12/31/09

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! It has been so nice have family time with all my kids home at one time. I have to say that this past year has definitely had it ups and downs and that I am ready to move on!

Certainly one of the most exciting events for me this year was becoming an official member of the My Favorite Things Design Team, truly a dream come true! And I am excited to see what MFT has planned for the new year. Be sure to stop by Kim's blog! She has some exciting news to share!

I used the MFT set, Girls Night Out, to kick off the New Year. I image is colored with Copics and the dresses are paper pieced. I used a glitter pen to give the glasses a little sparkle. Pretty flocked paper, gold lace and ribbon, and black rhinestones finish off the card.

Here a look at the inside, a little more flocked paper and sparkle! So "Here's to Good Friends"! Thank you so much for all your encouraging and supportive comments!

Melody

Stamp: MFT Girls Night Out
Ink: Memento Black
DP: DCWV

12/21/09

On Last Christmas Project!

I think this officially my last Christmas project for this year! I will admit that this hasn't been one of my more organized years. Between having to travel for work and a killer sinus infection I have been doing more last minute shopping than usual. But I keep telling myself it about family and being together, and not all the other stuff.

This is my project for the Weekly Stamp Club in the MFT forum at Splitcoaststampers. Kim posts a new challenge every Wednesday. But really the best part of the club is the chance to chat with other stampers. REALLY, you won't find more friendly group!!

For my card I used Mercy's sketch challenge from last Tuesday. I colored with my copics and added some paper piecing, flocking, glitter, and red rhinestones.
And for quick little treat box, I used a MFT tote box, added paper, the the stamp image, and a little bow.

Thanks for stopping by! I hope you are having a wonderful holiday season!

Melody

12/15/09

MFT VIP - Chick Flicks!

Welcome to this month's January MFT VIP hop! The MFT VIP Package includes the new Who That Girl, Chick Flicks, which is being released three weeks early! And it is such a fun kit! If you just happened upon my blog and want to start at the beginning of the hop, go on the to KIM'S blog!

For my project I covered a metal DVD tin. First I stamped the image in black Memento ink on a MFT Perfect Panel. I colored with copics and paper pieced one of the shirts and one of the pants. Then I cut a piece of cardstock to fit the top of the tin. I added some additional DP, border punch and some great gingham ribbon. and the attached the stamped image. The tickets stamped with the "For You" sentiment are included in the set, along with other images and sentiments.
Here is a side view of the DVD tin, perfect to hold a favorite DVD, gift card, or movie tickets!

The next stop on the VIP hop is the very talented and sweet, MEGAN, the newest member of the MFT design team!

Chick Flick Set $17.95
Chick Flick Ribbon Nest $9.95
Chick Flick Baby Braddies $4.95
Popcorn Boxes (5) $1.65
PLUS receive a FREE Clearly Sentimental About Chocolate stamp set that will be released on 1/6/10 (retail value $9)
VIP cost: $34.50


Thanks for stopping by,
Melody

12/6/09

MFT Apple For You

I had one of my new MFT Pure Innocence stamps left to ink up. This one is called, Apple For You. Isn't she cute! I love the layout of this card! I used Mercy's sketch for this week for inspiration.

The image is colored with copics and cut out is nestibilitites. Following the sketch, I added a bingo card, a star border, some sponging with distressing ink, and a little stitching. The sentiment is included in the set. I punched out a star, and added a button tied with twine.

Here is a little closer look.

Thanks for stopping by,
Melody

12/2/09

Best Friends

Welcome to the MFT December Release Blog Hop!!! If you just happened upon my blog and I want to start at the beginning, hop on over to Kim, the MFT Lady's blog. This is my first month as a official design team member and I have been having so much fun!

For the hop tonight I made a card and covered the front of a photo album. I am using one of the new Pure Innocence stamps, Hearts Stripes. My daughter has had the same best friend since kindergarten, and now they are in college. I have been wanting to make her BFF a small album and I am starting with the cover.

For the card, I stamped the image with Memento Black Ink and then masked off the hand and stamped the image again. I wanted it to look like they were hold hands. I colored with my Copics, and added MFT baby brads as buttons on the jumpers. I sewed on the outside edges, added on lace, MFT Gingham ribbon, and buttons tied with twine. The sentiment is one of three included in the set.

For the cover of the photo album, I cut cardstock the size of the album, added some DP and sewed around the edges. I cut the stamped image to fit the frame, and added ribbon, lace, a button and twine.

Next up in the hop is Lisa, a member of the MFT Temp Team for this month! She so creative and all her work has been amazing this week!

TFL, Melody

12/1/09

Day 5 with MFT- Maid for WTG?

Today is the 5th day of MFTeasers! Today we are preview Maid for WTG? Be sure to check out Kim's blog at 11:00 am EST to see a list of designers who will have more ideas for using this new set.

I hope you will join us tonight at 8 pm EST in the MFT forum at Splitcoaststampers at the December Release Party!
I posted a very masculine card with this stamp set last week. You can see it here. Today I am doing a feminine card with the same set but I used a different sentiment, making this stamp set great for many occasions.
The image is stamped with Memento Back Ink, colored with Copics, and I paper pieced the chair and the vacuum bag. I used a zig zag stitch around the outside of the DP. The paper on the top was embossed with a Cuttlebug embossing strip. I added lace to the bottom and ribbon on the top, and one the SEVEN sentiments in the set.
Using papers and embellishments that match the card, I created a tag for the bottle. I used my circle Nestibilities to cut out a portion of the stamp. The word relax is made with the set called Alpha Dots, that will also be released tonight.

TFL,
Melody

Stamps-MFT Maid for WTG, Alpha Dots
Ink - Memento Black and Brown, SU Rose Red
DP-My Mind's Eye Life Stories

11/30/09

Alpha Dots!

Today is Day 4 of the MFTeasers for December and I am excited to share a new set designed by Kim, the MFT Lady herself! The set is called "Alpha Dots" and I know it will become one of my "go to" sets! The alphabet letters are the perfect size for both cards and scrapbooking, and can be punched out so easily with a circle punch.

Be sure to check out Kim's blog at 11:00 am EST to see a list of designers who will have more ideas for using this new set.

I do enjoy scrapbooking! And nothing frustrates me more than buying set of letters and then not enough of one letter to complete my page. That is why I love this new set! You can stamp a letter as many times as you want and in any color you want! I just love the flexibility! The circle fit perfect in my 3/4" circle punch, and I also think it would look great with a border around it when you use a larger punch.

Every Christmas we try to send out a card with a photo and I like to add a extra copy of the card into each one of the girls' scrapbooks. This is our photo card from last Christmas. I stamped out the word "Christmas", used a 3/4" circle punch for each letter, and added the green circle with a 1" punch. I added lace, the ribbon tied in the corner, and used glue dots to apply my letters.

The stamped Candy Cane Heart is from the set Santa Baby and is colored with copics and I wrote in the year. I finished the page off with some stitching and rhinestones in the corner.


Here is a closer look at the lettering.

Thanks for stopping by. I hope you will join us on Wednesday night in the MFT Forum at Splitcoaststamper for the release party.

Melody

Stamps: MFT Alpha Dots, Santa Baby
Ink: Memento Black, SU Riding Hood Red
Paper: DP Bo Bunny

11/29/09

Merry Wishes

On the third day of MFTeasers I am previewing one of the FOUR new Pure Innocence stamps, Presents for You, that will be released on Wednesday night. Be sure to check out Kim's blog at 11:00 am EST to see a list of designers who will have more of the PI images on their blogs.

I am getting a nice pile of Christmas cards that I hope to start sending out next week. This one may be one of my favorites!

After coloring the image with my copics, I added Ivory Flower Soft to the hat, and then I added rhinestones to the presents. The edges are distressed with distressing ink. After cutting out the image with Nestibilities, I mounted it on a paper doily I distressing using a sponge and distressing ink. Then I punched slits to run the ribbon through. I added lace and one of the sentiments included in this set.

Then I made a matching stocking gift card holder. I cut out two of the stocking shapes and then stitched the toes to the front stocking shape, and then stitched the two stockings together to form a pocket. I added a top to the stocking and stamped the other sentiment that comes in the set. I also added a few rhinestones and a ribbon hanger.

I hope you are enjoying the previews! Be sure to join us at the release party on Wednesday night in the MFT Forum at Splitcoaststampers!

Melody

11/28/09

MFTeasers Day 2 - Love Machine

Today is day 2 of the MFTeasers leading up to the MFT December release on Wednesday night! Be sure to check out Kim's blog at 11:00 am EST each day to see a list of designers who have previews on their blogs. A different set will be previewed each day.

Each December Kim lets the Design Team take the month off, or light, and invites some of the MFT Junkies to join the team. Be sure and stop by and say "hello" to our December Temp Team, Kerry, Chris, Julie, Bonnie, Kelli, Erin, Lisa !!! And our newest MFT Design Team Member, Megan Lock!

Today I am previewing "Love Machine"! This little robot is SO cute! I comes with great sentiments, making it prefect for many occasions. Today I went very girly! This will be so perfect for one my sweet little nieces!

The robot is colored with Copics and accented with a glitter pen, pink glitter, and MFT Swarovski Crystals for the the Spring Collection. I made the moon with circle Nestibilities, and then embossing it and hung a heart charm with embroidery floss. This sweet sentiment comes in the set. I cut out each word and glued them down. The ribbon treatment is a combination of lace, velvet ribbon, and pink ribbon. A little sewing finishes it off!

Here is a closer look at some of the detail.

TFL,
Melody

11/27/09

MFTeasers - Love At First Sight


Welcome to Day 1 of the MFTeasers leading up to the December 2nd release! Today I am previewing Love At First Sight, a fun set with great sentiments and a number of images.

For the card I stamped the woman and the hearts that come in the set, paper pieced her skirt and colored with my copics. I added a Bingo card and attached a heart button to the center, threaded with twine, and added one of the sentiments in the set. I finished it off with my new DP, twill ribbon from a MFT kit, and a heart border punch.

I created the treat box with a tote box from MFT, added another image from the set, and matching papers and twill.
To see more creative ideas with this new set, hop on over the Kim's blog for a list of designers who will be previewing this set today, at 11:00 am EST. We also have several Guest Designers joining us this month!

Thanks for stopping by! I will be be back tomorrow with another preview!

Melody

DP: My Minds Eye
Ink: Memento Black, SU Real Red
Other: Jenni Bowlin Bingo card, button, twine, border punch, copics

11/22/09

Love You Muchly

Hi Everyone! Hope you had a great weekend. My two youngest daughters flew in from their colleges for the Thanksgiving holiday. So nice to have them home! I got in a little stamping today. When I saw the sketch challenge at Get Sketchy for this week, I thought it was the perfect inspiration for one of my new MFT Pure Innocence stamps, Flower Girl.

The image is stamped on a MFT Perfect Panel, colored with Copics, and cut out with nestibilities. I made a hill to fit the sketch, and used a zig zag stitch on the top of the hill and around the edges of the card. I covered the tree top with paper and used Copics to color the trunk, and added a few rhinestones on the tree and at the corners.

Here is a close up, with a little more detail. I just wanted to note that I didn't have the right colored rhinestones so I colored clear rhinestone with a BG13 copic marker.

Thanks for stopping by,
Melody

11/20/09

Flurry of Love

I have had so much fun playing with my new Pure Innocence stamps from MFT! This cute little girl is Flurry of Love. She is stamped on a MFT Perfect Panel and colored with Copics. The sketch is Jen del Muro's SFYTT for this past weekend. The trim on the hats and boots are done with some Martha Stewart Flocking that I picked up Michael's. There is glitter on the snow and Stickles on the falling snow.

If you read my blog you know I am big on trims of all kinds, most that I have just picked up at a LSS or a fabric store. I think it comes from my sewing background and I love the mixed media look. Here I added a red netting, ribbon, a snow flake border punch, and this cute, little snowball trim that I love!

Here a close up with a little more detail.

Happy Friday! My daughter, Lisa, is flying home from college tonight! Can't wait to give her a hug! She has been gone since the beginning of August, too long for her mother!

Thanks,
Melody

MFT Flurry of Love
Memento Black, SU Real Red, Tim Holtz Distressing Ink in Tea Dye
DP Cosmo Crickett, MFT Paper Panels in Ivory, PTI Pure Poppy, Aqua Mist

11/17/09

MFT VIP is BACK!

Welcome to the Who's That Girl VIP Hop and Shop! If you came here from Carole's blog you are in the right place. If you just happened on my blog and want to start at the beginning head on over to Kim's blog!

The MFT Who's the Girl VIP Package is back my popular demand!! And now it is being released TWO weeks before the official December release! The new WTG stamp set, Maid for WTG?, is available in a limited quantity.

I don't make masculine cards often, but I am happy with how this one come out. And is perfect for my DH . I have been very busy at my job lately, working longer hours, and having to travel here and there. He has really been trying to me out! This sentiment is just one of the seven included in the set, making it perfect for many occasions.

The image is colored in Copics and the chair is paper pieced. I stamped and cut out the arm of the chair again and popped it up to add some dimension. I added twill, twine, a safety pin, and a button to finish it off.

Now hop on over to Michele's blog to see what she has done with the new set!

Thanks!
Melody

Kit Ingredients:
Maid for WTG? $15.95
Princess Ribbon Collection $9.95 (Contains 5 yards each of 5/8” Sheer Ribbon in Silver, Antique White, White, Black, Lt. Pink)
Princess Pearls Adornments $15.95 (Contains 20-25 of: 3mm White Pearls, 4mm White Pearls, 4mm Jet Pearls, 4mm Cream Pearls
VIP COST: $41.85
VIP Perk: When you purchase this month’s VIP, you’ll get a coupon good for 5% off your December release purchase. Coupon will be valid for 5% off your purchase between 12/2 and 12/4 only.

11/15/09

Life Can Be Full of Surprises!

My blog has been quiet the last week and a half but I have been busy stamping away! Sometimes life just gives you some little surprises! A few weeks ago I became part of the MFT Design Team. This is a dream come true for me! And today I get share another one life's surprises, unbelievable as it seems, I am a "Dirty Girl". I am truly surprised and shocked to be one of the newest members of the Dirty Dozen. I just feel so honored and appreciative today.

If you are a member of the Fan Club at Splitcoaststampers I hope you will hop on over and see all the wonderful work in the newest gallery!

Today I am sharing a sweet birthday card I made with another one of the new Pure Innocence stamps just released by MFT, My Balloon. Isn't she adorable!

She is stamped on a MFT Perfect Panel, colored with Copics and her dress is paper pieced. The DP is My Mind's Eye. I added a little stitching, some eyelet lace, MFT Perfect Plaid ribbon, an invisible heart, and a heart button. The I took some embroidery floss, wrapped it around the card twice and threaded it through the button. The sentiment is included in the stamp set.

I just wanted to thank you for stopping by my blog. The fact that I have a blog and people actually read it still amazes me! I appreciate your encouragement and comments.

Melody


11/4/09

Do Not Open Until...


Happy Friday! I am so glad the weekend is almost here! Today I am sharing another card with the new Who' That Girl, Wrapped with Love. Earlier in the week I used this stamp for a birthday card. You can see it HERE.

Today I made a Christmas card with the same set. This is sure a versatile set with the variety of sentiments, packages, and bows.

On this project, her skirt is paper pieced, and the gift is cut out, embossed with a Cuttlebug folder, and then I tied a bow around the package and popped it up. The cut little bingo card is Jenni Bowlin, which I purchased at my LSS, and I added chipboard glittered numbers that I colored red. I used a zig zag stitch around the edges along with a little light sponging with distressing ink. Lace, ribbon, a flower brad, and a cute sentiment finishes it off!

Thanks for stopping by! Hope you have a good weekend.
Melody

Ingredients:
MFT Wrapped with Love
Memento Ink Black and Red, Tim Holtz Distressing Ink in Tea Dye
DP SEI
Lace, rhinestone brad, ribbon, sewing machinge

MFT November Release Blog Hop!

Welcome to the MFT November Release Blog hop! If you just happened upon my blog and want to start for the beginning, hop on over to Kim's blog! After the hop, which if full of inspiration, you can shop HERE for all the new goodies, including the 11 new stamp sets!

First, I have to say how much I have enjoyed being the Guest Designer this month. What could be better??

Having Kim and Jody call you early one morning and ask you if you would like to be an official member of the Design Team!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, I couldn't say YES fast enough. I am so excited, nervous, and absolutely thrilled to join MFT's fabulous team. I am so honored and really can't thank Kim enough for having confidence in me!

So on t0 my first post as an official Design Team Member!

I absolutely love the new Pure Innocence stamps. For this project I used Snow Day. I made a little gift set that would be prefect for Christmas or any winter holiday, party or birthday.

I stamped the sweet image and paper pieced her hat and scarf. I colored the rest of the image with copics, adding stickles to the snow, snow balls, and the tassels on her hat. I added a border punch, ribbon, and a little snowflake charm, hung on jump rings. I highlighted a few of the snowflakes on the paper with rhinestones. The sweet sentiment, included in the set, is accented with a heart button.

I duplicated the stamp on the card, but cut it out in a circle to fit the box. I have to say I love how this little box came out. The box is just a paper box that cost $1.00. Then I painted wooden knobs and attached them to the bottom of the box. I painted the top, and added chipboard snowflakes and a heart shaped rhinestone.
Here is how it looks from the top.

Now it time to hop on over to Kathy's blog. I am sure she has something wonderful to look at!

THANKS SO MUCH,
Melody

11/3/09

Wrapped in Love Preview

Welcome to day 5 of the MFTeasers! I have SO enjoyed being the Guest Designer for this month's release! Thanks you so much all your kind comments and support.

I hope you will join the Monthly Blog Hop tonight at 10pm EST. You can start HERE at Kim's blog.

Today we are previewing Wrapped in Love, the newest Who's That Girl. You are going love this set. The sentiments, packages and bows make it so versatile, perfect for birthdays and holidays! For my first project with this set I made a birthday card and a little matching gift bag.

For the card, I stamped the image twice, once for the main image and once for the gift. The dress is paper pieced and the gift is paper pieced and then popped up. I added one of the three bows in the set and a rhinestone. I layered my background papers and added MFT suede ribbon from the Coffee and Cream collection and lace.

I had a little kraft gift bag in my stash. I layer the background to match the card and added a little more lace. The two packages are included in the set and you can see the other two bows. So cute and endless possibilities!

Be sure to check out Kim's blog HERE for a complete list of design team members with an MFTeaser for today! You'll want to check out their creations using this set!

Tonight is the release party! I hope you will join us HERE from 8 - 10 EST for all the fun!

Thanks for stopping by! I have SO enjoyed having the opportunity to be guest designer this month!

Melody

11/1/09

MFT PREVIEW DAY 3 - PURE INNOCENCE

Welcome to day three of the MFT November sneak peeks! And be prepared to fall in LOVE with these new sweet images! MFT is introducing a new line of stamps, exclusive to MFT, called Pure Innocence! There are five new stamps in this line for this release and each one of them are so adorable!

Here is one of the five sets being released, Flurry of Love. She is colored with my copics and then I made a couple of snow hills out of felt and attached them with a blanket stitch with white floss. I added rhinestone to her buttons and stickles to the falling snow. I added a zig zag stitch with my sewing machine around the edges.

I had this chipboard Christmas tree in my stash. I colored the white chipboard green and added white glitter to resemble snow. As my final touch I used lace, MFT gingham ribbon, a chipboard snowflake and a rhinestone center!

I wanted to show you the inside of my card just so you could see the cute sentiment included in the set!

Be sure to stop by the other designers to see which Pure Innocence set they are previewing today.

You will find previews today from: Kim,
Jessie, Christina, Jody, and Barbara

I hope you will join us at the release party on Wednesday night at from 8 to 10 PM EST in theMFT forum!

Thanks so much for stopping by,
Melody