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

Introducing Die-namics!

MFT is proud to introduce Die-namics, its own exclusive, American-made line of steel dies!

Here are the three Die-namics dies being released MAY 5!

MFT Die-namics Clouds (element die) (one die, with three different sized clouds on it)
Small – 1.25” wide and .70” tall
Medium – 1.89” wide and 1.06” tall
Large – 2.51” wide and 1.41” tall

MFT Die-namics Jumbo Scallops (Edge die) 6” long, with each scallop measuring 1.5”

MFT Die-namics Scalloped Scallops (Edge die) 6” long, with each scallop measuring 1.5”

This was the "surprise" in the VIP packages last week -- now everyone can have them! :)

They are so easy to use, and they cut beautifully! I have tried them with both the Cuttlebug and Big Shot. Here's how to use them with the Big Shot:

1. Place the die (here I'm using the Jumbo Scallop die on sandpaper) face-down against the edge you want to cut.

2. Now flip it over and place into the "sandwich" in this order (bottom to top):
All Purpose Platform (completely closed)
Cutting Mat
Die (cutting surface face-up)
Material to be cut (face-down against the die)
Cutting Mat

3. Run it through your machine, and voila!

If you're using a Cuttlebug, here's the "sandwich" order (bottom to top):
A Plate
C Plate
Die (face-up)
Material to be cut (face-down)
B Plate
Extra piece of cardboard

You can cut so many materials with these dies! Here are just a few (click on photos for a closer view):

Acetate

Cardboard


Cardstock

Photo Magnet Sheets (I have big plans for this one!)

And of course, patterned paper (shown here with the Scalloped Scallops die)

So, do you want to see what I made with these fabulous dies? I created a frame for one of my very favorite photos. These are my oldest two children when they were younger, many years ago, on our first family trip to the beach!

I created three rows of Jumbo Scallops out of sandpaper and patterned paper, then I inked the edges. The sentiment is from Clearly Sentimental about Babies.

I used white craft ink on the edges of the acetate clouds, then I adhered them with a couple dots of glue from my Quickie Glue Pen.

I just love how this project turned out, and I can't wait to use these dies again! If you're looking for more fun with the new Die-namics, head over to Kim's Blog after 11 am. She will have a list of designers who have samples for you!

Tomorrow is the first day of May, and it's also the first day of MFTeasers! There's so much going on, and I hope you'll stop back to see it all! Thank you SO much for visiting today! :)

Have a Fantastic Friday!

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

Gift Certificate Envelope

Hello! Happy Monday! Today's project is a gift certificate holder. Although most stores and restaurants have gift cards now, you'll sometimes find places where they have gift certificates. We purchased one for a Christmas gift, but like any self-respecting papercrafter, I just wouldn't settle for the standard envelope! I made a festive, sturdy, and re-usable gift certificate envelope! Here's what I did (click on any photo for a closer view!):

1) I started with a 12" x 12" piece of cardstock, and I cut it to 9" x 10 1/4". I scored along the long side at 2" and 6 1/4".

2) I folded along the score lines and placed 1/8" Scor-tape along the sides of the large bottom panel. Then I folded up the bottom and adhered it securely to create the front of the envelope.

3) I cut panels to cover the front, back, and top flap. On the front, under the top flap, I wanted to create a notch so that the certificate was visible when the envelope was opened. I marked the center of each layer so the circles would line up correctly.

4) Then I punched the circles with a 1 3/8" circle punch.

5) I adhered all the paper layers to the envelope base. I added some magnetic discs so the flap would stay closed.

6) Finally, I stamped a greeting and embellished the front.

That's it! It's pretty basic stuff, and you could certainly adjust your measurements for your particular certificate. Much better than a plain ol' envelope, don't you think?

Thank you so much for taking time to visit during this busy week! I really do appreciate it!

Have a great day! :)

Christina

Stamps: Festive Labels (Gina K Designs) Ink: Always Artichoke, Riding Hood Red (SU!) Cardstock: Always Artichoke, Very Vanilla (SU!), Pure Poppy (PTI) Paper: Garland (Scenic Route) Other: Scalloped circle and circle punches (Marvy), corner rounder, 1 3/8" circle punch (SU!), ribbon (MFT), button, twine (PTI), Xmas Red Stickles (Ranger), Magnetic Discs (BasicGrey)

Gift Card Holder

Hello, everyone! Happy Thursday to you! A couple days ago my friend Traci asked me to make a card for her niece's Confirmation, and she wanted it to hold a gift card. So, I put together this card for her. It's the standard A2 size with a pocket inside to hold the gift card. It could also hold money or a treat! I used the colors from this week's SCS Color Challenge, and I also used my new Verve Stamps.

I started with a 5 1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock. I scored it at 4 1/4" and 8 1/2", leaving a 2 1/2" flap to fold up for the gift card.

I placed a 4" x 5 1/4" piece of dp on the inside of the card. I scalloped the edge of the bottom panel, and I applied red line tape to the sides.

(NOTE: after I took the photo I added a second line of adhesive on both sides, closer to the center, so that the gift card would stay tight in the pocket. This isn't necessary if you are placing something larger in the pocket.)

Here is the inside of the card with the pocket folded up and a gift card inside. I added a 1 7/8" x 5 1/4" strip of dp to the pocket.

I decided to add the smaller butterfly stamp on the inside to finish it. There is still plenty of room for a personal message!

This was an easy way to make a gift card holder, and I'm sure I'll be doing it again! If you make one, link back here so I can see it! :)

That's all for today! Thank you for visiting!

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Beautiful Kindness, Plain Jane (Verve Stamps) Ink: Basic Gray, Rose Red, Pink Pirouette (SU!) Cardstock: Rose Red, Basic Gray, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Bella Rose dsp (SU!) Other: Labels One Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Button (BasicGrey), dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts), scallop edge punch, 1" circle punch, Sticky Strip, stamping sponge, dimensionals (SU!)

Christmas Shopping Organizer

Hello! Happy Friday!! Today the ATS Design Team has another "Review Preview" of newly released stamps -- this time it's Sugarplums Christmas. I made a Christmas Shopping Organizer, and here's the step-by-step. Click on any photo for a better view!

Start with an 8 1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock. Score down the middle at 4 1/4", then turn and score again at 3". Turn the cardstock back upright and remove the bottom left panel.

Round the corners (if desired) and add Sticky Strip or other strong adhesive to the sides of the bottom right panel.

Apply designer paper to the inside, then fold up the pocket and adhere.

Now finish the inside! I printed out the Gift List and "Receipts" on the computer. The gifts are from the Sugarplums Christmas Scenery Set. I colored them with Copics and cut them out. I placed an eyelet on the front and back panels to hold the ribbon in place when opened.

Here's the front of the organizer. The tree is also from the Scenery Set, and the sentiment is from Boutique Sentiments by AmyR Stamps. I again colored with Copics, and I added Stickles to the tree ornaments. The brads serve two purposes: they embellish the front and also hold the gift list pages in place on the inside! It will be easy to remove the pages and insert new ones next year!

I hope this gives you some good ideas! Certainly you could do this with any stamps, but these images are perfect, don't you think?!? ;)

Go to my sidebar and see what my Design Teammates are up to -- one of them has a $5 gift certificate to All That Scraps to give away! :) Thank you so much for visiting today! I hope you have a great weekend planned! Have a fantastic day! :)

Stamps: Sugarplums Christmas Scenery Set (C.C. Designs), Boutique Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Baja Breeze (SU!) Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Ski Slope (SU!) Other: Copic markers, Xmas Red Stickles (Ranger), eyelets, red satin ribbon (May Arts), Vintage Brads, oval punches, scalloped edge punch (SU!)

Mini Tote and Notecards

Happy Friday, everyone! I have today's project for the ATS Blog Hop! We're doing a "Review Preview" featuring the sets Sugarplum Scenery Set and Sugarplum Sentiment Set. I made a mini tote with four 3x3 note cards. It's the same tote I made for THIS post, but in that case I used it for a gift card holder. It is an easy project which can be adapted for any purpose! Just click on a photo to get a better view.

To make the tote, start with a 6" x 8" piece of cardstock. Score it 1" from the top and bottom and 3.25" inches from either side.

Fold on the score lines and cut to make the side tabs. At this point, you can turn the cardstock over and stamp or emboss the surface. I chose to leave mine plain.

Using Sticky Strip or other strong adhesive, fold up the sides and adhere.

Decorate the tote as desired. I used American Crafts paper for the background. The sentiment and stamped rectangle are from Sugarplum Sentiment Set. The two flowers are from Sugarplum Scenery Set. I stamped them, colored them with Copics, cut them out, and added brads to the centers. For the handles, I slippped grosgrain ribbon through Jumbo Eyelets and knotted the ends. You could also attach the ribbon with brads.

I made the 3x3" notecards with C.C. Designs white cardstock. I scored two lines along the bottom of each card, then I stamped the flowers and sentiments from the Sugarplum Sentiments Set. Quick and easy!

Now that you've seen this project, head over to the ATS Blog and see which members of the Design Team have other creations to share! One of them will have a $5 gift certificate to All That Scraps for you to win! Have fun blog hopping! :)

Tonight we're going to the Rascal Flatts/Taylor Swift concert, and tomorrow we'll be at Megan's cross country meet. I hope I can get squeeze in some stamping time, too! I'll be back for sure Sunday with another Sunday Supper recipe! Hope to see you then -- have a great day! :)

Hanging Treat Box

I have had this idea in my head for a while now, and I finally had a chance to work it out today! It's a hanging treat pocket, perfect for that Valentine wine and chocolate! :) Here's the step-by-step:

Start with a 5 1/2" x 11" piece of cardstock. Turn it sideways and score at 4" and 4 1/2".

Then turn it lengthwise and score at 1/2", 1", 4 1/2", and 5".

I drew over the score lines with a Sharpie so you can see them better -- no need to do this on your project! ;)

Cut away sections of cardstock as shown here.

Then cut a slit on both sides as shown here, so the squares become small tabs.

If you fold at the score lines it should look like this!

Round the corners of the long back panel.

Then punch out a circle so it can slip over a bottle. Here I used a 1 3/8" circle punch.

Fold up and attach with Sticky Strip or other strong adhesive.

Embellish as desired. If you want to you can stamp on the cardstock before assembling the pocket. Here I used Cosmo Cricket Hey Sugar paper for the front panel and the scallop around the hole. To create the scallop, I punched out a 1 3/8" circle, then punched around that circle with a Scalloped Circle punch (SU!). The images are from Love Ya Much by C.C. Designs. I colored the birds with Copics. I used a Mega Circle Punch and Giga Scalloped Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida), then I pierced the scallops. I punched two openings with a SU! handheld rectangle punch, then tied on some SU! Kraft taffeta ribbon.

Other ways to use the pocket:

*Cut the front and back panels shorter, then fill with "drinks on the go" packets and place over a water bottle.

*Make the hole larger and place over a doorknob. What a great way to surprise a neighbor or friend! Perfect for those Halloween "Boo" treats, too!

* Fill with cocoa, candy bars, whatever!!

That's it -- pretty simple! Try one! If you make a treat pocket for yourself, link back here so I can see it! :) Thanks so much for visiting -- have a fantastic day!