Goin' on a Joy Ride!

Happy Sunday, everyone! Today I have my first MFTeaser for you! This set is called Joy Ride, and it's illustrated by Amanda Baird. I used my new October Afternoon Hometown paper -- love it!! I colored with a combination of Copics and Spica pens. I used the Spica pens on her helmet, gloves, shoes, and also on the headlight, but the photo didn't pick it up very well. I cut her scarf "out of the box" to give it a little movement.

I finished the inside of the card and paper pieced one of the luggage images from the set.

Tip: use a marker or pencils to give your paper pieced images depth and dimension.

Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for a list of the designers who have MFTeasers today! All of the new stamps will be available Wednesday, March 3 at 10:00 pm at My Favorite Things!

That's all for today! Thanks so much for the visit! :)

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: Joy Ride (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Basic Black (SU!), Whip Cream (MFT) Paper: Hometown: County Library, Depot Park, Woolworths (October Afternoon) Other: Copics, Spica pens, Arched Lattice punch (Martha Stewart), Old Olive striped grosgrain (SU!), button, twine (PTI), dimensionals, sewing machine Card Size: 5.25" x 5.25"

Baby Buds

Hello, and Happy Saturday! Today I have a preview of the set Baby Buds, which will be released on Wednesday, March 3 at All That Scraps. It's a set of eight curly-headed images, and I used two of them on this card. The sentiment is from Congrats Sentiments by AmyR Stamps.

Head over to the ATS Blog to see more samples of this set, and find out how you could win one! The previews continue tomorrow -- I hope you'll stop back! Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: Baby Buds, Congrats Sentiments (ATS) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Origins 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Copics, corner rounder, lg oval punch, border punch, Chocolate Chip stitched ribbon, dimensionals (SU!), button (BasicGrey), twine (PTI), sewing machine Card Size: 4.25" x 5.50"

Bright Future

Well, after a very long week I'm finally posting something! :)

The next few days will be FILLED with previews -- both My Favorite Things and All That Scraps are releasing their March sets on Wednesday, March 3! It's going to be crazy! I'm going to have quite a few posts over the next several days, so I'll be making up for my lack of posting this week! LOL

After making all of my samples for the releases, I wanted to do something clean and simple. I used Bright by Emerson Quillin, available at American Art Stamp. There's not much to explain here, so just ask if you have any questions! AAS is having a big sale right now -- 30% off! Be sure to stop by and do a little shopping!

I'll have my first ATS preview tomorrow, followed by MFTeasers and more ATS previews! I hope you'll stop by to check them out!

Thanks for the visit today -- have a fantastic Friday!

Christina

Stamps: Bright (AAS) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Vintage Touch Chamomile (PTI) Cardstock: Kraft, Whisper White (SU!) Other: Copics, Labels One Nestabilities (Spellbinders), button, twine (PTI), dimensionals, sewing machine

A Busy Week!

Hey, everyone! Just checking in here! I've had a busy week with family, and today I'm subbing, so I haven't had a chance to post anything stampy for a couple days. Thanks for hanging in there with me -- I'll have something tomorrow! :)

Here are some other things to inspire you:

The My Favorite Things Wednesday Stamp Club (WSC) is all about Flopsey Unfinished -- check out the details and samples on Kim's Blog HERE.

The All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge Blog is always full of inspiration! Stop by HERE and see what the Challenge Team has been up to!

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

Christina

Like Mother, Like Daughter...

Happy Monday, everyone! I was busy over the weekend with a constuction project at the house and also working on samples for upcoming releases. Very often, while my supplies are sitting unused, my 8-year-old finds a way to show them some love! Here's a card she made for her teacher. She used MFT's Boy & Dog - Snow Adorable. After all, we still have plenty of snow around here (although it IS melting)!

Anna did most of the cutting and folding herself. She stamped the image (and even cleaned the stamp!), then she lovingly colored with my Copics. She even added glitter to the hat pom pom and a rhinestone sticker to the dog's eye! :)

I think she did a great job! Thanks for letting me share her work with you! :)

I'll be back with something from me tomorrow -- thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a great day!

Christina

TCP Challenge Card

Hello! TGIF!! Today's card is for this week's challenge over at The Cat's Pajamas. My sweet friend Joanne is the hostess this week, and she chose a color challenge: olive, light blue, and ivory. You can read all the deets on Joanne's blog HERE. The colors are those found in my beloved October Afternoon paper, so of course I had to play along! :)

The image and sentiment are from Smells Like Cake. I paper pieced the cakes and added some Stickles. I colored the rest of the image with Prismacolor pencils, and I sponged around the oval. It's a pretty simple design, but I do like it!

Before I go, I want to let you know that my friend Tracy is selling off a boatload of stamps -- stop by her Blog and give some of them a good home! :)

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

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

Stamps: Smells Like Cake (TCP) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Soft Sky (SU!) Cardstock: Whip Cream (MFT), Kiwi Kiss (SU!) Paper: Cherry Hill, Ducks in a Row (October Afternoon) Other: Prismacolor pencils, Stickles (Ranger), Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Old Olive striped grosgrain, border punch, Dimensionals (SU!), button (BasicGrey), twine (PTI), white gel pen, sewing machine Card Size: 5.50" x 4.25"

My Favorite Things VIP Hop!

Hello! You've made it to my stop on the MFT VIP Blog Hop! If you came by way of Megan's Blog, welcome! If not, you'll want to start at Kim's Blog so you don't miss anything! :)

I am LOVING this month's Who's That Girl? set, Who's That Birthday Girl?. You can get her as part of the VIP package TODAY only -- that's two weeks before the March 3rd release!

Here's what you'll get with your Who’s That VIP Birthday Girl? Package ($32.75):
Who’s That Birthday Girl?
FREE Invitation Only MINI set ($9 value)
Birthday Button Mix
Birthday Baby Braddies Mix
Birthday Ribbons
Sparkly Fluff in Cotton Candy (pink)

I used Who's That Birthday Girl? and Invitation Only to create this invitation and gift box. The paper is from the Cherry Hill collection by October Afternoon, and the ribbon and Braddies are from MFT!

I did a lot of distressing and sewing on this project! I paper pieced WTG's party dress and the birthday cake.

The pocket card pulls out to reveal the invitation to a surprise party! The words stamped in Old Olive ink are from MFT's Make the Date -- I love how well all these sets work together! :)

I altered a paperboard box to coordinate with the invitation. The tag was cut with one of the Labels Four Nestabilities and embossed with my Cuttlebug and Victoria embossing folder. I swiped Vanilla craft ink over the embossing to help it coordinate with the paper!

Tag closeup...

Okay, as if all this VIP goodness isn't enough, there is an additional release today -- a new set and digi papers by Stephanie Fizer! The set is called What's Crackin'?, and it's SO cute! I used October Afternoon Ducks in a Row paper on this card, and I did lots of sponging and more machine stitching and paper piecing!

Here's a closeup of the paper piecing and sponging. I used white Fun Flock on the tail!

Can you tell I'm excited about these sets?!? Thanks for reading my looong post! You can find the VIP package right HERE, right now!

Your next stop on the Hop is the fabulous Cindy Haffner! Get ready for some eye candy! :)

Thanks for hopping by!

Christina

Nobody Need Wait

Happy Monday, everyone! I have a quick post today -- it's another snow day here in northern Kentucky! We'll have about nine more inches by the end of the day! I'm sure I'll have four restless kids home with me all day, so we'll see if I get any stamping done! ;)

Here's a card featuring Nobody Need Wait, one of the Zenspirations images from American Art Stamp. This is a pretty simple card, but I really like the way it came together. I used October Afternoon paper, some punches, a few embellishments, and a little sponging around the image. I added some color to the image with Prismacolor Pencils.

That's all for today! I'm going to grab my mug of coffee and watch the snow fall! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a great day!

Christina

Meet April

Happy Saturday! Today I have another preview of a set being released Monday at All That Scraps! This is April, by Sweet November Stamps -- she and her friend Peter are so sweet, and they're definitely ready for spring!

I paper pieced her dress and colored with Copics. I punched two scalloped circles from the paper, crumpled them, and layered them to form the flower. The sentiment is from Friends Sentiments by AmyR Stamps.

You can stop by the ATS Blog to see samples of April and Peter and also of Baby Bunnies, the other set being previewed today! All of the new sets will be available Monday, February 15!

Did any of you watch the Olympics Opening Ceremony last night? I thought it was fantastic! Our Canadian friends are so warm and welcoming, and their country is so beautiful! I'm an Olympics junkie -- I just love it that our crazy world can come together to celebrate our athletes in a spirit of unity and respect! We have a common purpose, if only for two weeks...

Anyway, I'm so very glad you stopped by today! Thanks, as always, for your visits and comments!

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: April (Sweet November), Friends Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Kraft, Pumpkin Pie (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Sugar Rush 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Copics, Rectangle Nestabilities, scallop circle punch, border punch, corner rounder, button, twine, Dew Drops, dimensionals, sewing machine Card Size: 5.50" x 4.25"

ATS Mid-February Release!

Happy Thursday, everyone! On Monday, February 15, All That Scraps is having a mid-month release of four new sets! Here's a look at Hippity Hoppity, from HR Designs.

I cut out the basket and popped it up on dimensionals, and I added some Stickles to the eggs.

Stop by the ATS Blog to see more previews! Thank you so much for visiting today! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Hippity Hoppity (HR Designs) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Soft Sky, Kiwi Kiss (SU!) Paper: Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket) Other: Copics; Icicle Stickles (Ranger); Old Olive striped grosgrain, border punch, corner rounder, dimensionals (SU!); button (BasicGrey); twine (PTI)

Card Size: 5.50" x 4.25"

Anna's Valentines

Hello! Happy Wednesday! My kids have their second snow day today, so we're getting a little stir crazy around here. It was the perfect oppportunity to work on Valentines for Friday's parties.

Anna wanted some Valentines that she could color herself, so I used the Cookie Crumbs Valentine Critters set to make these cards for her! Each one is 3" x 3". I just paired each critter with a sentiment, and I stamped "Happy Valentine's Day" inside. She's busy coloring them as I type this! :)

Today's ATS Wednesday Challenge is Valentine Packaging -- check out the Wednesday Challenge Blog HERE for some great ideas! :)

Well, I'm off to shovel the driveway (again!). Stay safe and warm everyone! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Christina

CASEing Bar!

Happy Monday! This week's Featured Stamper at SCS is my MFT sister Barbara Anders (aka Bar)!! I usually don't get a chance to play in the FS challenges, but I made time yesterday! It's always a joy to take a look at her gallery -- everything she does is beautiful! :)

I CASEd (copied) Bar's card HERE. I changed the accent color, sentiment, and Cuttlebug folder. I took my white craft ink and swiped it against the embossed hearts. There are two scored lines at the bottom, above the sentiment. The ribbon, button, and sentiment are all from My Favorite Things. The sentiment is from Clearly Sentimental about You, the Triple Scoop set of the month.

That's it for today! I'm subbing today -- 8th grade! I think I'll be needing some stamping time this afternoon! ;)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a great day!
Christina

Sunday Supper: Super Bowl Edition

Hello! Happy Sunday! Today's recipes are perfect if you're having a Super Bowl party or any other party! Both are sure to keep a large crowd happy!

The first recipe is an appetizer that received rave reviews at a family Christmas party!

Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
2 lb. bacon (slices cut into 3 sections)
3 cans drained water chestnuts

Wrap a piece of bacon (1/3 of a slice) around each water chestnut. Secure with a toothpick, or put fold on the bottom. Bake in 325 degree oven for 45 minutes or until brown. Drain off grease.

Mix:
8 oz. mayonnaise
12 oz. Chili sauce
2 c. brown sugar

Pour mix over chestnuts. Bake again at 325 degrees for 45 munutes. Serve warm.


The next recipe is my chili recipe. I know that people are very particular about the kind of chili they like -- and there are a lot of great recipes out there. This is the recipe that I put together when I was first married, after combining elements of my mother's and my mother-in-law's recipes.

It's thick and meaty, but you can thin it with water. You can serve it "Cincinnati Style" over spaghetti, or you can just enjoy it on its own. Be sure to top it with shredded cheddar or diced onions!

Christina's Chili
2 lbs. ground beef
15 oz. can and 8 oz. can tomato sauce
12 oz. can tomato paste
1 can whole tomatoes, chopped
16 oz. can kidney beans
1 green pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 pkg. chili seasoning mix.
1 Tbs. chili powder
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder

In large pot, brown beef. Drain grease. Add remaining ingredients to pot and stir well. Bring to a simmer; reduce heat to low and let cook for at least 1-2 hours.


Are you planning to watch the Super Bowl today? I'll tune in mostly for the commercials, since I'll probably be stamping while hubby is watching the game! :)

Have a great day, everyone!
Christina

Snow... Again.

This is what it looks like outside my house right now... I think that groundhog might have been right about six more weeks of winter.

It looks like a good day to stay inside and stamp!

I hope you all are safe and warm! Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day!

Christina

Glitzy Gear Tutorial!

Well, here it is -- my first video tutorial! I wanted to show you how I made the glitzy gear on my card in THIS post. It's so quick and easy!

It's fun to create your own custom embellishments for your projects! If you are inspired to create your own, I'd love for you to link it here!

I can't thank you enough for your visits and comments each day. I'm so fortunate to be able to share what I love and to learn from all of you, too! :)

Have a fantastic Friday!

Christina

It's Hop and Shop Time!

Hi there! It's time to Hop and Shop with My Favorite Things! All of the new releases are available right NOW right HERE! If you didn't start the Hop at Kim's Blog, head back and begin from there! You don't want to miss a thing! Also, be sure to leave a comment at each stop, because one of us has some Blog Candy to give away! :)

My card features the set Love Birds. It was previously part of an MFT Kit, but now it's available on its own! It's a sweet set, perfect for those Valentine or spring projects! The paper is from the BasicGrey Sugar Rush 6x6 pad, also available at MFT!

I paper pieced the two love birds and colored the rest of the image with Copics. Then I applied some Stickles to the hearts. I made my own "button" from a chipboard heart covered with some of the paper. Some MFT Ribbon finishes the card.

Okay, now it's time to continue to the next stop! You'll be visiting the fantastic Jessie Rone, and I'm sure she has something fabulous to show you!

Thank you so much for hopping by! :)

Christina

Last Day of MFTeasers!

Happy Wednesday! It's the last day of MFTeasers before the release tonight! There are three sets being previewed today, and I have a sample for each!

My first project features Lovin' from the Oven and Clearly Sentimental about Food. I created a clipboard for the kitchen which can hold shopping lists or menus. I covered a small clipboard with Nook and Pantry 6x6 paper and gave it a good coat of Modge Podge for protection. I added some large ric rac -- it reminded me of the icing on those cupcakes! :)

I stamped the image from Lovin' from the Oven and paper pieced it. The sentiment is from Clearly Sentimental about Food.

I printed some To Do List Templates and stamped the sentiment and cupcake on top! :)

My second project features Clearly Sentimental about You, the Triple Scoop set of the month. I used Sugar Rush 6x6 paper and the Robot 2 Digi Stamp. I embellished with some MFT ribbon and braddies.

See that sparkly, glittery gear? I used Glitzy Glitter and some circle punches -- on Friday I'll have my first VIDEO to show you how I made it! :)

Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for the links to all the designers with previews today! Then join us tonight for the Release Party from 8-10 pm, and Shop and Hop when the sets go live at 10:00!

That's all for now! See you back here for the Hop tonight! :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Christina

A New Artist at MFT!

Happy Tuesday! Today's MFTeasers are of images by a new artist! Her name is Jolinne, and her images are just adorable! I chose Fairy Sweet to share with you today. I cut the wings "out of the box," then I stamped a second set of wings on vellum. I cut them out and adhered them over the first set, leaving the ends curled up for some dimension. I colored the rest of the image with Copics. The patterned paper is from the BasicGrey Origins 6x6 pad.

I used two different sizes of Crystal Clear Adornments Crystals on this card. I placed a trio of large crystals in the corner, and I used the smallest crystals on her necklace and over the "i" in the sentiment. The ribbon is from the Princess Sheer Ribbon Nest.

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for a list of all the designers previewing these images today! We'll have one more day of MFTeasers tomorrow, and then you can Shop and Hop tomorrow night! :)

Oh, one more thing! Did you see Kim's big announcement HERE on her blog? Wait 'til you see what she has for us now! So cool!! :)

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

Have a great day!
Christina

MFTeasers: Pure Innocence!

Happy Monday, everyone! I am SO excited about today's MFTeasers, because we're previewing the new Pure Innocence images! :) I truly {heart} these cuties, and they make me smile each time I use them!

Since I'm a teacher, I had to ink up You Make the Grade right away! I paired it with Cosmo Cricket's The Boyfriend paper, and I paper pieced her skirt with one of the patterns. The horizontal Tangerine Tango panel was embossed with my Cuttlebug and Number Collage embossing folder, but unfortunately most of the numbers were hidden when the card was finished!

When I saw this next set, Blooming Good Day, I literally squealed over those pigtails! I mean really, how cute is she?!? I used three different patterns of Cosmo Cricket's Girl Friday paper, and I cut the butterfly from one of the papers. I topped the butterfly with a Glittered Garnish, and I used some MFT Royalty Ribbon.

I finished the inside of the card with more paper, stitching, and the sentiment.

Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for the direct links to all of today's MFTeasers! Don't forget about the Release Cocktail Party Wednesday night -- you can get all the details HERE!

I'll have another MFTeaser tomorrow! Thank you so much for visiting today! :)

Have a great day!

Christina