Wednesday, December 31, 2008

ATS Special Holiday Challenge!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today's ATS Wednesday Challenge is to use snowflakes. Also, you can't use "Christmasy" paper! :) So many Christmas sets can be used throughout the winter for all kinds of projects! And, snowflakes just make anything feel more wintery!

I made this first card with colors from yesterday's SCS Color Challenge. I had fun with this one! There are embossed snowflakes on the background, stamped snowflakes around the reindeer, and punched snowflakes on top! I added bling and Stickles to the punched snowflakes -- you should see them IRL! I *love* this Reindeer Games set -- the images and sentiments are just so much fun! The reindeer are available in rubber and as digi downloads.

I was having so much fun with the snowflakes that I made one more! I just love this little tag! I found this piece of dp in my stash, and it coordinated perfectly with Baja Breeze and Chocolate Chip! The little snowman is from the set Winter Bear. His sweater is paper pieced with the dp. I again Cuttlebugged the background and punched snowflakes, then I added more Stickles! :) The sentiment is from Sugarplums Sentiments. This tag could be used as a gift tag, or it could be adhered to a card front.

I hope you find time to play in our Snowflake Challenge! If you do, upload them to the ATS Gallery so we can see them! Design Team samples are on the ATS Blog -- be sure to check them out!

We have no plans for tonight -- we'll be hanging out with our little ones here at home (our teenagers have bigger plans!). If you are celebrating the New Year somewhere else, be safe! Thank you all for being such a big part of my 2008 -- I can't tell you how much it means to me! I wish you a very blessed and prosperous 2009!

See you next year! ;)
Christina

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Love Roses

Happy Tuesday, everyone! I had my pad of Sugared paper out for yesterday's project, so I used it again for this Valentine card. These Love Roses are from American Art Stamp. I stamped them in Momento Rich Cocoa ink and colored with Prismacolor Pencils. It's hard to tell in the photo, but I added Stardust Stickles to the bubbles and to the flower centers.


I was pleased with how well the image coordinated with the paper -- it has a romantic look to it, don't you think? This doesn't have to be for Valentine's Day -- it would be perfect for a wedding or anniversary, too!

Tomorrow I'll be back with a special holiday ATS Wednesday Challenge -- just think snow! ;)

Thanks for the visit today -- I always appeciate it!

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Stamps: Love Roses (American Art Stamp) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Old Olive (SU!) Cardstock: Old Olive (SU!), white Paper: Sugared 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Turpenoid, blending stumps; Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Cuttlebug, Heart Blocks embossing folder (Provo Craft); Scallop edge punch (SU!); Stardust Stickles (Ranger); pink dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts); Peony Dew Drops (Robin's Nest); sponge, dimensionals

Monday, December 29, 2008

Who's That Girl Monday Challenge

Happy Monday, everyone! This is a really late post -- my stamping and posting time was very interrupted all day! Anyway, here's my project for today's MFT Who's That Girl Monday Challenge at SCS. I used the set Hot Stuff and added some torn paper. The template for this Popcorn Box was created by Michelle Giraud. It is a free download at Paper Addiction.

This box will hold hot cocoa or flavored coffee packets -- what a warm thank-you gift it would be! :)

I have lots of things in store for you this week, including previews of the January C.C. Designs stamps! I hope you'll be back to see them! Thanks for visiting today -- I'm so glad you stopped by!

Stamps: Hot Stuff (MFT) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Chocolate Chip (SU!) Paper: Sugared 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Poinsettia Dew Drops (Robin's Nest); Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain, natural hemp twine, Jumbo Eyelet (SU!)

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Sunday Supper: A Must-See Blog

Hello, everyone! Happy Sunday to you! I'm doing something a little different for today's Sunday Supper post. Instead of sharing a recipe, I'm going to point you in the direction of my friend Maggie's blog.

Maggie Green is a chef, dietician, cookbook editor, mom, and just about the nicest person you'd ever meet. She writes a column for a local paper, and her blog grew from there. It's called From My Kitchen Table. She shares great recipes, menus, and food facts -- you must check it out!

Just a reminder -- I'm always looking for favorite recipes to share each Sunday. If you have a recipe for a family meal, and you'd like me to post it here (with a link back to your blog!), just email me! :)

Have a great day -- thank you so much for visiting! Don't forget to spend some time around the supper table!

Friday, December 26, 2008

A Gingersnaps Review

Hello, everyone! Happy Friday to you! I hope you all had a fantastic Christmas! Mine was truly wonderful. We spent Christmas Eve with Chris's family. Yesterday we stayed home all day! My parents and grandma came over in the morning for breakfast and gift exchanges, and the rest of the day was spent just relaxing and being together. It couldn't have been better! :)

Today's it's back to business -- but it's all fun! At All That Scraps we're doing a review of the recently released Gingersnaps sets, Snowbunnies and Angels Everywhere. They are available in rubber and as digi downloads! For both cards, I used the Garland collection of papers by Scenic Route. I am in *love* with the colors and patterns -- they're not just for Christmas!


On the first card, I started paper piecing and couldn't stop!! I pieced the jacket, scarf and hat with the paper, and I pieced the boots and hearts with SU! Riding Hood Red cardstock. I did lots of machine stitching on the paper panels. I used Liquid Applique on the pom poms and boot cuffs, and I heated it to make it puffy.

On the second card, I paper pieced her dress, pierced the scallops, and sponged around the image circle.


Stop by the ATS Blog today to see what the rest of the Design Team did with these adorable images!

For all of you after-Christmas shoppers out there, Christine is having a sale on all C.C. Designs images! They are 15% off through Sunday, December 28! If you've had any on your wish list, now is the time to get 'em! :)

That's all I have for today! Thank you so much for visiting -- I'm so glad you stopped by! Have a fantastic day! :)

Snowbunny Card:
Stamps: Gingersnaps Snowbunnies, Sugarplums Sentiments (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla (SU!) Paper: Garland (Scenic Route) Other: Copic markers; Very Vanilla taffeta ribbon Felt Flurries (SU!), Poinsettia Dew Drops (Robin's Nest); Liquid Applique; Heat Tool; Icicle Stickles (Ranger); white gel pen, dimensionals, sewing machine

Angel Card:
Stamps: Gingersnaps Angels Everywhere, Sugarplums Sentiments (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Cameo Coral, Riding Hood Red, Old Olive, Very Vanilla (SU!) Paper: Garland (Scenic Route) Other: Copic markers; Poinsettia Dew Drops (Robin's Nest); Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain, silver cord (SU!); Mega Circle Punch, Giga Scalloped Circle Punch (Marvy Uchida); Stardust Stickles (Ranger); white gel pen, sponge, dimensionals

Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Wrapping Things Up!

Well, probably like many of you, I've been scrambling these last couple days to finish up my Christmas preparations. I've been doing some wrapping and picking up some last-minute gift cards! I had purchased ornaments to give to each of the couples in Chris's family, and here's how I wrapped them up:

I found one more use for my Top Note die! :) I cut out the shape from Kraft paper, then I folded it in half. I stamped the images from Winter Post on the front and stamped the to/from on the inside. I sponged around the edge of the tag and attached it to the bow with gold cord. I made my own "designer wrapping paper" by stamping the snowflake onto kraft wrapping paper.

I hope you all are finding some peace and quiet among all the hustle and bustle of the season. I'll be taking a couple days off to enjoy Christmas with my family, but I'll be back on Friday with some fun C.C. Designs cards!

I wish all of you and your families a very merry and blessed Christmas!!! :)

All products Stampin' Up
Stamps: Winter Post Ink: Chocolate Chip, Riding Hood Red, Close to Cocoa Cardstock: Kraft Other: 1 1/4" striped grosgrain ribbon, Big Shot, Top Note Die, gold cord, 1/16" handheld punch, stamping sponge

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Easiest Pumpkin Cupcakes

Happy Sunday to you! Today's Sunday Supper recipe can be a dessert or a yummy holiday treat. It's quick and easy but tastes like it's homemade. I took them to Anna's school Friday for the monthly teacher treats, and I had a few left over for us to eat -- they were so good! The recipe came from a Gooseberry Patch book.

Easiest Pumpkin Cupcakes
from More Gifts for Giving (Gooseberry Patch)

18-1/4 oz. pkg. spice cake mix
15-oz. can pumpkin
3 eggs
1/3 c. oil
1/3 c. water
16-oz. container cream cheese frosting

Stir together cake mix, pumpkin, eggs, oil and water in a large bowl until well blended. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes. Pour batter into greased muffin cups, filling each 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 18 to 22 minutes or until centers test done. Cool in pans for 10 minutes; place cupcakes on wire racks to cool completely. Spread frosting over each. Makes 2 dozen.


I'm glad you stopped by today -- thank you SO much for visiting! Have a wonderful Sunday, and be sure to spend some time around the supper table! :)

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Celebrating MFT!

Hello! Happy Saturday! Only FIVE more days 'til Christmas (but you probably didn't need that reminder, did you?)!! ;)

It's the 20th of the month, and that means it's Celebrate MFT Day at My Favorite Things. If you have MFT stamps, get 'em inky! And, if you can, use the MFT colors of pink, black and white. Here's my card, made with Baby It's Cold Outside. It has to be one of my favorite MFT sets ever!


I paper pieced her coat and colored the rest of the image with Copics. I added Stickles to the snowman and ground, and I used a white gel pen to make the snow in the sky. I sponged around the edge of the circle with Regal Rose ink. The background was embossed with my Cuttlebug and Snowflakes folder.

I have a lot to celebrate on this particular MFT Day -- wanna know why?? You know I've had a blast as a member of the December Temp Team, right? Well, I received a call from Kim van der Sanden last week, and she asked me to stay on as a member of the MFT DT!!!! I'm still kind of in shock -- that team is full of stamping rock stars! I'm so thankful and so excited!! :) I officially begin with the January 7 release -- you're gonna love it! :)

Thanks for visiting today, and thanks for celebrating MFT with me! Chris and I are off to do a little last minute shopping -- I hope you all have a fantastic day! Thanks for stopping by! :)

Stamps: Baby, It's Cold Outside (MFT) Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Basic Black, Regal Rose (SU!) Paper: Sweet Always dsp (SU!) Other: Ciao markers (Copic); Cuttlebug, Snowflakes folder (Provo Craft); Lace Edge punch (Martha Stewart); Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Icicle Stickles, Frosted Lace Stickles (Ranger); black brads, silver cord, dimensionals, sponge (SU!); black dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts)

Friday, December 19, 2008

Easy Classroom Treats

A quick post today -- I just wanted to share the treats I made for Caroline's preschool class. Easy and relatively quick, with no embellishments -- after all, they are for four-year-olds!

I had some more fun with the Top Note die! I used the SU! hostess set Deer Friends and last year's Dasher paper (I'm so glad I hoarded it!). The 1 3/8" Circle punch and the Scalloped Circle punch were used on the images.


That's it! Now, I'm off to take her to school in the pouring rain -- let's hope these treats survive! :) Have a great day, everyone -- thanks so much for stopping by!




Thursday, December 18, 2008

Top Note Skaters

Hi there! Happy Thursday! Here's the card I made for this week's SCS Color Challenge. I waited waaaaay too long to order Winter Post, and now I have some catching up to do! I also finally broke down and bought the Big Shot and the Top Note die -- it was a birthday present to myself! ;) You can count on seeing more of the Top Note -- I have lots of plans for it! This card is completely SU! -- I haven't done that in quite a while!

I like the way this card came together. I think I might add a pocket inside to hold a gift card -- what do you think?

I'm finishing up Caroline's classroom treats, and I have a couple other gifts to share, so I hope you'll be back! Thanks so much for stopping by today -- have a fantastic day! :)

Stamps: Winter Post, Fresh Cuts Ink: Basic Gray, Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Not Quite Navy Cardstock: Not Quite Navy, Basic Gray, Baja Breeze Paper: Bella Rose DSP Other: Big Shot, Top Note die, Baja Breeze striped grosgrain, silver cord, corner rounder, Felt Flurries, Pretties Kit, Aquapainter, sponge, dimensionals

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

BC Dzyns Release Blog Hop!

Today My Favorite Things is releasing another set by BC Dzyns, and you've come to my stop on the Release Blog Hop! If you've just come from Natalie's Blog, welcome! If you haven't seen all the other samples so far, you'll want to start at Kim's Blog and catch up!

This Daydreamer comes with so many great sentiments for her "thoughts'"-- some serious, some sassy! It's definitely a fun set with many possibilities!

I colored with Copics and paper pieced her shirt. The thought cloud was cut out, sponged, and mounted on dimensionals. I added Gemstones to the little bubbles. There is faux stitching around the image panel and between the dp panels. This card is actually the finished product of my Faux Stitching Tutorial on the How'd They Do That? Forum -- check it out if you have a minute! :)

Well, there's more to see, so you'd better get going! Your next stop on the Blog Hop is the amazingly talented Cindy Haffner-- enjoy! Thanks for stopping by! :)

Stamps: Daydreamer (BC Dzyns) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Close to Cocoa (SU!) Paper: Offbeat 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Ciao markers (Copic); paper piercing tool and mat pack, Kiwi Kiss ribbon, Pretties Kit brad (SU!); Hydrangea flowers (Prima); Gemstones (Hero Arts); black gel pen, sponge, dimensionals

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

My Little Scrapbooker

Hello! Happy Tuesday! It's been a little busy around here -- Caroline's birthday was yesterday, mine is today, and there are nine more days 'til Christmas! Need I say more?

I have some projects that are almost finished, so I can't share right now, but here is a photo of Caroline from this morning. She is wearing her new pajamas and working on her new storybook scrapbook (both from my sister-in-law Cammie -- thanks, Cam!). I think she enjoys scrapbooking more than I do, so maybe she can get me to finish that Christmas scrapbook that's still not completed after three years...

I'll be back tomorrow with a peek at the new set by BC Dzyns, and then I'll have a few more Christmas projects to show you! I hope you'll stop by to see! Thanks so much for visiting -- have a fantastic day! :)

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Sunday Recipe: Overnight Coffee Cake

Hello! Happy Sunday to you! We had Chris's company Christmas party last night, so I'm moving a little slowly today! ;)

Today's recipe is more for Sunday breakfast than for Sunday supper! I thought I'd share this yummy coffeecake that my mom and I have used on Christmas morning. You make it the night before and bake it in the morning. That leaves more time to enjoy Christmas morning with your family! :)

Overnight Coffee Cake
24 frozen dinner rolls (we use Rhodes dinner rolls in the frozen food section)
1 large pkg. vanilla pudding (not instant)
1/2 c. brown sugar
1/2 c. chopped pecans
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 stick margarine, melted

Combine dry pudding with brown sugar, cinnamon and pecans. Melt margarine. Place pieces of frozen dough into a well-buttered angel food pan. Arrange the dough so that none are overlapping. Use a pan that does not have a drop out bottom. It will leak during baking. Pour melted margarine over frozen dough and sprinkle with the pudding mixture. Cover the pan loosely with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel. Leave out overnight. Dough rises by morning. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes. Let it set for 5 minutes. Invert on plate to serve. Pull apart and enjoy!

Have a great day, everyone! Thanks for stopping by! :)

Friday, December 12, 2008

It's a Wrap!

Hi there! Happy Friday to you! I've been busy with all kinds of things today, but I did get a chance to make this quick and easy candle wrap. I love Yankee Candles, as I'm sure many of you do, and I would be thrilled to receive one as-is -- but, being the obsessive paper crafter that I am, I couldn't just leave it as-is!! ;)

This project took me just minutes to make -- there is no stamping at all! I used my Cosmo Cricket Wonderland paper pack, some SU! cardstock, and a few embellishments, and that was it!

I cut two strips of Always Artichoke cardstock and overlapped them slightly to get the correct length, then I crimped them for some texture before securing them around the candle. I cut strips of Wonderland paper and centered them over the cardstock. For the tag, I used one of the journaling cards from the paper pack, matted it on Chocolate Chip cardstock, then added a gold eyelet. I used my Martha Stewart punches to punch snowflakes from more paper, and I added some rhinestone centers. I tied chocolate satin ribbon (Offray -- purchased at Walmart) around the candle neck, and I tied the tag to the ribbon with gold cord.

Pretty easy, huh? This would be a great hostess or teacher gift. It's sitting on a shelf in my home right now, and it just might stay there! :) I hope this gives you some ideas for your own quick gifts. This time of year, we need all the time-saving ideas we can get!! Thanks so much for taking the time to visit -- have a great day and a fantastic weekend!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Cherries Jubilee!

Happy Thursday! Here's the card I made for yesterday's SCS Sketch Challenge. This was a fun sketch to work with! Except for the Cuttlebug and Nestabilities, it's a SU! card.

I sponged the white circles and pierced the white scalloped border. Other than that, it's pretty simple and straightforward!

Before I go, I want to share this blog award I was given by Pat at Just4Fun2 and also by Nancy Morgan at Paper Smiles. I'm so sorry I forgot to post it before now! Thank you so much, Ladies! I really DO appreciate it -- I was just absent-minded!! ;)

That's all for now! Thank you for stopping to visit today! I hope you have a fantastic day! :)

All supplies Stampin' Up! unless otherwise noted
Stamps: Tart & Tangy, Best Yet Ink: Old Olive, Real Red, Bashful Blue, Basic Black Cardstock: Old Olive, Real Red, Bashful Blue Paper: Summer Picnic DSP Other: Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain, Real Red striped grosgrain, scallop edge punch, silver cord, handheld punch, ticket corner punch, sponge, dimensionals, Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders)

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

ATS Challenge: Gift Card Holder

Happy Wednesday! Today's ATS Challenge is to create a gift card holder. There are so many tutorials for gift card holders on Splitcoaststampers and on blogs everywhere -- you're sure to find one that fits your purpose! Or, you can create your own template -- I've done that many times before!

I saw a tutorial for the card I'm making on Gina K.'s Blog in THIS post. The finished size is 4.25" square.

All the images, inside and out, are from AmyR Stamps. I used Build a Holiday to create the trees on the front. The paper is from the Be Merry collection by My Mind's Eye. I *love* it! I Cuttlebugged the cardstock background and added some Mica Flakes glitter (Martha Stewart) under the trees. The sentiment is from Amy's Christmas Sentiments set.

Here's the inside of the card. I used a SU! Word Window punch to create the opening. I punched once, then punched again on either side until the opening was the correct size.

And here's the back panel. I used a stamp from Amy's Christmas Card Verses set. There is still plenty of room for a personal message!

Now, it's time to make your own gift card holder! Use keyword ATSDTC30 when uploading to a gallery. Be sure to upload to the ATS Wednesday Challenge Gallery -- Christine and Amy are always looking for the next ATS Guest Designer! The ATS Blog will be updated later today with the Design Team samples for the challenge -- be sure to check it out!

That's all for today! Thanks so much for the visit -- I'm so glad you stopped by! Have a great day!

Stamps: Build a Holiday, Christmas Sentiments, Christmas Card Verses (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Basic Black (SU!) Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Kiwi Kiss, Soft Sky (SU!) Paper: Be Merry (MME) Other: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft); Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain, word window punch, oval punches, old olive brads (SU!); Mica Flakes glitter (Martha Stewart)




Tuesday, December 9, 2008

American Art Stamp Valentine Card

What, you say? A Valentine Card in the middle of Christmas season? Well, I HAD to play with my new images from American Art Stamp! This is my first AAS card as a member of the Design Team -- yay! :)

I inked up this Couple in Love image with Top Boss Watermark, then I heat embossed it with black detail embossing powder. I watercolored the image with an aquapainter and inks, then I sponged around the edges with Colorbox Lemon Grass ink. I used my Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots folder on the background cardstock. The paper is from the Loves Me collection by Imaginisce.

Although this is a Valentine stamp, it really can be used for any occasion. I made this card for a wedding we'll be attending this month. I love the sentiment -- perfect for a couple in love! :)

I'll be back to my regularly scheduled programming tomorrow -- just in time for the ATS Wednesday Challenge! Thanks for taking the time to visit today -- I really do appreciate it! Have a fantastic Tuesday! :)

Stamps: Couple in Love, sentiment (American Art Stamp) Ink: Top Boss Watermark, Colorbox Lemon Grass (Clearsnap); various SU! inks for watercoloring Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Pretty in Pink (SU!) Paper: Loves Me (Imaginisce) Other: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft); Aquapainter; Lace edge punch (Martha Stewart); 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, corner rounder, silver cord (SU!); Peony Dew Drops (Robins Nest); white organdy ribbon; sponge; dimensionals; white gel pen

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Sunday Supper: Slow Cooker Chicken & Dressing

Hi there! Happy Sunday to you! My shopping day yesterday was VERY productive! I really crossed a lot off my list -- I feel like I can breathe a little easier today! Now my job today is to get the tree decorated! I'm about a week behind on that job!

Today's Sunday Supper recipe comes from my ATS Design Teammate, Diane Zechman. Pay her a visit at her blog, Paper Cookies. She is SO talented -- she's a SCS Dirty Dozen Alum, and she now has her own line of stamps at ATS, Cookie Crumbs. She shared this recipe with us during the stamp release party last week, and she's generously allowing me to share it with you! :)

Slow Cooker Chicken & Dressing

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Salt, pepper
4 slices cheese (Swiss or American)
1 can chicken broth
2 cans condensed cream of chicken (or celery) soup
4 cups packaged stuffing mix
¼ cup butter, melted

Place chicken in bottom of slow cooker. Add salt & pepper. Top each breast with cheese slice. Add broth & soups. Sprinkle stuffing mix over top. Pour melted butter over all. Cover. Cook on low 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours.

Mmmmmmm -- thanks, Diane!! :)

I hope you all have a fantastic Sunday -- thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Saturday, December 6, 2008

Limited Supplies Card

Happy Saturday -- and happy St. Nick's Day! :) Today's card is for yesterday's Limited Supplies Challenge at SCS. The "list" to follow was: it had to be a monochromatic card, only snowflake images could be used, there had to be bling somewhere on the project, and the sentiment had to be one word.

It came together pretty easily, and I like the way it turned out! There's something I just love about brown snowflake cards!

I'm leaving soon for our annual holiday shopping trip with Megan, my sisters-in-law, and my nieces -- wish me luck! ;) I hope you have something fun planned today -- have a fantastic day! Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Stamps: Snowflake Serenade (Papertrey Ink) Ink: Close to Cocoa (SU!) Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Very Vanilla (SU!) Paper: Garland (Scenic Route) Other: Cuttlebug, Snowflakes embossing folder (Provo Craft); brown dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts); Gemstones (Hero Arts); snowflake punches (Martha Stewart), 1/8" handheld punch, dimensionals (SU!)

Thursday, December 4, 2008

More MFT!

Happy Thursday, everyone! I hope you aren't tired of my MFT designs yet, because I have two more to share with you! I made these for the release party last night.

For the first card, I used Snow Bunny Flopsey with yesterday's SCS Sketch Challenge layout. I had fun with my new Martha Stewart punches! I couldn't decide which Snowflake punch to buy, so I got all three (I know, I have issues...)! I love the Branch punch, too -- it makes such a great little accent! The BasicGrey Wassail paper and the ribbon came from Paper Addiction.

I made this second card with the Isabelle Paper Dolls set. I was thinking about how much fun I've had on this journey on the MFT December Team, so I created this card. The sentiment is from Going Places?. I Cuttlebugged the cardstock with the D'vine Swirls folder, then I sponged SU! Soft Sky ink over it. I curved the tail of the mermaid costume before stamping (one of the benefits of clear stamps), so it looks like she's moving through the water. I added a lot of Icicle Stickles and gave her a little rhinestone necklace. The strip of paper along the bottom is Euphoria by BasicGrey. I thought the design on the paper looked like jellyfish! :)

I have more new stamps that need ink, so I'm off to work! Thank you for visiting today -- I always appreciate it when you stop by! Have a great day! :)

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

MFT Blog Hop!

Hello there! You've come to my stop on the MFT Blog Hop! If you've just come from Candice's Blog, welcome! If you haven't been to all the stops before mine, you'll want to go back and see what you've missed! To start at the beginning, go to Kim's Blog HERE.

I made my project with the set Isabelle Paper Dolls, and I decorated a tin to hold the pieces. The paper is Euphoria by BasicGrey. I stamped Isabelle and a couple of her animal friends on the front. I colored with Copics and paper pieced her clothes, then I sponged around the image with SU! Soft Sky ink. The image panel and mat were cut with Rectangle Nestabilities. The sentiment is from What's the Story?. I thought it was perfect to use with this set -- my girls have been creating stories with these pieces all day! :)

I pierced two holes in the top of the tin and knotted ribbon inside to create a little handle, so it can be carried anywhere!

I made the paper dolls into magnetic dolls by stamping the images in Jet Black Stazon onto a magnetic sheet. I purchased the sheets at Staples. They have a glossy white front, and they are actually meant for printing out photos to create photo magnets. I colored the images with Copics. Here's my advice: heat set the ink for a looooong time before you color so you don't get black ink smeared into your coloring. Ask me how I know this...

The magnetic sheets are very thin and cut very smoothly. That was the easy part. ;)


Here is Isabelle as a mermaid. My girls have been calling her Ariel! :)

Since my oldest daughter's high school mascot is a panda, I had to turn the bear costume into a panda. Doesn't she look so cute?


I've had so much fun with this set -- I've had fun with all the new MFT sets! Be sure to join us at the MFT Forum tonight at 9:00 pm for the release party!

Thanks so much for stopping by to visit! Now, the next stop on the Blog Hop is Cindy Haffner's Blog -- she's sure to have some eye candy for you! Enjoy! :)


Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Snow Bunny Gift Tag

Hi! Happy Tuesday! Today's MFTeaser is a BIG gift tag for a hot cocoa gift set, and I had a lot of fun making it! Snow Bunny Flopsey takes center stage on the tag. I was happy to discover that I still had some pieces of the SU! Winter Bright Simply Scrappin' Kit lying around, and they were the perfect complement to the red mug! I colored with Copics and added Stickles to the ground line.
Here's the entire set -- there are cocoa packets and peppermint sticks in the mug, as well as a container layered with mini chocolate chips and marshmallows. I purchased the round container at All That Scraps. The ribbon came from Michelle and Laura at Paper Addiction.

I stamped a mug image from Hot Stuff and paper pieced it to coordinate with the large mug!


Now, I just have to decide to whom I'll be giving this gift! :) Tonight at midnight we'll have the MFT Blog Hop to celebrate the release of the new sets! You're guaranteed to see some eye candy! Then, come to the MFT Forum tomorrow (Wednesday) night at 9:00 pm for more MFTeasers, challenges, and fun! The new sets will be released at 10:00 pm!

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope you have a wonderful day -- see you all later! :)

Stamps: Snow Bunny Flopsey Hot Stuff (MFT) Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Real Red, Wild Wasabi, Bashful Blue (SU!) Paper: Winter Bright SS Kit (SU!) Other: Ciao markers (Copic); Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinder); Snowflake punches, Lace edge punch (Martha Stewart); Bashful Blue brad, Jumbo eyelet, circle punches, scalloped circle punch, paper piercing tool, stampin' dimensionals (SU!)

Monday, December 1, 2008

A Tote-ally Fantastic MFTeaser!

Hey there! Happy Monday to you! I have a MFTeaser with this Tote-ally Fantastic set , being released Wednesday night at My Favorite Things. I love this image -- isn't that tiny dog just too funny? Since this set has a shopping theme, I made another of my Shopping Organizers. For the simple directions, see my post HERE. I had a lot of fun coloring and paper piecing -- this Offbeat paper is just so great!

Here's the inside with the gift list and pocket for receipts. I printed both of them with my computer. I love that the brads on the outside hold the gift list in place, so the list is easily changed out for the next shopping spree! :)

Come to the MFT Forum Wednesday night at 9:00 pm EST for the release party, and the sets will go live at 10:00! There will be lots of chatting, fun, and challenges -- find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer!

I'll have another MFTeaser for you tomorrow, and the release Blog Hop will be Wednesday, so I hope you'll be back to see more!

Also, don't forget about the C.C. Designs and Stampin' Spot Studio releases tonight at All That Scraps! The chatting starts at 8:00 pm, and the sets will be released at 10:00!

It's definitely a fun and busy week! Thanks for stopping by to visit today -- I really do appreciate it! Have a wonderful day! :)

Stamps: Tote-ally Faantastic (MFT) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Baja Breeze, Riding Hood Red (SU!) Paper: Offbeat 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Ciao markers (Copic); white brads (imaginisce); Kiwi Kiss striped grosgrain, lg and sm Oval Punches, corner rounder, Stampin' Dimensionals, Old Olive eyelets (SU!)