image and sentiment on this card are from the set Reason for the Season by Cookie Crumbs Stamps. I just love the sweet, homespun images in Diane's sets! :)

I kept it simple -- just the image panel, sentiment, some BasicGrey Wassail paper and a big bow! I colored with Copics and sponged around the image and sentiment.

All of the new ATS releases will be available Monday, October 5 at 10:00 pm Eastern. You can stop by the ATS Blog to see more previews!

Thank you so much for visiting today! I'll have another preview for you tomorrow, so I hope you'll stop back! :)

Have a wonderful day!
Christina