MFT's new December goodies!

How many of us can think back and remember just how much fun we used to have playing with paper dolls? Those cute little dresses, the hats, the adorable outfits and accessories.....well, it's time to check out one of the new sets that MFT has for you for December. It's called 'Isabelle Paper Dolls'----and playing with Isabelle is just like being a little girl all over again!! (Except our other 'toys' (stamping goodies) are probably a bit more expensive.....)


The MFT Design Team has come up with some adorable creations with this new set, as well as the other two sets available this month, 'Tote-ally Fantastic' and 'Snow Bunny Flopsey'. With Kim's awesomely fast shipping, you'd have these sets in your hands, wrapped and under the tree in plenty of time to surprise your stamping friends at Christmas!!

Here at the release party details:

My Favorite Things (www.mftstamps.com) is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, December 3rd from 9-10 p.m. Eastern time. This month there are THREE new sets being released including a TOTE-ally awesome Who's that Girl set!Head over to the MFT forum on www.splitcoaststampers.com to find out 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




Here's the first one I created with Isabelle (love that name!!)----I just couldn't resist her little mermaid outfit!!

Creative details:
Stamps: Isabelle Paper Doll set by My Favorite Things
Paper: Ambrosia DP by Basic Grey, Pumpkin Pie, Basic Gray (SU CS), Papertrey white
Ink: Versafine Onyx Black
Accessories: Copic markers, Stickles, ticket corner punch, brads, dimensionals, ribbon, sponge daubers.

Thanks for stopping by!!!

Wanna Join the MFT DT??

Then play along in our monthly Guest Designer challenge! Here are the deets.

~Do you want the opportunity to be My Favorite Guest Designer for December?

~All you have to do is complete the challenge below and include “MFGD12” in the keywords and link your card back to this thread. You have until 10:00 p.m. Eastern Time Sunday night ( 11/9/08 ) to complete this challenge. The winner will be selected from the entries and posted on Monday.

~CHALLENGE: WatercoloringWatercoloring is such a pretty way to color an image. Plus you don’t need to just use watercolor paint/pencils – you can use re-inkers, pearlescent watercolors, Peerless watercolors and more choices I’m not thinking of right now. Use a watercoloring technique on your project for this challenge.

~We’re looking for original and unique projects, something that makes us say “Wow – that’s so cool!!” Please make sure the project you submit is a new one and not something already in your gallery.

~As a My Favorite Guest Designer, the winner will receive ALL of the new releases for December before anyone else AND will be able to post early with the design team. We will also choose 2 “Ambassadors” who will receive the any pre-released mini set, plus $10.00 in MFT “cash”, PLUS they are invited to host a challenge during the next MFT Release Party!

~Don’t forget to put MFGD12 in the keyword section and make sure your project is uploaded before 10:00 pm Eastern time on Sunday.

~If you have any MFT stamps, please use them on your design if you can. If you don’t have any (yet!), feel free to play along. The judging will not be based on stamps used, rather on your execution of the challenge!

~If you don’t have a gallery on Splitcoast, create one in our Forum HERE

MFT's New November sets.....you're gonna love 'em!!

MFT has some gorgeous sets again this month (is there ever a month when they aren't gorgeous?!?! I think not!!). Check out November's new releases at www.mftstamps.com . You won't be sorry!!

The black, red & green creation is totally inspired by these two gorgeous creations by Jen del Muro, which can be seen on her blog here: http://iheart2stamp.com/2008/04/11/abc-fridayi-love-this-project/, and here:http://iheart2stamp.com/2008/06/04/did-you-see-and-more-to-see/ . (Sorry, I don't know how to add the links so they look neat & tidy.....any computer gurus out there that can teach me how to do that???)
I kind of did this backwards---and created it before I found a frame to put it in. The frame will be black or white, and I'll probably give it as a gift when I get it finished.


The second creation uses a new Annie LaPoint set from MFT, called 'Scented Geranium'. Love this image! If you click on the photo, it may be easier to see, but I cut out the individual flowers (even the teeny-tiny ones!) and layered them on dimensionals for a little more depth in the main image. This DP is called 'Indian Summer' by Sassafrass Lass. I just love the colors and designs in this line!

This is another version of the black, green & red creation in the top photo in this post, just using a different color combo. I didn't have any ribbon that matched the 'periwinkle' kind of color, so I used my Copic markers to dye several styles of white ribbon and it turned out great! I love knowing that I can now make ribbon in almost any color I need.

This sparkly cupcake creation uses 'It's a Cupcake Kind of Day', another new set from MFT. These cupcakes are nice and big---perfect for paper-piecing! This green & chocolate My Mind's Eye DP reminds me of mint and chocolate-chips. The cupcake frosting is Cinnamon stickles. Hmmmm....mint, chocolate, and cinnamon....all of this is making me hungry!! The top is an SU button I've been hoarding forever, and am finally making myself use.

I hope you've enjoyed the MFT goodies I've showed you today. I've got one or two more creations to share, but I've got to add some finishing touches first. I'll be back a bit later to share them with you.

Thanks for stopping by, and have a great day!!!

Christmas, Snowmen, Butterflies, and Halloween..........

Quite the combination, huh??? Boy, I didn't realize quite so much time had gone by since I'd updated my blog!! (Thanks for hanging in there during my absence, though!!) Hopefully, between the next couple of posts, I'll be able to show you some things I've been working on while I've been away. I may do a bit of rambling as well, but if you've been to my blog before, you'll know that that's nothing unusual!
First, I'd like to ask a question...... what do you do to get out of a creative slump?? During the past few weeks, I hit a creative wall---and I mean a huge, thick WALL.....so much so, that I played with the idea of just tossing every creative thing I own. (Gasp!! I KNOW!!! I couldn't believe I was thinking about it either!!) I looked at the paper, the embellies, the ribbon SO many times.....and wanted to pitch it ALL!! It was such a strange feeling.
I finally figured out that my lack of creativity was because I wasn't taking any time for 'me'. I'm a happier person----and a much better wife and mother---when I take time for myself. I guess I've come to the realization that I need to make my needs just as much of a priority as I make my family's needs. I need to stop automatically putting myself at the bottom of the proverbial 'to-do' list. (I hope what I'm trying to say is making sense.)

Last week, I found the most fabulous scrapbooking store called 'A Walk Down Memory Lane', in Rock Valley, Iowa---about 20 miles away from the town I live in. I didn't even know it existed---I'd just done a quick search for local scrapbook stores on the 'net one morning and found it. I now know where I'll be spending a major portion of my creative budget!! Fabulous paper, embellies, stamp sets, ribbon, Nesties...I could go on & on. This place has it all!! (And, it's close enough that I can sneak away for just an hour or two of heavenly shopping!!) If you are anywhere near northwest Iowa, I highly recommend checking out this store!

OK.....enough of my rambling.
The snowman card uses some 'Snowy Jo' papers. I love these soft colors together for winter/Christmas cards! I also used some Doodlebug 'Stick With It' swirls and Doodlebug Sugar Coated glitter. (I had to hunt these down, thanks to Tosh!! Hugs to you, girlie!!) Love these little goodies---so much fun to work with, and they add just the right touch of sparkle.
The brown & pink butterfly card uses a Unity Stamps quote that I've had for a while, and finally had a chance to pair with some Jolie Chocolat DP's that I've had for a while. Love the way the butterflies in the quote mixed with some of the prints in this DP line.

The last couple of pictures are just some fun, sparkly things I made for Halloween. I know the trick-or-treaters put their costumes away a long time ago, and the candy is probably all gone, but I wanted to show these things to you anyway.

I've got another post to get uploaded yet this morning, so I'd better go for now. Thanks for sticking around this long.....and thanks for listening to my ramblings!! Have a great morning!!

Check out the new October sets from My Favorite Things!!

These creations are made with a few of the new sets available (starting tonight) from My Favorite Things.



The first image is called 'A Scarf for Three'---aren't these snowmen adorable?!?! The image is really fun to color, and makes me wish for snow.....but not too much!
I love using a black, pink and white color combo when I create with MFT images.....it just makes the whole thing scream MFT, to me. I added the row of black and pink scallops to mimic MFT's packaging and logo. For a little added dimension, I trimmed an addition image of the lady, then glued it in place. (Looking at this makes me wish I could go to the mall.....)
This gift box and set of tags was inspired by some of my favorite Christmas-themed DP, by American Crafts. I love the combination of red and bright green! I'll probably give this to my mother for an early Christmas goodie. (No peeking, Mom!!) :-)






The last two photos show a clipboard that I decorated so I can jot down ideas, add inspirational photos, etc. for my DT assignments with My Favorite Things. Kim and a bunch of super-talented DT members have come up with a fun, new weekly schedule---I really hope you'll visit MFT's forum on SCS and check it out. It'll definitely inspire you to get out your MFT sets and get creative with them.

The October release party is tonight...here are the details. I hope you'll join us!!

My Favorite Things (http://www.mftstamps.com/) is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, October 1 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. This month there are SIX new sets being released, plus a new storage system for your MFT stamps that you are gonna love!Head over to the MFT forum on http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ to find out 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.

See you in the MFT October release forum!!! Hugs to you all!!!

Cammie's a sweetie---please check out her blog!

I hope you'll take some time and go check out Cammie's blog (myblogbycammie.blogspot.com).

Cammie resently lost her beloved grandmother to Alzheimers. In honor of her grandmother, Cammie is donating 100% of her comission from her new set, called 'Whimsical Autumn', to the Alzheimer's Association. (Cammie's newest set is available through Gina K.)

To bring attention to Alzheimers, Cammie has rounded up a TON of unbelievably generous companies and designers, and has put together a blog candy package that is out of this world-----worth over $1000. Can you believe it?!?!

Head on over to Cammie's blog, and give her some love, and a big hug, OK? It's for a wonderful cause, and you just might end up with a ton of goodies yourself!!

A fun, new schedule for the MFT forum!!!

Today--Saturday, the 20th---is Celebrate MFT Day. Get out your MFT sets and have a little fun!!!

And.....something new!
There are tons of new things for the MFT lover in you----each day will have different themes and challenges and prizes to win---I know you're gonna love it!

It looks like this:
Monday: Who's That Girl Monday
Tuesday: Thread starter Tuesday (find out more about the MFT fans & Crew)
Wednesday: Chat it up MFT style Wednesday nights at 9pm (EST)
Thursday: Get a Little Sketchy (sketch challenge day)
Friday: Hum a Little Oldia PLUS a Goodie

Also, in honor of the release of Cammie's brand-new set, (released thru Gina K) Kim is offering a NICE little sale at MFT. Here are the deets:
From Wednesday September 17 to Sunday September 21----I am offering a 10% discount on ALL stamps on the site. Use the coupon code Cammie at checkout to receive 10% off all the stamps in your shopping cart. (It won’t discount your other merchandise, just stamps.)2) I will donate 10% of ALL proceeds (including money spent on other items on the site) to the National Alzheimer’s Association. FYI - The discount applies only to retail orders…"

And....if you want a chance at some AWESOME blog candy (over $800 worth!!) be sure to head over to Cammie's blog! (See the link over on the right.)

I'm floored by the warm, loving, generous people in the stamping community, aren't you?!?!

Here are some godies for you to look at. Have a great day, everybody!!!

Who's that Ghost Flopsey.....September release...

Release Party Tonight!!!



Two more MFTeasers for ya'. This set is called 'Who's That Ghost Flopsey', and it's available this evening (Wednesday). I had SO much fun creating these two cards----Halloween is one of my favorite holidays,and I love working with the gorgeous DP's that are available this time of year.
Tonight is MFT's September release party----I hope you'll join us there for lots of fun and fast-paced chatting in the MFT forum. (Of course, I hope you'll do some shopping for new MFT stamps, too!!!)

Here are the release party details:


My Favorite Things (www.mftstamps.com) is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, Sept. 3 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. This month there are SIX new sets being released, plus one from a new line at MFT: BCDzyns.*The Girl Who Wants It All special for the The September Collection, which is one of each set being released, except for the BCDzyns set, is $58.95.Head over to the MFT forum on www.splitcoaststampers.com to find out 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.





I hope these two goodies brighten your day a little-----I know I had fun creating them!!

Have a wonderful evening---thanks for stopping by!!! (Hugs to you!!!)

MFTeasers....September Releases!!!

I can't believe it's September already, can you?!?! I'm SO looking forward to the cool evenings, wearing comfy sweatshirts, and the gorgeous colors that start showing themselves when the leaves start to change. My hubby added a fire-pit to our back yard this summer, so I'm anxious to sit outside around a nice, warm fire, enjoying the evening and making s'mores. (Hey, any reason for chocolate is good, isn't it?!?!) :-)

This month is a really exciting time for Kim and MFT!! Kim's daughter, Brianna, is launching her very own line of stamps!! Her line is called 'BCDzyns' by My Favorite Things. Brianna's debut set is called 'Hey, Chica!', and includes this adorable gal and some really fun sentiments. (Perfect for those creations for those young, hip girls in your life!) (Do people still say 'hip'?!?! Maybe I AM showing my age!!!)

MFT's September release party is tomorrow (Wednesday) evening! Here are the details:

My Favorite Things will be hosting a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday night (SEPT. 3) 9-11pm EST EASTERN time. This month there are SIX new sets being released, plus a new stamp line from MFT: BCDzyns. 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!

The MFT Design Team gals are really crating some gorgeous things this month (but they always do!!) Be sure to check out the other DT members' blogs---I just know you'll love what you see!! (Use the links found on the right side of my blog.)

This little 'Rockstar' frame is a dollar frame that I found at Michael's, and altered with some cute guitar/rock DP that I found. I added a tattoo to her arm (I'd thought it would be cute, then saw that Jody (texasjodylynn) had done it too, so thought I'd give it a try as well.... I don't have any tattoos, so I'll live vicariously through this cutie!!)


This little Halloween creation uses the 'Totally Witchin' set released last month from MFT. (I've got some catching up to do with my DT releases!!) (Hanging head in shame...)
Halloween is one of my VERY favorite holidays---I love the fun, scary part of the holiday (not the evil, macabre part) and all of the bright colors associated with it. This DP is from a K&Company Halloween stack---love the prints and designs!!
Now.....if only I could look this cute in striped stockings and boots!!! (I can dream, can't I???)

The third thing I have to show you today, uses two MFT sets (Nature Calls & What's Your Sign) that were also released last month. Several months ago, I created a tag-card scene with MFT's 'Punny Farm' set, so I thought I'd also give it a try with these two sets. My family and I love to go camping, so I tried to create a scene similar to an area where we spend a lot of time. (If you click on the photo, you should be able to see a larger photo.)


I hope you like what you've seen here today....I'll be back later this evening with some more fun MFTeasers for you to see. Have a wonderful afternoon, everyone!!! (Hugs to you all!!!)

Want to win MFT's August mini set??? Join us in MFT's 40th Sketch Challenge!!

It's time for MFT's 40th weekly sketch challenge---can you believe it?!?! Each week, Cindy Haffner designs and creates fabulous sketches for us all to enjoy. That number has extra-special meaning, since Kim, the owner and creator of My Favorite Things, also turned the big 40 earlier this month.
To celebrate Kim's milestone birthday, as well as 40 weeks of Cindy's fabulous sketches, Kim is offering a chance to win August's mini set. For a chance at winning this mini set, all you need to do upload the creation you make using MFT's Sketch #40, to this thread (http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=365402) in the MFT member company forum on SCS. Use the keyword MFTSC40----upload your creation by Friday, July 25th at 12:00 P.M. Central time. Cindy will announce the winner on Sunday, July 27th, when she uploads the next week's sketch.

Here's a link to the sketch: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=103227&d=1216556933.

Thanks for playing along----and good luck!!!

It's a beautiful day in the neighborhood!!!

I wanted to get these uploaded right away this morning, and since I'm running late, I'll be back later on to add to/edit this post.
Until then......have a wonderful morning, everyone!!!

MFT Times Three!

These little trick-or-treaters are one of my all-time favorite images to stamp with! Halloween is my very favorite holiday. I don't get into the macabre, evil part of the holiday, but I do really enjoy the fun, scary part. It's so much fun decorating the house with 'haunting' things, putting pumpkins everywhere, both inside and outside of our house, and getting ready for the little ones to come to our door asking for goodies. My hubby and I have even been known to get dressed in costumes to hand out treats to the kids----all in good fun! Needless to say, making Halloween-themed cards is great fun for me too! Even though the temps are nearing the 100's right now, my mind is already wandering toward the cool, Fall evenings and anxious for the smell of burning leaves.

I have to admit, I've had this set (Hare for the Holidays, by MFT) for quite some time, and have never used this image. When I finally got this DP, I just couldn't resist pairing up the oranges and greens with this little guy. He's such a cutie! This card turned out to be approximately 4.5 inches square---a nice little size for jotting down a quick note just to say 'Hi'. Everything about the card is pretty self-explanatory, I think.


I found this DP and fell in love with the light blue and chocolate swirls. I decided to use my 'Meet Me at the Cafe' set by My Favorite Things, as it has been neglected too much, and was feeling a bit lonely.The awning is propped up on dimensionals on the lower edge, with the upper edge glued down, to give it an angle to make it appear more realistic. These little ladies are having a wonderful afternoon, sitting and catching up on all the things going on in their lives. Oh, if I could only look this good when I go out to meet my friends for lunch!!:-)I created a Ribbon Blossom---again--I guess when I get ribbon in my hands, it's inevitable that I'm going to have add one to my cards. I just can't help myself! I guess everyone has that special 'something' that they just have to put on their creations.....and a Ribbon Blossom is mine.I hope you like this---thanks so much for looking. Have a wonderful day, everyone!!

A Lovely Little Treat & one or two more things....

Sorry for the long absence----again----life seems to have a way of getting in the way of my best intentions! Oh well, I'm spending a lot of quality time with my two sons & my hubby, but Mommy still needs some 'me' time, ya' know?!?!
I've got some new things to show you----I hope you like them.

Here's a really bright card that I made with MFT's 'Rain or Shine' set. I love coloring this little gal and her dog....and I'd love to have my own pair of those adorable little polka dot boots!! Wouldn't they be fun to wear?!?!
I used an old sketch that Beate posted on her blog quite a while ago. It's really one of my favorite sketches...the circles are a great way to add some of the smaller images in stamp sets, and yet it still leaves plent of room to add your own touch with embellishments. Had to add my Ribbon Blossom, of course....to me, a card isn't finished if it doesn't have one on it!!! Guess that's just my 'signature' touch!!

I finally broke down and ordered this SU set---I just love the images in it, and they're SO great to color with Copics---I love the shading & dimension they give. I used my new Martha Stuart butterfly punch, too, and scattering the tiny butterflies around was a great way to add a special touch to the card. This ended up to be a pretty large card, and it's really thick---so I guess I should prepare myself for a shock when I find out the cost of postage to mail it!

This creation is something that I created for Kim at My Favorite Things. (I made 10 of these, so I hope she really likes them!!) To create the 'pretend' lollipops, I used several circle punches, plus double-stacked dimensionals and thick glue dots. The plastic cover around the lollipop is just the package that my dimensional squares come in----the first time I created on of these, I had just used up a pack of dimensionals, and was about to toss the plastic bag, when a light bulb went off in my head and I tried it on for size. It fit perfectly, so now I save these packages just for this reason. (I go through a TON of dimensionals--probably an average of 40 or more for a card, so I have plenty of these plastic packages lying around. I never throw anything away, I usually recycle it in some way and find a use for it.)

Well, should go for now. My youngest son has his last baseball game this morning, and I'm running a little behind schedule. Have a great day, everybody!!!

Pulling for You----MFT Release Party Wed. night!!!

This is an adorable new character, available from My Favorite Things, as of tonight (Wed.). Such a cute lil' guy, pushing his cart filled to the brim with yummy carrots! This is a really nice-sized image for watercoloring or using your Copics----a lot of fun to work with!!MFT is turning 2, and Kim is turning 40, and there are new stamps to see----what awesome reasons to celebrate!!There are some really fun things going on during the release party in the MFT forum tonight, in honor of MFT's 2nd birthday, and Kim's 40th birthday---so be sure to join us to see what all the excitement is about! (And wish Kim & MFT 'happy birthday'!!) Hope to see you there!!

Stamps: Pulling for You by My Favorite Things.
Paper: Papertrey white, Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Scenic Route DP.
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Certainly Celery, Old Olive.
Accessories: Ticket corner punch, brads, Nestabilities, Copic markers, ribbon, dimensionals, sponge daubers.

Lavender.....by Annie LaPoint

This is another gorgeous Annie LaPoint image called 'Lavender', available from My Favorite Things. These detailed images really come to life as you're coloring them in---so cool to see! I've used Copics to color this image, but I'm anxious to see how using chalks will look, too. (First I've got to dust off my chalks though--can't remember the last time I used them!)

Hopefully, I can get more cards uploaded today---I tried all day yesterday to get things uploaded, but for some reason Blogger was giving me fits! Very frustrating!

Back later with some more good stuff.....have a great morning, everyone!!

It's June 19th?!? Already?!?!

I can't believe how fast this summer is flying by. To me, it always seems that once we hit July 4th, summer is over in the blink of an eye. I can't believe we're already near the end of June! We love to go camping during the summer, and we've finally gotten everyone's schedules coordinated for next weekend. I can't wait! While I love a lot of things about summer, I'm not a fan of 100-degree temps with 90% humidity, so all it takes is one or two days like that and I'm cranking up the central air and waiting for Fall to get here. Fall just happens to be my very favorite time of year, though, and there's nothing like throwing on my favorite old sweatshirt a faded pair of jeans, going for a hike through the timber, picking out pumpkins, or bundling up in a fuzzy blanket on a Friday night and drinking hot chocolate to keep warm during the local Varsity football game.

Our summer schedules will be slowing down a little bit, as my oldest son just finished Driver's Ed classes. My youngest son is in the middle of his baseball season, so I'll definitely still be a taxi-driver for a few more weeks. He really enjoys baseball, and it's a 'good' kind of busy. Their friends come over to hang out every day, so our house is usually pretty full. Pre-teen & teenage boys' stomachs are bottomless pits, I swear, and we're going through a ton of pizza, snacks and pop. It's a good thing the grocery store is only 5 blocks away!

I have a bunch of new cards to share with you today, but for some reason, Blogger isn't letting me upload more than one photo. I'll add the other cards in a separate post and see if that works.

This card uses 'Take a Break', one of the new 'MFT Presents' images by Annie LaPoint. It's wonderful to see these beautifully detailed images come to life as you color them in. Be sure to check them out at http://www.mftstamps.com/ .

The flowers in the bathtub remind me of lilacs--my all-time favorite flower. Every time I see or smell lilacs I'm reminded of my late Grandmother. I remember spending the night at her house when I was a little girl, snuggled up in line-dried, fresh, cool sheets, with a cool, lilac-scented breeze blowing in the window next to the bed. Grandma's house always smelled SO good----because of the wonderful things she used to cook and bake for us, and from the lilacs and other flowers surrounding her house. She's been gone for almost twenty years and I still think of her almost every day.

Since the flowers were colored to look like lilacs, I decided to try to make the card look sort of vintage and aged. I used cocoa ink and a distressing tool to 'age' the edges of some of the layers. I used my watercolor brush to gave the DP a faint 'wash' of creamy caramel ink.

I need to run---my youngest son's baseball practice starts in a few minutes, and I still need to find the cap he insists on wearing today.

Have a wonderful day!!

Yummy, yummy, in my tummy!! An MFTeaser & some great news!!!

Sorry for such a LONG absence (again!)....this summer started out busy, and it doesn't show any sign of letting up anytime soon. (Driver's Ed. classes, baseball, guitar lessons, general 'stuff'....ahhh, the fun never ends!) I'll bet you can all relate, huh?

This month is a VERY exciting release for MFT!! These sets are some of my favorite sets EVER, and I had a ton of fun playing with them! Reserve some computer time on Wednesday evening---you're not going to want to miss these sets---I guarantee it!

When I saw this set for the first time, I immediately thought of this DP--the colors just screamed 'ice cream' to me. Wouldn't an ice cream cone like this taste wonderful? I know the colors aren't exactly right, but, for some reason, the colors remind me of my cousin's birthday parties when we were children. Every single year, she had Neopolitan ice cream to go with her birthday cake. Of course, being the birthday girl, she got a gigantic bowl of ice cream, and a piece of cake the size of a dinner plate, while the rest of us got a teeny spoonful of ice cream and a little sliver of cake.....sharing was NOT her strong point. (Of course, that could be why she weighed over 200 pounds by age 10, huh?) Too much information?? Probably... :-)

My Favorite Things (http://www.mftstamps.com/) is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, June 4 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. LOTS of fun (and a surprise release) is planned including finding out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. Head over to the MFT forum on http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ to find out all the details and we hope to see you there on Wednesday night.

In addition to this month's awesome releases, Kim will be making some exciting announcements and filling you in on the latest MFT news. Be sure not to miss it--we'd love to have you join us!!

Card info:

Stamps: Here's the Scoop-My Favorite Things.
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Green Galore, Papertrey white, Paper Studio DP.
Ink: Chocolate Chip, Pretty in Pink, Green Galore, Versafine Onyx Black.
Accessories: Copic markers, ticket corner punch, Cuttlebug & Swiss dots embossing folder, brads, ribbon, sponge daubers, dimensionals.

Check this out!!

If you're familiar with SCS (Splitcoaststampers), then I'm sure you know Cindy Haffner. Not only is Cindy an amazing, fabulously talented stamper (and Dirty Dozen member!), she's also a kind, sweet, wonderful person that I'm lucky enough to call my friend.
After much encouragement, Cindy has started a blog called 'Cindy Haffner's Corner'!! (Here's the link: http://cindyhaffnerscorner.blogspot.com/ .) Be sure to stop by and welcome her to the world of blogging.

I'll be back later today to post the blog-candy goodies!! Have a great morning, everyone!

Little Girl's Treasure Box......Love this DCWV DP!

The shape of these alterable boxes (found at Hobby Lobby) have always reminded me of a little girl's jewelry box. You know, the kind that had the dancing ballerina that twirled 'round and 'round to the music when you opened the lid? When I was little, I remember watching that ballerina dance to the music, wishing that I could be as pretty and delicate as she was--and wanting to be able to wear a pretty, sparkly tutu like she did! A tutu just wouldn't have been very practical growing up on a farm, spending most of your time climbing trees, riding motorbikes, cleaning out the hog sheds and and helping with other livestock chores, etc. There was always plenty to do. It's funny, because I still miss those days, growing up on the farm. (Yes, I was a true 'tomboy' in my younger years..............until I discovered boys, that is!) Of course, after I hit my teen years, it was all about spending an hour (or more) on my makeup and hair before going to school, flirting with boys, going to pizza parties, movies, etc. etc. etc.....:-) Oh, those wonderful teen years, huh?

I altered this little box using some absolutely GORGEOUS paper by DCWV, called 'Nana's Nursery' Girls' stack. I am hooked on the pink polka-dot, the striped polka-dot and the light-green background with the pink-ish cherries. I give full credit for the enabling to Jen delMuro (genie1314), as I found it one day while checking out her blog http://iheart2stamp.com/ . Jen has made some beautiful things with this line of DP, and I just couldn't resist temptation any longer. (In fact, I've got a got a bunch more of this DP on its way to my house, just to make sure I'm stocked up.)

The framed sentiment uses MFT's featured 'oldie but goodie' set for this month, 'Setting the Stage'. Lots of great staple images in this set----the double-line frame (that I used on the top of this box), plus scalloped borders, polka-dotted ribbon images, a dotted-line image, an embellished corner stamp, and some 'doodle'-type images as well. The scalloped border along the bottom of this box was created with open-scalloped stamp in this set. 'Setting the Stage' is WELL worth the money, IMO, and the best part is that Kim has it ON SALE this month! How can you beat that?!?! Go to http://www.mftstamps.com/ to check out this set, as well as the new releases for May.

Now that I've got this all finished, I like it so much that I'm not sure I can give it away!! I may keep this one to hold buttons and things like that, and just make another one like to give as a gift. Do you ever do things like this?

Well, should close for now.

I've decided to put off the blog-candy post until next week. DH and I have to go out of town next week---and the city we're going to has countless scrapbooking stores that I'm going to have to 'visit' while he's tied up in meetings and appointments. Waiting a little longer makes it better for you, though, because I'll have SO many more neat things to offer in the blog candy drawing after I've hit these stores. I'll make sure that the prize is drool-worthy, you can be sure of that!

Thanks for stopping by today. Now, I'm off to read through the 29-30 pages of posts from the MFT release party last night. After that, I'm going to spend some 'Mommy' time just having fun and creating.

Take care of you today----I hope your day is fabulous!! Hugs to you all!

New MFT Sets---Release Party Tonight!!

Lots of good stuff going on with My Favorite Things today---the release party is tonight. These sets are a lot of fun to play with (again!), but if you're a dog-lover, you're going to have a tough time resisting these sets.

Here's some information about the release party tonight:

My Favorite Things (http://www.mftstamps.com/) is having a New Release Cocktail Party on Wednesday, May 7 from 9-11 p.m. Eastern time. Lots of fun is planned including finding out how YOU can be the next MFT Guest Designer. Head over to the MFT forum on http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/ to find out all the details and we hope to see you there on Wednesday night.

FYI: Time zone information for the release party....I always have trouble remembering the time differences, so I hope this helps you out a little bit!

9-11 p.m. Eastern; 8-10 p.m. Central; 7-9 p.m. Mountain; 6-8 p.m. Pacific.

Kim got all of the DT members fun, new watermarks, and I've been playing around with mine a little bit this morning. I am NOT a computer genius, so it took me a while to get things figured out.

I hope you enjoy looking at the new things I've made. Be sure to check out the other MFT Design Team members blogs and galleries on Splitcoaststampers---they've got a ton of great stuff to show you using the sets for May.

Have a great day---hope to see you at the release party tonight!

Hi, everyone!! It's been a long time, huh??

Sorry for such a long absence....our busy lives can get in the way of even the best intentions, can't they? Here's a quick update on what's been going on around here....first, a very dear friend of my mother's was diagnosed with advanced, terminal pancreatic cancer, and passed away within a week of the diagnosis, so I've needed to be there for my Mom. (It's nice to know that she can lean on me when she needs to---Lord knows that she's been there for me through thick and thin!!) (Hi, Mom!! :-) ) My sons have both been very busy with end of the year school activities, and my oldest son has his Confirmation ceremony in our church this morning. (I found out just HOW grumpy a teenage boy can be when it comes to trying on a new suit! Ugh!!) My hubby has been working extra shifts on Saturdays, due to high demand in his industry. That translates into trying to get more done in much less free time!

Anyway, I've been thinking about you all---and I've missed blogging and keeping in touch with everyone. The messages, personal emails and posts that many of you have sent (regarding the removal of my Ribbon Blossom tutorial) have meant SO much to me. I can't begin to tell you how many times I've gotten teary-eyed! I'm touched---beyond belief---in the support and encouragement that you've shown me. My blog readers rock!! Big hugs from me to all of you!

I think it's about time that I reward you, so, how about some blog candy?? (I'll post that in a separate post later today, OK?)

I've gotta get going, for now. (It's time to get everyone dressed and ready for church.) Here's a new card for you to look at. I'll be back later this afternoon to post some goodies for the blog candy drawing.

Have a wonderful Sunday morning!

MFT Fundraising Sale.....Please Read

Kim, (The MFT Lady) is having a sale at MFT, as a fundraiser for a family that has had a terrible tragedy occur in their lives. SO, if you've been thinking about placing an order, now would be a good time to do it. You'll not only get the things you want on sale, but you'll also be helping raise funds for this family during this difficult time. It's a win-win situation, and a wonderful way to help support this family during this time and in the future. Let's show this family how wonderfully supportive our stamping community is.

Kim posted the following information on her blog:

A few months ago, I posted about a friend, Tish, who’d been diagnosed with a very rare form of ovarian cancer. Tish battled through 6 rounds of chemo only to discover two additional tumors, one on her spine and one in her stomach. My heart fell when I read her CaringBridge post which broke the news. Since her diagnosis last August, the family has held the motto of DRIVE ON! in dealing with this aggressive cancer and fought a valiant fight. Tish lost her battle early Tuesday morning, and I found out about it late last night. Tish leaves behind two beautiful, young sons and a hubby, Todd, who I worked with for several years in my past life. I know Todd much better than I knew Tish, and know just how difficult this has been and will continue to be for the immediate future. Prior to Tish passing, a benefit was planned to help the family recover from the mounting medical bills and ensure a bright future for the boys, Tucker and Tanner. The benefit is still underway, but with a more solemn feel. My husband and I are donating some items to a silent auction, and the picture above is the gift card holder for that auction. The content of the gift card is about $200 in MFT merchandise, and I know every little bit helps. But I want to do more. Todd was the most compassionate, tender-hearted *boss* I’ve ever had, and I want more than anything to really help this family. So what I’ve decided to do is two-fold: 1) Starting tomorrow, I am offering a 10% discount on ALL stamps on the site. Use the coupon code Tish at checkout to receive 10% off all all the stamps in your shopping cart. (It won’t discount your other merchandise, just stamps.) The coupon code will run from Tuesday, April 15th-Friday, April 18th. 2) I will donate 10% of ALL proceeds (including money spent on other items on the site) to the family at their April 26th benefit. FYI - The discount applies only to retail orders… I am making it my goal to personally pay for the FL College Pre-Paid plan for the boys during an entire year which will be about $1200. Please help me reach this goal. And should you feel moved to do so, please email me for the family’s address, as I am quite sure they would love some happy mail. (And given that Tish was an SU demo, those hand-made cards WILL be appreciated!)

Here's the link to My Favorite Things: http://www.mftstamps.com/home/homepage.html

An Awesome MFT Contest!!

Kim (The MFT Lady) is having an awesome contest on her blog. Have you ever wanted a chance to design your own set of stamps? Well.....here's your chance! Head on over to Kim's blog for more details. I can't wait to see the set that the winner creates, and I know they'll have a great time working with Kim!

Here's the link to Kim's blog:
http://www.mftstamps.com/blog/

Ribbon Blossom Tutorial: Answers & An Explanation

I'm currently working on revamping the 'Ribbon Blossom' tutorial. I've been contacted by quite a few people that have tried to make one, using the tutorial, and haven't been happy with the results they've gotten.

I know the link is no longer available. I deleted it, and will explain my reason for doing so.

I want you all to know that I was also flattered-----beyond belief----that SO many people wanted to learn to do something that I do. I did ask people to call it a 'Ribbon Blossom' if they made one using my tutorial, because it felt really nice knowing that people were remembering me because of something they liked to look at. Heck, I think we'd all like to be remembered for something nice. Maybe I'm being too presumptuous here, but I do think that.

That was my first tutorial----EVER----so it was a definite learning experience for me. (I don't know how some of these ladies can put out a tutorial almost every day! Doing that one tutorial took me almost two days total!) I do feel like I may be able to explain each step a little more, and show you more pictures that will take you through the process in a more clearly-demonstrated way. It will be offered to you in a different format, also....but that information will be coming shortly. (I'm not trying to 'tease'....it's just that I don't have everything finished with it yet.)

Since I try very hard to be honest with those of you that do stop by my blog, I'll share with you the second reason that it has been deleted from my blog.

I received several very nasty emails and posts regarding the Ribbon Blossom Tutorial. One message, in particular, stated that I had 'no business whatsoever laying claim to the creation or invention of the pom-pom', stating that I had 'NO right to expect people throughout the world to give me personal credit for the 'pom-pom', or anything remotely resembling a 'pom-pom'. (These posts have now been deleted.)

First, let me clear up one thing: I never, ever laid claim to the 'pom-pom'. Ever. In a later entry, in which I tried to answer questions people had regarding the tutorial, I did explain that it looked somewhat LIKE a pom-pom.....for lack of a better way to describe it. I'm not a walking thesaurus---that is simply the first word that came to mind at the time.

Since I do not feel that I've ever intentionally tried to hurt anyone, in any way, through my blog, or in any of its entries, I was quite shocked to receive such rude messages and posts. To put it simply, many people asked me to show them how to make a 'Ribbon Blossom', and I put some pictures and words together to try to explain the process that I use to create them. I really didn't expect to be attacked for doing so, and I was quite stunned, to say the least. I didn't want to receive any more nasty messages, so I chose to remove the 'problem'. My parents raised me to live by the old quote 'if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all', and I try very hard to do that. Others may not, but I do.

I hope that those of you that are reading this do not feel like you are being punished for the actions of a handful of people. Honestly, I did feel 'punished'----for trying to do something nice---but it is NOT my intention to pass along that hurt or anger.

I apologize, wholeheartedly, to any of you that feel slighted or frustrated by the fact that I deleted my tutorial. Upsetting you is not my intention. Preventing further rude comments and emails is my only goal. That is the reason that I deleted the tutorial from my blog.

To my regular, faithful, wonderful readers.....the tutorial isn't gone, it's just being revamped. It will be offered-----to those that want it-----in the near future, but in a different format, via a different route.

I hope that you can understand my reasons for the decisions I made. Thank you for being so wonderful, and for reading this post.

I really do enjoy having a blog so much, and you all make my day in more ways than I could ever have imagined. The comments, posts and messages that you leave here really do mean a lot to me.

I hope you'll stop back again. (Soon!) :-) Have a wonderful evening, everyone!

New Things to Share.....

Sorry for the long absence, everyone. I know how frustrating it can be to take the time to check a blog for several days in a row without seeing anything new. I promise to try much harder to post more regularly....that's my new resolution (it's OK to make new resolutions in April, isn't it??)
SO many of you have left posts, and sent emails with such wonderful, caring, heartfelt messages, just checking in on me to see if everything is OK. I can't tell you how much all of the messages mean to me--and how special you have all made me feel!! Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, to every one of you!! (Big hugs!!)
I've gotten a few new things created, so you have something new to look at today. I just received some new SU stamps a week ago or so, and had to break them in a little bit! I really like all three of these sets, as they give such unique and different looks. I'll add the card information later, so if there's something you'd like to know more about with one of these cards, you'll be able to find what you need.


MANY, many (many!) of you have left posts here, contacted me on SCS, or personally emailed me regarding the Ribbon Blossom Tutorial. SInce there are so many questions about it, I'm going to add it in a separate post today. Hopefully that post will explain things a little better and answer some of your questions.

Thanks for stopping by today. Again, I want to tell all of you how very much your kind and thoughtful words mean to me. You are ALL very special!! :-)

Feeling better---hugs to all of you!!!

Whew!!! For many, many reasons, I am feeling SO much better today!! The posts that you have left have made me feel fantastic, and really, really special!! I can't thank you all enough, for the kind, wonderful, encouraging (and funny!) words that you've left for me here in your posts. Thanks, guys----from the bottom of my heart----I truly do treasure you all!! My blog readers ROCK!!! :-)
I was creating like a mad woman last night and this afternoon, so I have some new things to post sometime early this evening.
I'll be back in a bit! Hugs again!!!

Feeling Better, Woo-Hoo!!!! Plus, an MFT Release & Other Stuff......

I'm a little late in catching up on my posts for MFT's release party---sorry about that! I swear that I've had THE worst luck around release dates lately for the companies I design for. For the last several months, something has either happened with my family (grandfather& great aunt passing away, and all the details that that entails.....OR I end up getting sick.) I love release-parties, don't get me wrong.....they're a fun and exciting time to share the creations that you've 'secretly' been working on for a while and are anxious to share with everyone.....the cards just haven't been stacked in my favor for the last two or three release dates. But, I do try to do my best!
Well, this time, I ended up getting a wicked-nasty-awful sore throat (fever ---102 degrees!---aches, chills, NO energy, etc. etc. etc.....). (Boy, do I sound like a whiner, or what?!?!?) I swear, it felt like I was swallowing shards of glass----ouchy!! I'm just glad my family didn't catch the same bug----at least not yet, anyway. Luckily, I found some left-over antibiotics from a past prescription, so I started taking those, which helped immensely. (I'm an RN, and, YES, I know that you're not supposed to do that, but at 11PM, I'll do whatever I can to start feeling better.)

OK.....on to the good stuff!
These cards are made from two new sets, now available from My Favorite Things (http://www.mftstamps.com/). The adorable little gardening gal is a set called 'Can Ya' Dig It'. An adorable set with a ton of images that are SO much fun to color! The mini-set for this month is 'Mother's Day'. A must-have set for this time of year! These are two sets you'll find yourself reaching for over and over again!

I really need to say a HUGE 'thank-you' to all of you that left such wonderful, encouraging, sweet, heartfelt comments regarding my run-in with the. *ahem*, 'ladies'.........you turned my whole day around! I went from feeling rotten about myself to walking around with a big ol' grin on my face for several days. Even though I've never met any of you 'in-person'......you all mean so very much to me, and I thank you for being so wonderful!! BIG hugs to ALL of you!!!
I'll be back a bit later today with another peek from another new-release, plus something just for fun! Until then.....have a wonderful Sunday morning! Hugs to you!!!

A Slump is Over (Hopefully!)

First, I'd like to apologize for the long gap between posts! For those of you who do stop by on a regular basis---thank you!! I know it gets frustrating to stop by a blog to see if there's anything new to look at, only to see an old post sitting there. Hopefully the three cards I uploaded will make up for that a little bit. Thank you to my faithful readers---I really do appreciate you!
I hit a major slump---nothing creative came to mind, which was very frustrating! Something was 'off', and I couldn't quite grasp what it was. I thought about things quite a bit, and finally figured out exactly what was bothering me. (As a fair warning, I'm going to ramble a bit now...) :-)
One of the things that I HATE most---absolutely detest----are snobby people. Those people that think they are perfect---and no one else is even close, or ever will be, at least according to them. You know the type. (Unfortunately, I think we've all dealt with them at some time in our lives.)
Well, to make a long story short, several days ago, I had the *ahem* 'pleasure' of being snubbed by two of the snobbiest women I've EVER seen in my life. It just happened to be in front of a large group of people....in my youngest son's classroom....right after a play he and his class did for all of the parents. These two 'ladies' (and I use the term loosely) have the whole silver-spoon thing going on----came from a wealthy family (hubby too)---and so do all of their friends. If you're not wealthy, you're just not good enough---at least in their opinion. I'm not wealthy, and my family isn't either. I'm a middle-class, small-town, Iowa farm girl---always have been, always will be, and it makes me who I am. Personally, I have never judged people by the size of their bank balance...some of the most fabulous people I've known in my life didn't have two cents to their name. These 'ladies' do judge by wealth, and I've seen it happen more times than I can count. Unfortunately, I was on the receiving-end of their actions that day, and it was awful. I was so embarassed---then I felt really awful about myself, and then I got REALLY angry. I still am.
I'm not one of those people that can come up with a great verbal response on the spot. I can usually think of something great to say two or three days later, which doesn't do me much good. (I did have a 'gesture' in mind---but I couldn't do that in my son's classroom! :-) )
I still hate the fact that people that don't really matter to me that much can have such an effect over how I feel about myself. I always thought that I would get better about things like this as I got older, but I haven't. I think I'll always struggle with this in some way, and I'll always have to work on not letting other people's actions affect me so much.

OK.....that's probably enough rambling for today. If you've read all the way through this post---thank you, for letting me vent. I hope I didn't end up being too much of a 'downer'. I do want you to enjoy stopping by my blog.
Right now, I'm running late for church, so I'll have to come back later to add the card ingredients. Talk to you later!!