Sunday Supper: Chicken Italiano

Hi there! Happy Sunday! It's been a while since I posted a Sunday Supper recipe -- I guess that's because we haven't had enough time for family suppers lately! I'm planning to serve this meal this week -- if I can get all my kids home at the same time! This is great served over pasta or rice.

Chicken Italiano (from Gooseberry Patch Slow-Cooker Recipes)

2 to 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 10-3/4 oz. cans golden mushroom soup
2 14-oz. cans diced tomatoes
1 c. onion, chopped
1t. dried basil

Arrange chicken in a slow cooker. Mix together remaining ingredients and pour over chicken. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 hours. Cut or shred chicken into bite-size pieces before serving. Serves 4 to 6.


Today is Day 2 of MFTeasers! Stop by Kim's Blog to see the list of designers who have previews for you! I'll have my first MFTeaser tomorrow -- I hope you'll stop back!

Have a great day, everyone! Don't forget to spend some time around the supper table! :)

Christina

Flower Power!

Hello! Happy Saturday! Our favorite little monkey is back in the new CC Designs set called Flower Power. Here I paired him with one of the sentiments in AmyR's All Women set. I thought he was perfect with this Daisy Bucket Playful Petals paper. I colored with Copics -- everything else is pretty self-explanatory! :)

Stop by the ATS Blog to see more samples of this set! All of the new sets will be available at All That Scraps Monday, February 1, at midnight.


Today is also the first day of MFTeasers at My Favorite Things! Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am to see which designers are previewing today! Also, see how you can be the next MFT Guest Designer by checking out the Challenge HERE!

That's it for now! Thank you so much for visiting!


Have a great day!
Christina

For Grandma

Hi there! TGIF! Today's All That Scraps Preview is of the set All Women by AmyR Stamps. The set is filled with wonderful sentiments for all the special women in your life. Here I made a tag for my grandma, which I can use on a card or a gift bag.

I used some of my beloved October Afternoon Cherry Hill paper. The vintage patterns remind me so much of being a kid at my grandma's house. I added to the vintage look with a button, twine, machine stitching, and stitched ribbon. {Tip: if the stitching in the ribbon is too "white" for your project, color over it with a Copic marker!}

Please stop by the ATS Blog to see more samples with this very versatile set! Don't forget, all the new ATS releases will be available at midnight Monday, February 1!

I'll have another ATS Preview for you tomorrow! Thanks so much for the visit today!

Have a fantastic Friday!

Christina

Sugarplums Party

Happy Wednesday, everyone! It's my favorite time of the month -- time for previews!! I'll have a few days of All That Scraps previews, followed by MFTeasers! First up is the newest CC Designs Sugarplums set, Sugarplums Party. Oh, I DO love the images in this set! Everytime I work with the Sugarplums I just have to smile! :)

I colored with Copics and paper pieced his clothes. I kept the embellishments to a minimum, since this card is for a boy. Besides, there's enough color in this fun BasicGrey Lime Rickey paper! I did add some interest by embossing the orange panel with my Cuttlebug and Number Collage embossing folder.

Be sure to stop by the ATS Blog to see more samples! All of the new sets will be released at midnight on Monday, February 1, at All That Scraps!

That's all for now -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a great day!
Christina

Easy Peasy Gift Tag

Happy Monday! Here's an easy gift tag which is perfect for Valentine treats or any gift! I had made it as a sample for the MFT January Guest Designer Challenge, and I completely forgot to share it here before now!

I used MFT's Bling 'Bet and Polar Love, and I accented with MFT Adornments Crystals and Princess Ribbon. The top tab is embossed with my Cuttlebug and Heart Blocks embossing folder.

I like finding fun ways to use the letters in this set -- there are so many possibilities! :)

Thank you so much for visiting today! I hope your week is off to a good start!

Have a great day!
Christina

Brrr...

This week's Ways to Use it Challenge at Splitcoaststampers is Cut it Out -- cutting out the image or sentiment. I realized I'd done that a few times recently, so it was a perfect challenge for me!

I used two sides of some October Afternoon Night Light paper and some of my favorite All That Scraps stamps to put together this card. I do love this Cocoa Emma sitting on the Park Bench! The sentiment is from Snowflake Stamps by AmyR Stamps.

I colored, of course, with Copics. I used paper snips and a craft knife to cut out the images, then I popped them up on dimensionals. I sponged around the sentiment and also mounted it on dimensionals. I did some distressing and machine stitching on the paper panels.

That's it for today! I'm hoping for some stamping time today -- I need to work on previews for the upcoming ATS and MFT releases! Each month the images get better and better! :)

Thank you so much for visiting today -- I always appreciate it when you stop by!

Have a great day!

Christina

Lovin' from the Oven!

Hello! You've come to my stop on the MFT VIP Blog Hop! If you haven't seen all the fresh-baked goodness so far, go back to Kim's Blog and start from there! This month's VIP Package is available TODAY only -- you can get the newest Who's That Girl set in your hands two weeks early! :) It won't be available again until it is released with all the other MFT February stamps on Wednesday, February 3.

Here's what you'll get in your MFT VIP Package:
Lovin’ from the Oven (WTG for February)
Bakery Blend Buttons
Bakery Blend Ribbons
Sugar Glass Glitter
Sakura Clear Glaze Pen
Plus receive a FREE Clearly Sentimental about Food stamp set (value $9)

Did you know that Kim is now carrying BasicGrey Nook and Pantry 6x6 paper pads? It's the perfect paper for this set, don't you think? :)

Anyway, on to my card! I gave it some homespun flavor with lace, machine stitching, and MFT Buttons. I paper pieced WTG and colored with Copics.

I finished the inside of the card as well, paper piecing the cake image.

Next, you're off to visit Patti, our fabulous Guest Designer this month! She's sure to have something yummy to show you! :)

Thanks so much for hopping by!

Christina

Love You Muchly

Hi there! I'm finally back with something stampy! I'm posting later than I'd hoped -- I unexpectedly had a sick husband and son this morning! Anyway, here's a Valentine card I made with some of my favorite things from My Favorite Things! :)

I used the Small Calendar Sheets, Make the Date stamp set, and Pure Innocence Flower Girl. I paper pieced her clothes, cut her out, and popped her up on dimensionals. I added some glitter to her hearts and flower.

I love using the calendar templates for things other than calendars! They're a must-have! :)

Tomorrow we'll have the MFT VIP Blog Hop -- you'll love the new Who's That Girl!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! Have a wonderful day!

Christina

Stamps: Pure Innocence: Flower Girl, Make the Date (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Ruby Red (SU!) Cardstock: Kraft, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla (SU!) Paper: BeLoved (My Mind's Eye) Other: Copics, Baby Braddies, button (MFT), Ghost Shape Heart (Heidi Swapp), Diamond Lace punch (EK Success), twine, glitter, dimensionals, sewing machine

Sugarplums Spring Kit!

Happy Monday! I took a few days off -- it was my husband's birthday Saturday, and we had a fun, busy weekend! My kids are home today for the holiday, and I'm fighting a headache, so I'm hoping to be stamping later on this afternoon!

I do want to share something, though -- All That Scraps has released a limited edition Sugarplums Spring Kit! The kit contains nine Sugarplums kids, two accessory stamps, and one set of Spring Sentiments!

The kit will be available from January 15th-January 31st at 50% off retail, during the month of February the kit will be 25% off retail, and March 1st the kit will no longer be available.

The images are adorable -- check out Lesa's samples on the ATS Blog HERE! My kit is on the way, and I can't wait to play! :)

I'll have something stampy for you tomorrow -- thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a great day!
Christina

Love Muffin

Happy Friday, eveyone! Boy, the days do fly by, don't they? I was so glad I finally had a chance to ink up my unloved Stamping Bella images and make a card for the Bellarific theme for this week -- Lovey Dovey. You can find out more about it on Emily's Blog HERE. This is Matilda Muffinbread, one of the Chichiboulie Fairies. She has a big ol' love muffin for her sweetheart! ;)

I colored with Copics and added some Stickles to the muffin top. I stitched around the paper panels. The hearts were cut with a Cuttlebug die.

The weekend is here -- YAY! I hope yours is starting well! Thanks so much for stopping by to visit today! :)

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

Stamps: Matilda Muffinbread, Hot Stuff (Stamping Bella) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Barely Banana, Purely Pomegranate (SU!), Cream Perfect Paper Panel (MFT) Paper: Lemonade 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Copics, Cuttlebug, Concentric Hearts die (Provo Craft), Icicle Stickles (Ranger), So Saffron ribbon, corner rounder (SU!), button, twine, dimensionals, sewing machine

Hi, it's me...

Happy Wednesday! I am having entirely too much fun with this Be Loved paper -- I told you you'd be seeing more of it! Actually, it's Joanne's fault -- she's been using it a lot lately, and everything she has created is too adorable! I finally broke down and ordered it -- thank you, my enabling friend! ;) I had to pair it with one of the Pure Innocence images... oh, how I love them!

I covered a chipboard heart with the paper and sanded the edges. I colored, cut out, and paper pieced the PI image. I finished the inside with another sweet sentiment from the set.

That's it for today! I'll have more stampy fun for you tomorrow! Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Christina

Stamps: Pure Innocence: Heart Stripes (MFT) Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Kraft, Ruby Red (SU!), Whip Cream (MFT) Paper: Be Loved (My Mind's Eye) Other: Copics, scallop edge punch, chipboard heart, So Saffron ribbon, twine, button, Glittered Garnishes (MFT), sewing machine

Love Balloons

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I'm definitely in the mood for Valentine crafting, how about you? I made this Valentine card with stamps from American Art Stamp.

I stamped Balloons over New York City and the sentiment, then I paper pieced and colored with Prismacolor pencils. The paper is Be Loved by My Minds Eye (you'll be seeing more of it, I promise!). I embossed the background with my Cuttlebug and Heart Blocks folder.

I have new papers and stamps to play with, so I have plans to do some stamping today! I finally have all my sickies out the door (Kyle was home yesterday!), so it's time to catch up!

Thank you so much for the visit today -- have a great day! :)

Christina

Christening Card

Happy Monday, everyone! Here is the card I made for my nephew's christening. I kept it simple, all in white, adding interest with layers and embossing. There's not much to explain, so I'll just list the ingredients below! :)

Thanks, as always, for stopping by! I do appreciate you taking time out of your day to visit here!

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Philippians 4:4 Plain Jane (Verve Stamps) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Whisper White (SU!) Other: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft), Arched Lattice punch (Martha Stewart), ribbon, Glittered Garnishes (MFT), corner rounder, dimensionals (SU!)

For Drew

Happy Sunday, everyone! I haven't had many chances to stamp this week -- I had two sick kids, a sick husband, and two snow days! I did finally get some much-needed "me" time so I could finish this project for our nephew. Today is his christening, and I wanted to be sure he had something handmade from Aunt Christina! :)

I covered an unfinished wooden frame (from Michaels) and the chipboard letters with Cosmo Cricket Snorkel paper. I used Mod Podge to adhere the paper, then I sanded all the edges. Finally, I gave everything another coat of Modge Podge for durability, and I added a trio of BasicGrey buttons to the corner.

Although the opening is meant for a photo, I didn't want to give the gift with nothing inside, so of course I stamped something! I used three sets from Verve Stamps: Practically Perfect, Seeing Stars, and Starlight Starbright.

That's it for today! I have some stamps and some new papers that need attention, so hopefully I'll get some stamping time today!

Thank you so much for stopping by! Have a great day! :)

Christina

Time to Hop and Shop!

Hello! You've made it to my stop on the MFT January Release Blog Hop! Hopefully you've come here from Amy's Blog -- if not, be sure to go to Kim's Blog and start from the beginning! Believe me, you don't want to miss anything! :)

I'm thrilled to be showing you one more card featuring Pure Innocence! I just can't get enough of these sweet images! This set is called My Basket of Eggs. The words in the set can be combined in different ways for spring or Easter projects. Here I created an Easter card.

I paper pieced the dress and arms, and I popped up the basket with its glittery eggs.

I finished the inside as well, placing the sentiment there also.

This set and all the new releases are available NOW -- just go HERE to the Brand Spankin' New category on the MFT site!

Next you're off to visit Michele Boyer, who, in my opinion, is a rock star! I can't wait to see what she's created! :)

Thank you so much for hopping by!

Christina

Stamps: Pure Innocence: My Basket of Eggs (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette (SU!), Whip Cream (MFT) Paper: Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket) Other: Copics, Cuttlebug, Bloom Dots embossing folder, Arched Lattice border punch (Martha Stewart), Old Olive ribbon, corner rounder (SU!), button, twine, glitter, dimensionals, sewing machine

My Birthday Book

Happy Wednesday! I have one more MFTeaser before the Release and Blog Hop tonight! This might be one of my most favorite projects ever. Really. I created a birthday calendar to keep track of the many birthdays in our families. It was easy to do with the new Calendar Templates and Make the Date stamp set. I used the perpetual calendar/birthday book template here -- I just downloaded and printed! :)

Make the Date is a must-have set! It contains months, numbers, invitation and birthday sentiments, plus so much more!

I cut chipboard for the front and back covers, and I used some of my favorite October Afternoon paper. I used my Bind-it-All (for the first time) to put it all together. I Just had to ink up this sweet new Pure Innocence image (Start the Day with Whee!) for the front. I covered a chipboard flourish with Vanilla craft ink and heat embossed it with Iridescent Ice embossing powder.

I placed a row of Glittered Garnishes on the bottom of the book -- they are much more obvious in real life! ;)

I thought it would be fun to use the PI girls as "calendar girls," so I stamped a different image for each month. I was totally inspired by Jody's post HERE.

Here are a few of the pages...

Now I just need to fill in all the birthdays! :)

There are a few sets being previewed on this last day of MFTeasers -- stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for the list of all the designers who have sneak peeks for you! Don't forget about the Release Cocktail Party TONIGHT from 8-10 pm, then it's time to Shop and Blog Hop at 10:00!

I'll see you later tonight for the HOP -- thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Christina

Bling 'Bers!

Happy Tuesday, everyone! So far it's been a crazy week back to school. I picked up two sick daughters from school yesterday (one is still sick today), and we had snow overnight with school delays this morning!

Anyway, you didn't come here to read my woes -- you came here to see something stampy! How 'bout this MFTeaser?! There are two sets being previewed today -- Make the Date and Bling 'Bers. I'm previewing Bling 'Bers, the long-awaited partner of Bling 'Bet! The sentiments and numbers in this set make it perfect for birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, and more! Here I made a graduation card for my niece, using her school colors.

I filled the dots with Crystal Clear Adornments, but you could use brads, glitter, or leave them alone! You could also punch them out to make Swiss cheese numbers! LOL! Of course, I think the bling is perfect for a celebration! I cut out the numbers and popped them up on the Labels Four Nestabilities. "Class of" is one of the sentiments in the set, and I used Baby Braddies on each end. The ribbon is from the Candy Cane Kisses Ribbon Nest.

Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for a list of everyone showing Teasers today! Then, be sure to join us tomorrow (Wednesday) night from 8-10 pm for the Release Cocktail Party. After that, you can hop and shop when the sets are released at 10:00!

Oh -- one more thing! You have until tonight at 10 pm to enter the January Guest Designer Contest -- BLING! Doesn't this Teaser make you want to pull out the bling and get to work? :)

Thank you so much for visiting today -- have a great day!

Christina

Pure Innocence!

Happy Monday! I'm so excited about today's MFTeasers, because it's all about Pure Innocence! So many of us have fallen hard for these sweet images, and this month's stamps are pure cuteness!

I used the MFT Body Butter Kit to make a little "Feel Better Butter" for someone who needs a pick-me-up!

I colored and cut out the image, and I paper pieced the umbrella. I applied Crystal Lacquer to her boots so she'd have some shiny yellow rain boots, and I added some MFT Crystal Clear Adornments to her coat buttons. I machine stitched around the paper circle. This Bella Blvd Swing into Spring paper was so perfect for this project!

Here's the open tin, so you can see the body butter. I wish you could smell it, too -- I added eucalyptus and peppermint essential oil!

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for a list of all the designers who are previewing this set today! Also, don't forget about the January Guest Designer Challenge -- BLING! Joanne and I would love for you to play! See all the details HERE.

All of the new sets will be released Wednesday, January 6. The Release Cocktail Party is from 8-10 pm on the MFT Member Company Forum, and then you can Shop and Hop when the sets go live at 1o:00!

That's it for today, but I'll have another teaser for you tomorrow! Thanks so much for visiting!

Have a great day!

Christina

Mmmm... Chocolate!

Happy Sunday! Today's MFTeaser features two new sets: Who's That Chocoholic (Who's That Girl set) and Clearly Sentimental About Chocolate (set of sentiments all about chocolate!). They're truly an homage to all things chocolate! :) Of course, I had to use the Chocolate Kiss Paper Pack, Ribbon, and Glittered Garnishes!

I embossed the front panel with my Cuttlebug and Heart Blocks embossing folder. I paper pieced the main image with the Chocolate Kiss papers.

I used one of the sentiments from Clearly Sentimental About Chocolate on the inside. This sentiment cracks me up -- I think it will be one of my new year's resolutions! ;)

Go to Kim's Blog after 11 am to see the list of everyone previewing these sets today! There will be lots of chocolatey goodness, I'm sure! :)

Thanks so much for the visit today -- have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Who's That Chocoholic, Clearly Sentimental About Chocolate (MFT) Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Chocolate Chip (SU!) Cardstock: Hot Fudge (MFT), Regal Rose, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Chocolate Kiss Paper Pack (MFT) Other: Copics, circle punches, eyelet border punch (SU!), Chocolate Kiss Ribbon, Chocolate Kiss Glittered Garnishes (MFT), Cuttlebug, Heart Blocks embossing folder (Provo Craft), dimensionals, sewing machine

A Blingy MFTeaser!

Hello again! It's my second post of the day! Here's a MFTeaser of the set Thinking of Hoo. It was originally part of an MFT Kit, but it is now available all by itself! Kim will have a list (at 11 am) of all the girls who have teasers of this set -- go HERE to see it!

You might notice all the rhinestones on this card -- on the eyes, hearts and flower trim -- that's because the MFT Guest Designer Challenge this month is to use BLING! My sweet friend Joanne and I are hosting the challenge, and we'd love to see your entries! The winner receives next month's MFT sets and gets to post teasers with the Design Team! Check out all the details HERE!! Joanne's sample is just adorable, and she used a new MFT product on her card -- be sure to check it out! :)

The MFT Release Cocktail Party is Wednesday, January 6 -- be there! :)

I'll have another MFTeaser for you tomorrow, so I hope you'll stop back!

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: Thinking of Hoo (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Whip Cream (MFT), Real Red (SU!) Paper: Cherry Hill (October Afternoon) Other: Copics, MFT Adornments crystals, flower trim, dimensionals, sewing machine

Valentine Critters

Happy Saturday! It's a busy preview week -- I'll have two posts today! My first is an All That Scraps preview of the Cookie Crumbs set Valentine Critters. Diane has created the cutest images, perfect for Valentine's Day! I used this adorable teddy bear to make a tag for some Valentine treats. I happened to have some leftover buckets from last year (love that Target $1 Spot!), and this little guy was just what I needed to make a tag! I colored the image with Copics, then I cut out a second head and used dimensionals to pop it up over the first.

Be sure to stop by the ATS Blog for more previews, and mark your calendar for the release on Monday, January 4!

I'll be back with a MFTeaser in just a little bit! See you then!

Christina

Stamps: Valentine Critters (Cookie Crumbs Stamps) Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Whisper White, Chocolate Chip (SU!), Perfect Paper Panel (MFT) Paper: Bittersweet 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Copics, scallop edge punch, corner rounder, tab punch, paper piercer, organza ribbon (SU!), white brads

Happy New Year!

As this is posting, it is midnight here in Kentucky -- the beginning of 2010! Happy New Year, everyone! It's also a new year for the My Favorite Things Design Team. I'm celebrating my one-year anniversary with MFT, and I couldn't be more thrilled that Kim is keeping me around! ;) These girls are the best in the business, and I still have to pinch myself that I am in such amazing company!

The DT is Celebrating MFT today, and we hope you'll celebrate with us! There are some new faces on the 2010 MFT Design Team, so stop by Kim's Blog for the big reveal!

I had to celebrate 2010 with my good friend Flopsey. I truly do {heart} this bunny! Please hop around to see how the other girls are celebrating MFT! You can find them all on my sidebar!

I'll have another preview for you tomorrow -- it's a busy week around here! Thank you so much for stopping by today!

Have a wonderful New Year's Day!

Christina

Stamps: Tea with Flopsey (MFT) Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Old Olive (SU!) Cardstock: Kraft, Old Olive (SU!), Whip Cream (MFT) Paper: Swing into Spring (Bella Blvd), Ducks in a Row (October Afternoon) Other: Copics, Arched Lattice punch (Martha Stewart), corner rounder, felt flower (SU!), button (BasicGrey), twine (PTI), sponge, dimensionals, sewing machine