Happy Birthday, Kim!

Happy Thursday, everyone! Today we're celebrating the birthday of the MFT Lady herself, Kim van der Sanden! Her birthday isn't until July 5, but with the busy weekend ahead, we decided to surprise her a little early! Kim is truly one of the kindest and most generous people I know, so I was more than happy to help mob her with some blog love! Be sure to start the party with ARLENE so you don't miss any of the birthday fun! :)

I used this week's MFT Wednesday Stamp Club sketch as my layout. The images are from Fred Bear Has a Birthday, and the Die-namics are the Dainty Doily Duo and Dainty Lace Border. I used Sweet Tooth and Hot Fudge cardstock, and the paper is from the Lime Twist - Life of the Party pad by My Mind's Eye. I colored Fred with Copics, cut him out, and popped him up with some of Jody's boosters.

If you'd like to join the celebration, we'd LOVE you to participate! You can add a card to the Splitcoast Galleries using the keyword "HBMFTLADY" or, if you're a Facebook lovin' girl you can add your project to the MFT Fan Facebook page!  Not yet a fan of MFT on Facebook? You can "like" it here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/My-Favorite-Things-Just-Delightful-Clear-Stamps/364057405371 and add your post!  Don't have time to stamp?  Just stop by the MFT Facebook page and wish the MFT Lady a happy birthday.  Let's MOB her on her special day!

Now I'll send you to visit DAWN! Enjoy the party!

Happy, happy birthday, Kim! I'm SO blessed to call you my friend! You deserve all the best! :)

Have a great day!
Christina

Mojo Monday / Clean and Simple Card

Hello there! Happy Wednesday! I combined two challenges to make this thank you card. The layout is this week's Mojo Monday Sketch, and the CAS Challenge at Splitcoaststampers is to use Red, Black and White.

The paper is from the Lime Twist: Life of the Party pad by My Mind's Eye. The stamps are from the Heart to Heart oval set by JustRite Stampers. I stamped the frame in Versamark and heat embossed it with black embossing powder. I stamped the sentiment in SU! Riding Hood Red ink and popped it up on dimensional boosters.

Okay, confession time. After heat embossing, there were lots of stray black spots around the frame, despite my best attempts to remove the extra embossing powder before using the heat tool. It was the second time I had made the same mistake, and I wasn't going to do it a third time. So, SU!'s Itty Bitty Backgrounds came to the rescue. Some well-placed "random" stamping covered the black spots. Problem solved. ;)

That's all for today. I'm so glad you stopped to visit. Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Christina

MFTWSC25... Better Late Than Never

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I'm stamping again! I'm still working around some things downstairs, but I have my space mostly cleared and all the necessary items within reach. :)

I love the sketch for last week's MFT Wednesday Stamp Club. You can see the sketch and get all the details HERE on the MFT Forum. I was determined to get a card made while there was still time! I paired the Die-namics Just My Type die and stamp set with the Decorative Doily die and some Cosmo Cricket Circa 1934 papers.

I embellished with ribbon from the My Favorite Ribbons - Red Collection, plus a button and some black twine.

I finished the inside of the card with the other half of the Decorative Doily and another sentiment from the set.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Have a great day! :)

Christina

Stamping Around Ohio

Hey, everyone! As I type, Servpro is removing the dryers and dehumidifiers from my basement. Hopefully I'll be able to get down there again soon. In the meantime, I can share with you some pics from Stamping Around Ohio last weekend. :)

My project was a hanging bottle/treat box. You can find a tutorial HERE at Splitcoaststampers. My Favorite Things was the class sponsor, so we had some fun with Pure Innocence: You're So Tweet, as well as the Die-namics Perfect Petal Trio and Flower & Leaf Trio.

We paper pieced the dress and embellished with Honeydew Twine and felt flowers. The paper is Blossom Soup: Half Pound Blossoms by Jillibean Soup.

Stamping Around Ohio Instructors: Tammy Hershberger, Maria Colosimo, Julie Masse, Kim Schofield, Barbara Anders, and me

What an awesome group of ladies! It was such an honor to be there with them!



Stamping Around co-founders Julie Masse and Kim Schofield

It was so much fun to see Erin Smetak again -- such a sweetheart! 

It was a great weekend, and all the ladies there were wonderful! Thanks, Julie and Kim, for asking me to be a part of it! :)

That's all for now! I'm hoping to get stamping soon, so thanks for being patient with me!

I hope you're having a great weekend -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Christina

When it rains, it pours...

Hello, friends. If you're looking for my VIP Hop post, it's not here. There's a good reason. Read on.

Today we went with Kyle to his college orientation, and we returned to a flooded basement. A TON of rain fell while we were away. Long story short, most of the carpet was soaked, including the office (where my stamp area is). We had to get everything off the floor so we could pull up the carpet. My stamps (and my VIP project) are on the counter in the office, under all the junk. Because I chose to procrastinate, I hadn't photographed or blogged the project before we left for the orientation. I planned to do it when we returned this afternoon. That didn't happen.

SO, I'll be out of commission for several days at the least. I'll be back as soon as I can! In the meantime, please head to Kim's Blog for the beginning of the VIP Blog Hop -- you don't want to miss it, I promise!

Two lessons learned:
1) Don't procrastinate.
2) Don't accumulate too much stuff in the stamp room. It just makes clean-up after a flood much more difficult.

Stay dry, everyone! Thanks for stopping by!

Christina

à la modes - You Are Unrepeatable

Hi there! Happy Tuesday! I'm back with a Teaser of the second à la modes set being released tonight at My Favorite Things. This set, You Are Unrepeatable, is so perfect for those young music lovers in your life!

I'm still having fun with the Lime Twist papers, and these patterns from the Happy Go Lucky pad were perfect with this image and Die-namics Say What? die.

Inside I created a pocket for a gift card, then I added some Die-namics Musical Notes and another sentiment from the set.

To see more samples with this set, head over to Kim's Blog now. Then be sure to join us tonight at 10:00 for the VIP Blog Hop! :)

That's all for now -- see you all later tonight!

Have a great day!
Christina

à la modes - I've Met My Match

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend and a wonderful Father's Day. I had a fantastic time at Stamping Around Ohio! I want to give a big shout-out to all the ladies who were so much fun and so enthusiastic! I'll have photos later on this week, but today I'm here to share the newest à la modes set from My Favorite Things! :)

Here's a card featuring I've Met My Match. I *love* this set (no pun intended)! I've been playing tennis since high school, and I've been in a Thursday morning league for about three years. It's one of the things I will really miss when I return to teaching in the fall. So, this card is for all my Thursday morning ladies! :)

The paper is from the Lime Twist - Life of the Party pad by My Mind's Eye. I created a felt border with the Die-namics Little Open Scallop Strip, and I embellished with Honeydew Twine and a button.

I finished the inside the inside of the card with more paper and another sentiment from the set.

Stop by Kim's Blog to see the list of designers who have previews of this set today. I'll be back tomorrow with the second à la modes set, and then we'll have the VIP Hop tomorrow night!

Thanks so much for visiting today -- have a great day!
Christina

One More Day...

...until I leave for Stamping Around Ohio! Today I'm finishing up the kits for my class and trying to get myself packed! I can't wait to hang out with all of the fantastic ladies at Toyrifix this weekend!

Here's a sneak peek at the project we'll be doing in my class... I'll share all the details with you next week! :)

I hope you're having a great day -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Christina

MFT DT Creative Challenge: Playing with Paint!

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've all been challenged to paint! Visit Kim's Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge!

My project is a magnet featuring painted flowers. Here's the finished product:

And here's a closeup of the flowers:

The project was really fun and easy. Here's the step-by-step (click on any photo for a closer view):

I used the Die-namics Pretty Posies die to cut three flowers from print paper.

I gave the flowers a coat of Tattered Rose Distress Crackle Paint, then I let it dry (if you're impatient like me, you can use a heat gun to speed the process).

I gave parts of the flowers another coat of paint, then I let them dry again. The thicker the paint, the more it will crackle.

I sponged Walnut Distress Ink into the cracks and around the edges of the flowers, then I sanded portions of the paint to allow the print to show through. I repeated the process until I was happy with how they looked.

I cut a piece of a printable Magnet Sheet with the Die-namics Textile Rectangle die. I cut another Textile Rectangle from a piece of BasicGrey Basics Manilla paper, then I adhered it over the printable side of the magnet sheet (the black magnetic side is on the back). I stamped the sentiment from Clearly Sentimental about Teaching, then I embellished with pleated paper and the assembled flower.

I hope you're inspired to try painting on your projects! Have fun! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Have a great day!

Christina

Stampers Dream and Friends Blog Hop!

Hi there! Happy Monday to you! I'm so excited to be hopping with the Stamper's Dream and Friends Blog Hop!

My card features the new Deck the Halls Cling Set by JustRite Stampers. I paired it with some October Afternoon Schoolhouse papers.

This set coordinates perfectly with the Spellbinders Heirloom Ornaments Nestabilities. I embellished with some adhesive  rhinestones and some Ivory Burlap String.

To see the list of all the designers participating in the Hop today, start with Michelle's Blog!

Here's the blog candy Michelle is offering! Leave a comment on each post for a chance to win!

Next I'll send you to visit Jo Thompson! Thanks so much for hopping by today!

Have a great day!
Christina

Just for You

Hello, friends! I've been a bad blogger these last couple weeks, I know. Life just kinda got in the way, and much has happened in the last week. Last Sunday was Kyle's graduation party, and we had been taking care of many preparations inside and outside the house. Last Friday, just before the party, my grandma passed away after a long battle with cancer. We went ahead with the party, finished our clean-up, then had the family reception here after the funeral Wednesday. At one point during the week I wasn't sure which end was up or what day it was. It's been crazy, to say the least -- joy and sadness, but a lot of good time with family and friends.

So, here I am, trying to get back into my stamping groove. Thanks for hanging around. :)

Today's project is a quick and easy label or tag for a treat bag. My husband loves pistachios. LOVES. I thought it would be fun to make a little bag which he can to take to work. I used the Fancy Labels Cling Set by JustRite Stampers.

I cut and embossed the frame with one of the Spellbinders Labels Eighteen Nestabilities, and I used a Classic Oval on the sentiment. I sponged the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink.

I covered the Maya Road Chipboard Heart with paper from the Crate Paper School Spirit Collection. I sanded and inked the edges of the heart, then I topped it with a button and May Arts Natural Burlap String.

That's all for now. I'm planning to spend the day stamping, so I'll be back with more projects in the coming days. I hope you'll stop by!

Thanks for the visit today -- have a great day!
Christina

MFT June Release Hop!

Hello there! It's time to Hop and Shop with My Favorite Things! Tonight's release is fabulous -- there are sure to be stamp sets and Die-namics you just "have" to have!  Be sure to start at the beginning of the Hop at Kim's Blog -- go ahead, I'll wait!  :)

I'm excited to be sharing the new Who's That Girl? set, Enjoy the Ride. The image is fun and lighthearted, and the sentiments are great for anyone beginning a new journey -- graduation, new job, new home, new career.

I paired the image with some Picket Fence papers (I'm just a wee bit obsessed with them lately), and I cut some cork with the new Die-namics Leafy Flourish.

I just love the inside sentiment. It's so perfect for the recipient of this card, a recent college graduate.

That's all for my stop! Next up is my sweet and talented friend, Dawn Easton. I'll meet you there! :)

Thanks for hopping by!
Christina

Popping By

Hello, everyone! It's Pure Innocence Sunday! Today the MFT Creative Team is previewing five new Pure Innocence sets. My card features Popping By along with the new Die-namics Mini Filmstrip die. I embellished with some Honeydew Twine, and I added some Ice Blue Microfine Glitter to the center of her hair flower.

Here are all the release details:

• The MFT release is on Tuesday, June 7 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 on June 7 at 10 PM EST.
• The Guest Designer Contest has begun! 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 two $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! We're having Kyle's graduation party today, so it's going to be fun but busy! I hope you are having a great weekend where you are -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Christina

Friendship

Hello! It's Day Two of MFTeasers, and today the Creative Team is previewing Clearly Sentimental about Friendship, Jolinne - I Love You This Much, and Pretty Pocket. I combined the Clearly Sentimental and Pretty Pocket sets to create this card. The Pretty Pocket set is designed to be used with the coordinating Die-namics die, but the images are fantastic on their own, too! The paper is from the Picket Fence collection by lilly bee design, and the layout is this week's WSC Sketch 22.

Here's the Release 411:

• The MFT release is on Tuesday, June 7 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 on June 7 at 10 PM EST.
• The Guest Designer Contest has begun! 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 two $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

Thanks for the visit today! I'll be back with more tomorrow!

Have a great day!
Christina

June MFTeasers Begin Today!

Happy Friday, everyone! Today is the first day of MFTeasers for the June release! Today the Creative Team is previewing Fred Bear Well Done and First Place Award Ribbon. First Place Award Ribbon is a Die-namics Duo stamp set and dies, and they are perfect for making awards to celebrate all the special people in your life. I needed a card for Caroline's soccer coach, and this set delivered! :)

I used some Fine and Dandy - True Blue papers, along with Hot Fudge, Orange Fizz, and Whip Cream cardstock. The orange circle behind the sentiment was made with a die from the Die-namics Sweet Stack. I love how well the different dies work together! :) I embellished with some Cappuccino Twine and Baby Braddies.

I finished the inside with more images from the set and the Die-namics Star Border.

Here are the details about Tuesday's release:

• The MFT release is on Tuesday, June 7 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 on June 7 at 10 PM EST.
• The Guest Designer Contest begins today! 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 two $10 vouchers being given away daily, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

That's all for today! I'll be back with another Teaser tomorrow! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

Spending Time Outside

Hello there! I hope your week is going well so far! Sorry I've been MIA -- I've taken a few days off from stamping to spend some time outside. :) Our weather is finally feeling like summer, and it's been nice to get in the garden and get my hands dirty! The long holiday weekend was the perfect time to plant flowers, fnish the mulching, and get the veggies and herbs planted in our little raised bed.

Here's what things look like around here...

I'll be inside getting inky today, because the MFT June Release is right around the corner! Thanks for taking the time to stop by today -- I always appreciate it so much! :)

Have a wonderful Wednesday!
Christina