Another MFTeaser!

Happy Tuesday! I have another MFTeaser for you! Flopsey's back in the set Birthday Flopsey, and it is SO cute! You probably already know that I *love* this bunny, so I'm having a lot of fun with this set! This is the card I created for my "Cutting out of the Box" How'd They Do That? tutorial last week. You can find it HERE on the MFT Member Company Forum.

I colored with Copics, and I used my new Lime Rickey paper by BasicGrey. So much fun! I embellished with Prima flowers, Lime Rickey buttons, ribbon, and machine stitching. I also added some Stickles to the cake.

Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 6, My Favorite Things is releasing four new sets, plus some yummy papers and embellishments! It all begins with a Blog Hop tonight at 10:00 pm Eastern, so I hope you'll come back to hop along with us! Then tomorrow night, join us for the Release Cocktail Party on the MFT Forum from 8-10 pm Eastern before the sets go live at 10:00!

That's all for now, but I'll be back later tonight! I hope to see you then! Thanks for visiting!

Have a great day! :)
Christina

WTG: an MFTeaser!

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! Today's Who's That Girl Challenge is a WILDCARD -- you choose and use YOUR favorite Who's That Girl set! The challenge part is to use the MFT colors black, pink, and white.

My sample is also an MFTeaser! I used the new set Girls' Day In, which is being released this Wednesday, May 6! This is one of two WTG images in the set! Wouldn't this be great for Mom, a sister, or a girlfriend? :)


I paper pieced her robe and colored the rest with Copics. I did some machine stitching around the pink paper.

My Favorite Things is having a release cocktail party Wednesday, May 6 from 8-10 pm Eastern. The celebration will start with a Blog Hop tomorrow night at 10 pm, followed by fun and chatting in the MFT Forum Wednesday night before the release! There are four new sets being released, so you won't want to miss a thing! :)

I'll have more MFTeasers for you tomorrow, so I hope you'll stop back! Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a great day! :)
Christina

Stamps: Girls Day In (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White, MFT Perfect Paper Panels Paper: Spring Fling dsp, Rockabilly dsp (SU!) Other: Copics, circle punches, eyelet border punch (SU!), MFT ribbon, Lily White Blossoms Braddies (Doodlebug), sewing machine, dimensionals

Two More!

Hi there! I have two more previews of the new releases from All That Scraps! The first uses another image from Sugarplums Beach Scene by C.C. Designs. The sentiment is from Beach Sentiments by AmyR Stamps. Amy's sentiments are SO perfect for any beach-y project, and I just love the font she used! This card has a pretty simple design. I used SU! cardstock and American Crafts dp. I colored the flip flops with Copics, cut them out, and popped them up on dimensionals. I colored the rhinestones with an orange Copic marker before adhering them -- I love that I can do that! :)

My second card has an image from Gingersnaps Bugg-A-Boos by C.C. Designs. There are three images in the set: a butterfly, a ladybug, and this adorable bee! The sentiment is from the C.C. Designs set Bear Hugs. Another simple design, but fun nonetheless! The yellow paper is American Crafts, and the black is from Rockabilly by SU!. I colored with Copics and sponged around the image.

Stop by the ATS Blog or the blogs of the ATS Design team for more samples of all the new sets! They will be released tomorrow (Monday) at 10 pm!

That's all for now! Thanks so much for the visit!

Have a wonderful day! :)

Chrsitina

Ocean in a Jar

Happy Friday, everyone! I don't know about you, but it's been a busy week so far! Fun, but busy! :) I am really excited about my project today. I used the new sets Sugarplums Beach Scene by C.C. Designs and Beach Sentiments by AmyR Stamps. The images in Beach Scene are perfect for scrapbook pages or for creating a scene for the Beachies (see yesterday's post). I did something different and made a shell jar! We've had these shells in a basket since collecting them on vacation many years ago, and they deserved a new home! :)


I totally channeled the spirit of my friend Lesa on this project -- her creations always have such a gorgeous vintage look with lots of dimension and texture. I used several Spellbinders Nestabilities, and I sponged all the edges with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain distress ink. The shells on the tag were watercolored and sponged, then I cut them out and popped them up on dimensionals.

Here's a closeup of the lid. Isn't this sentiment just perfect?

You can see more samples of this set on the ATS Blog. I can't wait to see what the other girls came up with! If you stop by, you'll find out how you can win a set for yourself! All of the new sets will be released Monday, May 4 at 10 pm!

I hope you are liking the previews so far -- I still have more to show you! Thanks so much for visiting today -- I really do appreciate it!

Have a fantastic Friday! :)

Christina

Stamps: Sugarplums Beach Scene (C.C. Designs), Beach Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Basic Black, Baja Breeze, Sahara Sand (SU!), Tim Holtz Walnut Distress Ink (Ranger) Cardstock: Kraft, Baja Breeze, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Parisian Breeze Specialty dsp (SU!) Other: Circle Nestabilites, Curved Rectangle Nestabilities, Long Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft), Aquapainter, white organza ribbon, Kraft taffeta ribbon, Button Bouquet, linen thread, stamping sponges, dimensionals (SU!)

Sugarplums Beachies

I'm having one of those weeks. You know, the kind when you're on a hamster wheel, running to stand still. I feel like I'm one step behind with everything I'm trying to do, and my morning totally got away from me. So here I am at lunchtime posting what I had hoped to have posted early this morning...

Here's a look at one of the Sugarplums Beachies by C.C. Designs. This is Emma, and she has a friend named Trevor. There are four different images, each one cuter than the last! :) The sentiment is from Beach Sentiments by AmyR Stamps. Both will be released Monday, May 4 at All That Scraps!

Stop by the ATS Blog to see some adorable samples! While you're there, leave a comment for a chance to win your own set!

Thanks for stopping by today -- I'll have another preview tomorrow!

Have a great day! :)

Christina

Stamps: Sugarplums Beachies Emma (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Chocolate Chip, So Saffron, Regal Rose (SU!) Cardstock: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Summer Cool Banana Flip Flop (Imaginisce) Other: Copics, dotted grosgrain ribbon (May Arts), Dotted Waves border punch (EK Success), natural hemp twine, circle punches, stamping sponges, dimensionals (SU!)

Meet Tilly!

Happy Wednesday! Today begins previews of the May releases from All That Scraps! This is Tilly, the new set from Diane Zechman's Cookie Crumbs Stamps. This sentiment is one of my favorites from the set -- I can think of several people to whom I could send this! ;)

Stop by the ATS Blog today to see more samples with this set and to find out how you can win a set of your own! All the new releases will be available Monday, May 4 at 10:00 pm.

The previews continue tomorrow -- I hope you'll stop back! Thanks so much for the visit today!

Have a great day! :)
Christina

Stamps: Tilly (Cookie Crumbs Stamps) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Old Olive (SU!) Cardstock: Basic Black (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Summer Picnic dsp, Real Red Prints (SU!) Other: Copic markers, Labels One Nestabilities (Spellbinders), ticket corner punch (SU!), Beetle Black Blossoms Braddies (Doodlebug), gingham ribbon, white gel pen, sponge, dimensionals

A Busy Day!

Hi there! Today I'm working on previews for the All That Scraps and My Favorite Things May releases, so I don't have a project to share just yet!! ;)

Be sure to stop back tomorrow, 'cause it will be time for the first ATS Preview! All I can say about the new sets is... CUTE!!!

Also, tonight at 10 pm Eastern the MFT Idol Top Five will have their projects uploaded and ready for voting -- you'll have until 10 pm tomorrow (Wednesday) to vote for your favorites!

Have a great day, everyone -- thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Christina

WTG Monday

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! Ours was very busy -- soccer games, lacrosse match, a fundraiser -- and our temperatures were summer-like (upper 80's), so I didn't get much stamping done! I didn't even get much time for blurfing, so that's on my agenda for today!

I did get time last night to make my sample for today's MFT Who's That Girl Challenge. Joanne is the hostess this week, and the featured set is Rain or Shine. The challenge is to use a minimum of six brads on your project.

My layout is Frances's MFT Sketch, and the paper is SU!'s Sweet Always. I colored with Copics and embellished with machine stitching and SU! brads and ribbon. To make the umbrella, I stamped the image in Clearsnap Watermark onto the dp, then I heat embossed with clear EP. I cut it out and popped it up on dimensionals.

We hope you can play along with the challenge! If you don't have this set, just use any MFT set and have fun! Use keyword MFTWTG32 when uploading to Splitcoaststampers. If you upload by midnight Wednesday, you have a chance to win a $5 gift certificate to My Favorite Things!

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

Have a wonderful day!

Christina

Happy Friday!

It's Friday -- TGIF!! I have two cards to share with you today. The first is for the Ways to Use It Challenge to use white cardstock only. I used lots of layers and sponging, and I really like the way it turned out! I needed a wedding card, so this was the perfect reason to make it! I used Silhouette Blooms I and Spanish Script Backgrounder from Cornish Heritage Farms. The ink is Baja Breeze and Basic Black.

I went with a cleaner, simpler design for this next card. The ATS Design Team is reviewing two new sets: Gingersnaps Celebrate! and Birthday Sentiments. I used BasicGrey Cupcake paper and colored with Copics. Stop by the ATS Blog today to see more samples with these fun sets!

That's it for today! We have a busy weekend ahead, and we're expecting very warm weather, so I may or may not get some stamping done -- wish me luck! ;)

Have a great day everyone -- thanks for stopping by!

Christina

Gift Card Holder

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great day!

Christina

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

Thinking outside the Box!

Happy Wednesday! Today's ATS Wednesday Challenge is to think outside the box! Use those stamps in a way they weren't intended to be used! I have to say that this challenge stumped me for a while, but then this idea just popped in my head... and I went with it!

It's a pretty simple design -- I just took this butterfly from Spring Things! and made a spring wreath. I even scored some panels on the white cardstock so it looks like a door!

We'd love to see what you can do! Use keyword ATSDTC46 when uploading to All That Scraps or SCS. All of the challenges can be found HERE -- do any one at any time! Lesa will have the Design Team projects for this challenge on the ATS Blog, so be sure to check them out!

I'm so glad you stopped by today -- have a wonderful spring day!

Christina

Stamps: Gingersnaps Spring Things! (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Certainly Celery, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Wild Raspberry (K & Company) Other: oval punches (SU!), dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts), Branch punch (Martha Stewart), self-adhesive rhinestones, white gel pen

Who's That Girl Challenge

Happy Monday! Joanne and I have another Who's That Girl Challenge for you! This week we're featuring the MFT set She's Having a Baby, and the challenge is to use non-traditional baby colors! I went with the MFT colors of Black, Pink, and White, since today is also Celebrate MFT Day!

I stamped the image on one of my Perfect Paper Panels. Omgosh, they are SO great! They come in packs of A2 sized panels, just perfect for stamping and coloring your images. And, let me tell you, my Copics blend beautifully on them! Kim did a lot of work to find the perfect paper for coloring, and she definitely succeeded! :)

The rest of the card is pretty straightforward. The ribbon treatment is one that I've seen quite a lot lately, and I had to try it myself! I really love the way it looks -- you'll probably be seeing a lot more of it! ;) I used ribbon from the Royalty Ribbon Bundle, and I topped it with a button and some dotted organdy ribbon.

Be sure to check out the MFT Weekly Spotlight each Monday -- it's on my sidebar. This week it's Peerless Watercolors! There will be the usual fun in the MFT Forum at SCS as well -- stop by when you can! :)

Well, that's it for me today! Thanks so much for the visit!

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Stamps: She's Having a Baby (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: white, Basic Black, Regal Rose, MFT Perfect Paper Panels Paper: Rockabilly dsp, Sweet Always dsp (SU!) Other: Copics, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots folder, oval punches, scallop edge punch, MFT Royalty Ribbon, BasicGrey button, May Arts dotted organdy ribbon, dimensionals

Donut Diet

Hello! We're back from our spring break trip and settled into things again! We had a great time hiking, shopping and just being together, but I'm glad to be home! I was itching to stamp something, so I played with this fun Emerson Quillin Small Meals image from American Art Stamp. Now this is my kind of diet! ;)

I colored with Copics and added gold highlights to her earrings and hat with Gold Lame Smooch pearlized ink. I lightly distressed all the edges, and I sponged with Summer Sun ink. The chipboard flourish is covered with Blackbird Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink.

This was a fun card to make -- I hope you like it! Now I'm off to enjoy some gorgeous weather -- sunny and 75 degrees! :) Thanks for stopping by today!

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamp: Small Meals (American Art Stamp) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Blackbird Colorbox Fluid Chalk, Gold Lame Smooch (Clearsnap); Summer Sun (SU!) Cardstock: Basic Black (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Craft Fair (American Crafts) Other: Top Note die, gingham ribbon (Offray), Obsessions flower (Prima), button (BasicGrey), chipboard flourish (Making Memories), Cutter Kit (SU!), self-adhesive pearls, sponge, dimensionals

Buttons and Bows

This week's ATS Challenge (ATSDTC45) is to use buttons. I made this card for my brand-new niece Emma, born Easter Sunday! :)

You can play along and upload your card to the ATS Wednesday Challenge Gallery. All of the challenges are listed HERE -- play along with any challenge at any time!

Don't forget to stop by the ATS Blog to see what the Design Team came up with!

Thanks for visiting today!

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Stamps: Amy's Boutique, Boutique Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: white, Bazzill textured brown Paper: Sultry 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: eyelet border punch, BasicGrey buttons, white thread, dimensionals, Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, May Arts ribbon

MFT Mid-month Releases!

Hey, everyone! It's Wednesday, and it's the middle of the month, so that means My Favorite Things is releasing two new sets today! They are so much fun to work with!

On this first sample I used the new BC Dzyns set Text Ya Later. I love the BCD line -- since I have a teenage daughter, I can SO relate! As a matter of fact, when I made this card I did it with Megan in mind: a little distressed, slightly off-center, and always with a phone in her hand! ;) I asked her which sentiment she thought I should use, and she chose this one. It's a favorite saying of a good friend. She gave me the thumbs-up when the card was finished!

I used BasicGrey Recess 12x12 paper for this card, and I kept with the school theme with the SU! spiral and tab punches. I used one of the pattern squares from the cover of the paper pack to paper piece her shirt. It's one of the many tricks I've picked up from Michele, who is the queen of paper piecing in my book! :) I colored with Copics and sponged the edges of the image panel and tab.

This next set is the newest one in the MFT Presents line. It's by a new illustrator, Amanda Baird, who just happens to be Carole's niece! The set is called What a Girl Wants, and it just makes me smile! This diva has had a long day of shopping, but she just can't resist one more peek into the boutique window! Ah, so much to buy, so little time! ;)

I borrowed the awning from Meet Me at the Cafe -- it works perfectly with this set! I used BasicGrey Marrakech paper throughout the card, and I paper pieced the shopping bags and the dress. The awning and hat box are popped up on dimensionals. I gave her some "real" pearls with Liquid Pearls, and I used a Stardust pen on her tiara and shoes. The rest of the coloring was done with Copics.

Since I'm on vacation (I pre-scheduled this post), I'm not participating in the MFT Blog Hop for these two sets. But, don't let that stop you from checking it out! Head over to Kim's Blog and hop on through 'til the end -- you'll surely see a lot of eye candy! :)

Thank you so much for visiting today! Have a fantastic day! :)

Christina

Who's That Girl?

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope your Easter was filled with lots of good things! Today Joanne is your hostess for the Who's That Girl Challenge (MFTWTG30) on the MFT Forum. The featured set is Hangin' with my Peeps, and the challenge is to use the MFT summer papers (or digi papers, or paper color palette). I went a little crazy and used almost all of the patterns on this card! :)

I paper pieced her clothes and colored the rest with Copics. I cut out the chickies and popped them up on rolled up glue dots. I embellished with Prima Flowers, SU! Hodgepodge hardware, and ribbon from the MFT Summer Ribbon Collection.

Well, it's spring break for my kids this week, so we're headed to a friend's cabin in Gatlinburg, TN for a few days. I have some posts all ready to go while I'm gone, so I hope you'll stop back! On Wednesday there's a MFT mid-month release you won't want to miss! :)

Thank you for visiting today and every day! I appreciate all my readers SO much! :)

Have a fantastic day!

Christina

Happy Easter, everyone! May your day be blessed!

Cupcake Birthday

Hi, everyone! Today's card is one I made a couple days ago for two different challenges. I did the MFT Sketch Challenge and the Ways to Use It Challenge (using labels). I paper pieced the cupcake bottom, colored with Copics and sponged the edges of the image panel. I dusted off my Dymo Label Maker for the sentiment!

It's a quick post today -- I have quite a few things to take care of before tomorrow! I hope you are enjoying your weekend so far!

Thanks for visiting -- have a great day! :)
Christina

Stamps: Cupcake Flopsey (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Kiwi Kiss (SU!) Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black (SU!), MFT Perfect Paper Panels Paper: Rockabilly dsp (SU!) Other: Copics, Dymo Label Maker, Circle Nestabilities, dotted organdy ribbon, Prima flowers, Doodlebug Braddie, MFT Adornments crystals, sponge, dimensionals

Little Ladybug

Hello there! Today the ATS Design Team is doing a review of the recently released set by Cookie Crumbs Stamps, Ladybug Friends. I love this sweet image of the ladybug on the flower! I don't know if there really are flowers this color, but I like it anyway! :)

I colored with Copics and lightly sponged the edges of the image panel. You can't see it in the photo, but I painted Angel Wings Shimmerz on the flower after I colored it. It's really pretty IRL!

I have to admit, I fussed and fussed with this card -- I just couldn't get it to "sit right" with me (I do this a lot -- I'm a really slooooooow stamper). I just felt that it needed something, but I couldn't figure out what it was. Then I put the red mat behind the image panel -- ta da! :)

Stop by the ATS Blog today to see what the rest of the DT has done with this adorable set!

I hope your weekend is off to a good start. Thanks so much for stopping by to visit! :)

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: Ladybug Friends (Cookie Crumbs Stamps) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Soft Sky (SU!) Cardstock: Soft Sky, Old Olive (SU!), MFT Perfect Paper Panels Paper: Playful Petals (Daisy Bucket) Other: Copics, Angel Wings Shimmerz, paper piercer, mat pack, white button, red dotted organdy ribbon, scallop edge punch, corner rounder, sponge, dimensionals

Practically Perfect!

Happy Wednesday! Here is my card for this week's SCS Color Challenge. It's a great color combination -- Bashful Blue, So Saffron, and Close to Cocoa. I have really been wanting to ink up this Practically Perfect set by Verve Stamps -- these colors were the perfect reason to do it! :)

It's a pretty simple design -- I just did some paper piecing, sponging, and machine stitching to give interest and texture. The papers were perfect for the challenge, and they did most of the work for me. I love it when that happens!

Thanks so much for visiting today! I always appreciate it when you stop by!

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: Practically Perfect (Verve Stamps) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), So Saffron (SU!) Cardstock: So Saffron, Close to Cocoa (SU!); Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Delicate Dots dsp (SU!) Other: Copics, Circle Nestabilities, Button Latte, Bashful Blue striped grosgrain ribbon, circle punches, white gel pen, sponge, dimensionals, sewing machine, white thread

WTG Challenge: Emboss It!

Happy Monday, everyone! Today's MFT Who's That Girl Challenge is to use the set You Take the Cake. The additional challenge is to use embossing (heat or dry) on your project.

On my card I heat embossed the background circles (from Let's Go for a Walk) with white EP, and I heat embossed the main image with black EP. I watercolored the image with an Aquapainter and SU! reinkers.

We hope you can play along with the challenge! Use keyword MFTWTG29 when uploading to SCS. Upload by midnight Wednesday, 4/8 for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate to My Favorite Things!


In other news, Don't forget about the release at All That Scraps tonight at 10:00 Eastern -- hope to see you on the Message Board before the release! :)

Thanks for stopping by today -- I really do appreciate it!

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Stamps: You Take the Cake, Let's Go for a Walk (MFT) Ink: White Craft (SU!), Watermark (Clearsnap), misc. SU! inks for watercoloring Cardstock: Old Olive, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Sweet Celebrations (Bella Blvd) Other: white EP, black detail EP, Aquapainter, Frosted Lace Stickles, scallop edge punch, dotted organdy ribbon, MFT Adornments crystals, dimensionals

More ATS Previews!

Hello! Happy Saturday! I have a couple more All That Scraps Previews for you today! The first is for the set Ladybug Friends by Cookie Crumbs Stamps. Diane has created some adorable ladybug images! Here I colored with Prismacolor Pencils, added white gel pen highlights, and sponged the edges. I created some grass with Pale Green Flower Soft. The paper is Lady Bug Ball from the Twitterpated line by Imaginisce. I embellished with Prima flowers, a Lady Bug Blossom Braddie, and SU! organza ribbon.

You can see more Design Team samples of this set on the ATS Blog HERE.

In honor of C.C. Designs' second anniversary, Christine created this Gingersnaps Celebrate! stamp set. Here's a Gingersnap on top of a big birthday cupcake! I colored with Copics, added white highlights, and sponged the edges. I used Cotton Candy Stickles on the cupcake icing. The paper is from the Sweet Celebrations line by Bella Blvd.

You can find more Design Team samples of this set on the ATS Blog HERE.

All of the new sets will be released Monday, April 6 at 10:00 pm Eastern time at All That Scraps. We'll be chatting on the Message Board before the release -- I hope you can join us!

That's it for me today! I hope you are having a great weekend -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a great day!
Christina

Tweet-ies!

TGIF!! It's been a busy stamping week for me, and now I have previews of the April All That Scraps releases! Each month the ATS stamps get cuter and cuter, don't you think?!? Today I have samples for the C.C. Designs set Tweet-ies. I am IN LOVE with these birds -- they just make me smile!! :)

On my first card I colored the image with Prismacolor Pencils and added white gel pen highlights. Hmmm... this bird looks like he's been partying a little too much! *giggle*

This second card was a fun one to make. I used this gorgeous BasicGrey Marrakech paper, and I brought out two colors of cardstock I NEVER use -- Groovy Guava and Pacific Point! They coordinate perfectly with the dp, and I think I might actually like both colors now! ;) I paper pieced the bird and colored with Copics. Isn't this sentiment great? I'm telling you, I smiled the entire time I was making these cards!

I hope you like the set as much as I do! You can see more Design Team samples on the ATS Blog, and you can also find out how to win a set of your own! All four new stamp sets will be released Monday, April 6 at 10:00 pm Eastern time. Also, don't forget about the C.C. Designs Anniversary Sale! Click HERE to find out more!

I hope you'll stop back tomorrow for more ATS previews! Until then, have a great day!

Christina

Happy Bird-day

Stamps: Tweet-ies (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Old Olive (SU!) Cardstock: Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Cupcake 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, blending stumps, Oval Nestabilities, SU! ribbon, Dew Drops, Dotted Wave border punch, Inkssentials white gel pen, sponge, dimensionals

What?

Stamps: Tweet-ies (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Groovy Guava (SU!) Cardstock: Groovy Guava, Pacific Point, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Marrakech 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Copics, Circle Nestabilities, Tag Trio Shapeabilities, Prima Caboodles, SU! 5/16" brads, May Arts ribbon, sponge, dimensionals, sewing machine

SCS Challenge Cards

Happy Thursday, everyone! I'm taking a break between MFT and ATS previews so I can share some other things I worked on this week!

This first card was for last Friday's SCS Limited Supplies Challenge to use black and white only. I had a lot of fun with this, although I so badly wanted to add a splash of color! :) The main image is Enjoy the Moment, from American Art Stamp. I stamped En Francais on the white flower from the SU! Pretties Kit, and I used a Stardust pen on her hat.

My second card is for this week's SCS Color Challenge. I decided to use more of my new SU! goodies to make an SU! only card. This tree image is just so beautiful -- I know I'll be using it a lot! Unfortunately, I needed a sympathy card this week, so the challenge was a good reason to make one.

Thanks for taking a look at my challenge cards! I'll be back tomorrow with previews of the new All That Scraps releases -- coming Monday, April 6!

Before I go, I wanted to let you know that Christine is celebrating the second anniversary of C.C. Designs, and she's having a SALE through April 6! Click HERE to find out more! :)

Thanks for stopping by today -- have a fantastic day!

Christina

Enjoy the Moment

Stamps: Enjoy the Moment (AAS), En Francais (SU!) Ink: Blackbird Colorbox Fluid Chalk ink (Clearsnap) Cardstock: Basic Black, white Paper: Rockabilly dsp (SU!) Other: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft); Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders); black flower (Prima); eyelet border punch, Pretties Kit, organza ribbon (SU!); black dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts); black button (BasicGrey) Stardust gelly roll pen (Sakura); sponge, dimensionals

Praying for You (all products SU!)

Stamps: Thoughts & Prayers Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pink Pirouette Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White Paper: Bella Rose dsp Other: 5/16" brads, scallop edge punch, Riding Hood Red striped grosgrain ribbon, paper piercer, mat pack, sponge, dimensionals

No Foolin'... It's the MFT Blog Hop!

Happy April Fool's Day! You've come to my stop on the MFT Blog Hop! If you've just come from Carole's Blog, welcome! If not, you'll want to go back to Kim's Blog and catch up! There won't be any foolishness, just a lot of great eye candy! :)

For my card, I used the set Ben Paper Dolls. It's a great companion to the Isabelle Paper Dolls set! Ben is so cute, and his clothes and accessories are adorable, too! Here I created Pirate Ben and his little companion! Ben's face and hair are colored with Copics, and his outfit was made with a combination of paper piecing and coloring with Prismacolor Pencils. I distressed the edges of the paper and cardstock, then I added some sponging and piercing to the image panel. The bird is cut out and popped up on dimensionals. The sentiment is from the MFT set Going Places -- I thought it was perfect for this little adventurer!

My Favorite Things is having a New Release Cocktail Party TONIGHT from 9-10 PM EASTERN. This month there are 4 new sets being released! Head over to the MFT forum HERE 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!

Did you know that this set is named after Cammie's son? And guess what -- you're headed to her blog next! She's sure to have something fantastic for you to see! :)

I hope you enjoyed your stop here -- thanks for hopping by!
Christina

Stamps: Ben Paper Dolls, Going Places (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Walnut Distress Ink (Tim Holtz) Cardstock: Kraft, Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Rockabilly dsp (SU!) Other: Copics, Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, blending stumps, Cutter Kit, paper piercer, Mat Pack, black buttons, linen thread, oval punch, scallop oval punch, sponge, dimensionals

April MFTeasers!

Hello there! Happy Tuesday! Today I have MFTeasers with two of the four sets being released tomorrow my My Favorite Things. All of the new sets are SO cute -- I know you'll love 'em! :)

First is a flower pick made with the set Flopsey's Flowers (click on the photo for a closer view). I had picked up these mini roses at the grocery, and I thought it would be fun to turn them into a thank you gift -- perfect for a teacher or other special person! To make the pick, I sandwiched a bamboo skewer between two scalloped ovals, then I layered more ovals on top. I stamped, colored, and cut out Flopsey and mounted him on dimensionals. I stamped, colored and cut out a second set of flowers and mounted them over the first, and I added some shimmer to the flowers with Marigold Shimmerz. To finish it off, I punched two holes on the bottom and tied the ribbon through.


This card was made with the set Cuddle Up Carter. It’s MFT's newest charity set, with $2.00 from every set sold over the next six months going to benefit kids with Cerebral Palsy (like Carole’s son, Carter) via the non-profit Euro-Peds clinic in Pontiac, Michigan.

This is a fun set to paper piece, and I did plenty of it here! I colored the rest of the image with Copics, and I sponged around the image with So Saffron ink. I backed the button with a 1" cardstock circle.

My Favorite Things is having a New Release Cocktail Party tomorrow, Wednesday, April 1st from 9-10 PM EASTERN. This month there are 4 new sets being released! The fun begins at midnight with the MFT Blog Hop! Head over to the MFT forum HERE 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

Flower Pick

Stamps: Flopsey's Flowers (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: American Crafts Other: Copics, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Oval Nestabilities, May Arts ribbon, Marigold Shimmerz, dimensionals

Carter's Card

Stamps: Cuddle Up Carter (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Kraft, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Delicate Dots dsp (SU!) Other: Copics, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Button Latte, Linen Thread, EK Success border punch, sewing machine, sponge, dimensionals

Who's That Girl: Bunny Slippers

Happy Monday! For today's MFT Who's That Girl Challenge, the featured set is Bunny Slippers. The additional challenge is to use two different punches in your design! For my layout, I used this week's MFT Sketch, and I turned it sideways.

I paper pieced the robe and slippers with this great Bloom and Grow paper by My Mind's Eye. For my two punches, I used a border punch next to the image and a corner rounder punch on the sentiment. I machine stitched around the background paper.

There's a lot going on this week at My Favorite Things! Wednesday is Release Day, so the day will start with a Blog Hop at midnight, then the Release Cocktail Party will be Wednesday night from 9-10 pm. Tomorrow I'll have a MFTeaser for you! Also tomorrow, on the MFT Forum at SCS, the MFT Idol Top Eight will upload their projects for this week -- you can vote for your favorites starting at 10 pm!

Well, that's all for me today! Thank you so much for stopping by!

Have a fantastic day!

Christina

Stamps: Bunny Slippers (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Pumpkin Pie, Very Vanilla (SU!) Paper: Bloom and Grow (My Mind's Eye) Other: Lace Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), corner rounder (SU!), Copics, dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts), Sunflower Dew Drops (Robin's Nest), sewing machine

Sunday Supper: Baked Snapper

Happy Sunday, everyone!

It's been a busy few days, and I haven't stamped anything since Wednesday (gasp!), but I wanted to be sure to post a Sunday Supper recipe. My mom just shared this with me today -- it's from a local charity cookbook, but she and Dad made some adjustments to it and really liked the result. So, here it is -- thanks, Mom! :)

Baked Snapper with Tomatoes

6 snapper fillets
4 sprigs of fresh thyme
3 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped
1/2 c. coarsely chopped green olives (Mom and Dad used a some capers here instead)
1/4 tsp. dried hot red pepper flakes
1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 c. finely chopped red onion
1 Tbs. fresh lime juice

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Oil lightly a shallow baking dish large enough to hold the fillets in one layer. In a bowl, stir together the oil, thyme, tomatoes, olives (or capers), red pepper flakes, garlic, onion, and lime juice. In the oiled baking dish, arrange the fillets, skin side down; season with salt, and spoon the tomato mixture over them. Bake the fish uncovered in the middle of the oven 15 to 20 minutes, or until it just flakes.


Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow I'll have the Who's That Girl Challenge for you, and then I'll have an MFTeaser or two before the release on Wednesday!

Now, I need to get downstairs for some much-needed stamping time! :)

Have a great day -- spend some family time around the supper table!
Christina

SCS Color Challenge

Hello there! Happy Thursday! Here is my card for this week's SCS Color Challenge. I recently received some new SU! goodies, so I thought I'd do an SU! Only card. This is a beautiful set -- I don't know why I waited so long to order it!

I stamped the bird in Baja Breeze, rock-n-rolled it in Kiwi Kiss, cut it out, and mounted it on dimensionals. I sponged the edges of the image panel in Pretty in Pink ink. Everything else is pretty straightforward!

That's all for today! I'll be watching my Xavier Musketeers in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA tourney tonight, so I have a few things to get finished before then! Thanks so much for visiting today! :)

Have a great day!
Christina

GO MUSKIES!!!

Stamps: Bird on a Branch Ink: Baja Breeze, Kiwi Kiss, Pretty in Pink, Close to Cocoa Cardstock: Pretty in Pink, Whisper White Paper: Parisian Breeze Specialty dsp, Bella Rose dsp Other: organza ribbon, Button Bouquet, Eyelet Border punch, stamping sponge, Stampin' Dimensionals

ATS Challenge: White on White

Happy Wednesday, everyone! For today's ATS DT Challenge, Lesa challenged us to use white on everything but the focal image. I honestly thought I was going to have a difficult time with this one, but I actually came up with a card that I *love*!! I used an image and sentiment from AmyR Stamps, and the rest just fell together!

Quick Tip: When making white cards, you can't rely on color to make your design interesting, so give your card interest in other ways -- using texture, dimension, layers and punches.

If you'd like to play along with the challenge, use keyword ATSDTC42 when uploading. Upload your design to the ATS Challenge Gallery so all of us can see it! :) Also, be sure to stop by the ATS Blog today to see more Design Team projects. I can't wait to see what they came up with!

One more thing -- don't forget to vote for your favorite project(s) in the MFT Idol Contest! The top nine are trying to make it to the next round! Voting can be done HERE -- you have until 1o pm tonight (Wednesday) to choose! :)

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

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: Amy's Boutique, Boutique Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: white! :) Paper: Craft Fair (American Crafts) Other: Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft); Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Corner Rounder, Stampin' Dimensionals (SU!); Lily White Mini Brads (Doodlebug Design)

Aaaahhhhh... Spring!

Happy Monday! Now that it's officially spring, this week's MFT Who's That Girl Challenge is a spring-y one! The challenge is to use the set Mother's Day and the colors yellow, pink and green. Of course, if you don't have that set, just pull out any MFT set and get it inky! We just want you to play along! :)

For my card, I paper pieced the dress and colored the rest of the image with Copics. The pot and flowers are cut out and popped up on dimensionals.

We're expecting some beautiful spring weather this week, so this card just puts me in the mood! I hope it gets you thinking about spring, too! :)

Thanks so much for visiting today! I hope you have a fantastic day!

Christina

Stamps: Mother's Day (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Barely Banana, Pixie Pink, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Stephanie Fizer Spring Digi papers (MFT) Other: Copics, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft), MFT Adornments spring crystals, two-tone organdy ribbon (May Arts), dimensionals

March Madness Munchies!

Happy Sunday, everyone! Since it's NCAA Tournament time, and my Xavier Musketeers have made it into the second round, our Sunday Supper today will probably be more like Sunday Snacks in front of the TV! I thought I'd share one of my favorite appetizers, perfect for parties or game time! It a recipe from The Pampered Chef.

Tomato-Basil Squares

1 package (10 oz.) refrigerated pizza crust
2 cups (8 oz.) shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
1 oz. (1/4 cup) fresh Parmesan cheese, grated
2 Tbs fresh basil leaves, snipped or 2 tsp dried basil leaves
2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 garlic clove, pressed
4 plum tomatoes, thinly sliced

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Roll pizza crust onto 12 x 15" baking stone (or pan). Sprinkle crust with 1 cup mozzarella cheese. In a 1-qt. bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, basil, and remaining 1 cup mozzarella cheese. Press garlic over cheese mixture and mix well. Thinly slice tomatoes and arrange in a single layer over top of mozzarella cheese. Top tomatoes with cheese mixture and spread evenly. Bake 15-20 minutes or until top is golden and bubbly. Serve warm.

Makes 20 servings

Have a great day everyone! GO MUSKIES!! :)

TGIF!!!!

Good Friday afternoon, everyone! I am VERY glad it's Friday! It's been a long week -- Chris and all three of my girls have been sick all week, and today's the first day that they've all been gone! Chris just went back to work today! I'm spending the day getting my house cleaned up and put back together, but I do want to share a couple of projects with you! :)

This first project took me minutes to make. I think it took me longer to photograph and edit it than to actually put it together! I used the C.C. Designs set Gingersnaps Spring Thing. I'm calling it my *Ewe Tube* -- I crack myself up! Seriously, though, isn't this lamb just the cutest? I colored it with Copics, then applied some white Fun Flock to his wool. I heat embossed the sentiment so it would stand out more against the dp. I purchased the Round Container at All That Scraps. I think this would be a great little gift for Easter or for a new baby!

Stop by the ATS Blog to see some more DT samples with this adorable set!

Today is the 20th, so that means it's Celebrate MFT Day! It's just a great reason each month to get out those MFT sets and get 'em inky! I used the set Let's Go for a Walk, and I also used the My Favorite Things colors -- pink, black, and white. I colored with Copics and sponged around the edge of the image with Pretty in Pink ink.

These projects are bright and springy, and they make me happy after a week of coughing, sore throats, and fevers! I'm definitely looking forward to the weekend -- I hope you have something fun planned for your weekend, too! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Ewe Tube
Stamps: Gingersnaps Spring Thing (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), So Saffron (SU!) Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Delicate Dots dsp (SU) Other: Round Container; Copic markers; Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); So Saffron striped grosgrain, Eyelet Border punch (SU!); blue dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts), clear EP, heat tool, sponge, dimensionals

Fantastic Friend
Stamps: Let's Go for a Walk (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Pretty in Pink (SU!) Cardstock: Basic Black, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Sweet Always dsp, Rockabilly dsp (SU!) Other: Copic markers; Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Prima flowers; black button (BasicGrey); pink dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts); Cuttlebug, Spots & Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft); MFT Adornments spring collection crystals (MFT); sewing machine; sponge, dimensionals

A Ribbon Challenge

Happy Thursday, everyone! :)

This week's ATS DT Challenge is to use lots of ribbon on your project. I used several colors of dotted organdy ribbon, even putting a bow in Gingersnap's hair! I machine stitched around the yellow dp and I added some Stickles to the butterfly. Gingersnap and the butterfly are cut out and popped up on dimensionals.

Head over to the ATS Blog to see what the DT came up with for this challenge! If you'd like to play along, use keyword ATSDTC41 and upload to the ATS Wednesday Challenge Gallery. You can find all the DT Challenges HERE -- do any one at any time!

Thanks so much for stopping by today -- I always appreciate it!

Have a fantastic day!

Christina

Stamps: Gingersnaps Spring Things (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Taken with Teal, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Craft Fair (American Crafts) Other: Copic markers, Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts), Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), White Lightning Glitter Dots (Jesse James), white gel pen (Inkssentials), dimensionals, sewing machine

Hop around the Flowers!

Hey there! It's time for another MFT Release Hop, and you've come to my stop! We're showcasing the new sets by new illustrator Sara Williams. She has created two fun and funky floral sets for My Favorite Things! If you haven't seen all the fun so far, hop on back to Kim's Blog and catch up! I'll be here when you're finished! ;)

For my sample, I used Sara's set called Funky Flowers. I kept the card pretty simple, with fun patterns and colors. The layout is Cindy's MFT Sketch for tomorrow (I couldn't help using it a little bit early!). I was thrilled that this set pairs so well with the Bloom Dots Cuttlebug folder and also with my beloved Girl Friday paper! The vase and flowers are popped up on dimensionals. The flowers behind the image and sentiment are also from Funky Flowers, but the sentiment itself is from the MFT set Essential Sentiments.

I hope you enjoyed your visit here -- now hop over to see what Candice Lighty has to show you! It's sure to be something fabulous! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Funky Flowers (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko); Soft Sky, Pretty in Pink, Summer Sun (SU!) Cardstock: Old Olive, Summer Sun, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket) Other: Copic markers, Obsessions flower (Prima), Scallop circle punch, 1 3/8 circle punch (SU!), white gel pen (Inkssentials), ribbon (May Arts), sponges, dimensionals, Helmar 450 Quick Dry Adhesive

Monday with Who's That Girl!

Hey there! Happy Monday to you! For today's MFT Who's That Girl Challenge, the featured set is Let's Go for a Walk. The additional challenge is to add sparkle -- glitter, Stickles, bling, whatever! If you don't have the featured set, no problem! Just pull out any of your MFT stamps and get 'em inky! :)

I have to say, I had a lot of fun making this card! I pulled the colors from this great Sweet Celebrations paper by Bella Blvd. For my sparkle, I used Stickles on the dress, adhesive rhinestones on the bottom scallops, and a Doodlebug Braddie through the Prima flower.

We'd love for you to play along! Use keyword MFTWTG26 and upload to the Splitcoaststampers gallery. Upload by midnight Wednesday for a chance to win a $5 gift certificate to My Favorite Things!

I hope your week is off to a good start! Thanks for taking the time to visit today!

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Let's Go for a Walk (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Soft Sky (SU!) Cardstock: Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, Pumpkin Pie (SU!) Paper: Sweet Celebrations (Bella Blvd) Other: Copics, Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, Spots & Dots embossing folder (Provo Craft), Obsessions flower (Prima), Cupcake Blossom Braddie (Doodlebug), Circle punches (SU!), Cotton Candy Stickles (Ranger), adhesive rhinestones, ribbon, fibers, sponge, dimensionals

ATS Mid-month Release!

Happy Sunday, everyone! Today All That Scraps is releasing a new set of Paper Pleasing Digi Images by Julie Buhler. They are beautiful Easter images! For my sample, I printed the daffodil image and sentiment, then I colored with Prismacolor pencils. I sponged around the image and sentiment with So Saffron ink. I did some machine stitching and added some ribbon and Dew Drops.

Now, I'll admit I was a little hesitant to use the digi images at first. I am and always will be a girl who loves stamps and ink. :) But, it is nice that you can change the size of the digi images in order to vary your designs. If you go to the ATS Blog, you can see that Julie's sample and mine have the same images, but Julie's sentiment is larger. I decided to print mine smaller so I could use my oval punches. I also could have printed it larger to have it be the inside sentiment or a large focal image. Pretty cool, huh?

Here are a couple of tips I've discovered for working with the digi images:

1) The cardstock I use when printing digi images is Georgia Pacific white cardstock, purchased at Walmart. SU! Whisper White is too smooth, and the ink will smear when the image is colored.

2) You don't need fancy photo editing software in order to use the images. I have an HP printer, so I just opened my files with the HP photo managing program. After choosing to print, I then decided which paper size I wanted. For the daffodil image, I chose the Wallet size (9 to a page), but only printed one image per sheet. For the sentiment, I chose the Contact Sheet (33 to a page), again printing only one image. To print larger images, I could have chosen the 3x5, 4x6 or larger -- you get the idea.

Give the digi images a try -- you just might find that you really like them! :)

Thanks so much for stopping by today! I'll be back tomorrow with the MFT Who's That Girl Challenge!

Have a great day!
Christina

Digi Images: Paper Pleasing Easter Images by Julie Buhler Ink: So Saffron (SU!) Cardstock: Bashful Blue (SU!), Georgia Pacific white Paper: Le Jardin (SU! retired) Other: Prismacolor Pencils, Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Lace Edge Punch (Martha Stewart), Sunflower Dew Drops (Robin's Nest), oval punches (SU!), white organdy ribbon, blue dotted organdy ribbon, sponge, dimensionalssewing machine