HandKrafted by Stephanie

CR84FN47 -- You're So Bubbly

2012-01-28T21:55:00.041-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new CR84FN Challenge! CR84FN47 will last for 2 weeks. Our color palette is Pink, Red and Light Blue. Photos courtesy of Magnolia Rouge.

Please welcome our Guest Designer for the month -- Monika!

Today I used the sweet Pure Innocence - Blowing Bubbles which was part of the MFT Classic Kids VIP collection. For sketch inspiration, I used this week's WSC Getting Sketchy #56 from My Favorite Things. All the challenge details can be found HERE.

For all the CR84FN challenge details, please be sure to visit the CR84FN blog HERE. I hope you will join us this week.. I can't wait to see what you create! For more inspiration, please visit my fellow design teammates:

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Supplies ~
Stamps: Pure Innocence - Blowing Bubbles (MFT)
Paper: Paper Heart (Crate Paper), Baby Pink Light (Prism), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Die-namics Open Scallop Doily Duo, Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon (MFT); Markers (Copic), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

SCRSC71 -- A+

2012-01-23T22:00:00.024-07:00

Welcome to week 2 of the current Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge (SCRSC71)! The challenge is a sketch challenge (sketch courtesy of Kim Yu).

For more SCRS inspiration and details, please visit the SCRS blog to see the design team's wonderful creations and their individual blogs for more details:

Kerri Michaud
Margie Cortina

Savannah O'Gwynn

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Bookworm Ruby (Sparkle Creations), Sentiment from You Make the Grade (MFT)
Paper: Off to School (Fancy Pants), Vibrant Teal, Red (Prism), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Petite Oval and Scalloped Petite Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon (MFT), Markers (Copic), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 225 -- Nicest Thoughts

2012-01-23T06:00:00.016-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#225). Julee has created a fun sketch again this week! I rotated it 90 degrees... Here's my simple interpretation:

Here's a look at Julee's sketch:

I hope you will play along with us this week! Please visit the Mojo Monday blog for all the details and to see the wonderful creations by the Mojo Makers! You can also visit their individual blogs for more details:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Nicest Thoughts Plain Jane (Verve)
Paper: Clementine (Cosmo Cricket), Melon Berry (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Crochet flower (Sister Mary), Buttons (Papertrey Ink), Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN46 Week 2 -- From the Heart

2012-01-21T21:55:00.024-07:00

Hello! It's week 2 for the current CR84FN Challenge! If you haven't played along yet, you have just under a week to play in CR84FN46. Our color palette is Light Pink, Yellow and Neutral. Photos courtesy of Becca Rillo Photography.

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Flopsey Bunch of Hearts (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Out of Print (Basic Grey), Cotton Candy (MFT), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics You Move Me, Die-namics Mini Tabs Foursome, Die-namics Simply Scallops Medium (MFT); Corner Chomper (WRMK), Markers (Copic), Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), Ribbon, Button, Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 224 -- Love U

2012-01-16T06:00:00.026-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#224). Julee has created a really great sketch again this week!

I had fun playing with this week's sketch. I pulled my cork sheets again and die cut the letter "u" from the A Cut Above Dies: I Heart U Die Set. I moved the small banner around on the sketch and stamped "love" from You and I.

Here's a look at Julee's sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: You and I (Verve)
Paper: Kissing Booth (Basic Grey), Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: I Heart U Die Set (Verve), Standard Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Mini Wavy Pennants Die-namics, Cork (My Favorite Things); Jute Twine Ribbon, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN46 -- One of a Kind

2012-01-14T21:55:00.044-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new CR84FN Challenge! CR84FN46 will last for 2 weeks. Our color palette is Light Pink, Yellow and Neutral. Photos courtesy of Becca Rillo Photography.

Today I used the sweet Pure Innocence - Paper Dolls. For sketch inspiration, I used this week's WSC Getting Sketchy #54 from My Favorite Things. All the challenge details can be found HERE.

For all the CR84FN challenge details, please be sure to visit the CR84FN blog HERE. I hope you will join us this week.. I can't wait to see what you create! For more inspiration, please visit my fellow design teammates:

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Supplies ~
Stamps: Pure Innocence - Paper Dolls (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Sidewalks (October Afternoon), Hibiscus Burst (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Wonky Scallop Border, Die-namics Mini Wavy Pennants, Die-namics Mini Pennant (My Favorite Things); Markers (Copic), Frosted flatback pearl (Pizzazz Aplenty), Ribbon, Button, Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Sparkle Creations January Release -- Tea Set Rin

2012-01-13T22:00:00.030-07:00

Hello and Welcome to Day 3 (the final day) of previews for the January release for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! Sparkle is releasing 2 new SCRS images and 1 new Karber clear set, and they are available now! Today we are previewing the final SCRS image, Tea Set Rin and sentiment, "you're my cup of tea"!

Be sure to visit all rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Tea Set Rin. Sparkle will be giving away a Tea Set Rin to one lucky person! For a chance to win, you need to comment on all of the designer's blogs (list below). Then head on over to the and comment on the Rin post. You have until midnight EST each day to comment. The lucky winner will be announced the following day!

Alice Wertz

Danielle Lounds

Debbie Carriere

Kerri Michaud

Kim Yu

Shaela Odd

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

Stephanie Kraft (you are here)

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Store

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Tea Set Rin (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: Splendid (Authentique), True Black (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon (My Favorite Things), Markers (Copic), Black flatback pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Doily, Seam binding, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Sparkle Creations January Preview -- Nurse Lucy

2012-01-11T22:00:00.050-07:00

Hello and Welcome to Day 1 (of 3) previews for the January release for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! Sparkle is releasing 2 new SCRS images and 1 new Karber clear set this Saturday! Today we are previewing a new SCRS image, Nurse Lucy and sentiment, "get better soon"!

I stamped, colored and fussy cut Lucy and popped her on top of some My Mind's Eye Stella and Rose Hattie papers. My layout is Jen's Deconstructed Sketch #33 from last week.

Be sure to visit all rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Nurse Lucy. Sparkle will be giving away a Nurse Lucy to one lucky person! For a chance to win, you need to comment on all of the designer's blogs (list below). Then head on over to the and comment on the Lucy post. You have until midnight EST each day to comment. The lucky winner will be announced the following day!

Alice Wertz

Amber Hight

Debbie Carriere

Kim Yu

Margie Cortina

Savannah O'Gwynn

Shaela Odd

Simonne Clay

Stephanie Kraft (you are here)

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Nurse Lucy (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: Stella and Rose Hattie (My Mind's Eye), Harvest Gold (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Wonky Scallops, Rolled Scallop Flower, Mini Wavy Pennants, Cork (My Favorite Things); Markers (Copic), Felt, Seam binding, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

SCRSC70 -- Birthday Wishes

2012-01-09T22:00:00.053-07:00

Welcome to week 2 of the first Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge of 2012! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and your new year is off to a great start! The current challenge (SCRSC70) is to use something new.

Since we switched up our challenges to be bi-weekly, I now post on the 2nd week of the challenge. Because of this, I didn't get a chance to welcome our new team members (I've updated my sidebar with the complete team) or our January guest designer, Debbie Carriere! If you aren't already familiar with Debbie's work, you are in for a real treat!

I'm back with another birthday card. This one is for Sabrina's PE teacher, Mrs. Douglass. Her birthday is this Friday, the 13th! My something(s) new are a couple of items that I hadn't used yet -- patterned paper (October Afternoon Farmhouse), ribbon (May Arts) and Die-namics Mini Pennant and Mini Wavy Pennants (My Favorite Things).

I used Karen's Sweet Sunday Sketch #149 for my layout. We happen to be sponsoring this challenge, so you can combine both challenges (SCRSC70 and SSSC149) for two chances to win some Sparkle Creations stamps. Please be sure to add your link to the SCRS blog here and the Sweet Sunday Sketch blog here.

For more SCRS inspiration and details, please visit the SCRS blog to see the design team's wonderful creations and their individual blogs for more details:

Kerri Michaud
Margie Cortina

Savannah O'Gwynn

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

I'll be back in a couple of days with the first SCRS January preview! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Cheerleading Emily (Sparkle Creations), Sentiment from Mixed Messages (Papertrey Ink)
Paper: Farmhouse (October Afternoon), Smokey Shadow (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Cream (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Die-namics Mini Pennant and Mini Wavy Pennants (My Favorite Things), Markers (Copic), Ribbon, Twine (May Arts); Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 223 -- Make a Wish

2012-01-09T06:00:00.018-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#223). Julee has created a really fun sketch this week!

It's back to school this week for us. I will miss having Brina at home with me, but all good things must come to an end... Today I have a birthday card for her teacher, Miss Clark, who celebrates her birthday tomorrow. My strip of pink lace (underneath the twine) was gifted to me by my sweet friend, Piali! Thanks so much!

Here's a look at Julee's sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Birthday Bash (Verve)
Paper: Lost & Found Market Street (My Mind's Eye), Cotton Candy (MFT), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah), Cream vellum
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Standard Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Cherish border punch (Martha Stewart), Tatted flower (Sister Mary), Button, Lace, Twine (May Arts), Distress tool, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN45 Week 2

2012-01-07T21:55:00.025-07:00

Hello! It's week 2 for the current CR84FN Challenge! If you haven't played along yet, you have just under a week to play in CR84FN45. Mona is offering a generous $25 gift certificate to Amazon this week! Our color palette is Medium Blue, Orange and Yellow. Photos courtesy of my CR84FN teammate, Deborah Frings!

The sentiment is from This One, the August 2011 Studio AE set designed by Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday. My layout is the January Sketch For You to Try:

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: This One (Studio AE by Technique Tuesday)
Paper: Blink of an Eye (My Mind's Eye), Kraft, Rustic Cream, Terracotta Tile (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Standard Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

MFTWSC53 -- Happy Birthday, Dan!

2012-01-06T15:30:00.003-07:00

Hi there! Today is my hubby's birthday, and I'm showing the card that I made for Sabrina to give to him. I'm using MFT's Pure Innocence - Hello Cupcake. I also used the latest MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #53 for my layout.

I love that he doesn't mind if I give him a card with a little girl on it (or even there is ribbon or lace on it). Either way, he displays all of my cards on a peg board in his office. Isn't that sweet? He also knows how much I love the little Pure Innocence girl and reminds me of Sabrina.

I stamped, colored and fussy cut her, then added her to my card with foam tape. This sweet image is very fitting as this morning, Sabrina and I (along with the help of our friend and respite provider, April) made cupcakes for him. Sabrina did a lot of the work - mixing, filling cupcake tins and even frosted one for him. This is a big feat for her as she does not like to get her hands dirty. Here's a photo of her holding the one she decorated especially for him (I just ♥ how she is holding it so daintily with her pinky sticking out!).

Here's a look at the sketch and all of the details are in the SCS forum, HERE:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Pure Innocence - Hello Cupcake (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Kraft Funday Happy Days (My Mind's Eye), Kraft, Ocean Tides, Scarlet Jewel (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Markers (Copic), Happy Days Wood Banners (My Mind's Eye), Twine (May Arts), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Project Life 2012: Title Page

2012-01-05T17:45:00.019-07:00

Hello friends! We've had a lazy start to the new year and Sabrina is still off of school, so I haven't had much crafty time. Well, that isn't exactly true. I've had the time, but my crafty mojo has been lacking, both in inspiration and desire. Today I did have a little productive time in my craft room! Many of you have probably heard of Project Life. I've loved the concept since Becky Higgins first introduced it, and have started each year with her kits and have failed miserably at keeping up with it. This year, I am going to really try to change that. My goal is to document our life and not stress over the little details on each page.

I won't go into a lot of detail about it, because there is a wealth of information out there, starting with Becky's blog and going on from there. I have a group of online friends who are all going to embark on this journey with me. Some may be posting their photos and layouts online, some may not, but either way, we are going to try to motivate each other (and have some fun along the way, too)! I may not post all of my layouts, but I think I will post some. Today I'm showing the title page I've created for my family's Project Life 2012. I'm using the Clementine kit plus some additional items from my stash.

For those of you unfamiliar, this is a 12" x 12" page protector that is divided into sections. I will show you a few detail shots of some of those sections since it's hard to show detail in one photo. In the upper left is a 4" x 6" card from the kit. I've added the date by stamping "twenty" using Hero Arts Basic Lowercase Letters stamps and die cut the 12 using the Die-namics By the Numbers. I used coordinating digital paper from the Clementine kit (available at jessicasprague.com) to die cut the numbers and stitched the numbers onto the card.

The middle section of the page protector consists of 4 divided spaces (each approximately 3" x 4"). Below I'm showing just the right 3 elements. First is a recent photo of Dan and me, which I cropped, added a a journaling card and stamped the "Love you here" and "Love you there" using This One, the August 2011 Studio AE set designed by Ali Edwards for Technique Tuesday. In the center is a photo of Sabrina and the far left card is from the kit. If you look closely, you'll see the number 3 in the center (to represent our family of 3). I die cut this from acetate using the Die-namics By the Numbers again.

My final detail shot is the lower right 4" x 6" card. I stitched on some vellum onto the kit card and stamped and embossed "this is our story" using the Studio AE May 2011 set, Real Life. I printed the black plaid (also coordinating) paper and die cut the "k" using the Die-namics By the Letters.

I can't wait to continue my Project Life journey... Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: This One, Real Life (Studio AE by Technique Tuesday), Basic Lowercase Letters (Hero Arts)
Paper: Clementine digital paper (jessicasprague.com)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Clementine kit (Becky Higgins), Die-namics By the Numbers, Die-namics By the Letters (My Favorite Things); Embossing powder, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 222 - Thanks a Latte

2012-01-02T06:00:00.023-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#222). It's also contest week, so I hope you will join us this week for a chance to win some Verve stamps! Julee has created a really fun sketch this week!

Here's a look at Julee's sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Better With You (Verve)
Paper: Gathering (Authentique), Dark Chocolate (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: Classy Label, Loopy Blooms (Verve), Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Rolled Scalloped Flower Die-namics (My Favorite Things), Felt, Frosted Flatback Pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN45 -- Cheers

2011-12-31T21:55:00.036-07:00

Hello and Happy New Year! It's time for a brand new CR84FN Challenge! CR84FN45 will last for 2 weeks. Our color palette is Medium Blue, Orange and Yellow. Photos courtesy of my CR84FN teammate, Deborah Frings!

Today I used the sweet Pure Innocence - Cause for Celebration. For sketch inspiration, I used this week's WSC Getting Sketchy #52 from My Favorite Things. All the challenge details can be found HERE.

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Pure Innocence - Cause for Celebration (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Everyday Flair (My Mind's Eye), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Mini Tabs Foursome (My Favorite Things), Corner Chomper (WRMK), Markers (Copic), Rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

TE December Key Ingredients

2011-12-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm just popping with a quick post today. I hope you're all having a great holiday week! We've been enjoying having time off of school and work and spending time with family. I haven't done any crafting. It's been nice having a little break. :)

I thought I'd show you a very simple card that I made earlier this month. I used the Taylored Expressions December Key Ingredients kit. Earlier this month, the team posted some projects that are sure to inspire you. You can check it all out on the KI blog, HERE.

I've used the sweet Capture My Heart petite stamp set on my card today. All patterned paper, die cut and ribbon are from the November Key Ingredients.

If you're not yet a Key Ingredients subscriber, I hope you'll consider joining us! Take a peek around to find all the information you need to know about our kit club! Click here to learn more about subscribing or click here for our FAQ page!

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back this weekend with my CR84FN card!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Capture My Heart (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: December Key Ingredients
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Large Scallop Border Die, Frame It Up 1 Die, Copic markers, Ribbon, Snowflake brad, Crackle Accents (December Key Ingredients), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 221 - Birthday Wishes

2011-12-26T06:00:00.028-07:00

Hello! Happy December 26th! Will you be braving the stores for after Christmas sales? No shopping for me (I'm not a big fan of shopping and if I prefer to shop online in the comfort of my home and pjs... lol!).

It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#221). It's also the last Mojo sketch of the year... I hope you will join us this week! Debbie has created a couple of great sketches (it's round or square week!) for us to play with!

I made a scrappy and stitchy little birthday card (it's 4.25" x 4.25") this week. I used some fun paper from Simple Stories Happy Day and just stamped a little sentiment from Birthday Phrases.

Here's a look at Debbie's sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Birthday Phrases (Verve)
Paper: Happy Day (Simple Stories), Dark Chocolate, Kraft (Papertrey Ink); Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah), Cream Vellum
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon (My Favorite Things), Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T10:30:00.002-07:00

Hello friends! I hope you are all having a blessed holiday season, and I wish a Merry Christmas to all of you who celebrate! I don't know about you, but I could use another week or so to prepare for Christmas, but it looks like all I have is 2 more sleeps.

This will likely be the first year that I don't get my cards mailed out before Christmas. I figure there is no point in stressing out about that now. They will get sent when they get sent and either way it does not lessen our wishes for our friends and family to have merry holidays! I've spent the week baking, packaging teacher treats, scrapbooking with Sabrina's class at school and today is her holiday party. In a couple of hours, winter vacation officially starts!

It's been a few days since I've done anything crafty, so I thought that I would make a little felt ornament for our tree. I didn't do any stamping here, but I used a few MFT Die-namics. My red photo frame is cut using the Die-namics First Class Friend. I hot glued it onto a couple of layers of green rectangular felt which I hand stitched together using a blanket stitch. I used the Die-namics By the Letters to die cut the S, and stitched it onto a scalloped petal (cut with the Die-namics Perfect Petal Trio). I added a recent photo of Sabrina all dressed up for her ballet performance.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Accessories: Die-namics First Class Friend, Die-namics By the Letters, Die-namics Perfect Petal Trio (My Favorite Things), Felt, Twisted Rope (May Arts), Embroidery thread, Sewing machine, Thread.

Taylored Expressions December Key Ingredients Blog Hop!

2011-12-20T09:00:00.033-07:00

Hello! Welcome to the December Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Blog Hop! Today, we are showcasing the December Key Ingredients! Each month, the team shows you 6 days of projects on the Key Ingredients blog to get your creative juices flowing. In case you missed any of this, please be sure to check out the Key Ingredients blog HERE. This month's kit features patterned paper from the Bella Blvd Christmas Wishes collection, coordinating cardstock, ribbon, brads and a mini bottle of Crackle Accents. Christmas is just 5 days away, but this kit is not just for Christmas projects!

After making my set of cards for the Key Ingredients blog earlier this month (click here to see full set), I received the Happy New Year A la Carte stamp and had to make another card with this fun word image. I used Spellbinders Grand Labels One Nestabilities to die cut Happy New Year and colored with Copic markers. I cut the die cut in half and popped it onto my card with foam tape. The patterned papers, Ribbon and snowflake button are all part of the December Key Ingredients.

I added Crackle Accents to the clock, the drink (which I made into a cosmopolitan) and bubbles. Here's a detail shot:

Please be sure to check out the other Key Ingredients designers for some wonderful inspiration! Here's the complete hop list:

If you're not yet a Key Ingredients subscriber, I hope you'll consider joining us! Take a peek around to find all the information you need to know about our kit club! Click here to learn more about subscribing or click here for our FAQ page! You can also visit the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Gallery (click HERE) for more projects created with this month's and previous month's kits!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Happy New Year A la Carte (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: December Key Ingredients
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Grand Labels One Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Markers (Copic), Ribbon, Snowflake button, Crackle Accents (December Key Ingredients), Baker's twine, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 220 -- Love U

2011-12-19T06:00:00.025-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#220). I hope you will join us this week! Teresa has created wonderful sketch for us to play with!

I have a simple scrappy card today. I didn't do any stamping, but I did add stitching to all of my layers. I die cut the U out of red felt using the I Heart U Die Set.

Here's a look at Teresa's sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Paper: Yours Truly (Echo Park), True Black (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: I Heart U Die Set (Verve), Standard Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Silky Crushed ribbon (May Arts), Felt, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

TE December Key Ingredients Peek

2011-12-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there! Have you seen the new Taylored Expressions December Key Ingredients? The team has been showing some fabulous projects this past week on The Key Ingredients Blog this week! Today is Day 4 of December projects, and it is my day to show what I've come up with...

Here's a little sneak peek of my set of cards (if you'd like to see more, please click HERE and you will be taken directly to my post on the KI blog!)... :)

If you're not yet a Key Ingredients subscriber, I hope you'll consider joining us! Take a peek around to find all the information you need to know about our kit club! Click here to learn more about subscribing or click here for our FAQ page!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mojo 219 -- Peace, Love and Joy

2011-12-12T06:00:00.029-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#219). I hope you will join us this week! Debbie has created another great sketch for us to play with!

I really don't need anymore Christmas cards for this year, but I can't seem to stop playing with Bright Spirits! So even if this doesn't get sent out this year, I can add to my stash for next year! Although there are a lot of layers on my card, I kept my embellishments to a minimum, just adding some black flatback pearls from Pizzazz Aplenty.

Here's a look at Debbie's sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Bright Spirits (Verve)
Paper: 25 Days of Christmas (Simple Stories), Razzleberry Dark (Prism), True Black, Rustic Cream (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Standard and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Black flatback pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

MFTWSC49 -- O Holy Night

2011-12-10T18:00:00.000-07:00

Hi there! I have a Christmas card to show you today! I'm using MFT's newest Precious Little Lamb, Pure Innocence Baby Lamb in a Manger. I also used the latest MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #49 for my layout.

I started by stamping, coloring and fussy cutting this sweet image. Next, I stamped my sentiment onto one of the new Die-namics Mini Tabs Foursome dies and stitched it onto my image panel. I love the variety of tabs and these smaller ones are perfect for shorter sentiments like this one. My SIL, Mary, loves lambs, so this (and likely all of my Precious Little Lamb creations) will be for her.

For the inside, I stamped the passage on to a Die-namics Framed Greetings die. Here's a look:

Here's a look at the sketch and all of the details are in the SCS forum, HERE:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Pure Innocence Baby Lamb in a Manger (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Lost & Found Christmas (My Mind's Eye), Kraft, Rustic Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Antique Linen Distress, Vintage Photo Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Die-namics Mini Tabs Foursome, Die-namics Framed Greetings (My Favorite Things); Classic Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Markers (Copic), Brads, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Sparkle Creations December Release -- Ice Skating Chloe

2011-12-09T22:00:00.013-07:00

Hello and Welcome to Day 3 (the final day) of previews for the December release for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! Sparkle is releasing 2 new SCRS images and 1 new Karber clear set this Saturday! Today we are previewing the final SCRS image, Ice Skating Chloe and sentiment, "enjoy the fun that winter brings"!

I knew that I wanted to use pastel pinks and blues with Chloe, which went perfectly with the Pink Paislee Snow Fun collection. Since Chloe is a stylish skater, I added some Swarovski crystals and some Star Dust Stickles on her outfit for some sparkle and shine. :)

Here's a detail shot:

Be sure to visit all rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Ice Skating Chloe. Sparkle will be giving away a Ice Skating Chloe to one lucky person! For a chance to win, you need to comment on all of the designer's blogs (list below). Then head on over to the and comment on the Chloe post. You have until midnight EST each day to comment. The lucky winner will be announced the following day!

Alice Wertz
Kim Yu

Shaela Odd

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Stamps: Ice Skating Chloe (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: Pink Paislee Snow Fun Digital collection (Jessica Sprague), Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Pink (Bazzill), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Icicle Border, Die-namics First Place Ribbon (My Favorite Things), Corner Chomper (WRMK), Markers (Copic), Silky crushed ribbon (May Arts), Swarovski crystals, Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Sparkle Creations December Preview -- Hockey Oliver

2011-12-07T22:00:00.048-07:00

Hello and Welcome to Day 1 (of 3) previews for the December release for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! Sparkle is releasing 2 new SCRS images and 1 new Karber clear set this Saturday! Today we are previewing a new SCRS image, Hockey Oliver and sentiment, "SLAP SHOT"!

I paired Oliver with the Pink Paislee Hometown Summer collection. I was looking for some star patterned paper and found the red one that I used as a background (though it might look like polka dots, they are actually tiny stars). Even though the collection definitely has a summer theme, I was able to use a few of the patterns for my hockey card. I never got a chance to play with Jen's Deconstructed Sketch from last week when it was sponsored by Sparkle Creations, but I had saved the sketch and used it today. I'm too late with it as a new one is coming out, but I still wanted to play with the fun layout.

Be sure to visit all rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Hockey Oliver. Sparkle will be giving away a Hockey Oliver to one lucky person! For a chance to win, you need to comment on all of the designer's blogs (list below). Then head on over to the and comment on the Oliver post. You have until midnight EST each day to comment. The lucky winner will be announced the following day!

Alice Wertz
Kim Yu

Shaela Odd

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Supplies ~
Stamps: Hockey Oliver (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: Hometown Summer (Pink Paislee), Smokey Shadow (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Wonky Scallop Border (My Favorite Things), Corner Chomper (WRMK), Markers (Copic), Natural Twill, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

MFT December Product Tour

2011-12-06T20:00:00.074-07:00

Hello and welcome to the My Favorite Things December New Product Tour! All of the stamps and Die-namics that you have been teased with over the past 7 days are now available for purchase in the MFT Boutique! Before you head off to purchase your items, you might want to hop through the new product tour to see if you missed an item or two! For a complete list of designer's links, please start at Kim's blog!

I am showcasing the new Triple Scoop, Clearly Sentimental about Pearls of Wisdom. Remember, you can get this set for free with a $60 purchase (just be sure to remember to add it to your cart). The set will also be available for purchase after next month's release. After making my tag book (click here to see my tag post), I decided to make a set of cards with a few of the pearls of wisdom.

I made each card with the same layout and mixed and matched patterned papers from the My Mind's Eye Vanity Fair collection. I tucked a cream vellum layer behind each quote to soften each card. I used the Die-namics Oval Open Scallop Doily Die to cut my vellum. My sentiment and the Kraft oval behind it are from the Die-namics Layered Label Die. My border uses the Die-namics Simply Scallop.

When I set out to make this set of cards, my plan was to not add a lot of bulk so that I could give this card set to a friend. After all, not everyone wants to use 4 stamps to mail a card. LOL! I ended up adding a few layers and some foam boosters, but I did not add any bulky embellishments (even though the cards look a little naked to me). :) Here's a look at each individual card:

Here are the Die-namics that I used today:

Well, that's it for me! I had a blast creating my projects and being part of the Guest Design Team this month! I'd like to thank Kim for the opportunity and for her generosity and Jody for being such a sweet and organized DT Coordinator! Thank you everyone for visiting and for your encouraging comments! Remember to visit Kim's blog for complete list of participants, then head over to the Boutique to shop!

Thanks SO much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Clearly Sentimental about Pearls of Wisdom (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Vanity Fair (My Mind's Eye), Razzleberry Medium (Prism), Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah), Cream vellum
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Die-namics Oval Open Scallop Doily Die, Die-namics Layered Label Die, Die-namics Simply Scallop (My Favorite Things); Corner Chomper (WRMK), Foam boosters, Thread, Sewing machine.

MFT Pure Innocence Perpetual Calendar

2011-12-05T22:00:00.153-07:00

I have two posts today. If you are looking for my Sparkle Creations Challenge card, please scroll down or click HERE. Thank you!!

Hello! Welcome to the final day of MFT Teasers! Today it is time for the Die-namics Feature and Pre-Release Pep Rally! Today, the incredible DT and Guest Design Team are featuring the new Die-namics and sets that we have teased you with for the past week! For a complete list of designers, please visit Kim's blog, HERE.

I hope you will join us tonight, Tuesday, 12/6 from 8-10 PM EST in the MFT Forum for our December Release Party! I hope to "see" you there!

I had this idea to make a perpetual calendar for awhile now, but I knew that I wanted to make it unique. After a few nights of waking up and dreaming of how to do it, I came up with a magnetic calendar that is housed in a 7Gypsies 6" x 6" shadow box. I have some photos of December and January to show you, then I will explain in more detail how I put it all together. When you are viewing these photos, please keep in mind that each section is magnetic, so everything can be changed at any time.

For December, I used the new Pure Innocence - Holly Girl. I stamped, colored and pieced her, then cut the image panel out into an oval and added some soft sponging around her. I layered her over the new Die-namics Oval Open Scallop Doily. I stamped the month (also from PI - Holly Girl) and used the Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon Die to cut it out. I also added some stitching before adhering it to my magnetic sheet. There is another magnetic sheet inside the box which allows it to fit into the tray and not fall out.

The layout is just under 4" x 6" and completely pulls out of the shadow box by pulling up on the metal tab brad embellishment. I have to credit my DH for that idea. When I was trying to figure out what to use to pry up my layout, he first suggested ribbon, then he said an L-bracket, which made my laugh, but also reminded me that I had these metal brads with a little loop on them. I really wanted to add the metal corners to the frame, and at first I was afraid they would hinder getting the layout out each month, but it is no problem maneuvering around them!

The lower square openings are just under 2" x 2". For the lower left opening, I am using it to hold a decorative embellishment symbolic of the month and/or day (in this case I used the Die-namics Fringed Perennial to create a poinsettia). I can lift the entire square portion out by using a little spatula tool that I use to take die cuts off after I've used my Slice OR I can remove just the poinsettia (which is also magnetic) and replace it with another embellishment. I have many ideas for this area -- other small Die-namics embellishments, magnets with stamped sentiments like "Merry Christmas", "Happy Birthday", etc. I think you get the idea. :) Here's a detail shot of my fringed "poinsettia":

The other 2 openings are for the date. Again, the squares are magnet and so are the circles (die cut using the Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon Die) and numbers (die cut in foil using the Die-namics By the Numbers). This way I can mix and match whenever I want to change the background.

Here's a look at my January calendar:

You'll notice that I kept the same layout, but this time I used Pure Innocence - Skater Girl. I kept the pink circles under my 0 and 1 since it also went with the patterned paper, but I intend to make more circle magnets with other colors. I switched out my poinsettia for a sparkly layered snowflake which I made using the Die-namics Let it Snowflake Dies. "January" is from Pure Innocence - Carnation.

I only had time to finish December and January, but I can't wait to make more little embellishments for the lower opening and also make layouts for the rest of the months. I will share them as I make them!

If you're still with me and are interested in a little more "how-to", I have a few photos to show you. To make my numbers, I used my Vagabond to die cut the numbers first on the foil.

Next, I cut the same numbers out using thin adhesive magnet sheets (the white part peels off then I just adhered the foil number over the magnetic number):

Since the magnetic sheets that I used for the numbers were a little thin, I punched small circles (with my Cropadile) out of thicker magnetic sheets and adhered them to the back of each number with a micro glue dot (they already had adhesive, but I wanted to make sure that they don't fall off). This adds some dimension so that my numbers are popped up a little AND more importantly, adds strength so that it sticks to the circle magnet behind it. You can see the magnetic reinforcement on the backside of the 0 and two 1s below.

Here are all the numbers, stored on a magnetic sheet:

Here are all the Die-namics that I used on my project today:

Thanks SO much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Pure Innocence - Holly Girl, Pure Innocence - Skater Girl, Pure Innocence - Carnation (My Favorite Things)
Paper: December: Pink Paislee Holiday Magic digital paper pack, January: Pink Paislee Snow Day digital paper pack (Jessica Sprague); Pink, Red cardstock (Prism), Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah), Craft foil (Spellbinders)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Die-namics Oval Open Scallop Doily, Die-namics Fringed Perennial, Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon Die, Die-namics By the Numbers, Die-namics Let it Snowflake Dies (MFT); Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Corner Rounder (WRMK), Markers (Copic), Shadowbox tray (7Gypsies), Metal corners (Tim Holtz), Crystals (Prima), Crystal brad, Metal brads with hook (CTMH), Glitter, Magnet sheets, Boosters, Thread, Sewing machine.

SCRSC69 -- Peace, Love, Joy

2011-12-05T21:59:00.042-07:00

I have two posts today. If you are looking for my MFT Die-namics Feature & Pep Rally Post, please scroll up or click HERE. Thank you!!

Welcome to week 2 of the current Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge! The current challenge (SCRSC69) is a sketch challenge (sketch courtesy of the fabulous, Kim Yu!). Please note that this is the final SCRS challenge of the year. We will be back on January 3, 2012!

For more SCRS inspiration and details, please visit the SCRS blog to see the design team's wonderful creations and their individual blogs for more details:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Holiday Emily (Sparkle Creations), Sentiment from Clearly Sentimental About Christmas (MFT)
Paper: Peppermint (Crate Paper), Pure Poppy (Papertrey Ink), Clover Meadow (CTMH), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Wonky Scallops Border, Die-namics First Place Award Ribbon Die, Die-namics Open Scallop Doily (MFT); Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Markers (Copic), Frosted pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 218 -- Happy Holidays

2011-12-05T06:00:00.055-07:00

I have multiple posts today, so if you are looking for my MFT Day 6 Teaser, please scroll down or click HERE. Thank you!

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#218). It's also contest week, so I hope you will join us for a chance to play with Teresa's fabulous sketch and a chance to win some Verve stamps!

I used Santa's Helper today. I just love this sweet reindeer! I stamped, colored and fussy cut him out then I popped him up with foam tape. I paired him with some paper from the Pink Paislee Father Christmas collection. I added my sentiment onto a Tiny Sweet Scallop Die and tucked it behind him.

Here's a detail shot (you can see that I added Glossy Accents to his nose):

Here's a look at Teresa's great sketch:

I hope you will play along with us this week! Please visit the Mojo Monday blog for all the details and for the links to the wonderful creations by the Mojo Makers! You can also visit their individual blogs for more details:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Santa's Helper (Verve)
Paper: Father Christmas (Pink Paislee), Razzleberry Dark (Prism), Rustic Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: Tiny Sweet Scallop Die (Verve), Markers (Copic), Twine (May Arts), Glossy Accents (Ranger), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

MFT Teasers Day 6 -- Pure Innocence

2011-12-04T22:00:00.116-07:00

Hi there! Welcome to Day 6 of Teasers for the My Favorite Things December release! Today is probably my favorite teaser day as it is Pure Innocence Day! Seven new Pure Innocence cuties will be released tomorrow!

My samples use Pure Innocence - Ice Princess. You may recognize her as she was included in the November Winter Cuties VIP Collection. This collection sold out quite quickly, so if you missed out, you will be able to purchase her tomorrow along with the rest of the fabulous products that the team has been teasing! First, I made a card:

I colored her with Copic markers and pieced her dress. I die cut her with a Spellbinders Oval Nestabilities Die, then I added sponging while it was still in the die. I popped my oval image panel over the new Die-namics Oval Open Scallop Doily Die. I also used the Die-namics Crown Border Die and the Die-namics Dog Tag Die for my sentiment. Here's a detail shot:

In the detail shot above, you'll notice that I layered 2 of the fringe centers from the Die-namics Fringed Perennial Die in the center of my bow. I wanted to add a flower, but I didn't want a large one, so I just used the fringed circles to create a little bloom. I colored a pearl with a Copic marker and added it to the center.

I finished the inside of my card very simply by using some scraps from my card front. I added a strip of the Crown Border again and my sentiment is from the mini set included with the VIP Winter Cuties Collection.

Here are the Die-namics that I used on my card:

For my second project, I made a corner bookmark for my DD, Sabrina. She is the reason why I love the sweet Pure Innocence Girl so much. When I bought my first PI set two years ago and sat down to ink it up, the first thing Sabrina said was "that's Sabrina". Here's a look at the bookmark, which is holding a place in her High School Musical chapter book. :)

I added some glitter to her dress and a felt loopy bloom (using the Die-namics Loopy Bloom Die) below her. Here's a detail shot:

Here are the Die-namics that I used on my bookmark:

Here are the details about the upcoming release on December 6 (tomorrow!) at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on December 6th from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on December 6 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Thanks SO much for stopping by!

Card Supplies ~
Stamps: Pure Innocence - Ice Princess (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Lost & Found - Market Street (My Mind's Eye), Aqua Mist, Berry Sorbet (Papertrey Ink); Classic Crest Classic Natural Cream (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Die-namics Fringed Perennial Die, Die-namics Oval Open Scallop Doily Die, Die-namics Crown Border Die, Die-namics Dog Tag Die (My Favorite Things); Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Corner Chomper (WRMK), Markers (Copic), Seam binding, Twine (May Arts), Pearl, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Bookmark Supplies ~
Stamps: Pure Innocence - Ice Princess (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Happier (My Mind's Eye), Orange, Pink (Prism); Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Die-namics Open Scallop Doily Duo, Die-namics Little Open Scallop Strip, Die-namics Loopy Bloom (My Favorite Things); Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Markers (Copic), Glitter, Felt, Frosted Pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Orange Divine Twine, Boosters, Red line tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN44 -- Happy Day

2011-12-03T21:55:00.040-07:00

Hello! Thank you for stopping by and for all the kind words on my first MFT teaser post (below). I really appreciate your support and encouragement!

It's time for a brand new CR84FN Challenge! Please note that CR84FN44 will last for just a week (ending on December 9th) and we will be taking a short break until January 1st. Our color palette is Coral, Light Pink, Aqua. Photos courtesy of Leslie at A Creative Mint.

The colors made me think happy thoughts, so I pulled out All Smiles and used one of the many happy sentiments in it! I needed a birthday card for the school psychologist, and this is what I came up with for her.

For sketch inspiration, I used this week's WSC Getting Sketchy #48 from My Favorite Things. All the challenge details can be found HERE.

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mackie Robertson, Guest Designer
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Thanks so much for stopping by! I will be back with another MFT Teaser tomorrow!

Supplies ~
Stamps: All Smiles (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Lost & Found - Market Street (My Mind's Eye), Rustic Cream, Berry Sorbet (Papertrey Ink); Vellum
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Die-namics Layered Label Die, Die-namics Bracket Edge Die (My Favorite Things); Crochet flower, Swarovski crystals, Button, Twine (My Mind's Eye), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

MFT Teasers Day 3 -- Pearls of Wisdom

2011-12-01T22:00:00.162-07:00

Hi there! Welcome to Day 3 of Teasers for the My Favorite Things December release! I am SO excited and honored to be a part of the Guest Design Team this month! I have the privilege of joining 6 talented designers, all of whom love creating with MFT products! Today we are introducing Clearly Sentimental About Christmas (last month's Triple Scoop Set, which will be available for purchase on December 6) and Pearls of Wisdom, the NEW Triple Scoop stamp set, which you can earn for free if you spend $60 or more!

Be sure to check out what the MFT Design Team and Guest Design Team have created today! For a complete list of participants, please see Kim's blog.

I loved all of the sentiments in the Pearls of Wisdom set and was inspired to make a book of tags so that I could pull it out and share with my daughter (or read it myself) whenever we are in need of some words of wisdom. I used a whole bunch of Die-namics on my tags and will do my best to show you some of the details without bombarding you with too many photos. :)

First is a shot of the assembled "book". I used the Die-namics Tag, You're It Die to create all of my tags. I wanted the book to be sturdy and hold up to being handled, so I made my base out of thin Kraft chipboard. I also used the die to cut my patterned paper layers, assembled it all, added stitching, etc., then I adhered it to the chipboard with red line tape. I added large eyelets to the tag tops for extra security. The book is held together with a simple ball chain and tied off with some felt ribbon.

For the cover, I created my title by using the Die-namics Banner Strip Die and the Typewriter Alphabet. My layered flower was made using the brand new Die-namics Fringed Perennial Die. I cut my petals out of vellum and layered 2 felt fringes in the middle. Here's a closer look at just the "cover":

The rest of the book consists of 9 tags with a sentiment on each tag. I made 3 different designs and duplicated them depending on the size / length of the sentiment.

For my first tag design (below), I used the Die-namics Sweet Stack Labels Dies for my sentiment and added the Die-namics Banner Strip Die as a decorative border. I added some stitching, pearls and popped the label trio on the tag with boosters for added dimension.

For my second design, I again used the Die-namics Sweet Stack Labels Dies (bottom 2 labels) and the Die-namics Just the Ticket and Stamp Set for my sentiment. I stamped the outline of the ticket in pink and the sentiment inside. For the decorative border, I used the Die-namics Mini Ticket Strip Border Die, added some fancy stitching and a felt rolled rose created with the Die-namics Mini Rolled Roses Die.

Here's a close up of one of the three tags (one of my favorite pearls of wisdom):

And, here are the final 4 tags using my last design. The Die-namics Layered Label Die was perfect for these longer sentiments. I used the Die-namics Vintage Flourish Die to add a little decorative element on the bottom and added a button and tied off some pink twine to finish it all off.

Here's a look at the new Die-namics Fringed Perennial Die which I used on my cover. The grey lines on the petals emboss and the darker lines on the round middle cut to make fun fringes.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on December 6 at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on December 6th from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on December 6 at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW. Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily. The winners will be posted on December 6 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Thanks SO much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Pearls of Wisdom, Typewriter Alphabet, Die-namics Just the Ticket and Stamp Set (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Vintage Findings - Antique Prints, Vintage Findings - Pink by Jen Allyson (Design House Digital), Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Premium Matte Presentation (Epson), Cream vellum, Kraft chipboard.
Ink: Memento Angel Pink, Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Die-namics Fringed Perennial, Die-namics Tag, You're It Die, Die-namics Banner Strip Die, Die-namics Sweet Stack Labels Dies, Die-namics Just the Ticket, Die-namics Mini Ticket Strip Border Die, Die-namics Mini Rolled Roses Die, Die-namics Layered Label Die, Die-namics Vintage Flourish Die, Eyelets (WRMK), Brad (Recollections), Buttons, Twine (May Arts), Pearls, Pearl flourish (Zva Creative), Felt, Felt ribbon, Boosters, Red line tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 217 -- Best Wishes

2011-11-28T06:00:00.028-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#217). It's Round or Square week... I hope you will join us!

I needed a card for our nephew, Graham, who was recently married {Congratulations, Graham & Jennifer!}. I pulled out Love Story and paired it with the new coordinating Lovely Marquee die. The die is perfect to die cut the frame stamp in Love Story. I wanted to mat the frame, so I fussy cut the frame, then matted it onto the die cut for a perfect fit!

Here's a look at Julee's sketches:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Love Story (Verve)
Paper: Love Me (My Mind's Eye), Pure Poppy, Rustic Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento Rose Bud (Tsukineko)
Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: Lovely Marquee (Verve), Silk ribbon (Creative Impressions), Rose (Wild Orchid Crafts), Pearl (Kaisercraft), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN43 -- Happy Holly-Days

2011-11-26T21:55:00.042-07:00

Hello! It's week 2 for the current CR84FN Challenge! If you haven't played along yet, you have just under a week to play in CR84FN43. Our color palette is Brown, Tan and Green. Photos courtesy of Becca Rillo Photography.

I was thrilled when the November My Favorite Things VIP kit featured the Pure Innocence line! I was lucky to get my hands on one of the kits (it sold out FAST!). Today I inked up the sweet PI - Holly Girl. I pieced her dress and colored the rest of her. I mainly stayed with the color scheme, and added a bit of red for the holly berries.

For sketch inspiration, I used this week's WSC Getting Sketchy #47 from My Favorite Things. All the challenge details can be found HERE.

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mackie Robertson, Guest Designer
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: PI - Holly Girl (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Green print from Season's Greetings (Echo Park), Other patterned from Lost & Found Christmas (My Mind's Eye), Dark Chocolate, Kraft (Papertrey Ink); Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Tag, You're It (My Favorite Things), Markers (Copic), Vintage lace, Crystals (Prima), Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

TE November Key Ingredients

2011-11-24T09:00:00.020-07:00

Hello! I'm just popping with a quick post today. Happy Thanksgiving to all who celebrate! My turkey is brining, the stuffing and apple crisp made, and now I'm roasting turkey wings for my gravy. Sabrina was up with the sun, and we're watching Charlie Brown Thanksgiving now. :) I appreciate all of you who stop by to visit me in cyber space, and I hope you have a wonderful day!

I thought I'd show you a simple card that I made with this month's Taylored Expressions November Key Ingredients kit. Earlier this month, the team posted some projects that are sure to inspire you. You can check it all out on the KI blog, HERE.

I've use Crafty Cuppie on my card today. All patterned paper, die cut and ribbon are from the November Key Ingredients.

If you're not yet a Key Ingredients subscriber, I hope you'll consider joining us! Take a peek around to find all the information you need to know about our kit club! Click here to learn more about subscribing or click here for our FAQ page!

Thanks SO much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Crafty Cuppie (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: November Key Ingredients
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Medium Scallop Border Die, Take Note Die 3 (Taylored Expressions), Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Ribbon, Chipboard Button, Sew very happy die cut (November Key Ingredients), Stickles, Twine, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

SCRSC68 -- Team Oliver vs. Team Josh Challenge

2011-11-21T22:00:00.032-07:00

Welcome to week 2 of the current Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge! The current challenge (SCRSC67) is Team Oliver vs. Team Josh, our own spin on Twilight's Team Edward vs. Team Jacob. If you don't follow the Twilight series, the challenge is basically to use any Oliver or Josh image!

I used Elf Oliver on my card today. I stamped and colored him on Kraft cardstock, then I fussy cut him and popped him onto my oval layer. For sketch inspiration, I used Karen's latest Sweet Sunday sketch:

For more SCRS inspiration and details, please visit the SCRS blog to see the design team's wonderful creations and their individual blogs for more details:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Elf Oliver (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: Memorandum (Lily Bee), Kraft (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Petite Oval Nestabilities - SM & LG (Spellbinders), Markers (Copic), Seam binding, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 216 -- Christmas Love

2011-11-21T06:00:00.044-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#216). I hope you will join us this week! Debbie has created another great sketch for us to play with!

I used Bright Spirits again as I just cannot get enough of that beautiful font! My 3 rectangular panels are embossed words from the Tim Holtz Holiday Words texture fade. I tried to make sure that you could read a few of the words :) and didn't want to cover them up completely. My trio of snowflakes on the left hand side are die cut using the new A Cut Above Dies by Verve, Snowflake Tidings Die Set. I just die cut these with cardstock (larger size) and vellum (two smaller snowflakes), but I am super excited as these coordinate with the snowflakes in Glad Tidings!

Don't forget that Verve is having a Holiday Sale through the end of the month - 20% off select stamps and dies, and the new release bundles are 15% now in the Verve Store.

Here's a look at Debbie's sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Bright Spirits (Verve)
Paper: Wonder (Authentique), Razzleberry Dark (Prism), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah), Cream vellum
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: Snowflake Tidings Die Set (Verve), Holiday Words Texture Fade by Tim Holtz (Sizzix), Roses (Wild Orchid Crafts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Taylored Expressions November Key Ingredients Blog Hop!!

2011-11-20T09:00:00.064-07:00

If you're looking for my CR84FN post, please scroll down or click HERE! Thank You!

Hello! Welcome to the October Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Blog Hop! Today, we are showcasing the November Key Ingredients! Each month, the team shows you 6 days of projects on the Key Ingredients blog to get your creative juices flowing. In case you missed any of this, please be sure to check out the Key Ingredients blog HERE. This month's kit features patterned paper from the Jillibean Soup Homemade 6 Bean Soup collection, coordinating cardstock, ribbon, chipboard buttons and fun die cuts.

I was super excited when Taylor released Moka Morgana earlier this month! Sabrina has recently become involved in ballet, so this sweet image reminds me of her. I stamped and colored her, then I fussy cut her out and popped her up with foam tape. I colored her leotard and skirt to match Sabrina's in her class with the Ballet Academy of Arizona. Her current level requires her to wear marine blue colors.

I layered some patterned papers and also used some ribbon and a few die cuts (library card and butterfly). All of these supplies are from the November Key Ingredients. Here's a detail shot:

And a shot of Sabrina in her marine blue leotard. She was sick this week and apparently, dressing as a ballerina helps to make one feel better. :)

For sketch inspiration, I used the latest Taylored Expressions Sketch #150.

Please be sure to check out the other Key Ingredients designers for some wonderful inspiration! Here's the complete hop list:

If you're not yet a Key Ingredients subscriber, I hope you'll consider joining us! Take a peek around to find all the information you need to know about our kit club! Click here to learn more about subscribing or click here for our FAQ page! You can also visit the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Gallery (click HERE) for more projects created with this month's and previous month's kits!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Moka Morgana (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: November Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Small Scallop Border Die (Taylored Expressions), Standard Circle Nestabilities - Sm and Lg (Spellbinders); Markers (Copic), Die cuts, Ribbon (part of November Key Ingredients); Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN43 -- May Your Spirits be Bright

2011-11-19T21:55:00.033-07:00

Hello! It's been since the beginning of the week since I've posted anything, but life has been a bit busy. It's time for a brand new CR84FN Challenge! CR84FN43 will last for 2 weeks. Our color palette is Brown, Tan and Green. Photos courtesy of Becca Rillo Photography.

I got some happy mail from Verve this week, so I pulled out one of the new releases, Bright Spirits, and used one of the beautiful sentiments from it. I just love this pretty, scripty font!

It's been awhile since I've had a chance to play along with one of the Viva la Verve sketches. Each week, the Divas create these wonderful sketches. This one is Viva la Verve, November week 2, a great sketch by Jackie!

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mackie Robertson, Guest Designer
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Supplies ~
Stamps: Bright Spirits (Verve)
Paper: Jingle (Lily Bee), Christmas Eve Chowder - brown text (Jillibean Soup), Dark Chocolate, Kraft (Papertrey Ink); Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Labels One, Standard Circles Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Wrinkled ribbon (May Arts), Rhinestones (Prima), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

TE November Key Ingredients Peek

2011-11-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

I have 2 posts today. If you're looking for my Mojo Monday post, please scroll down or click HERE! Thank you!

Hi there! Have you seen the new Taylored Expressions November Key Ingredients? The team has been showing some fabulous projects this past week on The Key Ingredients Blog this week! Today is Day 5 of November projects, and it is my day to show what I've come up with..

Here's a little sneak peek of my project (if you'd like to see more, please click HERE and you will be taken directly to my post on the KI blog!)...

Mojo 215 -- Your Thoughtfulness Touched My Heart

2011-11-14T06:00:00.028-07:00

Hello! I hope you had a great weekend! I am loving to fall weather here in AZ (finally)! Our weekend was busy with what has become the usual "ballet Saturday" = lessons and rehearsals for Sabrina and a relaxing Sunday. Once I finished my DT work for the upcoming week, I worked on my Project Life album. I absolutely love the concept of Project Life, but I have to admit that I've not made a lot of progress on my 2011 album. I recently printed 200 photos and have been reviewing my sparse notes and decided to stop "thinking" about doing it and just "do" it!

Anywho, the reason why you probably stopped by... It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#215). I hope you will join us this week! Debbie has create a great sketch for us to play with!

I kept my layout simple this week. I added some subtle linen embossing on my main cream panel, then I added some layers with Basic Grey's Little Black Dress papers. My sentiment is from Words Cannot Express. For embellishments, I added a couple of leaves (first stamped with the larger leafy sprig from Sunny Days, then die cut with the coordinating A Cut Above Verve: Leafy Sprigs Die). A trio of cream roses and some stitching finish off my card.

Here's a look at Debbie's sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Sunny Days, Words Cannot Express (Verve)
Paper: Little Black Dress (Basic Grey), Elephant (Bazzill), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Smokey Shadow (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: Leafy Sprigs Die Set (Verve), Corner rounder, Linen embossing folder (Papertrey Ink), Roses (Wild Orchid Crafts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN42 Week 2 -- Believe

2011-11-12T21:55:00.056-07:00

Hello! It's week 2 for the current CR84FN Challenge! If you haven't played along yet, you have just under a week to play in CR84FN42. Our color palette is Black, Pale Pink and Neutral. Photos courtesy of Becca Rillo Photography.

I went simple (for me) for my non-traditional colored Christmas card today. I stamped the vintage Santa image from Inspired By Christmas and "Believe" onto Kraft cardstock, then I used the Die-namics Tag You're It to die cut my tag. I also used the Die-namics Wonky Scallop Border to create a couple of rows of scallops near the bottom of my card. I added some pink flatback rhinestones to either side of my sentiment and tied some seam binding and twine to the top of my tag.

For sketch inspiration, I used this week's WSC Getting Sketchy #45 from My Favorite Things. All the challenge details can be found HERE.

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mackie Robertson, Guest Designer
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Inspired By Christmas (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Good Cheer (October Afternoon), Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Tag You're It, Die-namics Wonky Scallop Border (My Favorite Things); Winter Borders embossing folder (Provo Craft), Pink flatback rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty), Seam binding, Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Sparkle Creations November Release -- Snow Angel Ruby

2011-11-11T22:00:00.027-07:00

Hello and Welcome to Day 3 (the final day) of previews for the November release for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! Sparkle is releasing 2 new SCRS images and 1 new Karber clear set, and they are available in the store NOW! Today we are previewing the final new SCRS image, Snow Angel Ruby!

As I am typing my post, I looked back at my last couple of cards. They were both fairly clean and simple, with no patterned paper and limited embellishments. I must have subconsciously tried to make up for that while I was making this card... lol!

Here's a detail shot of sweet Ruby:

Be sure to visit all rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Snow Angel Ruby. Sparkle will be giving away a Snow Angel Ruby to one lucky person! For a chance to win, you need to comment on all of the designer's blogs (list below). Then head on over to the and comment on the Ruby post. You have until midnight EST each day to comment. The lucky winner will be announced the following day!

Alice Wertz
Jen Shults, November Guest Designer

Kim Yu

Shaela Odd

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Supplies ~
Stamps: Snow Angel Ruby (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: North Country (Prima), Aqua Mist (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Aqua Mist (Papertrey Ink)
Accessories: Labels Eight Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Markers (Copic), Star Dust Stickles (Ranger), Chipboard snowflakes (Maya Road), Glimmer Mist (Tattered Angels), Frosted Red pearls, Bubble pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty); Ribbon, Button (Papertrey Ink); Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Sparkle Creations November Preview -- Snow Bunny Lucy

2011-11-09T22:00:00.016-07:00

Hello and Welcome to Day 1 (of 3) previews for the November release for Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps! Sparkle is releasing 2 new SCRS images and 1 new Karber clear set this Saturday! Today we are previewing a new SCRS image, Snow Bunny Lucy and sentiment, "warm winter wishes"!

Be sure to visit all rest of the SCRS designers for more peeks of Snow Bunny Lucy. Sparkle will be giving away a Snow Bunny Lucy to one lucky person! For a chance to win, you need to comment on all of the designer's blogs (list below). Then head on over to the and comment on the Lucy post. You have until midnight EST each day to comment. The lucky winner will be announced the following day!

Alice Wertz
Jen Shults, November Guest Designer

Kim Yu

Shaela Odd

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Blog

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Snow Bunny Lucy (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah), True Black (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Die-namics Wonky Scallop Border (My Favorite Things), Snowflake embossing folder (Provo Craft), Markers (Copic), Glitter, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

SCRSC67 -- White on White

2011-11-07T22:00:00.044-07:00

Beginning last Monday, we switched the Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge to a bi-weekly schedule. That gives you nearly 2 weeks to play along. We will still post weekly, though, so be sure to visit the SCRS blog for some inspiration and for all of the details. The current challenge (SCRSC67) is white on white.

We also welcome a new guest designer for November... the fabulous Jen Shults!

This week we are sponsoring Party Time Tuesdays and the challenge is Bling! For all the details on this weeks PTT challenge, please visit their blog HERE.

For more SCRS inspiration and details, please visit the SCRS blog to see the design team's wonderful creations and their individual blogs for more details:

Thanks so much for stopping by! I will be back in a couple of days with our first November preview!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Celebrating Chloe (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Standard Circle and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Flower Vine embossing folder (Sizzix), Markers (Copic), Wrinkled ribbon (May Arts), Sparkler (Webster's Pages), Rhinestone flourish, Doily, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 214 -- Christmas Blessings

2011-11-07T06:00:00.033-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#214). It's also November Mojo Madness contest week! I hope you will join us for a chance to win some Verve stamps!

This week I used a couple of Verve stamps. My sentiment is from the Christmas Blessings Plain Jane (single stamp), which is 20% off this month. I paired it with one of my favorite Verve Christmas stamps, Poinsettia Christmas. I stamped, colored and cut out the poinsettia and layered it over a couple of Prima leaves. Poinsettia Christmas is the November Stamp of the Month, so it is 40% off in the Verve store now!

Here's a look at Julee's sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Poinsettia Christmas, Christmas Blessings Plain Jane (Verve)
Paper: 25 Days of Christmas (Simple Stories), True Black, Rustic Cream (Papertrey Ink)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Antique Linen distress (Ranger)
Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: Classy Label (Verve), Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Markers (Copic), Leaves (Prima), Platinum Stickles (Ranger), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN42 -- You Bring Me Joy

2011-11-05T20:55:00.032-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new CR84FN Challenge! CR84FN42 will last for 2 weeks. Our color palette is Black, Pale Pink and Neutral. Photos courtesy of Becca Rillo Photography.

Please welcome our newest guest designer, Mackie Robertson of Mackie Made Paper!

I used the sweet Pure Innocence - Precious Little Lamb Where Flowers Bloom on my card today. I colored, pieced his outfit, cut him out and popped him up on my oval panel which is matted onto a Die-namics Oval Decorative Doily. I added my sentiment to a small tag die cut with the Die-namics Dog Tag. I added some tiny ivory pearls (from Pizzazz Aplenty) to the center of each flower.

For all the CR84FN challenge details, please be sure to visit the CR84FN blog HERE. I hope you will join us this week.. I can't wait to see what you create! For more inspiration, please visit my fellow design teammates:

Andrea Matthews
Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mackie Robertson, Guest Designer
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Pure Innocence - Precious Little Lamb Where Flowers Bloom (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Vintage Vogue (Pink Paislee), Little Black Dress (Basic Grey), Sweet Blush (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Oval Decorative Doily, Die-namics Dog Tag (My Favorite Things); Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Corner Chomper (WRMK), Markers (Copic), Pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Seam binding, Rose, Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

MFTWSC44 -- Warm Winter Wishes

2011-11-03T08:00:00.002-07:00

Hi there! I have a holiday card to show you today! I'm using MFT's newest WTG set, Who's That Girl Gets Cozy With Cocoa. I also used the latest MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge #44 for my layout.

I used the main WTG image, pieced her sweater and colored the rest with Copic markers. I paired her with some paper from the Melissa Frances Deck the Halls collection. I matted the image onto a doily from the Die-namics Dainty Doily Duo and added my sentiment below one of the layers onto the Die-namics Bracket Tab, which I die cut, then trimmed to the width of my green layer. I added some seam binding, twine and a "button" created with one of the dies from the Die-namics Button Quartet.

Here's a look at the sketch and all of the details are in the SCS forum, HERE:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Who's That Girl Gets Cozy With Cocoa (MFT)
Paper: Deck the Halls (Melissa Frances), Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Dainty Doily Duo, Die-namics Bracket Tab, Die-namics Button Quartet (MFT), Markers (Copic), Seam binding, Twine (May Arts), Swarovski crystals, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 213 -- Make a Wish

2011-10-31T05:00:00.018-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#213).. I hope you will join us for Round or Square week!

Here's a look at Julee's fun sketch options:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~

Stamps: Birthday Phrases (Verve)

Paper: Sidewalks (October Afternoon), Hawaiian Shores (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)

Accessories: A Cut Above Verve Dies: Loopy Blooms, Charming Oval (Verve); Crochet flower, Felt, Pearl (Pizzazz Aplenty), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN41 Week 2 -- Have a Great Day

2011-10-29T20:55:00.006-07:00

Hello! It's week 2 for the current CR84FN Challenge! If you haven't played along yet, you have just under a week to play in CR84FN41. Our color palette is Steel Blue, Gray and Yellow. Photos courtesy of Leslie at A Creative Mint.

I'd like to say a big thank you to our fabulous October Guest Designer, Cheryl Lea!

I stamped and embossed the larger butterfly from Inspired by - Butterflies with some Star Dust embossing powder, then I added some color to the butterfly by sponging on some Stormy Sky distress ink. My sentiment is from All Smiles. This is also for the November MFT Guest Designer contest (the challenge is to Bling it On!).

For sketch inspiration, I used this week's WSC Getting Sketchy #43 from My Favorite Things. All the challenge details can be found HERE.

Andrea Matthews
Cheryl Lea, Guest Designer

Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Inspired by - Butterflies, All Smiles (My Favorite Things)
Paper: et cetera (Bo Bunny), Blueberry Sky (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Stormy Sky Distress (Ranger), Versamark Watermark (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Star Dust embossing powder (Stampendous), Rhinestone swirls (Zva Creative), Blue flatback rhinestones (Pizzazz Aplenty), Organdy ribbon, Button, Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

TE October Key Ingredients

2011-10-27T10:00:00.000-07:00

Hello! I'm just popping with a quick post today. I thought I'd show you a simple card that I made with this month's Taylored Expressions October Key Ingredients kit. Earlier this month, the team posted some wonderful projects that are sure to inspire you. You can check it all out on the KI blog, HERE.

Thanks SO much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Branching Out (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: October Key Ingredients
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Medium Scallop Border Die, Birds and Branch Dies (Taylored Expressions),
Pumpkin Mum Trim, Brads (October Key Ingredients); Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

TE Holiday Hoopla Blog Hop!!

2011-10-25T08:00:00.200-07:00

Taylored Expressions is hosting a Holiday Hoopla today, and I'm excited to be a part of it! You should have arrived here from Nancy McKinney's blog. If you didn't (or if you get lost along the way) you can head back to the beginning at Taylor's blog for the full list of participants. There are 22 designers showcasing Christmas/Winter/Holiday stamp sets from TE with samples that include all sorts of projects from cards to gifts and beyond! We want to inspire you to get your holiday crafting and card making into high gear! Be sure to stick with me all the way to the end of the post to get a coupon code for 25% off all holiday stamp sets at Taylored Expressions!

The set that I'm showcasing is Wings of Joy. I love it because the images and sentiments are so sweet and whimsical! They are perfect for cards, tags and all sorts of holiday projects! Today I chose to make a 8.5" x 11" scrapbook layout.

I had a few photos of my DD, Sabrina, from last year that I have been wanting to capture on a scrapbook page. Each year she receives a multitude of gifts from generous friends and family, and each year our little family is blessed by her infectious smile and sweet disposition. The two smaller photos are of her testing out her new camera (top) and karaoke machine (bottom). Along with the photos, I added a few of the happy images and sweet sentiment from Wings of Joy, which I thought were a perfect compliment to the story that I wanted to tell.

Here are a few details shots:

Title of Christmas Joy -- "Christmas" created by using Thickers (letter stickers) left over from the TE May Key Ingredients (I have used these on a lot of projects and I still have plenty left for make more cards and layouts!). "Joy" created by stamping the sweet image from Wings of Joy, coloring it with Copic markers and die cutting it using the Take Note 3 die. The Take Note label is popped up with foam tape for a little added dimension. I added some rhinestone flourishes under the label for some festive bling.

Birds holding garland image and sentiment:

Here's a complete look at Wings of Joy:

Creating for this hop caused to me to go back and look at some of my previous creations, and I wanted to share one of those with you today too. One of my first TE stamp set purchases was Home Sweet Home and to this day it is still one of my favorites! I was honored to be a Featured Cupcake Sampler of the week nearly 3 years ago and made a couple of cards and a layout using Home Sweet Home.

To see my original post and for more details, please click HERE to go back to my original blog post.

Are you getting in the mood to stamp? Be sure to check out Taylor's 12 Days of A Handmade Christmas Video Series for lots of easy gift ideas.

Now, who loves a SALE? Use Coupon Code HOOPLA2011 to get 25% off the following holiday stamp sets (released in 2009 and 2010) at Taylored Expressions now through November 2:

Christmas Blessings, Enjoy!, From the Heart, Hangin' Out - At the North Pole, Holiday Wonder, Home Sweet Home, Keeping Tabs, Merry Little Cocktail, Penguin Pals, Season's Sweetings, Sparkle & Cheer, Tag Treats, Tag You're It, Take Note - Holidays, Wings of Joy, Winter Wonderland.

The coupon code is case sensitive. Follow these instructions to apply the discount to your order:

1. Add the desired stamp sets from the above list to your shopping cart.

2. Insert the coupon code into the Promotional Code box.

3. Click the Update Cart button. Your discount should now be applied.

4. Proceed to checkout to finalize and submit your order.

Your next stop on the hop is to the fabulous, Lori Craig's blog. You will not want to miss what she has to show you!

Thanks SO much for stopping by!

Christmas Joy Layout Supplies ~
Stamps: Wings of Joy (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: Choice Snow White (Taylored Expressions), Everybody Loves Christmas (Echo Park)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Take Note 3 die (Taylored Expressions), Circle punches (EK Success), Markers (Copic), Thickers letter stickers (TE May Key Ingredients), Rhinestone flourishes, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

SCRSC66 - No Coloring Challenge

2011-10-24T21:00:00.038-07:00

It's time for an all new Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge! Each week we will post an all new challenge at this time (9 PM PST on Mondays). For all the details, please visit the SCRS blog. This week is a no coloring challenge.

In DT news, Piali Biswas has decided to step down from the team. This is also the final challenge for October, so we bid farewell to our wonderful guest designer, Amy Tsuruta. Thanks to both of you for sharing all of your Sparkle Creations with us... we wish you both well!

I'm still not totally comfortable with the "no coloring" option, but here I used Football Josh to create a card for one of the PE teachers at school. I didn't add any frills to his card, but just some brads and stitching around.

For more SCRS inspiration and details, please visit the SCRS blog to see the design team's wonderful creations and their individual blogs for more details:

Alice Wertz

Amy Tsuruta, October Guest Designer

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Football Josh (Sparkle Creations), Sentiment from First Place Ribbon (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Free Bird Nest Endless & Fair-Weather (Authentique), Orange Zest (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Brads, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 212 - Sunny Days

2011-10-24T05:00:00.021-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#212).. I hope you will join us this week!

Here's a look at Julee's fabulous sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Sunny Days (Verve)
Paper: Picadilly (Basic Grey), Classic Crest Solar White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Memento New Sprout (Tsukineko)
Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: Leafy Sprigs, Loopy Blooms (Verve); Long Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Scallop Sentiment border punch (Fiskars), Brads, Divine Twine, Charm (CTMH), Felt, Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN41 -- I Support You

2011-10-22T20:55:00.049-07:00

Hello! It's time for another CR84FN Challenge! Thank you to all who joined us for the last challenge! For the next challenge (CR84FN41), our color palette is Steel Blue, Gray and Yellow. This challenge will last for 2 weeks. Photos courtesy of Leslie at A Creative Mint.

I used PI - Have Hope to create a card for Sabrina to send to her Uncle Ron. I colored the ribbon light blue in honor of his fight against prostate cancer. He successfully went through treatments a year ago, but we continue to be thankful for and keep praying for his continued good health.

For sketch inspiration, I started with this week's WSC Getting Sketchy #42 from My Favorite Things. I flipped the sketch. All the challenge details can be found HERE.

Andrea Matthews
Cheryl Lea, Guest Designer

Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Supplies ~
Stamps: PI - Have Hope (My Favorite Things)
Paper: Lost & Found 2 Sunshine (My Mind's Eye), Elephant (Bazzill), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Die-namics Oval Tab (My Favorite Things), Markers (Copic), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Taylored Expressions October Key Ingredients Blog Hop!!

2011-10-20T08:00:00.047-07:00

Hello! Welcome to the October Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Blog Hop! Today, we are showcasing the October Key Ingredients! Each month, the team shows you 6 days of projects on the Key Ingredients blog to get your creative juices flowing. In case you missed any of this, please be sure to check out the Key Ingredients blog HERE. This month's kit features patterned paper from the Crate Paper Farmhouse collection, coordinating cardstock, ribbon, flowers and brads (both regular and fabric).

In case you think your eyes are deceiving you, they are not... these patterned papers are from the Farmhouse collection! In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, I wanted to use this sweet Moka Hope petite stamp set. I chose the pink patterned paper and one of the neutrals to make my card this month.

Throughout the month of October, Taylor will donate $1 for each set sold to Susan G. Komen for the Cure. Here's a look at the sweet little set:

For sketch inspiration, I used the latest Taylored Expressions Sketch #148. Not only is it a sketch challenge, but TE is also a proud sponsor of the Hope You Can Cling To card drive on Splitcoast. The extra challenge is to send your card(s) to the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center. More details can be found HERE.

Please be sure to check out the other Key Ingredients designers for some wonderful inspiration! Here's the complete hop list:

If you're not yet a Key Ingredients subscriber, I hope you'll consider joining us! Take a peek around to find all the information you need to know about our kit club! Click here to learn more about subscribing or click here for our FAQ page! You can also visit the Taylored Expressions Key Ingredients Gallery (click HERE) for more projects created with this month's and previous month's kits!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Moka Hope (Taylored Expressions)
Paper: October Key Ingredients (Taylored Expressions)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Long Rectangle and Scalloped Long Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); Markers (Copic), Ribbon (part of October Key Ingredients), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Sparkle Creations Rubber Stamps Challenge #65

2011-10-17T21:00:00.027-07:00

I combined this week's challenge with Card Patterns Sketch #137. Sparkle Creations is sponsoring this week's challenge. Play along this week for a chance to win Fall Charlotte and Farming Oliver. All the details are HERE.

For more SCRS inspiration and details, please visit the SCRS blog to see the design team's wonderful creations and their individual blogs for more details:

Alice Wertz

Amy Tsuruta, October Guest Designer

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Sunflower Charlotte (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: Harvest Market (Lily Bee), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko), Antique Linen Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: Standard Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Corner Chomper (WRMK), Markers (Copic), Ribbon, Button, Twine (May Arts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

Mojo 211 - For the Cure

2011-10-17T05:00:00.028-07:00

Hello! It's time for a brand new Mojo Monday sketch (#211).. I hope you will join us this week!

I used Believe on my card today. I first stamped the pink ribbon, then the sentiment over it and added some layers to my sentiment panel. Please note that $10 from the sale of every Believe set is donated to Susan G Komen for the Cure.

Here's a look at Julee's fabulous sketch:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Believe (Verve)
Paper: Free Bird - Nest - Blush & Delight (Authentique), Smokey Shadow (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black (Tsukineko), Tattered Rose Distress (Ranger)
Accessories: A Cut Above Dies: Classy Label Die (Verve), Petite Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Seam binding, Open roses (Wild Orchid Crafts), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

CR84FN40 Week 2 -- Happy Bird-day

2011-10-15T20:55:00.051-07:00

Hello! It's week 2 for the current CR84FN Challenge! If you haven't played along yet, you have just under a week to play in CR84FN40. Our color palette is Red, Brown and Kraft. Photo credits (L to R): floral by Flower Talk, cherries: Photography by Chantel Marie Photography, apple: Photography by Aaron Delesie).

It's been a busy week and my mojo is a bit on the low side, but it's the registrar's birthday next week, so I sat down and made this card for her yesterday. I used MFT's newly released Die-namics Contempo Cage and Stamp set to die cut my bird cage and bird.

For sketch inspiration, I started with this week's WSC Getting Sketchy #41 from My Favorite Things. I flipped the sketch. All the challenge details can be found HERE.

Andrea Matthews
Cheryl Lea, Guest Designer

Deborah Frings

Heather Jensen

Lisa Somerville
Mona Pendleton
Sue Lelli
Suzanne Czosek

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~

Stamps: Die-namics Contempo Cage and Stamp set (My Favorite Things)

Paper: Paris & Co., Lost & Found Union Square (My Mind's Eye), Dark Chocolate, Kraft (Papertrey Ink)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)

Accessories: Die-namics Contempo Cage (MFT), Twine (May Arts), Pearls (Pizzazz Aplenty), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.

TE October Key Ingredients Peek

2011-10-15T08:00:00.008-07:00

Hi there! Have you seen the new Taylored Expressions October Key Ingredients? The team has been showing some fabulous projects this past week on The Key Ingredients Blog this week! Today is Day 6 (the final day) of October projects, and it is my day to show what I've come up with..

Here's a little sneak peek of my project (if you'd like to see more, please click HERE and you will be taken directly to my post on the KI blog!)..

SCRSC64 -- Find Joy in the Simple Moments

2011-10-10T21:00:00.020-07:00

For more SCRS inspiration and details, please visit the SCRS blog to see the design team's wonderful creations and their individual blogs for more details:

Alice Wertz

Amy Tsuruta, October Guest Designer

Shaela Odd (taking the week off)

Simonne Clay

Sparkle Smith

Stephanie Kraft

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies ~
Stamps: Fall Charlotte, Digital Sentiment (Sparkle Creations)
Paper: Stella and Rose Mabel (My Mind's Eye), Kraft (Papertrey Ink), Classic Crest Classic Natural White (Neenah)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa (Tsukineko)
Accessories: Classic Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders), Die-namics File Tab (My Favorite Things), Markers (Copic), Foam tape, Thread, Sewing machine.