MFT Teasers - More Essential Sentiments!

TGIF and Happy New Year's Eve! We're taking the kids to see Disney on Ice this afternoon and then off to a friend's house to ring in 2011. But right now, I'm excited for you to see Day 1 of this month's MFT Teasers. You may have noticed that we've rolled everything back a day. Teasers now start on Friday and new stamps will be released on the first Tuesday of the month, as opposed to the first Wed. Also, the teaser post will be up on the MFT blog at midnight, so you can pop over there now to see links to all the designers sharing projects today!

I'm over the moon with this new stamp set and Die-Namics die. More Essential Sentiments is the sequel to Essential Sentiments and is sized nice and large and was especially designed to compliment the new Layered Label Die. Here I've used one of my most requested sentiments and paired it with some October Afternoon patterned papers. If you look closely, you'll also see a peek of the new Mini Rolled Roses - aren't they fabulous?! I love these new sizes and will be using them everywhere!
I finished the inside of the card off with another of the More Essential Sentiments as well as the Flower Border and the Small Scallop Border.

My second card does double duty, both as a teaser for the new Clearly Sentimental About Time set (this month's Triple Scoop set), and as my sample for this month's Guest Designer contest. Julie and I are hosting this month and our theme is "2011 - It's a Banner Year"! Create a banner or project with a banner. Use the Die-Namics banner dies, paper with banners, or a sentiment banner. Alternatively, show us your interpretation - what will 2011 bring for you?

I used some banner paper (MME) as well as the Banner Strip Die. I also used this particular sentiment on purpose - one of my goals for 2011 is to be a better steward of my time, and this is a timely reminder. I hope you'll play along with us! All the details can be found in the MFT forum over on Splitcoast. You could win all of next month's release and the chance to play along with the design team.

A couple of quick details about my card, I used the Framed Greetings die as well as the Perfect Petal trio die, and the arrow from the Game Night Spinner die.

DON'T FORGET - make sure to leave comments on all the designer's blogs. Two of the new stamp sets are given away each day from two different blogs. The winners will be posted the following day on the MFT blog. And mark your calendar for our release party - Tuesday Jan. 4th at 10pm EST.

Thanks for stopping by! See you tomorrow for another teaser!

Christmas Yo-Yo's

Hope you had a Merry Christmas! We did and I'm anxious to put away Christmas and jump into 2011 with both feet. I've already set some goals for the upcoming year and while I won't go into a deep personal introspective monologue here, I will say that they mostly all have to do with being a better steward of my time.

I wanted to pop on to share a project that I made for a couple of special friends this year for Christmas. You may remember this frame that I made earlier this year, well I liked it so much I decided to revisit it for gifts. I got a whole bunch of different fat quarters from a quilting store (all from the same line) and went to work. I love how these turned out.

True confession time, I also cheated a little bit. For my first frame I sewed all the yoyo's freestyle, but while I was at the quilting store, I stumbled upon a Clover Quick Yo-Yo Maker. I still sewed them all by hand, but was aided by this handy contraption so they look a little more uniform.

Thanks for stopping by! I'll be back tomorrow with the first MFT Teaser for this month's awesome release! See you then!

Scrapbook Queens December Design Team Projects

Hey all! I don't think I've had a chance to mention here that I'm now a design team member for Scrapbook Queens. They're a new store that's just down the highway from me, but still close enough to be considered the local in local scrapbook store (LSS). When I walked in for the first time I was ecstatic to see all the new product they were carrying. Of course I was overjoyed to see that they were carrying MFT stamps as well. And their crop area is spacious and beautiful.

So these are the cards I made with our first design team kit. We used Echo Park's Happy Halloween papers and MME Haunted papers. We also got some yummy Jenni Bowlin buttons and some pretty MME brads. I decided to use all MFT stamps which if you're a local reader, you can get at Scrapbook Queens. If you're not local, they're available in the MFT store.

I knew right away that I wanted to pull out Little Loveosaurus. And I think I kept this card generic enough that it could pass as a birthday card as well. I used some copic blending solution on a washcloth and pressed it to the coloured image to get the texture you see. Love that effect! This layout was from last week's sketch challenge over on Splitcoast Stampers.

My next card features one of the Pure Innocence images - Honey Bee. I paired her with that gorgeous glazed cardstock and used the reverse sides of the MME papers. Those brads and that button were almost too nice to use - but I caved in the end cause they look so good on the card. The white trim is also from Scrapbook Queens, I picked it up last time I was in there. This is a Mojo Monday layout from a couple of weeks ago.

And finally I used Li'l Pumpkin for my last card. i couldn't resist when I saw that Echo Park pumpkin paper. I paper pieced her dress and cropped her with my circle nestabilities (because someone spilled something on the bottom of my image - a happy mistake). There's more of those awesome buttons & brads and I added some satin ribbon. This started as another older Mojo Monday layout, but I had to play with some of the placement and it's not quite true to the sketch anymore.
If you want to check out what the rest of the talented design team created, you can find the Scrapbook Queens design team gallery right HERE.

Thanks so much for stopping by. It will probably be a bit quiet here until after Christmas but I'll be popping in and out with a couple of posts. Merry Christmas!

MFT January VIP Hop

Hey all! Happy VIP day! I'm so excited for you to see this month's VIP kit and January's Who's That Girl set. I had a fun time stamping with it and can see myself creating much more. If you're just stumbling upon this post, you'll want to go back to the beginning of the hop at Kim's blog.

I did something a little different for my VIP post. True confession time - I've put on some weight this year, and I'm ready to do something about it. But I'm the kind of person who needs to be constantly reminded of a goal - mostly because I have poor willpower. So I made a couple of items that I can place around my house to encourage me.

I started with a canvas tag that will hang from my bedside lamp. The best time for me to exercise is first thing in the morning, but I love my sleep. I'm hoping that looking at this before I go to bed and again when I get up will help. I stamped the image onto X-Press It Blending Cardstock and layered it with the new Layered Label Die-namics die that comes in this month's VIP kit (it will be available for sale separately on Jan. 5th). I used the sentiment from the Get A Move On free mini set that is exclusive to the VIP kit. I LOVE this sentiment!
I found this frame at Michael's in the dollar bin (well $1.50 here in Canada). I stamped another sentiment from the Get A Move On free mini set and cut it out with the oval from the layered label die. These colours match my kitchen so I created this to sit on the big window over my sink. I love that it's pretty, it reminds me of my goal, and it's not too obvious when we have company over.
Thirdly, I made a simple tag to attach to my bathroom mirror (since I'm looking in the mirror at least twice a day). I cut the largest layered label from Hot Fudge cardstock and used scraps for the other two layers. I again used my favorite sentiment from the exclusive mini set.

So no card - but just some self-motivation (hopefully). I know that I'll be able to make journals and cards for friends as well with this set.

The VIP kit is available now and can be purchased HERE. It's only available for one day or while supplies last. Both à la modes are also now released and can be found HERE. Thanks so much for hopping by! Now you're off to see Susan - I know she's got something totally drool-worthy for you to see!

MFT Teasers - Key to My Heart à la mode!

I'm back today with a teaser for the second à la mode that's releasing tonight at 10pm EST over in the MFT boutique. For links to all the designers sharing projects today, check Kim's blog at 11 am EST.

This set is called Key to My Heart and I stamped her on some X-Press It blending cardstock and coloured her with copics. I coated the key with a clear glaze pen so it's nice and shiny - I love the two hearts incorporated into the design of the key. I mixed my papers up, the sheet music is from Theresa Collins, and the purples are from Cosmo Cricket Mitten Weather. I used Karen's Sweet Sunday sketch for the layout and added the Little Open Scallop Strip die along the side for the scallop element. I also added a heart cut with the Hearts A Plenty die and finished it off with a button.

I layered some more hearts on the inside next to the sentiment, and used another little open scallop strip along the bottom.

Don't forget that both à la modes will be released tonight at 10pm EST along with the VIP kit. The VIP kit is available for one day only, or while supplies last and gives you the chance to buy January's Who's That Girl set 2 weeks early! I hope you'll stop back tonight at 10pm EST for the VIP blog hop!

MFT Teasers - Cheers à la mode!

Hey all! I'm back today with an MFT teaser for one of the new à la modes releasing on Tuesday December 14th at 10pm EST (along with a second new à la mode and the VIP kit). For links to all the designers sharing projects today, make sure to visit Kim's blog at 11am EST so you don't miss out on any of the goodness.

For my card (and seriously - who wouldn't want a glass of bubbly that's almost as big as you?!) I kept it pretty simple and paired her with some MME papers and the Die-namics Decorative Doily die. I also added some royalty ribbon and some baby braddies. I went over her dress with a clear spica pen and coated her glass with some Crystal Effects.

I finished the inside of my card off with a sentiment from the set stamped on a panel cut with the Framed Greetings die and also added the Faux Crochet border.

Thanks so much for stopping by! I appreciate you so much! I'll see you back here tomorrow for a peek at the second new à la mode.

Kraftin' Kimmie December Release Krafty Hop

Today Kraftin’ Kimmie Stamps is releasing their new December images! As you’ve seen over the last few days in our Krafty Peeks, Annie Rodrigue has created some totally awesome DUDES this month! There are six images in the complete set and they are Clint the Cowboy, Curtis, Prince Charming, Private Message, Raymond the Golfer and Valentine Willard! Each one comes with one or two bonus sentiment stamps!!

And if you’ve been hammered with the white stuff over the last week or so, like we have, Steven Leary’s images will be right up your alley!! He’s back with MILES THE MOUSE and his pals and they are having some frosty winter fun! You’ll get to check them all out in today’s December release day KRAFTY HOP!! You’ll meet Sharin’ Some Cocoa, Sledding Pals, Shovelling Miles, Snowmobilin’ Fun and Snowshoe Fun!

If you want to start from the beginning, just head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie Challenge Blog! As you hop from blog to blog, be sure to leave a comment at each and every stop because some lucky stampers will win packages of stamps from the new release!! And when you’re done hoppin’, be sure to head over to the Kraftin’ Kimmie shop, because ALL the new images are NOW available!

For my card I used Raymond the Golfer and I just couldn't help putting him in some wild pants a la Ian Poulter or John Daly (both golfers known for their crazy print pants). I used some Basic Grey Marjolaine papers and created a little scene for Raymond to stand in. Isn't he dapper?

Don't forget we’ve got ‘Gimme Kimmie’s Kits’ again!! For those of you who just HAVE to have all the new images, we’ve got the perfect thing for you! It’s called the ‘Gimme Kimmies Kit’!!! Instead of clicking on each image that you’d like, you only have to click once to pick up a Gimme Kimmies Kit AND it’s at a discounted price!! What could be better???

**AND** for the next week, we are having a little special to thank all of our loyal customers who shop with us throughout the year!!! It's called Kimmie's Kustomer Appreciation!!! And all orders of $50 or more before shipping and taxes, will receive a FREE STAMP of our choosing!!! That's right!! It will be a surprise gift, so no requests, please. This special runs from Sunday, December 12th to Saturday December 18th!!!

Thanks so much for hopping by - now you're headed over to Jessica's blog. She's got mad talent and I know she'll have something amazing for you to drool over!

I'll see you back here tomorrow for an MFT teaser - there are 2 new à la modes being released this week along with the VIP kit!

Krafty Peeks - Day 3 and an Announcement!

Hey friends! I'm excited to be posting today for a couple of different reasons. Firstly, it's challenge day over on the Kraftin' Kimmie blog and Beate has asked us to use manly colours on our cards - which worked perfectly for me, since I wanted to show you Clint the Cowboy. He's being released tomorrow over in the Kraftin' Kimmie store and I think he's hunky!

For my layout I used an older Sketch for You to Try - which brings me to the second reason I'm excited today. I'm so super honoured to be joining the Sketch for You to Try sisters! I was over the moon when Jen emailed me and am so looking forward to sharing her awesome sketches with you in January. For more info about the changes coming in the new year, make sure to check out Jen's blog today.

Anyway, on to the details, I paired Clint with some Cosmo Cricket Wanted papers (is there anything more manly than woodgrain?), lots of stitching, pewter brads, and both Star Nestabilities and the Die-namics Stacking Star die. Loving' the way this card turned out!

I hope you'll play along with us over on the Kraftin' Kimmie blog. If you do and you use a Kraftin' Kimmie stamp, you'll be entered to win Curtis - from the new release. Have a great Saturday and I'll see you back here tomorrow for the KK release hop!

Krafty Peeks - Sharin' Some Cocoa!

Hey all! I'm so tickled to be back sharing some Krafty peeks with you over the next couple of days. All the new Kraftin' Kimmie stamps will be released on Sunday and you can see links to all of the Krafty girls and guests sharing peeks today over on the KK blog!

I decided to try and make a dent in some of the gifts that I need to give out to various people who help us out. I think this one will do nicely for our Crossing Guard. I made up a cocoa cone and knew that this new Sharin' Some Cocoa image would make a perfect tag for it.

I coloured up Miles & Maisie and matched the colours to the Crate Paper Snow Day papers that I was using. I added a felt heart and snowflake as well as some ruffled ribbon and pom pom trim.

I decided on the colour scheme based on the smarties - or M&M's for my American friends that are on the top of my cocoa cone.
Well that's all I've got for today! Hope you'll check back tomorrow for another peek - this month's stamps are fabulous (as always)! Thanks for stopping by!

MFT December Greatest Hits à la mode!

Hey all! It's time for another MFT Greatest Hits group post. For links to all the designers sharing projects today, check Kim's blog at 11am EST. This month we're focusing on the à la modes - an awesome newer line by MFT. This line is illustrated by Amanda Baird who also happens to be Carole's neice.

Although I love all the à la modes (and that's not an exaggeration), my current fave hands down is Miss You a Latte (currently being re-stocked). I paired her with some Basic Grey Jovial papers. I picked the papers specifically because of the small red print that I used to piece the cups. Joanne made me do it (well o.k. I borrowed her genius) - I just love those red Starbucks holiday cups. I stamped her on some X-Press It blending cardstock and used some Hot Fudge and Jellybean Green cardstock.

I paired my coffee toting gal with a slew of Die-namics dies - the new Textile Rectangle die, Hearts a Plenty die, and Let it Snowflake die. I used some MFT felt for the heart and snowflake, and some crochet ribbon as well. The sentiment actually comes from the set Winter in the City - I thought it worked well. The layout is this week's Mojo Monday sketch.

I finished the inside off with a sentiment from Merry & Bright and the Dainty Dots border die.

And just for you - Kim's offering a special!

Christmas Comes Early Promotion

MFT loves to spoil our customers and this week is no exception. Christmas has come early for YOU. From December 7 though December 9, our MFT Santa will be slipping a little something extra into your "stocking". With each order of $25 or more (not including tax or shipping) placed during the promotion period, you will receive a FREE surprise gift with your order. We have a ton of gifts under the tree, and we'll pick one out just for you. It could be a stamp set, ribbon, or other crafty product. It'll be a surprise, so please don't send Santa a list. *wink*

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge - Got Snow?

Hey friends! Today I'm tickled pink to be playing along with my friend Kraftin' Kimmie over on the Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps challenge blog. I was honoured when Kimmie asked me to be a Krafty guest this month so that she can give her Krafty Girls the month off - what a gal, eh?

Our challenge this week was Let It Snow! Use snow somewhere on your card. Well I had my heart set on using Merry and since she's kind of an inside gal, I cheated and used some Basic Grey Jovial snowflake paper. Since clearly, she's preparing her Christmas turkey, and since I live in Canada, it must be snowing at Christmas, therefore the snowflakes are totally appropriate. See - I can justify anything!

It's a very simple card - just some nestabilities, stitching, and some Swarovski pearls so that the image is the focus. I'm hoping I look as good as Merry when I'm taking our Christmas turkey out of the oven in three weeks.

I hope you'll play along with us over on the challenge blog - if you link up and use a Kraftin' Kimmie stamp you could win a free stamp.

And don't forget about the Krafty Khristmas sale. It goes until Dec. 5th and by using the code KK20 - you'll save 20% off everything in the store. Sounds like some Christmas shopping is in order! Thanks for stopping by today!

MFT December Hop & Shop!

Hey all! Welcome to the December Hop & Shop! All of the new stamps and dies are now available in the MFT store right HERE. If you've just stumbled upon this post, you'll want to go back to the beginning of the hop at Kim's blog so as not to miss any amazing eye candy. Our incredible December Temp. team is joining us in the hop this month and I know they've created some amazing projects!

My project uses a new stamp set called Heartfelt. It's by the same illustrator as Loveosaurus (currently being restocked) and it's just as cute! I paired this sweetie with some Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses papers and the new Hearts a Plenty Die-namics die. I used some MFT felt for the hearts and embellished with some ruffled ribbon. I started my card using Jen's sketch for you to try, but veered significantly away from it as it evolved.

I also made a quick candy box with my new Cricut. It was SO quick (I am beyond impressed!) because I used this awesome Cookie Box template designed by Jen. I made mine a little smaller than the original since I filled it with some Dark Chocolate Mint Kisses.

Thanks so much for stopping by. Don't forget to leave comments on the designer's blogs for your chance to win an MFT gift voucher. Now you're heading over to Jackie's blog - her work is amazing and I know she will WOW you!