Geeks Rule!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! It's the final day of MFTeasers before tonight's release! Today we're previewing three more sets: Who's That Girl Goes Green, Clearly Sentimental about Summer Vacation, and Who's That Geek Guy?. I have to say that I squealed when I saw Who's That Geek Guy?, so I had to use it for today's teaser. My hubby's company does IT consulting and Web design -- what could be more perfect? He's really not a geek, but I love to tease him about it anyway! ;)

I used Cosmo Cricket The Boyfriend paper, and I colored the image with Copics. I clear embossed the sentiment on his shirt, and I applied Crystal Lacquer to the laptop.

There are so many fun sentiments that fit perfectly on his shirt -- there are many ways to use this set! I'll definitely be making a Father's Day card or two! :)

Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am to see the list of designers who are previewing sets today. Then be sure to meet us at the Release Party tonight from 8-10 pm (Caroline has her Kindergarten Celebration tonight, but I'll be at the party afterward)! And, as if that wasn't enough, you can Hop and Shop with us tonight when the sets are released at 10:00!

That's all for now -- I'll see you back here tonight! Thanks so much for visiting!

Christina

MFTeaser: Wyatt Says WOW!

Happy Sunday! Welcome to another day of MFTeasers! Today we're previewing three more sets: Fred Bear and the Butterfly, Emma Blowing Kisses, and Wyatt Says WOW!

I used Wyatt Says WOW! for my card. I have a son and three daughters, so most of the time you'll find a lot of pink and "girlie" in my house and in my card designs. I am always happy when I have an adorable boy image to work with -- and Wyatt is definitely adorable! :) I paired him with several patterns of Cosmo Cricket Lil' Man paper. I paper pieced Wyatt's shirt and colored the rest of the image with my Copics. I stitched and distressed around the paper and cardstock, and I added a row of Die-namics Jumbo Scallops (currently sold out). I covered a chipboard "W" (for Wyatt, of course!) with the paper, then I sanded and inked the edges.

Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for a list of all the designers previewing sets today! I'm sure you won't be disappointed! :)

We're headed to my niece's graduation party today -- it should be a lovely day! I hope you all have some great weekend plans, too! Thanks for taking the time to stop by!

Have a great day,
Christina

MFTeasers, Day 2

Hi there! I'm back with Day 2 of MFTeasers! Today's sets are Little Loveasaurus and Fred Bear Has a Birthday. Both are just adorable!

I am IN LOVE with this Loveasaurus. I mean really, how cute is he?? I just love his little face peeking out of the costume!! I used Basic Grey Archaic paper, and I embossed the blue panel with my Cuttlebug and Tiny Bubbles folder. I paper pieced the costume and added some shading with a Prismacolor pencil.

Next is Fred Bear, celebrating his birthday! I colored him with Copics and added some Stickles to the cupcake. The paper is from the Sweet Celebrations line by Bella Blvd -- perfect with this image! I embossed the Summer Sun panel with my Cuttlebug and Birthday folder. The Baby Braddies are from MFT.

Don't forget to stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am to see who has more samples to show you!

Have a wonderful Sunday -- thanks so much for spending some time here with me! :)

Christina

Full Steam Ahead!

Happy Thursday! Here's the card I made for my nephew Ford's birthday. He just turned 2, and he's a HUGE Thomas the Tank Engine fan!! I had purchased these stamps several months ago because I knew I wanted to use them when his birthday came! I kept the card pretty simple -- it is for a 2-year-old boy, you know! :)

I embossed the Going Gray background with the D'vine Swirls folder, because I thought it looked like steam! I colored with Copics and pierced around the image panel. To make the trio of stars, I first embossed Summer Sun cardstock with the Spots & Dots folder, then I punched out the stars with a SU! punch. The striped paper is from the retired SU! Prints Pack. The ribbon was on a Christmas gift -- of course I saved it for a project! ;)

That's all for today! I have a couple challenges I'd like to work on and some new stamps to ink up, so I'm off to see what I can do! Thanks so much for the visit today!

Have a great day!
Christina

You Little Devil!

Happy Wednesday! Today's ATS Challenge is a sketch by Amy Rysavy. It's a fun one, perfect for designer papers!

You probably know by now that I'm a HUGE fan of BasicGrey papers. I just love the colors and patterns in each collection! I used my new Ambrosia 6x6 pad for this card, because the colors seemed perfect for this Devil Christopher image from Sugarplums Halloween. I colored Christopher with Copics and sponged the edges of the image panel with SU! Basic Gray ink. I colored and cut out the pitchfork and attached it over his hand with rolled glue dots. The three black brads are inserted through 1/2" circles punched from the patterned paper. I thought about embellishing a little bit more, but I really wanted to keep the card masculine. Plus, I didn't want anything to compete with the patterns in the paper.

Would you like to make a card for the challenge? Use keyword ATSDTC20 when uploading to a gallery. You can see all the Wednesday Challenge cards in the ATS Gallery HERE, and all the Wednesday Challenges are posted HERE. Do any one at any time! :)

I'm glad you stopped to visit today -- I always appreciate it!! Have a fantastic day! :)

Stamps: Sugarplums Halloween (C.C. Designs) Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Basic Gray (SU!) Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Ambrosia 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Ciao markers (Copic); word window punch, 1/2" circle punch, stamping sponge (SU!); black brads; dimensional foam; glue dots

Happy Birthday, Kyle!

Today is my oldest's birthday -- he's 16 years old! I can't believe it! Here's the card I made for him, using Jen del Muro's Sketch for You to Try. It's a fun sketch, perfect for the image and paper I wanted to use! The truck is from SU!'s Loads of Love, and the numbers are from Melanie Muenchinger's set Just So Sporty, by Gina K. Designs. The dp is from American Crafts. I paper pieced the truck with the solid green that is the reverse side of the arrow pattern. I colored the rest of the image with Copics and sponged around the panel with Soft Sky ink.

I had bought a package of chipboard arrows when I bought the paper -- they work perfectly together! I covered the arrow with Basic Black ink, and I added a trio of brads. I also added brads to the truck tires. The Soft Sky background was Cuttlebugged with the Number Collage embossing folder. I pierced around the numbers and mounted everything on dimensional foam.

I like how it turned out -- I think it's a fun card! Kyle is one of my biggest cheerleaders, and he always likes to see the new projects I've made. I hope he likes this one! :)

We're going to a Japanese steakhouse for his birthday dinner -- his request! I have a few things to do around here before then, so that's all for now! Thanks so much for the visit -- have a fantastic day! :)

Stamps: Loads of Love (SU!), Just So Sporty (Gina K. Designs) Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Basic Black (SU!) Cardstock: Basic Black, Soft Sky, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Travel (American Crafts) Other: Copic markers; vintage brads, circle punches, paper piercing tool, stamping sponge (SU!), Jigsaw Arrows (Making Memories); Cuttlebug, Number Collage (Provo Craft), dimensional foam

For Dad

Hello! Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there! Here's the card I made for my Dad. The card size is 4.25" square. I used the stamp set King of the Grill by Rupa Shevde for Gina K. Designs. I paper pieced the golf bag and colored the stamp with SU! markers. To create the golf ball, I ran a piece of white cardstock through my Cuttlebug in the Tiny Bubbles folder. I punched out a 1 1/4" circle and flipped the cardstock over so the bubbles were inverted. It looks just like the dimples on a golf ball, don't you think? I matted it on a 1 3/8" Ballet Blue circle. The tabs were made with a SU! Large Oval punch -- I cut it in half to create the two tabs. Then I tied some natural hemp twine through them. I added some Rich Regals brads, and that's it! I like the clean, simple design -- just right for a masculine card.

Next week I'll be cramming a lot into a few days -- I'm going to create as much as I can before we leave next weekend for our Disney Cruise!! I'm already knee-deep in laundry, and I haven't even begun to pack! It'll get done, one way or another! ;) Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a fantastic day! :)

Stamps: King of the Grill (Gina K. Designs) Ink: Basic Black Cardstock: Really Rust, Ballet Blue, Whisper White (SU!) Tools: Cuttlebug & Tiny Bubbles embossing folder (Provo Craft), lg oval punch, 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1/8" handheld punch (SU!)Accessories: natural hemp twine, markers (Chocolate Chip, Creamy Caramel), Rich Regal Brads, dimensionals (SU!)

Father's Day Projects

Happy Saturday! I have a couple of Father's Day projects to share with you. The first is a frame for my husband. I can't remember where I picked up this frame, but I think it was Michaels. It's the kind where the photo "floats" between two panes of glass. This is one of my favorite photos of my kids, taken in November on Anna's 6th birthday. All the embellishing on the frame is done on the top (front) glass.

On the left side of the glass, I partially stamped two backgrounders from Cornish Heritage Farms. I stamped Large Polka Dots in White Stazon, and I stamped Lined Paper in Timber Brown Stazon. I added a cluster of buttons in the corner. I tied some natural hemp twine through the clear button for some added texture. The buttons are attached with glue dots.

On the right side of the glass, I added some SU! chipboard accents. I covered the bracket with BasicGrey Stella Ruby paper, then I sanded the edges. On the letters, I covered them in SU! Chocolate Chip Craft ink, then I added a little White Craft ink to the edges. The chipboard is also attached with glue dots.

I actually CASEd myself on this card. I had made a similar one a few months ago, when this C.C. Designs set Handyman Jack was first released at All That Scraps. I made this one a pocket card with lots of "hardware" (SU! Vintage Brads and Jumbo Eyelets). I used the SU! Weathered background stamp to create the wood look, and I sponged all the edges. I stamped the nail image repeatedly on the BasicGrey paper to create my own "patterned paper." The images were colored with Copics.

You can see here how it pulls out to reveal a gift card. You could also just write a message there!

I'll have one more Father's Day card to show you tomorrow - it's my Dad's card. I hope you'll stop back! This morning we're going to an early Father's Day breakfast at my parents' house. My brother, SIL, and nephew are in town (they live in Charlotte, NC). I can't wait to see them! I hope you have something fun planned for today -- have a great one! :)

Sneak Peeks Day Three: Handyman Jack

Meet Jack. He's a Jack of All Trades, and he is Queenie's main squeeze (you'll meet Queenie tomorrow). This hunky handyman is ready to work! I had a lot of fun making this card. The finished size is 5.25" square. Jack is stamped on C.C. Designs White Cardstock with Brilliance Graphite ink and is colored with Copics. I cut him "out of the box" before matting the panel on Chocolate Chip cardstock. I stamped the nails image on the Figgy paper with Close to Cocoa ink. For the sentiment, I inked up part of the sentiment stamp with a Chocolate Chip marker. The entire sentiment reads "My Sexy Handyman", but I wanted to show you the versatility of the set -- just in case you were making a project for someone other than your man! I sponged around the image and sentiment panels with Creamy Caramel ink, and I embellished with Jumbo Eyelets and natural hemp twine.

There is a lot of dimension on this card -- I used Stampin' Dimensionals on all the layers. It is a fun card IRL! It's funny -- Jack actually looks a lot like MY handyman. When I was editing the photo on our computer, Caroline walked up and said "Daddy!!" -- I cracked up! :)

You can see more samples of Jack and all the new releases on the ATS Blog, where Christine is having giveaways all week! You can win the new sets and more! Also, you can see all the Design Team samples in the DT Gallery At All That Scraps.

I really appreciate you stopping by! I hope you have a great day today -- thanks for making me a part of it! :)

Stamps: Handyman Jack (C.C. Designs) Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa, Creamy Caramel (SU!) Cardstock: Chocolate Chip (SU!), C.C. Designs White Cardstock Paper: Figgy 6x6 paper pack (BasicGrey) Other: Copic Markers, Jumbo Eyelets, Crop-a-dile, natural hemp twine, Stampin' Dimensionals, stamping sponge

Just Basketball!

Hello! Happy Friday! Has March Madness invaded your home? It has definitely invaded mine! I'm a sports fan, but normally I'm not really a fanatic about any particular sporting event. NFL games (particularly Cincinnati Bengals games) and NCAA basketball games are normally "guy time" for Chris and Kyle, and I will sometimes join them if there's a team I want to watch. HOWEVER, I'm a graduate of Xavier University, and my Musketeers are now in the Elite Eight of the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament!!! I almost had a heart attack watching the game last night -- they beat West Virginia in overtime! Kyle just kept saying, "Calm down, Mom ..." :)

Anyway, since I have basketball on the brain, I thought it would be a good time to share this card I made for my nephew's birthday. I had ordered this set a while ago, because I have very few "boy" sets, and my son and nephews are all basketball players. For some reason, though, I just couldn't figure out how to use it. I think I finally succeeded with this card. I stamped "Swish" directly onto the Stella Ruby paper. I used the Cheesecloth Backgrounder from Cornish Heritage Farms as the background for the focal image, stamped in River Rock ink. The focal image is stamped in Chocolate Chip. I stamped just the basketball one more time, cut it out, and mounted it on Dimensionals over the first image. I sponged Chocolate Chip ink around the image panel and the patterned paper. I also pierced around the image panel. The photo didn't pick it up, but I drew around the basketball rim with my Stardust Jelly Roll pen. It looks pretty cool IRL! The twill (from my stash -- manufacturer unknown), was stamped with the whistle image.

I hope this works for a 12-year-old boy! What do you think?

I hope you have a fantastic weekend -- thanks for visiting today! Next week will be full of sneak peeks of the new C.C. Designs stamps! Christine is celebrating the First Anniversary with FIVE new sets -- you're gonna love 'em! I hope you'll stop back to check them out! Have a great day! :)

Stamps: Just Basketball (SU!), Cheesecloth Backgrounder (CHF) Ink: Chocolate Chip, River Rock (SU!) Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, River Rock, Very Vanilla (SU!) Paper: Stella Ruby (BasicGrey) Other: twill, Chocolate Chip grosgrain, paper piercer & mat pack, sponge, dimensionals, Stardust Gelly Roll pen (Sakura)

Happy Birthday, Chris!

Today is my husband's birthday. I hadn't made him a card until today (gasp!), but the Sketch Challenge at SCS gave me the right inspiration! He loves to grill, so Grillafella from StampingBella was the perfect choice for my focal image. I Cuttlebugged the Chocolate Chip base with my D'vine Swirls folder. Grillafella was colored with Copics, and the edges of the panel were sponged with Close to Cocoa ink. The sentiment is from Think Happy Thoughts. I used four different circle punches to create the ring, then I pulled the ribbon up through the middle and tied it in place. I really like this card -- I think he'll like it, too! :)

Tomorrow I'll have a Valentine card featuring those adorable penguins from C.C. Designs. I hope you'll come back to visit! Have a great day!!

Stamps: Grillafella (StampingBella), Think Happy Thoughts (SU!) Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black, Chocolate Chip, Close to Cocoa Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Real Red, Crafters Select White (Papertrey Ink) Paper: Hot off the Grill (Flair Designs) Other: Copic markers, Cuttlebug & D'vine Swirls embossing folder (Provo Craft), 1 1/4" circle punch, 1 3/8" circle punch, 1/2" circle punch, 1/4" circle punch, Vintage Brads, Real Red 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Chocolate Chip stitched ribbon (from retired Seaside Originals ribbon), sponge, dimensionals

A New Driver!

I made this card for our friends' son, who got his drivers license last week. I don't have a lot of masculine stamps or papers, but the ones I do have worked perfectly for what I needed! The stamps used are Loads of Love, Loads of Love Accessories, a sentiment from A Muse, and the Rough Texture Jumbo Wheel. I used Mellow Moss, Chocolate Chip, and Very Vanilla cardstock, and the paper is from My Mind's Eye.

I rolled the Rough Texture wheel on the card base with the Jumbo Handle and Mellow Moss ink cartridge. The images and sentiment were stamped with Chocolate Chip ink. I colored the images with Prismacolor Pencils blended with Turpenoid (Weber) and blending stumps (Loew-Cornell). I watercolored a shadow under the truck with my Aquapainter and Soft Sky ink. The panels and paper were sponged with Chocolate Chip ink and then distressed with the Cutter Kit. I used the Word Window Punch on the sentiment and used the Spiral Punch along the top of the image panel. With my sewing machine, I zig zag stiched around the paper and then freehand stitched the "road" under the truck. To finish the card, I added a Karen Foster Mini Screw Brad to the sentiment and tied twill around the paper panel. The image panel was mounted on Stampin' Dimensionals.

This is the Ways to Use It Challenge card I had intended to make Thursday, but I opted to blow bubbles with Caroline instead! I think I'll put a gift card inside, so our friend can go to the "Drive-thru" for some nourishment after football practice! :)

I hope everyone has a great weekend, and I hope my American friends enjoy the Labor Day holiday! Thanks for stopping by! :)

All products Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted.