Celebrate MFT!

Happy Saturday, everyone! It's the 20th of the month, and that means it's Celebrate MFT Day! You already know that I celebrate My Favorite Things a LOT *grin* , but today we want you to celebrate with us! Just for a little extra fun, we'd like to know what your favorite Stephanie Fizer set is! Joanne has all the details HERE on the MFT Member Company Forum.

I just love this Tea for Two set -- it makes me smile whenever I see those little guys in the teacups! I thought I'd use some of my favorite Sweet Always paper, too. I'm pretty sure there aren't a lot of orange teacups out there, but it works with the paper! ;)

I have a busy weekend of stamping planned -- new releases are just around the corner! I hope you have a great weekend ahead, also! Thanks for taking the time to stop by today! :)

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Tea for Two (MFT Presents) Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Regal Rose, Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Sweet Always dsp (SU!) Other: Copics, scallop edge punch, white organza ribbon, linen thread, Cup o' Buttons (MFT)

Swiss Pixies Review

Hello! Happy Friday! I was hoping to post this earlier this morning, but I was having technical difficulties! Today the All That Scraps DT is reviewing the Swiss Pixies. This is Gretel. I colored her with Copics, and I cut her feet "out of the box." I stamped a second wing on vellum and adhered it over the wing on the cardstock. The sentiment is from Birthday Sentiments by AmyR Stamps.

Stop by the ATS Blog later on today to see what the other girls have done with these adorable pixies! :)

I hope your weekend is off to a good start -- thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a fantastic Friday! :)

Christina

Stamps: Swiss Pixies Gretel (C.C. Designs), Birthday Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Real Red, Whisper White, Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Twitterpated Lady Bug Ball (Imaginisce) Other: Copics, Eyelet Border Punch, Primas, adhesive rhinestones, white organza ribbon

My Favorite Thursday Challenges!

Hi, everyone! Happy Thursday! Joanne is hosting this week's My Favorite Challenge on the MFT Member Company Forum. The challenge is to make a gift card holder.

I had fun making this card. The images are from the set Let's Hear It for the Boys, and the papers are from the Kaleidoscope collection by My Mind's Eye. I paper pieced the chair, then I popped up the arm and footrest on dimensionals. I also popped up the TV. I machine stitched around the paper panels.

Quick Tip: When paper piecing, use a marker on the edges of the paper pieced images to create dimension.


To make the gift card holder, I used a template that I rely on quite often. Gina K. has a great tutorial for how to make it HERE on her blog. I used a Word Window punch to create the opening for the gift card. When presenting the card, the gift card would actually be facing the other way, but I turned it around here so I could show you the inside of the card! :)

The other card I have to share today is for this week's MFT Sketch Challenge. I made this for my daughter Megan. She left last night on a plane with a group of about 30 girls from her high school -- they are on a 9-day tour of France. It was NOT easy putting her on that plane, but I know she's going to have the experience of a lifetime (you all keep reminding me of that, okay?)!

The background paper is a map of France -- courtesy of Mapquest! I printed it out on SU! Whisper White cardstock. Megan begins her tour in Paris and ends in Nice -- I made sure both were pictured on the map (Paris over WTG's right shoulder, Nice next to her suitcase). I stamped the skyline image on the panels in Watermark ink by Clearsnap, and I heat embossed with SU! clear EP. The white crystals, ribbon and button are from My Favorite Things.

Whew -- it's been a crazy couple of days! Between the MFT release and Megan leaving, I'm about ready for a nap! No rest for the weary, though -- I have more stamps that need to see some ink! I'm off to see what I can get done today!

Thank you SO much for visiting today and every day -- I really do appreciate it! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

A Little Java to Get You (MFT) Hoppin'!

Hello! It's time for another My Favorite Things Blog Hop! Our mid-month release features two new sets, Rainy Day Friends and I Need Coffee Flopsey. Both will be available tonight at midnight! If you haven't seen all the fantastic projects along the Hop so far, go back to visit Kim and start from there! And keep on going 'til the end, because blog candy awaits you! :)

Also, be sure to leave a little love for the Sweet Sixteen's newest members, Barbara and Kathy! :)

Before I show you my project, I want to wish my husband Chris a Happy Anniversary! 19 years -- it's hard to believe! Thanks for supporting me and letting me do what I do -- you're the best!!! :)

Back to our regularly scheduled programming...

I used I Need Coffee Flopsey to make this fun gift box full of coffee beans. I covered the wooden box (purchased at Michaels for $1.99) with paper, then I sanded and inked all the edges. I embellished with ribbon and a button from the Cup o' Buttons Summer Collection.


I stamped and colored Flopsey, leaving the ears "out of the box." I sponged around the edges of the image panel, then I added some yellow flock to Flopsey's slippers! The image panel is mounted onto the front of the box with dimensionals.



You're finished at my stop! Now it's time to see what the very talented Natalie Dever has created! Thanks so much for hopping by! :)


Christina

Rain or Shine

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a good weekend! Today I have a MFTeaser of the set Rainy Day Friends, illustrated by Stephanie Fizer. It will be released by My Favorite Things this Wednesday, June 17.

I cut out the umbrella and gave it a coat of Crystal Lacquer. When it was dry, I mounted it on dimensionals. I covered the chipboard heart in the dp -- I thought it was perfect with the sentiment! :)

MFT is releasing two sets Wednesday at midnight. I'll show you the other one tomorrow (Tuesday) night during the Blog Hop! Join me and the rest of the Sweet Sixteen at 10:00 pm Eastern for more MFTeasers and some blog candy, too! I'll see you then! :)

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Rainy Day Friends (MFT Presents) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Regal Rose, Taken with Teal (SU!) Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Swing into Spring (Bella Blvd) Other: Copics, Oval Nestabilities, Dotted Wave punch (EK Success), linen thread, white organza ribbon (SU!), Cup o' Buttons (MFT), chipboard heart, dimensionals

Sunday Supper: Gailanne's Recipe

Hello, everyone! Today's Sunday Supper recipe comes from Gailanne. She shared it last week, and I'm happy to share it with all of you this week! It looks really yummy -- I can't wait to try it! It serves 2-3, but you could easily double (or triple) it!

CHICKEN BREASTS with SPICY CREAM CHEESE SAUCE

1 tbsp butter
1 tbsp oil
1 whole boneless chicken breast, skinned and halved
1/4 c dry white wine
3 tbsp cream cheese with herbs & spices

In frypan, heat butter and oil. Add chicken and saute slowly on both sides until golden and no longer pink inside. Remove from pan and keep warm. Drain fat from frypan.Add wine to pan, stirring to remove brown bits. Add cream cheese, mashing and stirring over low heat to blend with juices. Thin, if needed, with more wine. Let bubble for 1-2 minutes. Serve sauce over chicken breasts, with parsleyed egg noodles. Serves 2-3


Thank you so much, Gailanne! If anyone else has a recipe to share, just email me. I'll be happy to feature it here on Sunday!

Tomorrow I'll show you a MFTeaser for Wednesday's mid-month release! SO cute! :)

Thanks so much for visiting -- don't forget to spend some time around the supper table!

Have a great day!
Christina

Baby Tag

Happy Friday, everyone! Today the All That Scraps DT is doing a review of the newly released set Gingersnaps Oh Baby!. I used this adorable buggy image to make a gift tag. I like making tags for a few reasons: They are a great way to personalize your gift bags, you can place them on card fronts for a fun design, and they use up those scraps! :)

I paper pieced the buggy with the reverse side of the flowered paper, and I used silver brads on the wheels. Some Primas, rhinestones, and a border punch finish the design!

Stop by the ATS Blog to see what the other girls have done with this set! Thanks so much for stopping by today -- I hope your weekend is off to a great start!

Have a fantastic Friday!

Christina

My Favorite Challenge: Trifold Card

Hi, everyone! It's Thursday, so that means it's time for the MFT My Favorite Challenge! This week, Joanne and I challenge you to make a trifold card. You can find all the challenge details HERE on the MFT Member Company Forum. For my sample, I made a gatefold card with the set Flopsey's Flowers.

I colored with Copics and cut Flopsey out. I added glitter to the flower petals, and I adhered rhinestones to the flower centers.

On the inside of the card, I stamped just the flowers three times along the bottom of the white panel. I veeerrry carefully inked up the flowers before stamping, but a few extra lines got inked as well. I camouflaged them by doodling some squiggly vine-y looking things before I colored them! :)

I just realized that yesterday's card and today's card were both thank you cards with flowers! I guess I needed to stock up on thank you cards, huh? ;)

Thanks so much for visiting today! It's always great when you stop by!

Have a wonderful day!

Christina

Stamps: Flopsey's Flowers (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Organic Laurel (Bo Bunny) Other: Copics, Labels One Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cuttlebug, D'vine Swirls embossing folder (Provo Craft), Caboodles, Got Flowers? (Prima), Old Olive 5/8" grosgrain ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds glitter (SU!), Gemstones (Hero Arts), dimensionals

ATS Challenge: Grid Technique

Happy Wednesday, everyone! Today I have the All That Scraps Wednesday Challenge for you! This week's challenge is to use the Grid Technique.

This adorable image is Heidi, one of the Swiss Pixies by C.C. Designs. I colored her with Copics and cut her out. I applied Icicle Stickles to her wings, and I popped her up on dimensionals over the embossed oval.

The grid panel reminded me of lattice, so I used a leaf from Sugarplums Scenery to create a leafy vine. I drew in the vine, then I cut out the leaves and mounted them on rolled up Glue Dots.

Play along with us! Use keyword ATSDTC51 when uploadingto SCS or the ATS Wednesday Challenge Gallery. You can go HERE to find all the ATS challenges -- do any of them at any time! Remember, Christine and Amy are always looking for the next ATS Guest Designer -- it could be YOU! :)

That's it for today! All of my kids are finally out of school, so I think we'll be finding something fun to do! Thanks so much for the visit today!

Have a wonderful day! :)

Christina

Stamps: Swiss Pixies Heidi (C.C. Designs), Thank You Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Old Olive, Riding Hood Red, Whisper White, MFT Perfect Paper Panels Paper: Pretty Petals (Daisy Bucket) Other: Copics, Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Prima flowers, white brads, white organza ribbon, Icicle Stickles, dimensionals

For the Graduate

Happy Monday, everyone! Today's card is one I made for a friend's daughter for her high school graduation. I decided not to use the typical graduation images, but I instead created a more feminine design to celebrate what a fine young woman she is. The flower images are from Serenity, and the sentiments are from Great Expectations, both from Verve Stamps.

I finished the inside as well.

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

Have a wonderful day! :)

Christina

Stamps: Serenity, Great Expectations (Verve Stamps) Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink (SU!) Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Bittersweet (BasicGrey) Other: Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Poinsettia Dew Drops (Robin's Nest), scallop edge punch (SU!), organdy ribbon, sewing machine, sponge, dimensionals

A Sunday Supper!

That's right! I know it's been a while since I've posted a Sunday Supper recipe. Truth be told, our schedules got entirely too busy and I didn't have a chance to try new recipes! Now that my oldest is driving, we're in more directions than ever, so I am making an effort this summer to be sure my family meets around the table a few times a week. It's a way to be sure we all reconnect and get on the same page!

This week I tried a new slow cooker recipe. It is from Slow Cooker Recipes by Gooseberry Patch. Slow cooker dishes are the way to go during the crazy days of summer -- you can put it all together in the morning and not worry about it until supper time! My family had rave reviews for this recipe -- I served it with salad and garlic bread.

Easy Chicken Cacciatore

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4-oz can sliced mushrooms, drained
1 green pepper, sliced (optional)
1/2 c. water
26-oz jar spaghetti sauce
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
cooked spaghetti
shredded mozzarella cheese

Arrange chicken in slow cooker. Top with mushrooms, green pepper, water and half of sauce; sprinkle with seasoning. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. At serving time, warm remaining sauce and toss with cooked spaghetti. Top spaghetti with chicken; sprinkle with shredded cheese.


I'd love for you to send me some of your favorite family recipes. I'll share them here on Sundays and link to your blog or gallery if you wish! :)

Thanks so much for visiting today -- I really do appreciate it! Be sure to spend some time around the supper table! :)

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Reach for the Stars!

Happy Saturday, everyone! Here's a card I made with stamps from American Art Stamp. The image is Angel with Stars by Adriana Cirstea, and the sentiment is from the set Inspirational Words by Kathleene Callei.

The paper is Urban Prairie by BasicGrey -- I just *love* the colors in this collection! I applied some of the paper to the Maya Road chipboard, then I sanded the edges. I colored the image with Copics, and I sponged around the panels with SU! So Saffron ink. To give the wings some shimmer, I painted them with some Moonlight Smooch by Clearsnap.

I purchased the star-shaped adhesive crystals when I was at Toyrifix last weekend, and they fit the stars on the image perfectly! I colored them with a Copic marker before applying them.

That's it for now! We are having some gorgeous weather today -- temps near 80 and not a cloud in the sky! I'm off to spend some time outside! :)

Thanks for visiting today -- have a wonderful day!
Christina

A MFT Party Hangover

Hi, everyone! I'm posting later than usual this afternoon! I'm in between a busy morning and a busy afternoon, and I was wiped out after last night's MFT Release Party!! It was a fun night -- we welcomed two new members to the MFT Sweet 16 -- Kathy Daume' and Barbara Anders! When you get a chance, hop over to their blogs and congratulate them! :)

Beginning last week, we changed the weekly MFT challenges just a bit. There is no longer a Who's That Girl? Challenge on Monday -- it is now the My Favorite Challenge, and it is posted on Thursday, along with the MFT Sketch Challenge for the week. I'm thrilled to still be co-hosting the My Favorite Challenge with Joanne!

Here are the MFC details at a glance:
*A new My Favorite Challenge and Chatter thread is posted every Thursday
*Complete the challenge by the following Wednesday at 10:00 AM
*ONE winner will be awarded $10 in MFT Money each week (not good on bubble bin sets)
*This will NOT be a random draw
*The winner will be chosen by Joanne, Christina OR the guest judge of their choice
*The winner for the week will be posted after the challenge is posted the following Thursday

More MFC details and this week's MFT Sketch Challenge can be found on the My Favorite Challenge Week 2 thread HERE.

This week we're challenging you to use three different patterned papers from three different collections. They can be from the same manufacturer, just not the same line! On my card, I used Parisian Specialty dsp (SU!), Craft Fair (American Crafts), and Ski Slope (SU!). the image and sentiment are from Tea for Two.


Here's my card for the Sketch Challenge. I used the just-released set Let's Picnic, and the paper is SU! Bella Rose.You can find out how I made my flowers in the MFT Tips & Tricks thread.

That's all for now! I'm headed to a dentist appointment, and then Chris and I are going to see COLDPLAY tonight!! I can't wait! :)

Thanks so much for visiting today! Have a fantastic Friday!

Christina

Grillin' and Chillin' with MFT!

Hello, and welcome to my stop on the My Favorite Things June Blog Hop! If you haven't taken in all the eye candy so far, begin at Kim's Blog and do some catchin' up! :)

All of my projects are made with Who's That Grillin' Guy?, one of three sets being released tomorrow (Wednesday) night! You're invited to a cookout!!

First up is the invitation. I heat embossed the letters on the apron so they would show up better against the paper. The burger is cut out and popped up, and I gave it a coat of Crystal Lacquer so it would look nice and juicy! :) The button is from the Cup o' Buttons Summer Collection, and the ribbon is from the Royalty Ribbon Nest.

And once you get to the cookout, you'll want to know what's on the menu! I altered a chalkboard by painting and sanding the frame and adding chipboard letters to the bottom. You'll notice that his plate is empty -- that's so I can change it to suit the menu!

If we're having steak, he'll hold the steak platter...

...and if burgers are on the menu, he'll be holding the burger platter! I can keep both platters in a small envelope behind the menu board.

And finally, here's a flatware caddy to hold your utensils! I covered chipboard coasters in the same paper I'd been using for the other projects, then I tied them all together with ribbon. On the image, the burgers are again cut out, popped up, and coated with Crystal Lacquer.

Join us on the MFT Member Company Forum Wednesday, June 3, from 8-10 pm Eastern for the MFT Release Cocktail Party! The MFT Sweet Sixteen will be announced (including 2 new designers!), and we'll also announce the winner of the One Click Challenge -- she will receive the entire release free!!

You're finished here -- now hop over to see what the super-talented Natalie Dever has to show you! It's always something fabulous! Thanks so much for hopping by! :)

Christina

Let's Picnic!

Hello! Happy Tuesday! I have another MFTeaser for you! Let's Picnic is this month's Who's That Girl? set -- and it's just perfect for summer! The set comes with a picnic basket and all kinds of picnic foods. I wonder, then, why she only got out the wine bottle?!? Maybe it's because the ants are looking for the food! ;)

My Favorite Things is having a Release Cocktail Party tomorrow (Wednesday) night from 8-10 pm Eastern in the MFT Member Company Forum. The MFT Sweet Sixteen will be announced (with two new designers!), The One Click Challenge winner will be announced, and the fun and chatting will continue until the stamps are released at 10:00 pm (and probably after that, too!)!! :)

The fun will begin TONIGHT at 10:00 Eastern with the Release Blog Hop!! It's sure to be filled with lots of great projects and designs, so I hope you'll check it out!

Sets being released: Let's Picnic, The Poppies, Who's That Grillin' Guy?

Other products being released tomorrow night: Clear Crystal Mix (2mm, 3mm and 4mm) and Checkered Ribbon Bundle

Are you as excited as I am? I hope so! I'll see you back here tonight, okay? Thanks for stopping by! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

Stamps: Let's Picnic (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: white, Old Olive, Pretty in Pink (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket) Other: Copics, Top Note Die (SU!), Chocolate Kiss Ribbon Nest, Cup o' Buttons Summer Collection (MFT), linen thread, Cuttlebug & Bloom Dots folder (Provo Craft)

MFTeaser: The Poppies!

Hello, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! I had a wonderful time at the Copic Certification Class! I learned a lot and met some great ladies! Smithville, Ohio is a beautiful place, and it was wonderful to meet Tammy Hershberger! :)

Anyway, I'm back and ready to get to work! Here's an MFTeaser of the new MFT Presents set by Stephanie Fizer. Meet... The Poppies! They remind me of Josie and the Pussycats -- remember them?? :) I love this set so much that it inspired me to make -- hold on to your hats -- a SCRAPBOOK page!! Right away I thought of my girls playing Rockband, and this photo was just perfect to use with the set.

The paper is Wild Raspberry by K & Company. I machine stitched around the panels. I thought it would be fun to color only one of the images and to stamp the other two directly onto the dp. I think it turned out pretty cute, considering I NEVER scrapbook! ;) I can't wait to use this set some more!

My Favorite Things is releasing three new sets on Wednesday, June 3, and the party will be on the MFT Member Company Forum from 8-10 pm Eastern. The MFT Sweet Sixteen will be announced, including two new designers, the One Click Challenge winner will be announced, plus there will be lots of chatting and fun! We hope you can join us!

Before I go, I want to share a photo from yesterday's Copic Certification. It's a photo of Tammy, Ann and me (I'm the short one in the middle!). Thanks for a great weekend, Tammy! And thanks to Sally Lynn MacDonald, our instructor -- she was fabulous! :)


Don't forget: the All That Scraps release party is tonight from 8-10 pm Eastern!

I'll be back tomorrow with another MFTeaser for you! Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a fantastic day!

Christina

Caught a Bug?

Happy Sunday! Today I have a preview of the new set by Cookie Crumbs Stamps, called Get Well Critters. The images and sentiments are funny and so cute! This is definitely my favorite critter -- don't you just love those eyes? ;)

The jar and bug were stamped, colored and cut out separately and mounted on dimensionals. I did the same thing with another set of eyes, and I popped them up to add one more layer. Those eyes just make me giggle! I added some Stickles to the wings for a little sparkle, and I machine stitched around the dp. I sponged just the very edge of the embossed oval so it would pop against the dotted paper.

Here's a closeup...

There are more samples of this set on the ATS Blog, so be sure to check 'em out! All of the new sets will be released tomorrow, Monday, June 1 at 10:00 pm Eastern. We'll be chatting on the ATS Forum before the release -- we'd love for you to be there! :)

That's all for today! Tomorrow I'll have my first MFTeaser for you -- I hope you'll stop back! Thanks so much for visiting!

Have a wonderful day! :)

Christina

Stamps: Get Well Critters (Cookie Crumbs Stamps) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Rose Red (SU!) Cardstock: Soft Sky, Old Olive (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Daisy Bucket Other: Copics, Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Swiss Dots embossing folder, Old Olive grosgrain ribbon, Rose Red brads, Icicle Stickles, sponge, dimensionals, sewing machine

Fun News to Share!

Hi there! Happy Saturday to you!

First of all, Kyle passed his driving test yesterday! Thanks for crossing your fingers for him! Now the fun really begins, I know! ;)

Did any of you stop by the Verve Stamps Blog yesterday? Did you see?? I'm a Guest Diva for June! I was SO thrilled to be asked by Julee Tilman to work with her amazing Verve Divas for the June release! I've long been a fan of Julee and her stamps -- her elegant designs and fonts are just so beautiful! The release isn't until June 26, so you'll have to wait a while to see the previews! :)

Also, I'm headed to Smithville, Ohio today with my friend Ann -- we're attending the Copic Certification class tomorrow! I'm so excited! What makes it even more fun is that the class is being held at Toyrifix, which is where you can find Tammy Hershberger most of the time! I'm SO looking forward to finally meeting her in person!

I'll have one more All That Scraps preview for you tomorrow -- but feel free to stop by the ATS Blog or the ATS Design Team blogs to see what they've created! Thanks for visiting today!

Have a great day!
Christina

Gratitude

Hello! TGIF! Today's preview is of Thank You Sentiments, a new set by AmyR Stamps. Amy has created some fantastic sentiment sets, and this one is one of my favorites! There are SO many sentiments for all your thank-you needs -- they can be used alone or with other images. Here I decided to show how well they can be used as the focal point of your card!

I scored a border at the bottom of the card, then I repeated the stamping under the score line. The flowers were cut from the dp using Cuttlebug flower dies -- it's a great way to make flowers which match your project perfectly!

Stop by the ATS Blog to see more samples! This set and all the new sets will be released Monday, June 1 at 10:00 PM Eastern at All That Scraps!

One thing before I go -- my oldest, Kyle, is taking his driving test today -- cross your fingers for him, would you?? :)

Thanks for the visit today!

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

Stamps: Thank You Sentiments (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Chocolate Chip, Baja Breeze (SU!) Cardstock: Georgia Pacific white Paper: Parisian Breeze Specialty dsp (SU!) Other: Cuttlebug, flower die (Provo Craft), Labels One Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Branch punch (Martha Stewart), buttons, sponge

Oh Baby!

Happy Thursday! The All That Scraps previews continue today with a new Gingersnaps set, called Oh Baby!. It's probably no secret that I *love* these Gingersnaps images. I mean really, how cute is this?!?

This card is 4.25" square. It's a pretty simple design -- I let the paper and image do all the work! I inked up only the word "baby" from one of the sentiments in the set, because it was just the size I needed.

Quick Tip: Use only part of a sentiment if it suits your design better -- it's a great way to get more versatility from your sets!

Don't forget to stop by the ATS Blog to see more previews and to find out how you can win the set. Also, be sure to check out the blogs of my ATS teammates (on my sidebar) -- they're sure to have some eye candy for you! :)

I'll be back with more tomorrow -- thanks for stopping by today! :)

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Gingersnaps Oh Baby! (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Pretty in Pink (SU!) Cardstock: Soft Sky, Kiwi Kiss, Very Vanilla (SU!) Paper: Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket) Other: Copics, Caboodles flower (Prima), Dotted Wave punch (EK Success), Round Tab punch (SU!), button, ribbon, sponge, dimensionals

Let the Previews Begin!

Hello! Happy Wednesday to you! Today begins a WEEK of previews and releases -- first from All That Scraps, then from My Favorite Things!

All That Scraps is releasing five new sets on Monday, June 1. You know, every month I'm convinced that Christine has created the cutest images ever, then the next month she does it again! Look at this sweet little C.C. Designs Fairy Junebug! She's one of two in the set -- the other one doesn't have wings. I colored the image with Copics and sponged around the edges of the image panel. I'm quite sure that fairies don't have orange wings, but I pulled my colors from the paper! ;)

Be sure to stop by the ATS Blog today and every day during the previews -- you can see more samples with the new sets, and you can find out how you could win a set of your own!

I'll have another ATS preview tomorrow, so I hope you'll be back! Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: Fairy Junebugs (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Certainly Celery (SU!) Cardstock: Certainly Celery, Tangerine Tango, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Bloom and Grow (My Mind's Eye) Other: Copics, Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Caboodles flower (Prima), Icicle Stickles (Ranger), white gel pen (Inkssentials), 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, paper piercer, stamping sponge, dimensionals (SU!)

WTG: Mix It Up!

Good Monday Morning! Happy Memorial Day to my friends in the US! Joanne is the hostess for this week's Who's That Girl Challenge. It's a fun one -- we want you to mix it up! Use an image from one Who's That Girl set and a sentiment from another. I had some fun with this one, and I created something for "the day after" a girls night out! ;)

The images are from Girls Night Out, and the sentiment is from Rain or Shine. I colored with Copics, then I added some glitter to the margarita rim and some bling fruit to the appletini! I also did some machine stitching around the dp.

We don't have any big plans for the holiday today, just hanging around the house. Hopefully I'll get my last plantings finished outside, then the rest of my free time will be for stamping!! :)

Thanks so much for visiting today!

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Stamps: Girls Night Out, Rain or Shine (MFT) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Pixie Pink, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Hit the Beach A Lotta Colada (Flair Design) Other: Copics, Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Obsessions flower (Prima), Cup o' Buttons Spring Collection (MFT), dotted organdy ribbon (May Arts), Dazzling Diamonds glitter, corner rounder (SU!), adhesive rhinestone (Hero Arts). sewing machine, dimensionals

Late Spring in the Garden

Good morning! Happy Saturday to you! We've had a busy couple of days around here -- just the usual craziness with four kids and end-of-school activities! It seems that I've been in the car more than I've been at home, so my stamping time has suffered! ;)

We have had some beautiful late spring weather here this week -- sunny and temps in the 80s -- so I spent some time gardening yesterday. My blog is called Flowers and Ink, because those are the things which make me really happy creatively. So, today I'm giving you a break from the ink so I can show you the flowers! Enjoy! :)

I'll be spending this weekend working on upcoming releases, but I'll be sure to make some things I can share with you right away, too! Thanks so much for taking time out of your day to visit here -- I appreciate it SO much! :)

Have a wonderful day!

Christina

TCP Challenge

Hey there! Happy Thursday to you! Today's card was made with stamps by The Cat's Pajamas, which, sadly, were heretofore uninked. I've been a big fan of TCP stamps for quite a while and recently hopped off the fence to purchase a few sets. I was so glad I finally had a chance to play with them! Carole is the hostess of this week's TCP Challenge, which is a sketch challenge. Here's my take on it!

I colored with Copics and added some Stickles to the star and party hats. I'm seriously addicted to button and ribbon treatments lately -- I used another one here. Susan has a great tutorial for using buttons HERE at SCS -- check it out when you get the chance!

That's all for today! I need to go and finish up some teacher gifts for Caroline's teachers -- tomorrow is her last day of preschool! I can't believe my baby will be in Kindergarten next year! *sniff* Thanks so much for stopping by today! :)

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Stamps: Smells Like Cake (TCP) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Soft Sky, Old Olive (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Sweet Celebration Make a Wish (Bella Blvd) Other: Copics, Icicle Stickles, Circle Nestabilities, ribbon and button (MFT), linen thread, white gel pen, dimensionals

What's in My Jar?

Hi there! You've come to my stop on the MFT Hop Around the Block! If you've come from Carole's Blog, welcome! If you haven't seen all the projects so far, head back to Kim's Blog and hop along from there! Go ahead... I'll be here when you get back! ;)

I am so excited about this mid-month release, because we'll change the way you gift! We're all looking for cost-effective gift ideas, and MFT has found PERFECT PACKAGING!

Sets being released: Time for the Bubbly Label, Teacher Label (mini sets that retail for $9 each)
Other products being released on May 20th (midnight):
*Stephanie Fizer Papers - School Collection digi paper pack ($2.95)
*Jars sized to fit label stamp sets (sold in packs of 4/$12)
*Eclipse Masking Sheet packs ($3.95)
*Adornments Shimmer brads (8-10 each pink, 8-10 cream, and 16-20 white)

What's in my jar? I created a teacher thank-you gift -- a jar of inspirational teacher quotes. I am a teacher by profession, so I am fond of all things teacher-related. I just flipped when I saw the Teacher Label set and Stephanie's school papers, and I couldn't wait to use them together!

I went online and found some great teacher quotes (click HERE and HERE). I pasted them into a Word document, printed it, and sliced it up! Then I filled the jar! On the label, the sentiment was stamped in white craft ink onto BasicGrey dp and heat embossed with white detail EP. The books and ruler were colored with Copics, cut out, and popped up on dimensionals.

As a last-minute idea, I made a coordinating jumbo clothespin memo clip. See the striped paper in the clip? It's another of Stephanie's patterns! :) Both buttons are from the Cup o' Buttons Spring Collection.

Okay, you've seen what's in my jar, and now you get to see what's in Amy's! I'm sure it will be something fabulous! :) Thanks so much for hopping by!

Christina

MFT Blog Hop Tonight!

Hello! Happy Tuesday! My post for today will come later on tonight -- 10:00 pm Eastern, to be exact! My Favorite Things is having a mid-month Hop Around the Block to kick off the release of some great new stamps and products! They will change the way you gift!

See you back here tonight! Have a wonderful day! :)

Christina

Ice Cream and Eyelets!

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! I am playing catch-up today after being gone. It was great to see my brother and his family -- especially my new niece! I had a wonderful weekend, but I'm happy to be home! Here's my card for today's MFT Who's That Girl Challenge. The featured set this week is Here's the Scoop, and the challenge is to use eyelets.

I colored with Prismacolor Pencils and OMS, and I paper pieced her PJs. The flower centers on the chair were the perfect places to use my eyelets! :)

Play along with us -- use keyword MFTWTG35 when uploading to the SCS gallery.

That's it for today -- I need to get Caroline off to school. It's her last week of preschool! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: Here's the Scoop (MFT) Ink: Momento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko) Cardstock: Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin Pie, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panels (MFT) Paper: Sweet Always dsp (SU!) Other: Prismacolor Pencils, OMS, blending stumps, eyelets, Pumpkin Pie striped grosgrain, lace edge punch (Martha Stewart), dimensionals

Buckets of Love!

Happy Sunday! Tomorrow Christine is releasing three new C.C. Designs digi images. Everyone was having so much fun with her new Sugarplums Beachies, so she drew three more! If enough people like them, she'll have them in rubber, too! :)

I just love this image of Trevor in the bucket, and it is so perfect with this sentiment from Beach Sentiments by AmyR Stamps. The panel behind Trevor is from On the Boardwalk dp by Flair Designs. I found a sheet in my stash and had to use it! I colored with Copics, then I "dirtied" everything up a little bit with Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress Ink, and I added a little starfish from my set of Beach Charms.

Stop by the ATS Blog later today to see more samples of these adorable images! I can't wait to play with them some more! :)

Thanks so much for the visit -- have a fantastic day! :)

Christina

A Few Days Off!

Hi, everyone! Happy Thursday to you! I'll be taking a few days off from stamping and blogging -- I'm headed to Charlotte, NC for my niece's baptism. I'll be back Sunday with a post featuring new C.C. Designs digi images!

Thanks for stopping by today! Have a great weekend! :)

Christina

ATS Challenge: Stickles

Happy Wednesday! Today's ATS Challenge is to use Stickles. I pulled out one of my favorite C.C. Designs images (from the set Summertime Fun) and some bright papers to make this summery card! And, of course, I used buttons again -- I can't seem to put them down! :) The layout is Jen del Muro's Sketch for You to Try.

Check out all the ATS Challenges HERE -- play along with any challenge at any time! Use keyword ATSDTC48 when uploading. We'd love to see what you create! :)

Also, be sure to stop by HERE and vote in the MFT Idol contest! We're down to the Final Four!

Thank you so much for stopping by today -- have a fantastic day!

Christina

Stamps: Summertime Fun (C.C. Designs) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Summer Sun (SU!) Cardstock: Taken with Teal, Soft Sky, Whisper White (SU!), MFT Perfect Paper Panels Paper: Bella Blvd, American Crafts Other: Copics, Cotton Candy Stickles, Icicle Stickles, ribbon, 1 3/8" circle punch, scallop circle punch, buttons, linen thread, white gel pen, sponge, dimensionals

Getting There

Happy Tuesday! Here's a card featuring Getting There, one of the fun images by Emerson Quillin available at American Art Stamp.

I colored with Copics and sponged around the image panel. I applied Moonlight Smooch to the chipboard flourish, and it really gave it a mother-of-pearl appearance. I added some adhesive pearls and SU! ribbon to finish the card. I did some machine stitching on the vertical paper panel, but most of it was covered up by the design!

That's it for today! Thank you so much for visiting here -- I am always SO grateful to my readers! :)

Have a fantastic day!
Christina

Stamp: Getting There (American Art Stamp) Ink: Momento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), River Rock (SU!) Cardstock: Pacific Point, Whisper White (SU!), Perfect Paper Panel (MFT) Paper: Marrakech 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Copics, chipboard flourish (Making Memories), adhesive pearls (Michaels), organza ribbon (SU!), sewing machine

Girl Talk Tole!

Happy Monday, everyone! This is a quick post -- I'm going to the Aquarium with Anna's class this morning! Jessie is this week's guest hostess for the MFT Who's That Girl Challenge. The featured set is Call Me, and the challenge is to use Paper Tole. Here's my card, made with BasicGrey Lime Rickey Paper (*love* it!).


Here's a closeup of all the layers. There are four total: the image on cardstock, the chair and girl, the chair arms and telephone, and the telephone by itself. Since I paper pieced her outfit, I guess I have four and a half layers! ;)


Don't forget to check out the MFT BUBBLE BIN this week -- it's full of retiring sets! Get 'em while you can -- when they're gone, they're GONE! :)

Thanks for visiting today! Have a fantastic day!

Christina

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Sunday, everyone! And to all of you mothers out there, Happy Mother's Day!

I am feeling VERY blessed today. Being a mother is the best job I've ever had. Look at the people I get to work with every day:

It doesn't get any better than that. :)

One Card Two Ways!

Hello, everyone! TGIF!! Yesterday's Ways to Use It Challenge was to use Kraft cardstock. I am Kraft-challenged. I love the way it looks in a design, but I don't use it as often as I should! My friend had asked me to make some First Communion cards for her, and I used Kraft as the base and matting for both the boy and girl versions! :)

Since I was mass-producing (6 cards total), I kept the layout the same for all cards. I just love this little lamb from Gingersnaps Spring Things by C.C. Designs -- it's just so sweet! I colored with Copics, and I used some white flock on the wool. For the boy card, I used SU! Parisian Breeze Specialty dsp.

I gave the girl version some feminine touches with rounded corners and ribbon instead of brads. The verse is the Philippians 4:4 Plain Jane by Verve Stamps. On the girl card I used SU! Delicate Dots dsp.

I don't mass produce very often, but I'm happy with how they turned out! Keeping the layout simple really helps! :)

That's all for today! Tomorrow I'll be MIA -- I'm organizing a crafters garage sale at our church, with the proceeds benefiting our parish summer mission. The sale is tomorrow, and you should see my house right now! I'm up to my eyeballs in stamps, ribbon, scrapbooking supplies, and all kinds of other craft goodies! I'll be spending the today sorting and pricing -- EEK! Wish me luck!

Thanks for the visit today -- I'm so glad you stopped by! Have a great day and a wonderful weekend! :)

Christina

It's a Girls Day In!

Hi there! You've come to my stop on the MFT May Blog Hop! If you haven't seen all the fabulous projects so far, go back to Kim's Blog and make your way along from there! Be sure to follow the trail all the way to the end -- there just might be a little treat waiting there! ;)

For my sample, I created a gatefold card with the set Girls Day In. I also used some of the other goodies being released this month: Chocolate Kiss Printed Paper Pack, Chocolate Kiss Ribbon Bundle, and Cup o' Buttons Pack. I paper pieced and colored with Copics.

The card opens up to reveal a place to adhere a gift card or just write a personal message! I stamped the tag image onto the printed paper, cut it out and adhered it to the cardstock.

That's all from me! Now head over to see what the amazingly talented Cammie has to show you! Thanks so much for hopping by! :)

Christina