Saturday, July 31, 2010

It's Teaser Time!


Happy Saturday, everyone! It's Day One of the August MFTeasers! Today the DT is previewing two sets: How Your Garden Grows and Clearly Sentimental about Gardens. This card features How Your Garden Grows, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer. You remember "Mary, Mary Quite Contrary" don't you? Well, these images and sentiments will take you back to those nursery rhyme days! :)


On the front of the card, I used some My Favorite Felt along with the Die-namics Rolled Flower Die. I hand-cut the leaves and placed a Dew Drop in the flower center. Can you spot a NEW product? It the Die-namics Mini Scallop Edge Die! I used it to cut the felt border on the bottom of the card. I finished the inside of the card with some of the flower images in the set.


The theme for this month's MFT Guest Designer Challenge is Floral Flair. You can find all the details on the MFT Member Company Forum. Maybe YOU will be the next MFT Guest Designer! :)

Ready for some TOP-SECRET news? Today, there is a prize hidden on one of the designer's blog posts. As you make your way through the Teaser Time posts, simply leave a comment on each blog, for your chance to win one of the Brand Spankin' New stamp sets being released on August 4th. A winner will be chosen from the comments on the pre-selected blog before tomorrow's teaser list goes live, and will be posted on Kim's blog HERE. Be sure to check tomorrow to see if YOU are the winner. You can play along each day for your chance to win. We will be giving away NINE new stamp sets this week!

As always, you can find the master list of today's participating designers HERE at Kim's blog after 11 am.

I'll be back with another MFTeaser tomorrow! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a great day!
Christina

Thursday, July 29, 2010

CHA Here I Come! :)

Hello, everyone! Probably as you read this, I'm on my way to Chicago for CHA! I'm SO excited! I'll be sure to report back about all the great products coming your way! I'm looking forward to laughing, shopping and dining with my MFT friends, working the MFT Booth, and hanging out with stamping royalty! My roomie for the weekend is Kerry Johnson -- I can't wait to finally meet her! :)

Here's a name tag I made to wear this weekend. I stamped the image and sentiment from the Pure Innocence set Heart Stripes and printed the rest on my computer. I paper pieced her dress and colored with Copics.


While I'm gone, the MFTeasers will begin! I have my posts already scheduled, so be sure to stop back! I'll see you all when I return! :)

Have a great weekend!
Christina

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Collecting Seashells

Hi there! Happy Tuesday! I haven't had much time for stampy things lately -- I'm getting ready to leave Thursday for CHA! I am SO excited to see many of my stamping friends and to meet others for the first time! These last few days have been spent preparing myself and my family for my absence -- laundry, schedules, post-it notes everywhere -- I'm sure you know what I mean!

Anyway, here is a project I've been wanting to do since we returned from vacation. My youngest, Caroline, loves to collect seashells. What I love about her is that the shells she thinks are beautiful are not always the ones I would choose. While we're at the beach she hands me her treasures -- imperfect and broken -- so I can keep them in a bucket for her. I brought many of them home and placed them in this basket, then I made a tag for it.


I used one of the Curved Rectangle Nestabilites to cut the tag from a piece of Fly a Kite paper. I hand-cut the mat from Kraft cardstock, then I sponged the edges with Antique Linen and Tea Dye Distress Inks. The images are from Beach Day by Penny Black, available at Stamper's Dream. I stamped the shell border across the bottom, then I stamped and cut out two extra shell images and popped them up on dimensionals. I added some Stickles to the bubbles and ground, and I stitched the edge of the sentiment. then I tied the tag onto the basket with some Ivory Burlap String.


That's all for today! I'm off to do a little more laundry -- gotta get packing! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a great day! 
Christina

Friday, July 23, 2010

You've Got Mail!

Happy Friday, everyone! Boy, the weeks are flying by! Today I have another card I made for the Dare to Get Dirty challenges. If you're a Fan Club member you can find all of the challenges HERE. I combined challenges from Jeanne S, peanutbee, DeborahLynneS, and craftycaro.


I used the Pure Innocence set Happy Mail. I paper pieced her clothes and colored with Copics. I added some sparkle by applying Stickles to the grass and her barette and placing a heart-shaped rhinestone on the mailbox. The paper is The Thrift Shop by October Afternoon. I cut two rows of Die-namics Jumbo Scallops, and I topped them with some Garden Variety Ruffled Ribbon (currently sold out).


I have a busy few days ahead! I'll be finishing up samples for the upcoming MFT release, and I'll also be getting ready to leave for CHA! I can't wait! :) Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Monogrammed Notecard

Hello! I'm back with another card for the Dare to Get Dirty Challenges. SCS Fan Club Members can find all of the challenges HERE. This card combines challenges from notimetostamp and debdeb. Thanks for the great challenges, ladies!


The monogram was done using the JustRite Times New Roman Font Set, and the border is from the From Our House 2" Square Borders and Centers Set, both available at Stamper's Dream. *Note: Even though the border is from a Christmas set, I think it works perfectly here. Don't be afraid to use your stamps in different ways!* The paper is from The Thrift Shop 8x8" Paper Pad. I hope you aren't getting tired of seeing it, because I'm having a serious love affair with it right now! :) I did some straight and zig zag machine stitching, and I embellished with a button and twine. The gorgeous red and ivory striped ribbon was just what I needed to complete the card.

I'm hoping to work on some more Dirty challenges today. It's been SO blazing hot, humid and rainy here -- it's best to just stay inside and STAMP!

Thank you so much for stopping by today -- have a great day! :)
Christina

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

August MFT VIP Blog Hop!

Hello! It's time for the MFT VIP Blog Hop! I hope you have seen all of the projects so far! If not, you'll want to start at Kim's Blog and catch up on all the eye candy! :)

The VIP package is a ONE DAY ONLY product that gives you the chance to purchase the newest Who's That Girl? set TWO weeks early! This month's VIP is available now (July 20th at 10:00 pm) through tomorrow (July 21 at 11:59 pm). Here's what you'll find in the August VIP Package:


Who’s That Harvest Girl? VIP $36
Who’s That Harvest Girl? $15.95
Girly Net Ribbon Collection (2 yards each of netted ribbon in Lipstick Red, Cool Green, White Tulle, Sassy Black, Girly Pink) $5.95
5 yards 5/8” Black Saddle Stitch Ribbon $3
Olivia Basic Grey 6 X 6 patterned paper pad $6
Set of 10 Scalloped A2 Notecards in Black Linen $4.85
Garden Goodness mini stamp set (FREE, $9 value)

Plus, there is an additional release tonight! It's not included in the VIP, but it is available now and will stay available after tomorrow!
Strawberry Carton and Strawberries Template $3.95

Okay, on to my samples!

First of all, let me just tell you how much I LOVE this set. The main image is so much fun to color and paper piece, and there are so many options for basket fillers and sentiments! I went with a strawberry theme for my first card. The paper is Fly a Kite by October Afternoon. I used a Fossil Scalloped Notecard, Die-namics Open Scallop Border, Birthday Blast Ribbon, and Summer Button. I paper pieced her shirt and arm and colored the rest of the image with Copics.


My next project has a tomato theme. The paper is from the Garden Variety Mini Deck by Cosmo Cricket. I again paper pieced and colored with Copics. I embellished with Garden Variety Ruffled Ribbon and Die-namics Sunshine Die.


Here is a photo of the tag in a basket of goodies from our garden! :)


You can find the VIP Package right HERE, right NOW!  Next, you'll be visiting the uber-talented Lisa Henke -- I know you're in for a treat! :)

Thanks so much for hopping by!
Christina

Monday, July 19, 2010

Gettin' Dirty!

Hi, everyone! Happy Monday! Over the weekend I participated in a few Dare to Get Dirty challenges at Splitcoaststampers. Each year the Fan Club members get a chance to take part in special challenges hosted by the Dirty Dozen, past and present. If you are a Fan Club member you can find all of the challenges HERE through July 23. If you're not a Fan Club member, now is a good time to become one! :)

My first card combines challenges from BevMom and rsalamon. It's a clean and simple card with paper pieced birds. I used the Pretty Birds set by CHF, and the paper is Euphoria by BasicGrey. The sentiment is from Clearly Sentimental about Mothers.


I had lots of fun with my second card. I combined challenges from StamperSharon and AmberDawn. I used a lot of layers and texture. Paper is Fly a Kite by October Afternoon. The sentiment frame was done using the Framed Greetings Die and Stamp Set, and I hand-cut the mat from a Cork Sheet. The sentiment itself is from Clearly Sentimental about Emerson. I added some Crochet Ribbon, distressing, and machine stitching, plus a Jumbo Scallop border cut from Veggie Garden Felt.


I hope I can take part in one or two challenges each day -- they are so much fun!

I'll be back tomorrow night with this month's MFT VIP Blog Hop! Please stop back to hop along with us! :)

Have a great day -- thanks so much for visiting!
Christina

Friday, July 16, 2010

MFT's Greatest Hits: Amanda Baird

Hello again, everyone! I'm back with my second post today! Scroll down if you're looking for my JustRite project!

Today the My Favorite Things DT (and DT Alum) are celebrating MFT's Greatest Hits, and this month it's all about Amanda Baird's fabulous sets! Many of you have come to love Cosmo Girl and the rest of her fun images as much as we have! :)

I used the set Joy Ride for my card today. The map (printed from Google Maps) shows the route I'll be taking to Chicago in just a couple weeks for CHA! I'm definitely Adventure Bound! :) The rest of the paper is from the Cupcake 6x6 pad by BasicGrey. I colored the image with Copics. My layout was inspired by Julie's gorgeous cards HERE -- thanks, Julie!


Stop by the MFT Blog after 11 am for a list of all the designers who are playing some Greatest Hits today!

Thank you so much for taking the time to visit! Have a fantastic Friday!

Christina


JustRite Christmas Week Continues!

Hello there! It certainly has been a busy stamping week for me, and today I have two posts! I'm excited to be able to share another JustRite project with you -- this one features Groovy Snowman, available now at Stamper's Dream.

I used BasicGrey Wassail 6x6 paper. I punched out a snowflake from the paper and covered it with Polar White Flower Soft. I stamped the star border with white craft ink on kraft paper and heat embossed it with white embossing powder. All the edges were sponged with Antique Linen Distress Ink. I colored the image with Copics.
 

If you haven't seen all of the JustRite Christmas projects from the Dream Team this week, here's a little recap so you don't miss a thing!

Monday - Leslie, Me, and Michelle

Tuesday - Amy, Leslie and Michelle

Wednesday - Karen, Amy, and Denise

Thursday - Denise, Laurie and Michelle

Friday - Me, Laurie, and Karen

I'll be back in just a bit with this month's MFT Greatest Hits -- I hope you'll stop back to check it out!

Thanks for stopping by!

Christina

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

à la modes Blog Hop!

Hello! I'm so glad you made it to my stop on the à la modes Blog Hop! I hope you are enjoying these adorable images as much as I am! You can find them right HERE, right now! If you haven't seen all the fun projects so far, be sure to go back and start at Kim's Blog!

I chose to work with Picture Perfect for my project. This set came along at just the right time -- it gave me a chance to make a frame for our little Roscoe! He's definitely picture perfect! :) I started with a wood frame from Michaels, and I covered it with paper from the Paws and Claws Dog pad by TPC Studio. I inked all the edges of the frame and cardstock to "dirty" them just a bit.


I used the Die-namics Banner Day Die and the Banner Day Alphabet to make his name, and I embellished with Adornments Crystals.


I colored the image with Copics and cut it out, adding another crystal to the camera.


Now it's time to hop over to see what the sweet and oh-so-talented Lisa Henke has made! I'm sure it's something fantastic! :)

Thanks so much for hopping by!

Christina

More à la modes!

Hi there! Happy Wednesday! Today the My Favorite Things DT is previewing The a la modes in Birthday Girl! This image just makes me smile! A birthday princess with a big ol' cupcake -- what could be better? ;)

I used MFT cardstock: Fossil, Red Hot, and Perfect Paper Panels, and the paper is Cupcake by BasicGrey. I just received my new Garden Variety Ruffled Ribbon, so I had to use it, too!


Here's a closeup of the image. I colored the jewelry, shoes and gloves with a Stardust pen, and I applied some silver Glitzy Glitter to her crown.


Here's what you need to know about these adorable new stamps!
  • 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 3x4" set
Tonight we'll have more projects with the a la modes during our Blog Hop! Join us at 10 pm over at Kim's Blog! See you then!

Have a great day!

Christina

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Introducing à la modes!

Did you know that My Favorite Things is celebrating its Fourth Birthday? Kim has a lot of fun things planned this month -- like a special release of a NEW line of RUBBER stamps called à la modes! The à la modes will be available only in rubber, backed on cling foam and scroll cut so they are ready for stamping!

Today the DT is previewing à la modes Picture Perfect. I just love the sassy image and fun sentiments in this set! I colored the image with Copics and cut it out. I used cork sheets, Cotton Twill, Girly Button, and Die-namics Jumbo Scallop Die. The paper is from the Marrakesh 6x6 pad by BasicGrey, and the jeweled flourish is from Michaels.

Stop by Kim's Blog today after 11 am to see who has more à la modes to share with you! :)

I'll have a preview of the other à la modes set tomorrow, and we'll be doing an à la modes Blog Hop tomorrow night! I hope to see you then!

Thanks so much for stopping by -- have a great day!

Christina

Monday, July 12, 2010

Christmas in July JustRite Style!


Happy Monday, everyone! It's JustRite Week at Stamper's Dream, and we're celebrating Christmas in July! The new Christmas and winter stamps are fun and so versatile -- you can find them HERE! I used an image from the Holiday Cheer 1 3/16" Borders & Centers Set for my project. I thought it would be fun to make a tag for a bag of Reindeer Food. This tag measures approximately 5.5" x 3".

My girls love to make Reindeer Food at Christmas time, and we are always sure to sprinkle it on the lawn Christmas Eve! It's easy to make -- just mix oats, granulated sugar, and colored sugar crystals. The glittery crystals will attract the reindeer, and they will stop to eat the oats! :)

The paper is from the Eskimo Kisses 6x6 pad by BasicGrey. I punched out a snowflake from the paper and covered it with Polar White Flower Soft to make a wintery embellishment. I colored the reindeer with Copics, and I sponged the edges of the paper and cardstock with Antique Linen Distress Ink.

Stop by the Stamper's Dream Blog this week for more Christmas in July fun! You won't be disappointed! :)

Thank you so much for visiting today -- I'm so glad you stopped by!

Have a great day!
Christina

Sunday, July 11, 2010

A New Family Member!

Okay, so here's what I've been doing over the last couple days...

Meet Roscoe, our 8-week-old English Bulldog! :)

He's definitely making himself comfortable around the house...


Sorry I haven't had much time to share stampy things, but I'll be back with a Stamper's Dream project tomorrow!

Thanks for stopping by -- have a fantastic Sunday! :)

Christina

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Hoppin' and Shoppin' with MFT!

Hi there! You've come to my stop on the MFT Release Shop Hop! If you've just come here by way of Kerry's Blog, welcome! If not, you'll want to go back to the beginning with Kim's Blog. I hope you've enjoyed all the projects so far -- this month is full of fantastic new products, don't you think?? :)

On my card I used two new sets, Who's That Gardening Girl? and Clearly Sentimental about Gardens (this month's Triple Scoop set). This idea popped in my head as soon as I saw the sentiment, so I placed the flowers in a mug from the previously-released set Coffee? Tea?. The flower image has more flowers than would fit in the mug, so I did some very careful masking to stamp only three flowers. Then I paper pieced the mug.


I also used the new Die-namics Rolled Flower Die -- LOVE it!!! I kinda smushed and rolled the edges of the flowers, then I added Spring Glittered Garnishes to the centers.


All of the new products are available at My Favorite Things right NOW -- click HERE to see everything that's Brand Spankin' New! :)

Next you're off to visit the mega-talented Megan Lock -- I'm sure she has something fantastic to share with you! Go on... check it out! :)

Thanks so much for hopping by!

Christina

Garden of Weedin'

Hi there! Happy Wednesday! It's the final day of MFTeasers! Today we're previewing three sets: Who's That Gardening Girl, Green Thumb, and Clearly Sentimental about Gardens (this month's Triple Scoop set).  I used the first two sets on my card here. You'll also notice the Die-namics Sunshine and Fresh Cut Grass dies!

Other products used:
Cosmo Cricket Early Bird paper
Copics
Gingham Ribbon
Circle Punches
Sewing Machine



Tonight's the night! The MFT Release Party will take place from 8-10 pm Eastern Time HERE on the MFT Member Company Forum. Then be sure to join us for the Shop Hop at 10:00 as the sets are released!

I'll see you all back here tonight! Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Christina

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Exciting News!

Hello! Happy Tuesday! I have some fun news to share with you! Here's a hint... take a look at the watermark on this card. I'm the July Guest Designer for Stamper's Dream! :) I was so excited when Michelle emailed me -- I am thrilled and honored to be working with her and her amazing Dream Team!

Since we just returned from vacation, I still have beach on the brain... so it was a sweet surprise when Michelle sent me this set to work with! It's the Beach Day clear stamp set by Penny Black. These images were so much fun to color with my Copics! I cut them out and sponged some of the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink by Ranger.

Here's the inside of the card. I used another image and sentiment from the set, and I did more sponging and sewing.

I'll have more Stamper's Dream products to share with you in the coming weeks. Until then, be sure to stop by the store and have a look around! :)

I'll be back with another MFTeaser tomorrow! See you then!

Have a great day, everyone!
Christina

Monday, July 5, 2010

Pure Innocence Fun!

Hi there! Today is one of my favorite MFTeaser days, because it's all about Pure Innocence! This month's sets are just so cute! I had some fun with Are We There Yet? and made this little travel coloring book for my girls.

I printed out a Google Map for the cover. I customized it for our trip -- you can see Cincinnati on the top left and Myrtle Beach on the bottom right! I embellished with My Favorite Felt cut with the Die-namics Sunshine die. I also used an Earth Girl Button. I cut out the sunglasses and popped them up on glue dots.


I stamped eight different PI images for coloring. Here are a few...




I just HAD to make another sample, so I created this tailgating invitation with Cheerleader and Boy and His Dog - Football Player.


I also used the sets Invitation Only and Make the Date to complete the invitation. I just love how well the sets can work together! :)

Here's your July Release Info:
  • MFTeasers run from Saturday, July 3 through Wednesday, July 7. Check Kim's Blog each day after 11 am to see the list of designers who are previewing that day's sets.
  • There's still time to enter the MFT Guest Designer contest! Get the contest details HERE on the MFT Forum at SCS.
  • The Release Party will be Wednesday, July 7 from 8-10 pm HERE on the MFT Forum. We hope you'll join us for all the fun!
  • The Release Shop and Hop will take place July 7 at 10:00 pm EST as the sets go live at My Favorite Things!

That's all for today! I'll have some fun news to share with you tomorrow -- I hope you'll stop back!

Have a great day!
Christina

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Road Trip!

Hello! Happy Independence Day to all of my American friends! Do you have big plans for your day? Since we just returned from vacation, I think we'll just cook out at home and maybe catch a local fireworks display! Of course, the girls will have to light some sparklers, too! :)

It's fitting that today's MFTeasers are all about summer fun! We're previewing two new sets: Fred Bear Hits the Beach and Clearly Sentimental about Summer Vacation. My card features Clearly Sentimental about Summer Vacation. It was June's Triple Scoop set, but starting with the July release it is available on its own! The sentiments are so great for all of your summer-themed projects!

I thought this WTG image from Going Places was perfect with the sentiments I chose! I paper pieced the map and dress and colored with Copics and colored pencils. I also used some Crochet Ribbon and an Earth Girl Button.

Tip: If you don't have road map patterned paper, go to Google Maps. You can create a map of any area, then just print it out! I did it for this card and for one of tomorrow's samples, too!

I used a new product on this card -- do you see it? It's the Die-namics Jumbo Open Scallop die! Isn't it great? I finished the inside of the card with another sentiment and some fun stitching, too.


Here's the 411 on July's Release:
* MFTeasers run from Saturday, July 3 through Wednesday, July 7. Check Kim's Blog each day after 11 am to see the list of designers who are previewing that day's sets.
* Find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer! Get the contest details on the MFT Forum at SCS.
* The Release Party will be Wednesday, July 7 from 8-10 pm on the MFT Forum. We hope you'll join us for all the fun!
* The Release Shop and Hop will take place July 7 at 10:00 pm EST as the sets go live at My Favorite Things!

That's all for now! Happy July 4th, everyone! I'll see you back here tomorrow! :)

Christina

Saturday, July 3, 2010

July MFTeasers Begin!

Hi there! Today begins the MFTeasers for the July sets and products! I just love this time of the month, don't you? ;) Today the DT is previewing two new sets: Cruising Cosmo Girl and Banner Day Alphabet. There's also a new Die-namics Banner Day die that coordinates perfectly with Banner Day Alphabet! :) Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am to see a list of the designers who have samples for you today!

These sets were just what I needed to make a birthday card for my daughter Megan. She'll be 16 next month! I borrowed the numbers from Bling 'Bers, and I used the fun patterns of BasicGrey's Junebug paper. I paper pieced the car and Cosmo Girl's dress, and the rest was colored with my Copics. I applied some Stickles to the headlights and numbers, and I gave the windshield a coat of Crystal Lacquer.

Here are this month's release details:
* MFTeasers run from Saturday, July 3 through Wednesday, July 7. Check Kim's Blog each day after 11 am to see the list of designers who are previewing that day's sets.
* The MFT Guest Designer Contest starts today! Get the details on the MFT Forum at SCS.
* The Release Party will be Wednesday, July 7 from 8-10 pm on the MFT Forum. Be sure to join us for lots of chatter, giveaways, and more MFTeasers!
* The Release Shop and Hop will take place July 7 at 10:00 pm EST as the sets go live at My Favorite Things!

That's it for today! I'll be back with another MFTeaser tomorrow! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Have a great day!
Christina

Friday, July 2, 2010

Happy Birthday, Kim!

It's a Birthday Bash -- and you're invited! We're celebrating the birthday of The MFT Lady herself, Kim van der Sanden! Her birthday is actually July 5, but we're sneaking in this little party a bit early! :)

Here's the card I made for Kim! I used the MFT set The Poppies, and I used these MFT Products: Fossil cardstock, Perfect Paper Panels, Take Note digi papers, Die-namics Jumbo Ric Rac die, and Earth Girl Button.

I finished the inside with a sentiment from the set Clearly Sentimental about Birthdays.

Here is the list of everyone participating in Kim's Birthday Bash! Be sure to visit all of them!
    Tomorrow begins the July MFTeasers! I'll see you then!
    Have a great day!
    Christina