MFTWSC25....Oh, Baby!

***please scroll down for my DAY 1 Teaser Post!****

 Before I jump in to my chit chat....see the cool knew blog buttons??? Feel free to grab one for  your blog. Please,  just copy and save the picture to your computer and then add it to your own blog.  If you need more help, feel free to shoot me an email. I'll be happy to lend a hand!

It is amazing that I don't have baby fever.  I know ALOT of people having babies right now.  I think Tim was sweatin' it the other day when I started talking about this friend having a baby, and that friend is almost due, and my son's soccer coach is getting ready for baby no.2! It's going around.  Plus, it didn't help matters when the boys start asking, "why don't we have another baby?" I am happy to say, I know our family is complete.  We are blessed with 3 happy, healthy boys and our hands , I mean lives are more than FULL!

But I am happy holding, cuddling and making cards for all my friends who are being blessed with new little family members.
So I used the Oh, Baby à la mode by MFT and some beautiful Authentique papers.....that pink, green, and brown plaid makes me soooo happy! Here's this week's sketch.

And here is my card.  I used twine for the two narrow strips and the tab at the top is from Layered Labels die-namics. I added the sentiment on the front to the Notched Tag die-namic.

I even prettied up the inside. This time with the sweet stacks die-namics. Love how the bottom layer looks a little cloud-like. Perfect for my girlie baby card!

That's all for today. Kim's got the list of samples with this week's sketch!

Day 1....Teaser Time with MFT

Yep, you read that right! TODAY is the first day of the September release

My Favorite Things Teaser posts. Kim decided that we should take a few more days to show you all the fabulousness that is being released each month.  So from now on, our teaser posts will begin on Wednesday before release day! You get a whole week of teasers, now!

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

• The MFT release is on September 6 at 10 PM EST. You can attend the release party from 8-10 PM EST here in the forum for fun, games, and prizes! All the new sets and dies will be available September 6 at 10 PM EST.
• The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win over $100 in stamp sets and play along with the DT for a month.
• If you'd like to see all the teasers for today, please click on over to Kim's blog NOW!
• We’re offering you the chance at Teaser Time prizes every day during our new release preparations!  Each day, two prize vouchers are held by members of our Design Team.  Starting this month, you’ll have all week to comment on each of the posts – all the winners will be posted on Tuesday, September 6th around 7:30pm.  Be sure to check the MFT Blog to see if perhaps YOU were one of our lucky FOURTEEN winners!
  
  Remember to leave a method of contact in your comments, because if you’re selected as a prize winner, but we can’t reach you, then we can’t get you your prize!
  .

And since we are mixing things up, how about changing the whole schedule around???? It's fun to keep you guessing!  Usually our teasers end with the WTG stamp set, this month.....we are kicking it off with: Who's that Mummy!  If you ordered your VIP kit, then you've been loving this cool, spooktacular set, already. If not, no worries, you're in luck...you can still get her on Sept. 6!

I couldn't wait to tear into the new Mischievous papers by My Mind's Eye.  This banner paper was a perfect backdrop for my cool, ghoul and a new die-namic, Mini Pennants!

They really are the cutest little things. You can layer them, use them separetly, on the pole, or alone. Here you can see I used some MFT Twine to string them up with the sentiment. Here's a closer look.

A few other MFT product you'll see here...Fossil cardstock and black licorice cardstock. I was doing some shopping in the boutique over the weekend and I see Kim stocked in the NEW colors of TWINE!!!! Yep, don't forget to add the buttercream, denim, and stone twine to your cart, too!

okay, off you go. Kim's got the line up of today's teasers. Have fun and see you back here in a bit with my WSC card!

Something new.....Creative Chit Chat with MFT!

MFT has come up with a new monthly feature and we think it's something you'll really enjoy. The My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Chat is a new monthly feature, where we are challenged to explore our creative spaces and share valuable organizational methods, tools, and shopping strategies with you. You'll be able to peek into our creative spaces, ask questions, and share your own ideas in the MFT forum.  This month, we were asked the following questions:  

How do you store and organize your Die-namics?  

Any fun or helpful Die-namics purchasing strategies you'd like to share?  

How do you store extra Die-namics die-cuts? 

I have to admit....I had mixed feelings about this segment. I've never considered myself a very orgnaized kind of person, at least in my craft space. I mean everything has it's place, but my craft room is FAR from clean and tidy. BUT I am always curious about my fellow crafters and their spaces, I LOVE to see where you create. So I thought about it.....hmmmmm, maybe some of you out there would enjoy a peek into my space and can learn something from me and how I organize ( and I use that term loosely, LOL!).

My craft room is also our spare bedroom.  Seriously, the only time it really gets cleaned is when someone comes to visit (usually my parents!).  There was a bit of discussion amongst the MFT DT about cleaning up our spaces to show off our die-namic storage this month.  I dedcided to share a picture of how my room looks most days.  If I'm going to share with you, you might as well see it all....the good, the bad and the ugly. hahaha! Remember.....it works for me!

 So here is how my die-namics are laid out almost all the time.  Right on the bed, open and exposed so I can see them all. Makes it really easy to see what I need at a glance.

Now some more details about how I store my die-namics. I found these great magnetic folders by QuicKutz.  I buy them one at a time with a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby.  I HATE spending money on organizational things....I'd rather spend my dollars on crafty items! So I ALWAYS use a coupon when I can. Otherwise I just wait until it's on sale.

I love that I can keep all the dies together and I can close up my folder and take it with me if I need to. This works great for me when I travel to a crop or class I'm teaching.

As my die-namic collection grew (and is still GROWING!!!) I decided to pull out the larger dies (doilies) and lables.  I keep those together in one of the packaging baggies die-namics come in. 

When I do have to clean up my crafty space and clear off the bed so my parents have a place to sleep, I do have a canvas bin (got on sale at Target. I store my MFT stamps in a matching larger bin right next to my desk) that I store the folders in. This sits a desk, right next to my Big Shot.

Here's a full on picture of my die-cutting station.

Do I store my extra die-cut pieces??? I had good intentions and started to put the extras in a baggie, but honestly, I never rarely reach for that baggie. So truthfully, most of the time I just toss my extras. Why waste the time storing the extras when I don't use them?  I like to cut fresh, rather than dig through a bag only to find I don't have what I need.

A couple quick tips about my die-namics.

1. I always purchase a matching die if there is a stamp set to match. I love that MFT makes that internal debate easy...and sells them together. I would much rather crank an image through my big shot than cut it out!
2. I try to keep the teeny tiny die-namics hooked together when at all possible or as long as possible. If I seperate the small pieces I'm afraid I'll loose them. I strategically position them on my paper to cut only what I want, therefore not wasting cardstock.
   

   
3. I store similar dies together....you'll see my borders are all lined up in the same folder. The clouds/nature items are stored together, flowers, and branches are near each other, flourishes are together...and so on, and so on.
   

   
4. LABLE your die-namics! I use a copic marker (wait for the ink to dry before storing them) or sharpie to write the name of each die-namic on the back. 

5. I also like to store my die cutting materials (felt, cork, chipboard, ect.) right next to my big shot.  Again....I like it all to be within easy reach and visible.  If I shove it in a drawer, I'll forget I have it. Here you'll see I keep my felt in a plastic baggie. Hmmmmm, maybe I need another cute canvas bin.
   

   

I really hope you enjoyed today's post.  While I had some reservations about what to share and say here today, I'm so glad I did it.  Take what you want from how I store my die-namics.  It works for me!  I can't wait to see what the rest of the team does.  I know I'll pick up a tip or two.... I always do!

Visit Kim's Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge and get ready to delve into the minds of our creative team!

one more TCP Tuesday Challenge....You're Tweet!

While I had my TCP stamps out I decided to not pass up the felt challenge (this one was from two weeks ago). I ♥ using felt with my dies.  I used the TCP icing (cut with blue felt) and heart trio cut ups to accent this sweet little tag.

I  have been patiently waiting to cut out one of these fabby rolled nests. I thought this was the perfect chance....a nest in caramel felt....with 3 little blue eggs (dew drops) nestled inside.  Cute, huh?

I added the sentiment to a heart, cut from the heart trio cut up. And attached the completed tag with a little clothes pin to the bag. Some seam binding ribbon and black twine, finish it off!

Oh, yeah...the stamps are from nesting set. I have a thing for birds! Well, stamps of birds!

A Beary Good Day!

The Cat's Pajama's Tuesday Challenge is always a great motivation to use my TCP stamps and cut-ups. This week was a great color combo.

I paired it with Jen's ASFYTT for Aug. (sadly, I never got July in on time, but I didn't want to miss another month....so with 2 days to spare, I made it!). Also thanks to TCP's Summer Sale...I finally splurged and got me the PJ stamp set I put in my cart every order and then take back out.  He didn't hop out of my cart this time and I couldn't be happier to have this sweet, sweet bear, ready to go for any occasion!

Check out this HUGE set....A Beary Good Year!

Here's my card......

Today I dressed him up with a sunflower so I could use the mix of fonts (LOVE that!) on my sentiment.  I added some texture with the fun Houndstooth embossing folder and then ruffled up the ribbon and tied it up with some Blueberry twine!

Hope your Monday is off to a great start! (yes, I posted this a bit early....but I can still wish you a beary good day!)





10,000 FANS!!! Time for Celebration!

40% off SALE INFO: 

Unity WEBSITE: www.unitystampco.com

Runs Through Sunday August 28th, Midnight

What's included and What is not.

BRAND NEW RELEASES are exclusive to stores - you will not even see prices by those - they are not included. Kits that are ALREADY DISCOUNTED or marked ON SALE are not included. Marah, Feature Friday, Bundles, etc. - and that is all! Everything else is FAIR GAME for the 40% off! :) Oh! ONE MORE THING -  - NEW KIT OF THE MONTH SIGN UPS...NOT INCLUDED. :) PAST Kit of the Months - INCLUDED. :) - ONE discount coupon per visit, duplicate coupon offers will not be honored.

DISCOUNT CODE must be entered to qualify for your 40% off :   FBFAN - all caps, no spaces. Enjoy Shopping - Please email me if you have any questions!  angela@unitystampco.com - SHOP FAST this sale is for a VERY LIMITED TIME!

Become a FAN of Unity on FACEBOOK - Vote for the images that will be in the NEWEST UNITY RELEASE!  Click HERE and hit the LIKE button - then search the wall for the picture above to place YOUR VOTE!
Unity FACEBOOK PAGE: 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Unity-Stamp-Company/103252399709382

You are My Sunshine

I was inspired by this week's CAS challenge over on Splitcoast to pull out my Sunshine Die-namic. The challenge this week was the inspiration word: HOT!

I used the flat bottom cloud die-namic to de-boss clouds all over my sweet tooth cardstock and added the sentiment from The Great Outdoors to the bracket tab die-namic. A little twine finishes it off!

Simple and sweet! Have a great weeekend!

Hip Hop Featuring Vintage Street Market

Happy Thursday!

The boys are off to school

(well, 2 of them are anyway)

and it's just me and little man.

The morning started off great!

and now with the Unity Hip Hop

the day is even better!

It's our second week showcasing

 Vintage Street Market.

We don't want you to miss out

and we had lots to share.

I was lucky enough to receive this fun and fabulous

kit:

Dimestore Vogue!

 and I scrapped with it! I had so much fun with the foil pieces and the glossy papers.

They really gave this 12x12 layout a unique look.

Combining the papers with images from

the Aug. 2011 KOM {what I know...}

and this picture from our trip to Disney

(this one was taken at Epcot!)

came to life!

 Here's some close up, detailed shots.

The blue foil paper is shiny and pretty!

How cute are those hot air balloon and sentiment flags??

That's a new itty bitty, too.

Absolutely Priceless

I used the ticket die-namic (MFT) 

to cut out some cute accents for my page.

I used one for my  journaling

 and the other I stamped on.

Layered up the sentiment and ferris wheel.

 See that cool strip of brown distressing??

 Wanna know how I did it???

 EASY, Peasy....it's tape! Yes, like scotch tape.

Tinted Tape

OMG! I love this stuff from Vintage Street Market.

I used the "aged" tape all over my page for a fun, easy accent!

After my page was done I decided to dig further into my

Vintage Street Market kit.

It's chuck full of tags and fun embellies.

So I put one to work and prettied up

a little gifty.

That brown die-cut flower (pretty posie die-namic)

is made out of crape paper-love it!

It was another new element for me to papercraft with.

The frame is from MFT and so is the scissor die cut from more foil.

The stamps are Unity and you can find that one here!

It's a Melody Ross itty bitty.

Made with Love.

 Lots more to see today.

 Make sure you stop and leave love along the way.

Maria is up next!

I can't wait to see what she did today!

WSC with My Favorite Things

Ahhhhh! It's Wednesday of the BIG week around here. That means our last day of summer vacation. Yep, the boys go back to school for a whole, big whopping 2 days this week. I like that....ease them and ME into the school routine. Why is it that we always find ourselves squeezing in the fun at the last minute??

I needed a bit of crafty time to give myself some peace and serenity the other day. THIS WSC sketch was the perfect fit. It's amazing what 20 minutes in my craft room will do for my state of mind. ahhhhhh!

Bundle of Baby, some yummy My Mind's Eye papers (six by six) and a few die-namics (File Tab and Button Quartet) and this card came to life.

Instead of the top, tilted panel, I just cut out my à la mode and attached her with some dimensionals. Remember the sketch is a starting point, feel free to flip it, resize, or get creative with the panels.  As long as the general design is there, you are good!

We encourage you all to play along, and to enter your card in the weekly draw for a $15 gift voucher to the MFT Boutique. Simply follow the sketch and create a card or other paper creation. You may use any stamps and supplies that you wish. Each week, a keyword is assigned to the sketch. All you need to do to enter, is upload your card to the gallery at SCS, and enter the given keyword in the keyword box, during the upload process. After the deadline, we randomly choose a winner from that week's entries and the winner will receive a $15 gift voucher. If the winning card uses MFT stamps, the participant will earn a $5 bonus, for a total of a $20 gift voucher! That is up to $100 per month in prizes, JUST for playing along. We hope you'll join us in 2011.

That's all I've got for you today. Be sure to stop by the MFT Forum to check out all the challenge details. Oh, yeah, and Kim's blog, too! She's got the crafty line up today!

Ippity on the Unity Blog

I'm keeping it short and sweet today....head over to the Unity Blog for my chit chat about this card. It's my day to show off some {ippity} stamps! Check it out!

Have a great one!

CAS-ual Friday and FWF!

There are so many great challenges out there in blogland. I've been seeing this CAS-ual Friday's challenge for a while now and decided it was time to give it a go. This week it's Embossing.  That's it. Any kind of embossing, just keep your card clean and simple.

I put my July KOM and August Unity KOM to work and made these two cards. I also linked them up with the Unity Friends With Flair post. Check that out here.

Fist card uses a Papertrey Ink impression plate. Love those cheeta spots! Kind of different and a mix of styles, but I like how it turned out.

On this next one, I decided to use some white embossing powder to make those branches pop off the page. White craft ink and white embossing powder and done! I stamped the butterfly first, then did the embossing. Easy peasy. Finished this one off with a few rhinestones and some vintage cream twine.

Hope you all have a fabulous weekend! Our weekend is full of soccer games and I can't wait. Our club is hosting our annual tournament and the boys are ready for some fun, hardwork and hopefully a trophy! Go CSA!

PTI-Make it Monday.....Glitter Die Borders

I got brave earlier today and pulled out some glitter and a glue pen (I remembered why I don't like them. LOL!) and gave this week's Make it Monday Challenge a go.  I think I need to try a newer, better version of a glue pen. I was not diggin' how it was following the border of my die. A challenge is a challenge, right?!!

The challenge from Papertrey was to add a glitter border around a die.  I made a sweet girly birthday card with the Tag It's #1 stamp set and the Limitless Layers dies. I also added in a bit of rickrac, some sweet blush twill and a tag for the sentiment. I used the white Glitter Ritz Microfine glitter from MFT.

The papers are my new My Mind's Eye papers. This is from the 6x6 line and it's called Flair. It's soft and pretty and I like it!

WSC33....new time.....Same Fun!

I hope you weren't paniced looking for the WSC challenge post.  We've decided to push it back a little bit.  WSC posts will now go live at noon on Wednesdays.  Everything else is the same! 
I just adore this week's sketch. It was so fun to work with, especially because I had new papers to play with. Ahhhhh! I ♥ My Mind's Eye! This is one of the paper packs from the new Lost and Found line. You'll be seeing LOTS of these in the coming weeks! Here's the sketch.....

And here's my card. I used the beautiful, Sew Nifty stamp set and coordinating die-namics. Love that dress form and the little scissors charm just make me happy. I mounted it all up on the You Move Me frame and the circle for the sentiment comes from Sweet Stack lables.

 I did up the inside to match. Added the same medium simply scallops, the sewing machine image and finished it off with the birthday sentiment from Who's That Birthday girl. I gave it a little wave by gently curving the sentiment when I placed it on my acrylic block.

We encourage you all to play along, and to enter your card in the weekly draw for a $15 gift voucher to the MFT Boutique. Simply follow the sketch and create a card or other paper creation. You may use any stamps and supplies that you wish. Each week, a keyword is assigned to the sketch. All you need to do to enter, is upload your card to the gallery at SCS, and enter the given keyword in the keyword box, during the upload process. After the deadline, we randomly choose a winner from that week's entries and the winner will receive a $15 gift voucher. If the winning card uses MFT stamps, the participant will earn a $5 bonus, for a total of a $20 gift voucher! That is up to $100 per month in prizes, JUST for playing along. We hope you'll join us in 2011.

That's all I've got for you today. Be sure to stop by the MFT Forum to check out all the challenge details. Oh, yeah, and Kim's blog, too! She's got the crafty line up today!