I'm So Happy For You & Dare to Be Different

Hi all and welcome to day 2 (of 5) of MFT Teaser Time.  Today, we are featuring 2 new stamp sets and I have a card for each!

• You Spin Me Additions (which coordinates with the Game Day Spinner Die-namics die released last month)
• Happy Thoughts (the Triple Scoop set from last month)

My first card uses Happy Thoughts, the Banner Strip Die-namics die & Mini Banner Day Alphabet.  Let me say this about the Banner Strip die: IT ROCKS.  There are SO many fun things you can do with it.  PLUS it comes with THE most adorable tiny alphabet set EVER.  (naturally I'll need 2 of these LOL)

I made a card for my SIL, who is expecting her second baby. 

I used a sentiment from the Happy Thoughts stamp set and built the second part of the sentiment with the Banner Strip Die and Mini Banner Say Alphabet stamp set.  (Have I mentioned how flippin' cute it is?)  I have a mini-tutorial below to show you how I made the banner.  QUICK, EASY, and "perfect".  (not a conceited perfect, but a "it's spaced perfectly perfect) 

Here is the die I used:

How to make the banner

First I stamped the letters I wanted on the "good side" of the banner.  The paper you see is textured because of my extremely worn Big Shot plates.  Time for a replacement, huh?  LOL  Flip the banner over to the back, and squirt some glue BELOW the "anchor strip" of the die (as shown)

Then lay a piece of twine over the glue.  I used TCPs Divine Twine for my card.  Set it aside and let it dry for a while.

Use a metal-edged ruler and a craft knife (or scissors if you're more comfortable with that), and cut between the twine and anchor strip to "set free" all the little pennants.  Now you will have a mini banner that you can "string up".  The triangles are SO tiny, so it really helps to not have to attempt to space them yourself or try to make them symmetrical.  This is just one of the many ways you can use the Banner Strip die.  Fun, huh?

Next up I have a card using You Spin Me Additions.  This stamp set coordinates with the Game Day Spinner die that was released last month.  It is a really fun and innovative element to add to your paper creations!

To create the spinner, I die-cut it once in black and once in white.  Then, I stamped all the "dare" pieces using chalk ink on the white "inserts".  I added a flower from the Flower Trio die in the center for fun.  I used the arrow to point to the one dare slot I stamped in a different color and chose the Dare to Be Different sentiment.  There are many options with this stamp set! 

Here are the dies I used:

A couple tips:

When stamping pieces for the inside slots, try to keep your die-cut piece connected.  It's easier to center your images when it is still "hooked together".

I recommend using chalk ink when stamping solid, clear stamps.  I also stamp on a piercing pad. (See the zillion holes in my very used pad? LOL)

When using the solid pieces, if you have any portions of your paper that didn't get stamped fully (see the small white edges?), just sponge the edges with the ink pad you used.  It was easy and fixed any of the small imperfections. 

Sometimes with thin dies, you'll get little "shards" of paper on the edges of your die-cuts.  Just rub them away with your fingers or a sanding block.  Thin dies cut with pressure, as opposed to a blade, so that is why that happens. 

 November Release Details

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

• The MFT release is on November 3rd at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available on November 3rd at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog at 11 AM EST. Be sure to leave comments as you go for a chance to win one of 2 sets being given away, just for leaving a comment. :) Check Kim's blog every day for the winners.

Christmas Countdown Tree

Hi all and thanks for stopping by today.  It's MFT Teaser Time!  Today is day 1 (of 5) with the big release being on November 3rd.  There are SO many adorable stamp sets, and awesome Die-namics dies coming your way, so mark you calendars and make sure you check in each day to see what's new.  I'll have some more info about this week at the end of the post.

I am double-teaming my post today, with a super cool product I used while making my teaser.  I started my project with the 12 inch Christmas tree from Say it With Letters.  They make all sorts of wooden alter-ables from letters (obvious) to Christmas trees (obvious X 2) and everything in between at very reasonable prices (the Christmas tree I used is only $10).  Be sure to check out their site, Say it With Letters on Etsy.  You can also check out their design blog HERE.

Okay, so let's get to the goods...  Here is my Christmas Countdown home decor project.  Lately, I have been all about making things I can use OR give away and someone else can use.  There is something to be said about combining crafting and functionality.  In my house, that means you can dub the expense "household expense", and not "crafty hobby expense".  LOL  NOT that I adhere to any sort of budget.  LOL  My hubby and I joking call EVERYTHING we buy "household goods".  (ok, I'm rambling now...) 

My Christmas Countdown "Calendar" 

Here is a detail shot of the base of the Christmas Tree.  The tree comes flat with a little notched piece that locks in and makes the stand.  I was dead-set on using this cute mini tinsel I got, but it wasn't working ON the tree, so I wrapped it around the base.  You know... I can get forceful when it comes to crafting.  LOL  Take THAT tinsel.  ;)  When I was looking through my ribbon stash I found this beautiful ruffled, satin, red ribbon that I used as a "tree skirt".  Just use your imagination on that one.  It was too cute to not use.  LOL  I finished off the base with a bow and a jingle bell.

I created the number panel by stitching some patterned paper onto a card stock mat.  Then I used the new Banner Strip Die-namics die (loooooooooove it) to spell out countdown.  I decided to stamp the tiny letters (which come WITH the die) on white, and then use my 1/4" circle punch to punch them out and adhere on a black banner.  I added a piece of ric rac to the top of the banner.  It is adhered with Best Glue Ever (which I have to say I REALLY like despite not being a fan of liquid glues).

I cut the numbers out using MFT's Bling Bers' number and shadows template using my Cricut.  The clips are Tim Holtz, and I anchored them with brads.  I made a whole set of numbers that can be switched out each day to help count down to Christmas.  BTW, 57 days.  O M G... I better get more shopping done STAT!

I created the sentiment on the computer, and then trimmed it and flagged the end.  I added a cute card stock sticker from the paper pack and adorned it with a silver brad.

I stuck a bell with a ribbon tied to it to the top of the tree, and then adhered a tiny Heidi Swapp ghost shape star to the top. 

Here is a shot of the back.

November Release Details

Ready to see what the rest of the team came up with for day 1 of MFT Teasers?  Head over to Kim's blog at 11 am EST for a complete list of participating designers.

Be sure to head on over the the MFT Forum on SCS on Saturday.  You will find all the information on this month's MFT Guest Designer Contest. This is your opportunity to win over $100 in stamps and play along with the design team for a month.


The release party starts Wednesday at 8 PM EST in the MFT Forum on SCS


All new products go live Wednesday at 10 PM EST in the MFT Boutique

MFT Hop & Shop starts Wednesday at10 PM EST on Kim's blog


As you make your way through the Teaser Time posts, simply leave a comment on each blog, for your chance to win one of the Brand Spankin' New stamp sets being released on Nov 3rd. A winner will be chosen from the comments on the pre-selected blog before tomorrow's teaser list goes live, and will be posted on Kim's blog HERE. Be sure to check tomorrow to see if YOU are the winner. You can play along each day for your chance to win. As always, you can find the master list of participating designers HERE on Kim's blog.

Christmas Countdown Calendar Tutorial

Here is a step-by-step tutorial for you:

These are the 2 pieces included in the Christmas tree.

 First, I "painted" the edges of the tree with a SU Soft Suede reinker (watered down a bit) using a water brush.  I also used a sponge for the larger areas.  I got totally messy, and that was fine.  I didn't try to be perfect.  The flat sides will be covered up anyway.

I grabbed The Best Glue Ever, and squirted it liberally all over the tree (next pic). 

I laid my tree over an entire sheet of 12 X 12 patterned paper and allowed it to dry for several hours.  I am not a fan of tracing with a pencil and then cutting out and trying to match it up.  This removes a step AND has better results.  ;)  After it was dry, I sliced along the edge of the tree with my craft knife.  This was pretty easy to do.  The tree gave it support and I just sliced away. 

Here it is all trimmed.

Repeat the steps above for the other side.  I used a cuticle tool (for nails, that I bought as a stamping tool LOL) to scrape the excess glue from around the tree before I set it aside to dry.  It worked like a charm.  

I used a round Basic Grey sanding tool to sand the inner corners of the tree to make sure it was nice and "clean".  Here is the other side, finished.

Now, just put on your thinking cap and decorate.  I opted for the Christmas Countdown idea.

Thanks for hanging in there with me.  I know this post was looooooooong!  LOL  I'll see you tomorrow with another creation!

Have a wonderful weekend.

With Gratitude

I kinda want to squeal with delight when I see this adorable Pure Innocence image.  Isn't she sweeeeeeet? (said in a cooing, baby voice)  She is from the Li'l Pumpkin stamp set.

I used some patterned paper from The Girl's Paperie that I LOVE.  The sentiment is stamped directly on the patterned paper with Brilliance ink and then clear embossed.  I added an orange Rolled Flower and even threw in some leaves cut with 2 different colors of green felt from the Flower & Leaf Trio die.  I inserted a brad into the center of the flower and used it to tack down the flower to my image panel.

I have to point out that I colored her knees a little darker, and I really like the way it looks.  *giggle*  The lace trim is from a package of ribbon from The Girl's Paperie that coordinates with the patterned paper.  I finished it off with some vanilla brads.

I hope you all enjoy your weekend!  Have a great one.

Snow Angel

Hi everyone. 

My card today uses the Pure Innocence Snow Angel stamp set. 

I used TCP Glitzy Glitter on the snowballs and snow on the ground.  It gives it a nice, icy look.

I used more Glitzy Glitter, in an opaque purple color, along a strip of red line tape.  I love the texture of this glitter.  It's SO cool. 

Thanks for stopping by.  I have another Pure Innocence creation for you tomorrow, so see you soon.

Thank you for inspiring me...

Hi everyone and welcome to the MFT Who's That Girl Hop & Shop. WHAT is the Hop & Shop, you ask? It's your chance to see the newest VIP Collection in use and then you can click on over and buy it. :) If you're just happening upon the hop, make sure to click on over to Kim's blog, so you can start at the beginning. You won't want to miss any of the designer's creations.

This months VIP collection is A-MAZING! I loooooove it. It's available NOW and in limited supply, so grab yours HERE. I am excited to get a head start on Christmas gifts for teachers and then I'll have it on hand for end of the year, also. YAY for that! The VIP collection has so many awesome products in it, which I will tell you about after my card, so be sure to scroll all the way down. *wink*

I made a card with Teacher's Pet Who's That Girl and the Crate Patterned Paper 6 X 6 pad that also comes in the kit. I just love the fresh color combo.

I used a sketch from Taylor (thanks for the inspiration). The image was stamped in Memento black and colored with Copic markers.

I used the notebook edge Die-namics die. I LOVE this die. It cuts a realistic, WORKING perforation line, and holes and that are close together, so it works well for small pieces, too. I stamped the sentiment "correctly" on the lined paper... because I'm a rule follower like that. LOL

Here is a peek inside. I kept it nice and simple and included another sentiment from the set.

The Teacher's Pet VIP Collection is FULL of awesome products!

Here is what is included:

Check out this amazing die! It is a STRIP of baby banners AND it comes with a Mini Banner Day stamp set that was designed to fit ON the little banners. ADORABLE! You KNOW you need this! LOL It is one die, that cuts 2 pieces. The thin strip will make a "binding" for your banner for a more realistic look. There is a really fun trick for layering with this die, which I will show you when I get in my hot little hands. LOL (waiting is NEVER fun)

Is that amazing, or what?

Don't forget the other products gracing the MFT shelves tonight:

• Teacher's Pet VIP Collection
• Poppin' Petal Treat Trio Template
• Beehive Box & Shaped Card Template
• à la modes - It Must Be Love
• à la modes - What's Cooking?
• 2011 Large Calendar
• 2011 Small Calendar
• 2011 Calendar Pack (includes both the calendars above and more fun, down-loadable content)

Ready to hop along? Your next stop on the hop is my super sweet friend (and proud new Cricut owner LOL) Michele! I KNOW her project is going to be amazing, because EVERYTHING she makes is!

What's Cooking?

Hello everyone and thanks for popping in today.  It is day 2 (of 2) of MFT teasers and RELEASE DAY!  Tonight, at 10 PM EST, the 2 new à la modes stamp sets AND the VIP collection will be available for sale.  You do NOT want to miss it.  The VIP collection is in short supply and there are some A-MAZING products in it this month.  New die, new sets, lush paper.  *drool*

Today, we are previewing the 2nd new à la modes stamp set, What's Cooking?.  I am in LOVE with this adorable stamp set.  My project today fills a need in my life: Meal Planning.  I am not the best meal planner.  I am hoping this keeps me better organized, and helps me with my grocery shopping as well, so I can make sure I have everything I need, on hand.  *crossing my fingers*

Presenting, my Meal Planning Calendar:

Yep, I whipped out the Cinch again to create this.  I cut chipboard covers, and decorated the front cover with patterned paper, my image, and some ribbon and embellishments.  I spelled out M E A L on Rounded Banners, cut from my Rounded Banner Die-namics dies (plural).  Recently, I decided to purchase FIVE of them so I can spell things out and not have to crank so many times.  Yes, I am spoiled... and I have to say my project today reinforced the idea that it was SO worth it.  :)  I first glued the ric rac along the banners with The Best Glue Ever (literally that is the name of it LOL) and then I stitched along it so it holds up over the next 15 months as I am dutifully using it (STOP LAUGHING).

The What's Cooking? à la mode was colored with Copic markers.  I stitched on a sentiment from the set.

I stamped the word Calendar from the Make the Date stamp set in Brilliance Black ink.

I used the Large 2010 and 2011 MFT Printable Calendar for the inside of my planner.  Each square is big enough for me to jot down my dinner plan, so when I am making my shopping list I can add what I need, AND not have to stress about what to make for dinner every night.  I also printed out the Perpetual Calendar, To Do List, and Recipe Card templates so I can continue to get myself organized in style.   

Just to prove to you that I am actually going to USE it, I wrote the first couple entries in it before I photographed it.  By the way, the Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas were FAB! 

Here is a shot of the back cover.  I added some of the patterned papers I used on the front, to the back cover.

Ready to see what the rest of the team came up with using this precious stamp?  Head over to Kim's blog at 11 AM EST for the complete list of participating designers.

Remember, I'll see you TONIGHT at 10 PM EST for the blog hop and VIP/à la modes release.