Blast from the Past from My Favorite Things

Well, it seems as though I've overlooked a couple of things I had to show ya'll from My Favorite Things! I'm trying to get all organized for the holidays (craftwise/shoppingwise/mentallypreparedwise) and realized that these projects had been neglected. Poor things!

Here is a scrapbook page that I did especially for Scrapper's Boutique. We have a wall of 12x12 layouts with photos of all the designers and teachers for the store. The gorgeous photos were all taken by our friend, Taj (who also designs for the store and is a fabulous photographer if anyone is interested in a cool photoshoot!).


I highlighted the page (we won't talk about the pictures here, ok?) with my very favorite a la mode stamp called Miss You a Latte because I would actually have coffee in that size if I could, not to mention I'd actually be that skinny if I could too. In the other picture, ya'll can also see the Jumbo Scallop Die-namics die I used on some cork sheets. Super fun! Ok, let's move on, shall we? And no, you are not allowed to click on the pictures of me and see them all big.


This little project here is made from the Cookie Box Template also from My Favorite Things (a concept by Jen!). I used the Pure Innocence stamp set, Making a List for some of the decoration and paper pieced her dress and her list (she's of course checking it twice).


Here's a detail shot of the top part of the box. You can see the tag is a sentiment from the same set and that I've used a couple of Die-namics dies on this one! Let's see, there's the Let it Snowflake die and the Banner Strip Die and Mini Alphabet that come as a set. I think these will be really fun to make as teacher Christmas gifts this year. I wonder if some Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark will fit nicely inside? My cookies are by Chips Ahoy.

SUSIE Q-TIP: When cutting your own Cookie Box template (available in all formats including "by hand"), use the piece from where it cut out the little window as a tag. Mine is layered underneath the oval for extra cuteness. Be sure and use double sided DP for some contrast.

MFT Teasers Day 3--Hello Cupcake

Well it's Pure Innocence time for day 3 of Teasers from My Favorite Things! I know after ya'll see what's going to be up for grabs this Wednesday night (Release Party night), your letter to Santa is going to get pretty darn long. There are 5 new Pure Innocence sets to fall in love with this time. This one is called Hello Cupcake.

Here's a little detail shot of what ya'll can do with the cupcake/arm part. I stamped the image again on another piece of White Perfect Panels and colored it, cut it out and popped it up on top of the main image. It's a little weird cutting it out--a cupcake with this random arm hanging off of it, but it's well worth the effort.

I used the Hearts A Plenty Die-namics die also coming your way from MFT. Here's what it looks like:

Ok, I've got to run off to IKEA today, but you can get the full list of Design Team participants who have tons more to Pure Innocence to show off around 11am EST. Kim will have that handy-dandy link list posted to HER BLOG then. See ya'll soon!



SUSIE Q-TIP: Instead of glueing a border, sew it down. Super easy and a neat trick for something a little different.

Stamps: Hello Cupcake Pure Innocence (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Kraft (PTI), Bubblegum (MFT), White Perfect Panels, State of the Heart (My Mind's Eye)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Hearts a Plenty and Flower Border Die-namics (MFT), Scallop Square Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Sewing Machine/Thread, Copic Markers, Red Felt (MFT), Valentine Bingo Card (Jenni Bowlin), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Button/Silver Twine, Red Stitched Ribbon (Pizzazz Aplenty), Glossy Accents, Glitter Garnish (MFT), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

MFT Teasers Day 1 and a {Hearty} Sketch For You To Try

Well, I can't believe it's Saturday already. It felt like a Saturday yesterday even though Eric had to work (boo). But despite that fact, and because the girls had spent Thanksgiving night with their cousins (Lindsie accidently gave one of them a black eye when she whacked him with the Wii playing tennis--oopsie!), he and I were brave enough to wake up at 3 am and do some doorbuster Black Friday shopping. We got the hot ticket item we were after (luckily) and then came home with coffee and breakfast from McDonald's and Eric still made it out the door to work by 7:30. Then I was all alone, so Jen came over and we did a little more shopping and found a few more "fancy new whatevers" to bring home. After all was said and done, I crashed and burned about 8 last night and then created this at my own pace (slowly) for today's Sketch For You To Try from Jen which doubles as a Day One Teaser for My Favorite Things.

My card uses the new Clearly Sentimental About Teachers set (the previous Triple Scoop set) that I adore and a couple of new (coming this Wednesday) Die-namics dies from My Favorite Things. They are: Hearts a Plenty and Dainty Dots , and here's what they look like: (They are quite possibly my new very favorites, so expect to see more of them in my future!)













Don't forget, as with all the Teasers this week, Kim will have a list of all the Design Team girls' creations on HER BLOG at 11 am EST!

Anyway, we are off to Mineral Wells today to see Eric's parents and have a second helping of Thanksgiving. Hmmmm...what do we have to be thankful for this year? Oh YES---ERIC is happy, ALIVE and WELL!! Praise God!

Ok, here's the sketch and we hope ya'll get to play along with us! I promise, if you've already been out shopping and are too pooped to pop, creating something will be really relaxing! Check out the samples from my other SFYTT sisters and then link your OWN creation to Jen's blog so we can all see them!

Amy Rohl
Amy Sheffer
Megan Lock
Amber Hight
Sony Christoph
Jodi Collins
Jenn Diercks
Kelly Lunceford
Leigh O’Brien

SUSIE Q-TIP: I know we haven't even gotten to Christmas yet, but just know that Valentine's day is right around the corner. When you get your Hearts a Plenty Die-namics die from MFT, go ahead and cut out several hearts of felt, and paper in red and pink (for sure). Then you will already have them on hand for both cardmaking holidays.

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About Teachers (My Favorite Things)
Paper: White, Kraft, Golden Harvest (PTI), School Spirit (Crate Paper)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Dainty Dot and Hearts a Plenty Die-namics (My Favorite Things), Circle and Blossom Nestabilities, Large Dot Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Red Felt and White Buttons (MFT), Red Grosgrain/Yellow Satin Ribbons, Library Clip (SU!), Twine, Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Verve Winter Project Parade--Day 6

Well, did ya'll realize that the Project Parade over on the VERVE BLOG is going on NOW? It happens to be my turn today and I've made an awesome Triple Play project (our theme). Here's what I wrote over there, but be sure and leave me a comment on my VERVE POST for your chance to win fun stuff from Verve!

---

Well, it's me, Susan and I'm here with Day 6 of our Verve-alicious Project Parade.
Well, it's me, Susan and I'm here with Day 6 of our Verve-alicious Project Parade.
Well, it's me, Susan and I'm here with Day 6 of our Verve-alicious Project Parade.
No, ya'll aren't seeing triple, I'm just getting into character and the spirit of our theme this month--The Triple Play! Jen challenged all the Verve Divas to come up with something in triplicate. This can be to create three different things that all coordinate (like a bag, a card and a tag) or to create three different cards or three different tags--just something in a group of three, it's up to you.


I went with this little box trio that hold a trio of goodies inside! It's a template that you can find and download HERE. So that means it's completely handmade (and super cheap)!


Wanna see what's inside? Keep reading...


Let's open the first one. Here we have some Hershey miniature chocolates that I wrapped with stamped Avery Address Labels. I used the Merry Wishes set for the snowflake flowers and the Holiday Phrases set for the sentiments. Can ya'll believe this little box holds almost the entire bag of chocolate? I had to exclude the Special Dark bars because they didn't match. And coincedence--they are my favorites (and they are gone.).


I filled the second box with 6 (because it's divisible by 3) tags ready to place on some brown paper packages tied up with strings. I finally got a chance to use my new Sweet Scallop Tag stamp along with the Sweet Scallop Tag Die that matches. At the same time I cut the stamped tags out, I also cut another tag in order to make the accent piece across the middles fit perfectly. The "to/from" stamp is from the set, Glad Tidings and was the perfect size for my little tags and the red berries are from the crazy fun Merry Wishes set.


And thirdly, I made a rosette ornament using the Vintage Oval Frame stamp and Vintage Oval Frame Die to match the front of the tray that holds all three boxes. The sentiment on the ornament is again from the Glad Tidings set.



Ok, well, that's all for now. Not a complicated project, just a lot of stamping, 6 different papers (again in keeping with 2 sets of three) and "putting together". I think ya'll can do it if you feel like duplicating it--or triplicating it, I should say!


NOTE: Due to the Thanksgiving Holiday, there won't be a new post tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! (I know we have TONS to be thankful for this year!) Don't forget to stop back by on Friday, though as we have lots more to show! Say that three times fast.

---

Challenges and Prizes:
---- One lucky contestant who plays along with the Triple Play Challenge, will receive the entire January Release AND will be our Guest Diva for the month of January!!! WOOHOO!!!

---- As always, we've hidden a little prize along the parade. A lucky random commenter on one of the official Parade Posts (11/17 through 12/7) will receive a $25 Verve gift certificate!! Woot!!!

View all the challenge and prize details and submit your Triple Play Challenge projects using the official Project Parade Entry Form and check out all the details of this month's project parade!!!!

---

SUSIE Q-TIP: Those teeny tiny jingle bells have teeny tiny holes and even that silver twine is hard to thread through them. Use your paper piercer to make the hole a little bigger by gently forcing (oxymoron?) it through the hole. Doesn't take much, but you'll see a big difference. Threads like buttah.

Supplies: Most of the supplies used as far as stamps and dies are in the body of my post above. Rather than duplicating that, let me just add that the template is from My Favorite Things, and the paper is a combination of The Goods Bridesmaid (AC), Breaking Free (My Mind's Eye), Merry Berry (Cosmo Cricket), and Lost and Found (My Mind's Eye). Feel free to email me if you have any other questions regarding this project!

Pajama Party Blog Hop!

Well, it's release time for The Cat's Pajamas!! We are having an "after (pajama) party" hop and combining it with this week's TCP Tuesday Challenge! If you made it here from Joanne's blog, you're on the right track. If not, you need to stop what you're doing and head over to Jen's blog and start at the beginning. You see, Jen is our Hostess with the Mostess and she is dishing up a Technique Challenge (TCPTUES136). The challenge is to create your own embellishments using die cuts. Sound like fun?

Then let's get started with the dissection...I'll start with the stamps. I used the new (available now with FREE shipping!) Round the Chimney set starring those persnickety penguins. Look at them all trying to be sneaky hiding in the chimney and shaking their presents. Next, they will probably eat the cookies that are out for Santa! I've also used some of those swanky new CutUps dies from The Cat's Pajamas too. There's the new Icing and Snowflake dies. For the challenge, I incorporated the Snowflake into my ever-so-fabulous button-ribbon-loopy-embellishment-thingy and added a little sparkle with some Stickles.

Penguins just want to have fun! Ok, but that's enough for now--they are making me tired just looking at them. While I get nestled, all snug in my bed, visions of sugarplums will be in your head when you dance on over to the next stop on the hop--JULIE!

OH and be sure and play along with us for the TCP Tuesday challenge for your chance to be next month's Swanky Stamper and win $25 in Cat Cash! JEN has all the details on how to play along on her blog HERE.

SUSIE Q-TIP: I give ya'll permission to make snowflakes any color you want except yellow. We all know where yellow snow comes from.

Stamps: Round the Chimney (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: White, Pure Poppy (PTI), White, Aqua, and Green CS (AC), Dear Lizzy (AC)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Icing and Snowflake CutUps Dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Peppermint Stripe Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Icicle Stickles, Red Grosgrain, Button, Linen Thread, Inksentials Gel Pen (Ranger), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

One More Sneaky Peek

Well, I have one more Sneaky Peek from The Cat's Pajamas to reveal here before tonight's Pajama Release Party. I've featured the new set, Your Gift with the wascally wabbit placing the star on top of the Christmas Tree (that was super easy to paper piece, by the way).


The Snowflake CutUps die is faaabu--looouuuuuss!! I added a button to it tied on with some loverly Oyster Divine Twine for good measure (or may-zhur as my mom says).

Ok, well, I have LOTS to do today. A friend of ours gifted us 4 tickets to yesterday's Dallas Cowboys game (holy cow, that Diamond Vision Screen is big, even from the very top row of the stadium--I'm still trying to catch my breath from climbing those stairs!), so we were gone all day and I lost a little bit of stamping time. At least they won, though and I got some really cool pictures!! Wanna see? I'll see ya'll tonight!!



SUSIE Q-TIP: Use silver ink around the edges of Kraft paper. It's glorious. However, does anyone know how to get that stuff to dry? (It's the Encore Silver from SU!) A heat tool doesn't work. I set the card on top of our nice dresser and now I have silver marks on it and I don't want to talk about it.

Stamps: Your Gift (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Black, Kraft, Pure Poppy (PTI), Oh Joy (Making Memories)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Encore Silver (SU!), Pure Poppy (PTI)
Accessories: Snowflake CutUps Die (The Cat's Pajamas), Labels Nestabilities, Large Dot Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Red Pearl Flatbacks (Pizzazz Aplenty), Button, Oyster Divine Twine (The Cat's Pajamas), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

A {Snow-Flakey} Sketch For You To Try

Well, what a week! I've been super busy stamping, working on card kits, taking Sage out for walks, doctor's appointments and getting the house all clean and shiny--ready for Christmas decorating! I'm still not finished with the stamping and card kits part (and walking Sage is perpetual), so I hope to play some more today. I played hard last night when I made this sample for Jen's Sketch For You To Try. It's a Saturday staple, you know.

I used the new little Snowflake Girl stamp set that will be available this coming week on the 23rd from The Cat's Pajamas. I love how there is a "thank you" sentiment with this set along with a large snowflake stamp. I haven't even shown ya'll half the stamps from the upcoming release yet, but I think this is one of my very favorites. I did stamp her on white (can you tell?), but when my color scheme changed to more creamy colors, all I had to do was fill in parts of the white areas with a beige-y marker and tah-dah! You can't even tell--oh and because of the color change, I also cut her out along the line whereas I usually leave a little white edge. It's a pleasant change!

There's another one of those CutUps dies again! It's called Icing and when I look at it, I want a Hostess cupcake. But I'm cutting down after the holidays. There's some stuff I need to work on--ahem, a little flab here and there has jumped onto my mid-section without asking. I'm sure that never happens to ya'll!

SUSIE Q-TIP: For some reason, I love when a scrapbook paper company makes a 12x12 sheet of "journaling cards" to match all the other paper of a particular "line". I can't resist buying them. Rather than a plain backdrop for your main image, try using one of them and either stamping directly onto it, or cutting out and popping up something adorable as a great focal point.

ERIC UPDATE: I think I had mentioned that he had a PET scan this past Monday. He got the results---it's all CLEAR! No sign of cancer at all! The Dr. did say that he would now be a good candidate for a Stem Cell Harvest because if it does reoccur, he won't be able to have the same treatment as he did this time and will need a bone marrow transplant at which time the stem cells will be used. We are interested in doing this, but are waiting to hear back from the Dr. as to the costs, if it's covered by our insurance and what's involved. But for now---CANCER FREE!!

Remember to check out all the inspiration that can be found at each of the SFYTT sisters' blogs! Jen's on the lookout for the next Designer of the Month, so be sure to link up your creation to her blog this week. When uploading to online galleries, please use the keyword SFYTT!
Amy R.
Amy S.
Kelly (she's back!)
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins
Carole Burrage (taking a break)

Stamps: Snowflake Girl (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream (PTI), Ruby Red (SU!), Oh Joy (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Icing CutUps Die (The Cat's Pajamas), Sewing Machine/Thread, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Baby Love Glitzy Glitter (The Cat's Pajamas), Cherry Divine Twine and Button (TCP), Brown Ribbon, Flatback Pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Glue Dots, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Let's Define Good

Well, I have another Sneaky Peek from The Cat's Pajamas for ya'll today! Some of the cutest Christmas images out there are coming your way from The Cat's Pajamas and this one is no exception. It's a new set from illustrator, Zlatina Gocheva and features one of her extremely cute bunnies. The set is called Define Good. Seems like that bunny is walking a fine line, or should I say "hopping"?


I was inspired by the colors of the new line of paper, Winter Wishes from Bo Bunny (appropriate, eh?), that you can barely see in the background. I'm just loving all the purple, turquoise, aqua, brown and green! So when my Define Good bunny jumped into the scene, I just had to color him all up the same way.


Did I mention that there's 10 new sets coming on November 3rd? And 4 new CutUps dies as well? I've used a couple of them here---the new Bracket Edge CutUps die and like yesterday, the new Apron Lace die. So many possibilities! I know that yesterday I talked about Black Friday, and The Cat's Pajamas is having a little shopping frenzy of its own. We are talking FREE SHIPPING November 23-29. Now THAT Defines Good!

YOU are invited:

There are a few more of the Cat Pack design team Defining Good today. Head over to Alma's blog for all the links.

SUSIE Q-TIP: Instead of matting a layer underneath your main image persactly, offset it and make it all wonky. Doing that enhances any kind of card--quirky or elegant. I prefer quirky. It defines me.

Stamps: Define Good (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: Aqua Mist, Chartreuse, Plum Pudding, Dark Chocolate, White (PTI), Winter Wishes (Bo Bunny)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Chocolate Chip (SU!)
Accessories: Bracket Edge and Apron Lace CutUps Dies (The Cat's Pajamas), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Large Dot Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Brown/White Gingham Ribbon, Button, Linen Thread (TCP), Copic Markers, Glitter Glue (Creative Cafe), Holographic Flatback Rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

Merry Wishes Sneaky Peek from The Cat's Pajamas

Well, can ya'll believe we are about to embark on another holiday season? Eric and I are saving, saving, saving to try and get in a couple of the early Black Friday deals that are starting soon. However, I left him a note the other day asking him to put our Christmas wreath up on the front door and he refused. No decorating or Christmas music allowed until after Thanksgiving or so he says. I have to admit, I get caught up in the spirit early every year--it's just too fun!! And it doesn't help the matter that such wonderful stamp companies such as The Cat's Pajamas enlist me to start playing with Christmas stamps this "early". I love it when the holiday stamps come live with me!


Hello my new little Merry Wishes set from The Cat's Pajamas. Come to mommy and stay out of that mean old Eric's paws. It's Day Four of Sneaky Peek Week and it's another super cute image from Ou Ou Illustration. This little girl all bundled up is the main image in a set called "Merry Wishes" available next Tuesday. In fact she's one of 10 new sets and 4 CutUps steel dies coming the day before Thanksgiving. See my little Apron Lace CutUp swirly border? It's so cute!


Yes, it's another round card. I actually made this one before I made the one for yesterday's post. Unlike the swivel action of my card yesterday, this one has a "folded" backside and opens like normal. All I did was score the back scallop circle across the top and glued it to the front. Easy peasy. The front of my card is sprayed with Marshmallow Glimmer Mist to make it extra sparkly (love that stuff!). A bunch of us Cat Pack girls are working on our "black hair" coloring techniques. It's harder than it looks! I think my girl got a bad hair dye job. Better luck next time.

Ok, I'm off to pull out some Christmas lights and start assessing which ones work and don't work. Ya'll be sure and head over to Alma's blog to see who's got some more Sneaky Peeks of this set!

SUSIE Q-TIP: I used Copics C3, C5, and C7 for this sweetie's hair. I really think I need the very next darker shade to make her look a little younger (she's a little gray to me). That would be C9. Trust me, it's on order.

Stamps: Merry Wishes (The Cat's Pajamas)
Paper: New Leaf, Black, White (PTI), Mistletoe (Making Memories)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Apron Lace Border CutUps (The Cat's Pajamas), Scallop Circle and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Copic Markers, Black/White Gingham Ribbon, Button, Cherry Divine Twine (The Cat's Pajamas), Red Stickles, Marshmallow Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels), Jody Boosters

A Sweet MFT VIP Hop

Well it's MFT VIP time around here! This month's VIP kit from My Favorite Things is being released tonight at 10 PM and we are having a sweetheart of a blog hop to celebrate the moment. The hop started over on KIM'S BLOG. If that's where you began, then ya'll are officially hopping. If not, I'm certainly glad you're here, but you'll be missing out if you don't start at the beginning!


The newest Who's That Girl set is called From the Bottom of My Heart and she is a perfect fit for this little round scallop swivel card. I colored most of her with my Copic markers, but then used some of that FABULOUS Houndstooth Digital Paper from My Favorite Things for her skirt.


Let's talk about the inside--The balloons are included in the WTG set and the inside sentiment is from the From the Bottom of My Heart Additions VIP exclusive set. No, I didn't make the card upside down, sillies! The card is attached at the side with one brad (even though it looks like two of them hold it together--what a faker I am!) and it just swivels open to reveal the inside where you could write a sweet lovenote to to your honey. Should I?

Here's what's included in the From the Bottom of My Heart VIP Collection ($42.90):
From the Bottom of My Heart WTG
From the Bottom of My Heart Additions (VIP exclusive full-sized stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again)
Hearts a Plenty Die-namics die
Curio Basic Grey 6 X 6 Patterned Paper Pad

And don't forget about the à la modes sets to release at the same time:
Here's the Story
Take Time

Ok, next on the sweetest VIP hop ever is JEN!!

SUSIE Q-TIP: A simple design is all that's needed for a cute and fun round card. Hmmm...I'm noticing a resemblance to myself here--cute, fun and round. Purely coincedence.

Eric Update: He went to Dallas on Monday for a PET scan to see if there has been any recurrence of the Burkitt's Lymphoma. We go back to the oncologist on Friday for the results. Keep sending those prayers, good wishes and happy thoughts our way, as this makes us a little nervous!

Stamps: From the Bottom of My Heart WTG and From the Bottom of My Heart Additions (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Black, New Leaf, Rasberry Fizz (PTI), Regal Rose (SU!), Houndstooth Digital Paper (MFT), Tea Party (AC)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Pink Passion (SU!)
Accessories: Hearts a Plenty Die-namics Die (MFT), Scallop Circle and Circle Nestabilities, Cuttlebug, Circle Punch, Copic Markers, Button Brads, White Grosgrain, Swarovski Crystals (MFT), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters

Here's the Story--another a la mode

Well, today is the first day of new a la mode Teasers from My Favorite Things and I've got a cah-ute one for ya'll!! (However, I still don't have my Photoshop up and running on this cranky old computer I'm using, so bear with me as the picture is not as bright as I usually like them...hopefully I'll get that going today!)


This new a la mode stamp set is called Here's the Story and features another one of those nifty ladies that is sitting atop a pile of books and reading the largest one she could wrap her hands around! I just picked up this little 6x6 pad of Circa 1934 paper from Cosmo Cricket and I used it to make it a little romantic. The stamp set will be available starting tomorrow night along with another a la mode called Time to Relax and the famous Who's That Girl VIP KIT--wooOHOooOOO!!

To help the romance along (you have to do that every now and then, right?), I used the Rolled Rose Die-namics die to make the rose and just hot glued it on top of my ribbon-sans button-loopy embellishment-thingy. The brad needed its legs cut off a little to make it shorter (just snip with old scissors) and I just hot glued that puppy right in the center of it.


OH and by the way, one of ya'll had asked me a while back if there was a tutorial showing how to use the Rolled Rose Die-namics die. There was no link to comment back to you, but I thought I'd mention it here. I hope you're reading! JODY has a great tool she uses (and now I have one too, because that's the effect she has on me), and she teaches how to make the Rolled Rose on her blog HERE.


Ok, as always, ya'll can read up on the other MFT design team members who've got something to share by going to KIM'S BLOG and hopping around from the link list she's got over there! She'll have it all bright and shiny and ready to go around 11 EST this morning.

SUSIE Q-TIP: I was feeling a little distressed last night when I was making this card, as we think someone tried to bust our front door down while we were putting the girls to bed, so I took it out on some paper for a little stress relief. It was super easy to glue my patterned paper down on the front, sew it around the edges, leaving a wide seam allowance, and then just lift it up with my fingernails, tearing it here and there. I did the same for the inside of the card with the little pieces, just minus the sewing. It felt good.

Stamps: Here's the Story a la mode (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Black, White, Pure Poppy (PTI), More Mustard (SU!), Circa 1934 (Cosmo Cricket)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories: Rolled Rose and Polkadot Greetings Die-namics Dies (My Favorite Things), Sewing Machine/Thread, Tim Holtz Distresser, Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Copic Markers, Pewter Baby Braddies (MFT), Large Pewter Brad (AC), Ribbon (PTI), Hot Glue, Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2

A {Real Sparkle-y} Sketch For You to Try

Ok, I just have to warn ya'll: My laptop died the other day and it has my Photoshop software on it. I'm using our dinosaur computer that I think would blow up if I installed PSCS3 on it, so these pictures are the REAL deal. Unedited. All me, baby. I'll try to switch them out when I can.

Well, holy cow! I didn't realize I hadn't blogged all week! Why didn't ya'll say something? I hope you missed me. I don't know what I was doing, probably a bunch of nothin'. Nate Berkus and his new show seem to enthrall me lately and I end up cleaning something and then those Real Housewives of Atlanta come on and I get sucked into that and it makes me want to shop for something sparkly and sing really badly. I wonder what Kim did with the money (for singing lessons)? And we won't even talk about what Days of Our Lives does to me.

Speaking of sparkly, today's Sketch For You to Try from Jen is being sponsored by Sparkle Creations and if you play along, Sparkle is generously gifting a random participant some cute stamps (and I mean cuh-ute)!

Unfortunately, my stamp from Sparkle Creations is still on its way in the mail, so I'll have to play with it at a later date, sometime this week, hopefully. So since the sketch called for a tallish panel, and I still had those tallish Real Housewives on my mind (who I don't think would know the first thing about making a cake, but certainly would agree that the bigger the cake the better), I thought I'd use an a la mode stamp from My Favorite Things called Time to Celebrate. I love how fun these are to color and of course, I HAD to make it SPARKLE, in honor of our sponsor, so there are Icicle Stickles across the top of each cake layer for added BLING!!

This card is for Lindsie and Audrie who are celebrating tomorrow at a combined gymnastics birthday party for their birthdays (that are a month and a half apart, so why not, right?). Audrie turned 7 last month and Lindsie turns 10 at the end of this month! Oh happy day--I can't wait to give them their gifts! Happy Birthday, my precious angel-babies!

SUSIE Q-TIP: So a lot of times I use glue dots to attach my buttons (naked or not) when I'm too lazy to plug in the hot glue gun. I'm out of glue dots right now (somebody call 911), so I used little torn off pieces of Scor-Tape and it worked fine. In case of emergency, don't break glass...just tear off some Scor-Tape.

Here's the sketch and inspiration from the Real Housewives of SFYTT. Don't forget to play along and link your creation to the linky gadget on Jen's Blog for a chance to win some Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps!

Amy R.
Amy S.
Amber Hight
Jenn Diercks
Megan Lock
Sony Cristoph
Jodi Collins

Stamps: Time to Celebrate a la mode (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Close to Cocoa, Regal Rose (SU!), White (PTI), Aqua, City Park (American Crafts)
Ink: Brilliance Graphite Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Small Scallop Border Die-namics (My Favorite Things), Paper Piercer/Mat Pack, Copic Markers, Baby Braddies and Buttons (MFT), Large Dots Embossing Folder, Cuttlebug, Icicle Stickles (Ranger), Scor-Tape, Ribbon (PTI), Jody Boosters
Finished Size: A2