Birthday Bucket

Hello! Happy Friday! Here is a gift bucket I made for my friend Linda's birthday. Her birthday was yesterday, and she doesn't have this gift yet -- I'm dropping it off today. So, if you're reading this, Linda -- don't look any further!! ;) I used a clear pail from Stampendous, and I filled it with tea, cookies, and a gift card.

The outside was fun to decorate! I used Cosmo Cricket Girl Friday paper, and I cut strips to fit around the bottom. I used the reverse side to cut the circle for the top and to paper piece the cake on the main image. I cut more strips from SU! Rose Red cardstock and used my EK Success Candles border punch. I placed the candles at the bottom of the pail, then I covered that strip with SU! Old Olive grosgrain ribbon.

For my focal image and the top sentiment, I used the MFT set You Take the Cake. I colored with Copics and paper pieced the cake. I added Star Dust Stickles to the candles and Liquid Applique to the cake icing. I cut the top circles with Nestabilities.

I tied ribbons on the handle and attached the image panel to the pail with dimensionals. I think it turned out kinda cute! :)

I can't believe another week has come and gone! We have a busy weekend ahead -- our church Fish Fry is tonight, then tomorrow we have two lacrosse matches and a birthday party! I hope you have a great weekend planned -- hopefully you've planned some stamping time! :) Thanks for stopping by today!

Have a fantastic Friday!

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

ATS Wednesday Challenge: Go Green!

Happy Wednesday! In honor of St. Patrick's Day, today's ATS Challenge is to use Green on your project. Honestly, I thought this would be an easy one for me, but the more I tried to get started, the more stumped I became. I think it's because I wanted to use a St. Patrick's kind of green, and that left me with Glorious Green, one of my most unfavorite colors. But, I was determined to press on. Then I spied this Scenic Route Surprise dp in my stash, and it saved me! :)

For this first project, I used the Cookie Crumbs set Cupcake Occasions. I stamped the cupcake once on white cardstock, once on the dp, and one more time on scrap white cardstock. I paper pieced the cupcake bottom. I colored the cupcake top with Prismacolor pencils, cut it out, and mounted it on dimensionals. I added some Green Stickles to the shamrock. I created the sentiment on my computer and cut it out with a Spellbinders Tag Trio die. The ribbon is from Michaels.

Okay, it was getting late when I finished the card, but I still had the supplies out, so I decided to make another project. I was apparently a little slap-happy at this point, because I totally cracked myself up with this one! :)

The image is from Amy's Boutique by AmyR Stamps, and the sentiment was again printed from the computer. It's a good thing Chris likes Guinness, because this project wouldn't pack the same punch on a non-Irish beer! ;)

Wanna play along with our Green Challenge? Use keyword ATSDTC40 when uploading. Upload to the ATS Challenge Gallery so all of us can see it! :) All of the DT Challenges can be found HERE -- play along with any challenge at any time!

Thank you so much for the visit today -- I really do appreciate it!

Have a great day, everyone!
Christina

A Veggie Sketch!

Happy Tuesday! I have a fun card to share today -- I inked up one of my Bellas! I *love* my Stampingbella images, and I've collected quite a few of them, but I don't get to play with them nearly enough! I had so much fun with this card -- mostly because of this great Sketch for You to Try from Jen del Muro.

The first time I saw this Offbeat paper, I knew I wanted to pair it up with Veggiebella. The card just took off from there! I colored with Copics and paper pieced her overalls, and I had some fun with the details and embellishments!

Here's a closeup...

I stamped the sentiment on vellum so it wouldn't completely cover the bottom of the image. I used dimensional foam circles to attach the vellum over the image panel, then I placed Dew Drops on the sides so the dimensionals wouldn't show through the vellum!

That's all for today -- I'm so glad you stopped by! I'll be back tomorrow with the ATS Challenge, so I hope you'll be back to check it out! :)

Have a fantastic day!

Christina

Stamps: Veggiebella, sentiment (Stampingbella) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Kiwi Kiss (SU!) Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Offbeat 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Copics; Button Bouquet, natural hemp twine (SU!); Poinsettia Dew Drops (Robin's Nest); sponge, dimensionals, sewing machine

Who's That Girl: Paper Pieced E-girl

Happy Monday, everyone! Today's MFT Who's That Girl Challenge is to use the set Who's That E-girl along with paper piecing. Of course, if you don't have Who's That E-girl, any MFT set is fine! :)

Last week I picked up this Wild Raspberry paper by K&Company. The entire pack is gorgeous and so springy, so it was the perfect collection to use for this challenge. I paper pieced the sofa and her skirt, and I colored the rest of the image with Copics. I masked the frame of the image and sponged inside the frame and around the image with So Saffron ink. It has become my favorite way to add color around the WTG images!

I used my new EK Success punch on the side panels. I HAD to pick it up (plus two more punches) at Michaels last week -- they were 30% off! Really, it's Dawn's fault -- she's been using this punch on her projects lately, and I fell in love! Thanks, Dawn! ;)

I hope you can play along with the challenge! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Who's That E-girl (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), So Saffron (SU!) Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Riding Hood Red Paper: Wild Raspberry (K&Company) Other: Copics, Primas, Cupcake Sugarcoated Brad (Doodlebug), Dotted Wave punch (EK Success), pink scalloped ribbon (May Arts), sponge, dimensionals

Sunday Supper: Fire Up the Grill!

Happy Sunday! We have had the most wonderful spring weather for a couple days now (it's not going to last long, though), so Chris is ready for some grilling! He really loves to grill, and he considers himself a Bobby Flay wannabe. *lol* We're planning on firing up the grill this evening after Kyle's soccer practice.

Here's one of my favorite recipes for the grill. It's from the book A Man, A Can, A Grill by David Joachim -- one of Chris's go-to grilling books (besides Bobby's books, of course!). If you've never had pizza on the grill, this is a great recipe to try! It's quick and delicious!

Grilled Buffalo Pizza

10-oz. can chunk white chicken in water, drained and flaked
1/4 cup mild hot-pepper sauce
10-oz. can refrigerated pizza dough
1 cup shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (may use low-fat cheese)
3 Tbs. butter (may use low-calorie butter)
1/4 cup blue cheese salad dressing (may use light dressing)
cooking spray
aluminum foil

Makes 2 medium pizzas

Fire up your grill to medium-low. In a medium bowl, microwave the butter until melted. Stir in the chicken and hot sauce. Unroll the dough and cut it in half. Coat two pieces of foil with cooking spray and put dough on each. Press dough into 8" circles. Coat with more spray. Invert onto the grill and peel off the foil. Grill for 1 to 2 minutes, or until just brown on bottom. Invert onto a cutting board. Spread blue cheese and buffalo chicken on each. Scatter 1/2 of the cheese on each. put the pizzas back onto the grill. Close the lid and top vents. Grill for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the crusts are brown. Cut each into 4 slices.


Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you have a fantastic day, and don't forget to spend some time around the supper table! :)

Christina

Need a Hug?

Happy Saturday, everyone! I hope you have a fun weekend planned! It feels like spring here -- temps near 70 today!! :) I just had to throw open a couple windows and breathe in the air! It's amazing how a little bit o' spring is good for the soul! :)

Here's my card for this week's SCS Ways to Use It Challenge -- making ATCs. An ATC, or Artist Trading Card, is a smaller card, 3.5" x 2.5", that can be signed and traded. They're great resources for ideas, but they can easily be placed on a standard-sized card or a tag! The layout is this week's MFT Sketch Challenge.

I used the just-released MFT set Hooga Booga for my ATC. The little monster image was just perfect for the card size and the sketch! I used the MFT Summer 6x6 Paper Pack and paper pieced her costume. The sentiment actually reads "Do you need a hug?", but I inked up just part of it, since I was working with a smaller card.

*Quick Tip* Ink up only part of a sentiment or image to give your stamps more versatility!

This image and this card just make me smile! I hope you like them, too! :)

Thank you so much for the visit today! I'm so glad you stopped by! Enjoy a little spring if you can! :)

Have a great day!
Christina

Challenge Cards

Happy Friday, everyone! I have two challenge cards to share with you today.

The first card is the one I made for this week's SCS Sketch Challenge. It was a fun sketch to work with, and I built the card around this BasicGrey Ambrosia paper. I have never been a big fan of orange, but this paper has made me a convert! I used the Verve Stamps set Fluttering By for the image and sentiment. I stamped the butterfly once on the image panel and again on a separate piece of dp. I heat embossed the second butterfly, cut it out, and mounted it over the first. I embellished with Dew Drops, black organdy ribbon, and piercing. The background paper was embossed with my Cuttlebug and Swiss Dots embossing folder.

My second card is for this week's SCS Color Challenge. This photo is really icky (that's my favorite technical term) -- I don't know what was wrong with my camera! I think this card is so much prettier IRL! Oh well...

The layout is Jen del Muro's Sketch for You to Try. Angel with Bunny and the sentiment are from American Art Stamp. I colored with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS, pulling the colors from the BasicGrey Sultry paper. I added Star Dust Stickles to the angel's wings. The background was embossed with the Cuttlebug and Birds & Swirls embossing folder. I embellished with ribbon and Prima Caboodles. I am in love with these flowers -- I've been using them on everything!! They are hydrangea flowers with the leaves attached. They come in many color combinations, and they are fun to work with!

Thanks for taking a look at my challenge cards! Thanks, also, for visiting today! I DO appreciate it so much! :)

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

ATS Challenge: Dry Embossing

Happy Thursday, everyone! Wow, it has certainly been a busy stamping week so far! The fun continues today with this week's ATS DT Challenge. Lesa challenged us to use dry embossing on our projects. My Cuttlebug is my best friend, so this challenge was right up my alley! :)

The image and sentiment on this card are from the just-released set Hunny Bunny by C.C. Designs. I swear, Christine's characters get cuter every month! I colored the bunny with Copics and added highlights with an Inkssentials white gel pen. Then I cut him out and mounted him on the embossed oval with dimensionals.

There is a lot of dry embossing here: the pink background, the white oval, and the scalloped oval. Even the Prima flower is embossed (it comes that way -- *love* those Obsession flowers)!

Wanna play along with the challenge? Use keyword ATSDTC39 when uploading. Be sure to upload to the ATS Challenge Gallery so we can see it! Remember, Christine and Amy are always looking for the next ATS Guest Designer -- it could be YOU! :)

That's all for today -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a wonderful day!

Christina

Stamps: Hunny Bunny (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Regal Rose, Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket) Other: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Spots & Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft); oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Copic Ciao markers; Pink two-tone ribbon (May Arts); Obsessions, Got Flowers? (Prima); Cupcake Blossoms Braddie (Doodlebug); Branch Punch (Martha Stewart); white gel pen (Inkssentials); dimensionals

Hoppin' with Flopsey!

Hey there! Welcome to my stop on the MFT March Blog Hop! If you haven't been to all the stops so far, go to Kim's Blog and start from there! These new sets are so much fun -- you don't want to miss anything! :)

I used the set Tea with Flopsey to make my project. I wanted to make a tea bag holder, so I created a large "tea bag" as my shape. I started with a 11" x 4.25" half-sheet of cardstock, and I scored it at 5", 5.5" and 6". I folded the center score line up and the others down to create a "W" in the middle.

I stamped the image and colored it with Copics. I stamped leaves in SU! Mellow Moss ink and popped some additional leaves on rolled up glue dots. I trimmed the corners with a tag corner punch, and I placed the tea bag and sentiment inside. The ribbon is tied through eyelets to hold the project closed.


My Favorite Things is having a new release Cocktail Party TONIGHT on the MFT Member Company Forum at Splitcoaststampers. Join us at 9pm EST for a quick chat before the sets go live at 10pm EST! This month there are 5 new sets being released! Stop by the release party to win prizes, see some MFTeasers of the new sets and find out how you can become MFT’s next Guest Designer! Hope to see you there!


I hope you enjoyed my stop! Now head over to see what the wonderful Michele Boyer has to show you! It's sure to be a feast for the eyes! :)


Have a fantastic day!
Christina

MFTeaser #2: Hangin' with My Peeps

Happy Tuesday! I'm back with another MFTeaser for you! This month's Who's That Girl set is called Hangin' with My Peeps. The little chicks are so cute, and there are some great sentiments to go with them!

I colored the image with Copics, and I paper pieced her jacket and shoes with this fun Girl Friday paper by Cosmo Cricket.

I recently heard some good news about some good friends, so this card will be going to them! :)

My Favorite Things is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, March 4th from 9-10 PM EASTERN. This month there are 5 new sets being released including a Who's that Girl who is hanging with her peeps! Head over to the MFT forum on Splitcoaststampers to find out all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. We hope to see you there tomorrow night!

Thank you so much for stopping by today!

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Hangin' with My Peeps (MFT) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Old Olive, Pink Pirouette, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket) Other: Copics, Caboodles flowers (Prima), pink dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts), dimensionals

Monday with MFT!

Good Monday Morning! I have some MFT fun to share with you today! First is a MFTeaser of a new set being released Wednesday! The set is called Nite Nite Ellie, and $2 from each set sold for the first six months will be donated to St. Jude Children's Hospital.

I colored Ellie's face and hair with Copics and paper pieced the rest with dp. I lightly distressed the edges of the Top Note layers.

This next card is for today's Who's That Girl Challenge -- use the set Digital Girl and incorporate some stitching (real or faux). I used BasicGrey Offbeat paper, which coordinates beautifully with Chocolate Chip and Baja Breeze. I stitched along the sides of the brown paper panel, and I also stitched down the middle of the ribbon after I pleated it.

There is so much fun happening over at the MFT Forum on SCS -- you don't want to miss any of it! There are Challenges, Tips & Tricks with the new sets, and a MFT Stamping Idol contest, just to name a few things!

My Favorite Things is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, March 4th from 9-10 PM EASTERN. This month there are 5 new sets being released including a Who's that Girl who is hanging with her peeps! Head over to the MFT forum on Splitcoaststampers to find out all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. We hope to see you there on Wednesday night!

Also, don't forget about the release tonight at All That Scraps! We'll be chatting on the Message Board before the sets go live at 10 pm EST. See you then!

Thanks for stopping by today! I hope you have a fantastic day! :)

Christina

Sunday Supper: Chili

Hello there! Happy Sunday, and Happy March! Even though it's March 1, and spring is around the corner, it is still COLD here! I'm in the mood for something hot and comforting, so for today's Sunday Supper recipe I'm sharing my chili recipe. It's what we're having for supper tonight!

There are so many chili recipes out there, and I enjoy trying new ones. When Chris and I were first married, I wanted to combine some of the elements of our mothers' chili recipes and come up with one of my own. Around here we often eat chili over spaghetti noodles "Cincinnati style," but sometimes I just like it in a bowl all by itself! This one is very think and meaty, but you could easily add water to make it more "soupy."

Okay, enough blabbering -- here's the recipe!

Christina's Chili

1.5 - 2 lbs. ground beef or ground turkey (I usually use 2 lbs.)
15 oz. can and 8 oz. can tomato sauce
12 oz. can tomato paste
1 can chopped tomatoes
16 oz. can kidney beans
1 green pepper, chopped
1 small onion, chopped
1 pkg. chili seasoning mix plus 1 tbs. chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. pepper

Brown the meat and transfer to a large pot. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 2-3 hours.

Top with shredded cheddar, oyster crackers, or chopped onions. And, if you're anything like Chris, you'll be sure to add lots of hot sauce!

Serve with cornbread -- yum!

For dessert, try Maggie's carrot cake!

Thank you so much for the visit today! Have a fantastic day -- be sure to spend some time around the supper table! :)

Christina

Spring Things

Happy Saturday! Even though it's still cold and wintery here in Kentucky, I have a springy card to share with you! Here's a preview of the set Spring Things by C.C. Designs. It's the newest set in Christine's Gingersnaps line of stamps. I *love* these girls -- they're so much fun to color and paper piece! I used retired SU! paper for this card, since the colors were perfect for spring.

I applied Crystal Effects over the puddle and Stickles over the hearts. I really like the way it turned out!

This set is perfect for spring or Easter -- there is a bunny, a duck, and a lamb, plus another Gingersnap with bunny ears! Stop by the ATS Blog to see some adorable samples! You can also find out how you can win your own set! All the new sets will be released Monday at 10 pm EST at All That Scraps.

That's all for today! Chris and I are going to our school's fundraiser tonight, and tomorrow we will just be hanging out at home! I hope you have a fantastic weekend planned --thanks for taking the time to visit today! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Gingersnaps Spring Things (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), So Saffron (SU!) Cardstock: So Saffron, Regal Rose, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Petals & Paisleys (SU!) Other: Ciao markers (Copic), flowers (Prima), Lily White Blossoms Braddies (Doodlebug), Peony Dew Drops (Robin's Nest), Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), lg. oval punch, Regal Rose 5/8" grosgrain (SU!), Crystal Effects, sponge, dimensionals

Mushroom Friends

Hello there! TGIF!! Today's preview is of a new set by Cookie Crumbs Stamps, Mushroom Friends. Diane has created the sweetest images of bunnies and mushrooms, and they're perfect for spring! They pair so well with this Twitterpatted paper -- you'll definitely be seeing more of it!

I colored with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS, and I sponged around the circle with Soft Sky ink. I stamped one half of the sentiment on the bottom right corner...

... and I stamped the rest on the inside! I also added a mushroom stamped in Soft Sky ink.

Head over to the ATS Blog to see more samples -- and find out how you can win a set of your own! All new sets will be released Monday, March 2 at All That Scraps!

That's all for today! The previews continue tomorrow, so be sure to stop back! Thanks for visiting with me today!

Have a fantastic Friday! :)

Christina

Stamps: Mushroom Friends (Cookie Crumbs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Soft Sky (SU!) Cardstock: Soft Sky, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Twitterpatted (Imaginisce) Other: Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, blending stumps, Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Ghost Shape flower (Heidi Swapp), ric rac (SU! - retired), Lily White Blossoms Braddies (Doodlebug), Lace Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), sponge, dimensionals

It's Time for New Stamps!

Happy Thursday, everyone! It's my favorite time of the month -- time to preview new stamps! :) All That Scraps is releasing four new sets on Monday, March 2. Here's a look at AmyR's set Friend Sentiments. There are SO many great friendship sentiments in this set, for the outside and inside of your cards!

I made a simple little card with a sweet theme! I used the largest of my Scalloped Circle Nestabilities to create the card base, and I used a few more Nesties for the other layers. The paper is SU! Sweet Always dsp, and the image is from Sweet Treats by C.C. Designs. I just love the font on this sweet sentiment from Amy's set! I colored with Copics and added Stickles to the ice cream.

Stop by the ATS Blog to see more samples with this set and to find out how you can win it! I'll have another preview for you tomorrow -- the new set from Cookie Crumbs Stamps -- so I hope you'll stop back! Thanks for the visit today! :)

Have a great day!
Christina

What's Up Wednesday

Happy Wednesday! I'm the hostess for today's What's Up Wednesday Challenge on the MFT Forum at Splitcoaststampers. The challenge is to use your MFT stamps to make your own designer paper!

To create mine, I grouped the mugs from Hot Stuff together on an acrylic block, then I stamped them repeatedly on a "solid" piece of Bittersweet paper in Chocolate chip craft ink. I heat embossed with clear embossing powder to create a textured design on my background paper.

I finished the card by paper piecing the dress on the focal image and coloring the rest with Copics. I sponged around the image panel and sentiment with SU! Pink Pirouette ink. The ribbon is from May Arts.


Before I go, I want to share the card I made for yesterday's SCS Color Challenge. I had a busy day yesterday and didn't get a chance to post it! I love the beautiful summery color combination. I needed to make a sympathy card, so I used the set Comfort & Peace by Gina K. Designs.

The background was embossed with my Cuttlebug and Floral Screen folder. I used the Top Note Die on the cardstock and Bella Rose dp. I inked the image with SU! markers, and I sponged around the image and sentiment. The beautiful May Arts ribbon perfectly matched the challenge colors!

Guess what?? Tomorrow begins previews of the All That Scraps March stamps! They are so cute and springy -- I hope you'll stop back to see 'em! Thanks so much for visiting with me today!

Have a great day!

Christina

Who's That Girl? Tote-ally Fantastic!

Happy Monday, everyone! I'm here with today's Who's That Girl Challenge! The featured set is Tote-ally Fantastic, and the additional challenge is to use items from your stash -- nothing new.

Here's my sample for the challenge. I used my SU! Berry Bliss paper, a clear button, Prima flowers, and a ribbon scrap -- all from my stash. I colored with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS, and I paper pieced her outfit.

If you play along with the challenge, use keyword MFTWTG23 and upload to the Splitcoaststampers gallery. If you don't have Tote-ally Fantastic, that's fine -- just pull out any MFT set and get it inky! :) Upload by midnight Wednesday for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate to My Favorite Things!

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

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Sunday Supper: Don't Peek!

Happy Sunday, everyone! Today's Sunday Supper recipe could not be any easier -- perfect for us busy moms! Serve with vegetables or salad, and you have a no-fuss hot meal for your family!

No Peek Chicken

10 3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
10 3/4 oz. can cream of celery soup
1 packet dry onion soup mix
1c. Minute Rice
1 soup can water
1 whole chicken, cut up (or breasts or your family's favorite pieces)

Lay chicken pieces, single layer, in casserole dish. In large bowl, mix soups, rice and water. Pour over chicken; cover and bake at 350 degrees for 2 hours. Don't peek!!

For dessert, try my friend Maggie's brownies or blondies!! :)


I'm always looking for good family-friendly meals to share each Sunday. If you have one, just email me! I'll share it here and link to your blog! :)

Thanks for the visit today -- don't forget to spend some family time around the supper table!

Have a great day!
Christina

Lots of Challenges!

Happy Friday! You know, sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the week to do all the challenges I want to do! I played catch-up and combined a few challenges on these cards!

The first card is a "Review Preview" of the recently released C.C. Designs set Rockin' Out. I did this week's ATS Challenge, which is a sketch challenge:

I am loving this new Bella Blvd paper -- it is just so much fun! I colored the image with Copics and added Icicle Stickles to the star. I used my Cuttlebug on the cardstock, and I used SU! star punches for the star embellishments.

My next card combines two more challenges, Cindy's MFT Sketch Challenge and yesterday's SCS Ways to Use It Challenge (stripes). The stripes come from the SU! Sweet Always paper.

Since today is the 20th, it's also Celebrate MFT Day, so I had some fun with this card! I used the cow from Punny Farm and the sentiment from Twisted Too. I colored the cow with Copics, sponged around the edge of the image oval, and added a halo with Stickles.

I hope you can play along with the challenges, too! The ATS challenge is keyword ATSDTC37, and the MFT challenge is keyword MFTSC69. Upload to the ATS Wednesday Challege gallery or to the Splitcoaststampers gallery.

Whew! That's it for now! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a fantastic Friday! :)

Christina

Not My Usual Color Challenge Card!

Happy Thursday! I realized I didn't share my card for this week's SCS Color Challenge, so here it is! I went in a different direction with this one -- I let the paper and cardstock do the color work, and I kept the background and ink neutral.

I'm trying to challenge myself to get away from my "usual" style now and then and to change things up a little! I've always loved the look of a white background, but for some reason I always feel the need to cover it all up! I fought the urge on this card, and I'm really happy with the result!

There's not much to explain here -- it's another SU! only card (that's twice in one week!). If you have any questions, just ask! :)

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

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Stamps: Pocket Silhouettes Ink: Basic Black Cardstock: Whisper White, Basic Black, Rose Red Paper: Bella Rose dsp, Autumn Vine dsp Other: black gingham ribbon, Button Bouquet, dimensionals

Things Are Getting Twisted!

Hey there! You've come to my stop on the MFT *Twisted* Blog Hop!! If you've just come from Michele's blog, welcome! If you haven't taken part in all the twisted fun so far, then twist on back to Kim's blog and catch up... I'll wait! :)

My Favorite Things just released the much-awaited sequel to Twisted Sentiments -- it's Twisted Too! Not for the faint of heart, this stamp set is twisted and oh so hilarious! Use it to say JUST the right thing... when the right thing may be SO wrong. I chose one of the "milder" sentiments for my card... because I could so relate to it! I mean really, what could be better than some private time with chocolate ice cream after one of THOSE days?!?

I used another new MFT release on this card -- the Summer Collection 6x6 paper pack! I paper pieced her clothes and colored the rest of the image (from Here's the Scoop) with Prismacolor pencils and OMS.

This card was so much fun to make! I have big plans for some of the other sentiments in the set, too, since I have many twisted friends! ;)

I hope you enjoyed your stop here -- now twist over to see what the amazingly talented Candice Lighty has in store for you!

Thanks for visiting!
Christina

Stamps: Here's the Scoop, Twisted Too (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Cool Caribbean, Real Red, Regal Rose (SU!) Paper: Summer Collection 6x6 pack (MFT) Other: Prismacolor pencils, OMS, blending stumps; Cuttlebug, Spots & Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft); ladybug blossoms braddies (Doodlebug); white grosgrain ribbon (SU!); Cotton Candy Stickles (Ranger); Lace Edge punch (Martha Stewart); dimensional squares

Just a Little Something

Hi there! Happy Tuesday to you! Here's a birthday card I made with Jen del Muro's Sketch for You to Try. The image and sentiment are from American Art Stamp. I stamped Gifty Girl in Momento Rich Cocoa ink and colored with Copics. I pierced around the image panel, and I sponged around the image and sentiment.

I just love these leggy images by Karen Stolper -- they make such fun cards! Speaking of fun, stop back after midnight for something new from MFT! Here's a hint: things are getting a little twisted! ;)

Thank you for visiting -- I'm so glad you stopped by today!

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Stamps: Gifty Girl, sentiment (American Art Stamp) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Old Olive (SU!) Cardstock: white, Old Olive, Riding Hood Red (SU!) Paper: Cupcake 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Copics; ribbon; paper piercer, mat pack, circle punches, Button Bouquet (SU!); sponge, dimensionals

Who's That Girl Monday!

Happy Monday, everyone! I'm excited to announce that I am now co-hosting the MFT Who's That Girl Challenges with Joanne Basile! Each Monday, over at the MFT Forum on SCS, we'll give you a challenge to get out those MFT sets and do something fun with them! Today's challenge is to use the set Can Ya Dig It? and to use three flowers and add some ribbon. Here's my sample for the challenge:

I used the Stephanie Fizer Spring Digi Papers, and I paper pieced her dress. I colored with Copics and sponged around the white Top Note panel with SU! Summer Sun ink. Her hat and the bird were cut out and popped up on dimensionals.

If you'd like to play along, upload to the Splitcoaststampers gallery with keyword MFTWTG22. Upload by midnight Wednesday for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate to My Favorite Things! If you don't have Can Ya Dig It?, that's okay -- use any of your MFT sets and show us what you can do with them! :)

That's it for today! Thanks so much for visiting today -- I'm always glad when you stop by!

Have a fantastic day! :)

Christina

Sunday Supper: Manicotti with Cheese

Happy Sunday! Today's Sunday Supper recipe is an easy go-to recipe when you need a good family meal. It's also a great one to fix ahead and cook later.

Manicotti with Cheese (serves 6-8)

1 box (8 oz.) manicotti, uncooked
2 cups (15-oz container) Ricotta cheese
2 cups shredded Mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 Tbs. chopped fresh parsley (or 1 Tbs. dry)
1/2 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
32-oz. jar pasta sauce

Cook manicotti to package directions; drain. Cool in a single layer on wax paper or aluminum foil to prevent manicotti from sticking together.
Combine cheeses, parsley, salt and pepper for filling. Spoon into manicotti.
Spread a thin layer of sauce on bottom of a 13x9-inch baking pan; arrange manicotti in a single layer over sauce. Cover with remaining sauce. Sprinkle with additional cheese if desired.
Cover with aluminum foil; bake at 350 degrees for about 40 minutes. Remove foil; bake 15 minutes longer.

Serve with salad and bread and enjoy!

Have a great day, everyone -- be sure to spend some time around the supper table! :)

Christina

A Valentine Gift from MFT!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY, everyone! I hope you get to spend the day with the ones you love! :)

Over at My Favorite Things, Kim is feelin' the love! Saturday and Sunday only, MFT is offering a $5 discount on all orders over $25. Enter the code SCSVDAY at checkout, and happy stamping!

Have a great day!
Christina

Valentine Teacher Treats

Happy Friday! Thanks for all the get-well wishes -- I think I've finally turned the corner with this cold! :) Today at All That Scraps, we're doing a review of the newly released sets by Cookie Crumbs Stamps, Cookie Jar and Cookie Jar-gon. I used them to create Valentine treat buckets for Caroline's teachers. I had purchased the little heart buckets at Target (*love* the $1 Spot), and I filled each of them with chocolates, chocolate-covered graham cookies from Starbucks, and a Starbucks gift card.

This little cookie image and the sentiments were perfect for the tag. The paper is from My Mind's Eye.

Stop by the ATS Blog today to see what the Design Team created with these fun sets! I'm sure there will be plenty of eye-candy!

I need to get the girls off to school with all their Valentines and treats! It's gonna be a fun, sugary day for them, that's for sure! :) Thank you for spending some time with me today -- I'm glad you stopped by!

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Cookie Jar, Cookie Jar-gon (Cookie Crumbs) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Riding Hood Red, Pixie Pink, Very Vanilla (SU!) Paper: Quite Smitten )My Mind's Eye) Other: Ciao markers (Copic), Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Lace Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Jumbo Eyelet, Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon, tag corner punch (SU!)

Luv U!

Hello! Happy Thursday to you! I'm moving in slow motion today -- I am not winning the battle against this cold! UGH! I had to get off the couch and DO something, so I made this card. The layout is from this week's MFT Sketch Challenge. I also did this week's MFT What's Up Wednesday Challenge to use acetate.

I embossed the acetate with my Cuttlebug and Heart Blocks folder, then I machine stitched it to the dp. I stamped Flopsey on shimmery white paper and colored with Copics. I paper pieced the heart with the dp.

FYI: For my acetate, I use Write-on Transparency Sheets from Staples. I got a box of 100 for $20-something.

That's all for today! Thanks so much for the visit! I'm so glad you stopped by! :)

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Stamps: Valentine Flopsey (MFT) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Close to Cocoa (SU!) Cardstock: Old Olive, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White, Shimmery White (SU!) Paper: Bittersweet 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: acetate, Cuttlebug, Heart Blocks embossing folder, Circle Nestabilities, Bittersweet buttons, Prima hydrangeas, May Arts dotted organdy ribbon, dimensionals, glue dots, sponge, sewing machine

A Challenge and a Tag!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today's ATS Challenge is Paper Piecing. I use paper piecing often in my projects, so this was fun for me! I used the Cookie Crumbs set Cupcake Occasions to create this little trio of treats!


To play along with the challenge, use keyword ATSDTC36 when uploading. Upload to the Wednesday Challenge Gallery so we can see your creations! Go HERE to see all the ATS Challenges -- you can play along with any challenge at any time! :)


A couple weeks ago Bonnie Sharp gave me a tag. I'm soooo bad about doing these things in a timely manner -- so here it is, better late than never! These are the rules of the "Sixth Photo" tag:
1. navigate to where you keep your pictures, select the 6th folder, and the 6th picture in that folder.
2. Then post it on your blog with an explanation of the story behind the picture
3. tag 6 other people to do the same, and make sure you let them know about it.

I'm so glad this is the photo I get to share! It's one of my favorites! It's a photo of Caroline and Anna, taken two summers ago under the tree in our front yard. They were having a little picnic together! Are those smiles priceless, or what?!? :)

I can never choose just a few people to tag, so all of you consider yourselves tagged! :)

That's it for today! Thank you so much for visiting!

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Cupcake Occasions (Cookie Crumbs) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Pretty in Pink (SU!) Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Pretty in Pink, Chocolate Chip (SU!) Paper: Sultry 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Long Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft); Obsessions flowers (Prima); xmas Red Stickles (Ranger), Bittersweet button (BasicGrey); Chocolate Chip 5/8" grosgrain, Word Window punch (SU!); Lace Edge punch (Martha Stewart); sponge, dimensionals

Heartfelt

Hi there! Just a quick post today. I am fighting a cold, but after a hot shower and a mug of tea, I was ready to tackle today's Color Challenge at SCS. I did something I haven't done in a long time -- I made an SU! Only card. It's a beautiful color combination, and I'm really happy with how the card came together!

I'm not going to give you all the blah blah today -- if you have any questions, just ask!

I'm off to drink more tea, so thanks for the visit today! I'll be back tomorrow with the ATS Wednesday Challenge!

Have a great Tuesday!
Christina

Stamps: Heartfelt Thanks, Itty Bitty Backgrounds Ink: Perfect Plum, Pink Pirouette, Kiwi Kiss Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Perfect Plum, Whisper White Paper: Bella Rose dsp Other: Top Note Die, Cutter Kit, Button Bouquet, Felt Fusion flower, Kiwi Kiss and Pink Pirouette striped grosgrain, sponges, glue dots, dimensionals

Bittersweet Coffee

Happy Monday! This day, like every other day, began with a BIG ol' mug of coffee, in the same mug I use every morning. I *love* coffee. Sometimes I go to bed thinking about the next morning's coffee. No joke. :)

So, when I saw Friday's Limited Supplies Challenge to use only a sentiment, this one was an easy choice. It's from Coffee with Friends by Flourishes. I thought it paired well with the browns in this Bittersweet paper.

As the challenge suggested, I dressed up the card with papers, embellishments and punches. I embossed the brown paper with the Swiss Dots folder, and I machine stitched around the paisley panel.

I'm off to finish my coffee -- thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Coffee with Friends (Flourishes) Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink (SU!) Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Purely Pomegranate (SU!) Paper: Bittersweet 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft); Obsession flowers (Prima); Bittersweet button (BasicGrey), scalloped ribbon (May Arts); Branch punch (Martha Stewart); pink fibers; sewing machine, sponge, dimensionals

Sunday Supper: Easy Pot Roast

Happy Sunday, everyone! We have finally thawed around here -- the temps have been in the 50's for the last couple days, and all the snow is melted!! It's amazing how much my mood has changed now that I can see the grass again! :)

Today's Sunday Supper recipe is a tasty and easy pot roast recipe. I have found that I am relying on my crock-pot more often again as we work around meetings and practices!

Easy Pot Roast and Veggies
from the Fix-It and Forget-It Cookbook

3-4 lb. chuck roast
4 medium-sized potatoes, cubed
4 medium-sized carrots, sliced, or 1 lb. baby carrots
2 celery ribs, sliced thin, optional
1 envelope dry onion soup mix
3 cups water

Put roast, potatoes, carrots and celery in slow cooker
Add onion soup mix and water
Cover. Cook on Low 6-8 hours.

Variation: Before putting roast in cooker, sprinkle it with the dry soup mix, patting it on so it adheres.


Before I go, I want to share a photo of Kyle and Megan, taken before they went to the Valentine's Dance last night. I was able to get them together before Kyle left to pick up his date. It's always a good thing when they're dressed up AND smiling! :) Megan is actually much shorter than Kyle, but she was wearing 4" heels!!

Enjoy your Sunday, everyone -- don't forget to spend some time around the supper table!

Have a great day!
Christina

Blessings

Happy Friday! I have a Springy card for you today! I'm just reeeeeeeaaaaally tired of cold, ice and snow, so I'm dreaming of warmer days ahead! :) This is also for yesterday's Ways to Use It Challenge at SCS. The challenge is to pile up your embellishments!

This Girl with Basket is from American Art Stamp. I stamped the image in Basic Black ink and watercolored using SU! markers and an Aquapainter. I sponged around the image and sentiment, and I lightly distressed all the edges. I was happy to find some Le Jardin DP in my stash -- I love the soft, springy colors!
I had some fun layering the embellishments. I used a combination of ribbon, chipboard, Prima, Martha Stewart punches, and a button! I covered the chipboard flourish with Old Olive craft ink and sprinkled Dazzling Diamonds glitter over it while still wet.

I'm really happy with this card... and I'm really ready for spring! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

Valentine Treats

Happy Thursday, everyone! Today I have a couple Valentine treats to share with you. The first is for this week's ATS Challenge to make -- you guessed it -- Valentine Treats!

I used some Scenic Route paper to cover a little mailbox from Target. I put some Prima flowers, a Doodlebug Braddie, and a Heidi Swapp Ghost Shape heart on the mailbox flag. The image and sentiments are from the C.C. Designs set Hey Cupid!. I colored with Copics and put Star Dust Stickles on her wings. I sponged around the image and tag with SU! Regal Rose ink.

I used the MFT Chocolate Kiss digi papers to make the next little box. I printed the papers on SU! shimmery white cardstock -- so pretty IRL! I paper pieced Digital Girl and colored the rest of the image with Copics. I added three BasicGrey buttons and some SU! ribbon to the front of the box. I am really loving the MFT Digi Papers -- try them if you haven't already!!

I hope these projects give you some ideas for your own Valentine treats! I can't believe Valentine's Day is almost here! Wasn't it just Christmas?!?

I'm looking forward to regrouping a little bit today -- it's been a crazy week already! I've had two stamp releases, 5 more inches of snow Tuesday, and Chris and Caroline home sick yesterday! Yikes!!! I'm going to do a little "fun stamping" today -- I hope you'll stop back tomorrow to see what I come up with! :) Thanks so much for visiting!

Have a wonderful day!

Christina

Hopping with MFT!

Hi there! Welcome to my stop on the February MFT Blog Hop! If you haven't been to all the stops before mine, start at Kim's blog and catch up! Believe me, you don't want to miss anything!

I made this card with the set Digital Girl and Stephanie Fizer's Digi Papers. It's definitely a Digital card! :) I paper pieced and colored with Copics, then I sponged some color around the image. I grouped several Prima flowers together and topped them with the sentiment and a Doodlebug Braddie.


My Favorite Things is having a New Release Cocktail Party TONIGHT, Wednesday, Februray 4th, from 9-10 p.m. EST. This month there are THREE new sets being released including a Who's that Girl set that is GOING DIGITAL! Also being released are some fun embellishments and new Digi Papers! Head over to the MFT forum at Splitcoaststampers to find out all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. We hope to see you there tonight!

I hope you enjoyed your visit here! Next stop on the Hop is the amazing Cindy Haffner -- she's sure to wow you! :)

Have a great day!
Christina

A Digital MFTeaser!

Happy Tuesday! Today I have a MFTeaser for you! This month's Who's That Girl set is called Digital Girl -- and it's a must-have for all of us bloggers! :) There some great computer-themed sentiments in the set, and this one spoke to me right away!

My over-40 brain needs all the help it can get, so I'm constantly writing notes to myself! I thought it would be fun to use Digital Girl as a topper for a memo pad. :)

I used some American Crafts paper to cover the back and top of the mini legal pad, and I also used some to paper piece her dress. I colored the rest of the image with Copics. I did slip some Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon under the paper before I adhered it over the top of the pad, then I tied the ribbon in a knot so it can hang from a hook in my craft space.

My Favorite Things is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, Februray 4th from 9-10 p.m. EST. This month there are THREE new sets being released including a Who's that Girl set that is GOING DIGITAL! Head over to the MFT forum at Splitcoaststampers to find out all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. We hope to see you there tomorrow night!

Thanks for the visit today -- I'm so glad you stopped by!

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Digital Girl (MFT) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Chocolate Chip (SU!) Paper: American Crafts Other: Copics, Curved Rectangle Nestabilities, Prima flowers, Old Olive brads, Scallop Edge Punch, Chocolate Chip grosgrain ribbon, dimensionals

Rockin' Out

Happy Sunday, everyone! Just a quick post today to show you a C.C. Designs preview! Bear and Monkey are back in the Itzie Inkies set Rockin' Out.

I used some Scenic Route Surprise paper and some SU! cardstock to make a gift bag and matching tag. I colored the bear with Copics, and I colored the star and guitar center with a Sakura Stardust Gelly Roll pen.

Stop by the ATS Blog to see more samples of this set -- and to see how you can win one! All the new sets will be released tomorrow night at 10:00 pm EST at All That Scraps.

Gotta run -- thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Have a great day!

Christina