Monthly Archives: January 2009

Boot-scootin’ Along with a Challenge and a Weekly Wow

Posted on January 19, 2009 | 17 comments

TGIM! It’s my favorite day of the week! Not so quiet today though as the kids have no school until Wednesday. But that’s ok. Maybe they will provide inspiration for another “Just Sayin” post.  🙂  By the way, I’ll be tying in one of those with my Wednesday post this week.  And before I get to today’s post, I just want to say thanks for all of your wonderful and very supportive comments on my coloring/flower fiasco on my last post.  You guys are the best!  🙂

WW Logo

My Favorite Things has started a new promotion that will run Monday – Friday each week. We will show you some of the fun products in the store and perhaps some fun ways to use them!  We will showcase anything from stamps to ribbon and everything in between!

Today -Friday (1/9):  Buy the spring and winter ribbon bundles (25 yards per bundle) at $11.95 each and get the two matching digital paper packs from the Stephanie Fizer line for FREE.   (Spring pack here, winter pack here.)  The digital paper packs are super easy to use.  You can find a great tutorial on how to access/print them here (Parts I-V). 

Just use Code MFTRIBBONWOWat checkout.  If you already have the spring and winter digi-packs, you can choose two different ones (valued at $3.95 each)!

Howdy Partner!

           Howdy

Today’s “Who’s That Girl” challenge is to use Ride Em’ Cowgirl with a red, white and blue color combo.  I printed the flowered paper from Stephanie Fizer’s summer paper pack and the stripes from the Simply Spring Collection-Horizontal Stripes.  Image is colored with Copic markers.  (No paper-piecing!  I do believe that’s a first!)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Stamps:  My Favorite Things “Ride Em’ Cowgirl”   Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black   Cardstock:  Prism Blush Red Medium, Baby Blue Dark, Super Smooth White   Patterned Paper:  MFT Stephanie Fizer Summer Flowers and Simply Spring Horizontal Stripes   Accessories:  Copic markers, Inkssentials opaque white pen, Fiskars Rotary Trimmer with scallop blade, brads, ribbon, Karen Foster charm, pop dots.
 

17 Comments

Posted in My Designs, My Favorite Things

O is for Overkill

Posted on January 15, 2009 | 49 comments

Here’s a card that had so many problems, I just don’t even know if I can like it.  Just to clarify, I **love** these Whiff of Joy images by Elisabeth Bell (so much that I just pre-ordered the new Spring releases without even knowing what they look like.  I don’t care.  I know I’ll love them.)  BUT….

Once Upon a Time

     WOJOUAT

My first issues were with coloring the image.  I wanted to use my Copics.  But you know how often I use browns, right?  Two of the markers ran out of ink. Not such a big deal, but I just placed an order for a couple of ink refills.  I even looked for these two colors when I placed my order because I knew I’d need them EVENTUALLY…but the store was sold out. 

So I stamped the image again, used Copics for the skin tones and then watercolored the rest with Adirondack inks.  I hate my waterbrush.  It has several little hairs going in different directions and it’s almost impossible to color a tiny little area.  I need a new brush.

I wanted to use some flowers with this image.  I love what other designers do with flowers but I am seriously flower-challenged.  To begin with, I don’t have all that many so I used a Copic marker to color some of them.   Now…where to put them?  No matter what I do with flowers, I think they look totally stupid.  You do not want to know how many holes are under various flower petals as a result of my rearranging of things.  This card would leak like a sieve if it were meant to hold water.

I don’t know…do the flowers look stupid?  Did I use too many?  O-verkill or O-kay?   I have no confidence whatsoever with these things.  I need flower school.  And a new waterbrush.  And some ink refill. 

Thanks for stopping by and listening to me bicker.  Have a great day!  🙂

Stamps:  Whiff of Joy “Melinda Reading,” My Favorite Things “What’s the Story,” Cornish Heritage Farms “Beautiful” (The Rummage Bin)   Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black; Adirondack Espresso, Latte, Raisin, Rust, Ginger, Sandal   Cardstock:  Prism Crabapple Dark, Natural Smooth   Patterned Paper:  My Mind’s Eye Wild Asparagus “Sisters” Floral/Coral and Stripe/Red papers   Accessories: Copic markers, Prima flowers, mm brads, EK Success small oval punch, pop dots, old tired waterbrush.  Card size 5 ¼” x 5 ¼”.

49 Comments

Posted in My Designs, Whiff of Joy

A Switch in Seasons

Posted on January 14, 2009 | 13 comments

Hi everyone!  I’ve been working on a lot of projects and had planned to post something much earlier today, but then I realized I can’t share most of what I’m working on just yet.  🙁   Soon!

Welcome Spring

     WSKHC

Here’s one I can share though.  I’ve used another of the new Kim Hughes releases called Spring Trees.  (I love the little snail!)  All images here are from this set except the little flowers at the bottom.  Those are from Kim’s Sweet Spring set.

You can’t tell in the photo, but I used a clear 3-d gel pen over the flower centers and the black on the ladybug. 

Hopefully I’ll be back soon with something else I’m able to share.  Thanks for stopping by! Have a great day!

Stamps:  Cornish Heritage Farms “Spring Trees” and “Sweet Spring” (Kim Hughes Collection)   Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black   Cardstock:  Stampin’ Up Real Red; Prism Intense Kiwi and Super Smooth White   Patterned Paper:  Imaginisce Twitterpated   Accessories: Copic markers, brad, clear 3-d gel pen by Sakura, pop dots, white string.  Card size 5 ¼” x 5 ¼”.

13 Comments

Posted in Cornish Heritage Farms, My Designs

Happy Camper

Posted on January 12, 2009 | 17 comments

Guess what I got?  The new Kim Hughes sets!!  (So happy!)  So far I’ve only used Bear Hugs, but I made three cards with it today.  I’m a slow stamper so that’s saying something!  🙂

Bear Hugs

      CHFOFP

I **love** this set!  SO cute!  I kept this card fairly simple, but I did pop up the bear.  I’ll have more to share soon!

Thanks for stopping by! Have a great night…or day…wherever you are!

Stamps:  Cornish Heritage Farms “Bear Hugs” (Kim Hughes Collection)   Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black   Cardstock:  Prism Suede Brown Dark, Natural Smooth   Patterned Paper:  Cosmo Cricket Mr. Campy  Accessories:  Copic markers, American Crafts brads, sewing machine, pop dots.

17 Comments

Posted in Cornish Heritage Farms, My Designs

Cuddly Cuties

Posted on January 11, 2009 | 21 comments

Hi everyone!  I hope your weekend has been great!  Mine….it’s been ok.  A whirlwind of children in and out the door, a sleepover, a whopper of a headache all day today…  Once again, I’m looking forward to the peacefulness of my Monday.    (I love the sound of my house fan.)

Special Friend

      SFSAV

I just adore these Rachelle Anne Miller images from Stampavie.  I decided to try a woodsy/rustic look for Lily and Milo.  I hope it works.  I think it does. 

I used a fall-ish print, added lots of faux stitching and some sponging.  The sentiment was pieced together using two Kim Hughes sets.  I think her sentiments/fonts are perfect with Lily and Milo. 🙂

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I’d let you know what I’m posting next but I have no idea.  *shrugging shoulders*  Have a great night/day!

Stamps:  Stampavie “Cuddling” (Rachelle Anne Miller, Christmas Collection); Cornish Heritage Farms “Pretty Birds” and “The Landing Pad” (Kim Hughes Collection)   Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black; Ranger Walnut Stain Distress  Cardstock:  Stampin’ Up! Creamy Caramel; Prism Natural Smooth   Patterned Paper:  Sassafras Lass   Accessories:  Copic markers, Stampin’ Up! Chocolate Chip marker, piercing template/needle, pop dots.  Card size 5” x 5”.

21 Comments

Posted in My Designs, Rachelle Anne Miller

You Make My Heart Hop

Posted on January 9, 2009 | 24 comments

Yes, Flopsey’s heart actually does hop…or flip-flop… to reveal a message inside.  I had the whole card made, then got this idea to have his heart flip up for another message. 

Valentine Flopsey

      YMMHH

Heart Flipped

      YMMHHF2

Here’s what I did:

YMMHHS1

.

I stamped the heart twice onto patterned paper and then again onto folded Natural cardstock.  Make sure the paws are stamped on the fold. These will by your “hinges.” 

Color the paws on the Natural cardstock, cut them out (yes, they’re tiny, but you can do it!) and then color the paws inside the fold.  These will be visible when the heart is flipped.

Adhere the inside heart to Flopsey then glue each paw in it’s proper place.  Next, glue your top heart to the underside of each folded paw.  You will have to cut off part of the paw on the top (heart) piece so it will fit under the folded paws. 

Use a black marker to draw a little line across the top of each folded paw for a more finished look.

Note to Jody:  My stitched corners were fine, but like you, I just wanted the brads there.  😉

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a great day!

Stamps:  My Favorite Things “Valentine Flopsey”   Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black   Cardstock:  Prism Natural Smooth, Suede Brown Dark   Patterned Paper:  My Mind’s Eye “Irrisistible”   Accessories:  Copic markers, ribbon by Morex and May Arts, brads by American Crafts, Spellbinders Nestabilities, 3-d clear gel pen by Sakura, sewing machine, pop dots.   Card size 5 ¼” x 5 ¼”.

24 Comments

Posted in My Designs, My Favorite Things

Star Light, Star Bright

Posted on January 8, 2009 | 16 comments

Happy Thursday!  It’s almost the weekend!  Wow…this week is really going fast.  I thought for sure we’d have some delayed school openings due to icy conditions but no…instead we’ve had 33 degrees with pouring rain.  Nice.  (I *hate* rain in the “winter.”)  I know a lot of you have been bombarded with way too much snow, but we’d like just a little.  A couple inches?  Enough to make those snow boots worth having?  🙂

Today’s challenge at Splitcoast Stampers is to use stars.  Since I’m sitting around, tapping fingers, waiting as patiently as possible for Kim’s new sets, I thought I’d use her Baby Love set with a few stars added in.

Welcome Tiny Miracle

             WTMKH

I stamped a tiny star in each of the circles on the one background paper, then covered a chipboard star with a coordinating pattern, layering a star ghost shape on top.  I punched two holes using my Crop-a-dile and tied some ribbon in my star “button.”  (I colored over the ribbon with a very light biege Copic marker to tone down the “whiteness.”)

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I’ll be back tomorrow!  I’m working on a cute idea for My Favorite Things’ adorable little Valentine Flopsey!  🙂  Have a great day!

Stamps:  Cornish Heritage Farms “Baby Love,” small star from “Tag! You’re It!” and flower/leaves from “Sweet Spring” (Kim Hughes Collection)  Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black; Juniper Adirondack by Ranger   Cardstock:  Prism Natural Smooth, Mystic Light   Patterned Paper:  K&Co. Small Wonders Boy   Accessories:  Copic markers, Basic Grey chipboard star, Heidi Swapp star ghost shape, Crop-a-dile, ribbon, safety pin, sewing machine, pop dots.

16 Comments

Posted in Cornish Heritage Farms, My Designs

Maid for You!

Posted on January 7, 2009 | 50 comments

Hi everyone!  It’s my first month of new releases and blog hopping back with My Favorite Things!  (I’m a little excited about that.) 

Next time….

      NTYTPB

This set is Maid for You.  As usual, I paper-pieced… a lot.  I first stamped the entire image onto the striped paper, then again onto white paper for coloring and cutting.  NTCUI made the little “i ♥ u” wall hanging using some of my smaller square Nestabilities (I knew there HAD to be a use for those tiny things!), a black marker and a heart brad.   The “love” plaque, girl’s skirt, apron and feather duster are all raised on pop dots.

Be sure to hop on over to Michelle‘s blog to see her new release sample.  If you’d like to start at the very beginning of the hop to see some samples you may have missed, go to Kim‘s blog.  If you follow the hop all the way to the end, there’s a pot of photopolymer gold!  (You know what that means, right?)

Join us tonight (Wednesday) at 9pm EST for a quick chat.  The sets will go live at 10pm EST.  Stop by the release party to win prizes, see some MFTeasers of the new sets and find out how you can become MFT’s next Guest Designer!  Hope to see you there!

Thanks for stopping by!  Have a great day!

Stamps:  My Favorite Things “Maid for You”   Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black   Cardstock:  Prism Super Smooth White, Black; Stampin’ Up! Real Red   Patterned Paper:  Fiskars Heidi Grace Designs “Love Blossoms”   Accessories:  Copic markers, Spellbinders Nestibilities, Provo Craft Art Accentz Love Bradletz, pop dots. Card size 5 ¼” x 5 ¼”.

50 Comments

Posted in My Designs, My Favorite Things

A Good (Hot) Knight

Posted on January 5, 2009 | 20 comments

TGIM!  I have a preview of one of the four new sets to be released by My Favorite Things Wednesday night!  (I honestly can’t tell you which of the four is my favorite!  I love each of them!)

You’re Hot!

          YH2

This set is called Good Knight.  It includes the images I’ve used here plus quite a few fun sentiments!

You don’t want to know how many times I’ve made this card, taken it apart, rearranged a bit and put it back together.  I think I like it now.  🙂

I stamped and masked the knight, then stamped the castle.  The dragon and his fire are raised on pop dots and the little castle flags are paper-pieced.

My Favorite Things is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, January 7 from 9-10 p.m. Eastern time.  Head over to the MFT forum at Splitcoaststampers for all the details and to find out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. We hope to see you there on Wednesday night!

Stamps:  My Favorite Things “Good Knight”   Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black   Cardstock:  Prism Natural Smooth, Suede Brown Dark   Patterned Paper:  Basic Grey Bittersweet 6×6 paper pad   Accessories:  Copic markers, American Crafts brads, Martha Stewart punch, pop dots.  Card size 5” x 5”.

20 Comments

Posted in My Designs, My Favorite Things

Cutesy Patootsy

Posted on January 4, 2009 | 26 comments

Happy Sunday!  I don’t know about anyone else, but I am looking forward to my quiet house tomorrow once the kids are back in school and hubby is back to work.  I’ve really enjoyed the break, and I do have quite the to-do list, but it will be Q-U-I-E-T.  I’m not going to turn on a single thing that makes noise.  (I did the vacuuming today.)

Thoughts of You

    TOYSAV

I really like the images from Stampavie.  This is my first Rachelle Anne Miller image.  (I’m certain there will be more.)  I think they’re so cute.  I used Prismacolor pencils with some Diamond Stickle accents.  The patterned paper is glittery too. 

I didn’t like the blank corners at the top so I added some extra little dots and stars to match those within the stamped image, then I also added some little flower corners.  I still had Kim’s “Tag! You’re It!” set on my table so I used the tiny flower and one of the sentiments.

Since the focal point did not lie flat across the uneven layers beneath, I layered a scrap of patterned paper on top of a scrap of the brown cardstock and adhered that under the right side of the image.  I often do this to guarantee the focal point is level.  Often times, pop dots are too thick to balance the surface.

Thanks so much for stopping by!  I hope your holiday was a happy one! 🙂

Stamps:  Stampavie Lily & Milo “Enjoy the Moment” (Rachelle Anne Miller); Cornish Heritage Farms “Tag! You’re It!” (Kim Hughes Collection)   Ink:  Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black   Cardstock:  Prism Super Smooth White, Papaya Puree Medium and Dark, Suede Brown Dark   Patterned Paper:  My Mind’s Eye “Sundress” (Laundry Line)   Accessories:  Prismacolor Pencils/Weber Turpenoid Natural, Martha Stewart punch, Diamond Stickles by Ranger

26 Comments

Posted in My Designs, Rachelle Anne Miller