Paper Romance Colour Challenge!

Hey all! It's time for another challenge over on the Paper Romance blog! This week Andrea challenged us to use mainly pumpkin, black and cream on our cards. Speak of the devil....here's Andrea, Amy (owner of Paper Romance), and myself together last weekend at Krafty day. It was so great to see these girls again (and thanks Amy, 'cause I shamelessly stole this picture from your blog)!

I coloured up my image at Krafty Day and used some Cosmo Cricket Matilda papers that I won as a door prize. This stamp is called Laurie's Pumpkin Patch and I just love it. I coated the words with a Sakura Clear Glaze pen and sponged the edges with some Versamagic Wheat chalk ink.

The layout is from Taylor's sketch challenge from this past week. I hope that you'll play along with us and show us your colours (well at least your pumpkin, black, and creams!). Make sure to link up over on the Paper Romance Challenge Blog so you can be eligible to win a gift certificate to Paper Romance!

MFT Digital Designs Release Day!

Hey everyone! Today MFT is releasing a bunch of new digital products. There are 4 new templates and a new digi paper pack. They are:

Halloween Dotty Papers

Birdhouse Template

Full Circle Treat Box Template

All-Season Wagon Template

Pumpkin Treat Box

The template files come in several different formats for many different machines. And I must admit that all those SVG and GSD references are all greek to me! I've not yet invested in an electronic cutter, although I'm sorely tempted.

For my project today, I used the traditional cut and print version of the Birdhouse Template that was actually designed by the oh so talented, and super clever Barbara Anders.

And because I'm still head over heels in love with the Miss You A Latte à la Mode, I decided to make her the star of my project. Because really, this for me is the happiest place on earth! Now don't get me wrong - I'm a big Disney fan too, but I can't go to Disney World everyday. I can however, visit my favorite Baristas as often as I please (lately at least 3 times a week)! So instead of cutting an opening in my birdhouse, I cut some cardstock to make a door and rummaged through my recycling bin for a coffee sleeve. I cut the logo out and used it for my sign.

I also used the Halloween Dotty papers - I printed out the green version and cut it with the Die-Namics Jumbo Scallop die to make the shingles on my roof. Barbara has great tips, tricks, and ideas in her instructions and this was one of her suggestions.

And lookie! I was so pleased to discover that a half pound bag of coffee fits perfectly inside my own personal Starbucks! I used chipboard covered with cardstock for the bottom of my house so that it could support the weight of the bag.

Well , that's it for me! I'm off to make myself another cup of coffee. You should grab your coffee and head over to Kim's blog at 11am EST where she'll have links to all the designers who have digital projects to show you today. I've seen some peeks and trust me when I say that they are fantabulous! Later taters!

Paper Romance Challenge - Handmade Flowers

Hey all! It's time for another Paper Romance challenge. Angela wants to see our handmade flowers. I used one of the newly released stamps - Writing Mouse. I die cut my flowers out of some denim, cork, and patterned paper. I secured them all with some twine and finished them off with a button.

The papers are all Cosmo Cricket Togetherness and I used Mercy's Tuesday sketch for the layout.

I hope you'll come play along with us on the challenge blog and show us your handmade flowers. If you link up your entry, you're eligible to win a $5 gift certificate from Paper Romance!

Thanks for stopping by!

MFT VIP October Hop!

Welcome to this month's MFT VIP Hop. If you've come here from Michele's blog, you're on the right track. If you're just stumbling upon this post, you'll want to start at the beginning of the hop, over on Kim's blog.

The VIP kit is a bunch of fun products including the newest Who's That Girl set that won't be released for another two weeks, along with some other fun goodies! It's on sale now until Wed. night at midnight. Or while quantities last - there are a limited number!

I must admit that I loved playing with this month's set. Although I'm not anxious for the weather to cool down and to see snow, I love Christmas. I pulled out some old Basic Grey papers - Dasher and Figgy Pudding and paired them with Liquid Applique, Stickles and Swarovski Crystals for lots of shine and bling. I also used the new Let it Snowflake die - which is part of the VIP kit. Check out all the awesome goodies in that kit - that ribbon is seriously drool worthy!

Remember that the VIP kit is available now right HERE. And both à la modes that we've been showing you are also available. Well, that's all I've got for you. It's time for you to head over to Susan's blog to see what amazing project she has cooked up for you! I know it will knock your socks off! Thanks for stopping by.

MFT Teasers - Miss You a Latte à la mode!

Hey all! I'm so excited to share today's MFT teaser with you - I absolutely love this new à la mode! This is Miss You a Latte and I'm calling dibs on the bigger cup! She's being released tonight at 10pm EST along with yesterday's Candy Cane Kisses à la mode and this month's VIP kit.

I paired my thoroughly caffeinated girl with some Basic Grey Olivia papers and a Starbucks logo that I cut out of a coffee sleeve. I added the Die-Namics Rolled Flower die and one of the flowers from the Perfect Petal Trio die cut from felt. I also added some Swarovski crystals in the corners. The layout is Karen's Sweet Sunday sketch from this week.

I finished the inside of the card with another part of my coffee sleeve, and the Perfect Bracket Edge die as well as a flower from the Flower Trio & Leaf Trio die.

Don't forget that these are rubber stamps, unlike the rest of MFT's stamps, which are clear. Here are the deets:

• Each set is produced in the USA using the highest quality rubber, with the deepest etch possible.
• Each image and sentiment is backed on cling foam and scroll cut, making it ready for stamping right out of the bag!
• Packaged in a clear hang bag, we’ve also provided the ideal storage solution by including a thick laminated header card in each set that can be used to store the stamp set, in its entirety, after purchase

Make sure you check out Kim's blog after 11am EST for links to all the designers sharing teasers today. And check back again tonight at 10pm EST for our VIP hop - this month's kit is outstanding (as usual!). Later taters!

MFT Teasers - Candy Cane Kisses à la mode!

Hey all! I'm so excited for the next couple days, as we're sharing teasers for 2 new à la modes which are releasing Tuesday night! I am loving these girls and these two newbies are no exception! You'll definitely want to visit Kim's blog after 11 am EST for links to all the designers sharing teasers today!

This is Candy Cane Kisses à la mode and I've paired her with a sneak peek of the new Die-Namics die being released on Tuesday night as part of the VIP kit!!

The papers are some old Basic Grey and I also added a Die-Namics Oval Chain Border cut from felt. The snowflakes (hint, hint!!) are cut from some Doodlebug sugar coated cardstock and some more felt. I coated the candy cane with Crystal Effects and added some Swarovski pearls in the corners. The layout is from Jen's sketch for you to try from a couple of weeks ago.

I finished off the inside of the card with the Die-Namics Jumbo Ric Rac die and some more snowflakes (more hint, hints!). The new die will be available as part of the VIP package and then not again until it releases on Oct. 6th.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I'll see you tomorrow for another teaser. Have a great Monday!

You're Super & Another Backpack Tag!

Hey all! Well I finished my very last batch of jam last night and am ready to move on! I've got lots of stamping to do as well as some housework and actual work to catch up on.

I made this card earlier in the week using Pure Innocence Super Boy who was released last month.

I paired him with some Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride papers and some twill on which I stamped the sentiment. I used Taylor's sketch challenge from last week and finished off the inside as well.

In other news, my daughter finally had her first full day of kindergarten. Our district uses a gradual entry system for kindergarten and it's been a long two weeks of waiting to start full time!

I couldn't get away without making her a backpack tag, like I did her brother, so I whipped one up using Emma with Her Backpack and some Cosmo Cricket Pixielicious papers. I embellished with a framed greetings die cut shape, some crochet ribbon (currently being re-stocked), and an Earth girl button. I stamped her name using the Wendy alphabet - love that alpha!!

Have a great weekend friends! I'll be back on Monday with an MFT Teasers (and you're gonna love it - I just know it!).

Paper Romance Challenge - Cards for OWH!

Hey all! It's challenge day over at the Paper Romance blog and this week we're making birthday or Christmas cards for Operation Write Home. OWH "supports our nation's armed forces by sending blank handmade greeting cards to write home on, as well as cards of gratitude to encourage them".

I decided to make my first Christmas card of the year (gasp - so out of character for me to start this early!). I used a High Hopes stamp - Let Us Adore Him and paired it with Mercy's sketch challenge. The paper is some old Basic Grey and I added some brads, felt, and ribbon. I just love this image!

Hope you'll join us over on the challenge blog and play along. If you link up you'll have a chance to win a $5 gift certificate to the Paper Romance store!

Where Have I Been?

I've been in a jam! Literally! Sorry - really bad pun! But my amazing friend has a pear tree in her backyard and gifts me with free pears at this time of the year (thanks A!)! They're so yummy and make awesome jam. We're not huge jam eaters in my house, but they make awesome teacher, secretary, etc... gifts.

And speaking of jam, I need to get back to it. I have one last batch to make. I'll see you soon with a card though! Hope you're having a great week!

MFT Greatest Hits - Jolinne

Welcome to September's MFT greatest hits post! This month the designers are focusing on Jolinne! She's a super sweet girl with lots of personality and she's featured in some fantastic sets! Check out the MFT blog today at 11am EST for links to all the designers sharing projects today.

Today I've used Fairy Sweet Jolinne and paired her with some of my new Cosmo Cricket Pixielicious papers! I can't believe that this set has never seen ink before (gasp - the shame!). I used the out of the box technique for her wings and coated them with Stardust Stickles. I added some cotton twill and cut some grass from Earth Girl felt using the Fresh Grass Die-Namic die. I also used the Perfect Petal trio die to mat the sentiment. The layout is from this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

Because we know that you all love Jolinne, Kim has a special for today only! Enter the code JOLINNE at checkout and receive $5 off any Jolinne set. What an awesome deal! Some of the Jolinne sets start at $9 so that's a huge discount - what are you waiting for?

Thanks for stopping by friends! Have a great day!

Paper Romance Challenge - Clean & Simple

Hey all! I'm back today with the first of 2 posts! Today is challenge day over at the Paper Romance Challenge blog and Lori has challenged us to make a clean and simple card.

Tough one for me! I decided to ink up Halloween Miles & Maisie and in the spirit of keeping it simple, colored them monochromatically. Every since I saw Leigh's card HERE, I've been wanting to give it a try. I stamped it on Kraft paper and used C00, C0, C1, C3, C5 & C7 copics for the entire image. I also did some shading with a white prismacolor pencil as well as a French Grey 70% pencil and blended them with Gamsol. I'm so tickled with the result!

The papers are Basic Grey Eerie and I added some rub-on stitches. The layout is from Mercy's Tuesday sketch challenge and just seemed perfect for CAS!

I hope you'll come play along with us over on the challenge blog! If you link your card over there you'll be entered to win a $5 gift certificate! Have a great day friends!

Back to School Happenings!

Hey all! Today is the first day of school for our district and I saw my son go off to his new school this year. After two years of French immersion we decided it just wasn't for him and have returned him to his neighborhood school. He's super excited but also a tad bit nervous.

Ever since I saw Christina's bag tag, I knew that I wanted to make them for my kids as well. I used Wyatt and His Wagon and stamped him on a cream Perfect Panel. I cut him out and put him on some Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride paper. Some twill and an Earth Girl button rounds out this tag. I used a binder clip to attach it to his bag - ribbon might be a bit girly?!

I also decided to make a quick card for his teacher. My son has a very distinct learning style and I generally try and schedule a meeting in the first couple weeks of school to discuss it. I used some Papertrey goodies that I picked up at CHA as well as some Earth Girl felt cut with the Open Scallop Border die.
And finally, here's a pic of my kids this morning. My daughter is on gradual entry until next Friday, but she had her first visit this morning as well.

Have a great day!

Grandma's Little Angel

Happy Sunday and Happy long weekend to you! We're having a quiet weekend, getting the house clean and organized, and getting ready to start school on Tuesday. I found a card in my files that I had made and never shared here. This is Pure Innocence Little Angel and I paired her with some My Mind's Eye papers and pieced her dress.

I also added some baby braddies, some crochet ribbon (currently being re-stocked), and used the Die-Namics Rolled Flower die to make a flower out of some Banana split felt.

I finished up the inside of the card with another sentiment from the set as well as the Jumbo Ric Rac die.
Have a great rest of your long weekend friends!

Paper Romance Challenge - Furry Friends

If you're looking for my MFT Shop & Hop post, please scroll down or go HERE.

Hey all! It's challenge day over at the Paper Romance challenge blog and this week Angela has challenged us to include a furry friend on our card. I had to think a bit on this one, and then realized that I had just ordered some new Kraftin' Kimmie stamps, and among them was Goldilocks holding her three bears. Perfect!

Have you ever had one of those cards where everything just seemed to go wrong? Yeah - this was one of those for me. I won't go into all the details, but if you look close you can see a couple of my difficulties! Anywho! I paired Goldilocks with some Basic Grey Olivia paper and added a button and prima flower. Some twill and baby braddies finished it all off.

Hope you'll play along with us?! Upload your creation to the challenge blog and you'll be eligible to win a $5 gift certificate to the Paper Romance Store. And there's a brand spanking new High Hopes release in the store too!

Thanks for stopping by!

MFT September Shop & Hop

Hey All!! Welcome to the MFT Shop & Hop!! All the new stamps and new Die-Namics are now available for purchase right HERE. If you've arrived here via Susan's blog you're right on track. If you've just stumbled upon my blog, you'll want to go back to Kim's blog and start at the beginning! Also, don't forget to leave comments along the hop, as one blogger has a gift certificate to give away! We're not telling you who though, so the more comments you leave, the better your chances of winning!

For my project I used the new Fred set - Fred Bear Goes Fishing. Ironically, my family and I just returned from a camping trip where we - you guessed it - fished! I had taken this picture and wanted to make a frame for it. I used lots of different Die-Namics dies including the Cloud Trio, Fresh Cut Grass, Sheltering Tree & Leaf Trio, and Sunshine die. I cut both patterned papers as well as felt for different textures.

I coloured Fred with my copics and used the rag & blender solution technique to give his fur some texture. I cut off his stamped fishing line and attached some twine instead for a little dimension.

Well that's all I've got for you! Your next stop is "down-under"! Over to the fabulous Frances to see what amazing creation she has for you to see! Thanks for stopping by friends and happy shopping!!

MFT Teasers - Clearly Sentimental About Books

ey all! Welcome back for another day of teasers! And woo hoo - tonight is release night! All the new sets and new Die-Namics will be available at 10pm EST in the MFT shop.

Today I'm previewing this month's Triple Scoop set - Clearly Sentimental About Books. I've also used this week's Wednesday stamp club theme, which is a sketch challenge, for my layout. The sketch and awesome samples can be found in the MFT forum.

This set is free to you this month when you purchase 3 full size sets. It won't be available to purchase until the following month. Good deal eh? I used a sentiment from the set for both the outside and the inside of my card. I also used one of the new Die-Namics dies that are releasing this month - the Notebook Edge die. As well as a couple of the previously released ones like the Rolled Flower die and the Open Scallop Border die.

I coloured some MFT twill to match with my copic markers and added some buttons.

I finished off the inside with some matching paper, a couple more Die-Namics and the stack of books from the I {heart} Books set (currently being re-stocked).

Here's some things to know about this month's release:

• Check the MFT blog everyday at 11am EST for a list of designers sharing teasers for that day.Leave comments on the designer blogs for your chance to win one of the sets being previewed that day. Today's winners will be announced at the release party tonight.
• The release party is TONIGHT - Wed. Sept. 1st from 8-10pm EST in the MFT forum on THIS thread. Join us for fun and prizes and the announcement of the guest designer.
• The Shop & Hop begins on Kim's blog on Wed. Sept. 1st at 10pm EST immediately following the release party. Leave comments on each designer's blog for your chance to win an MFT gift certificate.

Thanks for stopping by! I'll see you back tonight for the shop & hop!