MFT Teaser Day2--Joy Ride

Well, it's Day 2 of the Teasers from My Favorite Things. Today, a few of us are featuring Joy Ride and it will be available March 3rd. It consists of this large stamp of Cosmo Girl riding around town on her Vespa, a little tiny dog, some suitcases, and a few phrases in a very fun font! For a complete list of participating designers (posted at 11 AM EST), head on over to Kim's blog today and everyday up to the 3rd (release day) for all the Teasers.

From the time this set arrived at my door to come live with me, I knew I wanted to paper piece her scooter (because that's my favorite thing to do--really!). So I did it here, using some oh so springy paper from Imaginsce that I picked up the other day at the Boutique. I kept the design pretty simple and crisp from that point, just sewing around a couple of edges here and there, NO RIBBON (yikes!), and this perfectly matching felt flower with an MFT button stack and three Glitter Garnishes at the bottom.

And look at me! I finished off the inside, too! I just sewed another little inside panel, glued it in, and stamped the cute doggie and another sentiment and then highlighted the words with a yellow Copic marker. So FUN! Oh and by the way, I now want a Vespa. I asked Eric if I could have one. He said no.


SUSIE Q-TIP: The last purchase of hemp twine I made wasn't a very good one. It's kind of stiff, thick and doesn't stay tied very well in a bow--looks cute, but the strings never make a tight knot, know what I mean? When I make my cards, I want them to be sturdy with no chance of them falling apart. So I discovered that if I put a tiny drop of glue on top of the bow's knot and smush it down a bit with my finger, it will "set" the bow and the ends can no longer be pulled loose. My glue dries clear, so that wasn't a worry.

Stamps: Joy Ride (My Favorite Things)
Paper: White (Neenah), Regal Rose (SU!), DP (Imaginisce)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Sewing Machine/White Thread, Copic Markers, CM Black Fine-tip Pen, Felt Flower (Creative Cafe), MFT Buttons, Glitter Garnish (MFT), Twine, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5.5" Square

An {I Want Candy Sneak Peek} Sketch For You To Try

Well, today my blogpost has a double purpose. Not only is it Saturday and time for Jen's Sketch For You To Try, but this is also the first day of Sneak Peeks for the newest release coming your way March 3rd from My Favorite Things! Before we get started with all this fun stuff, I have to get something off my chest.

I am apologizing up front for the terrible pictures. I'm not sure what happened. I am trying to learn new editing methods in Photoshop CS3 and converting several "instructions" for regular PSE and trying to find the equivalent actions in CS3. I don't think it's working out just yet, but it was really late last night when I was working on all of this and didn't have the gumption to start all over! So disregard all those hippie tie-dye halo rings around everything! Can ya'll see them? Forgive me? Then read on, my friends and don't forget to check out all the Nitty Gritty down at the bottom of my post.

The new set I'm previewing here from MFT is called I Want Candy which will be available March 3rd. I started out my project by making a "cootie catcher" using instructions I found on Martha Stewart dot com. (Search fortune tellers in the paper crafts section or ask a random 8-9 year old to show you how to make one.) I modified it and used a piece of paper that was 10x10 inches to begin with, scoring each fold first since my cardstock was pretty sturdy and I wanted to limit the tearing as I knew it would be prone to (which it still did a little bit, so be careful if ya'll plan on trying this at home).

I then decorated the outside, made a little flag with a wood dowel through the center (hot glued for stabiity) and attached individual little candies that I SHRINK WRAPPED WITH MY HEAT TOOL! Does this mean I "shrunk-wrapped" them? OH AND YES, there will be a tutorial this week on this--I want to figure out the picture thing first.

So for my Sketch For You To Try card, I thought I'd make it match my little candy dish. I used some more of the little candies I made and popped them up for the focal point of my card, basically repeating the little flag from the candy dish.

So here's a few things ya'll will definitely want to check out while it's still fresh on your mind. (This would be the NITTY GRITTY):
1. Head over to Kim's blog for a list of DT members that have more fun projects using this new set, I Want Candy. Everyday leading up to Wednesday, she will have links to new Sneak Peeks! (I'll have one here for ya'll again tomorrow.)
2. We want you to play in the SFYTT! Don't forget that the MEGAPRIZE is up for grabs and you only have until March 2nd to upload your entry onto Jen's blog.
3. Check out what my SFYTT sisters have to inspire you with using the sketch for today before you head off to play:
Leigh
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly
Some new sisters will be joining us next time, too!

SUSIE Q-TIP: Score patterned paper with diagonal lines for subtle texture.

Stamps: I Want Candy (MFT)
Paper: Certainly Celery (SU!), Berry Sorbet (PTI), White, Cupid Collection (Pink Paislee)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Scallop and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Scor-Pal, Wood Dowel, Hot Glue, Baby Braddies/Button (MFT), Fiskars Border Punch, Twine, Ribbon (PTI), Shrink Wrap, Heat Tool, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Card Size: A2

Embellish Magazine Blog Challenge

Well, today I'm trying something a little different. I am participating in a challenge for a change! Can ya'll believe it?! Verve is sponsoring the Embellish Magazine Blog Challenge today. When I saw the colors and the inspiration elements, I just couldn't help myself and had to jump right in and make a card. The challenge as I understand it, is to use all four of the colors, utilize some kind of border in your project and draw inspiration from the photos as well (aren't they awesome?). Just look at that little girl's blue eyes. And those crocheted eggs and all that fondant on that cake! Wow. (However, fondant actually tastes gross, just fyi.)

Anyway, for my card, I think I managed to get a little bit of all the elements in it here and there. I started by cutting the eggs in each of the colors using my Slice machine (I know the Berry Sorbet color is pushing it for peach, but it was cute!). I used the Accent Notes set from Verve for the filigree on the green panel and for the sentiment and then just kept adding a little here and there to finish it off. I think my favorite part is the big scallops at the bottom "embellished" with the white flowers and pink sparkle. In fact, the whole card is very spark-a-lay! I hope ya'll get to play in this fun challenge. I need to try and play in more of them myself! I enjoyed this one, but do ya'll have any more good ones to suggest? Of course there are free Verve stamps up for grabs on Ashley's awesome blog! Hurry up and go see about it HERE!

By the way, did ya'll see me featured on my new friend, Kristine's blog HERE? Her blog is called KMcKaydesigns (you may have heard of it!). I'm so excited about it! She has some great projects on there if you like repurposing things and handmade home decor! Be sure and check out her latest Studio 5 video about using numbers in your decorating style. She is GENIUS and quite handy with a hot glue gun(no wonder I like her)!

SUSIE Q-TIP: These pink adhesive rhinestones are the ones that come in a package and the rhinestones are placed on an entire line of adhesive. I don't like those kind too much, but I must have needed them for something or got a really good deal on them. Anyway, since I'd rather not cut them apart and leave some of that ugly adhesive showing, I simply (and easily) peeled them from the adhesive strip. I then had to glue them on myself, but the overall look is much neater.

Stamps: Accent Notes (Verve)
Paper: Certainly Celery, Barely Banana (SU!), Bitty Dots (PTI), White
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery (SU!)
Accessories: Scallop Rectangle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Circle Punches, Slice Machine/Spring Card, Sewing Machine/Thread, Border Punch (EK), Paper Frills (Doodlebug), White Gel Pen, Adhesive Rhinestones (Heidi Swapp), White Brads, Ribbon (PTI), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Verve-y Wednesday

Well, I just got my new stamps for the next Verve release in the mail. Ya'll are going to flip out over them! But first I thought I'd better show some more of my stuff from the last release. Yikes! My first project is a little coaster notebook that my friend, Jody made for me and I decorated it with a sewn and heat embossed (in brown) piece I made using the Accent Notes set. I added lots of distressing and I think it made the colors on this just pop! The flower accent was originally going to go in the lower right corner, but sometimes Lindsie, our 9 year old, comes in while I'm working and "discusses" my creative process with me and "coaches" me on how I could make something look better. In this case, I think she was right. I like the flower in the middle!

This card is one I did for January's Viva La Verve Challenge and totally forgot to blog it. I could have sworn I had, so if ya'll have seen this before, I'm sorry for the rerun (I didn't waste a lot of time searching)! Again, I used Accent Notes for this and found some fun paper that I challenged myself to use. I really like it, but never really "found its place" on a card. I like the colors together, but it's not my favorite ever. It totally almost got trashed several times! I guess Lindsie was at school or something when I made it, so I didn't have her creative input! (This reminds me of the movie, Ratatouille, where the mouse is the little chef that is puppeteering the guy who is doing the cooking!)

SUSIE Q-TIP: Use that patterned paper that you have been pawing over, but are a little scared of. I dare you. I double dog dare you.

I'm really tired and can hardly keep my eyes open, so I'm not going to post the supplies right now. Maybe I'll edit a bit later.

TCPTUES98--Scatter Sunshine

Well, we're having another small "snow event" here in North Texas today. However instead of the 12 inches we had a couple of weeks ago, we woke up to only a light dusting. It's still pretty and my dog still hates it. He can't stand to get his feet wet or step in the snow, or for anyone to touch his feet to even dry them or make them warmer. He would have no problem biting me to let me know how he feels about it either. And at that point, I would have no problem giving him away and saying "buh-bye" to the dogboy. Lucky for him, I don't mess with his feet. He's already shown me who's boss when I put him outside and his schitzophrenic (sp?) mind makes him think the screen door is his worst enemy. Yes, he bites and savagely attacks the door before it hits him on the behind (which it never does.) Ooohhh, scary big bad doggie (rat terrier).

Anyway, it's TCP Tuesday for The Cat's Pajamas and I'm your challenge initiator today, ie., your "Hostess With The Mostess". So in an effort to hurry spring along (and for my dog, Hopper's sake), I've decided we shall go with SPRINGTIME STAMPS. (Remember for the stamp challenge, they must be TCP stamps.) We'd love for ya'll to play along. The more people that play, the more likely spring will come faster, don'tcha know! All the details about playing are below, but first a little about my card--I used the cute little bee girl and sentiment from Hearts and Flowers. I colored her with Copics and highlighted several areas with Stardust Stickles. I wanted the image to be a bit bigger, so I added width to it by gluing a border strip to one side and matting the entire thing with the brown. Neat trick, eh?

Here's what you need to know to get your game on today with TCP:
1. All challenge entries will go into TCP's monthly Swanky Stamper contest. This means $25 in Cat Cash for the winner to spend on new stamps from The Cat's Pajamas!
2. Link your creation to the slide show/guest book on Alma's blog so that we can all see it!
3. TCP stamps are not required (unless the challenge is a STAMP challenge from ME-- like today--when specific stamps are required), but are of course highly recommended.
4. If you'd like to also upload your piece to Splitcoast Stampers, use the keyword TCPTUES98 for this week.

SUSIE Q-TIP: I know the general (Jody) rule is to use cream or vanilla colored cardstock for your images when your patterned paper carries that color as well. I say mix it up with white. This card's highlighted with lots of white, even though the patterned paper's "base color" is cream. The white really pops. Too heck with stamping rules.

Stamps: Hearts and Flowers (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Aqua Mist (PTI), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Cupid Collection (Pink Paislee)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Oval and Scallop Oval Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Circle and Scallop Circle Punches, Fiskars Border Punch, Corner Rounder, Copic Markers, Stardust Stickles, Black Fine-tip Pen, Regal Rose Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), Prima Flower, Button, Twine, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

A {Better Get Better} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I didn't get to blog as much as I wanted to this week. I always have big plans, but something always happens. This week, I had to pick Lindsie up at school again because she was saying her ear hurt. The nurse called and said she had a fever and that I needed to pick her up. That was Wednesday right as I was walking out the door to go on a craft shopping run for inspiration. Then she was home with me on Thursday as well, and the doctor couldn't see her until 4:20 (Double ear infection--yippee!)! So that left just yesterday for me to stamp all day and every time I thought of blogging, something else grabbed my attention. (I'm a little bit easily distracted.) So yeah, back to stamping all day--I sat down to make a card for Jen's Sketch For You To Try for today (first). I got this one card done. Ugh. I'm so slow, but again easily distracted, so it's not like it took me all day sitting there to get it done start to finish--I had to get up to "do this and that", mess around on the computer, talk on the phone, etc. Ya'll know--the usual! Good thing I really like this card, though! My kind of colors, polkadots, and yellow!

I started coloring this sweet little girl from the Better Get Better set from My Favorite Things a couple of weeks ago while working/playing (I don't like to call it work) at The Scrapper's Boutique. I never had finished her (I'm slow, remember?) until yesterday. I've had a few questions lately about my Copic coloring and what my favorite colors are. (um, ALL of them!) Of course there are tried and true combos that I like to use, but I challenge ya'll to try different and unexpected ones. Like here, I needed a more "tealy" color for her shirt to match the paper. I used some favorite blues, but where there were dark "shadows", I added a bit of olive green to create the tealish look and add depth.


Anyway, I'm off to Scrapper's this morning, and then hopefully tonight will consist of more stamping time. I'm at a point that I could actually "get ahead". Will it happen? No. I'm too slow. Don't forget to play along for the SUPERPRIZE with our Sketch For You To Try (SFYTT is your favorite keyword, don't forget!)Here's a little picture for ya'll to drool over, and like Jen says, this isn't even all of it! NOW are you going to play?

Here's what my SFYTT sisters did to give you more inspiration!
Leigh
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly

SUSIE Q-TIP: Double up on your Prima flowers. (Quit hoarding them. The sooner you use them up, the sooner you can get more.) Here's a tiny suggestion for them: You know how they have a certain way they "lay", where the petals turn down a bit? When layering the one on top, turn it "upside-down" so that the petals flip up for extra texture.











Stamps: Better Get Better Pure Innocence (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Basic Black, Certainly Celery (SU!), Pure Poppy (PTI), Cream Perfect Panels (MFT), Early Bird (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: CM Square Punch, Sewing Machine/Black Thread, Large Scallop Scissors, Copic Markers, Flowers (Kaiser), Ribbon, Baby Braddies and Button (MFT), Twine, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5 x 5" square

Who's That VIP Birthday Girl Blog Hop From MFT

Well, I'm back from yoga class and I am so excited to share my project for this month's VIP Blog Hop for My Favorite Things. It all starts on Kim's blog HERE, if you happened to have just joined me and want to see more fabulousness using this set. Yes, I think you do. What set is this? I'm glad ya'll asked.



It's Who's That Birthday Girl? and she is "headlining" (haha) the VIP kit for this month!

Here's what's included in this awesome Who's That Birthday Girl VIP Kit that will be available tonight (Feb. 17th at 12 midnight EST):
Who’s That VIP Birthday Girl? $32.75
Who’s That Birthday Girl
FREE Invitation Only MINI set ($9 value)
Birthday Button Mix
Birthday Baby Braddies Mix
Birthday Ribbons
Sparkly Fluff in Cotton Candy (pink)

Now a little bit about what I've come up with here. My daughter, Shelbie's 18th birthday is coming up and I'd like to have a little party for her, so I thought how perfect this would be for invitations and maybe a little placecard or gift card for a gift bag. I combined the Who's That Birthday Girl set with the FREE (in the kit) set, Invitation Only, along with 3 older MFT sets for my project (see below). See the little "18" candles on top of the cake? SO FUN that this set comes with all the numbers like that to make your own number candles!

Now notice the invite--the new Invitation Only set comes with a stamp to make the lines. I needed mine to be a little shorter as I didn't want them going off the edge of my die cut. From the picture (my very mini tutorial--ha!), you can see what I did by masking off where I did NOT want lines using Post-It notes.

The little card can be used as a placecard to decorate the Birthday Girl's place at the table, or as a gift card to include in a gift bag. Since it's kind of small, I couldn't fit Shelbie's full name on it, so I opted for her initials, highlighting her "S" with the Bling 'Bet set and using the Alphadots for the other letters. It's a lot crammed onto a little card, but I like it!

Anyway, ya'll are almost to the end of the hop, only one more blog left to go! Hop on over and see what Julie has come up with HERE. I know she won't disappoint! Have a great day tomorrow! Try Yoga!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: For this project, I needed to string some twine onto my Prima flower up through the hole they have in the center and then up through the button to make a loopy ribbon thingy embellishment. I've learned to be gentle with the hole that's there and that it does no good to punch one larger as it tends to tear the flower. So there I was, trying to get these two ends up into the tiny hole/slot at the same time to create the loop of twine for my ribbon to go through, and it just wasn't working. That's when I realized I could just fold my twine in half and put the looped end up through the flower's hole on the backside of the flower. That was so much easier. Duh. Why didn't I think of that?

Stamps: Who's That Birthday Girl?, Invitation Only, Make the Date, Alphadots, Bling 'Bet (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Bashful Blue, Pretty in Pink (SU!), Cream Perfect Panels (MFT), Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Pumpkin Pie, Purely Pomegranate (SU!)
Accessories: Labels 8 Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Scallop Scissors, Buttons (MFT), Twine (MFT), Ribbon (MFT), Prima Flowers, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 3 x 4.5" (Invite), 2.75 x 3.5" (Placecard/Giftcard)

TCPTUES97--Can We Have a Little Spring Already?

Well, our 12 and a half inches of snow sure didn't last long! It was 41 degrees today and it helped to melt practically all of it away. Our snowman out front has no more face and he's leaning to one side, trying hard to stay alive. He was made of snow, but the children know he'll be back again some day. Good to know.

Anyway, I'm getting back into the swing of things here after being out of town all day on Saturday and then Sunday was spent doing last minute projects for the Dirty Dozen gallery. I can't believe it's my last month! It went by so fast! :( I managed to make my SFYTT card and throw it in there as well since I didn't have one for ya'll this past weekend. Go check it out if you're a Fan Club member.
So it's Tuesday and that means another TCPTUES challenge from The Cat's Pajamas. This week is a color challenge (TCPTUES97--Olive, Lt. Blue and Ivory) brought to us by Joanne. We hope you get to play along! She's got all the details as to how to play on her blog HERE. There's $25 in Cat Cash up for grabs!

For my card, I made a frame from a scalloped square Nestabilities and cut an Oval out of the center of it for my little birdies to peek through. They are from the set, Beans and Bunnies and Peeps, Oh My! and the sentiment is from another fabby spring TCP set, Spring Fling. I just thought these colors looked springy and I'm ready to hurry it along! I'm sure making spring cards will help. Maybe if I send one to the local weathergirl? Please?

SUSIE Q-TIP: Cut an oval in half and have it peek out from the sides of a main panel on your card. They could also peek out from behind the top and bottom or all four sides (with 2 ovals).

Stamps: Spring Fling, Beans and Bunnies and Peeps, Oh My! (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Old Olive, Bashful Blue (SU!), Vintage Cream, Bitty Dots (PTI)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Scallop Square and Oval Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Circle and Scallop Circle Punch, Sewing Machine/White Thread, Copic Markers, Buttons, Twine, Bling Flower (HS), Cream Grosgrain Ribbon (Offray), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 5" Square

A Sketch For You to Try

Well, it's a good day to stamp. But I can't. And I don't have an SFYTT card for ya'll today either. It's been a crazy weekend to say the least, with an unexpected early release for the kids on Thursday due to the weather, 12.5 inches of snow falling in 24 hours IN NORTH TEXAS, no school for the girls on Friday and my sister's family coming to stay with us because their power went out night before last. Then this morning, we are on the road to Eldorado (wasn't that a movie or something?), TX for a funeral. Yes. It's 6AM and it will take us 6 hours to get there. A major Starbuck's and McDonald's run is factored into that time. I don't do 5AM starts.

Anyway, I wanted to be sure and at least show ya'll the sketch and remind you about the BIG BIG PRIZE! Jen's got all the details about how to play on her blog HERE.

Ok, I've got to go blow dry my hair so I'm not an icicle head. Maybe I'll share some snow pictures in the next few days.

TCPTUES96 And Some Other Beary Good Stuff Blog Hop

Well, The Cat's Pajamas has a lot going on this week, so let's just cut to the chase. We've got a lot of ground to cover here! First of all, the much anticipated set, A Beary Good Year is being released today (Feb. 9th) and it's one of the funnest sets ever! You've probably seen him before in the Happy Camper set and Give a Little. We are so excited that he's going to be a permanent fixture and another "signature" character of TCP. What's his name? Read on, my friends. Here's the rundown of all the stuff going on here with this post:

1. If you've just happened upon my blog, you're in the middle of a wonderful new release Blog Hop to introduce A Beary Good Year. If you didn't just come here from Katie's blog, you'll want to start at Amy's blog to take in all the beary sweet goodness...then go from here to Ana's blog for your next stop on the beary good hop.

2. I hope ya'll took a moment to add your entry to the "Name That Bear" contest. If you're chompin' at the bit to find out if you won, be sure and check out Alma's blog, Dancing in Pajamas, at 12 EST to see if you've won the prize--every release set for this entire year. Alma's going to make someone's day, no, I take that back--it will make their YEAR!!

3. It's still TCP Tuesday and Amy is our Hostess with the Mostess. The challenge she has issued is to paper piece on your card or project. We'd love for you to play along for your chance at $25 in Cat Cash and to be named Swanky Stamper of the month! She's got all the details on her blog as well, right HERE.

I think that's about it! That was a LOT o' stuff!! I hope you enjoy the rest of the hop! Remember: Head to Ana's blog next, find out what the Bear's name is and if you've won the contest on Alma's blog at 12 EST, and play in this week's TCP Tuesday challenge on Amy's blog! Not that I'm telling ya'll what to do--I'm just sayin.'



SUSIE Q-TIP: This is actually Jen's little trick that she figured out, but I do it all the time now--My acrylic blocks get SO DIRTY, and I'm bad about not cleaning them until they are completely black. She told me to use hand sanitizer to get the ink off and then rinse them in the sink. Comes right off in a flash, better than soap and water.

Stamps: A Beary Good Year (TCP)
Paper: Scarlet, Aqua Mist (PTI), Regal Rose (SU!), White Perfect Panels (MFT), Eskimo Kisses (Basic Grey)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Reflecting Pool (SUINK), Cranberry (SU!)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Paper Piercer, Hearts Embossing Folder, Sponges, Button (TCP), String, Heart and Circle Punch, Aqua Mist Satin Ribbon (PTI), Pink Brads, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 4.25 x 5

Verve Project Parade Day 11--Tags, Treats and Tins

Well I'm ready to start your week off with another installment of the Verve Project Parade--Tags, Treats and Tins! We are already on Day 11, so if you've missed a bunch of days, you've missed a BUNCH (of days)! Head on over to the Verve blog and catch up. Here's my project and a copy of my post. Special thanks goes out to Carole of Sew Cute for giving me lots of inspiration and tips on making these blueberry muffins in the Mason jars! (waving!) Be sure and stop by her blog too, and say hi!


If ya'll will recall, the inspiration piece from Julee, found HERE, was brought about by her recollection of her grandmother's house and the fun candy jars and tins she had in her entryway, just inviting Julee to partake of the candy goodness. (Possibly where she got her sweet tooth!?) My fondest recollection of my grandmother's house was that she lived in a high-rise building in Houston with my granddad and I loved to sit and spin in her sewing room chair until I was sick. I'm sure she gave me candy, too, but probably learned to wait until I was done spinning for very good reasons that we won't talk about here.


Anyway, I do know that she liked to cook and I also had a great aunt that made the best fig preserves in the whole United States of America and that's where I was reminded of these canning jars with the tin lids, and homemade goodness of all sorts.


Upon brainstorming for my project, a sweet blogging friend told me you could actually bake right in them after she had figured out that it was a great way to send baked goods overseas. So, like her, I made some blueberry muffins and "canned" them! I then added my crafty touch, drawing from the vintage feel of the inspiration piece.


I first made some soft background paper on cream cardstock using the Accent Notes set to mock the beige pattern of the tins in the picture. Then I added the heart shapes from Heart's Desire and the Heart Flutter Plain Jane and was sure to clear emboss over them to make the color more intense. The little tag sentiments were cut with my Basics 1 card and my Slice machine. I even made a little "lacy" ruffle around the band on the larger jar using a strip of tissue paper that I rumpled up A LOT, ran some gold ink over and taped it to the back. In fact, everything is accented in the sparkly Galaxy Gold ink from Tsukineko. I think these will make the perfect teacher gifts for my girls' Valentine's parties this week! Of course there was enough mix to make extra blueberry muffins (hello, breakfast!). Now if only I has some of Aunt Nellie's fig preserves....

So, now it's your turn! We'd love for you to play along with us and show us your Tags, Tins & Treats! Verve stamps are not required, but if you've got 'em, why not show 'em a little love? ;)

And, as with all of our project parades, we've got prizes!
To enter, just link up your NEW creation (posted Jan. 25 or later) to the Mr. Linky widget on THIS post before midnight MST on Monday, February 15. One lucky stamper will win a $25 gift certificate to the Verve Store.

And for another chance to win, be sure to give the Divas a little shout out in the comments as they parade their fabulous creations inspired by this month's theme. One lucky commenter during the course of the parade (Jan 25 - Feb 14) will win their choice of any Verve set.

SUSIE Q-TIP: In keeping with the vintage look to this project, I felt it only necessary to use this kite string for my buttons. This is actual vintage kite string, so it matches my project, can't you tell? I've had it since I was a kid. Get some and use it in your crafting. New string will work too, but it won't be vintage. It may not match, but no one will know (except me and the Antiques Roadshow people). You didn't know this was vintage string until I told you, did you? If that's the route you go, it will be our little secret.

Stamps: Heart's Desire, Accent Notes, Heart Flutter PJ (Verve)
Paper: Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist (PTI), Lil' Man (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Ruby Red (SU!), Antique Linen (Ranger), Vanilla Cream, Reflecting Pool (SUINK), Galaxy Gold, Versamark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Scallop Circle and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/White Thread, Slice/Basics 1, 3/4" Circle Punch, Clear EP, Heat Tool, Tissue Paper, Pearl Flatbacks, Red Grosgrain Ribbon, Vintage Cream Buttons, String, Hot Glue, Tacky Tape

A {Prize Package} Sketch For You To Try

Well, SFYTT IS BACK!! YAY!! I enjoyed the break, but really missed using a new sketch each week. It really gets your mojo going (and keeps it going, I think)! If ya'll are new to my blog, every Saturday, Jen puts out a little challenge called "A Sketch For You To Try". Just a sketch, no sketch police. Me and 4 other rockstar stampers contribute samples on our blogs to help inspire you. Starting now, every month Jen will be picking a Guest Designer for the next month from the "participant pool". So--play in the sketches this month, and YOU could be the Guest Designer for March! More good news--Since we are kicking off SFYTT with a BANG this year, there's a PRIZE PACKAGE worth over $200 up for grabs! Lots of stuff from the companies listed in the little graphic. You won't believe all the loot that has been donated for this!

Let me share a little about my card today before we get to the rules on how to win. I'm a rules girl don't you know, but first things first, ok? It's a super sneaky peek of the new set coming from The Cat's Pajamas on February 9th. It's called Bear Thing. (have you sent in YOUR entry to name the bear? Read about it HERE.) It's an all occasion set that covers a multitude of holidays. I've jumped ahead a little here and have made an Easter card based on the sketch. I pulled some colors from some of my favorite Girl Friday papers from Cosmo Cricket. Notice the sketch was the same one I used in THIS post? I snuck one over on you, huh!? Two drastically different looks, eh? The sketch looks hard, but it's really not. You can do anything you want with it! I can't wait to see your projects!

Are you ready to try and WIN THAT FABULOUS PRIZE PACKAGE?? Here's how we are going to work this thing:
1. A new sketch will be posted at www.iheart2stamp.com each Saturday in February.
2. There will be a Slide Guest Book that you can post your creation(s) to at the END of each of those posts.
3. You will have until March 2nd to post your creations to the corresponding sketch. Be sure that each of your creations is posted to the correct Slide Guest Book.
4. You can enter as many times as you like, but must upload each creation seperately. All entries should be posted to your blog or online gallery, as well. Please use the keyword "SFYTT" for all online galleries.
5. All participants will also be considered for next month's Designer of the Month.
6. A RANDOM participant will win the prize package and will be announced on March 3rd at www.iheart2stamp.com (Jen's blog). Winner will have five days to contact Jen via email to claim prize.
7. The March Designer of the Month will be chosen and contacted March 3rd, but will not be announced until the first Saturday of March over on Jen's blog..

Next, ya'll may need some more inspiration with this week's sketch. These are my SFYTT sisters. They want you to come for a visit or get re-acquainted!
Leigh
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly

SUSIE Q-TIP: Attach a handmade "Ribbon-Button-Loopy Thing Embellishmet" to a different colored piece of ribbon. In other words, use one kind for the main piece and another for the embellishment. Oh, just look at the picture. You can find my tutorial on how to make them HERE.

Stamps: W-9679 Bear Thing (The Cat’s Pajamas)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream (PTI), Regal Rose (SU!), Girl Friday (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Pretty in Pink (SU!)
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Punches, Scallop Border Punch, Scallop Scissors, Sewing Machine/White Thread, Big Scallop Border Punch (EK), Copic Markers, Sweet Thing Buttons (BT-005 TCP), Brown Button, Twine, Regal Rose Ribbon (SU!), Brown Polkadot Ribbon (PTI), Glue Dots, Foam Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Crazier Than Monkeys on a Hot Summer Day

Well, it's been a crazy week! Here's a quick rundown of the highlights: My husband has been out of town all week (we pick him up today at 1:15), we've had a death in the family (actually I can tell ya'll--it was my ex-husband and Shelbie's biological father and she's the only next of kin at age 17) that's caused some unbelievable family drama, I had to take Audrie to the doctor and found out she was on the brink of pneumonia, so she was home almost all week (she's much better now), Lindsie woke up at 3 AM last night with a stomach ache, and I got a real email (not spam) from a bank saying how nice it was to meet me (in North Carolina--I'm in Texas) and that they will get my home refi going real soon. Um, wrong Susan Liles! A home refi is the last thing on my mind this week. Turns out the "other" Susan Liles (imposter!) has an email address VERY similar to mine. (I'm a little concerned that this bank gave me HER address AND email as they were trying to get this all straight--privacy policy out the window, I guess!). I have to admit, I've been irrationally irked at Eric all week while he's been out in South Carolina, taking classes at USC and then heading back to his posh hotel in the afternoons to "kill time". Little does he know, that's all coming to a sweet little end today. (Insert devilish grin and rubbing hands together here.) The dirty dishes in the sink have his name written all over them and who knows what else I'll be able to find for him to do this afternoon while I stamp WITHOUT FAIL! Ok thanks for letting me get that off my chest.

Anyway, I've got some Verve-aliciousness to share with ya'll today. I hope you've been enjoying the Project Parade over on the Verve Blog. There's a great inspiration piece and as always, chances to win some new Verve stamps. My turn is next week, but I wanted to show ya'll a super fun card I made for this last release. I love how it turned out! It's the first spinner card I've ever done. I started it just on a whim as Jen and I were talking on the phone one day. Then I looked up the directions on how to fanagle the spinning contraption on SCS and found something close to what I needed HERE. It says to punch circles and then cut a "track" between the two, but I just used my old Word Window Punch from SU! (I knew there was a reason I was hanging on to it!).

The little Monkey is from the Verve set, Love Monkey and I thought the sentiment fit nicely with the "movement" on the card. I also used the must-have background set, Bountiful Backgrounds from Verve for the polkadot paper and his belly. How do ya'll like my "action" shot? Dad-gum! I'm a real photographer!

So I need to get moving here and pull out my pad and paper and get a list of things to do going for Eric. He needs to "feel the burn" equal to what I've been through this week. I'm really just kidding. I think I'll just sign this silly card and give it to him when I pick him up at the airport. I couldn't have done it without him. Thank goodness for cell phones and text messages.

SUSIE Q-TIP: When you've had a rough week and your husband is feeling bad for you because you've had to take the brunt of the troubles on all by yourself, that is a good time to not only tell him you love him and appreciate his help even from afar, but also hit him up for ordering that Copic marker set you've had your eye on for a while, a new car, or anything else you've been putting off getting. He won't be able to argue with you on getting it. You've earned it. It's your reward. You know it and he knows it. And it won't be the last time you need a little "pick-me-up". You know it and he knows it. That's hope for the future right there.

Stamps: Love Monkey, Bountiful Backgrounds (Verve)
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Summer Sun, Kraft, Pure Poppy, White
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Pure Poppy, Chocolate Chip
Accessories: Circle and Scallop Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Word Window Punch, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Pennies, Pure Poppy Ribbon (PTI), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: 4.25" Square

An MFT Shop and Hop!

Well, I can't believe it's already Blog Hop and Release time again for My Favorite Things! I LOVE IT!! You should have hopped here from the fabulous Amy's blog, but if not, start at the beginning, over on Kim's Blog so you don't miss your chance to win some blog candy! As I did in my last post, I'm featuring the new sentiment set again called Clearly Sentimental About Emerson.
(I told ya'll I'd be using it again in the near future!--I'm not as flaky as you thought!) This set has so many possibilities as most of the sentiments can each be used for different card occasions (in my opinion). Like this one in particular--I think it could be used for a baby card, encouragement, graduation, or a wedding, by just changing the look and colors of the card. Once you get your hands on this set, you will quickly see what I mean!
I used more MFT Summer paper and more MFT Buttons and more MFT ribbon and more MFT Swarovski Crystals. It's an MFT Maxi-card! And just so you know, the stamp set and all the "extras" on this card are available NOW at the MFT store!
I have a little secret going on with this card, too. It's a sneak peek at the Sketch For You To Try from my friend, Jen for this Saturday, so get your thinking caps on, because we are back on with that starting this weekend!

Ok, so I know you'd love to hang around here for lots more time and I'd love to keep you company, but you really ought to skidaddle and head over to Melody's blog for more MFT goodness! Ya'll can always come back later, you know! I'd love to have you!

SUSIE Q-TIP: My sewing machine has decided to start being onery. It actually skipped a stitch on the red panel. I was NOT about to start my card all over, so I just filled in the stitch with a new one created by my trusty white gel pen.

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About Emerson (MFT)
Paper: Pure Poppy (PTI), Regal Rose, White Perfect Panels (MFT), Summer Paper (MFT)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Circle Nestabilities, Swiss Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Circle and Scallop Circle Punches, Star Punch, Sewing Machine/White Thread, Ribbon Buttons and Crystals (MFT), White Gel Pen, Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2