MFT Rolled Rose Die-namic Video Tutorial

There's one thing I *don't* stock up on in my crafty stash.... and that's pre-fab flowers. I'm always worried I won't have the right color, what paper will it match with, will it be too big? Too small? So, instead, I just don't buy them....

The great news, MFT's Die-namics make it easy to create custom embellishments to match whatever paper you're using. And with the wide assortment of shapes that MFT is always creating... there are TONS of possibilities.


You've seen me use this Rolled Rose Die-namic before on a pillow and on a lampshade, but I know that so many of us are visual learners.... so when I put this little rose together I videotaped the process so you can see how easy it is to make a custom little bloom.

I've used felt for mine. I recommend a wool blend felt, versus the acrylic stuff. The acrylic is cheaper, but it leaves those icky stringy hairs when you cut. The wool felt cuts up like buttah! Conveniently MFT sells felt too. Nice right? I've cut mine with my Cuttlebug, but really these dies will work in any die-cutting machine. MFT has cutting stack information here. If you're not having good luck with your dies, try adding a shim to your stack (that's an extra scrap piece of cardstock) to increase the pressure between your die and your cutting material.

My little video tutorial on how to make these pretty blooms is embedded below, or you can find it on YouTube HERE. Drop me a note with any questions, I'm always happy to help!

My Favorite Valentines

In 2011, MFT is working harder than ever to inspire you, and we have come up with something we think you'll really enjoy. Our Design Team Creative Challenge will be a new monthly feature, where we challenge our design team to explore their creative side using a specific theme or product.

This month, we asked the team to get creative for Valentine's Day. It's a great occasion to get crafty, and put your supplies to good use. Are you ready to get some ideas for your Valentine's Day gifts? Be sure to visit the MFT Blog today for the list of participants - you'll see everything from cards to gift ideas and everything between.

Today I wanted to go a little "shabby" its not a style I often do, but this was a lot of fun! I tucked a Peppermint Pattie inside a glassine bag, and then created a multi-layered rosette to decorate the front of the bag.

Here's how I put together this custom embellishment for my little Valentine Treats.....

Lost and Found paper from My Mind's Eye with the 1/4 inch Rosette - I diecut the piece once and then cut it in half.

The second layer of the Rosette was cut twice in MFT's Fossil cardstock with the 3/8 Rosette. I like to use Jody's Dimensional Dots to hold mine together. They're PERFECT for the job. Once my Rosette was assembled, I painted the edges with some Ranger Crackle Paint and set it aside to dry.

Guess what nests PERFECTLY inside the new Dainty Doily (oops, already sold out!)from MFT? Rosettes! I cut my doily from vellum, and it makes a fabu-u-lous little doily. I coated it with Shimmerz paint for a shabby shine and the edges got all rolled up and antiqued. ....I sort of loved that part....

I cut a tiny pink heart with my Hearts a Plenty Die-namic and then coated it with Diamond Glaze, and then poured on a layer of Glitzy Glitter.


Finally, I wrapped the glassine envelope with a bit of text paper, layed over a Cotton Twill bow and a little bit of rhinestone bling. Lastly I tied on my Rosette embellishment with a bit of TCP Divine Twine in pink. My favorite part.... I added a bit of magnetic tape to the back of my Rosette so that it could be a decorative fridge magnet.

I ran all my materials through my Big Shot a few times so that I've got enough Rosettes and Doilys cut for all the boys teachers. I've just got to turn on a good stamping show and get the last few pieces assembled. And, once the candies are tied up tight, I won't be so tempted to *eat* them!

Don't forget to stop by Kim's blog today to see all the Valentine ideas that our team has to share with you.

MFT Previews: Rosette Die

I found myself able to do a little Google Reader-ing the other day while I was waiting in line at the supermarket, and ran across this BEAUTY of a project from Laurie Schmidlin. She is so talented, and I'm always drooling over her projects. I as it turns out, I had to put together a special gift card holder for my son's godmother. (You'll see the target card, inside the glassine envie, tucked onto the pull tag.)


And fortunately, I have a handy little stash of these glassine bags. So - here is my shameless case of her beautiful project. This is a MFT Teaser of an upcoming Die-namics die as part of our January 2011 release! Here I'm using the 1/4" Rosette - (there is also a 3/8" Rosette)

You will LOVE, and simply must HAVE these Rosettes! I'm sure, like me, you probably have some continuing Christmas parties, and just might be giving some gift cards? I thought this was a fun presentation.... just note, you'll need to tuck it into a clear box, or some other clever presentation, because this rosette, will *not* fit inside a standard envelope!


Sweet rosette is filled out with a white felted Die-namic using the Let it Snowflake Die and a tiny self adhesive pearl on top.

For those of you that don't have continuing Christmas parties to attend for the next few weeks, how about a Valentine creation with this gorgeous die?


I made a lunchbag pocket by folding up a regular brown paper lunch-sack and stitched the sides closed. The front is covered with some scraps of the Girls Paperie and I've used the "xoxo" sentiment from the More Essential Sentiments (a new release which will be available Tuesday night!) my Rosette is finished off with a Cork Hearts a Plenty Die-namics a little twine threaded button and some self adhesive pearls.


The little paper pocket can hold either a gift card, or even a sweet treat. I'll be whipping up a bunch of these for teacher valentines! I love that you can use simple brown paper bags that you've already got at home, or can pick up at the regular grocery store for next to nothing.

The new Rosette Dies come in two sizes... which will make different sized finished Rosettes. I've made these by hand before, and I find all that scoring pretty tedious to get them just right. These new dies make it easy-peasy to get the job done, and I can sit and assemble them in bulk while I watch a quick show. Like my favorite.... Nate Berkus.

Hope you've had fun looking at these new Die-namics. I tell you, you'll just LOVE how you can add these custom beauties using those leftover scraps we all save. Have a GREAT day!

Don't forget to check Kim's Blog for a full list of all the designers participating in previews today. Two designers are secret blog candy holders every day. Be sure to leave a little love on their projects in order to maximize your chances at winning!

MFT Teasers: More Essential Sentiments

I'm really excited for the My Favorite Things Teasers today! I've got two samples for you today using the new set More Essential Sentiments paired with the new Layered Label Die-namic. This three piece die is FAB-U-LOUS! The newest stamps and accessories will be released on Tuesday, January 4th! Get ready because this release is AMAZING!


I've done two samples because I couldn't put the stamps and dies down, but also, its a fun way to show you that the two top layers can be interchanged. In my first sample, I'm using the rectangular panel as my sentiment placement, on TOP of that oval piece. I added some baby Braddies to anchor that little piece. All the papers are a hodge-podge from my paper stash....

For my second card, I reversed the top two layers of the die, using the oval for the sentiment placement, and the rectangular panel as a decorative accent. Paired with a bit of brocade paper some vintage crochet ribbon, and a bit of twine, I went for a more quiet, serene card - for a more solemn occasion.....


Teasers will be posted by various members of the MFT Design Team each day between now and the big release on Tuesday the 4th. Be sure to stop by Kim's blog every day for a full list of designers participating in previews. Don't forget that each day, two designers will be secret blog candy holders! You'll maximize your chance to win a prize by leaving a little love on the participating designers blogs each day!

MFT VIP HOP!

Wanna be a VIP? Well its the time to pick up next month's Who's That Girl along with a fabulous assortment of products! This month....just in time for all your New Year's Resolutions --- Let's Get Physical (hey... girls, get your minds out of the gutter.) This month's VIP Collection for My Favorite Things is available now HERE


I'm hoping that you've come here via way of sweet Jessie's blog! But if that's not the case, be sure to start over up at Kim's Blog because otherwise you've already missed half of the amazing projects on tonight's HOP!

Now, its been said here before, that I only run when chased... but just wait till you see the sentiment I paired with it, because it really is SO so me! I also have many friends that are runners, either as a regular hobby, or girls that participate in 5K charity runs etc. So I know that this set will see a lot of ink from me, regardless of how I *personally* feel about running!


I've paired the newest Who's That Girl with the exclusive mini set "Get a Move On" which will ONLY be available as part of the VIP Kit! I love the sentiments in this extension set. And seriously girls, take a close look at the Die-namics die included in this VIP Kit. Three layered dies. Totally fabulous!

Today I've reached for the Stacking Stars Die-namic which is quickly becoming a go-to accessory for me. I love using up small scraps of patterned paper that are otherwise cluttering up my desktop. (please tell me that you have those piles too - right?)

And yes, another stacked circle "anchor point" - that's what I'm calling that little feature I've been relying on so heavily lately....I love nesting things in that circle and using it as part of my sentiment placement.....

Remember, the VIP Collection is available in limited quantities, and only through Wednesday night! And, the two new a la modes are also available in the store now! Happy SHOPPING!

Your next stop on tonight's SHOP HOP is Julie Dinn I'm going to race you on over there to see what she's put together for the shop hop!!

Greatest Hits: à la modes - and a little enabler alert....

I am really excited that it is time for My Favorite Things Greatest Hits again. Its the time when we take a specific line of stamps out for a little walk, pairing up some of our *older* sets with the latest paper and accessories. Its a nice time to visit with all the stamps on my desk.....

Today we're all working with the à la modes line. This sweet line was introduced this summer, and I would declare it a runaway hit! These adorable tiny girls, paired with oversized images. Today, I'm using Time to Celebrate

I couldn't help but dig into some new paper that I picked up while teaching this weekend. It is Melissa Frances paper, and just so super super cute..... I paired it with the Die-namic Banner Strip Die and some new Chocolate twine that I picked up last week. ....warning.....I think I'm in love with chocolate twine.....

Do you see that the cake is decked out in Glossy Effects. My kids couldn't help but touch that frosting this morning and thought the effect was pretty cool.

Be sure to stop by Kim's Blog today at 11am for a full link listing to the sixteen designers playing along today! But before you go - ENABLER ALERT!

MFT's Christmas Comes Early Promotion

MFT loves to spoil our customers and this week is no exception. Christmas has come early for YOU. From December 7 though December 9, our MFT Santa will be slipping a little something extra into your "stocking". With each order of $25 or more (not including tax or shipping) placed during the promotion period, you will receive a FREE surprise gift with your order. We have a ton of gifts under the tree, and we'll pick one out just for you. It could be a stamp set, ribbon, or other crafty product. It'll be a surprise, so please don't send Santa a list. *wink*

Enjoy today's Greatest Hits posts and happy shopping!

Sketch for You To Try.....

I got such a fun email from Jen the other day asking if I'd like to play along in this weekend's Sketch for You to Try - and here's the twist. There's no sketch! *giggle* Several of us are reaching back into the "archives" of Sketch For You To Try and playing along.

I was of course thrilled, because I always find myself reaching for those SFYTT's when I need a little jump start... So I dug back through the 2010 sketches and picked this beauty from June.

This stamp is Making a List from My Favorite Things. Lots of paper piecing opportunities with this one, I used a ledger paper for her note - and cut a sweet polka dotted shift. Lots of raggedy stitching on my mini circle panel and of course a Hearts a Plenty Die-namics.

Now that I'm looking at it... I made a classic *goof* in my project. Can you find it. Its pretty funny.

I am down to only a few pieces of this Girls Paperie Twig and Tinsel paper (eeks, good thing I'm teaching at Ink About It this morning where I can pick up some more!) Jen and I actually recently discussing that this paper is going to be great straight through Valentines, I'll just not be using the papers with all the green!

Jen, thank you SO much for inviting me over to play this week! Now won't you all join me in a peek at all the SFYTT team blogs - I always love surfing around on a Saturday morning to see how these girls will inspire me next.....

Jen del Muro

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

Pure Innocence Monday!

Are you ready for Pure Innocence Monday? Probably my FAVORITE day of Teasers each month....

Today the My Favorite Things Design Team and our December Temp Team are sharing creations with FOUR new Pure Innocence images! Hooray! I have two completed for you today and I have another one in the works for our New Release Blog Shop Hop on Wednesday night.

This cutie is titled "Hello Cupcake" I've paper pieced that cute little dress as well as the cupcake liner (I pieced it out of Kraft paper....) the little sprinkles are loaded with clear glaze pen for added shine.


You'll see my new favorite carding element, the Die-namics Hearts a Plenty Die. Really. You need this one. I'm also giving you a peek at another new one. Do you see the strip of flowers. Eegads, totally CUTE right? It is the Die-namics Flower Border. You'll see that tiny self adhesive pearls (or rhinestones, or baby braddies) fit perfectly in the center.



And as a mom to two young boys, I always love when a new boy themed Pure Innocence is added to the collection. Are you ready for "Splish Splash?" I've got more of that adorable My Mind's Eye Alphabet Soup paper to show you again today, this time, I'm working with the boyish pack.

For the sentiment treatment, I added a set of Die-namic Stacking Star and tucked my sentiment flag inside. You'll see that they are actually nesting star pieces, so I reversed one of the pieces for a little extra something-something finished it off with a linen threaded button. Here's another masculine ribbon treatment - flat length of twill, finished with a twine bow. Perfectly boy-ish if you ask me.



Don't forget, the call for Guest Designer Entries for My Favorite Things is ON! And you only have till tomorrow night to Stitch It Up! You'll find all the details here, and Yours Truly is one of the judges... come on... wow me with that stitching!

Be sure to check Kim's Blog every day for a list of all the designers participating in previews. With the December Temp Team working with us this month, you have a HUGE list of designers sharing stamp sets each and every day! ENJOY!

MFT Teaser - Textile Rectangles - a day late.....

I'm a day late with my Teaser for My Favorite Things, but boy did I ever have fun making this card - and if I'm being totally honest, I sort of have a little crush on it.... So I'm sharing it with you even though the team has moved onto a new set of stamps today.

I've done something that makes some people nervous... mixed my papers. *giggle*

I've picked the pretty red brocade from Girls Paperie "Twig and Tinsel" to go along with this black and ivory polka dot basics from Girls Paperie "Paper Girl" The woodgrain paper is from Crate Paper Restoration - I love mixing up the papers and letting them mingle with new friends in the drawer!

I adore the new shape of the Textile Rectangle Frame Stamp Set - and of course the beautiful sentiments that have been designed to fit in this beautiful frame! It is another of our Stamp and Die-namic Duo - another must have if you ask me for beautiful, thoughtful and truly useful cards!

I used a Versamark chalk ink to stamp the border and since I wanted a really nice, bold sentiment, I stamped the sentiment with Brilliance ink. You do have to set it aside a moment to dry so you don't smudge it, but in my humble opinion, that step makes all the difference.

Lined up the coordinating die and ran it through my Big Shot. Love. This. Die.

And don't be surprised if you see me adding felted hearts to all my projects the next few weeks with the Hearts a Plenty Die-namics.

I'll see you tomorrow for Pure Innocence Teasers!

MFT's Guest Designer Contest -

Good morning everyone! I am SO excited to be one of the hostesses for this month's Guest Designer Contest for My Favorite Things. The Guest Designer contest is YOUR chance to win the following month's release - this case, January's release, and join the Design Team in daily previews.

My sweet friend Lisa and I are the hostesses this month, and we have a FUN challenge for you! Designed around one of the things that we both love to do best!

Stitch It Up!

Wow us with your stitching this month for the Guest Designer contest....you can use hand sewing, machine sewing, faux stitching or adding sewn embellishments. We'll be looking for really clever ways to add handmade charm to your projects this month, be creative with any type of stitching in your work this month.

Now, if you don't have a sewing machine, that's totally fine, there are so may ways to add hand or faux stitched details to your project too! We'll be looking for the most clever and charming entry to win our hearts - and of course, to win the upcoming release too!

You'll find all the entry details on THIS thread on the MFT Member Company Forum.

So with that challenge in mind are you ready to see my sample? I used the sweet Pure Innocence: Don't Open Until (currently out of stock - sorry!) for my sample, and colored with Copics for her face, but used my Prismacolor Pencils for the image. I added cross stitch detail to my panels, and to adhere my Die-namics Hearts A Plenty die (part of our last VIP Kit and available as part of our December 1st release!)


I love adding a mix of both hand and machine stitching to my projects, I think it lends such a sweet charm. I also love any sort of *extra* that you can add to your Die-namics to personalize your project....


To coordinate with my card, I added a mini tote created out of felted diecut squares. They've been machine stitched together and then I hand stitched on a handle from Twill Tape, buttons and of course, a stitched Die-namics Hearts a Plenty diecut.

Currently this tote is holding a Gift Card Sleeve, but don't you think a little girl would love filling this with hairbands, or tiny trinkets, or a few dollars to go shopping with mom?


I can't wait to see YOUR samples for the MFT Guest Designer Contest - What will you Stitch Up? I'm sure you will all AMAZE Lisa and I!

Poppin Petal Treat Trio

Hi everyone! Today I've got a fun project to share with you using one of MFT's Templates. Since I am the proud owner of a new Cricut, I used the Poppin Petal Treat Trio SVG files, but you can also use the "print and cut" files if you don't have a digital cutter.

It is so handy to be a crafter particularly this time of year when you need little hostess presents, or thank yous for special people like the mail lady, the bus driver, school secretary etc.


The three little boxes can be filled with whatever YOUR recipient enjoys - tiny tea light candles, chocolate covered cranberries (YUM!) Hershey Kisses, or even the Via instant Starbucks coffee.

I printed out the box template three times out of Girls Paperie Twig and Tinsel paper and then cut the carrier with some Bazzil cardstock. Using my Cricut I cut out all the pieces in my stamping area, then carried my Scor Pal and the pieces up to my TV to watch a movie while I assembled.

I have a few tips and tricks for embellishing your carrier --which I thought I'd share.

I printed out coordinating handles from this fun red and white paper in the Girls Paperie Collection. The template will cut out a total of four handles. Two for the outside, and another two to go on the inside, so that it is finished inside and out. (so smart right?) I added MFT Baby Braddies both for extra strength for the handles, and also because they are cute.

If you wanted you can also stitch the handles in place - so long as you do your stitching before you assemble the carrier. It goes through easy peasy as long as everything is still flat!


The template also cuts out these little half moon shapes. They are coordinating box flaps. I used both sides of the patterned paper a little mixy-matchy feel. After filling the boxes, I just added a little ribbon bow (keeps me from eating the treats inside, and also, I love the contrast of the black gingham with the green, red and ivory)


For the front of the carrier, I added a label cut from the Die-namics Polka Dot Greetings, and stamped a sentiment from Merry and Bright and cut that out with an oval die. I added a Die-namic Let it Snowflake with felt and a Divine Twine tied button. Look how nicely it coordinates with my Miss You a Latte card from last month for a fun coffee themed gift set!

I really do hope you'll try out the MFT Templates for some of your holiday gift giving! I have got to say this was such a fun project to work on!

My Favorite Things: VIP Hop

Is it me, or is this month going by in a blink? I don't *quite* know how it is possible, but it is time for our My Favorite Things VIP HOP!

If you've done this with us before then you know the details, but just in case, the VIP Kit is a limited offering, available one day only. It is your chance to get your hands on the latest Who's That Girl, and an exciting assortment of products two weeks in advance of the official release date.

If you're just joining the fun, you'll want to start over again at Kim's Blog or else you will have missed many stops along the way. If you've popped over after drooling over Jessie's project then you are in just the right place!

The VIP Kit is available here for $42.90 (retail value is $55.85 so you're actually saving $12.95) and includes the following:

• From the Bottom of My Heart WTG
• From the Bottom of My Heart Additions (VIP exclusive full-sized stamp set - will never be offered for sale or be available again)
• Hearts a Plenty Die-namics die
• Curio Basic Grey 6 X 6 Patterned Paper Pad

Now that I've reviewed all the details, are you ready for my project? I was so lucky to get my hands on one of the new Cosmo Cricket Circa 1939 pads at my LSS this past weekend. The colors are just perfect for me, black, red, yellow and pale blue. And of course, just right for Valentines projects too. I paired it with Jen's Sketch for You to Try from this week, and added lots of stitching to my Hearts a Plenty Die-namics.


If you've taken one of my classes, or read here a while, you'll know that I'm very particular about my paper piecing. This stamp is a dream for piecing though. I simply stamped her dress onto patterned paper, and then stamped a second set of arms and a heart to pop on top so that the layers are correct. Its a pretty easy cut, no crazy small pieces, just one cut all the way around! Easy peasy! The heart was given a double dose of Clear Glaze Pen for extra shine.

That's it for me tonight, your next stop on tonight's HOP is the sweet, and oh so very talented Julie! Happy hopping, then happy SHOPPING!