Introducing Die-namics!

MFT is proud to introduce Die-namics, its own exclusive, American-made line of steel dies!

Here are the three Die-namics dies being released MAY 5!

MFT Die-namics Clouds (element die) (one die, with three different sized clouds on it)
Small – 1.25” wide and .70” tall
Medium – 1.89” wide and 1.06” tall
Large – 2.51” wide and 1.41” tall

MFT Die-namics Jumbo Scallops (Edge die) 6” long, with each scallop measuring 1.5”

MFT Die-namics Scalloped Scallops (Edge die) 6” long, with each scallop measuring 1.5”

This was the "surprise" in the VIP packages last week -- now everyone can have them! :)

They are so easy to use, and they cut beautifully! I have tried them with both the Cuttlebug and Big Shot. Here's how to use them with the Big Shot:

1. Place the die (here I'm using the Jumbo Scallop die on sandpaper) face-down against the edge you want to cut.

2. Now flip it over and place into the "sandwich" in this order (bottom to top):
All Purpose Platform (completely closed)
Cutting Mat
Die (cutting surface face-up)
Material to be cut (face-down against the die)
Cutting Mat

3. Run it through your machine, and voila!

If you're using a Cuttlebug, here's the "sandwich" order (bottom to top):
A Plate
C Plate
Die (face-up)
Material to be cut (face-down)
B Plate
Extra piece of cardboard

You can cut so many materials with these dies! Here are just a few (click on photos for a closer view):

Acetate

Cardboard


Cardstock

Photo Magnet Sheets (I have big plans for this one!)

And of course, patterned paper (shown here with the Scalloped Scallops die)

So, do you want to see what I made with these fabulous dies? I created a frame for one of my very favorite photos. These are my oldest two children when they were younger, many years ago, on our first family trip to the beach!

I created three rows of Jumbo Scallops out of sandpaper and patterned paper, then I inked the edges. The sentiment is from Clearly Sentimental about Babies.

I used white craft ink on the edges of the acetate clouds, then I adhered them with a couple dots of glue from my Quickie Glue Pen.

I just love how this project turned out, and I can't wait to use these dies again! If you're looking for more fun with the new Die-namics, head over to Kim's Blog after 11 am. She will have a list of designers who have samples for you!

Tomorrow is the first day of May, and it's also the first day of MFTeasers! There's so much going on, and I hope you'll stop back to see it all! Thank you SO much for visiting today! :)

Have a Fantastic Friday!

Christina

CPS and MFT!

Hi there! This week's sketch at Card Positioning Systems (CPS) is sponsored by My Favorite Things! It's a fun one -- check it out HERE. I just had to play along! My card measures 3.25" tall x 6.25" wide. The patterned paper is Wild Raspberry by K&Company. This Flopsey from What's the Story? was perfect for the long layout! I colored with Copics, then I cut out and popped up the image.

Be sure to stop by CPS this week and link your creation -- you just might win some MFT goodies! :)

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

Have a great day!
Christina

Earth Day + 1

Hello! Happy Earth Day + 1! I really intended to make this card yesterday, ON Earth Day, but that just didn't happen! So, here it is, better late than never!

This week's MFT Wednesday Stamp Club (WSC) is all about Earth Day Fun. Here's my card, on which I used Cosmo Cricket Earth Love paper and MFT's Grow Love Plant a Tree stamp set. I paper pieced the tree and added a trio of buttons.

Shortcut Tip: Since I knew I was going to cover the ends of the branches with buttons, I didn't worry about all that fine cutting on the ends when I paper pieced (take a look at the image in the stamp set, you'll know what I mean!) :)

The layout is this week's Sketch Challenge 277 at Splitcoaststampers. It's a great one! I didn't do any machine stitching on this card (shocking, I know!). The patterns on the papers are busy enough, and I didn't want to make things more complicated! Plus, it's an Earth Day conservation of electricity! I did distress and ink the paper -- I couldn't just leave it alone! ;)

That's all for now -- thank you so much for visiting today!

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

It's VIP Time!

Hi there! It's time for the MFT VIP Blog Hop! I hope you started at Kim's Blog -- if not, go back and catch up! :) Each month, the VIP package is available for ONE day only, weeks before it's scheduled to be released! This month, this is what you'll receive in your VIP package:

Top Shelf VIP $34.85
Top Shelf stamp set (WTG)
Top Shelf ribbons (7/8” grosgrain in white, black, wisteria, grey, sunflower)
MFT NEW EXCLUSIVE PRODUCT. This is a “BLIND” addition to the kit. You will be one of the FIRST to receive and use this product! It’ll be a happy surprise!
Top Shelf Sentiments FREE ($9 value)

As if that wasn't enough, there is an additional release!

Sheltering Tree stamp set $17.95
Sheltering Tree digi paper pack $3.95

Here's a look at the Sheltering Tree set and digi papers. I created a fun little scene with them! I cut out the tree and owls, and I distressed and inked all the paper and cardstock.


I finished the inside of the card with an image and sentiment from the set and more digi paper.


The digi papers are SO easy to download and print! Try them if you haven't already! Remember, the VIP package will be available only until tomorrow (April 21) at 11:59 pm! You won't see it again until the May 5 release, so what are you waiting for?? ;)


That's all for my stop! Next you'll be visiting the mega-talented Cindy Haffner. I can't wait to see what she's created!


Thanks so much for hopping by!

Christina

Happy Monday!

Hello! Happy Monday! The kids returned to school today, and life is back to normal (whatever that is!). We had a good spring break -- we spent some time visiting my brother in Charlotte, NC, and we also went to the Biltmore. Our weekend was spent playing catch-up, so I don't have anything stampy to share with you today! I'll definitely have something fun for you tomorrow night when we have the MFT VIP Blog Hop! I hope to see you here then!

Greetings from the Biltmore House! :)

Have a great day!

Christina

MFT's Greatest Hits: Who's That Girl

Hi, everyone! Today we're taking a look at some of MFT's Greatest Hits! Several of us on the DT are inking up some of our favorite Who's That Girl? images. We hope you'll think of a few WTG's in your stash that need to see some ink, too!

I wanted to use Gifty Girl so I could make a gift card holder -- I'm sure I'll need one soon with birthays, Mother's Day, and graduations on the horizon! I pulled out some of my favorite retired SU! paper and got busy!

I started with a half sheet of cardstock (11" x 4.25"). I scored at 4.25" and 8.5", leaving 2.5" for the top flap.There are a LOT of layers on this card -- it's pretty thick when closed! I stitched around the panels and I used ribbon to tie it closed.

I stamped a sentiment on the inside, but there is still some room for a personal message!

Stop by Kim's Blog today to see who else inked up some Who's That Girl? images! I'm sure you won't be disappointed! I'd love to see some of your WTG cards and projects, too! :)

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

Have a fantastic day!

Christina

You Make Me Smile

Hi there! I hope you're having a great weekend! It's been beautiful here -- we've spent lots of time outside, doing yardwork and just hanging out. I had to force myself to come inside and stamp something! :)

Jen's Sketch for You to Try this week is a great one, and it was just what I needed to get the juices flowing! I used sweet Millie the Mouse, a new character from My Favorite Things (she's already sold out, but she'll be back soon)! I paper pieced her body and bow, then I added some pink to her body with a Prismacolor pencil. I stitched and inked all the paper panels.

My kids are on spring break this week, so we'll be spending some time visiting my brother and his family. I have a couple things ready to post while I'm gone, so please stop back! :)

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

Christina

Stamps: Millie the Mouse (MFT) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Vintage Touch Duo (PTI) Cardstock: So Saffron, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White (SU!) Paper: Wild Raspberry (K&Company) Other: Circle Nestabilities, Blossom Nestabilities, So Saffron ribbon, button, twine, Prismacolor pencil, Diamond Lace punch, dimensionals, sewing machine Card Size: 5.25" x 5.25"

Shop and Hop with MFT!

Hello! It's time for the MFT April Shop and Hop! If you came here by way of Amy's Blog, then welcome! If not, you'll want to go back to Kim's Blog and start from the beginning! :) The set I used for my project is Clearly Sentimental about Birthdays. It was last month's Triple Scoop set, but it's now available on its own!

I used Mercy's sketch for this card, and the paper is Kioshi by Basic Grey. I distressed and sewed the panels, and I inked around the image circle. I added four Baby Braddies to the panel behind the circle.

All of the MFT April releases are available right HERE, right now! It's time to do some shopping! :)

That's all for my stop! Next you'll visit the amazing Cindy Haffner! Thanks so much for hopping by!

Christina

Oh, Baby -- More MFTeasers!

Happy Wednesday, everyone! It's the final day of MFTeasers, and today's sets are all about babies and mothers. I have a lot to share today, so let's get started! :)

I used the sets Baby Bump and Baby Bump Additions to make this gift set for a mother-to-be. The paper is BasicGrey's Green at Heart.

I paper pieced the bags and her top, and I colored the rest with Copics. The ribbon is from Birthday Blast Ribbons.

I made some lavender soaps and placed them in a flat bottom gusset bag, then I attached the tag. I placed a row of Baby Braddies in the scallops on the tag. I just *love* those braddies! :)

My next project is a card featuring a sentiment from Clearly Sentimental about Babies. This is one of my favorite quotes about children and motherhood. Whether your kids are babies or teenagers, it is SO true! The sketch is for today's Wednesday Stamp Club -- Cindy and Frances always have such great sketches to play with!

I used some of my beloved October Afternoon paper, and I did a lot of machine stitching. I added four Baby Braddies to the corners, and I used Cuttlebug dies to make the flower.

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for a list of all the MFT designers who have teasers today! I can't wait to see what they've done with these great sets!

TONIGHT is the Release Party -- I hope to see you there! I'll be back here tonight for the Shop and Hop as the sets go live at 10:00 pm!

Thank you for stopping by today! I do appreciate it so much! See you all tonight! :)

Christina

My Last ATS Preview... and a Goodbye

Hello, and Happy Tuesday! I have one last All That Scraps preview for you. Christine has created two more adorable Swiss Pixies this month! This is Nora on a Swing (the other is Birgitta on a Tree Stump). The sentiment is from Beach Sentiments by AmyR Stamps. I colored the image with Copics and added some Stickles to the butterflies. You can't really tell from the photo, but I paper pieced her legs so they would have just a bit of dimension. The paper is Green at Heart by BasicGrey.

When I told you that I have one last All That Scraps preview, I meant it really is my last All That Scraps preview. A couple weeks ago I made the very difficult decision to step down from the ATS Design Team. I had put off emailing Christine as long as I could, but I knew it was time. Life as of late has been taking time away from stamping, and something had to come off my plate. I'll be "retiring" from ATS after this month.

Nearly three years ago, Christine and Amy took a chance on this unknown stamper when they put together the first ATS Design Team. It was my first DT spot, and I will forever be grateful. It's truly unbelievable how my life has changed since then! I will SO miss my ATS teammates -- they are some of the kindest, most supportive, and most talented women in the business! I'm honored to have worked with them! Love you, girls! :)

I will still find time to stamp with the ATS images I've come to love so much -- those Sugarplums and Swiss Pixies will definitely be part of my "fun" stamping, so you will still see them here! :)

Now, back to business! Be sure to stop by the ATS Blog for more previews of these Swiss Pixies, and see how you can win your own stamps! Don't forget that all of the ATS releases will be available tomorrow (Wednesday) night at 10 pm!

I'll be back tomorrow with the last day of MFTeasers -- I hope you'll stop back! Thanks so much for the visit today!

Wishing YOU a sunshiney day! :)
Christina

Birthday Princess

*Scroll down if you're looking for my ATS preview!*

Hi there! I'm back with my second post of the day! It's today's MFTeaser, and it's new Pure Innocence! :) My niece is celebrating her first birthday next week, so Birthday Princess was exactly what I needed to make her card! I colored the image with Copics and paper pieced her dress. The paper is from the Ducks in a Row collection by October Afternoon.

I used Glitzy Glitter on her crown and on the cake icing. The satin ribbon is from the Birthday Blast Ribbons. I also added a trio of Glittered Garnishes.

I finished the inside of the card, and I used the "1" from Bling 'Bers. I put more Glitzy Glitter in each of the dots.


Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for the list of everyone who has MFTeasers today! I can't wait to see all the cuteness! :) All of the new sets will be released Wednesday night at 10:00 pm -- all the details of the Release Party can be found HERE.


That's all for today! I'll be back with more tomorrow!


Thanks so much for visiting -- have a great day!


Christina

The Previews Continue!

Happy Monday! I hope you had a great weekend and a wonderful Easter! I'm back with more previews today -- it's another day with two posts! My first post is an ATS preview of the new sets by AmyR Stamps, Big Words and Handy Additions. These two sets are so perfect together, and there are many, many possibilities for combining the sentiments! This is a birthday card for my sister-in-law.

Go over to the ATS Blog to see more samples of this set and find out how you can win one of your own! All of the new sets will be released Wednesday, April 7 at 10:00 pm at All That Scraps!

I'll be back in a bit with my MFTeaser for today! Thanks so much for visiting!

Christina

Stamps: Big Words, Handy Additions (AmyR Stamps) Ink: Chocolate Chip, Rich Razzleberry (SU!) Cardstock: Kraft, Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink (SU!), Whip Cream (MFT) Paper: Sweet Celebrations (Bella Blvd) Other: Cuttlebug, flower dies, Birthday embossing folder (Provo Craft), border punch, Rich Razzleberry ribbon, dimensionals (SU!), button (BasicGrey), twine (PTI) Card Size: 5.50" x 4.25"

Easter Previews, Part 2

This is my second post today! Scroll down for the ATS preview! :)

Hello again! I'm back with today's MFTeaser! Today we're previewing two NEW characters, and I know you're going to love them! Meet Fred Bear. The set is called Fred Bear in Flight. Isn't he adorable?

I was thrilled that I had some of this Cosmo Cricket Lil' Man paper to use with him. The airplanes were just perfect! I took a strip of October Afternoon Night Light paper and pleated it, then I stitched over it. I colored the image with Copics, and I paper pieced his scarf.

Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for a list of the designers who have previews today! Don't forget about the MFT Release Party Wednesday night! Also, you can be the next MFT Guest Designer -- go HERE to see how! :)

Thank you so much for stopping by today! I hope your Easter is happy and blessed!

Christina

Easter Previews, Part 1

Happy Easter, everyone! I hope you have something wonderful planned for your day! I have TWO posts scheduled for today -- I told you it was a busy preview week! My first preview is of a new image by Sweet November Stamps. It will be released Wednesday at All That Scraps. This is Darby -- she and her caterpillar friend Chenille are illustrated by Amy Young. The sentiment is from the set Handy Additions by AmyR Stamps, also being released Wednesday.

I colored the image with Copics, and I used a Prismacolor pencil on her cheeks. The paper is from the Hometown collection by October Afternoon.

Be sure to stop by the ATS Blog to see more samples and to find out how you can win a set of your own! I'll be back in a bit with today's MFTeaser! Thanks so much for visiting!

Until later,
Christina

Let the Previews Begin!

Hello! Happy Saturday! Buckle up, everyone -- I have previews every day from now until Wednesday! Get ready for lots of cuteness! Today I have a MFTeaser of the set A Bunch of Bots. I love the adorable robot images and fun sentiments in this set!

This card is 4.25" x 4.25". I thought this paper from The Boyfriend Mini Deck (Cosmo Cricket) was perfect for a robot card! I colored with Copics, and I made one of my Glitzy Gears for the corner.

If I could, I would enter this card in the MFT April Guest Designer Challenge. The theme is M&M -- Masculine and Metallic! Get all the details on the MFT Member Company Forum HERE. The winner will be announced during the Release Party Wednesday night!

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for a list of designers who have MFTeasers today! You won't want to miss them! :)

I'll be back with another preview tomorrow! Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Patchwork Flopsey

Hi, everyone! Have you seen today's MFT Wednesday Stamp Club (WSC)? The theme is A Patchwork Easter. You can find all the details HERE. I made this card this morning before I went to volunteer in Caroline's Kindergarten classroom. Guess what I helped them with? Their Easter egg hunt! Flopsey would have fit right in! It is a GORGEOUS spring day here today, perfect for their egg hunt outside. The kids were SO cute! :)

Anyway... I used some October Afternoon Ducks in a Row paper to create the patchwork on the front of the card, then I did some zig zag stitching between the squares. I colored with Copics and used Prismacolor pencils on the ears, cheeks, and ground line. I gave the basket a woven appearance by drawing lines with my Copic Colorless Blender.

I finished the inside of the card as well.

The kids will be home from school soon, then I'm planning to spend some time outside! I hope you're having a great day -- thanks so much for stopping by!

Christina

Not-So-Simple Sympathy Card

Happy Monday, everyone! I hope you had a great weekend! Ours was very good. Of course, we watched plenty of NCAA basketball (heartbreaking losses for both XU and UK!). Megan was in a school performance of Godspell yesterday, and it was a great way to prepare for Easter!

Anyway, on to my card! I needed to make a sympathy card, and I had wanted to keep it Clean and Simple. Well, it took on a life of its own, and it wasn't so simple in the end. I ended up with layers, sewing, sponging, and embellishments -- I just couldn't help myself!

I was totally inspired by this beautiful BasicGrey Kioshi paper (FYI: It coordinates beautifully with Stampin' Up! Soft Subtles inks!). I'm happy with how well everything coordinates -- it was just one of those happy stamping moments! :)

I'm finishing up samples this week -- Previews begin Saturday! Both All That Scraps and My Favorite Things are releasing sets on Wednesday, April 7! I'm a little biased, but I think these sets are some of the cutest yet!! Kim has already posted the first Freeze Frames over on the MFT Blog so be sure to check 'em out! :)

That's all for today! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a great day!
Christina

Stamps: Silhouette Blooms I (Cornish Heritage Farms) Ink: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery, Apricot Appeal, Pale Plum, Chocolate Chip (SU!) Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Whisper White (SU!), Hot Fudge (MFT) Paper: Kioshi 6x6 pad (BasicGrey) Other: Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), corner rounder, border punch, sponge, dimensionals (SU!), ribbon, braddies (MFT), sewing machine Card Size: 5.50" x 4.25"

Sunday Supper: Tortilla Soup

Hi there! It's been way too long since I've posted a Sunday Supper, I know! I found this recipe in my recipe box and realized I hadn't made it in a while. It's an easy crock pot soup, perfect for these busy days!

Tortilla Soup

2 lbs. ground chuck, browned
1 can kidney beans (do not drain)
1 can hominy, drained
1 can pinto beans (do not drain)
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 can rotel
1 small onion, chopped
1/2 cup water
1 pkg. taco seasoning
1 pkg. Hidden Valley Ranch dry mix

Mix all ingredients together. Cook in crock pot on high for 4 hours. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips.


Enjoy! Thanks so much for stopping by today. I'll have something stampy to share with you tomorrow! Have a great day -- don't forget to spend some time around the supper table! :)

Christina

Glitzy Stars

Hello! Happy Thursday! Yesterday Kim posted this week's challenge for the MFT Wednesday Stamp Club (WSC). It's all about using Glitzy Glitter! You might remember the Glitzy Gear I made a few weeks ago; I was happy for a reason to get out the glitter again! This time I created a clean and simple card, drawing inspiration from the sentiment (part of the MFT set Clearly Sentimental about Emerson).

I had a pack of foam stars (purchased for next to nothing at Michaels), and I applied silver Glitzy Glitter to three of them. What a quick and easy way to jazz up those embellishments!

I hope you have a chance to play along with Kim's glitzy challenge! I'd love to see your creations!

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

Christina

Spring Flowers and Good Wishes

Hi there! Have you seen this month's Project Parade over at Verve Stamps? You can find the details on THIS post on the Verve Blog. The theme this month is Fun with Flowers, and I wanted to play along! I chose this image and sentiment from Beautiful You. I really thought this winter would last forever, and I've never been so glad to see spring arrive!

I hope you're not tired of seeing this Beloved paper, because I still have a little bit left! ;) I used Cuttlebug dies to make the paper flowers. I inked all the edges and did lots of machine stitching. The half pearls and ribbon are from SU!.

This card will be going to Susan and Eric Liles. Eric has just been diagnosed with cancer -- you can read about it on Susan's blog HERE. I know they'd appreciate everyone's prayers and good wishes.

Thanks so much for stopping by on this spring day. I hope you're having a good one!

Christina

Thanks a Bunch

Happy Saturday! We've had some gorgeous spring weather here -- sunny, blue skies, and temps near 70 degrees! My mind has been wandering outside during the day, but I did get a chance to make this card last night. I saw on Blogabella that the Bellarific Friday challenge for next week is a sketch, so I got an early jump on it!

I guess I had spring flowers on my mind, because I paired Daisybella with my new BasicGrey Green at Heart paper (I *love* this paper!). I paper pieced the flower and added a MFT Glittered Garnish to the center. I was able to curve the sentiment before attaching it to the acrylic block, and I cut a curved mat for it. I finished the card with some SU! ribbon and machine stitching.

Well, we have two birthday parties and a soccer game today -- I'm planning to get out and enjoy this beautiful weather! I hope you have something great in the works for your day, too! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Have a wonderful day!
Christina

Plenty of Piercing

Hello! Happy Thursday! When I saw this week's TCP Tuesday challenge at The Cat's Pajamas, I knew I wanted to play. The challenge, hosted by Amy, is to use your paper piercing tool. I used to use mine all the time, but now those pierced holes are replaced by machine stitching on most of my projects! I had a lot of fun with this card, and I really like the retro look of it! I did a lot of piercing -- it's a great stress reliever! ;)

That's all for today -- one more day 'til the weekend! The days are just a blur lately! I hope you're having a great one -- thanks for stopping by!

Christina

Stamps: It's a Mod, Mod World (TCP) Ink: True Thyme, Riding Hood Red (SU! retired), Vintage Touch Chai (PTI) Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, True Thyme (SU! retired), Whip Cream (MFT) Paper: The Boyfriend Mini Deck (Cosmo Cricket) Other: paper piercing tool, twill, MFT Braddies, dimensionals Card Size: 5.50" x 4.25"

Baby Bump VIP!

Hi there! It's time for the MFT VIP Blog Hop! If you didn't start at Kim's Blog, be sure to go back so you don't miss anything! What's MFT VIP, you ask? Well, it's a chance to get your hands on the newest Who's That Girl? image for one day only, three weeks before the release! Here's what you'll receive in this month's VIP Package:

Baby Bump VIP $32.50
Baby Bump stamp set 15.95
Baby Bump Ribbons 5.95
Baby Bump “Diaper Pins” 4.95
10 pack fossil (Kraft) scalloped note card set (A2) with envelopes 5.50
Baby Bump additions FREE ($9 value)

Oh my goodness -- could this set be any cuter? I think not! I only wish I looked this chic when I was pregnant! :) I paper pieced her top and the bags, and I colored the rest with Copics. The ribbon and buttons are available at My Favorite Things.

Here's a closeup of the image and sentiment. I used a Prismacolor pencil to add some shading to her top.

That's it for my stop! Next you'll be visiting Cindy Haffner -- I'm sure she has some eye candy for you! :)

Thanks so much for hopping by!

Christina

Friends Furever

Happy Saturday, everyone! Today's card is one I made for a sad occasion. My sister-in-law's family just had to euthanize their dog, as he had been suffering from cancer. I wanted to let them know we're thinking of them. This set, MFT's Friends Furever, immediately came to mind. I altered the ear on the dog by omitting the ones on the image when I was inking it, then drawing in the new ear. Now it looks more like their beloved Lab, Alby.

The sketch is Mojo Monday 129. It's different, but it was fun to work with! The paper is from Cosmo Cricket's Garden Variety Mini Deck. I inked all the edges and machine stitched around all the panels.

I hope this card brings them smiles and good memories. Alby will defininely be missed!

Thanks so much for the visit today -- I hope you're having a great weekend!

Christina

Mercy's Sketch

Hello! TGIF! Here's a card I made with Mercy's Tuesday Sketch #64. I did some machine stitching, and I inked all the edges of the cardstock and paper. The stamp is from the Plain Jane collection at Verve Stamps. I'm still using up my Be Loved paper -- this sentiment seemed to go with it perfectly! :)

That's it for today! I hope your weekend is off to a good start! Thanks so much for stopping by! :)

Have a fantastic Friday!
Christina

Stamps: Psalm 37:4 Plain Jane (Verve Stamps) Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Vintage Touch Chai (PTI) Cardstock: Kraft, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla (SU!) Paper: Be Loved (My Mind's Eye) Other: Labels One Nestabilities, chipboard heart, twine, brads, border punch, dimensionals, sewing machine Card Size: 4.25" x 4.25"

I Stamped!

Hi there! Happy Wednesday! Thanks so much for hanging in there with me during my little "break"! My mojo was lacking, and there were things I needed to take care of at home, but I think things are returning to normal!

This week's MFT Wednesday Stamp Club was just what I needed to get the creative juices flowing again. You can see all the details HERE. The challenge is to use a MFT Template and a Pure Innocence image -- and here's my card:

The image is Boy & Dog - Dog Gone Cute, and the template is Kathy Daume's Dog Bone template. I distressed and inked the edges of the cardstock, and I used a Creamy Caramel marker to create some faux stitching. The boy's clothes are paper pieced with Origins 6x6 paper. I used Copics and Prismacolor pencils to color the images and to add shading to the paper piecing.

I'm hoping to get back downstairs for more stamping later on! Thanks so much for visiting today! :)

Have a fantastic day!

Christina

Lookin' for My Mojo...

Hi, everyone! Happy Saturday! I'm feeling a little mojo-less these last few days. Last week was a whirlwind of samples, blog hops, and releases, and it's left me lacking in the creative department. Does that ever happen to you -- please tell me yes!?!

Anyway, this weekend my husband and son are in Chicago having some much-needed "bonding time," and I'm home with my girls. I'm enjoying watching movies, reading, and just chillin' with my little ones. I'm sure this down time will restart my mojo, and I'll be back soon with something stampy to share!

Thanks so much for stopping by today -- have a wonderful weekend!

Christina

It's Time to Shop and Hop!

Hi there! It's time to Shop and Hop with My Favorite Things! All the new releases are available right HERE, right now! :) If you arrived here from Michele's Blog, welcome! If not, you'll want to go back to Kim's Blog and start from there so you don't miss a thing!

I'm thrilled to be sharing Tweeny Teen - Rock On with you! Think of her as the big sis' of those adorable Pure Innocence cuties! I have teenagers, so I can definitely relate to this set! I found in my stash some retired papers that looked teenager-y to me, and I created this CD holder. My kids are always making CDs for the car or to give to friends. I thought this would be a fun way for my daughter to give a CD to a friend!

I paper pieced the image in several layers, and I also pieced the iPod. I used Prismacolor pencils to add some subtle depth and dimension to the chair and to her pants. The rest of the image was colored with Copics, and I sponged around the image circle.

When the bow is untied, the CD is revealed inside. I added another sentiment inside the flap!

You're finished at my stop -- now you're off to visit the fantastically talented Sherrie Siemens! I can't wait to see what she has created! :)

Thanks so much for hopping by! Have a great night!

Christina

MFTeasers - Last Day!

Happy Wednesday! I'm back with my last MFTeaser before tonight's release! Today we're previewing the sets Who's That Birthday Girl?, Invitation Only, and Clearly Sentimental about Birthdays. I used two of the sets on this card. The layout is the sketch for this week's Wednesday Stamp Club.

I used some of my Nook and Pantry 6x6 paper, and I paper pieced the birthday cake from Who's That Birthday Girl?. I stamped the candles on top and colored them with Prismacolor pencils. I stamped the sentiment from Clearly Sentimental about Birthdays directly over the cake. The Glittered Garnishes and ribbon are from MFT.

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am for the links to all of today's MFTeasers!

Tonight is the Release Party! Get all the deets HERE! Join us for fun from 8-10 pm, then get ready to Shop and Hop when the sets go live at 10:00!

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

Have a great day!
Christina

CC Designs Spring Sugarplums Blog Hop!

Hi there! Welcome to the CC Designs Spring Sugarplums Blog Hop! There are so many images in the Spring Sugarplums release, so the DT is doing a Hop to show you all the fantastic ways you can use them! If you just happened upon my post, be sure to start at the beginning by going to Ria's Blog! You can also find a master list of all the participating DT members by going to the ATS Blog.

I chose this sweet Trevor image for my card. He reminds me of my son when he was little -- how I wish he'd bring me flowers now! I kept the design simple and boyish, with some distressing, twine, and a button. The paper is by October Afternoon.

I'm your last stop on the Blog Hop -- I hope you like all the samples you've seen! These adorable Sugarplums and all the new March stamps will be available tomorrow (Wednesday) at 10:00 pm at All That Scraps!

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

Christina

MFTeaser: Pure Innocence!

Hi there! I'm back with my second post of the day! This time, I have MFTeasers! All of today's previews are of Tweeny Teen, Boy & His Dog, and Pure Innocence. I have a couple PI cuties to share with you: Sunshiney Day and 4 Leaf Clover.

For the Sunshiney Day card, I used October Afternoon Hometown paper and one of the Peony Nestabilities to create a sunny card. I inked the edges of the paper and cardstock with Summer Sun ink, and I popped up the little butterfly. The yellow Glittered Garnishes are also from MFT.

I finished the inside of the card, and I stamped just the butterfly above the corner of the sentiment.

On the 4 Leaf Clover card, I used a heart punch to create the leaves of this large 4 leaf clover. I scored the centers and inked the edges, then I placed the PI image on dimensionals in the center. The paper is Garden Variety by Cosmo Cricket.

Stop by Kim's Blog after 11 am to see the list of designers who have teasers today! Don't forget the release Wednesday night at 10:00 pm! Also, there's still some time to enter the MFT March Guest Designer Contest -- you can find all the details HERE!

The previews continue tomorrow -- I hope you'll be back!

Have a great day! :)

Christina

Easter Pixie!

Happy Monday! It's a busy day -- this is my first of two previews today! I'll be back with my MFTeaser a little bit later, but now I have an adorable new Swiss Pixie to share with you! This is one of two CC Designs Easter Swiss Pixies, and I used her to make this tag.

I colored with Copics, then I created the glow and ground line with Prismacolor pencils. I sponged around the edges with SU! Pretty in Pink ink, and I applied some white Fun Flock to the bunny's tail.

Stop by the ATS Blog to see more samples and to find out how you could win your own set! Tomorrow the ATS team is having a Blog Hop featuring the Sugarplums Spring Kit, and on Wednesday night all the new stamps will be released at 10:00 pm! Don't miss it! :)

I'll be back with my second post in a bit -- thanks for stopping by!

Christina

Stamps: Swiss Pixies Easter (CC Designs) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Pretty in Pink (SU!) Accessories: Labels Four Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Copics, Prismacolor Pencils, Prima flowers, button, twine, Perfect Plaid ribbon (MFT)