THinkING STAMPS

MFT and Scor-pal Blog Hop!

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000+13:00

Welcome! Today the My Favorite Things team are joining the Scor-pal team for a combined blog hop showcasing My Favorite Things and the wonderful Scor-pal!

I LOVE how easy the Scor-pal makes creating boxes, so I've come up with a little Oval Window Treat Box, perfect to hold a Valentine's treat or two!

Here's the video on how I made my box - apologies for the length, half the video is on decorating though, so you can skip that part if you wish. I just seem to be so scatterbrained and slow now I'm pregnant! (that's my excuse anyway!)

View the full size video on YouTube here.

Be sure to stop by the MFT blog to see a full list of designers from both teams who are going to knock your socks off with their gorgeous creations!

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps:Notched Tag (MFT Stamps) Paper: MME Scraps Ink: Rose Red, Soft Sky (SU) Dies: Oval Tab, Mini Rolled Roses, Layered Label Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Other: Ribbon, Pearls, White Gel Pen

WSC 55 - You're Vintage!

2012-01-19T06:00:00.000+13:00

I'm popping by quickly to share my card for WSC 55. I loved the clean lines of this sketch and kept it really simple, using the awesome Just my Type die and stamp set!

I love love love all the detail in this image! I like to stamp it in Brilliance ink, it seems to work well for me in picking up all that detail.

I love that sentiment too!

Be sure to check out Kim's blog for all the designers playing along this week - you won't want to miss their gorgeous creations!

To play along with WSC, create a card with the provided sketch and upload it to SCS using the keyword MFTWSC55. A new sketch will be posted each Wednesday on the MFT blog and also in the forum. Each week one random winner will win a $15 voucher to spend at MFT, and if you use MFT stamps on your creation, you'll get a $5 bonus taking your voucher win up to $20! We'll be chatting each week on the sketch thread, so come join us in the MFT forum!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Classic Kids VIP!

2012-01-18T16:00:00.000+13:00

Yippee - it's that time again, the new MFT VIP collection is available here NOW! Remember, this is first come, first served!

I've used the adorable Blowing Bubbles set to create my gate fold card.

On one side of the gate fold card I have stamped the bubbles and sentiment on decreasing circles to give the impression of bubbles flying through the air. Did you know our oval doily dies are sized to work perfectly with the Pure Innocence images? I love that!

Inside my card I've used a sentiment from the exclusive set in the VIP kit. I've also used the fab new Monarch Border Die-namics included in the collection.

Be sure to head on over to Kim's Blog to see what all the amazing designers have come up with for this month's VIP collection!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Pure Innocence Blowing Bubbles (MFT Stamps) Paper: Country Drive (Echo Park) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Antique Linen Distress (Ranger) Dies: Oval Dainty Doily, Banner Strip, Monarch Border Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Other: Ribbon, Copic Markers, Rhinestones

WSC 54 - Paper Dolls

2012-01-12T06:00:00.000+13:00

Welcome! I'm back today with this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Club sketch. This is a fun one, with lots of room to show off some pretty papers!

I've used the adorable new Pure Innocence Paper Dolls - looks like you all loved this one as it is currently out of stock!

The Paper Doll Border Die-namic was perfect for this sketch, isn't it cute?! I omitted the flag element and included a Pretty Posies flower instead.

Inside I've used the top portion of the negative space from the Paper Doll Border Die-namic, love the cute shape it leaves behind!

Be sure to check out Kim's blog for all the designers playing along this week - you won't want to miss their gorgeous creations!

To play along with WSC, create a card with the provided sketch and upload it to SCS using the keyword MFTWSC54. A new sketch will be posted each Wednesday on the MFT blog and also in the forum. Each week one random winner will win a $15 voucher to spend at MFT, and if you use MFT stamps on your creation, you'll get a $5 bonus taking your voucher win up to $20! We'll be chatting each week on the sketch thread, so come join us in the MFT forum!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Pure Innocence Paper Dolls (MFT Stamps) Paper: Vanity Fair (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Pretty Posies, Paper Doll Border Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Other: Vanilla Ribbon, Twine, Button, Brads, Copic Markers, Seeing Spots Embossing Folder

Creative Challenge - Masculine!

2012-01-10T18:00:00.000+13:00

Hi everyone! It's time for another Creative Challenge with the My Favorite Things design team. This month we're focusing on Masculine cards. I know I find these more difficult than over-the-top girly cards, so we're bringing you a ton of inspiration to get creating for the guys in your life!

For guy cards, I have a few little tips I usually follow. I like to keep masculine cards more simple layout wise. I try and add a lot of texture, in lieu of girly embellishments. Metal embellishments are always great. I also tend to pierce and faux stitch rather than using actual sewing on masculine cards and usually keep to one or two patterned papers.

For this card I've used cork and hemp twine for texture, as well as jumbo eyelets. I cut my focal layer with the Clearly Sentiment Label Die-namic, then used By the Letters to cut out "dude". I used a white gel pen to outline the letters.

My banner is from the awesome All Star stamp and die-namics set. A row of piercing adds a little something to the card - it looked much more plain without that simple row of holes!

I've kept the inside of my card simple. I stamped the stars and sentiment from All Star, and added the letters left over from creating my focal piece.

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog for the full list of designers participating today. I hope you're inspired to create a masculine project soon!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: All Star (MFT Stamps) Paper: Toy Box (Crate Paper) Ink: Night of Navy (SU) Dies: Postage Stamp Border, Clearly Sentimental Label, By the Letters Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Other: Jumbo Eyelets, Hemp Twine, White Gel Pen, Cork

Year in Review

2012-01-06T10:00:00.000+13:00

I thought I'd do something a little different today and go through 2011, sharing my favourite projects. This might take awhile to load, I have lots of photos to share!

Personally, 2011 was awesome! My word for the year was Change...and change I did! I set a dream goal of becoming a MFT designer, and was so overjoyed to join the team mid-way through the year. I had a layout published - fun! I went back to study for a couple of semesters, and highly enjoyed it. I met some personal goals that I had...and best of all, a few weeks after my birthday, Shanan and I learned we are expecting our first child! While the first few months were hard, I'm so excited to be almost halfway and we'll soon find out if our little peanut is a boy or a girl!

I think my word this year HAS to be Family. I can't tell you how much it means to us to be starting ours. The only thing I ever knew for sure was that I wanted to have children with Shanan and I needed to be a mother. We've waited a long time, and the time is right! 2012 is going to be amazing!

Onto stamping...It's no surprise that My Favorite Things features heavily in my crafting round-up for the year, over time I've stopped using all my old supplies, MFT just have everything I need! Die-namics were my crafty revolution this year - my stash is almost complete and my dusty old punches are finding new homes. I can get multiple Die-namics for the price of one punch and save so much room on storage, yippee! I was also lucky enough to guest design for Verve in 2011, it was a creative year!

So here we go - some of my fave projects from the past year!

January - Pretty Pastels. I started the year still colouring with SU Markers - I was so slow to jump on the Copic train! I couldn't do without them now though. Featuring PI - Better Get Better.

February - Great Teacher. I was lucky enough to win this set at a MFT release party. Who's That Girl was the stamp line that originally drew me to MFT years ago, I still love those headless girls! Featuring Teacher's Pet.

March - With Gratitude. I think these Stella and Rose papers from MME might just be my favourite ever. I still love looking at them. It was a gorgeous range! Featuring Li'l Pumpkin.

April - Flopsey Fishing. This was the month I got to guest design at MFT - such a dream come true! I still have this card above my desk to remind me every day how excited I was to design alongside this fabulous group of ladies. Featuring Flopsey Fishing.

May - Shoot for the Moon. I just love red and aqua together and remember having a blast making this card. The circle panel is woven from strips of paper. Featuring Clearly Sentimental about Success.

June - Rock my World. June was a quiet month on the blog. Behind the scenes I was busy getting ready to join the MFT team in July! This card featured on my announcement post. Featuring You Are Unrepeatable.

July - Ticket to the Moulin Rouge. This is definitely my favourite card from my first month at MFT. I can't decide if I like the front of the inside better! Featuring Just the Ticket.

August. I can't show you my favourite thing I made in August as it's currently featured in NZ Paper Chase magazine....but there's a teaser for you! I promise I'll share when I can!

September - Talk Nerdy to Me. September started with my birthday and ended with finding out I was pregnant, what a great month! I also began to feel like my Copic colouring was much better than when I started. The key is practice! Featuring Talk Nerdy to Me.

October - Contempo Cage Tent Card. I had such fun making this card! These might be my second fave papers for the year. There's a video for this one here. Featuring Contempo Cage.

November - Vintage! I don't make vintage cards often, but they are so fun. All that sponging and distressing! Here I've also used crackle paint. Featuring Vintage Cameo.

December - Jump for Joy! The cherries on this flip top card just make me happy! Featuring PI Jump for Joy.

Whew, 2011 was busy! The year seems to go by so fast, and I'm hoping the next few months speed by so we can meet our beautiful baby!

Thank you SO much for stopping by to see what I've been creating and for all your lovely comments. They all make me so happy and it's so rewarding sharing the things I love with you all!

Thanks for stopping by!

WSC53 - Love you this much...

2012-01-05T06:00:00.000+13:00

It's time for the first Wednesday Sketch Challenge of the year! If you're new to this challenge, every week My Favorite Things gives away a gift voucher to a random participant! I hope you'll play along.

I loved the circles on this sketch, and used a new PI - I Love You This Big.

Pretty simple this one, I've coloured the image with Copics and kept the embellishment to a minimum as I've used some busy papers.

I curved both the inside and outside sentiments on my clear block before stamping - I LOVE that you can do this with clear stamps!

Be sure to check out Kim's blog for all the designers playing along this week - you won't want to miss their gorgeous creations!

To play along with WSC, create a card with the provided sketch and upload it to SCS using the keyword MFTWSC53. A new sketch will be posted each Wednesday on the MFT blog and also in the forum. Each week one random winner will win a $15 voucher to spend at MFT, and if you use MFT stamps on your creation, you'll get a $5 bonus taking your voucher win up to $20! We'll be chatting each week on the sketch thread, so come join us in the MFT forum!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: PI - I Love You This Big (MFT Stamps) Paper: Odds & Ends (Cosmo Cricket) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Real Red (SU) Dies: Postage Stamp Border Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Ribbon, Copic Markers

Be still my heart!

2012-01-04T16:00:00.000+13:00

It's time! The new releases from MFT are available here now!! Be sure to click over to see all the fabulousness in one spot!

Today I have a card made with the too too cute Bunch of Hearts Flopsey. This little guy is the perfect way to say "I love you"!

Flopsey was coloured with cool gray copic markers and his hearts were layered on pop up dots for lots of dimension. I've used lots of die-namics, the gorgeous new Jumbo Monarch Border, Wavy Pennants and of course the wonderful Layered Heart.

I curled the sentiment on my clear block to match the curve of the pennant, I love how it looks!

Here's a shot of all the dimension on this card...

Inside my card I've used the Layered Hearts again...

...along with the Jumbo Monarch Border and some cute little hearts that come in the Flopsey set.

Head on over to Kim's blog to see all the amazing products in use today - don't forget to leave comments as you complete the tour for your chance to win some blog candy!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Bunch of Hearts Flopsey (MFT Stamps) Paper: Love Me (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Real Red (SU) Dies: Jumbo Monarch Border, Layered Hearts, Wavy Pennants Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Other: Twill, Photo Corner Punch, Rhinestones, Copic Markers

Berry Planter Box

2012-01-03T18:00:00.000+13:00

Now that we've teased and tempted you all week long, it's almost time for you to shop for your favorite Brand Spankin' New products from MFT.

But first... it's time for our Die-namics Feature and Pre-Release Pep Rally!

Our Design Team has been busy creating jaw-dropping and inspiring projects for you, and we've saved the best for last.

We've taken an in-depth look at this month's Die-namics, while re-visiting the amazing sets being released tonight at 10 PM EST RIGHT HERE in the MFT Boutique.

And while we are at it, how about we make your life even easier with a "cheat sheet" of all that's new? Head over to the MFT Blog to print out a shopping list.

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Today I've used the ADORABLE new Berry Box Die-namic, along with the previously released Woodgrain Fence Die-namic to create a planter box filled with little berry boxes.

If you'd like to see how I kept the seeds of my berries white, and how I created the box, I've made a video with the instructions.

Watch on YouTube for a full size version.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
You have just a few more hours to submit your entry for this month's guest designer contest. Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the designers' posts for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Notched Tag (MFT Stamps) Ink: Real Red
(SU) Dies: Berry Box, Mini Pennants, Wavy Pennants, Woodgrain Fence Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Other: Buttons, Thread, Sour Apple Felt (MFT Stamps)

Genie!

2012-01-01T18:00:00.000+13:00

Happy New Year! This month MFT is releasing two adorable new a la mode sets, today I'm showing you a card made with the pretty Genie a la mode!

I coloured Genie with Copics and used glitter pen over top her outfit. The lamp was coloured then I added a patina effect with Antique Bronze stickles. I've used the gorgeous new Rolled Scallop flower for my main accent, love this one cut in felt!

My card was plenty thick enough already, so I've simply stamped the inside to avoid adding more bulk.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: à la modes - Genie (MFT Stamps) Paper: Upcycle (Cosmo Cricket) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Melon Mambo (SU) Dies: Rolled Scallop Flower, Leafy Flourish, Oval Open Scallop Doily Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Felt, Rhinestones, glitter Pen, Copic Markers

At The Movies

2011-12-31T18:00:00.000+13:00

We have SUCH a cool set coming soon from MFT to show you today - I've used At The Movies and the matching die-namics to create a movie themed birthday card, perfect to give with a gift voucher!

This set has so many cool stamps and die-namics, I've barely used any of the set, there is just so much to play with! I think the popcorn and clapper dies are just adorable! I've used some retro feeling papers and pom-pom trim to keep with the theme.

The cute ticket die also comes with the set, I think this would make great guy cards!

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: At The Movies (MFT Stamps) Paper: Happy Days (Echo Park) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Real Red, Daffodil Delight (SU) Dies: At The Movies Die-namics (MFT Stamps)Other: Pom Pom Trim, Happy Days Brads

Clearly Sentimental about Romance

2011-12-30T18:00:00.000+13:00

Today it's time to show you the newest in the Clearly Sentimental line from MFT, Clearly Sentimental about Romance. During January, this set can be yours free with any purchase of $60 or more!

I've used the new Layered Heart Die-namic to create a cute little Valentine that can be easily reproduced multiple times. This would fit perfectly in a 4x4 envelope.

To create the card, simply fold your cardstock in half, and run through your die cutting machine with the die slightly over lapping the fold. I then like to cut a full shape and adhere that on the front so you have a full heart to work with.

I've used the adorable new Oval Decorative Doily Duo Die-namic, this is the smaller of the two sizes in this die set. Some vintage buttons, thread and crochet ribbon finish off the romantic feel of this Valentine.

Inside I've used another sentiment, and wound linen thread through the decorative holes in the heart for a stitched look.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Romance (MFT Stamps) Paper: Love Me (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Layered Heart, Oval Decorative Doily Duo Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Crochet Ribbon(SU) Buttons, Linen Thread

WSC 52 - Domo Arigato

2011-12-29T06:00:00.000+13:00

It's time for this weeks MFT Wednesday sketch club challenge. This week I've used the cute new PI- Good Fortune. I pulled out some old basic grey paper that I thought would make a great kimono!

I've paper pieced and coloured the image, keeping the lines of the card nice and clean. I just love dressing these girls in fab papers!

Inside I've kept with the clean look, simply stamping the image and sentiment.

Be sure to check out Kim's blog for all the designers playing along this week - you won't want to miss their gorgeous creations!

To play along with WSC, create a card with the provided sketch and upload it to SCS using the keyword MFTWSC52. A new sketch will be posted each Wednesday on the MFT blog and also in the forum. Each week one random winner will win a $15 voucher to spend at MFT, and if you use MFT stamps on your creation, you'll get a $5 bonus taking your voucher win up to $20! We'll be chatting each week on the sketch thread, so come join us in the MFT forum!

Thanks for stopping by!

Who's That Parisian Girl?

2011-12-28T18:00:00.000+13:00

It's time to begin the teasers for January's My Favorite Things release, and as usual, Kim and crew have knocked it out of the park!

Today I'm sharing a card made with the latest Who's That Girl set - and this one has a die-namic that is a perfect match!

Isn't she gorgeous? I created a long and tall card to mimic the image shape. I've coloured with Copics and the skirt and tie are paper pieced. I'm in love with the new Eiffel Tower Die-namic, it is just a perfect accent! I've also used my go-to fave Perfect Posies Die-namic and the adorable Mini Tabs.

This set comes with two sizes of Eiffel Tower stamps, here I've used the larger one along with the adorable poodle!

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Who's That Parisian Girl (MFT Stamps) Paper: Lost & Found Two Blush (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Dies: Pretty Posies, Eiffel Tower, Mini Tabs Foursome Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Other: Ribbon, Piercing Tool(SU) Baby Brads, Linen Thread, Vintage Button, Copic Markers

MFT Creative Chat - Embellishments

2011-12-27T18:00:00.000+13:00

It's time for the MFT Creative Chat. The My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Chat is a monthly feature, where we are challenged to explore our creative spaces and share valuable organizational methods, tools, and shopping strategies with you. You'll be able to peek into our creative spaces, ask questions, and share your own ideas in the MFT forum. This month, we were asked the following questions:

Show us how you store your embellishments.

What are your absolute favorite embellishments?

Any tips or tricks on how to use embellishments on stamped creations?

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I hope you've all been having a wonderful time with friends and family during this festive time of year, I know I've been loving every minute of having Shanan home for the holidays! I'm popping in today with this month's creative chat. I have a few photos of how I store my embellishments and a couple of tips.

We move around a lot, so everything in my stamp room is modular - and cheap! I like to spend my stamp budget on the fun things, not furniture. This is the top of three small bookcases I've stacked to create cubbies. Because I use my embellishments to decorate my room, they are spread out all over the place. I love glass jars so I can see what's inside.

Most of my older embellies are all jumbled up together, I like hunting through them to find just the right thing for a card! Here I've sorted them into metallics, brights and pastels to save me a little bit of time.

Some of my newer embellishments are hung on this board I picked up for $10. This way I can keep them in the orginal packaging, and can store a lot in a small amount of space.

Here is one of the cubbies I mentioned earlier. I like to look in thrift stores for bargain jars and bottles for cute storage - this set of bottles and the carry tray cost $1 and house all my Basic Grey brads. If items come in cute packaging, I leave them in there to be displayed. Right in back there I have some American Crafts jars that were too cute to ditch.

Kitchen items make great storage! I picked up this spice rack recently. The bottles have wide openings perfect for lots of little treasures. I have this one right on my stamp desk for convenience.

I think my favourite embellishment would have to be buttons! I have jars and trays of them everywhere. These are my faves, just a few from my Grandma's vintage collection displayed in one of her old butter dishes. It's so fun to hunt through these and the rest of my vintage stash looking for the best fit for my card, and it's decorative too!

My tip for using embellies on your stamped creations would be to "audition" items first. Try a variety of different embellishments by laying them on your card to see which ones look best. Don't stick them down till you're decided! Also, I love to layer. Layer a button over a bow or flower, layer brads and grommets together - more is more in my book!

Visit Kim's Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge and get ready to delve into the minds of our creative team.

Thanks for stopping by!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000+13:00

From our growing family to yours....have a wonderful Christmas!

Thanks for stopping by!

WSC 51 - Get Well Soon...

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000+13:00

It's time for MFT Wednesday sketch challenge 51! I've gone all rustic with this one, breaking out my edge distresser for the first time in awhile!

I based my colours on the new MME Kraft Funday Happy Days paper pad - I love that this is more like printed cardstock and doesn't need to be matted! My stamp set is the lovely Flower Silhouette die and stamp set, an oldie but a goodie!

I've had those brads in my stash forever, they are usually bright silver, I added a layer of white enamel accents from Ranger and roughly wiped most of it off for a more distressed look.

The sentiments in this set are just beautiful, I've stamped one over the shadow stamped flower image.

Be sure to check out Kim's blog for all the designers playing along this week - you won't want to miss their gorgeous creations!

To play along with WSC, create a card with the provided sketch and upload it to SCS using the keyword MFTWSC51. A new sketch will be posted each Wednesday on the MFT blog and also in the forum. Each week one random winner will win a $15 voucher to spend at MFT, and if you use MFT stamps on your creation, you'll get a $5 bonus taking your voucher win up to $20! We'll be chatting each week on the sketch thread, so come join us in the MFT forum!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

It's VIP time!

2011-12-21T16:00:00.000+13:00

It's time to reveal this month's VIP collection from My Favorite Things, the Pure Innocence cuties return this month, along with a fab new rolled flower die-namic!

Pure Innocence In the Air VIP Collection $25.95

Pure Innocence Jump for Joy stamp set

Pure Innocence Plane Amazing stamp set

In the Air Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again $9 value, FREE)

Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics Die

I've used PI Jump for Joy - I love all the action in this stamp! I've cut the new Rolled Scallop Flower die-namic from felt, and rolled it more tightly to make one flower smaller than the other.

I wanted this card to do something, so I've given it a flip top by attaching a brad on one side so the top opens up to show a sentiment...

I've used a sentiment from the exclusive sentiment set that will only be available with the VIP collection!

The back of the card gives even more room for decoration and another adorable sentiment!

Head on over to Kim's Blog for the full list of designers participating in this month's VIP Product Tour. Remember, the VIP collection is only available while stocks last!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: PI Jump for Joy (MFT Stamps) Paper: Tickled Pink (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Real Red (SU) Dies: Faux Crochet Border, Decorative Doily, Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Stitched Brad (Basic Grey) Ribbon (SU) Copic Markers

Zva Creative December DT Blog Hop!

2011-12-20T03:00:00.000+13:00

Zva Creative and our talented Design Team welcomes you to join us for our December Design Team blog hop!

As you know, Zva offers many beautiful color groupings for pearls, flowers and crystals. We want to make sure that they shine bright for you, so each designer was asked to share a creation using a specific color or color combination on their blog hop project. If you like what you see, you can find a list of stores and online retailers that sell Zva HERE.

The Blog Hop begins at Windy Robinson's blog. She will have the complete list of all the participating blogs in case there is a glitch along the way. If you would like to play along, just follow along the blog path. I am linking to one of the Zva designers and that designer is linking to the next and so on. Be prepared to be inspired along the way!

Hidden on FIVE of the blogs is a Zva Creative prize package! Winners will be randomly chosen after the hop is over, so it's important to leave a comment on as many blogs as you can along the way.

The Blog Hop starts today, December 19th and runs through midnight US Eastern Standard Time on Tuesday, December 20th.

The 5 winners will be announced on Wednesday, December 21^st on each of the five winning blogs. The full list will be found on Windy Robinson's blog as well. We will do our best to notify each winner, but it's best if you can pop in to all of the blogs once again on Wednesday... plus, you never know what kind of inspirational creation that you may find there.

All you need to do is leave a comment on this Zva Blog Hop post... you do not need to leave a comment on each and every designer's blog post to qualify. However, the more times you comment along the blog hop path, the more chances you will have to win.

We also thought it would be more fun to add even more chances to win our blog hop prize! To increase your chances of winning:

* Comment to let us know that you posted on your Facebook page about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you "tweeted" about our hop (link to any of the blog hop posts)

* Comment to let us know that you asked your local store to carry Zva creative products. If they already do, that's fantastic, maybe you can suggest other products that they don't carry.

So you have FOUR chances on each blog to win one of our FIVE prizes! That's a lot of chances to win!

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For my project today I wanted to create some decor that would be great for Christmas - and beyond! I think this will work well into Valentine's territory! I've used gorgeous Jet and Crystal Zva embellishments!

I started with a glass jar, this one used to hold coffee. I ruffled some wide ribbon and adhered it with glue dots. The large jet flourish is CR-04CB-112, and you get two in the pack! To hide the join in the ribbon I used assorted Zva roses and twisted the stems together to create a posy.

Crystal clear rhinestones, CRW-04CB-122, some baker's twine and hanging rosebuds finish off this easy tealight candle holder!

The blog hop begins here at Windy Robinson's blog. Your next stop is Yukiko Ochi. Enjoy!

Thank you for joining us! Happy Holidays!

P.S. Mark your calendar to join us again on January 30^th for our next Zva blog hop!

Thanks for stopping by!

WSC 50 - Home...

2011-12-15T06:00:00.002+13:00

Thank you SO much to everyone who left well wishes on my announcement post - only a few more weeks until we find out if we're having a boy or a girl, exciting stuff!

I'm back today with a square card using this week's Wednesday Sketch Challenge from My Favourite Things.

I went for a colour blocked look using strong ink colours and a patterned paper that almost reads as a solid. Well Worn Greetings is still one of my favourite stamp and die combos - I just love the patterns and distressed sentiments in this set!

I added a heart cut from the Notched Tag Die-namics and added some shine with a coating of Dimensional Magic.

I made this card for my darling husband who has been so supportive and helpful while I've been feeling unwell.

The sentiment on the inside of this card was just perfect to thank him with! I've also added a heart shaped spiral clip to bring in the metallic accent from the front of the card.

Be sure to check out Kim's blog for all the designers playing along this week - you won't want to miss their gorgeous creations!

To play along with WSC, create a card with the provided sketch and upload it to SCS using the keyword MFTWSC50. A new sketch will be posted each Wednesday on the MFT blog. Each week one random winner will win a voucher to spend at MFT! We'll be chatting each week on the sketch thread, so come join us in the MFT forum!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Well Worn Greetings (MFT Stamps) Paper: Darling Deer (MME) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Real Red, Tempting Turquoise (SU) Dies: Well Worn Greetings and Notched Tag Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Other: Wide Striped Ribbon(SU) Brads, Spiral Clip, Dimensional Magic

Big news....in a little package!

2011-12-13T08:00:00.005+13:00

But it's a package that's growing everyday! I'm so excited to share that Shanan and I are expecting our first child next June!!! We've been hoping to start our family for awhile now, and are filled with all the joy, anticipation and first baby worries this wonderful news brings!

You may have noticed things have been a little quieter around the old blog lately, so now you know why! At almost 15 weeks I'm still suffering from quite a lot of morning sickness so I often don't have the energy to craft/blog/comment on posts as much as normal. If I'm a little slow replying to emails, don't worry, I'll get there eventually!

Above is one of the first scan photos of our little "peanut". We can't wait to meet our beautiful baby...and you can be sure I'll be sharing photos!

Thanks for stopping by!

WSC49 - ZZZZZZZ!

2011-12-08T06:00:00.002+13:00

It's time for Wednesday sketch challenge 49! Today my card uses Fred Bear Catches Some ZZZZZZ's - I love this cute little guy, and his little friend!

I've coloured Fred with warm gray copic markers and paper pieced his pillow. Fred is popped up on foam dots. When I do this I make sure to shade the image underneath as well so any peeks at the bottom layer look finished. The papers I've used are Everyday Flair from MME.

Inside I shadow stamped Fred with Tumbled Glass distress ink and over stamped another sentiment from the set.

Be sure to check out Kim's blog for all the designers playing along this week - you won't want to miss their gorgeous creations!

To play along with WSC, create a card with the provided sketch and upload it to SCS using the keyword MFTWSC49. A new sketch will be posted each Wednesday on the MFT blog and also in the forum. Each week one random winner will win a $15 voucher to spend at MFT, and if you use MFT stamps on your creation, you'll get a $5 bonus taking your voucher win up to $20! We'll be chatting each week on the sketch thread, so come join us in the MFT forum!

Thanks for stopping by!

New Product Tour - Pearls of Wisdom

2011-12-07T16:00:00.002+13:00

It's time! All the new products for this month's MFT release are available here now! Before you finalise your shopping, take a tour with the design team to see all the new products in action! You can find a list of all the new release products and the designers showcasing them on Kim's Blog.

I've used the amazing new Pearls of Wisdom set. This is a beautiful set filled with all sorts of inspiring quotes.

Even better - it can be yours free with any purchase of $60 as part of our Triple Scoop promotion! You'll be prompted to add the set to your cart automatically as soon as you spend $60, great huh?

I kept my layout super simple to focus on the gorgeous sentiment. I've used my favourite High Tea Party Doily and sprayed it with a little pearl glimmermist. Rhinestones, flowers and lots of stitching finish it all off.

Inside I've used another inspiring sentiment and some off cuts of the paper used on the front of the card.

Don't forget to leave comments on all the designers blogs as you tour for your chance to win some blog candy!

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Pearls of Wisdom (MFT Stamps) Paper: Summer's End (Fancy Pants) Ink: Shabby Shutters (Ranger) Dies: High Tea Party Doily, Layered Label (MFT Stamps) Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Rhinestone Flourish CRS-04CB-112 and assorted paper flowers (Zva Creative) Pearl Glimmermist

Joy!

2011-12-06T18:00:00.010+13:00

Now that we've teased and tempted you all week long, it's almost time for you to shop for your favorite Brand Spankin' New products from MFT.

But first... it's time for our Die-namics Feature and Pre-Release Pep Rally!

Our Design Team has been busy creating jaw-dropping and inspiring projects for you, and we've saved the best for last.

We've taken an in-depth look at this month's Die-namics, while re-visiting the amazing sets being released tonight at 10 PM EST RIGHT HERE in the MFT Boutique.

And while we are at it, how about we make your life even easier with a "cheat sheet" of all that's new? Head over to the MFT Blog to print out a shopping list.

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I wanted to create another Christmas card for my stash, so I've pulled out Clearly Sentimental about Christmas. It doesn't really show in the photo, but the mix and match banners and my sentiment label are sprayed with pearl glimmermist. I've used By the Letters to spell out "joy" and the mistletoe comes from last month's ornament set.

This card is 5 x 5 inches, so the embossing folder doesn't quite cover the whole thing. I just emboss twice and use a layer to cover the join.

Inside I've used some off cuts of paper and another sentiment from the set.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on December 6 at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on December 6th from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on December 6 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
You have just a few more hours to submit your entry for this month's guest designer contest. Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the designers' posts for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: Clearly Sentiment about Christmas (MFT Stamps) Paper: Season's Greetings (Echo Park) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Real red (SU) Dies: Simply Scallops Large, Layered Label, By the Letters, Mix & Match Banners, Christmas Ornament, Oval Open Scallop Doily Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Ribbon, Eyelets, Hemp Twine, Brad, Snowflake Embossing Folder

Love You Snow Much!

2011-12-05T18:00:00.003+13:00

It's day six of MFT teasers, and that means it is Pure Innocence day! Frosty is back this month and I've used him to create a clean and simple (and easy to post!) Christmas card.

I lightly shaded Frosty with B0000 and B000 Copics. Sparkly fluff was added to his scarf and his hat is popped up for a bit of dimension. To create the snow effect I simply dotted around the image with a glaze pen.

The sketch for this card is SCS SC361.

Inside I've stamped another sentiment and shadow stamped frosty.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on December 6 at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on December 6th from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on December 6 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Here are the Die-namics I've used today:

Thanks for stopping by!

Stamps: PI - Frosty and Fabulous (MFT Stamps) Paper: Dots and Stripes (Echo Park) Ink: Tuxedo Black (Memento) Real Red (SU) Dies: Mini Tabs Foursome Die-namics (MFT Stamps) Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders) Other: Sparkly Fluff, Glaze Pen, Copic Markers