Paper Pursuits

Hey, Girlie–C4C #138

2012-05-26T17:54:00.001-04:00

Hi, all, this will be a very quick post. I’ve been down with some kind of virus and while I’m on the mend, I’m still not up to snuff.

This is my last Crazy 4 Challenges challenge to host this month and I’m challenging everyone to make a one layer card. I know, I can hear the groans now ;-) Just try it—you might like it, LOL! I love to step back from all the layers every now and then and just let the design shine through.

For my card, first I did an impression of part of MFT’s Die-namics Layered Label set, then did some lattice-type score lines using my Scor-Buddy. Then I stamped the sentiment, from More Essential Sentiments. Next I made flower embellishment using my fabulous Die-namics Royal Rose with a couple of Die-namics Royal leaves—yeah, one of them is hiding a bit ;-) I thought it needed a little something more, so I added a Copic-colored rhinestone trio inside the impressed label area.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

And that's all for me for me! Be sure to checkout what the rest of the design team has for you!

THEN, you know what to do--we'd love to have you come along and play with us. Just do your thing with the challenge and link it to Mr. Linky on the Crazy 4 Challenges blog. Please link directly to your project. And, if you upload to a public gallery, please use the key word C4C138.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: More Essential Sentiments (MFT)
Paper: Sweet Tooth (MFT); This & That - Charming (Echo Park)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Layered Label, Royal Rose, Royal Leaves Die-namics dies (MFT); Copic marker, Scor-Buddy, rhinestones, hot glue/gun

Flourishes Friday Focus–Gerbera Daisies

2012-05-25T01:00:00.001-04:00

Hi, there! Happy Friday! Today’s Flourishes Friday Focus is on a gorgeous set, Gerbera Daisies. I decided to do a little spotlighting for my card. I love the spotlight technique and don’t use it often enough. I just love how it really brings out the details of an image.

I stamped the large image on Classic White cardstock, twice. One I cut out with a Classic Oval Nestabilities die and my Grand Calibur machine. That was my base. For the other copy, I chose where I wanted to color and cut that out with a Standard Circle Nestabilities die and colored it up with these Copic Collections:

Iced Aqua Collection:

Gerbera Daisy Collection:

Poppy Collection:

Sunflower Collection:

Beehive Collection:

New Leaves Collection:

Evergreen Collection:

Then I matted it with red card stock and popped it up directly over the same spot on the base image. Love it! The sentiment was stamped on a flag from my Nested Lacey Pennant Nestabilities with a second layer of red, and tucked up under the bow. I finished it off with THESE leaf trinket pins.

I finished off the inside with another sentiment from the set.

And that’s it for me! Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you today...

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)
Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Jan Marie Caruso
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Sharon Doolittle

Thanks SO much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Gerbera Daisies (Flourishes)
Paper: Classic White (Flourishes); Real Red (SU!); Konnichiwa (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Nested Lacey Pennant, Classic Oval & Standard Circle Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders); sewing machine, ribbon, trinket pins, Copic markers

The Best Things In Life–MFTWSC # 73

2012-05-23T12:00:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for another MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge? Here’s this week’s sketch. You can find the sketch on the MFT blog and also in the MFT forum on SCS, as well as in the weekly newsletter. The Design Team will be on hand to provide plenty of inspiration to get you started.

I’m using Die-namics Vertical Greetings II Die and Stamp Set for my card. I stamped the sentiment on a die cut, then popped it up on foam dots. I used patterned paper to follow the layout, with a pearl flourish accent, along with some stitching, and finished it off with some Die-namics Royal Rose and Die-namics Royal Leaves embellishments.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks so much for stopping by! I always love it when you do! Hope to see you and your card at the MFT forum!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Vertical Greetings II (MFT)
Paper: Kraft (MFT); dark gray; Indie Chic "Nutmeg"(MME)
Ink: Dark Gray, Vintage Touch Chamomile
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Vertical Greetings II, Royal Rose, Royal Leaves (MFT); pearl flourish (Zva); sewing machine, hot glue/gun, foam dots

Happiness Always–CTD #193

2012-05-23T02:00:00.001-04:00

Welcome to this week’s Color Throwdown Challenge! This week the amazing Wanda is our host and she has picked a fabulous color combo, based on her inspiration piece.

I don’t have any Marvelous Magenta card stock, so I went with some patterned paper that had all the other colors plus a bright pink. I think that works. My layout is very simple, using MFTWSC #69, and pretty self-explanatory, I’m thinkin’.

My tree was made with my Die-namics Teardrop Tree die, popped up on some foam dots. I added the sentiment, from MFT’s Happy Thoughts on a Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon double-ended flag, topped with a Pink Sorbet baker’s twine tied button. Lots of stitching finished it off.

Here’s the inside, with another sentiment from the set:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Remember, you do not have to have the exact colors to play the Color Throwdown challenge. If you don't, just use the closest you have. So, c'mon over to the Color Throwdown blog and play along with us this week. Please use the link service to post your card and please link directly to your card so we can find it easily. And please include a link in your post to the Color Throwdown. If you upload your card to a public forum, please use the keyword CTD193 so we can see your beauty all in one place. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out what the other team members have come up with this week.

Barbara Anders (<--- You are here!)
Broni Holcombe
Danielle Kennedy
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Lori Tecler
Lynn Put
Tammy Hershberger
Wanda Cullen
Kitty Caracciolo (May Guest Designer)

Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ll be back later today with this week’s MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Happy Thoughts (MFT)
Paper: Sweet Tooth, Hot Fudge (MFT); Garden Green (SU!); Country Drive (Echo Park)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Teardrop Tree, First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics, baker’s twine (MFT); button, sewing machine, foam dots

Fun In the Sun—MFT June VIP

2012-05-22T22:00:00.001-04:00

Are you ready for this month’s MFT VIP collection? What’s the VIP Collection, you ask? It’s a LIMITED QUANTITY product that gives you the opportunity to purchase upcoming stamp sets and new Die-namics dies TWO WEEKS early. The mini set that is included in the VIP kit for free will be EXCLUSIVE to the VIP kit and will never be available for purchase. This month’s kit is available right now, right HERE!

Here’s what’s in this month’s kit:

Pure Innocence Fun in the Sun VIP Collection $34.90
Pure Innocence Hula Girl stamp set
Pure Innocence Sprinkler Girl stamp set
Fun in the Sun Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set – will never be offered for sale or be available again $9 value, FREE)
Hibiscus Die-namics
Notched Border Die-namics

How stinkin’ adorable, right? I’ve had SO much fun playing with these new products! My first card is using PI – Sprinkler Girl, and peeking out from under the image panel, Die-namics Notched Border.

I stamped her on my fave Copic paper, Neenah Classic Crest Cover, Solar White Smooth, 130lb, paper pieced her swimsuit with striped patterned paper—vertical stripes are slimming, you know ;-) The rest of her was colored with Copic markers and then she was fussy cut out and popped up on foam dots on the “sky” background, along with Die-namics Cloud Trio clouds, a Die-namics Sunshine sun, and a Die-namics Fresh Cut Grass lawn. A Die-namics Dizzy Doily Duo die cut peeks out from under that panel and the sun. The sentiment, from the exclusive Fun In the Sun Sentiments Mini set, was stamped, cut in to separate words, and popped up on foam bits. To finish it off, I did some stitching and tied some Pink Sorbet baker’s twine around and tied with a button.

For the sprinkler, I stamped it, colored it, and cut it out before slipping it in between some grass layers. I wanted more than just stamping for my “water”, so I cut some strips of silver cord and adhered them to each of the stamped lines.

Here’s the inside, with another copy of the little PI and a sentiment from the PI – Sprinkler Girl stamp set.

My second card is using PI – Hula Girl. This card turned out just like it was in my head. Don’t you LOVE it when that happens? Not very often for me, but luck was with me this time :)

Using more of my fave paper, I started with my background. I airbrushed the bottom of the panel with yellow. Then I cut out a small circle, using Die-namics Circle STAX die, and taped it down from the bottom. Then I airbrushed some orange over that, for the setting sun, and then added some darker turquoise-y blue for the evening sky. Then I added the waves, using my Die-namics Catch a Wave die, and simply tore an edge for the beach, using Fossil card stock. Then I added some clear rhinestones for the stars and popped the sweet PI up on foam dots. She was stamped and then colored with Copic markers. I tried to make it look like you could see the ocean and the sunset through her grass skirt—did it work? Then that was matted with more Fossil card stock and popped up on foam, as well. I have a Die-namics Notched Border under that panel, along with some twine, but I’ve pretty much covered that up! The sentiment is from the PI – Hula Girl set.

Here’s a close up of her grass skirt and the sunset:

One of the hibiscus:

I added some dimension to my hibiscus by adding a stamen :)

Here’s the night sky, complete with stars:

And, finally, the inside with a sentiment from the Fun In the Sun Sentiments Mini set:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on these cards:

And that’s it for me! Now, go shop! :)

~Supplies~

Make a Splash Card
Stamps: PI – Sprinkler Girl, Fun In the Sun Sentiments Mini (MFT)
Paper: Sweet Tooth, Orange Fizz, Berrylicious (MFT); Neenah Classic Crest Cover, Solar White Smooth, 130lb; Hello Summer (Echo Park)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Notched Border, Sunshine, Clouds Trio, Fresh Cut Grass, Dizzy Doily Duo Die-namics, Pink Sorbet baker’s twine (MFT); button, silver cord, foam dots, sewing machine, Copic markers

Aloha Card
Stamps: PI - Hula Girl, Fun In the Sun Sentiments Mini (MFT)
Paper: Fossil (MFT); Tempting Turquoise (SU!); Lauderdale (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Hibiscus, Notched Border, Circle STAX, Catch a Wave Die-namics dies (MFT); pipe cleaner, gold micro beads, twine, hot glue/gun, Copic markers and airbrush system, clear rhinestones

Happy Birthday—C4C #137

2012-05-19T00:00:00.001-04:00

Hi, all, it’s Crazy 4 Challenges time again! I’m still the host, and since tomorrow is my birthday, I’m challenging everyone to make a birthday card. Simple as that!

I’m using MFT’s PI – Feeling Froggy for my card today. I love her little overalls, don’t you? I stamped her on Neenah Classic Crest Cover, Solar White Smooth, 130lb paper and colored her with Copic markers. Then I cut her out and popped her up on foam dots. I added some Die-namics Cloud Trio clouds, a Die-namics Sunshine sun, and some Die-namics Fresh Cut Grass to complete my little scene. I tied some Maraschino Red baker’s twine around, added a twine-tied button and the sentiment stamped on a Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon flag, and it was done.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set, the little PI again, and her frog—colored with Copic markers. I love to add just a little dash of color to the inside of my cards.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

And that's all for me for me! Be sure to checkout what the rest of the design team has for you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: PI – Feeling Froggy (MFT)
Paper: Sweet Tooth, Red Hot (MFT); Neenah Classic Crest Cover, Solar White Smooth, 130lb; Handmade (Lilybee Designs)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Fresh Cut Grass, Cloud Trio, Sunshine, and First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics dies, baker’s twine (MFT); button, foam dots

Flourishes Friday Free For All

2012-05-18T01:00:00.001-04:00

Woohoo! It’s Friday!! I’m sure there are lots of you out there that are happy about that! Let the weekend begin!

Since it *is* Friday, it’s time for a Flourishes card. For today’s card, I used one of the latest releases, On the Porch. I love this wicker chair—I can just feel how nice it would be to settle into with a good book.

I stamped the image on Classic White card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with these Copic Collections:

Evergreen Collection:

Iced Aqua Collection:

Terra Cotta Collection:

Warm Neutrals Collection:
Flesh Tones Collection:

Then I cut it and a green mat out with my Grand Calibur and my Labels Four Nestabilities dies. After I made my card base and stamped the sentiment at the bottom, I tied around some of this ribbon, added some bling, and popped the image panel up on foam dots.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set:

I love how the sentiments in this set can be used for the inside OR the outside. Nice :)

Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you today...

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)
Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Jan Marie Caruso
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Sharon Doolittle

Thanks SO much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~
Stamps: On the Porch (Flourishes)
Paper: Classic Ivory, Classic White (Flourishes); Old Olive (SU!); Indie Chic "Citron" (MME)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Labels Four Nestabilities (Spellbinders); ribbon, bling, foam dots

Don’t Be Blue–MFTWSC #72

2012-05-16T12:00:00.001-04:00

I pulled out my Die-namics Umbrella Die and Stamp Set for this card. I followed the sketch with several patterned papers and did some stitching. I decided to use twine tied around to divide the paper under the sentiment and I used a Die-namics Oval Tab for the sentiment. Finally, I popped up the umbrella and added some twine-tied buttons for accent.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

That’s all from me today! We hope you’ll give the sketch a try—and get yourself a chance to win some MFT loot! Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Umbrella Die-namics and Stamp Set (MFT)
Paper: Whip Cream, Wild Cherry (MFT); Soft Suede (SU!); Quite Contrary - Jack & Jill (MME)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Umbrella, Oval Tab Die-namics dies (MFT); twine, buttons, foam dots, sewing machine

If you think you can…–CTD #192

2012-05-16T02:00:00.001-04:00

Hello! It’s time for the Color Throwdown Challenge! My bestie, Tammy, is the host this week and she has a bright and cheery color palette for us, based on this gorgeous inspiration photo.

I went a little more subtle with my colors because of the patterned paper I used, but I think it works—in fact I love this card. Very simple layout, but my MFT Die-namics dies and sentiment and some bling really dress it up. I stamped the sentiment, from Clearly Sentimental About Success on some pattern paper with a subtle design using my Die-namics Clearly Sentimental Label die, then popped it up on some foam dots. AFTER, I’d laid down a rhinestone flourish. Then I added the flowers, made using my Die-namics Upsy Daisy dies and my Die-namics Royal Leaves. Oh. My. Word. Do I ever love those leaf dies. So much I have two sets ;-) OK, so then I made a little double butterfly with my Die-namics Butterflies die, added some rhinestones for the body, and popped him (her?) up on the sentiment. Oh! And under the whole thing I added some twine tied in a bow. I love doing that, can you tell ;-)

Here’s the inside, with another sentiment from that set:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Remember, you do not have to have the exact colors to play the Color Throwdown challenge. If you don't, just use the closest you have. So, c'mon over to the Color Throwdown blog and play along with us this week. Please use the link service to post your card and please link directly to your card so we can find it easily. And please include a link in your post to the Color Throwdown. If you upload your card to a public forum, please use the keyword CTD191 so we can see your beauty all in one place. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out what the other team members have come up with this week.

Barbara Anders (<--- You are here!)
Broni Holcombe
Danielle Kennedy
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Lori Tecler
Lynn Put
Tammy Hershberger
Wanda Cullen
Kitty Caracciolo (May Guest Designer)

Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ll be back later today with this week’s MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About Success (MFT)
Paper: Whip Cream (MFT); Sage Shadow, Tangerine Tango (SU!); Indie Chic "Saffron" (MME)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Clearly Sentimental Label. Upsy Daisy, Royal Leaves, Butterflies Die-namics dies (MFT); buttons, bling, twine, foam dots

MFT June Guest Designer Contest

2012-05-14T12:00:00.000-04:00

Hi, all! Today I have a card using MFT’s June Guest Designer Challenge—it’s a sketch! Get all the details at the MFT Member Company Forum at SCS and join in the fun. The prize is a package of MFT goodies valued at over $200 and the chance to join in with the Design Team for June Teasers and New Product Tour. Wowzas!

Here’s the sketch:

For the focal image on my card, I’m using Vertical Greetings II Die-namics and Stamp Set. I cut the die out with some dark gray cardstock first, then a second time with subtle patterned paper. Then I trimmed it down a little using the technique I describe in THIS tutorial and stamped the sentiment.

For the horizontal elements, I cut out my Die-namics Scallop Ribbon and added a strip of dark gray narrow ribbon on top. Next, I added a Die-namics Royal Rose, complete with Die-namics Royal Leaves and three dark gray buttons to finish it off.

Here’s the inside, with another sentiment from the set:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

And that’s it! We’d love to see a ton of entrants in the contest so go get inky!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Vertical Greetings II Die-namics and Stamp Set (MFT)
Paper: Tangy Orange (MFT); Fine Linen, Smokey Shadow; Indie Chic "Ginger" (MME)
Ink: Smokey Shadow
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Scallop Ribbon, Royal Rose, Royal Leaves, Vertical Greetings II Die-namics dies (MFT); buttons, twine, sewing machine, foam dots

U R Fabulous–MFTWSC #71

2012-05-13T00:00:00.001-04:00

I’m using a recently released set for my card: à la modes I’ve Got UR Back. I stamped the image, paper pieced the letters and her top, then colored the rest with Copic markers. I cut her out using a Die-namics Rectangle STAX and matted it with another. I used one of the Die-namics Mini Tabs Foursome for the sentiment. (I show you how to shorten a die cut HERE in this short tutorial.) I used some Berrylicious Ribbon and some twine across the bottom and added a Die-namics Royal Rose and Die-namics Royal Leaves for the accent.

Here’s the inside with a sentiment from Thanks a Bunch.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Well, that’s it for me today! Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: à la modes I’ve Got UR Back, Thanks a Bunch (MFT)
Paper: Whip Cream, Black Licorice (MFT); Soft Suede (SU!); What’s Up? (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Rectangle STAX, Royal Rose, Royal Leaves, Mini Tabs Foursome, ribbon (MFT); twine, foam dots, Copic markers

Inspired Birthday–C4C #136

2012-05-12T00:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Saturday! It’s Crazy 4 Challenges time and I’m the host for this month. I’ve chosen a inspiration piece for this week’s challenge. Be inspired by the colors, the shapes whatever, just go with it :)

For my card, I let myself be inspired by the colors. I went with the Kraft, blues, and pinks. I’m using MFT’s More Essential Sentiments, stamped on a Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon fishtail flag, popped up on part of a Die-namics Layered Label set for my focal image. I used Die-namics High Tea Doily for the left upper corner element, some bling, and some Die-namics Pretty Posies flowers and Die-namics Royal Leaves. A little stitching and some inky distressing finished it off.

Here is the inside with another sentiment from the set.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

And that's all for me for me! Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you! Before we get into that, though, we have a couple of announcements to make. Lynda Benden, one of the original Crazies, is leaving Crazy 4 Challenges to spend more time with her family. We will miss Lynda but I know we all understand her reason and wish her the best. You know what they say, when one door closes, another one opens. Into that open door walks Betty Wright, a brand new Crazy! Several of us on the team have worked with Betty in the past and love her and her work and we know you will too! So, be sure to stop by the C4C blog and say good bye to Lynda and hello to Betty!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: More Essential Sentiments (MFT)
Paper: Fossil, Sweet Tooth (MFT); Six by Six - Vanity Fair (MME)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; High Tea Doily, Pretty Posies, Royal Leaves, Layered Label, First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics dies (MFT); bling, sewing machine, buttons, twine, hot glue, foam dots

Flourishes May Sneak Peek, Day Three

2012-05-11T01:00:00.001-04:00

So, what do you think of this release? Another one out of the park, right? Yes!!! Today we have some samples from the last set of the release, On the Porch. Marcella Hawley has done it again—perfectly executed images with a nostalgic feel.

For my card, first of all I stamped the ladder back chair on Classic White card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored it with these Copic collections:

Evergreen Collection:

Poppy Collection:

Iced Aqua Collection:

Daffodil Collection:

Sweet Pea Collection:

Copper Collection:

Spruce Collection:

Then I cut it out with my Labels Twenty Two Nestabilities and sponged the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink before popping it up on foam. The sentiment was stamped on more Classic White card stock, cut out with Petite Oval Nestabilities, and popped up on foam, as well. I added some white crochet lace, along with some of this ribbon, with some stitching and a paper doily under the image.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you today...

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)
Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Jan Marie Caruso
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Sharon Doolittle
Heather Jensen

...because ONE of them is the

for today—the winner wins the set previewing today :)

Now, here's a few things you'll want to know about this release:

Take advantage of a special limited time only deal and grab all of the new sets for May in the New Release Bundle at 10% off the total price. Get all the details HERE.
Don't forget the Home Sweet Home Challenge is in progress AND, don't forget to check the Flourishes Blog for today's Noon Time Challenge--another way to win a prize!!
All winners will be announced on Saturday, May 12th, at Noon CST on the Flourishes Blog.

And if that wasn’t enough, Flourishes is having an Inventory Reduction/Spring Cleaning sale—15% off all embellishments, papers, Spellbinders dies, embossing folders, and tools.

Now’s the time to get your hands on some of those goodies you’ve been wanting. Use the code SPRINGCLEAN at check out. Sale runs through Sunday, May 13th, 2012.

OK, I think that's all from me!

~Supplies~
Stamps: On the Porch (Flourishes)
Paper: Classic White, Classic Ivory (Flourishes); Old Olive (SU!); PB & J (Basic Grey)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Labels Twenty Two, Petite Oval Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders); lace, ribbon, sewing machine, Copic markers, foam dots, paper doily

Flourishes May Sneak Peek, Day Two

2012-05-10T01:00:00.001-04:00

I’m back to show you the second set in Flourishes May previews. This set is called Father’s Day and is a silhouette set by Lauren Pope.

I’m using some Memory Box paper that you can find in the Flourishes store called Valise. I think it’s just perfect for a masculine card.

I stamped the image on Kraft card stock with Memento Rich Cocoa ink (yes, it’s brown, I promise, although it looks black) and cut it out with a Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities die before sponging the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink. I popped it up on some patterned paper with a mini library clip attached.

The sentiment was stamped on a Nested Pennant flag that I made longer by hanging the end over my cutting plate and then cutting it as long as I needed with my paper cutter. Some stitching, twill, and a twine-tied button finish it off.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set.

...because ONE of them is the

for today—the winner wins the set previewing today :)

Now, here's a few things you'll want to know about this release:

Take advantage of a special limited time only deal and grab all of the new sets for May in the New Release Bundle at 10% off the total price. Get all the details HERE.
Don't forget the Home Sweet Home Challenge is in progress AND, don't forget to check the Flourishes Blog for today's Noon Time Challenge--another way to win a prize!!
All winners will be announced on Saturday, May 12th, at Noon CST on the Flourishes Blog.

And if that wasn’t enough, Flourishes is having an Inventory Reduction/Spring Cleaning sale—15% off all embellishments, papers, Spellbinders dies, embossing folders, and tools.

Now’s the time to get your hands on some of those goodies you’ve been wanting. Use the code SPRINGCLEAN at check out. Sale runs through Sunday, May 13th, 2012.

OK, I think that's all from me! Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll see you back again tomorrow with another sneak!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Father’s Day (Flourishes)
Paper: Kraft (SU!); Ocean Tides; Valise (Memory Box)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Deckled Edge Rectangle Nestabilities, Nested Pennant (Spellbinders); button, twine, twill, sewing machine; mini library clip

Flourishes Noon Time Challenge–Pretty In Purple

2012-05-09T13:00:00.001-04:00

Hi, there! I’m back now with my card for Flourishes’ Noon Time challenge for today: Pretty In Purple. Get all the deets at the Flourishes Blog.

I decided not to color the image from the soon-to-be-released Hydrangeas set for this card, but to ink it up with colored inks instead. I used my Memento Dew Drops ink pads and simply inked it up with different colors. There might be a little overlap, but it’s not noticeable since I stamped on lightly patterned paper, for just that reason. I worked quickly with the two colors and used a water-based marker to fill in the brown stems, then “huffed” mightily and stamped. I LOVE how this turned out and can’t wait to try it on some other large images.

I wanted this card to be vintage-y, so after I stamped the image I tore the paper around it, then distressed the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink.

I used the Double Embossing technique for the lovely old-fashioned font sentiment…

…then some Kraft trim that I LOVE, some green gingham ribbon, and a butterfly charm to finish it off.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope to see you back tomorrow for the second day of May sneaks! But in the meantime, be sure to check out what a few other design team members have for this challenge and join in!

Dawn Burnworth
Danielle Kennedy
Sharon Doolittle
Maki Jones

Here's a few things you'll want to know about this release:

Take advantage of a special limited time only deal and grab all of the new sets for May in the New Release Bundle at 10% off the total price. Get all the details HERE.
Don't forget the Home Sweet Home Challenge is in progress AND, don't forget to check the Flourishes Blog for today's Noon Time Challenge--another way to win a prize!!
All winners will be announced on Saturday, May 12th, at Noon CST on the Flourishes Blog.

And if that wasn’t enough, Flourishes is having an Inventory Reduction/Spring Cleaning sale—15% off all embellishments, papers, Spellbinders dies, embossing folders, and tools.

Now’s the time to get your hands on some of those goodies you’ve been wanting. Use the code SPRINGCLEAN at check out. Sale runs through Sunday, May 13th, 2012.

~Supplies~
Stamps: Hydrangeas (Flourishes)
Paper: Classic Ivory (Flourishes); Manila Basics (Basic Grey); Concord Crush DSP, Concord Crush, Kraft (SU!)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Grape Jelly, Cottage Ivy Dew Drops; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Cuttlebug, Textile embossing folder (Provocraft)

Flourishes May Sneaks, Day One

2012-05-09T01:00:00.001-04:00

It’s time for Flourishes May Sneak Peeks! Are you ready for some new fun sets? Today we’re previewing Hydrangeas—a gorgeous new set from Marcella Hawley who has captured the beauty of these flowers perfectly.

I have several hydrangeas in my garden but my favorite by far is the old fashioned one I brought from my childhood home many, many years ago. Being the old-fashioned kind, it’s blue, so I went with that for my color scheme.

First of all, I stamped the large hydrangea image on Classic White card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, then colored with these Copic Collections:

Evergreen Collection:

Iced Aqua Collection:

Delphinium Collection:

Daffodil Collection:

Then I cut it out with a Labels Twenty Two Nestabilities die and my Grand Calibur, then sponged the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink, and popped it up on foam dots. The patterned paper I used was from my stash and is old, but I love it with this image. I added some olive green twine and some blue Dew Drops for accents, then stamped the sentiment on a Petite Oval Nestabilities die cut, also popped up on foam. I wanted to keep my card design fairly simple to let that gorgeous flower shine.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set and the hydrangea again, offset and stamped off once, on Classic Ivory card stock.

So, what do you think of this set? Just fabulous, right? Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you today...

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)
Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Jan Marie Caruso
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Sharon Doolittle

...because ONE of them is the

for today—the winner wins the set previewing today :)

Now, here's a few things you'll want to know about this release:

Take advantage of a special limited time only deal and grab all of the new sets for May in the New Release Bundle at 10% off the total price. Get all the details HERE.
Don't forget the Home Sweet Home Challenge is in progress AND, don't forget to check the Flourishes Blog for today's Noon Time Challenge--another way to win a prize!!
All winners will be announced on Saturday, May 12th, at Noon CST on the Flourishes Blog.

And if that wasn’t enough, Flourishes is having an Inventory Reduction/Spring Cleaning sale—15% off all embellishments, papers, Spellbinders dies, embossing folders, and tools.

Now’s the time to get your hands on some of those goodies you’ve been wanting. Use the code SPRINGCLEAN at check out. Sale runs through Sunday, May 13th, 2012.

OK, I think that's all from me! Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll see you back again tomorrow with another sneak!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Hydrangeas (Flourishes)
Paper: Classic White, Classic Ivory (Flourishes); Brocade Blue , Kraft (SU!)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur; Labels Twenty Two & Petite Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders); twine (May Arts); Dew Drops, sewing machine, foam dots, Copic markers

Hello, Friend–CTD #191

2012-05-08T23:59:00.001-04:00

Hi, all! I’m back again with this week’s Color Throwdown Challenge! This week, Lynn is our host and has chosen a gorgeous palette for us to work with.

Aren’t those some gorgeous colors together? Love ‘em! I decided to go really CAS so none of the colors would get lost. I’ve had this idea simmering in the back of my mind for a while and I thought this was the perfect time to drag it out :)

First of all, I decided where I wanted the sentiment and stamped that, from MFT’s Finishing Flourishes set, then I cut out two of each color with my Die-namics Butterflies dies, added some gems to their bodies, and popped them up on foam. To finish it off, I added three gems over the sentiment. SO simple but I love it!

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set. I added another card stock layer to give it more body.

Here is the Die-namics die I used for this card:

Remember, you do not have to have the exact colors to play the Color Throwdown challenge. If you don't, just use the closest you have. So, c'mon over to the Color Throwdown blog and play along with us this week. Please use the link service to post your card and please link directly to your card so we can find it easily. And please include a link in your post to the Color Throwdown. If you upload your card to a public forum, please use the keyword CTD191 so we can see your beauty all in one place. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out what the other team members have come up with this week.

Barbara Anders (<--- You are here!)
Broni Holcombe
Danielle Kennedy
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Lori Tecler
Lynn Put
Tammy Hershberger
Wanda Cullen
Kitty Caracciolo (May Guest Designer)

Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ll be back a little later with my first Flourishes sneak for May!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Finishing Flourishes (MFT)
Paper: Sweet Tooth (MFT); Elegant Eggplant, Tempting Turquoise, Certainly Celery, Pool Party, Pacific Point (SU!)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Butterflies Die-namics dies (MFT); gems; foam tape

MFT May Creative Challenge–Wreaths

2012-05-08T00:00:00.001-04:00

It’s time for MFT’s May Creative Challenge, a monthly feature where the design team is challenged to explore their creative side using a specific theme, product, or technique. This month we‘re creating wreaths. Be sure to check the MFT Blog for a list of all the designers who have put their MFT stamps and/or Die-namics dies to work to create a wreath for you today!

This is such a timely challenge—I’d been meaning to make a wreath and this was just the push I needed! While I was at it, I took some pictures of my process to share with you.

I started with a 10” straw wreath from Michaels. I was originally going to use a grapevine wreath but decided this straw wreath would give me a more stable base to work with. I totally think it could be done with the grapevine wreath, though. I took the plastic off and wrapped it with strips of burlap that were about 2 1/2” wide. I had to add a couple of strips of burlap so I adhered them together on the back with hot glue and did the same at the end.

*****

Then I planned my layout. I wanted to use some Jellybean Green felt for my Die-namics Large Leafy Flourish element but it needed more “body” for this application.

*****

Not to be deterred, I cut out four thin chipboard flourishes, glued them together and adhered the felt on top. The good thing about felt for this project is that there’s no right or wrong side, and since I wanted to orient the two in different directions it didn’t matter.

*****

Then I made my birdhouse. I wanted it to be sturdy, too, so here’s what I cut out with my Die-namics Homespun Birdhouse dies. Three layers of chipboard for the main part of the house, card stock for the inside (not pictured) and patterned paper for the front. Two layers of chipboard and patterned paper each for the roof and trim.

*****

Here’s the order in which I adhered the pieces. I adhered the patterned paper to the front, card stock to the inside back, and cut holes in the front and middle layers. I wanted some dimension, hence the middle layer. I knew I’d never get the hole in the middle layer lined up right with the front. so I cut that center piece out to give me some wiggle room when constructing the birdhouse.

*****

Then I cut out and assembled a bunch of Die-namics Rolled Daisy, Die-namics Royal Rose, and Die-namics Mini Royal Roses and laid out how I wanted to attach them to the wreath. I added a Die-namics Fancy Flourish to the birdhouse along with several roses.

*****

I liked it but thought it was missing something. I happened to have some Spanish moss on hand so I hot glued some of that onto the burlap and then gave it a try. MUCH better.

*****

I also decided to add a little birdie to my birdhouse, using my Die-namics Contempo Birdhouse bird.

*****

The only thing left to do was put it all together. Here’s another picture of the finished product. I hope you like how it turned out as much as do.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this project:

And that’s it! Thanks for stopping by today—I hope I’ve inspired you to make a wreath of your own.

~Supplies~
Stamps: None
Paper: Gumdrop Green (MFT); chipboard; This & That – Grateful (Echo Park); Miss Caroline - Howdy Doody and Fiddlesticks (MME)
Ink: None
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Royal Rose, Mini Royal Roses, Rolled Daisy, Royal Leaves, Large Leafy Flourish, Contempo Birdcage, Homespun Birdhouse Die-namics dies, Jellybean Green felt (MFT); Spanish moss, hot glue gun/glue sticks, foam dots, gems

Thanks Berry Much–C4C #135

2012-05-05T00:00:00.001-04:00

It’s Saturday so it must be Crazy 4 Challenges time! I’m your host for the month of May and to start things off, I’m challenging you to make a card or project with gardening or the great outdoors as your theme. My yard is full of blooms right now and we’ve been eating fresh strawberries for a couple of weeks—that’s what inspired MY card today.

I’m using MFT’s Harvesting WTG for my card. Doesn’t her basket of plump, ripe strawberries make your mouth water? Yum! I stamped the image on my fave Neenah Classic Crest Cover, Solar White Smooth, 130lb paper with Memento Tuxedo Black ink, paper pieced a bit, and colored the rest with Copic markers. Before popping it up on foam, I matted it with Fossil and Red Hot card stock. For the base card, I added some Die-namics Fishtail Flags STAX die cuts with some zig zag stitching accents at the top. The sentiment was stamped on a Die-namics Designer Labels I STAX and adhered under the twine-tied button. Under the button is a Die-namics Leafy Flourish die cut.

Here’s the inside with a sentiment from Big Greetings.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

And that's all for me for me! Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Harvesting WTG, Big Greetings (MFT)
Paper: Fossil, Red Hot (MFT); Neenah Classic Crest Cover, Solar White Smooth, 130lb; Double Dutch (Lilybee Designs)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Real Red (SU!)
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Designer Labels I STAX, Fishtail Flags STAX, Leafy Flourish (MFT); twine, button, Copic markers, foam dots, sewing machine

Flourishes May Pre-release Challenge

2012-05-04T01:00:00.001-04:00

Happy Friday, everyone! Today I have Flourishes May Pre-release challenge, the Home Sweet Home Challenge. You can get all the details at the Flourishes Blog, but…

FLLCMAY12: Let your creativity shine by being inspired by something in your home - it could be the color scheme of a room, a painting, vase or floral arrangement - the sky is the limit on this Home Sweet Home Challenge! Please take a picture and show the inspiration piece in your post. Entries must be in by May 11th at 5PM EST in order to be in the running for the entire May Release!

Soooo, I used a picture that’s hanging in our home office for my inspiration.

I’m using the lighthouse from A Guiding Light for my Father’s Day card today. First of all, I decided where I was going to put the sentiment, then I stamped the lighthouse image on Classic Ivory card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black Ink. After I colored it with these Copic collections…

Water Collection:

Warm Neutrals Collection:

Poppy Collection:

Copper Collection:

New Fields Collection:

… I trimmed it, did some scoring with my Scor Buddy and adhered it to a red mat. Then I tied on a sailor’s knot (tutorial HERE) and popped the whole thing up on foam.

And that’s it!

Now, be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you today...

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)
Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Jan Marie Caruso
Sharon Doolittle

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: A Guiding Light (Flourishes)
Paper: Classic Ivory (Flourishes); Real Red (SU!)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Scor Buddy, foam tape, cotton yarn. Copic marker

Butterflies–MFTWSC #70

2012-05-02T12:00:00.001-04:00

I’m using Inspired by Butterflies and the matching Die-namics Inspired by Butterflies dies. For my base card, I used a Die-namics Fishtail Flag STAX die instead of the two narrow elements and did some stitching. The circle element was achieved by adding a Die-namics Circle STAX layer on the larger of the Die-namics Open Scallop Doily Duo and popping a die cut and stamped butterfly on it. The sentiment was stamped on a Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon die cut and accented with twine-tied buttons.

Here’s the inside with another butterfly from the set, stamped off once, and overstamped with a sentiment from All Smiles.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

And that’s it for me today! Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Inspired by Butterflies, All Smiles (MFT)
Paper: Orange Fizz; Smokey Shadow; Country Garden Collection (Bo Bunny)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Inspired by Butterflies, Fishtail Flags STAX, Circle STAX, Open Scallop Doily Duo, First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics dies; buttons, twine, sewing machine

A Little Bird Told Me…–CTD #190

2012-05-02T02:00:00.001-04:00

It’s time again for the Color Throwdown Challenge! This week Lori is our host and here are her colors, inspired by her lovely inspiration piece.

I couldn’t find any patterned paper that had all the colors in it in my stash so I decided to create a scene—SO easy to do with MFT Die-namics dies :)

First of all I laid down my background paper and stitched it to some Whip Cream card stock. Next I cut out all my die cuts, measured carefully, and stamped the sentiment. Then I added my Die-namics Woodgrain Fence die cut and over that my Die-namics Fresh Cut Grass layer. Next I added my Die-namics Sunshine sun with twine-tied button and my Die-namics Flat-Bottom Clouds, popping one up on foam dots for some dimension. To finish it off, I added a blue bird on the fence, made with my Die-namics Contempo Cage & Stamp Set die set, finished off with a little black crystal eye.

Here’s the inside with a bird, a branch, and another sentiment from the set. I curved the sentiment on my stamping block before stamping it.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Remember, you do not have to have the exact colors to play the Color Throwdown challenge. If you don't, just use the closest you have. So, c'mon over to the Color Throwdown blog and play along with us this week. Please use the link service to post your card and please link directly to your card so we can find it easily. And please include a link in your post to the Color Throwdown. If you upload your card to a public forum, please use the keyword CTD190 so we can see your beauty all in one place. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out what the other team members have come up with this week, including the Guest Designer for May, Kittie Caracciolo!!

Barbara Anders (<--- You are here!)
Broni Holcombe
Danielle Kennedy
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Lori Tecler
Lynn Put
Tammy Hershberger
Wanda Cullen
Kitty Caracciolo (May Guest Designer)

Thanks so much for stopping by! I’ll be back a little later with my MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge card!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Contempo Cage (MFT)
Paper: Whip Cream (MFT); Tempting Turquoise (SU!); Dots & Stripes: Soda Fountain, Candy Shoppe (Echo Park); Miss Caroline - Fiddlesticks (MME)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Contempo Cage, Woodgrain Fence, Flat-Bottom Clouds, Sunshine, Fresh Cut Grass Die-namics dies (MFT); twine, button, crystal, sewing machine, foam dots

MFT May New Product Tour

2012-05-01T22:00:00.001-04:00

Hi, all, I’m back again with this month’s MFT New Product Tour project. I’m showing you Inspired by Trees, which has three gorgeous images and three fabulous sentiments and is available right now!

My card is fairly simple in design, but I love how it turned out. I think it would be a great masculine encouragement card—or even a graduation card.

I’ve got a little tutorial for you, showing you how I colored my tree. I’d intended to color it with Copic markers but before I got started I remembered the stippling technique and knew it would do better for me than the Copics.

So, let’s get started. First of all, I die cut some rustic paper with one of this month’s new Die-namics Designer Labels I STAX dies and stamped my image with Memento Rich Cocoa ink.

Here are the supplies you’ll need: stamped image, water based ink pad, and a stenciling brush. I used three colors of ink for my tree, starting with the lightest color.

Dab the flat surface of your brush on the ink pad. No need to rub, just dab until you get a good amount of ink on the brush, then dab the brush to your image, straight up and down and randomly.

Rinse your brush with water and repeat with the other colors until you get good coverage. Don’t overdo :) And don’t worry if you go outside the lines a bit—it’s not a big deal with this technique since it works so well with irregular shaped images.

Here’s a close up of the finished image on the card.

I love this little horizontal element on this card. First I cut a border with my Die-namics Simply Scallops, Medium die. Then I added a couple of strips of the new Die-namics Squiggle Border and tied some twine between them, anchored with a button.

Here’s the inside with a sentiment from the set and part of the tree again.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks SO much for stopping by! Now, go shop! :)

~Supplies~
Stamps: Inspired by Trees (MFT)
Paper: Fossil, Hot Fudge (MFT); Conservatory (7 Gypsies); Rustic Cream; Kraft corrugated cardboard
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger); Kiwi Kiss, Old Olive, Almost Artichoke (SU!)
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Designer Labels I STAX, Squiggles Border, and Simply Scallops, Medium Die-namics dies (MFT); twine, button, foam dots, sewing machine, stenciling brush

MFT May Die-namics Feature and Pep Rally

2012-05-01T00:00:00.001-04:00

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.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on May 1 at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on May 1 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 May 1 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 May 1 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

I’m using Vertical Greetings II Die-namics and Stamp Set for my card, along with a bunch of Die-namics dies. First of all I cut out the die with Sweet Tooth card stock. To give it a little more body, I made two layers of card stock, glued together. Then I stamped the fabulous sentiment and added some patterned paper to the bottom of the die cut. Next I assembled my card base with some patterned paper, some stitching, and some bling. Then I added a Die-namics Large Leafy Flourish die cut and tied around some black seam binding in a fluffy bow. Finally, I popped up the sentiment panel on foam, and started arranging my Die-namics Larger Royal Rose and Die-namics Mini Royal Rose flowers. I also added a few Die-namics Royal Leaves to fill it out.

Here’s a close up of the flower arrangement:

And another of the sentiment:

For the inside, I stamped another sentiment from the set and created a triple border with my Die-namics Squiggle Border die. I cut two from patterned paper and one from Black Licorice card stock. I simply added a strip of 1/8” Scor Tape down the center and, using grid paper for accurate alignment, adhered them, staggering the “squiggles” to create the design.

Here’s a close up of the squiggle border:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Vertical Greetings II (MFT)
Paper: Sweet Tooth, Black Licorice (MFT); Victoria Park (Lilybee Designs)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Vertical Greetings II; Large Leafy Flourish, Large Royal Rose, Mini Royal Roses, Royal Leaves, Squiggle Border Die-namics dies (MFT); seam binding, sewing machine, bling, 1/8” Scor Tape, foam dots

MFT May Teaser, Day Six

2012-04-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

Alrighty, it’s Pure Innocence day! Today we have for you PI - Baseball Boy, PI - Goldfish Girl, PI - Home Sweet Home, PI - Giraffe Girl, PI – Freckles, and All Occasion Sentiments (small sentiment set with all occasion sentiments that are "must haves" in PI font). Obviously I’m showing you PI - Baseball Boy, but first, here are the details about the upcoming release on May 1 at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on May 1 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 May 1 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 May 1 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

I just love this little guy! Isn’t he adorable??!! He’s stamped on Neenah Classic Crest Cover, Solar White Smooth, 130lb paper with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with Copic markers. After I finished coloring him, I cut him out with one of the soon-to-be-released Rectangle STAX dies and then matted him with another one. I tied some black twine around in a bow, and hung the sentiment, stamped on a baseball that I cut with my Die-namics All Star die. Before I added it to the twine, I used a red fine point pen and drew in the stitching. Fun!

Here’s a close up of the sentiment tag:

And, here’s the inside with darling sentiment from the set and another copy of the little slugger.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks so much for stopping by today! Hope to see you back tomorrow—it’s Die-namics Feature and Pep Rally Day!

~Supplies~
Stamps: PI – Baseball Boy (MFT)
Paper: Fossil, Black Licorice, Whip Cream (MFT); Neenah Classic Crest Cover, Solar White Smooth, 130lb; Kraft Funday - Happy Days (MME)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Vagabond; Rectangle STAX, All Star Die-namics dies (MFT); twine, brads, Copic markers