Advent Tree

It's almost 2013, so a new year means it's time to start crafting for Christmas again, right?! Just kidding! But I do have one last Christmas project to share - my Advent Calendar Tree.

I just knew all the fab MFT Die-namics would make amazing pockets for an advent calendar. I've used a random layout, attaching the pockets to a dollar store Christmas tree. Not all the pockets fit on at once (the tree looked too crowded) so I changed them out every now and then. I've also used felt snowflakes to decorate the tree.

Here's a video on how I put my pockets together:

Click HERE for the large version.

Next year I think I'll take these same pockets and frame them, the year after that I think I'll attach them to a banner - I love that I can change it up each year!

Have a wonderful and safe New Years everyone, see you in 2013!

Here are the products I've used today:

 

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you a wonderful day with family and friends! We'll be spoiling this little elf all day long!

Thank you for another wonderful year of stampy love, I'll see you soon with a new creation!

 

Simple Glass Charms

It has been hot, hot, hot here in Wellington today! We've had a busy Christmas Eve, I spent the day making a Pavlova, a decorated Chocolate Cake and glazing a ham. Then as I set the table, I realised I wanted a little something handmade on there. I'm doing simple settings this year, so in lieu of place cards, I've set out glasses with these adorable little charms on them.

The sentiment and charm base are from Let's Toast. I simply sponged the edges, and used Circle STAX to add some patterned paper with a By The Letters (Uppercase) initial on each one. A little randomly applied Christmas Red Stickles (I wasn't going for perfect, just a little sparkly!) finishes off the tags.

I really love this idea for a less formal place setting, and once we leave the table everyone will be able to keep track of their glass!

Here are the wonderful products I used today:

 

MFT Creative Challenge - Background Building

The MFT Design Team Creative Challenge is a monthly feature, where we are challenged to explore our creative side using a specific theme, product, or technique.

 

This month, we were challenged to do some background building using our MFT Stamps and Die-namics.  Be sure to check out the MFT Blog for a list of all participating designers who have a project to share with you today. 

I have two cards to share with you today. I've used Die-namics to create a faux embossed effect for my backgrounds.

I've cut the new Winter Rose from Whip Cream cardstock and layered it on a Whip Cream base. From a distance, the background looks embossed! The stamps for this card are from the Lovey Dovey Sentiments set, currently available free when you spend $60!

This is a great way to use up card scraps and get extra benefit from your Die-namics collection.

I've also used Darling Dots on the lower third of my backgound layer. It's mostly covered up, but I've also used the medium size of the Triple Scallop Border. The stamping is done in Pink Petunia Versamark ink.

Inside this card I've stamped the dots again and used offcuts of some of the Die-namics to add in a little more faux embossing.

For my second card, I've used the same technique to create a clean and simple card.

The trick to making the faux embossing look great is to go off the edges of your card, then trim for a random look.

After stamping my sentiment on a Fishtail Flag STAX I used a bone folder to break up the paper fibres and make the banner soft and pliable.

I used the same sentiment treatment on the inside of the card and added a couple of extra flowers.

Here are all the fab MFT products I've used today:

 

Gift Card Greetings II

It's the best time of the month - all the brand new releases from My Favorite Things are available HERE NOW! If you've been waiting to treat yourself to a little crafty goodness for Christmas, there is so much to love at MFT this month!

It's also time for the New Product Tour! As you view the fab design team creations, be sure to leave some comment love for your chance to win a $50 gift voucher!

Today I'm working with the Gift Card Greetings II set, and it is SO versatile I have three completely different cards and a bonus tag to share with you!

My first card and tag are lovely and girly, perfect for a bride to be!

I have used lots of pretty elements on this card. From the Dainty Doilies and Dainty border, to that wonderful new Sentimental Flourish! The papers are Paper Cottage from Basic Gray. The ink is Versamagic. I've sponged all my edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink for a softer look.

I just love how the curve in this sentiment mimics the shape of the gift card holder!

Inside this card I've used one of the great multi-purpose sentiments.

Sometimes it's nice to give a little gift along with a gift card and that's what I had in mind when I created this tag. Wouldn't it be pretty on a gift for a bride-to-be?

My second card today is a masculine graduation card, perfect for any funky graduate!

This card uses paper from the MME My Favorite Things pack - a match made in stamp and paper heaven! I've cut the Gift Card Pocket from the funky paper and lined it with Sweet Tooth cardstock. The sentiment was stamped on a Fishtail Flag STAX and anchored with a button.

I've layered everything on a Postage Stamp STAX layer. I can't get enough of these Die-namics!

Inside this card I've used the Mini Double Dot Border.

I stamped the sentiment on a Sentiment Strip and folded it into a banner shape.

My last card is bright and fun and uses the Amy Tangerine Sketchbook paper.

I've used the awesome new Lemon Drop ink on this Gift Card Pocket. I've also decorated this layout with a fab Winter Rose and that fun Looped Border. Some Lemon Drop ribbon finishes it all off.

Love that Winter Rose shape!

Inside this card I've taken advantage of the patterned paper and stamped the sentiment over top. I've also included one last winter rose.

Whew, still here?! Leave a comment to be in to win then get shopping!

Here are all the amazing MFT products available for you right now!

 

Bear Hugs - Pep Rally!

Now that we've teased and tempted you all week long, it's almost time for you to shop for your favorite Brand Spankin' New products from MFT.

But first... it's time for our Die-namics Feature and Pre-Release Pep Rally!

Our Design Team has been busy creating jaw-dropping and inspiring projects for you, and we've saved the best for last.

We've taken an in-depth look at this month's Die-namics, while re-visiting the amazing sets being released tonight at 10 PM EST RIGHT HERE in the MFT Boutique.

And while we are at it, how about we make your life even easier with a "cheat sheet" of all that's new?  Head over to the MFT Blog to print out a shopping list.

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I have two cards for you today - one with lots of layers, and one more masculine and CAS!

For my first card I've used the Pure Innocence Bear Hugs set to create a card for someone who is under the weather. I've sponged all the layers. I used the new Winter Rose Die-namics to create an off white flower from felt, I love the soft look of this flower! 

I tried to keep the fur of the bear mottled looking when colouring my image with copics. Have you seen all the amazing colouring this week by my MFT teammates? They put a beginner like me to shame! So inspiring :-)

Inside my card I've used the Mini Double Dot border again and a couple of sentiments from the set. If you look closely you'll see the PI girl stamped again too!

For my second card I've made a masculine Valentine with a Rock and Roll feel!

I stamped the Lovey Dovey Sentiment in Wild Cherry ink and layered it over a Sentimental Flourish Die-namic. The card front is finished with three lines of piercing. 

I covered the flourish in White Enamel paint - adding a little somethin' somethin' to my Die-namics is one of my fave things to do lately!

Inside my card I've used the InstaFrame and stamped my sentiment directly on the frame. A Wild Cherry felt heart cut with Hearts a Plenty finishes off my simple card.

Here are all the supplies for my cards today. New MFT products will be available tomorrow!

Here are the details about the upcoming release:

• You can attend the New Release Party on December 11 from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can WIN PRIZES!
• The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on December 11 at 10 PM EST.  You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
• If you'd like to see all the designers' posts for today, please click on over to the MFT Blog NOW.  Be sure to leave comments as you go for the chance to win one of 2, $10 gift certificates given away daily.  The winners will be posted on December 11 just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Here are the Die-namics I've used today: