Sunday, October 25, 2009

Buttony Bow Cultivation



Have you seen Joanne Basile's buttony bow challenge? If not, check it out HERE! She has some sweet prizes up for grabs PLUS it's for her birthday, so how can you say no? :)

I created this card with an MFT set, Garden of Joy. It is by artist, Annie LaPoint. The image was stamped in Memento black and colored with Copic markers to mimic the patterned paper I used.




Here is my buttony bow:



Stamps: Garden of Joy MFT
Ink: Memento black
Paper: perfect paper panel in cream, river rock, October Afternoon patterned paper (Farm Fresh), brown
Accessories: SU ribbon, Twine, button, copper brads, Janome sew mini, Copic markers, Spica glitter pen, red line dimensionals

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Sweet Little Pumpkin!

Oh how I LOVE this little character!  She is SO sweet!  :)



I colored this image with Copic markers.  This layout is super simple.  I just stacked 3 squares and added some dimension between them using red line dimensionals.  I added some copper brads and a small ribbon flag, which was fed through a slit in the top layer.  Easy peasy!  :)




Stamps: THIS digi stamp, PTI mega mixed messages
Ink: PTI distressing cube ink
Paper: pumpkin, brown, white, Basic Grey Eerie
Accessories: copper brads, SU brown stitched ribbon, Copic markers

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Because I love to use get obsessed using the same stamps and papers a couple times before I can move on... here is one more using that sweet little girl!  :)  This layout was inspired by Dawn Easton who was inspired by Amy Sheffer.  LOL




The image was colored with Copic markers.  I pierced and then hand stitched the twine around the perimeter of the card.  I used 13 Baby Braddies on this card... and suddenly had the urge to shop for more.  LOL 




Stamps: THIS digi stamp
Ink: Memento black
Paper: pumpkin, brown, kraft, white, Basic Grey Eerie
Accessories: Martha Stewart border punch, corner rounder, kiwi ribbon, Copic markers, paper piercer, twine, baby braddies in copper, red line dimensionals, wooden button (thank you Kim)

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Have a SWEET day!

Friday, October 23, 2009

Boo Blocks







I am SO bad with decor in my house and wanted to make a little something to spice up my front table for Halloween.  Ready to see how I made them?

I started with some Josh Blocks from Creative Imaginations:



Here is a better look at it.  You'll need 3 blocks for this project!


Grab a sponge and some black craft paint.  I use a sponge so I won't get any streaks from a paint brush and you end up using a lot less paint (and have to wait less time for them to dry).


Sponge just the edges of all 3 blocks.


Now, find 3 coordinating patterned papers to work with.  I chose Eerie by Basic Grey.


You'll need to punch 6 squares out of each pattern.  I used the blue Marvy punch as shown above.


You can use a variety of methods to adhere the paper to the blocks.  I am anti-liquid glue, so I punched out 18 squares of red line tape out of punchable sheets.


I adhered 2 of each pattern to my 3 blocks for a fun, mixed look.  I adhered the red line tape square to the patterned paper square and then to my wooden block.


Here is a shot of all 3 covered with patterned paper.


Punch three, 1 1/4" circles out of Pumpkin card stock and three, 1 3/8" circles out of black card stock.


Adhere them together as shown below.


Now, grab a piece of circular plastic canvas (available at Walmart) and pierce a circle of holes around the outer edge of the pumpkin layer.  You'll need to use a paper piercer and foam mat to do this. 


This is what your three circle pieces will look like:


Now, stamp the letters B, O, O using black ink and the MFT Bling 'bet alphabet on green card stock.  Cut out each letter, but don't feel like you have to cut out the center of the letter... I didn't.  After you have that done, arrange Swarovski crystals in a pattern that is pleasing to you.  Here is how I laid mine out.  (They are not glued yet.)


Let me interrupt this program to show you the MFT Swarovski crystals. :)  I love them!  They come in a cool little separated case that snaps shut and keeps your crystals sorted by color!


The crystals have adhesive on the backs of them and all you have to do to apply this is use the heat fix applicator tool.  It is SO easy and you don't have messy liquid glue squishing out the sides!  Here are my letters all blinged up!


I adhered the letters to the wooden blocks with a red line dimensional dot to give them some lift.


Here are the three blocks with the letters adhered.


The last step to my Boo Blocks is to find some coordinating ribbon and make three tiny bows.  To do this, I used my Bow Easy found HERE.  This thing makes bows SO easy!  You MUST have one!  I adhered each tiny bow to the blocks using glue lines (like glue dots, but in line form).


Here is a close up of one of the finished blocks:


Here is one more peek at the set:



Ink: Black
Paper: Eerie Basic Grey, Pumpkin Pie, Kiwi Kiss, Basic Black
Accessories: Bow Easy, ribbon, red line punchable sheets, glue lines, Halloween Swarovski crystals, heat fix tool, red line dimensional dots, paper piercer, foam mat, piercing guide (plastic canvas), black craft pain, sponge

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Caramel Apple Box

I was SO inspired by THIS project by Jennie Moczan, that I had to make one too!  :)



I used words found in Too Cute to Spook and Trick or Treat with Who's That Girl to create the background paper by stamping repeatedly in alternating colors to mimic the colors of a caramel apple.  The Caramel apple was made by masking the face off of the apple in Feelin' Fruity and coloring it like a caramel apple with Copic markers.  To make the stick, I punched kraft card stock with my SU word window punch.  I coated the caramel portion of the apple with Diamond Glaze and let it dry over night.  I used a clear card box and carefully slid 35 caramels in.  I also included 5 sticks tied with twine.  I will include the recipe from the bag of caramels and some granny smith apples and call it a gift!  :)




Ink: Creamy Caramel, Green Galore, Memento black
Paper: Kraft, brown, green galore, white
Accessories: word window punch, Diamond Glaze, Copic markers, copper brads, Janome sew mini, Red line dimensional dots, Halloween ribbon nest MFT, Apron Lace Fiskars border punch, clear card box (coming soon to MFT)

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SALE at MFT!

There is a ton of fun going on this week at MFT.

Tuesday through Friday, (10/20-10/23) there are specials galore.

Just check this out!

Starting on Tuesday and running while supplies last:

*The First 25 orders will receive a FREE Memento Dew Drop with their order (as long as your order requires shipping)

*The First 25 OVER $25 receive a FREE set of scalloped note cards with envelopes valued at $6.95

OR

*The First 25 OVER $50 receive a FREE grab bag of sample sets valued at over $20

OR

*All orders OVER $75 receive a FREE set of YOUR choice (please list 3 set choices) in addition to the Triple Scoop set (if you qualify)

OR

*All orders OVER $100 receive a FREE set of YOUR choice (please list 3 set choices) in addition to the Triple Scoop set (if you qualify) PLUS a $25 gift voucher

These offers CAN NOT be combined, and you will be given the highest offer you are qualified for based on your order total. For example, should your order total $79, you will receive only the bonus for orders over $75.

In addition to all four days of savings, here is the perfect ending...FREE US Budget shipping!

Add the code FREESHIP295 at checkout and you'll receive FREE US Budget shipping on every order!

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

EYEBALLS!

I have been on the hunt for chocolate, foil-covered eyeball candy since August!  I finally found some at the Dollar Tree!  YAY!  Have I mentioned that small town shopping stinks? 

I came home and put them right to use with some eyeball treats using my MFT set, Ghoulish Label Set!  I love this set for Halloween treats!  It's the type of set that inspires your goodie making instead of the other way around.  Spiders... goo... grub... EYEBALLS!  :) 



I wanted as many of the eyeballs to show as possible, so I chose this clear-covered tin from MFT and decided to jazz it up.  I wrapped a strip of paper around the lower part of the tin (which you can't see in the pic).  I glued clear dew drops all the way around the frame of the lid.  I made a label with stamps in the Ghoulish Label Set.  I stamped the GOO stamp in Green Galore and added the words: Ghoulish Grub which are also included in the set.  I stamped the eye in 3 different colors and then punched out various levels of the eye with circle punches so that I could make the eye: blood shot (red ink), green colored (green ink) with a black pupil (black ink).  I covered the red layer with Crackle Accents to make it look nice and creepy.  The sentiment was stamped in white on black card stock and then embossed with white embossing powder to make it stand out.  I also added Crackle Accents to the green goo drops of the label frame to make it look like crusty goo.  Ewwwwwwww!  I adhered the label to a length of ribbon and used it as a slide over my tin.




Ink: Memento black, Green Galore, Real Red, white
Paper: Eerie Basic Grey, black, white
Accessories: MFT Halloween ribbon nest, dew drops, red line tape, circle punches, Crackle Accents, red line dimensional dot, Tonic paper distresser

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I hadn't had enough fun with eyeballs after waiting so long to play with them, so I came up with a quickie project that really shows them off.  I used a plastic tube from PTI and dropped the large-sized eyeballs in it.  Then I created a tag using the Ghoulish Label Set to tie onto the tube.  I stamped the spider frame and then made an eyeball accent for the label.  I added Crackle Accent to the eyball to make it nice and crusty!  Ewwwwwww!  LOL  I added a panel of patterned paper inside the spiders and added a simple sentiment.  I attached it to the tube by tying cord through some eyelet holes.  I plan to tuck this inside one of my Halloween gift totes!  The style of the tag was inspired by a project that Susan uploaded to the Dirty Dozen Gallery this month!




Ink: Memento black
Paper: black, white, Eerie Basic Grey
Accessories: Crackle Accent, silver cord, silver eyelets, red line dimensional dot, circle punches, tab punch, silver eyelets, square plastic tube

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So You Think You Can Stamp?

Here are the general contest rules:


*Weekly themes will be posted on Wednesday, starting October 7th

*You may enter ONE card/project for each theme, and MFT Stamps must be the primary stamps used on your submission.

*Entries must be uploaded by the Monday AFTER the challenge is posted. (You have 5 days to complete each weekly challenge)

*1 Finalist will be selected each week based on the votes from our 3 Panel Judges including 1 Weekly Guest Judge

*Each Weekly Finalist will be paired with an MFT DT MENTOR that will work with them the last week of the competition

*If you are NOT chosen as the current weeks FINALIST, you may play again the following week!

*One FINALIST will be selected each week, and join us on Week 7 to play for the GRAND PRIZE. As a FINALIST, you can certainly play along with us each week, but will only be selected as a FINALIST one time.

*There will be a total of 6 FINALISTS competing on Week 7 for the GRAND PRIZE

What IS the Grand Prize?

ONE lucky (VERY LUCKY) winner will receive ALL the upcoming New Releases from Dec 2009 through May 2010! (Sets will be sample sets, sans packaging)\

Make sure to stop by and check out this week's theme HERE in the forum!  Look for WEEK 3.  Good luck!

**************************************************

SALE at MFT!

There is a ton of fun going on this week at MFT.

Tuesday through Friday, (10/20-10/23) there are specials galore.

Just check this out!

Starting on Tuesday and running while supplies last:

*The First 25 orders will receive a FREE Memento Dew Drop with their order (as long as your order requires shipping)

*The First 25 OVER $25 receive a FREE set of scalloped note cards with envelopes valued at $6.95

OR

*The First 25 OVER $50 receive a FREE grab bag of sample sets valued at over $20

OR

*All orders OVER $75 receive a FREE set of YOUR choice (please list 3 set choices) in addition to the Triple Scoop set (if you qualify)

OR

*All orders OVER $100 receive a FREE set of YOUR choice (please list 3 set choices) in addition to the Triple Scoop set (if you qualify) PLUS a $25 gift voucher

These offers CAN NOT be combined, and you will be given the highest offer you are qualified for based on your order total. For example, should your order total $79, you will receive only the bonus for orders over $75.

In addition to all four days of savings, here is the perfect ending...FREE US Budget shipping!

Add the code FREESHIP295 at checkout and you'll receive FREE US Budget shipping on every order!

Monday, October 19, 2009

Halloween is near!

With Halloween near, I have been in the mood to create goodies to gift to friends and teachers.  :)  I have several treats to share with you over the next several days.



This is a wooden tote that I purchased for about a buck I think.  It was "raw" wood.  I used a sponge to paint it with black craft paint.  The Halloween Swarovski crystals were glued on using the hot fix tool.  I covered the sides and back with panels of patterned paper from the Basic Grey Eerie line.  The main image is from the set, Coffee? Tea? stamp set.  I was super inspired by Michele's card HERE where she drew in a spider as the tag for the tea bag!  Brilliant, right?  I just HAD to do it!  :)  The image was paper pieced and colored with Copic markers.  The coffee cup was glittered using some off-brand Stickles type of stuff I bought at Hobby Lobby.  I used the Halloween ribbon pack from MFT for the front panel and to tie the tag on.  I plan to fill this tote with some hot tea and give it as a gift for Halloween. 



Here is a close peek at the hanging tag:



Stamps: Coffee? Tea?
Ink: Memento black
Paper: Green Galore, PTI white, PTI black, Basic Grey Eerie
Accessories: Halloween Swarovski crystals, MFT Halloween ribbon nest, circle punch, tab punch, silver eyelets, Copic markers, purple glitter glue, Spica clear glitter pen, word window punch, red line dimensionals, Janome sew mini

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Here is another Halloween treat tote I made, but this one is a die cut.  I colored the image from Trick or Treat with Who's That Girl with Copic markers and then drew in the grass with Prismacolor pencils.  Her dress is glittered using some off brand purple glitter glue that shines SO brilliantly!  I adorned the tote with Halloween Swarovski crystals, Halloween ribbon and a tag that is tied on with silver cord.

Ink: Memento black, Pumpkin Pie
Paper: PTI Black, PTI white
Accessories: MFT Ribbon Nest, silver cord, Nestabilities tag, MFT Halloween Swarovski crystals, Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils, red line tape, Die Cut Tote bag

*******************************************************

SALE at MFT!

There is a ton of fun going on this week at MFT.

Tuesday through Friday, (10/20-10/23) there are specials galore.

Just check this out!

Starting on Tuesday and running while supplies last:

*The First 25 orders will receive a FREE Memento Dew Drop with their order (as long as your order requires shipping)

*The First 25 OVER $25 receive a FREE set of scalloped note cards with envelopes valued at $6.95

OR

*The First 25 OVER $50 receive a FREE grab bag of sample sets valued at over $20

OR

*All orders OVER $75 receive a FREE set of YOUR choice (please list 3 set choices) in addition to the Triple Scoop set (if you qualify)

OR

*All orders OVER $100 receive a FREE set of YOUR choice (please list 3 set choices) in addition to the Triple Scoop set (if you qualify) PLUS a $25 gift voucher

These offers CAN NOT be combined, and you will be given the highest offer you are qualified for based on your order total. For example, should your order total $79, you will receive only the bonus for orders over $75.

In addition to all four days of savings, here is the perfect ending...FREE US Budget shipping!

Add the code FREESHIP295 at checkout and you'll receive FREE US Budget shipping on every order!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

You've been BOOed!!!



I showed you several days ago a Boo Bucket made with a Stampendous pail.  Today, I am showing you a larger one, using a Maya Road tin.  This time, I colored the image and attached it to the Boo Bucket itself.  I covered the tin with paper and adorned it with ribbon and crystals.



I attached a simple tag to the handle using one of the sentiments included in the sentiment pack within the Boo Crew digi kit.  You get a LOT of stuff for $5.95!  :)




Here is a peek at all the things I placed inside the bucket:


  • 3 I've been BOOed tags (I included extras for people to include as they pass the bucket along)


  • Boo poem (I wrote that!)


  • Instruction sheet




I filled with my Boo Bucket with lots of candy that I had on hand at the time.  I actually have gone shopping since then and found some fun things to include like:


  • stretchy rats


  • glow bracelets and sticks


  • Halloween cups and straws


  • pencils


  • erasers


  • more candy!




I just need to figure out who I am going to give these to and get the buckets started.  I DO get attached to things, so it will be hard to leave these and run.  LOL  Should I add a disclaimer that they are real Swarovskis and ask that they never throw it away?  LOL 




Ink: none
Paper: SU patterned paper, white, black
Accessories: Swarovski crystals, button, silver cord, tag, star punches, brads, Nesties, SU oval punches, Copic markers, Prismacolor pencils, Scalloped punch, lots of red line tape

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

Thinking of Hoo?: Note Tote tutorial




Hi all! Have you ordered your October edition of the MFT Kit yet? I have been having fun playing with mine! :) The image is SO easy to work with and I love the little scalloped note cards that come in the kit!

Here is a look at everything that comes in the kit:

Thinking of Hoo stamp set


Consumables
(5 A2 scalloped note cards, 5 perfect paper panels in cream, Memory Box 6 X 6 patterned paper pack, 2 yards-1" brown saddle stitch ribbon, baby braddies-metal mix)



Memory Box 6 X 6 patterned paper pack



I made this project (hereby named the NOTE TOTE) using the kit contents and a couple simple supplies you are sure to find in your crafting space. I took pictures along the way so I could share the EASY and fun process with you.

Ready to get started?

Materials needed:


Place a note card on your Scor-pal and score 1 1/2 scallops to the left of the existing center score line. Your score line will be parallel to the center score line. My scoring tool points to the line I scored for this step.


Now, score 1 1/2 scallops to the right of the existing center score line. Your score line will be parallel to the center score line. My scoring tool points to the line I scored for this step.


Now, fold ONLY on the score lines YOU created! Do NOT fold the pre-existing center score line! This creates the housing for the Note Tote. Now, set that aside.


Cut a piece of brown cardstock to 7 1/2" X 7 3/4". Place the shorter side of the card stock horizontally in your Scor-pal and score at 1 1/4". Please note that in order to score at that measurement, you must position your paper as shown in the photo below (starting at 1/4").


Flip your paper around and score again at the same measurement (1 1/4").


Now, turn your paper 90 degrees (the long side of your card stock is now horizontal in your Scor-pal) and score at 3 1/4".


Score at 4 1/2".


Snip the score lines as shown below.


Now, fold all the score lines. When creating a box, it is easiest if you pre-fold on all score lines BEFORE applying adhesive or attempting to assemble your box. This will give the box "memory" of where to go once your adhesive in place and you are ready to assemble.


Apply adhesive as shown (one both large rectangles as well as 2 flaps). I use PLENTY of adhesive because I don't want my paper craft projects to fall apart before OR after they are given away. :)


Remove the liner from the two side flaps and assemble box (tuck the tiny flaps inside the box and place the 2 adhesive-free flaps on top of the adhesived flaps.


Cut two pieces of ribbon from your MFT Kit, 9 1/2" long each. Remove the liners from your adhesive and place the 2 lengths of ribbon on either side of the box to create 2 handles. Make sure they are symmetrical!


Place additional red line adhesive on the exposed ribbon. Center the box with handles within the scalloped note card housing created earlier. Make sure it is perfectly centered and then adhere the housing to the brown card stock box with handles.


This is what it should look like at this point. Now, set it aside.


Stamp the owl image on a scrap piece of cream Perfect Paper Panel and the patterned paper shown below. The patterned paper needs to be cut to 4 3/4" X 3". You will need two pieces of patterned paper. You can cut them both from the same pattern, or use 2 different, coordinating papers.


Just add color! I colored the image with Copic markers. E31, 33, 35, 37, 47, YR24. You will be cutting it out, so feel free to color outside the lines!


Carefully cut out the entire owl/branch image. Stamp the sentiment of your choice in the speech bubble and carefully cut it out.


Cut 2 pieces of brown cardstock to 5" X 3 1/4" to be used as mats for your patterned paper pieces. I stitched mine together for added detail, but you can just use adhesive if you wish. Piece the owl image and speech bubble over the stamped image on your patterned paper. I use a Quickie Glue pen to do this, so I can get all pieces of my cut out image adhered properly. You can also use glue dots or a Xyron for paper piecing. Add 3 Baby Braddies to the upper right hand corner.


Also adhere your back panel patterned paper to card stock and stitch if desired. I left mine plain, but you could dress it up also!


Adhere both the front and back panels to your Note Tote using red line adhesive.


Grab 2 more scalloped note cards from your kit and cut them in half length-wise. Again, you will be using the scallops as your measurement. Make sure that you cut in between the 6th and 7th scallop!


Position the 4 mini-notes all in the same orientation (straight edge down) and stamp each of them with the owl image.


Color each mini-note with the medium of your choice. I used Copic markers (E31, E33, E35, YR24, E37). I avoided heavy blending to prevent heavy bleed-through to the inside of the note card. Add the sentiment of your choice to each speech bubble.


Cut 4 pieces of brown card stock to 4 3/4" X 3 1/4". Cut 4 pieces of patterned paper to 4 5/8" X 3 1/8". Adhere or stitch together as shown below.


Adhere each mini note to the mini note bases as shown. I used red line tape.


For the final touch, add one Swarovski heat-fix crystal to the upper right corner of each mini note.


Place them in your tote!


Here is a shot of the whole set!


Front of Note Tote!


Side view!


Back view!











I hope you enjoyed the tutorial! If you make one, I hope you'll come link here so I can check it out! :) If you have any questions, please post here (don't forget to include your e-mail address) and I will be happy to help.

Have a wonderful day and happy stamping!