the sweetest thing...

MFTeasers | Day 3!

2012-02-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the details about the upcoming release on February 7th at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on February 7th 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 February 7th 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 February 7th just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

I have a card using Clearly Sentimental About Romance for you today - I love the romantic quotes in this set. I stamped the sentiment in Memento Tuxedo black and layered it on the Oval Open Scallop Die-namics and the Open Scallop Die-namics.

I added some felt Hearts a Plenty Die-namics along with a button and twine and of course some delish red ribbon.

Don't forget to stop by Kim's blog for a list of all the designers playing along today!

Here are the Die-namics I used today:

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: clearly sentimental about romance (mft)

paper: maraschino (bazzill), basic gray (su!), choice snow white (taylored expressions), yours truly (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: bubble gum felt (mft), puff cloud white (mft), gray twine (my mind's eye), neutral buttons (su!), red ribbon, hearts a plenty/open scallop doily/oval open scallop doily die-namics (mft), gray thread, foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 2!

2012-02-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the details about the upcoming release on February 7th at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on February 7th 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 February 7th 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 February 7th just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

I'd like to introduce you to Fix It Fred - isn't he the best? I love his little tool belt with hammer and screwdriver pockets - so stinkin' cute! I started off by stamping him in Memento Tuxedo black and then colored him with Copic Markers. I trimmed around him and popped him up on A Boy's Life papers by Echo Park.

I added some Stacking Stars Die-namics - no boy card would be complete without stars, right? The sentiment is stamped on the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics and the layout is a variation of this week's Thursday Sketch from the Silhouette Blog.

The inside of the card is stamped with more sentiments from Fix It Fred and then tied the new Tool Charm Die-namics together with some embroidery floss.

Don't forget to stop by Kim's blog for a list of all the designers playing along in today's Teaser!

Here are the Die-namics I used today:

Wednesday Stamp Club

2012-02-01T10:00:00.000-07:00

Howdy! It's time for another fabulous MFT sketch to get that crafty mojo kicking in. First, here is a look at the sketch:

And here is the card I made using the Pure Innocence Paper Dolls.

I stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored her with Copic Markers - I added a little free-hand grass underneath her feet as well. The papers are Country Drive from Echo Park.

I used the Rolled Daisy Die-namics with Bubble Gum My Favorite Felt and the leaves are the Prima Donna Petals Die-namics die with Sour Apple My Favorite Felt. I attached the flower to the cardstock with a rhinestone brad.

Inside the card, I used the Pretty Posies Die-namics with the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics for the sentiment and layered them over the Paper Doll Border Die-namics with a pink brad.

I do hope you will join us this week in this fantastic challenge! Hop on over to Kim's blog for all the challenge details and a list of all the designers participating today.

Here are the Die-namics I used today:

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: pure innocence paper dolls (mft)

paper: fossil, pink lemonade, choice buttercream (taylored expressions) cardstock, country drive (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, pink brads (su!), pink rhinestone brad (su!), rolled daisy/prima donna flower/pretty posies/paper doll border/first place award ribbon die-namics (mft), foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 1!

2012-01-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

Here are the details about the upcoming release on February 7th at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on February 7th 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 February 7th 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 February 7th just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

It's the first day for February MFT peeks and we're kicking the week off with a super fun set in the Who's That Girl collection - meet Who's ThatGirl Let's Chat - Isn't she fantastic?

I stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black in and then colored her with Copic Markers. The papers are Blossom Soup by Jillybean Soup.

I added the new Botanical Beauty Die-namics die with patterned papers from the pack and the placed it over the First Place Awards Ribbon Die-namics die. The layout is Jen Shults' DS35.

Don't forget to stop by Kim's blog for a list of all the designers playing along in today's WTG Teaser!

Here are the Die-namics I used today:

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: who's that girl let's chat (mft)

paper: sno cone, wild cherry, choice snow white (taylored expressions) cardstock, blossom soup (jillybean soup)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, botanical beauty die-namics (mft), first place award ribbon die-namics (mft), red rhinestone brad (su!), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

Thank You Bunches

2012-01-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I have a super sweet image from By LORi Designs to show you - this is Ella (TWO).

I printed her out in a wallet size, which seems to be a great size for cards. She's colored with Copic markers, and I was in the mood for red hair, which I really need to color more often - look how sweet she is! The papers are all from Lime Twist Happy Go Lucky papers from My Mind's Eye and the layout is Jen Shults' DS36.

I'm so happy you stopped by! Have a happy Tuesday.
Karen

recipe -

stamps: ella - two (by lori designs), everyday sentiments (by lori designs)

paper: jetstream (bazzill), rich razzleberry (su!), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), lime twist happy go lucky (my mind's eye)

ink: n/a

accessories: copic markers, rectangle spellbinders die, rolled rose/mini rolled roses/first place award ribbon die-namics (my favorite things), blue stitched grosgrain ribbon (su!), clear rhinestones (kaisercraft), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

MFT Creative Chat | My Creative Process

2012-01-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

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 challenged with the following:

Show us your creative mind at work. Take us on a journey through a card-making session, start to finish.
How do you select colors, layout, embellishments, and overall design?
Share your creative process with us.

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.

I cannot wait to go visit all the MFT Designers who are taking part in this month's Creative Chat and see how they get that amazing mojo flowing!

I'm giving you a little glimpse of how I usually create a card from start to finish and I hope you enjoy the tour. Be prepared, this post is very long and photo-heavy, so you might want to grab a candy bar. I'll have one too - it's not right to let you eat a candy bar all by yourself now, is it?

The very first thing I do when I sit down to make a card is find a sketch to work off of. I cannot make a card without using a sketch from a challenge - I just sit there and look at my stamps and paper and nothing seems to click. I save all the sketches I like in a sketch folder on my computer, then when I need one, I just open it up and keep it on the side of my computer screen. Today I'm using the current MFTWSC. I also open up Netflix and stream a TV show or movie. What does this have to do with stamping? Well, nothing, it just keeps me from getting distracted by email and Facebook. For reals. Today it's Monk, season 1, episode 7.

Once I have my sketch picked out, I figure out which stamps and papers I want to use. Today I'm using the image from PI Make Mine a Double and a sentiment from PI My Balloon. The papers are Country Drive from Echo Park.

I know I'm going to cut this image out and pop it up over the circle on the sketch, so I stamped it on a narrow sheet of cardstock in Memento Tuxedo Black ink. At this stage in the game, I choose the patterned papers I want to use from the paper pack and then match Copic Marker colors. Let the coloring begin...

I always color the skin first.

Next is the hair (red-head today).

Then the clothing and heart barrette.

...the band on her dress.

Next is the ice cream.

...and finally, shoes and cone.

Now that my image is colored I can cut her out. I forgot to get a photo of it, but I'm betting you know what I'm talking about, haha!

I'm now moving on to the next episode of Monk....

This is the point where get all of my Die-namics cut out and ready to assemble on my card. This is one well-loved cutting plate.

I cut the patterned paper down to the size I need and then layer it to cardstock.

Now I'm ready to run the panels through my Janome Sew Mini for some of that stitching I've become so addicted to adding to my projects. I blame the MFT team for this one. Haha!

I added some ribbon and the Little Open Scallop Strip Die-namics. You can see the Open Scallop Doily Die-namics sitting there with foam tape, ready for somewhere to go.

Here is the finished card -

And I also finished the inside -

I didn't show you my process on the inside, but it's exactly like the front.

Thank you so much for stopping by and being patient with my long-winded blog post. I do hope you've enjoyed taking a peek into my creative process.

Karen

recipe -

stamps: pure innocence my balloon (mft), pure innocence make mine a double (mft)

paper: sno cone, choice buttercream (taylored expressions) cardstock, country drive (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, open scallop doily duo die-namics (mft), little open scallop strip die-namics (mft), first place award ribbon die-namics (mft), dog tag die-namics (mft), so saffron grosgrain ribbon (su!), linen thread, sewing machine, thread, foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 151

2012-01-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning - It's time for another Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge! Here is the deal: make a card with this layout and use the InLinkz button down at the very end of this post to enter your card. The links will close in two weeks, next Friday at 10 PM (Mountain Time). Be sure to link directly to the blog post or gallery image which features your card. You may post a picture of the sketch on your blog, but please save the image to your computer first. Use the keyword SSSC151 if you plan to post your card in an online gallery.

WANT TO BE A GUEST Sweet Sunday Stamper? I'll be picking my favorite card or project after each challenge and that winner will have a special guest spot as a designer on a future Sweet Sunday Challenge. I'm SO excited about this! You can enter as many different cards as you'd like before the following Friday deadline, so get stampy!

I will be announcing the next Guest Sweet Sunday Stamper later this week, so be sure to check back to see if you will be joining the design team for SSS152!

I'm typing this post while it is snowing outside and looking at this spring tree and green grass makes me wonder how many more snow storms we'll have before the tulips pop up? Sigh. I'm using some Taylored Expressions stamps today - this tree is from Love Grows Here. I had to stretch the sketch a bit to accomodate the long image and then I added some Small Scallops underneath instead of over the top of the image. Hope you all don't mind, haha! I sewed 2 Grass Border strips over the base of the tree (LOVE that!) and then added some stitching around the sentiment too. Just a little bit sewing machine crazy today.

I had to add some yummy rhinestone centers to the blossoms on the tree. I can't help myself. The papers are A Walk in the Park from Echo Park.

The Sweet Sunday Stampers have amazing sketch samples to show you today, so stop on by to see:

Anita Madden - fabulous guest designer
Dana White
Jennifer Tapler
Karen Motz
Lynn Put
Sarah-Jane Kalé
Vicki Burdick

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: love grows here (te)

paper: hot fudge, blu raspberry, kraft, choice snow white (te) cardstock, a walk in the park (echo park)

ink: memento rich cocoa

accessories: copic markers, rectangle/circle/circle scallop spellbinders dies, small scallop border/grass border dies (te), sour apple felt (mft), clear/hot pink/aqua rhinestones (kaisercraft), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

Morning Coffee

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

How true is this fun sentiment from Love Monsters? Or is it just me? Please tell me I have monster friends out there. Taylored Expressions Sketch Challenge is BACK! Yay! I loves me some sketch challenges and I'm so happy Taylor is back at it with fun new layouts. I started by stamping this sweet little coffee monster in Memento Tuxedo Black on both Choice Snow White cardstock and Country Drive paper from Echo Park. I colored her with Copic markers and paper pieced the image together. The little scallop strip is the Small Scallop Border Die, which I trimmed to about 1/4" thick. I added a fun little white bow with a glue dot and 3 Hot Pink Rhinestones along the bottom. A little stitching and it's done.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

Karen

recipe -

stamps: love monsters (te)

paper: parakeet (bazzill), choice snow white (te), country drive (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, circle/large scallop spellbinders dies, small scallop border die (te), white/black stitched grosgrain ribbon, hot pink rhinestones (kaisercraft), sewing machine, thread

Hey there!

2012-01-26T09:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! Taylored Expressions is getting ready for CHA and there are some amazing bargains at the store - here is a little note from Taylor:

Good morning! We're almost ready to head off to CHA to buy all of the latest and greatest products for the TE Store, but first it's time to make room on our shelves with our semi-annual CHA Clearance Sale! We've taken markdowns on tons of products like Puffies, patterned paper, chipboard, Nestabling, vintage buttons, and more!

When: Now through Wednesday, February 1st

Where: Taylored Expressions What's the Deal Department

Details: Use coupon code CHASALE2012 for an extra 10% discount on all of the already discounted merchandise in the What's the Deal department. Get over 50% off some of your favorite products!

Once these products are gone they will not be re-stocked so shop early for the best selection.

I was a little afraid of this color combo when I first pulled the papers out of my Victoria Gardens paper pack. But it seems to have calmed down on the card, haha! I haven't used Labels of Love from Taylored Expressions for a little while and it was time to get it inky again. This set is designed to coordinate perfectly with the Spellbinders Ribbon Tags Trio 3 Dies.

I stamped the label in Colorbox Tangerine and then ran some white organdy ribbon through the tag. The layout is SCS's SC368.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Karen

recipe -

stamps: labels of love (taylored expressions)

paper: so saffron (su!), choice snow white (te), victoria gardens (echo park)

ink: colorbox tangerine, memento rich coca

accessories: spellbinders ribbon tags trio 3 dies, medium scallop border die (te), white organdy ribbon, sewing machine, thread

There She Goes Sneak Peeks | Day THREE

2012-01-26T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!! It's the final day of sneak peeks for the February release of There She Goes Clear Stamps - awww! Be sure to read the details at the end of this post for a chance to win one of the new February sets!!

Cruising on a Sunday afternoon, scootin’ by to say hi! Melyssa Connolly has brought Leah back and she’s 'born to be wild!' She already comes with lots of fun, but if this isn’t enough she has a kit to accessorize to her hearts content! Whether she’s moving, heading off to school, or enjoying a ride she’ll surely make tracks into your heart.

Scootin’ By is a 4x8 set that includes a total of 15 stamps and will sell for $18.00.

Scootin’ By – Accessories is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 14 stamps and will sell for $10.00.

This set makes me wish the weather was warmer and I could scoot around town on this sweet little scooter - so cute! I'm in a paper piecing mood this week and I really like how it looks on this darling image. I stamped the scooter, basket, and flowers on Choice Buttercream cardstock and fussy cut them out. I stamped the scooter again on two different sheets of Stella & Rose Gertie 6x6 paper from My Mind's Eye and cut them out to paper piece over the buttercream cardstock.

I used Copic markers for the tires, handle bar, mirror, light, and flowers and then stamped the sentiment directly on the patterned paper with Memento Tuxedo Ink. A little satin ribbon and sewing finishes the card. Love it! The layout is Sketchbook Saturday Challenge 45.

Would you like to win the new Scootin’ by and Scootin’ by Accessories stamp sets? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday January 28th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: scootin' by (tsg), scootin' by accessories (tsg)

paper: jetstream (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), stella & rose gertie 6x6 (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, aqua satin ribbon, circle/scallop spellbinders dies, little open scallop strip die-namics (my favorite things), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! It's time for another fabulous MFT sketch for your mid-week pick-me-up. We have a super fun sketch for you this week!

I made a card using Pure Innocence: Being Cute Is What I Do.

I stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Choice Snow White cardstock and then colored her with Copic markers. I stamped her again on a scrap piece of Everyday Flair paper from My Mind's Eye and then paper pieced her shirt and colored the rose with a Copic. The beautiful die cut is the larger doily of the Die-namics Open Scallop Doily Duo dies and then I used the Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon die for the sentiment after cutting one side of it.

I stamped her again on the inside of the card along with another sweet sentiment, while keeping a little room to write a personal note.

I hope you will play along with us this week! Please stop by Kim's blog for a list of all the designers participating in today's WSC challenge - you will definitely find yourself inspired!

Here are the Die-namics dies and Copic markers I used today:

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: pi being cute is what i do (mft)

paper: blossom (bazzill), flamingo (bazzill), choice snow white (taylored expressions), everyday flair (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, die-namics open scallop doily duo (mft), die-namics first place award ribbon (mft), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

There She Goes Sneak Peeks | Day TWO

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!! It's day two of sneak peeks for the February release of There She Goes Clear Stamps!! The Trendsetters have sweet cards and projects for you this week, so be sure to hop around and check them out.

Friendship and coffee are a good blend to send greetings near and far. Torico has created a darling set to perk up the one 'mug' you’ve been missing. An absolute must for those sweets and treats without all the calories!

Perk Up! is a 4x8 set that includes a total of 36 stamps and will sell for $18.00.

You might want to grab a cuppa while you hop around this morning - oh my! I'm loving this sweet little set! I started by stamping the mug and steam on Choice Buttercream cardstock in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and the mug again on Lagoon cardstock.

I added a horizon line behind the mug and then paper pieced the mug and the heart. A little bling and we're good to go! The sketch is MOJO224 and the papers are Lost & Found Breeze 6x6 from My Mind's Eye.

Would you like to win the new Perk Up! stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday January 28th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: perk up! (tsg)

paper: lagoon (bazzill), java (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), lost & found breeze 6x6 (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: black pen, clear rhinestones (kaisercraft), circle/scallop spellbinders dies, sewing machine, thread, foam tape

MFT | Scor-Pal Blog Hop

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is my second post today - please click here or scroll down to see my TSG sneak peek.

Hello, hello! My Favorite Things has teamed up with Scor-Pal for a fantastic blog hop and boy, do we have some fun projects to show you today! I found this One Sheet Box Tutorial and gave it a go. This box was super easy to create using the Scor-Pal - I love that I can score the fold lines at one time without having to move my paper. Such a huge time saver! I also have the Scor-Mat, which is a self healing cutting mat and work surface that sits perfectly inside the Scor-Pal.

I grabbed Bunch of Hearts Flopsey to place on the front of my box and stamped him in Memento Rich Cocoa on Choice Buttercream cardstock and colored him with Copic markers. After fussy cutting him out, I popped him over the Layered Heart die cuts, one in Hot Fudge cardstock and the other in Strawberry Ice Cream Felt. The sentiment is stamped on the First Place Award Ribbon die-namics. I filled the box with Hershey Kisses and then stapled it closed and added some Hot Fudge cardstock over the top to hide the staples and a Little Open Scallop Strip along the edge of the flap.

This is such a fun Valentine's Day project for friends, coworkers, teachers, kids, and grandparents.

Please stop on by Kim's blog for a list of all the designers from MFT and Scor-Pal participating in today's hop. I can't wait to see what everyone has whipped up!

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: bunch of hearts flopsey (mft)

paper: hot fudge, choice buttercream (taylored expressions), fossil cardstock, love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento rich cocoa

accessories: copic markers, layered heart/first place award ribbon/little open scallop strip die-namics (mft), strawberry ice cream felt (mft), vanilla grosgrain ribbon (su!), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

There She Goes Cneak Peeks | Day ONE

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!! It's the first day of sneak peeks for the February release of There She Goes Clear Stamps!! The Trendsetters have sweet cards and projects for you this week.

No bots‛ set would be complete without Nursebot! Torico has done it again. She warmed your heart last month with Lovebots and this month she’s going to make you feel all better with Nursebot. What a great way to send well wishes then a visit from the Nursebot.

Nursebot is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 11 stamps and will sell for $10.00.

This set makes me laugh - I adore Jessica's humor and this set really does crack me up! I went the the Chill Pill theme for this card. I used the pill bottle image along with the chill pill and stamped them both in Memento Tuxedo Black on both Choice Buttercream cardstock and Lost & Found Blush paper from My Mind's Eye. I paper pieced the bottle and pill and then layered them over some patterned papers.

I finished the card with a little ribbon and a sentiment tag tucked up underneath the bow. And of course all the sewing on the borders of the layers - this time I used brown thread. Something fun and different. The layout is Jen del Muro's January SFYTT.

Would you like to win the new Nursebot stamp set? Here is what you need to do - visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday January 28th with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: nursebot (there she goes)

paper: java (bazzill), kraft, choice buttercream (taylored expressions), lost & found blush (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, vanilla grosgrain ribbon (su!), circle/scallop spellbinders dies, sewing machine, thread

Happy Birthday

2012-01-23T08:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I hope you had a fantastic weekend and are easing into your Monday. I've been working on a ton of goodies for you this past week and I'm so happy to show you a new By LORi Designs Puddle Jumper image - meet Party Time Gabbi! My card is 5" square and I'm using Jen Shults' DS34 for the layout. I've had this sketch bookmarked for weeks! I colored her with Copic markers and then paper pieced her dress - the papers are Hopscotch from Basic Grey.

A reader asked a question about digi images this past week. Digi images are a great way to paper craft. You purchase the image and save it to your computer; then you can use it whenever you would like to, all you need to do is print it out. The advantage to digi images is you can print them in whatever size you'd like - bigger for scrapbook pages and smaller for cards or even smaller for tags. There is not a limit on the amount of times you can print the images once you save them to your computer, however many sites have a limit on the number of times you can download them after purchase. So a good rule of thumb is to have a file set aside for all of your digi images - that way you won't have to keep downloading them from digi sites if you can't find where you've saved them, or where your computer downloaded them.

I hope you all have a wonderful week and I hope to see you back here soon for more goodies!

Thanks so much for stopping by -

Karen

recipe -

stamps: party time gabbi digi image, little talks 2 digi (by lori designs)

paper: blossom (bazzill), java (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), hopscotch (basic grey)

ink: n/a

accessories: copic markers, medium scallops die-namics (mft), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

TSG140 | Love is in the Air

2012-01-22T22:00:00.000-07:00

It's time for another fabulous challenge from There She Goes!

This week our challenge is brought to us by the Senior Trendsetters! We are challenging you to make a card or project with love and hearts. Valentine’s is just around the corner, it’s time to get started on all those wonderful Valentines.

To be eligible for the giveaway, create a card or project for Valentine’s with love and hearts, and then come back to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (January 30th). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

By participating in this challenge, you may also find yourself in the Trendsetting Spotlight that shines on the TSG Blog every Thursday. We will be on the lookout to find challenge cards that stand out and show Trendsetting qualities. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG140 so we can check out your beautiful work!

I used Blossom by Blossom again this week and since the theme was love and hearts, I picked this lovely sentiment about hearts and love. That's what I love about TSG stamps - each set is so versatile for all sorts of occasions! I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored it with Copic markers. I attempted to color some free-hand grass. The patterned papers are Love Me by My Mind's Eye and the card base is kraft. Of course, I had to sew all over it too! The layout is Sweet Stop's SSS141, but I added a little button and sentiment tag in the corner.

I really hope you'll join in on the fun this week! Thanks so much for stopping by -
Karen

recipe -

stamps: blossom by blossom (tsg)

paper: kraft, choice buttercream (taylored expressions), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, subtles buttons (su!), rectangle spellbinders die, little open scallop strip di-namics (mft), embroidery thread, sewing machine, thread, foam tape

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! It's time for another fabulous MFT sketch to get that crafty mojo flowing. Here is a look at this week's sketch:

And here is my card using Pearls of Wisdom.

I cut out the label with the Die-namics Layered Label Die and then stamped the sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black ink. The little flag underneath the labels is part of the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics, which I cut in half and glued to the sides of the label so that it overlapped all the layers. The die itself isn't that long.

I also added some Fancy Flourishes along with a Prima Donna Petals to make it more fancy.

I used the Sweet Stack Labels Die-namics to create the sentiment frame for the inside of my card. A little sewing and patterned paper finishes it nicely. The card is 5" square.

Hop on over to Kim's blog for all the challenge details and a list of all the designers participating in this week's sketch challenge.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: pearls of wisdom (my favorite things)

paper: old olive (su!), raven (bazzill), bravo burgundy (su!), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), times & seasons 6x6 (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: sweet stack labels/prima donna petals/fancy flourish/first place award ribbon/layered label die die-namics (mft), black pearls (kaisercraft), black brads (su!), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

MFT {Pure Innocence} VIP New Product Tour

2012-01-17T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello!! It's time for the My Favorite Things VIP New Product Tour!! The Pure Innocence Classic Kids VIP Collection is available NOW - right HERE! This is such a fantastic way to collect these sweet little Pure Innocence images and you can get them 2 weeks early with this offer!

So, what is included in the Pure Innocence Classic Kids VIP Collection? For only $26.50, you will receive:

Pure Innocence Violin Girl Stamp Set
Pure Innocence Blowing Bubbles Stamp Set
Classic Kids Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set which will never be offered for sale or be available again. $9 value for FREE)
Monarch Border Die-namics Die

I made 2 cards using each of these darling little PI's - first up is Violin Girl.

I started by stamping her in Memento Tuxedo Black and then colored her with Copic markers; then I fussy cut her out and popped her up over an Oval Decorative Doily Duo Die-namics die-cut. There is a new Monarch Border Die-namics die included with this bundle as well, and I've used it along the bottom of my card. I also used Joanne B's tutorial for tying a cheater's bow.

I stamped the inside of the card with Memento Desert Sand ink and then stamped the sentiment over the top of the image with Memento Tuxedo Black.

Here are the Copics and Die-namics I used with this card:

Next up is Pure Innocence Blowing Bubbles.

I stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black ink as well and colored her with Copic markers. I used the Monarch Border Die-namics die along the side and added some rhinestones to it as well. I stamped the sentiment on the Dog Tag Die-namics die and the tied it onto the bow with some embroidery thread. Apparently my camera has had an allergic reaction to red and went a little bonkers. Sorry about the weird photo here.

I stamped a little bit inside this card with Memento Desert Sand as well and sewed some messy stitches around the outside. The layout is sort of a Jen Shults' DS33, at least it started off that way and then took a little detour.

Here are the Copics and Die-namics I used for this card:

Be sure and stop by Kim's blog for all the details and a list of all the designers participating in today's VIP Tour!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipes -

violin card

stamps: pure innocence violin girl (mft), classic kids sentiments mini (mft)

paper: java (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), lost & found sunshine (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black & desert sand

accessories: copic markers, monarch/oval decorative doily duo die-namics dies (mft), kraft satin ribbon, sewing machine, thread, foam tape

blowing bubbles card

stamps: pure innocence blowing bubbles, (mft), classic kids sentiments mini (mft)

paper: lava (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), odds & ends (cosmo cricket)

ink: memento tuxedo black & desert sand

accessories: copic markers, monarch/dog tag die-namics dies (mft), red seam binding ribbon, clear rhinestones, sewing machine, thread, embroidery thread, foam tape

{heart} u

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-07:00

Lori has created some super cute images for your Valentine's Day projects and I couldn't wait to make a little something with this digi image, Be Mine. You can see all the new Puddle Jumper digis HERE. I printed this out as a wallet size on Choice Snow White cardstock and then colored them with Copics. The patterned papers are Love Struck 6x6 from We R Memory Keepers (I've been using this a lot lately!).

Hop on over to Lori's blog to see what's new from By LORi Designs - so super cute!!

Thanks for stopping by -
Karen

recipe -

stamps: be mine digi (by lori designs)

paper: choice snow white (taylored expressions), regal rose (su!), love struck 6x6 (we r memory keepers)

ink: n/a

accessories: copic markers, pretty in pink satin ribbon (su!), circle/scallop spellbinders dies, hearts a plenty & by the letters die-namics dies (my favorite things), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

Sweet Sunday Guest Designer Challenge Winner

2012-01-16T08:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I hope you all had a nice weekend, and some of you may be enjoying another day off here in the States too! Lucky!

Before I reveal who our very first guest designer is going to be, I just want to send out a huge thank you to everyone who participated - it is SO difficult to narrow down all of these fantastic creations to just one winner. We had over 100 participants - WOW!! That's a record here at SSSC.

OK, here are my top five favorites from SSSC149 {in no particular order}

Michele Greenwood

Peggy Toole

Anita M

Maureen Plut

Denise Marzec

Okie dokie - the winner is.....

Anita M!!

I just loved the bright colors along with all the different patterns and of course, the adorable snowman/woman too - the snowflake with the button and tag really tie the card together and I just kept coming back to this sweet little card. Congrats Anita!

I do hope you will all play along again with SSSC150 - you can enter as many different cards as you'd like until the challenge closes on January 27th at 10PM MST.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

TSG139 | Back to Nature

2012-01-15T22:01:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I have a super fun card using this week's There She Goes challenge - Back to Nature!

To be eligible for the giveaway, create a card or project with a scene that involves a character and nature, and then come back to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (January 23rd). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

By participating in this challenge, you may also find yourself in the Trendsetting Spotlight that shines on the TSG Blog every Thursday. We will be on the lookout to find challenge cards that stand out and show Trendsetting qualities. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG139 so we can check out your beautiful work!

What a fun theme, don't you think? I found my Blossom by Blossom set and thought it met the challenge nicely with those sweet little birds and the grass. I'm ready for spring afternoons!

I stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored her with a TON of Copics. I get a little carried away with those things, seriously. The papers are some Valentine's papers from last year and I cannot for the life of me remember the name of them. I used a little red baker's twine for the button over the heart and sentiment and then I used SSS140 for the layout.

I hope you join the Trendsetters in this fun challenge! Thanks for stopping by -
Karen

recipe -

stamps: blossom by blossom (tsg)

paper: pretty in pink (su!), choice snow white (taylored expressions), valentine paper (so sorry I can't remember the name)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, medium scallop border/hearts a plenty dies (te), baker's twine, neutral buttons (su!), foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 150

2012-01-15T00:00:00.000-07:00

I have definitely been in a Valentine's Day card mood lately and so I made another card with this fun, new set from Taylored Expressions called Love Monsters. This little guy looks like a frog to me, so I grabbed this Love Struck paper from We R Memory Keepers and I went with the pink, green, and white color theme for my sweet little frog. I stamped him in Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Choice Snow White cardstock and then colored him with Copic markers. The fun heart doily is the new Layering Doily - Medium die and I also used the Fly Your Flag 2 die for the flag underneath the image. Since the flag wasn't quite long enough to span the length of the bottom layer of paper, I cut it in half and glued it in 2 separate pieces underneath the image. The 3 little hearts were made with the Hearts a Plenty dies.

The Sweet Sunday Stampers have amazing sketch samples to show you today, so stop on by to see:

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: love monsters (taylored expressions)

paper: parakeet (bazzill), pretty in pink (su!), choice snow white (te), love struck (we r memory keepers)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, fly your flag 2/layering doily medium/hearts a plenty dies (te), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch | Sparkle Creations Winner

2012-01-14T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! Oh my goodness, you guys! You have completely blown me away with all of your fantastic cards using SSSC149 and there were over 100 submissions! You all rock!

I'm here to announce our random winner of TWO Sparkle Creations stamps. Are you ready? Random.org has chosen.....

#65 - Olivia! Woot! Congrats Olivia! Here's a peek at her card she created using Celebrating Chloe from Sparkle Creations:

I love this adorable image and Oliva has made her card so cheery and festive. Love the inky edges!

Olivia, please email me with your contact information and Sparkle will get in touch with you about your winnings.

I'll be back on Monday morning to announce who the first ever Guest Sweet Sunday Stamper will be - oooh, I'm so excited! A HUGE thank you to Sparkle and everyone who participated this week. I've really enjoyed seeing all of the fantastic cards you have created.

Have a fantastic weekend and I'll see you back later tonight for the next Sweet Sunday Challenge.
Karen

TSG138 Paper Piecing

2012-01-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I have a super fun card using this week's There She Goes challenge - Paper Piecing!

This week our challenge is brought to us by our Trendsetter of the week- Jackie! She has challenged us to make a card or project using the Paper Piecing Technique.

To be eligible for the giveaway, create a card or project using the paper piecing, and then come back to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (January 16th). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

By participating in this challenge, you may also find yourself in the Trendsetting Spotlight that shines on the TSG Blog every Thursday. We will be on the lookout to find challenge cards that stand out and show Trendsetting qualities. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG138 so we can check out your beautiful work!

I paper pieced this adorable lamp from one of my all-time favorite TSG sets, Lighten Up, and thought I could use the set for a Valentine's Day card too! I started with Clean & Simple's FTL172 and stamped the lamp base and lamp shade on some Choice buttercream cardstock and then again on some Love Me paper from My Mind's Eye. I paper pieced the base and shade and then also paper pieced the rosette on the lamp shade after I colored it with Copic markers. Loved working on this!

There is still time to enter the challenge and I hope you'll join in on all the fun!

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: lighten up (tsg)

paper: kraft, java (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black and rich cocoa

accessories: copic markers, circle/scallop & rectangle/scallop spellbinders dies, sewing machine, thread, linen thread, foam tape

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club

2012-01-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! It's time for another fabulous MFT sketch to help you get over the post-holiday slump - or maybe that's just me that needs to get over that slump? LOL! I needed to get creative, and this fun sketch really helped me out! Here is a look at this week's sketch:

And here is the card I made using the à la modes Dip Me in Chocolate.

Mmmm, mmmm, scrumptious! I didn't have a chance to ink her up during Teaser week, so I gave her some love for the sketch today. I stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black and then colored her with Copic markers. The candy bar wrapper is paper pieced using Love Me papers from My Mind's Eye. I also cut out a pink felt heart with the Hearts a Plenty Die-namics and tucked it under a chocolate bow. A little zigzag stitching and we're done! Mojo is back on track! Woot!

Hop on over to Kim's blog for all the challenge details and a list of all the designers participating in this week's sketch challenge.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: à la modes dip me in chocolate (mft), bunch of hearts flopsey sentiment (mft)

paper: java (bazzill), choice buttercream (te), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, first place award ribbon/hearts a plenty/mini pennants die-namics (mft), chocolate ribbon (su!), latte pearls (kaisercraft), sewing machine, thread

Sweet Heart

2012-01-07T11:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! I hope you have had a fantastic week - we've been enjoying our last week of winter break and I'm very ready to get into our normal routine next week.

I have a sweet-as-can-be Sugar Stick Sallie image from By LORi Designs and she's all ready for Valentine's Day. I printed her out twice, once on cardstock and once on Love Me paper from My Mind's Eye, and paper pieced her dress and bows. The sentiment is from Little Talks 2 and I just created a little flag with a pearl for it. I had meant to add a few cardstock hearts to her and I completely forgot and just now noticed, but she is still simple and sweet.

Have a fantastic weekend! Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: sugar stick sallie digi, little talks 2 digi (by lori designs)

paper: blossom (bazzill), choice buttercream (te), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: n/a

accessories: copic markers, circle/scallop spellbinders dies, little open scallop strip die-namics (mft), rose pearls (kaisercraft), vanilla ribbon (su!), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

Taylored Expressions Release Party

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-07:00

It's TE release day! All of the new sets and dies are now available at the TE store and you can get started on all of those fabulous Valentine's projects!

The Baker's Dozen is giving you a little glimpse of all the sets and dies for January and I've got a fun little card using Love Shack.

I made a single layer card for today and let this adorable little house be the star. I stamped the house, fence, and tree directly to the kraft cardstock and then stamped the house again on Choice Snow White cardstock, colored it with Copics and then paper pieced it to the kraft. The clouds are the Cloud Duo Die and the overlapping heart is from the new die set, Hearts a Plenty.

TE Release Day!

All of the new products are now available for purchase! Check out the Fresh out of the Oven Department to see everything in one place!
More projects from the Baker's Dozen to inspire you, just follow the link list below.
Did you win one of the Baker's Dozen Blog Giveaways? Find the list of winners on Taylor's Blog.
Buy one Animals in Love A La Carte and get one free/Select calendar products 50% off/Layered Doily Dies special - get all the details on our January Release Specials by clicking here.

Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Jami Sibley
Jen Shults
Jodi Collins
Melissa Sauls
Melody Rupple
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Taylor VanBruggen
Tori Wild
Wanda Guess

Thanks so much for stopping by today!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: love shack (taylored expressions)
paper: kraft, choice snow white (te)
ink: memento tuxedo black, colorbox dark brown
accessories: copic markers, cloud duo die (te), hearts a plenty die (te)

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek | Day 3

2012-01-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready for another fabulous release at Taylored Expressions and Taylor is giving away a fun TE prize too - so be sure to read all the way to the bottom of this post for all the details, you don't want to miss a thing!

Today I have 2 new sets to show for you - first up is Animals in Love - Giraffes! Nancy McKinney has illustrated 3 new adorable Animals in Love stamps to compliment the rest of the series introduced last February.

I wanted to make a masculine card since I have very few Valentine's Day cards that I would even consider remotely close to a man card. I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on Choice Buttercream cardstock and then colored it with Copic markers and cut the image out. I stamped the image again on kraft cardstock and then paper pieced the giraffes after coloring in some natural grass. The little heart button sticker is from the Spice it Up Ingredients for the Valentine's Project Pantry Kit {which I'll talk about here soon}. I did a little sewing around the border and then I also created an embossed look on the background paper by cutting out several Jumbo Heart Border Die cuts and then glued them to the same Choice Buttercream cardstock.

Here's a little project rewind from last year - this is Animals in Love - Turtles and you can get this or any other previously released 2011 Animals in Love stamp for FREE when you purchase any of the new Animals in Love stamps from this 2012 release. You just can't beat a good BOGO deal!

My next project features a completely adorable set illustrated by Emily Burger for the Embracing Grace collection. Here is a peek at Love Monsters:

This is my absolute favorite set of this release - these little monsters will just melt your heart, they are SO cute! I stamped them in Memento Tuxedo Black on kraft cardstock and then again on Choice Buttercream cardstock so I could paper piece the eyes and teeth over the kraft. All of the cardstock and papers are from this month's Valentine's Basic Project Pantry Kit, which includes:

20 sheets of double sided patterned paper (American Crafts With Love Collection)
12 sheets of 8.5 x 11 solid cardstock
6 yards of ribbon (2 yards each of 3 different styles)

You can pick extra Spice it Up Ingredients to add more embellishments to your kit to fit your crafting style - isn't that fun!?

I used the die from Fly Your Flag 3 to create the I {heart} U banner and added a toothpick to hold it up. The red heart is actually cut from the Layering Doily Medium and I just glued it on top of the heart that was stamped. My tag is pretty simple - I cut out a piece of 3-1/4" x 4-1/4" and then used a corner rounder for the top of the tag. After layering the patterned paper and Choice buttercream cardstock, I used my Crop-o-dile to set the Brown Eyelet and then finished it with a piece of ribbon from the Valentine Basic Project Pantry Kit and then tied some Beetle Black Twine around the ribbon to hold it in place.

Here is a close- up of the flag banner and some shots of all the tags in the set {click on the image for a larger view}:

I told you this set was cute!

January Release At a Glance

We have sneak peeks to share Monday through Wednesday. All of the new products will be available for purchase on Thursday, January 5th at 8 am PST. You'll find it all in the Fresh out of the Oven Department at the Taylored Expressions Store.
Join us as a fan on Facebook for an early peek at the stamp sets, as well as a SPECIAL Facebook GIVEAWAY, on Wednesday night beginning at approximately 6 pm PST.
Mystery Baker's Dozen Blog Giveaway: Each day, one lucky blog commenter will be chosen by random draw to win a $10 TE Gift Certificate. Winners will be chosen from a different Baker's Dozen blog each day and will be announced on Taylor's blog on Release Day! Be sure to hop around to see all the sneak peeks and leave comments on each and every blog for more chances to win. Limit one comment per blog per day, please. Comments close Wednesday 1/4 at 7pm PST for the drawings.

Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Jen Shults
Jami Sibley
Jodi Collins
Melissa Sauls
Melody Rupple
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Taylor VanBruggen
Tori Wild
Wanda Guess

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Karen

recipe -

giraffe card:

stamps: animals in love giraffes (taylored expressions), moka cherie (taylored expressions)
paper: maraschino (bazzill), kraft, choice buttercream (te)
ink: memento tuxedo black
accessories: copic markers, heart button sicker (valentine spice it up kit), jumbo heart border (te), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

monster tags:

stamps: love monsters (taylored expressions)
paper: maraschino (bazzill), kraft, choice buttercream (te), with love (pebbles)
ink: memento tuxedo black
accessories: copic markers, beetle black twine (doodlebug), pink/white ricrac grosgrain ribbon (te valentine project pantry kit), brown eyelets (we r memory keepers), layering doily medium die (te), layering doily small (te), fly your flag 3 die (te), toothpick, corner rounder, foam tape

MFT New Product Tour

2012-01-03T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello again! It's time to shop! All of the new MFT goodies are in the My Favorite Things store!! It's been such a fabulous week of MFT teasers and I'm so thrilled to give you another look at Who's that Parisian Girl?

I adore this image and I love how fancy you can make your cards with her too - So much fun, especially with the Eiffel Tower Die-namics! I started by stamping her in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored her with Copic markers. Behind the Eiffel Tower I added a Fancy Flourish in black cardstock and then layered everything over the new Jumbo Monarch Border Die-namics and then, of course, my little Rolled Scallop Flower trio too. The papers are from Victoria Gardens by Echo Park.

Be sure to stop by Kim's blog for a complete list of everything that is new in January and she'll also let you know which designer is showcasing which new stamp set. All sorts of eye candy out there for you today! Oh, and don't forget to see if you are a winner of a Teaser Time Prize while your are there!!

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: who's that parisian girl? (mft)

paper: raven (bazzill), choice snow white (te), victoria gardens (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black, cameo coral (su!)

accessories: copic markers, fancy flourish/jumbo monarch border/rolled scallop flower/eiffel tower/first place award ribbon die-namics (mft), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek | Day 2

2012-01-03T09:00:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready for another fabulous release at Taylored Expressions and Taylor is giving away a fun TE prize too - so be sure to read all the way to the bottom of this post for all the details, you don't want to miss a thing!

Today I have a new Moka for you - Meet Cherie! Nancy McKinney has illustrated another fabulous Moka to add to your collection.

She's just too sweet! I love her little heart barrette and her fun shoes! I started by stamping her in Memento Tuxedo Black ink on Choice Snow White cardstock and then I colored her with Copic markers. I added some Leafy Branches underneath the main image and accented them with pink rhinestones. The patterned papers are Yours Truly from Echo Park.

I cut the sentiment down to size and snipped the ends of the cardstock to make a flag and then tucked it through the Hearts a Plenty Die.

Taylor and Nancy McKinney have been working on a fabulous resource for you that you are going to flip for! And it's FREE!! TE is offering a Moka Hair Color Chart, colored by the Copic QUEEN, Jen Shults. Plus, there will be Copic Hair Color kits for purchase at the TE Store making it easy to purchase the colors you need.

So how do you get the Moka Hair Color Chart? You can find it HERE at the TE Store! It includes Jen's color inspiration, suggested Copic combinations, and a blank sheet for you to practice and record your own favorite hair color combinations. The Hair Color Copic kits will be available for purchase with our new release items on Thursday, January 5th at 8am PST.

January Release At a Glance

We have sneak peeks to share Monday through Wednesday. All of the new products will be available for purchase on Thursday, January 5th at 8 am PST. You'll find it all in the Fresh out of the Oven Department at the Taylored Expressions Store.
Join us as a fan on Facebook for an early peek at the stamp sets, as well as a SPECIAL Facebook GIVEAWAY, on Wednesday night beginning at approximately 6 pm PST.
Mystery Baker's Dozen Blog Giveaway: Each day, one lucky blog commenter will be chosen by random draw to win a $10 TE Gift Certificate. Winners will be chosen from a different Baker's Dozen blog each day and will be announced on Taylor's blog on Release Day! Be sure to hop around to see all the sneak peeks and leave comments on each and every blog for more chances to win. Limit one comment per blog per day, please. Comments close Wednesday 1/4 at 7pm PST for the drawings.

Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Jami Sibley
Jen Shults
Jodi Collins
Melissa Sauls
Melody Rupple
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Taylor VanBruggen
Tori Wild
Wanda Guess

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Karen

recipe -

stamps: moka cherie (taylored expressions)
paper: going gray (su!), basic gray (su!), maraschino (bazzill), choice snow white (te), yours truly (echo park)
ink: memento tuxedo black
accessories: copic markers, rectangle/scallop spellbinders dies, hearts a plenty die (te), leafy branch die (te), pink rhinestones, sewing machine, thread, foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 7!

2012-01-02T22:00:00.000-07:00

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 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.

I just ADORE this PI Paper Dolls stamp set - Oh. My. Word. She's so cute! I used a few of the new Die-namics which will be available very soon - I started with the Jumbo Monarch Border on the horizontal panel and then layered the Paper Dolls Border just above it, which is SO stinkin' cute! The flowers are the Rolled Scallop Flower die and I just cut them out with patterned Report Card paper from October Afternoon. To show off the sentiment, I separated the words and cut them out on one of the Mini Wavy Pennants and attached them to the Mini Pennants flag pole and just tucked it in behind the image and the flowers.

Be sure to hop on over to Kim's blog for a list of all the designers playing along in today's Die-namic Feature & Pep Rally!

Thanks so much for stopping by - I'll see you back in a little bit for the January New Product Tour!

Karen

recipe -

stamps: pi paper dolls (mft)

paper: jetstream (bazzill), simon (bazzill), choice buttercream (te), report card (october afternoon)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, jumbo monarch border/paper dolls border/oval dainty doily/rolled scallop flower/mini pennants/mini wavy pennants die-namics (mft), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

Taylored Expressions Sneak Peek | Day 1

2012-01-02T09:00:00.000-07:00

We're getting ready for another fabulous release at Taylored Expressions and Taylor is giving away a fun TE prize too - so be sure to read all the way to the bottom of this post for all the details, you don't want to miss a thing!

If you are new to Taylored Expressions, all of the stamps are deeply etched rubber cling-mount stamps and are packaged on a full color inspiration panel, which stores easily in the Mini Binder Box, and our Petite sets store nicely in the new Petite Storage Box.

Today we have peeks of 2 new stamp sets, 2 new A la Carte stamps, 7 new dies and die sets, plus a brand new Project Pantry. I'm here to give you a little preview of Rosy Posey, a perfectly fabulous set of 19 images and sentiments illustrated by Nancy McKinney for the Whimsical Wishes line.

I really love the elegance of this set and the images are both solid and open, so it gives you lots of different possibilities. I started by stamping the rose in Memento Tuxedo Black Ink on Choice Buttercream cardstock and colored it with Copic Markers. The rose is cut out with the coordinating Rosy Posey Dies and then I added the Mini Leaves Dies underneath. See that gorgeous doily?? Taylor has 3 new Layering Doily Dies, which are sold separately in different sizes - Large, Medium, and Small. I'm using the Layering Doily Large on my card, and it measures approximately 4" in diameter. It's absolutely stunning!

I finished the card with some Black Pearls and the papers are all from Stella & Rose Hattie by My Mind's Eye. The layout is MOJO221.

January Release At a Glance

We have sneak peeks to share Monday through Wednesday. All of the new products will be available for purchase on Thursday, January 5th at 8 am PST. You'll find it all in the Fresh out of the Oven Department at the Taylored Expressions Store.
Join us as a fan on Facebook for an early peek at the stamp sets, as well as a SPECIAL Facebook GIVEAWAY, on Wednesday night beginning at approximately 6 pm PST.
Mystery Baker's Dozen Blog Giveaway: Each day, one lucky blog commenter will be chosen by random draw to win a $10 TE Gift Certificate. Winners will be chosen from a different Baker's Dozen blog each day and will be announced on Taylor's blog on Release Day! Be sure to hop around to see all the sneak peeks and leave comments on each and every blog for more chances to win. Limit one comment per blog per day, please. Comments close Wednesday 1/4 at 7pm PST for the drawings.

Charmaine Ikach
Danielle Lounds
Jami Sibley
Jen Shults
Jodi Collins

Melissa Sauls
Melody Rupple
Regina Mangum
Sankari Wegman
Taylor VanBruggen
Tori Wild

Wanda Guess

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to stop back by tomorrow for more peeks from TE -
Karen

recipe -
stamps: rosy posey
paper: raven (bazzill), basic gray (su!), choice buttercream (te), stella & rose hattie (my mind's eye)
ink: memento tuxedo black
accessories: copic markers, circle spellbinders dies, mini leaves die (te), rosey posey die (te), layering doily large die (te), black pearls (kaisercraft), foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 6!

2012-01-01T22:00:00.000-07:00

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.

It's Day 6 of MFT Teasers and today is Pure Innocence day - woot! I stamped PI Berry Sweet in Memento Tuxedo Black and then colored her with Copic markers. I used the Jumbo Monarch Border die-namics under the horizontal panel and then layers the Prima Donna Petals die over the top of the sentiment, which I stamped on the First Place Award Ribbon die-namics.

I also made a little strawberry treat box - so super cute!

This fun little berry box is the new Berry Box Die-namics! It's a snap to put together is and is the perfect size for those little strawberry hard candies! Jody Morrow has put together this FABULOUS tutorial on how to assemble it and it will give you an idea of the size of the box inside. You can see it HERE.

Be sure to stop by Kim's blog for more PI inspiration and a list of all the designers playing along in today's Teasers!

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: pi berry sweet (mft)

paper: real red (su!), kraft, choice buttercream (te), fly a kite (october afternoon)

ink memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, jumbo monarch border/prima donna petals/first place award ribbon/berry box die-namics (mft), black brads (su!), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 149

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning - It's time for another Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge! Here is the deal: make a card with this layout and use the InLinkz button down at the very end of this post to enter your card. The links will close in two weeks, next Friday at 10 PM (Mountain Time), and I'll select my most favorite card to feature on my blog on Saturday and the winner will be a guest designer on a future Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge. So, as long as your card is linked by 10 PM next Friday, your card will be in the running. Be sure to link directly to the blog post or gallery image which features your card. You may post a picture of the sketch on your blog, but please save the image to your computer first. Use the keyword SSSC149 if you plan to post your card in an online gallery.

We're changing things up here for 2012 {new year = new look} and instead of a weekly challenge, we'll be slowing it down a bit and creating a new challenge every other week. Now you have 7 days longer to make a card for the challenge. If you're like me, that short 7-day week gets away from me way to quickly - you should see all the sketches I have earmarked on the to-do list, LOL!

Edited: If you ever wonder how much time you have left to upload your submission, you can look at the bottom of the challenge post and Inlinkz will show you how many days (or hours) are remaining until the challenge closes.

WANT TO BE A GUEST Sweet Sunday Stamper? I'll be picking my favorite card or project after each challenge and that winner will have a special guest spot as a designer on a future Sweet Sunday Challenge. I'm SO excited about this! You can enter as many different cards as you'd like before the following Friday deadline, so get stampy!

Now, on to this week's challenge. If you saw the sneak peek on Facebook, then you know there is a sweet prize this week! Woot!! Sparkle Creations is sponsoring this week's challenge and that means you have a chance to win 2 - TWO - adorable stamps from the store. Sparkle has graciously offered to give away:

Charlotte With a Rose

and, Scooter Chloe

On Friday, January 13th, I'll be randomly selecting one winner through a random number generator, so enter as many times as you like - you just need to make a new card each time you enter and add a direct link to the blog post or online gallery photo of your project to qualify. Sound good?!?

So, to celebrate Sparkle Creations this week, I made a card with Ice Skating Chloe.

LOVE her! I dressed her up all pink and turquoise, cause you can do that when you stamp, LOL! I stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored her with lots and lots of Copic markers. The patterned papers are some of the few remaining scraps I have left of Holly Jolly Christmas by Echo Park. For the ribbon, I used the gathering stitch (setting E on the Janome Sew Mini) and sewed directly on the ribbon and then gathered it to pucker - then I glued it to the paper.

The Sweet Sunday Stampers have amazing sketch samples to show you today, so stop on by to see:

Dana White
Jennifer Tapler
Karen Motz
Lynn Put
Sarah-Jane Kalé
Vicki Burdick She's taking the week off, but please stop by to say hello.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: ice skating chloe (sparkle creations)

paper: blossom (bazzill), aqua mist (pti), choice snow white (te), holly jolly christmas (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, rose satin ribbon, pearl pearls (kaisercraft), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 5!

2011-12-31T22:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Hi! It's á la modes day! I'd like you to meet á la mode Genie - SO sweet! I stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored her with Copic markers. I used some Snickerdoodle Smooch on the lamp to make it look golden and it shimmers too! The Jumbo Monarch Border Die-namics created the fringe look at the bottom of the image panel and I added Pretty Posies with a wood button and twine. The layout is this week's MFTWSC52.

Don't forget to stop on by Kim's blog for a list of all the design team members playing along in today's peeks!

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: á la mode Genie (mft)

paper: maraschino (bazzill), kraft, choice buttercream (te), odds & ends (cosmo cricket)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, jumbo monarch border/pretty posies/mini tabs foursome die-namics (mft), wood buttons (maya road), red bakers twine, corner rounder, sewing machine, thread, foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 4!

2011-12-30T22:00:00.000-07:00

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.

It's day FOUR for MFT Teasers and I have 2 cards for you - first up is At the Movies {insert happy dance here}

I have to tell you - this set and die-namics set were SO much fun to work with and I love all the possibilities this set gives you. Simple stamping on this one - I stamped the sentiment on the At the Movies Die-namics film strip and then cut out another film strip in black so I could layer it. The ticket is also a die and I just layered a few different stamps on it. The heart die is from Hearts a Plenty. There you have it, easy and done! The layout is a slightly modified MOJO219.

Next I have a fun card using both At the Movies and another new set, Monogram Alphabet.

I'm now in birthday season, so I'm getting a jump start on some cards. I stamped the the letters from Monogram Alphabet in Tempting Turquoise ink and then add the arrow in Memento Canteloupe. The popcorn box is SO cute and I had to use it, along with the sound clacker thingy (what is that called??) and accented his age again there. All the little circles around the film strip are part of the Jumbo Monarch Border Die-namic and I added some red rhinestones in the centers to look like lights. Seriously, this set is SO much fun!

Don't forget to stop on by Kim's blog for a list of all the designers participating in today's Teasers.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipes

true love card -

stamps: at the movies (mft)

paper: raven (bazzill), choice buttercream (te), report card (october afternoon)

ink: memento tuxedo black, real red (su!)

accessories: at the movies & hearts a plenty die-namics (mft), neutrals buttons (su!), beetle black twine (doodlebug), foam tape

you're nine card -

stamps: at the movies (mft), monogram alphabet (mft)

paper: so saffron (su!), parakeet (bazzill), raven (bazzill), report card (october afternoon)

ink: memento tuxedo black, memento canteloupe, tempting turquoise (su!), real red (su!)

accessories: at the movies/jumbo monarch border die-namics (mft), red rhinestones (kaisercraft), foam tape

Good and True

2011-12-30T09:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning and happy Friday! I have a card for you using a Taylored Expressions set called Your Ways, which is a really great set to make a card on the fly - the image and sentiment overlay perfectly! I stamped the flower image in Memento Summer Sky ink on Choice Buttercream cardstock, and then stamped the large sentiment directly over it in Colorbox Dark Brown ink. I added some Leafy Branches and a flower blossom with Friendship Blooms dies. I finished the bloom with some Baker's Twine and a wooden button. The papers are My Mind's Eye - Everyday Flair.

I hope you enjoy your weekend - thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: your ways (taylored expressions)

paper: simon (bazzill), choice buttercream (te), everyday flair (my mind's eye)

ink: memento summer sky, colorbox dark brown

accessories: leafy branch die & friendship blooms dies (te), wooden buttons (maya road), baker's twine, copper pearls (kaisercraft), sewing machine, thread, foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 3!

2011-12-29T22:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Welcome to MFT teasers - day 3! Today we're giving you a little sneak peek at Pearls of Wisdom and Clearly Sentimental About Romance, which is this month's Triple Scoop Set.

The Triple Scoop reward is a full-sized stamp set offered to you absolutely FREE with a qualifying purchase of $60 or greater (before shipping and tax). The set changes with each monthly release, and is not yet available for individual purchase, so there is always a good reason to spoil yourself with MFT!

Simply add the Triple Scoop product to your cart using the add to cart button, and it will be shipped with your order.

The Triple Set set can be combined with our Cherry on Top promotion as well for even greater savings!

PLEASE NOTE: We are not able to add Triple Scoop sets to your order once it is placed. You will not receive it unless it is added to your cart.

My first card is Pearls of Wisdom, which was last month's Triple Scoop set. I started with Crate Paper - Paper Heart papers and stamped the sentiment on the Die-namics Sweet Stack Labels and added a few Bliss pearls from Kaisercraft. The flourishes were cut out with the Fancy Flourish Die-namics and then I added a few Fringed Perennial centers around the corner of the Clearly Sentimental Label Die-namics.

This is Clearly Sentimental About Romance and I've added some fun Valentine's elements to my card. First, I stamped the sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black on one of the Layered Label Die-namics dies. Then I added a few Rose pearls and the heart and "u" from Hearts a Plenty and By the Letters Die-namics. The papers are My Mind's Eye - Love Me.

Don't forget to stop on by Kim's blog for a list of all the designers participating in today's teasers.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipes

pearls of wisdom card -

stamps: pearls of wisdom (mft)

paper: aqua mist (pti), choice buttercream (te), paper hearts (crate paper)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: fringed perennial/fancy flourish/sweet stack labels/clearly sentimental label/open scallop doily duo/little open scallop strip die-namics (mft), bliss pearls (kaisercraft), black brads, foam tape

romance card -

stamps: clearly sentimental about romance (mft)

paper: basic gray (su!), going gray (su!), choice buttercream (te), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: hearts a plenty/by the letters/layered label die die-namics (mft), rose pearls (kaisercraft), subtles buttons (su!), lime twist remember twine (my mind's eye), twill ribbon, foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 2!

2011-12-28T22:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Flopsey is BACK! Yay!! He's bringing all the love too - isn't he cute?! This is Bunch of Hearts Flopsey. I started by stamping him in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored him with Copic markers. I popped him up over a new Die-namic for you this month too - Layered Heart, so delish! The sentiment is stamped on the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namic and the scallops were made with the Simply Scallops Medium Die-namics die. And of course, I added lots of stitches too. The papers are from Love Struck by We R Memory Keepers.

Be sure to stop by Kim's blog for more details on Flopsey and a list of all the designers participating in today's Teasers.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: bunch of hearts flopsey (mft)

paper: regal rose (su!), choice snow white (te), love struck (we r memory keepers)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, first place award ribbon/layered heart/simply scallops medium die-namics, red rhinestones (kaisercraft), sewing machine/thread, foam tape

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club

2011-12-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

This is my second post this morning - please scroll down, or click HERE for the TSG sneak peek.

Howdy! It's time for another fabulous MFT sketch to get that crafty mojo kicking in. First, here is a look at the sketch:

And here is a peek at the card I made using the Die-namics Vintage Cameo Frame Die & Stamp Set.

I love how easily this card came together and it is because all of the Die-namics work so well layered together, don't you think? I started by cutting out the Vintage Cameo Frame in Basic Gray cardstock, and then stamped the outline stamp on it. I cut out the frame again in Choice Snow White cardstock and stamped the crackle background and cameo image in Memento Tuxedo Black. I stamped the cameo two times to make the image much darker and less transparent. It's easy to line up with the clear stamp. I also used the Fancy Flourish and First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics for the sentiment and then added the Prima Donna Flower over the top. A little sewing and done!

I do hope you will join us this week in this fantastic challenge! Hop on over to Kim's blog for all the challenge details and a list of all the designers participating today.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: vintage cameo frame (mft)

paper: going grey (su!), basic gray (su!), choice snow white (taylored expressions), victoria gardens (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: vintage cameo frame die/prima donna flower/fancy flourish/first place award die-namics, pearl pearls (kaisercraft), pink brad (su!), sewing machine/thread, foam tape

There She Goes Sneak Peeks | Day TWO

2011-12-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to day 2 of There She Goes sneak peeks! Did you enjoy seeing all of the Lovebots projects yesterday? The Trendsetters have more goodies for you today!

Warm fuzzy moments and life’s little memories are genuinely captured by Torcio in this new Little Moments set. Gazing through the window watching the snow fall, special moments with brothers and sisters or wonderful thoughts of that one special grandmother that make your heart warm are all here. There’s no better way to send a loving card or create a scrapbook page to capture these glorious moments than to use this fabulous new stamp set.

Little Moments is a 6x8 set that includes a total of 12 stamps and will sell for $24.

We're all about the hot cocoa here in the Giron house and that's why I reached for this stamp first - love these sisters sharing a moment. I stamped the image on Choice Buttercream cardstock and on Love Me papers from My Mind's Eye and then paper pieced the image together. I liked the stripedy sofa. The image is colored with Copic markers and the layout is CPS146.

Would you like to win the new Little Moments stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday December 31st with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: little moments (there she goes)

paper: maraschino (bazzill), blossom (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, hearts a plenty die-namics (my favorite things), circle spellbinders dies, wooden buttons (maya road), rose pearls (kaisercraft), ladybug twine (doodlebug), sewing machine/thread, foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 1!

2011-12-27T22:00:00.000-07:00

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.

It's the first day for January MFT peeks and we're kicking the week off with a beautiful set in the Who's That Girl collection - meet Who's That Parisian Girl? - Isn't she fabulous?

I immediately grabbed my Lost & Found Blush papers - I love those soft colors! The image is stamped in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with Copic markers. I also used 3 new Die-namics - Eiffel Tower, Mini Wavy Pennants (for the sentiment), and the Rolled Scallop Flower. I cut 2 Rolled Scallop Flowers out of felt and then trimmed the darker pink flower about 1/2 way in the spiral and made 2 smaller rolled flowers out of it. Kerry showed this technique in her VIP post a couple weeks ago and so I stole it, LOL! I'm a flower cluster girl too!

Don't forget to stop by Kim's blog for a list of all the designers playing along in today's WTG Teaser!

Thanks for stopping by! Be sure to stop by tomorrow for another fabulous MFT Teaser!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: who's that parisian girl? (mft)

paper: romance (bazzill), basic gray (su!), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), lost & found blush (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, rolled scallop flower/eiffel tower/mini wavy pennants die-namics (mft), silver brads, rose pearls (kaisercraft), rose grosgrain ribbon (su!), sewing machine/thread, foam tape

There She Goes Sneak Peeks | Day ONE

2011-12-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!! It's the first day of sneak peeks for the December release of There She Goes Clear Stamps!! The Trendsetters have sweet cards and projects for you this week.

If you loved Friendbots, you’re going to love Lovebots. With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Torico has created an adorable set that will have your heart bursting with joy. This adorable mini set will have your creating cards and gift tags that carry your message of love and friendship to all your special Valentines.

Lovebots is a 4x4 set that includes a total of 7 stamps and will sell for $10.

Hehe! Who wouldn't love a Lovebot?? I stamped this sweet guy in Memento Tuxedo Black and then colored him with Copic markers.

I added some Glossy Accents over the face of the meter and the eyes. The papers are all from My Mind's Eye - Love Me and the layout is Jen Shults' DS32.

Would you like to win the new Lovebots stamp set? Here is what you need to do- visit the Trendsetter’s blogs that are participating in each of the blog hop challenges below and comment on their creations as you go. One of the Trendsetter’s blogs (from each hop day) will be randomly chosen as the ‘it’ blog and a winner will be picked using a random number generator from the comments left on that Trendsetter’s Blog Hop Challenge post. You will not know which blog
has been chosen so the more you comment on the better your chances are of winning new stamps! The Blog Hop Challenges will be open until 5 PM Eastern Time Saturday December 31st with the winner being announced during the release party chat.

Thanks so much for stopping by! See you back tomorrow for another adorable peek from TSG!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: lovebots (there she goes)

paper: maraschino (bazzill), blossom (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, glossy accents (ranger), circle/scallop/wonky rectangle spellbinders dies, first place ribbon die-namics (my favorite things), simply scallops medium die-namics (my favorite things), foam tape

Happy Birthday

2011-12-26T07:00:00.000-07:00

Hello and happy Monday! It is time for me to start thinking about birthday cards again - January and February are jam-packed full of family birthdays, it's crazy! I printed out this sweet little Puddle Jumper Cole from By LORi Designs and I thought he'd go perfectly with some Lime Twist Out of the Blue papers by My Mind's Eye. I colored him with Copics and then added a sentiment from Little Talks 2 and of course added some zigzag stitches - I thought it would be a fun change to just sew them randomly around the edges of the layers and on the star. The layout is Jen Shults' DS30.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: puddle jumper cole digi image (by lori designs)

paper: not quite navy (su!), leapfrog (bazzill), parakeet (bazzill), choice snow white (taylored expressions), lime twist out of the blue (my mind's eye)

ink: n/a

accessories: copic markers, file tab/stacking stars die-namics (my favorite things), circle/scallops spellbinders dies, sewing machine/thread, foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Winner

2011-12-24T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hi! Happy Christmas Eve! OK, raise your hand if you are still getting those last minute gifts? Anyone? That was me yesterday - oh my! Today my family is coming up to spend the day with us and it's the start of a Christmas whirlwind. I love it!

It's time to announce this week's sketch winner! Random.org has chosen....

#14 - Elizabeth!

Congrats, Elizabeth! I adore that cupcake and those papers are just as delicious! The ribbon treatment is especially gorgeous - I must try that! You can see more of Elizabeth's beautiful work on her blog, Scrappin' On a Shoestring, so stop on by and say hello!

We're taking a break this week and will return on January 1st for the next challenge. Have a wonderful week!

Karen

Baby, it's cold outside!

2011-12-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

It IS cold outside. It's a whopping 8F degrees at the moment - so glad I'll be inside all day. This latest snow storm has inspired me to make another card using this sweet little Lollipop Snow Family image from By LORi Designs. I still had my Winter Park paper on my desk from my tag project, so I grabbed the snowman paper for the background and then sewed all the layers. I colored the image with Copic markers - the card is 5.25" square and the layout is SSS139.

Wishing you all a fabulous Holiday season! Thank you so much for all of your amazing comments and crafty love this year. See you back soon!

Karen

recipe -

stamps: lollipop snow family digi image (by lori designs)

paper: basic gray (su!), choice snow white (taylored expressions), winter park (echo park)

ink: n/a

accessories: blue stitched grosgrain ribbon (su!), copic markers, sewing machine/thread, foam tape

TSG135 - Last Minute Tags

2011-12-21T22:00:00.000-07:00

I'm late! SOOOO late for this challenge from There She Goes! I had really, REALLY wanted to post this on Monday, but since I took the challenge a little bit too literally and waited until the last minute to make them, I, uh, well, I didn't get them done until today! Such a slacker. Who is with me in Slacker Land? I hope I'm not all alone here.

Jessica has challenged us to make a set of gift tags and I LOVE making tags, so this challenge was a blast.

I am sorry for the weird photo - these little cuties don't stand up on their tippy toe. This year, some of the kiddos are doing a Secret Santa gift exchange, so I thought it would be fun to do up little Santa tags for them. I stamped the Santa from Hohoho in Memento Tuxedo Black and then colored him with copics. The tag is cut from a Labels 4 Spellbinders die and then I added some Winter Park papers from Echo Park. A little ribbon, a little twine, a little Liquid Pearls and voila! So much fun and pretty quick to make. The coloring took a while, but it was worth it.

Here's a single tag for you to see - all that patterned paper in the group shot made my eyes a little dizzy. Me likes! I added a little Snickerdoodle Smooch to Santa's belt buckle. Very cool!

Want to join in all the fun and enter your tags for a chance to win a TSG gift certificate? Hop on over to the TSG Blog and add the URL to your fabulous tags and the winner will be announced on Monday.

Have fun and thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: hohoho (there she goes)

paper: not quite navy (su!), jetstream (bazzill), choice snow white (taylored expressions), winter park (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, labels 4 spellbinders dies, open scallop doily duo die-namics (mft), circle spellbinders die, dog tag die-namics (mft), white opal liquid pearls, blue stitched grosgrain ribbon (su!), beetle black twine (doodlebug), snickerdoodle smooch, cool metal jumbo eyelets (we r memory keepers), foam tape

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club

2011-12-21T10:00:00.000-07:00

Howdy! It's time for another fabulous MFT sketch to get those creative juices flowing. First, here is a look at the sketch:

I turned the sketch so the image panel was wider, and this is what I came up with:

I used the Always Time for Tea stamp set and Die-namics for the main image and then added the Prima Donna Flower. The sentiment fits perfectly on the Mini Tabs Foursome die-namics and the patterned papers are Everyday Flair from My Mind's Eye.

I hope you will join us this week in this fabulous challenge! Hop on over to Kim's blog for all the challenge details and a list of all the designers participating today.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: always time for tea (mft)

paper: seawater (bazzill), maraschino (bazzill), choice buttercream (te), everyday flair (my mind's eye)

ink: memento rich cocoa, ruby red (su!)

accessories: always time for tea/little open scallop strip/prima donna flower/mini tabs foursome die-namics (mft), vintage brad (su!), sewing machine/thread, foam tape

MFT {Pure Innocence} VIP New Product Tour

2011-12-20T20:00:00.000-07:00

Hello, hello!! It's time for the My Favorite Things VIP New Product Tour!! The December Pure Innocence In the Air VIP Collection is available NOW - right HERE! You better go get it because this one is going to sell out fast and will only be available while supplies last!

So, what is included in the Pure Innocence In the Air VIP Collection? For only $25.95, you will receive:

Pure Innocence Jump for Joy Stamp Set
Pure Innocence Plane Amazing Stamp Set
In the Air Sentiments mini (VIP exclusive stamp set which will never be offered for sale or be available again. $9 value for FREE)
Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics Die

I have 2 fun little cards for you today - first up is Jump for Joy:

She makes me ready for summer! I started by stamping her in Memento Tuxedo Black and then I colored her with Copics. I made the Scallop Rolled Flowers out of MME Love Me patterned paper and attached them to the card with large glue dots. I stamped the sentiment 3 different times while inking up only part of it each time and then sewed the flags to the image panel.

Next up is Plane Amazing:

For this cutie, I stamped her in Memento Tuxedo Black on white cardstock and then again on a sheet of MME Kraft Funday Everyday Fun paper and paper pieced the jumpsuit and goggles. I added some shading in Copic marker on the jumpsuit and then used a glaze pen on the goggles.

I stamped the sentiment on the File Tab Die-namics die cut and then added a black gingham ribbon, which I wrapped around the card twice and tied the bow.

Be sure and stop by Kim's blog for all the details and a list of all the designers participating in today's VIP Tour!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipes -

jump for joy card

stamps: pi jump for joy (mft)

paper: blossom (bazzill), regal rose (su!), choice buttercream (te), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, rolled scallop flower die-namic (mft), hot pink pearls (kaisercraft), sewing machine/thread, foam tape

plane amazing card

stamps: plane amazing (mft), in the air sentiments mini (mft)

paper: kraft, raven (bazzill), choice snow white (te), kraft funday everyday fun (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, file tab die-namics (mft), rectangle/scallop spellbinders dies, black gingham ribbon (su!), glaze pen, sewing machine/thread, foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 148

2011-12-18T00:00:00.000-07:00

I started by stamping the balloon on scraps of Choice Buttercream cardstock and Lost & Found Blush paper and then cut out the Buttercream balloon with the coordinating die. I hand-cut the patterned paper balloon and paper pieced it to the die cut. I also used the Leafy Branch Die underneath the sentiment, but I cut it in a couple different places so I could stretch it out to look bigger. The rhinestones around the sentiment and on the balloon are some border bling I wrapped around the oval. Add a little sewing, and voila!

The Sweet Sunday Stampers have amazing sketch samples to show you today, so stop on by to see:

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: sky's the limit (taylored expressions)

paper: sea water (bazzill), kraft, choice buttercream (te), lost & found blush (my mind's eye)

ink: colorbox dark brown

accessories: sky's the limit die (te), leafy branch die (te), circle/oval/scallop spellbinders dies, pink rhinestones, foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Winner

2011-12-17T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hello everybody! It's time to announce this week's sketch challenge winner. Random.org has chosen....

#15 - Meishia Liu!

I love Meishia's take on the sketch with her own twist of the tilted panel - so pretty! The image is darling and I love the little accent of bling. Fabulous job, Meishia! You can see more of Meishia's work on her blog, Simply Paper Crafts. Stop on by and say hello!

See you back soon for the next challenge -
Karen

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club

2011-12-14T10:00:00.000-07:00

Howdy! It's time for another fabulous MFT sketch to get those creative juices flowing. First, here is a look at the sketch:

I took the sketch pretty literally today, see?

I chose the clean and simple route for this card and let the fabulous Layered Label Die and sentiment from Pearls of Wisdom. I stamped the sentiment in Memento Tuxedo Black in on paper from Stella & Rose Hattie by My Mind's Eye. I also just picked up some White Opal Liquid Pearls and added little drops of it around the oval and then added 2 Chocolate Pearls over the tab. A little stitching with my sewing machine and it's finished.

I do hope you will join us this week in this fantastic challenge! Hop on over to Kim's blog for all the challenge details and a list of all the designers participating today.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: pearls of wisdom (mft)

paper: simon (bazzill), choice snow white (te), stella & rose hattie (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: layered label die (mft), white opal liquid pearls (ranger), chocolate pearls (kaisercraft), white thread, sewing machine, foam tape

TSG134 - Color Challenge

2011-12-11T22:00:00.000-07:00

This week our challenge is brought to us by our Trendsetter of the week- Theresa! She has challenged us to make a card using the colors blue, pink, and red with a winter theme.

To be eligible for the giveaway, create a card using the colors with a winter theme, and then come back to the TSG Blog to add your name and a link to your project in the InLinkz that is located at the bottom of this challenge post. This challenge is open until the winner has been announced on the following Monday (December 19th). The winner will get a $5 gift certificate to use in the TSG Web store!

By participating in this challenge, you may also find yourself in the Trendsetting Spotlight that shines on the TSG Blog every Thursday. We will be on the lookout to find challenge cards that stand out and show Trendsetting qualities. TSG stamps are not required to participate in the challenges but are appreciated :)

You do not need to have a blog to be able to participate in the TSG Challenges! You can simply add the URL link from your project after it has been uploaded to your online craft gallery. If you upload your card to an online craft gallery, please use the keyword TSG134 so we can check out your beautiful work!

I had loads of fun with this challenge - Pink, Blue, and Red - all the colors in My Mind's Eye Love Me papers! I paired this challenge with My Little Friend, which I haven't inked up in a while and it was needing some love. I stamped this little cutie in Memento Tuxedo Black ink and then colored him with Copics - I cut him out and then popped him up over colored cardstock. Lots of stitching going on again with this card and I finished it with a blue ribbon and some pearls. The fab layout is Jen Shults' DS29. Now, if you are wondering why this little gnome holding a flower is winter themed, let me just say that Valentine's Day is in the winter, so that's where I'm going with this one, LOL! At least that is what Corinna told me to say... I should really read all the challenge instructions properly before making a card, cause I think pink snowflakes would have been really cute too! But I think that since February is the coldest month here in Colorado, then Valentine's Day counts as a winter theme. Yep. That is all.

Thanks for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: my little friend (tsg)

paper: blossom (bazzill), maraschino (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, corner rounder, simply scallops medium die-namics (mft), caribbean satin ribbon, latte pearls (kaisercraft), foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 147

2011-12-11T00:00:00.000-07:00

I started by cutting out the Holly Jolly Die, which is included with the Holly Jolly set, and then stamped the snowflake on the die cut in Memento Summer Sky. The inner circle is from No Peeking and I stamped it in Memento Rich cocoa and stamped the Holly Jolly snowman in Memento Tuxedo Black and colored him with Copics. The sentiment is from Warmest Wishes - which just made me laugh since that's the sentiment. I don't know why it made me laugh, maybe because it's late?? I added lots of sewing and a wooden button from Maya Road with some baker's twine. I also added some Diamond Stickles to the snowflake, but you can't really see it very well. I need SPARKLE mode on my camera!

The Sweet Sunday Stampers have amazing sketch samples to show you today, so stop on by to see:

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: holly jolly (there she goes), warmest wishes (there she goes), no peeking (there she goes)

paper: not quite navy (su!), choice snow white (taylored expressions), winter park (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black/rich cocoa/summer sky

accessories: copic markers, baker's twine, wood buttons (maya road), diamond stickles (ranger), holly jolly die (there she goes), first place ribbon die-namics (my favorite things), foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Winner

2011-12-10T14:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! Happy Saturday - I hope you have been enjoying your weekend so far. We've been busy decorating our tree and making treats (well, my husband has been making the treats - I don't cook. Or bake..) and the house smells so yummy!

It's time to announce this week's winner! Random.org has chosen....

#9 - Queen B!

Congrats Miss Queen B! I love this sweet little image and the coloring is fabulous along with the flower brad! Yum! You can see more of Queen B's delightful work on her blog, Pink Paper Crowns, so hop on over and say hello.

See you back soon for the next challenge!
Karen

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club

2011-12-07T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hey, hey! It's time for another fabulous MFT sketch to get that mojo flowing. First, here is a look at the sketch:

I didn't have a chance to ink up the Pure Innocence Frosty & Fabulous set during teaser week, so I gave it a go for this week's sketch.

It's been frosty and fabulous here this week - so I was inspired to put Frosty in some puffy snow, which is made with felt from the Wonky Scallop Border - love this border as snow! I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored him with Copics - the papers are all from Winter Park by Echo Park and then I added lots and lots of stitching around the borders. My Frosty may have been just a tad to big for this sketch, but it still sort of works, LOL! I stamped the sentiment on the File Tab die cut and then added a few blue rhinestones to compete the card.

I do hope you will join us this week in this fantastic challenge! Hop on over to Kim's blog for all the challenge details and a list of all the designers participating today.

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: pi frosty & fabulous (mft)

paper: bashful blue (su!), choice snow white (te), winter park (echo park)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, wonky scallop border/file tab die-namics (mft), blue rhinestones (kaisercraft), foam tape

MFT New Product Tour

2011-12-06T20:00:00.000-07:00

Well, hello! What a fun week this has been - I hope you have enjoyed this week of teasers. Today, the MFT design team is hosting a New Product Tour, where we all give you another look at ALL of the sets and Die-namics that are available right now at this very minute! PLUS, you have a chance to win some blog candy, so be sure to leave a comment as you hop along the tour to increase your chances of winning.

I'm working with another fabulous Pure Innocence image - Heart Warmer.

I love making cards for boys, and that's kind of shocking since I used to run away, terrified, at the very first whisper of a boy card. These cute Pure Innocence images sure make it easy! I kept the layout simple and didn't add any ribbon, or any embellishments - WHAT? Ok, that is just weird for me. BUT, I did use the fun By the Letters Die-namics along with the sentiment from the set. I think it worked out pretty nicely if I do say so myself. I stamped the image in Memento Tuxedo Black in and then colored it with Copics and then I added some stitching around the borders of cardstock. I'm not brave enough to stitch around circles like Jody! Maybe someday.

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog for a complete list of all the new sets and the design team members playing along tonight.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

recipe -

stamps: pure innocence heart warmer (my favorite things)

paper: parakeet (bazzill), night of navy (su!), choice snow white (taylored expressions), lime twist out of the blue (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, circle/scallop/rectangle/scallop spellbinders dies, by the letters die-namics (my favorite things), foam tape

Hot Cocoa Kisses

2011-12-06T09:00:00.000-07:00

Good morning! It's a frosty -3 here this morning. That is NOT a fun temperature to be needing to run errands in, let me tell you! So I could definitely use some hot cocoa kisses, teehee! This is another sweet By LORi Designs digi image, Winter Dana. I started with SSS137 for the layout and then colored her with Copic markers and paired her with some Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses paper. The little penguin is included with Winter Dana and the sentiment is from Christmas Sentiments. It's a fairly clean & simple card - I should have added some frosty snowflakes or something, bummer!

Head on over to Lori's blog for more BLD goodies!

Have a fabulous day and thank so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: winter dana & christmas sentiments digi images (by lori designs)

paper: maraschino (bazzill), choice snow white (taylored expressions), eskimo kisses (basic grey)

ink: n/a

accessories: copic markers, small scallop border die (taylored expressions), rectangle/scallop/oval spellbinders dies, riding hood red taffeta ribbon (su!), foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 7!

2011-12-05T22:00:00.000-07:00

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.

I have had an absolute blast making cards with the December sets! I hope you have enjoyed hopping around to see all the eye candy!

I always need cards for teachers, and this year I'm getting a head start! I made this card for my 4-year-old's preschool teacher, Mrs. Q, who Katie lovingly calls, Mrs. Cube. There are lots of different Die-namics here, so I'll just start at the beginning. I cut out the entire alphabet with the By the Letters Die-namics set in kraft cardstock and glued them down on the kraft card base. I did glue them all down, even though the entire middle is covered up. I just wasn't sure where I was going with the card at first. I stamped the sentiment from May I Have This Dance on a Mini Tabs Foursome die cut and then sewed the corners to the Oval Open Scallop Doily die cut. The flag banners at the bottom are from Mix & Match Banners and the flower, of course, is the Fringed Perennial die-namic. The papers are Kraft Funday Happy Days by My Mind's Eye.

Please hop on over to Kim's blog for a list of all the design team members participating in today's pep rally.

Thanks for stopping by!

Karen

recipe -

stamps: may i have this dance (my favorite things)

paper: kraft, choice buttercream (taylored expressions), kraft funday happy days (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: by the letters/mini tabs foursome/oval open scallop doily/mix & match banners/fringed perennial die-namics, neutral jumbo brads (su!), foam tape

MFTeasers | Day 6!

2011-12-04T22:00:00.001-07:00

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.

It's time for Pure Innocence Teasers!! Woot!! There are so many darling PI's this month and you are definitely going to want to hop around to see them all. We had a VIP New Product Tour earlier this month when we featured 2 PI's, Ice Princess and Holly Girl along with this fantabulous Oval Open Scallop Doily Die-namics. Today I chose to feature Cause for Celebration which is perfect for New Year's AND any other celebration through the year.

I stamped her once on Choice Buttercream cardstock and once on some Lost & Found Rosy papers in Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I cut out her dress and paper pieced it and then colored directly on the patterned paper with Copics to make her little ribbon stand out. For the scallop border, I used the Open Scallop Edge die-namic and then I tied a vanilla ribbon around the card and added the little sentiment flags. The sentiment was too long to fit on this layout, so I stamped it in 2 different stages - once inking up only "Happy" and again, inking up only "New Year". That seemed to work perfectly!

Don't forget to stop on by Kim's Blog for a list of all the design team members playing along in today's peeks!

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: pi cause for celebration (my favorite things)

paper: raven (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), lost & found rosy (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black

accessories: copic markers, oval open scallop doily/open scallop edge die-namics (my favorite things), vanilla ribbon (su!), foam tape

Sweet Sunday Sketch Challenge 146

2011-12-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've been having so much fun inking up these new sets from My Favorite Things and I wanted to make a card with Always Time For Tea, which debuted in the MFT teasers yesterday.

This darling set also has a coordinating Die-namics set, so making this card was a snap! Well, except for the circle stitches, but I'll talk about that in a sec. I cut out the main teapot in Love Me paper from My Mind's Eye and then I cut out the little accent pieces in Sahara Sand cardstock. The flowers are stamped with Rose Red ink and then I added lots and lots of zigzag stitching. Yum! I was so happy to see that Jody Morrow made a tutorial on how to stitch around circles and ovals! You can check it out HERE. She said to take it one stitch at a time, and people, I sewed that by cranking the little turn knob thingy on the side of the sewing machine, one stitch at a time. I don't trust myself to use the foot pedal with this sort of thing, LOL! Love the way it looks, so it was worth the extra time to stitch it.

Don't forget about the Sweet Sunday Sketchbook on Flickr - you can see all the sketches in one place.

The Sweet Sunday Stampers have amazing sketch samples to show you today, so stop on by to see:

Thanks so much for stopping by!
Karen

recipe -

stamps: always time for tea (my favorite things)

paper: sahara sand (su!), blossom (bazzill), choice buttercream (taylored expressions), love me (my mind's eye)

ink: memento tuxedo black, rose red (su!)

accessories: always time for tea die-namics (my favorite things), vanilla grosgrain ribbon (su!), latte pearls (kaisercraft), foam tape