Snuggle Time - MFTWSC52

Hi there, friends! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of you!

Has it really been almost three months since I've posted a card here??? I decided it was finally time to get inky again. :)  I took advantage of my time off work to get sketchy with MFT's last Wednesday Sketch of 2011! You can get all the details HERE. We've been having plenty of snuggle time and hot cocoa this week, so this a la modes Hot Cocoa Cutie was the perfect choice for my card!

I paired her with some My Mind's Eye 12 Days of Christmas papers. I also used a few Die-namics, too! Oh, how I've missed them! :) Coloring was done with Copics and Prismacolor pencils, and I paper pieced the mug. I used Liquid Applique on the marshmallows and I did some machine stitching, too.

I think this bit of stamping has jump-started my mojo. I mean, a working girl has to have a creative outlet, right? I promise to be back soon -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Christina

A Sad Farewell...

Hello, friends!

It's been a while since I've been here, I know. My job and my family have taken much of my time over the last few months, and creative time is at a minimum. I have decided to step away from stamping and blogging for now. That also means I had to make the very difficult decision to resign from the MFT Creative Team. I can't even tell you how much it makes me sad to leave Kim and all my amazing friends there. But they deserve more than I can give right now. :(

Stamping and blogging have been such an important part of my life for several years. I am so thankful that this "hobby" has brought me so much happiness and has allowed some of my best friends to enter my life. I have had an amazing ride as a designer -- when I started stamping, I never dreamed I'd have the opportunities with which I've been blessed!

And you, my friends and readers -- you have made it all SO worth it! You all understand this obsession we call stamping, and you share in my joys and inspire me to keep creating. THANK YOU!

As I told the MFT team, I will not consider this a "good bye," just a "see you later." After this first year of teaching is behind me, and Megan finishes her senior year of high school, I'm hoping to be back doing what I really love, with all the time I need to do it well. I hope you'll be back when that time comes!

I'll still be lurking around in blogland or over at SCS, and I hope to carve out the occasional time to get inky, so I won't let the cobwebs settle on this blog. :)

Thanks again to all of you for sharing this part of my life with me -- big hugs to you all!

Until later...

Christina

MFT October New Product Tour!

Hi there! It's time for the MFT New Product Tour! This month, like every month, the stamps and Die-namics are must-haves! You'll want to begin the Tour at Kim's Blog so you don't miss a thing! :)

Tonight I have a card featuring Clearly Sentimental about Abundance, this month's Triple Scoop set. Our Triple Scoop reward is a full-sized stamp set offered to you absolutely free with a qualifying purchase of $60 or greater (before shipping and tax). The set changes with each monthly release, and is not yet available for individual purchase, so there is always a good reason to spoil yourself with MFT! You can get all the details about the Triple Scoop promo right HERE!

I thought the fall colors in this My Mind's Eye All Spice 6x6 paper were perfect for the abundance theme. I distressed the edges of the paper and cardstock. I added the bird from the new Die-namics Contempo Cage, and the new Die-namics Vintage Flourish was used to create the cork flourish behind the flowers. A little bling finishes the card.

Don't forget to take the rest of the New Product Tour! Kim has the list of designers who are ready to share the new stamps and dies with you!

Thank you so much for stopping by tonight! Happy shopping! :)

Christina

October VIP New Product Tour!

Hello!! I'm so glad you're here! It's time for the October VIP New Product Tour! The VIP is your chance to purchase the newest Who's That Girl set two weeks before its release! This month's set, Who's That Girl Chooses Hope, is one which is sure to be special to many of you.

I used My Mind's Eye Happier 6x6 paper, which is filled with shades of pink. I paper pieced her top and colored with Copics.

Since I had plenty of detail on the front, I kept the inside clean and simple. I truly LOVE this sentiment.

Here's what you'll get in your VIP package:

Who's that Girl Chooses Hope VIP Collection $29.90
Who's that Girl Chooses Hope stamp set
Choose Hope Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again $9 value, FREE)
Rolled Gardenia Die-namics Die
 
This is a LIMITED TIME offer, so run, don't walk over to KIM'S BLOG to go on your New Product Tour!
 
Thanks so much for stopping by! :)
Christina

MFT DT Creative Challenge: No Coloring!

Hi there! I'm so glad you stopped by today! I'm here with this month's DT Creative Challenge, and it's another fun one! We hope you'll play along with us!

In 2011, MFT is working harder than ever to inspire you, and we have come up with something we think you'll really enjoy. Our Design Team Creative Challenge is a new monthly feature, where we challenge our design team to explore their creative side using a specific theme, product or technique. This month, we're all putting down the markers, pencils and paints and sharing projects with No Coloring! Visit Kim's Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge!

I chose this sweet new a la modes Blue Without You set and paired it with some My Mind's Eye Blink of an Eye 6x6 papers. papers. I know the challenge is no coloring, but the star is paper pieced, not colored, so technically I didn't break the rules, right? Plus, that big ol' star was just begging for something, you know? :) The sentiment is stamped on the new Die-namics Dog Tag.

Inside, I stamped the image and another sentiment, then I placed a Die-namics Star Border along the bottom. Clean, simple, and no coloring!

Don't forget to stop by Kim's Blog to see the list of designers who have accepted the No Coloring challenge! Thanks again for the visit today! I really appreciate it! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

Let's Hang Out! It's Time to Hop!

Hi there! It's time to Hop and Shop with My Favorite Things! Tonight's release is full of fabulous stamps and Die-namics, so you'll want to get that shopping list ready! You'll want to start the Hop at Kim's Blog so you don't miss a thing! My card features this month's Who's That Girl? set, Who's That Mummy?. I paired it with more My Mind's Eye papers -- this time, Lost and Found Two: Sunshine 6x6 papers.

I distressed the edges of the papers and cardstock, and I also distressed the bias tape to make it look like mummy wrap. I lightly colored over the amber rhinestones with a black Copic marker, and I inked the edges of the image panel with Antique Linen Distress Ink.

On the inside, I stamped just her arm and added another sentiment.

You can find all the Brand Spankin' New products right HERE, right now! Next I'll send you to visit the sweet and talented Megan Lock -- I'll meet you there! :)

Thanks for hopping by!
Christina

Best Witches

Hello, and welcome to Day 6 of Teasers for the September release! One more day until the Release Party!  Today the Creative Team is previewing the adorable new Pure Innocence sets. My card features Little Witch. Lately I'm having a "thing" with wonky panels, so I used one here, and I paired it with some My Mind's Eye papers (I'm having a "thing" with them, too). ;)

The new Die-namics Fence is so perfect with this image, don't you think? I just can't wait for some Halloween fun!

Here's all the Release Info:

• The MFT release is on September 6 at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available September 6 at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

I'm so glad you stopped by today -- thanks so much!

Have a great day!
Christina

Talk Nerdy to Me

Happy Sunday! Today's MFTeasers are of the new à la modes sets, and they are SO cute! My card features Talk Nerdy to Me. I teach sixth grade math, and those #2 pencils are everywhere in my room -- so of course this image just makes me smile. :) I paired it with A Happy Heart 6x6 papers by My Mind's Eye, and I used the NEW Die-namics Ticket Tab.

The layout is this week's sketch for the Wednesday Stamp Club. You can see the sketch and all the details HERE.

I finished the inside with the image stamped again and another sentiment from the set.

Here's all the Release Info:

• The MFT release is on September 6 at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available September 6 at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

I hope you're enjoying the Teasers so far -- start making that shopping list! I'll see you back here tomorrow!

Have a great day!
Christina

You're So Tweet

Happy Saturday, everyone! Today I have a Teaser of the new MFT Die-namics duo, Homespun Birdhouse. There are so many possibilities for this set and these dies -- I can't wait to play with them some more! My first thought was to create a clean and simple card so I could use some fun papers against a white background.These Happier 6x6 papers by My Mind's Eye were just perfect. :)

I scored two lines to create a little space for my Honeydew Twine. 

I scored again on the inside and added a narrow strip of paper, keeping things clean and simple.

Here's the Release 411:

• The MFT release is on September 6 at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available September 6 at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

The Teasers continue tomorrow! I hope you'll stop by! Thanks so much for the visit today!

Have a great day!
Christina

September Teaser: Clearly Sentimental about Family

Hello there! I'm SO happy to be here with my first MFTeaser for the September release! I have to tell you that it felt good to get crafty after two weeks with my head in lesson plans and stacks of ungraded papers. :)

Today the Creative Team is previewing All Smiles and Clearly Sentimental about Family. I really wanted to work with the Clearly Sentimental set, because these last two weeks have shown me what the love of a family is really all about. I couldn't do what I do without them.

The paper is from the Everyday Flair 6x6 pad by My Mind's Eye.  I inked the edges of the Four Point Frame, and I just had to add a felt heart and a little bling.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on September 6 at 10 PM EST:

• The MFT release is on September 6 at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available September 6 at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW! Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

That's all for now! I'll be back with another Teaser tomorrow! Thanks for stopping by today -- I really do appreciate it! :)

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

September Teasers Begin Today!

Hello, everyone! Teasers for the MFT September Release begin TODAY! This month is full of fun and fabulous products, so be sure to stop by Kim's Blog to see which designers are ready with sneak peeks for you today! I'll have my first Teasers for you here on Friday! See you then! :)

Hope you're having a wonderful week!

Christina

Getting Sketchy, Week 34

Hello there! It's time for another great sketch for the MFT Wednesday Stamp Club! You can get all the details for this week's sketch right HERE.

On Monday, I started my new job. I went back to teaching after 19 years at home. To say I'm a little overwhelmed would be an understatement. ;) I love teaching, and I'm happy to be doing it again, but it's definitely been an adjustment for me and for my family. I was glad to finally carve out a little bit of stamping time to make this card -- and of course I had to use a la modes - You Rule.  And of course I had to use October Afternoon Schoolhouse papers. :)

Stop by Kim's Blog now to see the list of designers who have samples with this fun sketch.

My blogging will continue to be a bit sporadic until I get used to my new routine, so I hope you'll still stick around! I really appreciate you stopping by today!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Christina

Getting Sketchy, Week 33

Happy Wednesday! It's time for another fabulous sketch for the MFT Wednesday Stamp Club! You can get all the details for this week's sketch right HERE. I used the set, Own Your Story, and I paired it with some My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Two: Sunshine papers.

Today is my daughter Megan's 17th birthday, and it's also the first day of her senior year in high school. I want this year and her future to be full of good things, so this card seemed fitting. Happy birthday, Megan! :)

Stop by Kim's Blog to see which designers have samples with this fun sketch! Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Christina

September VIP!

Hello there! I've been away for a little while, getting my classroom in order, but I'm inky again and back tonight for the MFT VIP Blog Hop! The VIP package is your chance to get the newest Who's That Girl? set weeks before its release! September's WTG set, Who's That Mummy?, is SO cute -- it just makes me ready for some Halloween fun!

I used Graphic 45's Halloween in Wonderland papers and some twill ribbon. I colored with Copics and did a bit of machine stitching. I used the Die-namics Tag, You're It die to create the panel behind the image.



Here's what you'll receive in your VIP package:

Who's that Mummy VIP Collection $27.90
Who's that Mummy stamp set
Mummy Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again $9 value, FREE)
Rolled Mum Die-namics Die

You can find the VIP package right HERE! Hurry, get it while you can! Happy shopping, everyone! :)

Thanks for hopping by!
Christina

Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch #32

Happy Wednesday, everyone! It's time for another Wednesday Stamp Club sketch -- and, as usual, it's a great one! I used Pure Innocence: Make a Splash and paired it with some October Afternoon Seaside papers.

I colored with Copic markers and paper pieced her swim suit. I couldn't resist adding some cork scallops. :) Instead of the flower in the sketch, I did a twiney bow over the seam binding ribbon.

Stop by Kim's blog to see the list of designers who have made cards with this week's sketch! Upload your own card to the SCS gallery using keyword MFTWSC32 for a chance to win a gift voucher to the MFT Boutique! :)

That's all for now! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Christina

MFT DT Creative Challenge: Fun Folds

In 2011, MFT is working harder than ever to inspire you, and we have come up with something we think you'll really enjoy. Our Design Team Creative Challenge is a new monthly feature, where we challenge our design team to explore their creative side using a specific theme, product or technique.

This month, we're all making cards featuring Fun Folds!

Visit the MFT Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge!
 
 
I created a gate fold card with a drop-down panel. Here's the finished front:
 

And here's the how-to. First, start with a 8.5" x 8.5" piece of cardstock.

Score at 2 1/8" and 6 3/8" (it's difficult to see the score lines in the photos -- sorry!).

Then turn it and score down the middle at 4 1/4".

Turn the cardstock back to its original position, and remove the outside bottom sections.

Then take a little extra off the center panel.

Fold up the panels and decorate each section. The card will open up to reveal the message one panel at a time!

Die-namics used:

 
Don't forget to stop by Kim's Blog to see which designers have taken the Fun Folds challenge! We'd love to see what YOU create, too! :)
 
I'll be back tomorrow with the Wednesday Stamp Club sketch! See you then!
 
Have a great day!
Christina