Paper Pursuits

Flourishes Friday–Focus On Angelic Love

2012-01-27T01:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Flourishes Friday!

Here at Flourishes, the design team is picking up one of our older sets to give it a little attention! With the season of love upon us, we thought Angelic Love should be in the spotlight! So, in addition to getting some fantastic ideas today from the design team on how to use this stamp set, we're having a one day only sale! Buy today and you get 15% off! Simply use the code ANGEL in the coupon code box at the time of checkout.

I decided to make a Valentine card for a friend. I stamped the image on Classic White card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink and colored with these Copic Collections:

Then I cut it out with a Classic Heart Nestabilities die and my Grand Calibur machine and popped it up on foam dots. I’m using Crochet White lace and some sweet gingham ribbon, from which I hung the locket image. A button, some twine, and some stitching finish it off.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the team has to show you:

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)
Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Sharon Doolittle

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Angelic Love (Flourishes)
Paper: Classic White (Flourishes); Riding Hood Red (SU!); Paper Hearts 6 x 6 pad (Crate Paper)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Classic Heart Nestabilities die (Spellbinders); lace, ribbon, button, twine, Copic markers, sewing machine

Always Kiss Me Goodnight–MFTWSC #56

2012-01-25T12:00:00.001-05:00

Are you ready for another MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge? Here’s this week’s sketch. You can find the sketch on the MFT blog and also in the MFT forum on SCS, as well as in the weekly newsletter. The Design Team will be on hand to provide plenty of inspiration to get you started.

I KNOW I’m going to be going back to this sketch over and over and OVER!! I love it! It’s just classic! After I chose my papers and got them on the base, I added a Dizzy Doily Duo Die-namics die cut. Then I stamped the heart from Inspired by Love, cut it out by hand, and popped it up on foam. I tied some baker’s twine around with a button and then added the sentiment from Clearly Sentimental About Romance, which is this month’s Triply Scoop set, using a flag from the First Place Award Ribbon Di-namics set. I also added some stitching. It’s a very simple card but that heart is so elegant it totally dresses it up.

Here’s the inside with a sentiment from Clearly Sentimental About Love.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks SO much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Inspired by Love, Clearly Sentimental About Romance, Clearly Sentimental About Love (MFT)
Paper: Whip Cream, Wild Cherry; Love me 6 x 6 pad (MME)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Basic Grey (SU!); Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Dizzy Doily Duo, First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics dies (MFT); baker’s twin, button, foam dots, sewing machine

Love–CTD #176

2012-01-25T02:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to this week’s Color Throwdown challenge! Today’s colors were chosen by Joan and here is her inspiration piece:

Don’t you just love that image!! And what a gorgeous color palette!

I decided to make another Valentine card with it using MFT’s Clearly Sentimental About Love. I stamped the sentiment on a Layered Labels Die-namics die cut and popped it up on several layers. I have an Open Scallop Doily Duo Die-namics die cut and a Simply Scallops, Medium Die-namics border going on :) And, of course, a Pretty Posies flower with Upsy Daisy Die-namics leaves on to of a double twine bow.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Remember, you do not have to have the exact colors to play the Color Throwdown challenge. If you don't, just use the closest you have. So, c'mon over to the Color Throwdown blog and play along with us this week. Please use the link service to post your card and please link directly to your card so we can find it easily. And please include a link in your post to the Color Throwdown. If you upload your card to a public forum, please use the keyword CTD176 so we can see your beauty all in one place. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out what the other team members have come up with this week.

Barbara Anders (<--- You are here!)
Broni Holcombe
Danielle Kennedy
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Lori Tecler
Lynn Put
Tammy Hershberger
Wanda Cullen
Stacy Morgan (January Guest Designer)

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back a little later with this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About Love (MFT)
Paper: Fossil, Hot Fudge, Whip Cream; Head Over Heels 6 x 6 (Lilybee Design)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)
Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Layered Labels, Simply Scallops, Medium, Open Scallop Doily Duo, Pretty Posies, Upsy Daisy Die-namics dies (MFT); button, twine, sewing machine, foam dots

I Remembered Your Birthday–MFT and Scor-Pal Joint Blog Hop!

2012-01-24T12:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the MFT and Scor-Pal Joint Blog Hop! MFT and Scor-Pal are joining up today to bring you some fabulous inspiration. To see a complete list of participating designers from both teams, head on over to the MFT Blog.

Sadly enough, I’m often, shall we say, “tardy” in sending out birthday card? So I thought I’d make a belated birthday card to keep on hand ;-) I’m using MFT’s Textile Greetings Die-namics and Stamp set for my main image and sentiment. I stamped the hounds tooth image and cut it out with the die using my tutorial that you can find HERE. Then I stamped the sentiment and border then cut it out by hand and popped it on on the main label die cut. I used my Scor-Buddy to make the “pleated” element under the sentiment element using THIS tutorial from SCS and Scor-Tape for my adhesive.

Here’s a close up of it.

I finished it off with a flower made with my Pretty Posies and Upsy Daisy Die-namics dies. Here’s the inside with the rest of the sentiment :)

And here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back tomorrow with this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Textile Greetings Die-namics and Stamp Set (MFT)
Paper: Whip Cream, Black Licorice; Sahara Sand (SU!); Blissful 6 x 6 (Authentique)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Textile Greetings, Pretty Posies, Upsy Daisy Die-namics dies (MFT); button, twine, foam dots, Scor-Buddy, Scor-Tape

Thank you for your generosi-tea

2012-01-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

I needed another thank you card so I took this opportunity to use MFT’s Always Time for Tea Die-namics and Stamp Set. I cut the teapot and the spout, lid, handle, and bottom from coordinating patterned paper and popped it up on an Open Scallop Doily Duo Die-namics die. I stamped the sentiment on a First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics flag and popped it up on foam, too. Some stitching and some twill tied in a bow finished off the outside.

For the inside, I stamped a teapot and the rest of the sentiment.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps; Always Time For Tea Die-namics and Stamp Set (MFT)
Paper: Whip Cream, Gumdrop Green; Ooh La La (MFT)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Bamboo Leaves, Rose Bud
Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); First Place Award Ribbon, Open Scallop Doily Duo, Always Time For Tea Die-namics dies (MFT); twill, sewing machine, foam dots

Superstar–C4C #120

2012-01-21T00:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to this week’s Crazy 4 Challenges challenge! This week Joanne is challenging us to make a child’s birthday card and MFT is sponsoring the challenge this week.

I decided to ink up MFT’s All-star Die-namics & Stamp Set which makes a perfect little boy birthday card. I’m also using a recent MFTWSC sketch, #54, for my layout.

The dies in this set do half the work for you! And the perfectly coordinating stamps do the rest!

On the inside I stamped the sentiment, from Just My Type Die-namics and Stamp Set and added “2u” using the By the Numbers Die-namics and By the Letters Die-namics dies. I used the Open Zig Zag Border Die-namics under the basketball and made a little flag with a new Mini Wavy Pennant Die-namics die on the pole from Wavy Pennants Die-namics.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

And that's all for me for now! Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you!

THEN, you know what to do--we'd love to have you come along and play with us. Just do your thing with the challenge and link it to Mr. Linky on the Crazy 4 Challenges blog. Please link directly to your project. And, if you upload to a public gallery, please use the key word C4C120.

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~
Stamps: All Star Die-namics and Stamp Set, Just My Type Die-namics and Stamp Set (MFT)
Paper: Fossil, Tangy Orange; School Spirit Collection 6 x 6 (Crate Paper)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa and Potter’s Clay
Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); By the Numbers, By the Letters, All Star, Open Zig Zag Border, Mini Pennants, Mini Wavy Pennants Die-namics dies (MFT); twine, button, sewing machine

My Best Bud - Flourishes Friday Free For All

2012-01-20T01:00:00.001-05:00

Hi, all, welcome to Flourishes Friday Free For All! Today I have another card using two of the recently released sets. The gorgeous filigree heart is from From the Heart and the sentiment is from Heartlines. Pretty clean and simple and I think this would work just great for a guy—in fact, I think this is going to be my Valentine to my sweet DH this year—after all, he *is* my best bud.

I stamped the heart image on Classic White card stock with Memento Rhubarb Stalk ink, then the sentiment with Memento Tuxedo Black ink. I matted it with black card stock and tied the red and black gingham ribbon around before adhering the three heart-shaped pearls.

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Flourishes team has for you!

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)
Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Jan Marie Caruso

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~
Stamps: From the Heart, Heartlines (Flourishes)
Paper: Classic White (Flourishes); Basic Black (SU!)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Rhubarb Stalk
Accessories/tools: ribbon, heart pearls

I just can’t thank you enough–MFTWSC #55

2012-01-18T12:00:00.001-05:00

Back again with what will become an often used sketch, I’m thinking. I love this sketch! PERFECT for sentiment only cards.

So, I stamped a border and sentiment from Polka Dot Greetings Die-namics and Stamp Set and cut it out. I matted that with a Well Worn Greetings Die-namics die cut and popped that up on the stitched and blinged up card base. Finally, I added a flower made with the Fringed Perennial Die-namics die. Seriously, folks, MFT has so many fabulous flower dies it’s hard to decide which one I want to use. I love them all!

Here’s the inside with a sentiment from Thanks a Bunch.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks SO much for stopping by!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Polka Dot Greetings Die-namics and Stamp Set, Thanks a Bunch (MFT)
Paper: Whip Cream, Gumdrop Green; Splendid 6 x 6 pad (Authentique)
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Fringed Perennial, Polka Dot Greetings, Well Worn Greetings Die-namics dies (MFT); sewing machine, bling, hot glue, glue gun, foam dots

Thank U–CTD #175

2012-01-18T02:00:00.001-05:00

Happy Wednesday! I’m back with this week’s Color Throwdown card. This week Danielle is our host and here are her colors and her inspiration piece.

I went pretty simple with my card. First of all I embossed the green background with some large dots. Then I added a die cut panel using MFT’s Polka Dot Greetings Die-namics die using some salvaged corrugated cardboard. Using an image from Thanks a Bunch, I stamped it on a flag from the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics set. Then I cut a “u” from By the Letters Die-namics and popped it up beside the “Thanks”. Then I tied some Maraschino Red baker’s twine around and added a patterned paper Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics flower to finish it off.

Here’s the inside with another sentiment from the set:

And here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Remember, you do not have to have the exact colors to play the Color Throwdown challenge. If you don't, just use the closest you have. So, c'mon over to the Color Throwdown blog and play along with us this week. Please use the link service to post your card and please link directly to your card so we can find it easily. And please include a link in your post to the Color Throwdown. If you upload your card to a public forum, please use the keyword CTD175 so we can see your beauty all in one place. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out what the other team members have come up with this week.

Barbara Anders (<--- You are here!)
Broni Holcombe
Danielle Kennedy
Joan Ervin
Kerri Michaud
Lori Tecler
Lynn Put
Tammy Hershberger
Wanda Cullen
Stacy Morgan (January Guest Designer)

Thanks SO much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~
Stamps: Thanks a Bunch (MFT)
Paper: Fossil, Whip Cream, Wild Cherry, Gumdrop Green; For the Record 6 x 6 pad (Echo Park); salvaged corrugated cardboard
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa
Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); First Place Award Ribbon, Polka Dot Greetings, Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics dies, baker’s twine (MFT); embossing folder (Provocraft); foam dots, glue gun, glue stick

It's MFT VIP Time!

2012-01-17T22:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for some VIP cuteness? These adorable little ladies are available right now, right HERE! Here's what's in this month's package:

Eeeeeeek! SO stinkin' adorable, right???!!! Sigh. They just keep getting cuter and cuter.

I have two cards for you, using all three sets. The first one is using PI - Violin Girl and it just melts my heart with that sweet little face. She's colored with Copic markers and her little jumper was paper pieced. Then she was matted with a Oval Decorative Doily Die-namics die cut and popped up on foam. The border is using the Monarch Border Die-namics die that's included in the VIP package. The sentiment is from the set and the flag was cut with a die from First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics. The sweet flower was done with the Prima Donna Petals Die-namics die, and I added some leaves using Upsy Daisy Die-namics.

Here's the inside with another copy of her and a fabulous sentiment from the mini set.

*********

This card is using PI- Blowing Bubbles and is so bright and cheerful, don't you think? She's also colored with Copic markers and her little skirt was paper pieced and then she was cut out and adhered to the background. I created a scene for this card using some of MFT's awesome scene-creating Die-namics dies: Fresh Cut Grass, Flat Bottom Clouds, and Sunshine. After I stamped the bubbles, I added some Crystal Effects to make them shine :)

Here's the inside with a sentiment from the set and more bubbles.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on these two cards:

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back tomorrow with this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge!

~Supplies~

First Card:

Stamps: PI - Violin Girl (MFT)

Paper: Victoria Gardens 6 x 6 pad (Echo Park)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Monarch Border, Oval Decorative Doily, and Prima Donna Petals Die-namics dies (MFT); baker's twine, foam dots, Copic markers

Second Card:

Stamps: PI - Blowing Bubbles (MFT)

Paper: Country Drive 6 x 6, Dots & Stripes 6 x 6 (Echo Park)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Sunshine, Fresh Cut Grass, Flat Bottom Clouds Die-namics dies (MFT); Swiss Dots embossing folder (Provocraft); button, baker's twine, sewing machine

Look After My Heart - MFTWSC #54

2012-01-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

I decided to use the new Layered Hearts Die-namics dies and Clearly Sentimental About Romance for my focal element on this card. That changed up the shape but I think the sketch is still there :) I used the new Mini Wavy Pennants Die-namics as well, and stamped just one word on it. The pole for my pennant is from the Mini Pennant Die-namics set. I couldn't resist adding a flower, using one of my favorites, Pretty Posies Die-namics. Some stitching and some crinkled-up seam binding finished it off. The untraditional color combo would work well for a masculine Valentine, I think. What do you think?

Here's the inside with another sentiment from the set.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks so much for stopping by! It'll soon be VIP time so keep an eye out!

AND... MFT is rolling out a new feature to keep you connected to all things MFT! Join the mobile movement! Text JOINMFT to 46786 to opt in and receive a special offer and text alerts from My Favorite Things. We'll send 5 or fewer texts per month, and you can stay "connected" in a new and exciting way. Who's in?

offer only available in the USA, to retail customers
this is a free service from MFT - regular text message rates apply

How cool is that????? So, go get connected!!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About Romance (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Whip Cream; Enchanted Evening (PTI); Vintage Blue 6 x 6 (Glitz)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Layered Hearts, Mini Pennants, Mini Wavy Pennants, Pretty Posey Die-namics dies (MFT); sewing machine, seam binding, button, twine

Thank You - C4C #119

2012-01-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone! It's Crazy 4 Challenges time! Joanne has challenged us to do a monochromatic color scheme in blues for this week's projects. I must confess I'm not much into monochromatic color schemes so this WAS a challenge for me ;-) But I gave it my best shot and I think it's OK. What do you think?

Still in need of Thank You cards so that's what I did with this one. I'm using MFT's Thanks a Bunch for my sentiments, both inside and out, and I added lots of embellishments. I cut the sentiment out with a die from the Well Worn Die-namics set and matted it with a die from the Oval Decorative Doily Duo Die-namics set. Then I added some bling, some twine, and made some flowers with one of my very favorite rolled flower Die-namics dies: Rolled Scallop Flower. AND, of course I added leaves using Upsy Daisy Die-namics.

Here's the inside with a simple sentiment.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

And that's all for me for now! Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you!

Thanks so much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Thanks a Bunch (MFT)

Paper: Pacific Point (SU!); Smokey Shadow (PTI); Whip Cream; Journey 6 x 6 pad (Authentique)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Well Worn, Oval Dainty Doily Duo, Rolled Scallop Flower, Upsy Daisy Die-namics dies (MFT); bling, twine, hot glue, foam dots

Flourishes January Sneak Peek - Day Three

2012-01-13T01:00:00.000-05:00

So, here we are at the last sneak for Flourishes January release. This last set, Love Sweet Love, is another gorgeous Valentine set, by Marcella Hawley.

I stamped my basket image on Classic White card stock and colored it with these Copic Collections:

Then I cut it out with a Classic Oval Nestabilities die, sponged it with Antique Linen Distress Ink and framed it with some embossed Kraft card stock. Then I went to town with embellishments, including THIS lace that I love! After all, it *is* a Valentine's Day card ;-) The sentiment was stamped on another Classic Oval die cut and used as a tag.

Now, be sure to check out what the rest of the designers have for you today...

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)

Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Sharon Doolittle
Heather Jensen
Mona Pendleton
Cindy Haffner

Jan Marie Caruso

Beate Johns

...because ONE of them is the

for today :) Now, here's a few things you'll want to know about this release:

Take advantage of a special limited time only deal and grab all of the new sets for January in the New Release Bundle at 10% off the total price. Get all the details HERE.
Don't forget the New Year Challenge is still in progress.
All winners will be announced on Saturday, January 21st, at Noon CST on the Flourishes Blog.

OK, I think that's all from me! Thanks so much for stopping by! Have fun shopping!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Love, Sweet Love (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic White, Classic Ivory (Flourishes); Kraft; Head Over Heels (Lilybee Design)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Classic Oval Nestabilities (Spellbinders), lace, seam binding, button, twine, sewing machine, stick pins, doily, embossing folder

Flourishes January Sneak Peek - Day Two

2012-01-12T01:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to day two of Flourishes January Sneak Peeks! Didn't you just love all the gorgeous hearts you saw yesterday? Today's set is a sentiment set--one that's sure to warm some hearts.

I love sentiment only sets! Really love them--you can go CAS with them or you can embellish to your heart's content--I sorta did both with my card today :) A very simple design but one with lots of texture and dimension that nicely frames the fabulous sentiment.

First of all, I stamped my sentiment of choice on Classic Ivory card stock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink then cut it out with my Grand Calibur machine and a Labels Four Nestabilities die. That was popped up on a Classic Oval die cut, which was in turn popped up on a Labels Eighteen die cut. All of that was popped up on an embossed base and accented with a heart pearl and bright colored felt hearts cut with Classic Heart and Classic Scalloped Heart Nestabilities.

Now, be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you today...

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)

Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Sharon Doolittle
Heather Jensen
Mona Pendleton
Cindy Haffner

Jan Marie Caruso

Beate Johns

...because ONE of them is the

for today :) Now, here's a few things you'll want to know about this release:

Take advantage of a special limited time only deal and grab all of the new sets for January in the New Release Bundle at 10% off the total price. Get all the details HERE.
Don't forget the New Year Challenge is still in progress.
AND, don't forget to check the Flourishes Blog for today's Noon Time Challenge--another way to win a prize!!
All winners will be announced on Saturday, January 21st, at Noon CST on the Flourishes Blog.

OK, I think that's all from me! Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll see you back tomorrow with another sneak!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Heart Lines (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic Ivory (Flourishes)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Classic Ovals, Labels Four, Labels Eighteen, Classic Heart, Classic Scallop Heart Nestabilities (Spellbinders); felt, button, twine, embossing folder, foam dots, heart shaped pearl

Flourishes January Release Noon-Time Challenge, Day One

2012-01-11T13:00:00.000-05:00

As promised, I'm back with a card for today's noon-time challenge. Today's challenge is based on this inspiration image:

HOW TO PLAY: According to the Chinese Zodiac, the Year of 2012 is the Year of the Dragon, which begins on January 23, 2012 and ends on February 9, 2013. So, what does this predict for 2012? Success and Happiness! To play, simply be inspired by the colors of this beautiful dragon with rich shades of red, orange and even pink. If you upload to SCS, please use the keyword FLLCJANRW1. You have until Friday, January 13th at 5 PM EST to enter. Once you are done with your creation, be sure to link up to this post using our inlinkz widget. You need to do that in order to be eligible! Get all the details at the Flourishes blog!

I was totally inspired by the intense reds and golds in this image so first of all I stamped the heart and a sentiment from the set on red card stock with Versamark and heat embossed with gold fine detail embossing powder. Then I cut it out with my Grand Calibur and a Classic Heart Nestabilities die. I used gold metallic card stock and some gold cord to "tie" it all together, all on a base of Classic Ivory card stock. Sorry for the pun :)

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope to see you at the challenge!

~Supplies~

Stamps: From the Heart (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic Ivory, gold metallic card stock (Flourishes); Riding Hood Red (SU!); Happy Travels 6 x 6 (Glitz)

Ink: Versamark

Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Classic Hearts Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders); heat tool, gold fine detail embossing powder, foam dots, gold cord

From the Heart - Flourishes January Sneak Peek, Day One

2012-01-11T01:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the first day of Flourishes January sneaks! We have a whole lotta love for you this month, starting with this GORGEOUS set, From the Heart.

I decided to go all vintage-y with my card today. First of all I stamped the heart image on patterned paper and cut it out with a Spellbinders Classic Scalloped Heart die and sponged the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink. Then I stamped the sentiment ribbon on Classic White card stock and colored it with the Lenten Rose Copic Collection, cut it out, stamped the sentiment, and popped it on on foam.

Here's a close up of the ribbon. I just LOVE the shape of this ribbon--so fluid and realistic.

My card layout is simple--just some pretty paper and a doily behind the heart.

Now, be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you today...

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)

Julie Koerber
Cindy Lawrence
Christine Okken
Danielle Kennedy
Dawn Burnworth
Stacy Morgan
Tammy Hershberger
Sharon Doolittle
Heather Jensen
Mona Pendleton
Cindy Haffner

Jan Marie Caruso

...because ONE of them is the

for today :) Now, here's a few things you'll want to know about this release:

Take advantage of a special limited time only deal and grab all of the new sets for January in the New Release Bundle at 10% off the total price. Get all the details HERE.
Don't forget the New Year Challenge is still in progress.
AND, don't forget to check the Flourishes Blog for today's Noon Time Challenge--another way to win a prize!!
All winners will be announced on Saturday, January 21st, at Noon CST on the Flourishes Blog.

OK, I think that's all from me! Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll see you back later with the noon-time challenge and again tomorrow with another sneak!

~Supplies~

Stamps: From the Heart (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic Ivory, Classic White (Flourishes); Smokey Shadow (PTI); Love Me 6 x 6 (MME)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories: Grand Calibur, Classic Scalloped Hearts Nestabilities dies (Spellbinders); Copic markers, foam dots, doily, sewing machine

Happy Birthday - CTD #174

2012-01-10T23:59:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone, it's time for this week's Color Throwdown challenge. This week's colors are brought to us by the fabulous Broni and I must say I love them! Here they are with the image that inspired them for her.

You can never have too many birthday cards on hand, right? Right, so that's what I did. I'm using a sentiment from MFT's Vintage Cameo Die-namics and Stamp Set and the Sweet Stack Labels Die-namics set for my focal image. I used a simple layout and embellished with ribbon, lace, and some gorgeous bling, along with a sweet little rose made with a Mini Rolled Roses Die-namics die and some leaves using Upsy Daisy Die-namics.

Here's the inside with a sentiment from Clearly Sentimental About Birthdays.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Remember, you do not have to have the exact colors to play the Color Throwdown challenge. If you don't, just use the closest you have. So, c'mon over to the Color Throwdown blog and play along with us this week. Please use the link service to post your card and please link directly to your card so we can find it easily. And please include a link in your post to the Color Throwdown. If you upload your card to a public forum, please use the keyword CTD174 so we can see your beauty all in one place. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out what the other team members have come up with this week.

Barbara Anders (<--- You are here!)

Stacy Morgan (January Guest Designer)

Thanks SO much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Vintage Cameo Frame and Die Set, Clearly Sentimental About Birthdays (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Whip Cream; Soft Sky (SU!); Lost & Found Breeze and Sunshine (MME); Wedding Ivory Mat Pad (K & Company)

Ink: Memento Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Sweet Stack Labels, Mini Rolled Roses, Upsy Daisy Die-namics dies (MFT); bling, ribbon, lace, hot glue and gun, foam dots

MFT January Creative Challenge - Masculine

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, everyone, it's time again for MFT's Creative Challenge. This month we're challenged to make a masculine card. The timing on this was awesome--I needed to make a thank you card for the administrators at my former employer. Since they're both guys, this was perfect!

Sooo, I'm using Thanks a Bunch for the sentiments, both inside and out, and one of my favorite Die-namics sets, Well Worn Greetings. Such a lovely stack of shapes in this set! I'm also using an MFTWSC sketch for my layout, Number 48. I did some stitching, some ink distressing, and finished off the layout with some buttons--much more masculine than the flower I'd normally put there :) I thought these papers also reflected the challenge well.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks SO much for stopping by! To see how the rest of the design team interpreted this challenge, be sure to check out the list of those participating at the MFT Blog.

~Supplies~

Stamps: Thanks a Bunch (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Black Licorice; Times & Seasons 6 x 6 pad (Echo Park)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Well Worn Greetings Die-namics dies (MFT); buttons, twine, sewing machine

You're My Everything - C4C #118

2012-01-07T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to the first Crazy 4 Challenges challenge of 2012! Joanne is our host for this month and today she's challenging us to use something new in honor of the new year. If you don't have any new supplies, how about a technique that's new to YOU. I happen to have some new patterned paper that I just recently got and haven't used before today.

I'm using an MFT set called Clearly Sentimental About You and a favorite MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge sketch from early last year. I stamped the sentiment on a flag (I know! I can't stop using it!!) from the First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics set and tucked the end under a couple of hearts cut with the Hearts A Plenty Die-namics set. Then I added a button and some twine and some clear Dew Drops to finish it off.

Here's the inside with another sentiment from the set. Sweet.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

And that's all for me for now! Thanks so much for stopping by! Be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About You (MFT)

Paper: Whip Cream, Gumdrop Green; Random 6 x 6 (Crate Paper)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); First Place Award Ribbon and Hearts A Plenty Die-namics dies (MFT); button, twine, ribbon, sewing machine, Dew Drops

Make Every Minute Count - Flourishes January Pre-Release Challenge

2012-01-06T01:00:00.000-05:00

Ring in the new year with “Father Time” or “Baby New Year” – this challenge is a fight between new and old! To be in the running, simply use a card that showcases an image of time (i.e. one of our calendars, the Moments in Time set) or one that showcases little baby new year i.e. a baby card. Either will get you in the running. Just link your card up on the Flourishes Blog for your chance to win!

It's almost time for the January release, so that means it's time for the Pre-release challenge! For my card, I used the Moments In Time stamp set. I'd not inked up the gorgeous hour glass before so I thought it was time. I stamped it on patterned paper and colored it with Copic markers, using these collections:

Then I cut it out and popped it up on more of the same paper and stamped the sentiment at the bottom of the image panel. Finally, I added some twine, a Prima flower, and some black pearls.

Be sure to check out what the the Flourishes Design Team has for you today:

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Moments In Time (Flourishes)

Paper: Crumb Cake, Basic Black (SU!); Yearography 6 x 6 (Simple Stories)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Prima flower, twine, pearls

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch Challenge - End of Year PARTY!

2012-01-05T00:00:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that if you played in any of the MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenges in 2011 you are eligible to win a prize at the End of the Year Party! Get all the details and register HERE!

I Love You This Big - MFTWSC #53

2012-01-04T12:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for the first MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge of 2012? Here’s this week’s sketch. You can find the sketch on the MFT blog and also in the MFT forum on SCS, as well as in the weekly newsletter. The Design Team will be on hand to provide plenty of inspiration to get you started.

As you can see, I substituted the new Layered Hearts Die-namics for the large circle elements. I thought it was a perfect back drop for this brand new sweet little PI - I Love Your This Big, who was stamped and colored with Copic markers. Otherwise, I followed the sketch pretty closely. The sentiment was stamped on the smaller flag from First Place Award Ribbon Di-namics--I just can't seem to get away from using these flags and I don't want to. They just work so well for any style. Some twine and a button anchor it and some brads at the top balance everything out.

Here's the inside:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Have you heard about MFT's Wedesday Sketch Challenge end of the year party? Prizes are to be won if you qualify. Get all the details HERE!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~

Stamps: PI - I Love You This Big

Paper: Fossil, Wild Cherry, Perfect Paper Panels; Crazy Love 6 x 6 (Bo Bunny)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Layered Hearts, First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics dies (MFT); button, twine, brads, Copic markers

Happy New Year - Color Throwdown #173

2012-01-04T02:00:00.000-05:00

Back again with the first Color Throwdown challenge of 2012!! I'm the host this week and here are the colors I've chosen to ring in the new year:

And I'm letting this sweet little PI - Cause For Celebration help me. She's colored with Copic markers and her dress is paper pieced, except her sash is colored. She's matted with an Oval Open Scallop Die-namics die cut and the sentiment was stamped on the smaller flag from First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics. The flower was made with the just released Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics. Oh. My. Goodness. I do love that flower die. The leaves were done with Upsy Daisy Die-namics and then I added some sweet gingham ribbon and some red Dew Drops to balance things out.

Here's the inside:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Remember, you do not have to have the exact colors to play the Color Throwdown challenge. If you don't, just use the closest you have. So, c'mon over to the Color Throwdown blog and play along with us this week. Please use the link service to post your card and please link directly to your card so we can find it easily. And please include a link in your post to the Color Throwdown. If you upload your card to a public forum, please use the keyword CTD173 so we can see your beauty all in one place. Hope to see you there! Be sure to check out what the other team members have come up with this week, including January's Guest Designer.

Barbara Anders (<--- You are here!)

Stacy Morgan (January Guest Designer)

Thanks SO much for stopping by today!

~Supplies~

Stamps: PI - Cause For Celebration (MFT)

Paper: Black Licorice, Wild Cherry, Gumdrop Green; Perfect Paper Panels; Meadowlark (MME)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Rolled Scallop Flower, Upsy Daisy, and Oval Open Scallop Doily Die-namics dies (MFT); Dew Drops, ribbon, Copic markers

MFT January New Product Tour

2012-01-03T22:00:00.000-05:00

It's time for MFT's January New Product Tour! Tonight I have the pleasure of showing you Clearly Sentimental About Romance, which is this month's Triple Scoop Set, available right NOW! In case you're not familiar with it, our Triple Scoop reward is a full-sized stamp set offered to you absolutely FREE with a qualifying purchase of $60 or greater (before shipping and tax). The set changes with each monthly release, and is not yet available for individual purchase, so there is always a good reason to spoil yourself with MFT! Simply add the Triple Scoop product to your cart using the "add to cart" button, and it will be shipped with your order. The Triple Scoop Set set can be combined with our Cherry on Top promotion as well for even greater savings!

I decided to make this a romantic card :) First of all I stamped the sentiment on a Clearly Sentimental Labels Die-namics die cut and sponged the edges. For the card base, I added a border with Simply Scallops, Medium and the larger of the new Oval Decorative Doily Duo Die-namics set. Some bling, some seam binding, and a bunch of flowers using the new Rolled Scallop Flower and Rolled Rose and Mini Rolled Roses Die-namics dies, along with leaves made with the Upsy Daisy Die-namics set.

Here's the inside, with another sentiment from the set:

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back tomorrow with the first MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge of the new year! Now, go SHOP!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About Romance (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Gumdrop Green; Rustic Cream (PTI); Head Over Heels (Lilybee Design)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Upsy Daisy, Mini Rolled Roses, Rolled Rose, Rolled Scallop Flower, Oval Decorative Doily Duo, Clearly Sentimental Label, and Simply Scallops, Medium Die-namics dies (MFT); bling, sewing machine, seam binding, foam dots, hot glue gun

You're a STAR - MFT January Die-namics Feature and Pep Rally

2012-01-03T00:00:00.000-05:00

Teaser Time Day 7 Die-namics Feature and Pre-Release 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.

As soon as I saw this set I knew it would be perfect for my DH's birthday. He's a movie freak and keeps Netflix busy sending DVDs back and forth. PLUS he borrows from our local libraries. I thought a Red Box gift card would be right up his alley ;-)

So, I made this card for him, inspired by the stars on the Hollywood Walk Of Fame. The large stars were cut with my Cricut, then I added the camera and center circle, which were cut with dies from the Sweet Stack Die-namics and First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics set--they nest perfectly. I stamped the sentiment and then framed it with a film strip die cut, both from At the Movies, being released tonight.

***

Then I looked in my box of alterables and found this round silver box that some Prima flowers came in. It was perfect to disguise as a film strip canister. I covered the top with silver metallic card stock and added some black circles for the holes. Then I did another sentiment/film strip combination with another sentiment from the set and added another camera and a movie reel die cut. The ticket die and sentiment images are also from the set. The adorable movie clapper board is yet another die cut from this set. I stamped the images on black card stock with white pigment ink and attached everything in a collage-y kind of way.

***

On the inside I added more clapper boards and another sentiment from the set. This set is FULL of dies and sentiments, each one unique and fabulous!!

Since Red Box gift cards are sent through email, I simply printed off one from the site and put it in the box so he'd have something tangible, KWIM?

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this project:

Here are the details about the upcoming release TONIGHT at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
You have just a few more hours to submit your entry for this month's guest designer contest. Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
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 January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Hope to see you at the release party tonight! And don't forget to SHOP :)

~Supplies~

Stamps: At the Movies Die-namics and Stamp Set (MFT)

Paper: Silver metallic; Black Licorice, Red Hot; For the Record (Echo Park); Meadowlark (MME)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Lady Bug; Whisper White Craft (SU!)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); At the Movies, Sweet Stack, First Place Award Ribbon Die-namics dies (MFT); Cricut

You're One Of a Kind - MFT January Teaser, Day Six

2012-01-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

Here we are at Day Six - PI day! Today we're showing you PI - Plane Amazing, PI -Berry Sweet, PI - Paper Dolls, PI - Jump for Joy, PI - I Love You This Big, and PI - Precious Little Lamb - Fill My Heart with Joy. I could not resist showing you PI - Paper Doll. Just couldn't :)

Do you SEE it? Do you SEE that paper doll border???? Oh. My. Word. So adorable I can hardly stand it! And the PI? Ditto. So adorable. I remember cutting out paper dolls just like this from newspaper, so I had to paper piece these with text patterned paper. I also paper pieced her dress and colored the rest with Copic markers and matted her with an Oval Decorative Doily Die-namics die cut.

Here's a close up of the paper pieced image. AND a Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics flower.

Here's a close up of the Paper Dolls Border and the new Jumbo Monarch Border, both of which will be released tomorrow night at 10pm.

And the inside of the card, with another Paper Dolls Border and a sentiment from the set.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers 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 January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Thanks SO much for dropping by today! Tomorrow I'll have my Die-namics Feature so I hope to see you then!

~Supplies~

Stamps: PI - Paper Doll (MFT)

Paper: Whip Cream, Fossil; Lost and Found: Market Street 6 x 6 pad (MME)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Paper Doll Border, Jumbo Monarch Border; Rolled Scallop Flower, Upsy Daisy, and Oval Decorative Doily Die-namics dies (MFT); twine, pearls, Copic markers

Chocolate = Happiness - MFT January Teaser, Day Five

2012-01-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Today's teasers involve those à la modes girls. We're showing you à la modes - Chocolate Bar and à la modes - Genie. Obviously, I went with the chocolate ;-) YUM! Chocolate! Love me some chocolate and I wish I had a bar as large as this one right now! I'll have to enjoy it today, though, as I'm going to be working on losing a few "holiday pounds" starting tomorrow, LOL!

I colored her and her chocolate bar with Copic markers, then sponged around the edges with Antique Linen Distress Ink. I added the sentiment on a File Tab Die-namics die cut and popped it all up on a double layer of doily--using the soon-to-be-released Oval Decorative Doily Duo Die-namics set. LOVE how they stack so sweetly together and they both stack just as sweetly on the Oval Decorative Doily :) Finally, I added a twill bow and some Dew Drops for balance.

And here's the inside with another sentiment from the set, along with another peek at the girlie.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used for this card:

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers 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 January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Thanks SO much for stopping by today! Tomorrow is PI teaser day so I hope to see you back!

~Supplies~

Stamps: à la modes - Chocolate Bar (MFT)

Paper: Perfect Plum (SU!); Fossil; So Sophie 6 x 6 (MME)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Oval Decorative Doily Duo, File Tab Die-namics dies (MFT); twill, Dew Drops, Copic markers, foam dots

Happy 2012 - MFT January Teasers, Day Four

2011-12-31T00:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to Day Four of MFT's January Teasers! Today we're showing you At the Movies Die-namics and Stamp Set and Monogram Alphabet.

I decided to play around with Monogram Alphabet today. I have two cards, each very different in style. First up is a Happy New Year card. I stamped the letters for "happy" on some Mix & Match Banners Die-namics die cuts with black pigment ink and then heat embossed with black fine detail embossing powder. I cut out another shape banner and layered under the letters for a little contrast, then attached them to some silver cord and then to the card front, popped up on some foam. I cut the numbers from glitter paper with my By the Numbers Die-namics, also popped up on some foam.

My second card is a little more "vintag-y". Yep, that's a word ;-) I thought the letters would work well on a teacher card.

First, I cut out a piece of Kraft card stock with my Polka Dot Greetings Die-namics die, then I stamped the "a b c" with Versamark then over stamped that with a sentiment from Clearly Sentimental About Teaching. I added a Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics flower with some Upsy Daisy Die-namics leaves, and used my Simply Scallops Die-namics die for my border.

Here's a close up of the sentiment panel.

And here's the inside with more Versamark letters and another sentiment from Clearly Sentimental About Teaching.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used for these cards:

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers 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 January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by today! See you back tomorrow to see a teaser of another fabulous set!

~Supplies~

Card 1:

Stamps: Monogram Alphabet (MFT)

Paper: Whip Cream, Black Licorice, Razzledazzle; glitter paper; Meadowlark 6 x 6 (MME)

Ink: Basic Black Craft Ink (SU!)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Mix & Match Banners, By the Numbers Die-namics dies (MFT); bling, silver cord, black fine detail embossing powder, foam dots

Card 2:

Stamps: Monogram Alphabet, Clearly Sentimental About Teaching (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Hot Fudge, Wild Cherry; Handsome Hunter (SU!); Off To School 6 x 6 (Fancy Pants)

Ink: Versamark; Memento Rich Cocoa

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Upsy Daisy, Rolled Scallop Flower, Simply Scallops, Polka Dot Greetings Die-namics dies (MFT); twine, foam dots

Flourishes Focus On Tins - Celebrate!

2011-12-30T01:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, all, welcome to Flourishes Friday Free For All. this week, The Design Team was challenged to design a project using these little tins. You know what a thing I have for banners, and since it looks like I won't have time to do one of my larger, more elaborate banners for the New Year I think this sweet little number will fill in just fine.

First of all I covered the top of the tin with black card stock, then with a layer of Classic White that I embossed with stars. Then I cut white and black card stock with my Nested Pennant and Lacey Nested Pennant dies--five of each. I stamped the image from Birthday Pennants on all the white ones, adhered them to the black layer, and punched holes in each upper corner. I tied that cute little gingham ribbon knots on one and popped it up on the top of the tin. Then I adhered some Dew Drops in colors to match my banner and added the sentiment.

For the banner, I strung the remaining four pennants together and tied bows on each end, then glittered up some chipboard numbers and attached them to the pennants. Fan-folded, they fit in the tin with room to spare for some tissue paper. That is, IF I could bring myself to give it away ;-)

Be sure to check out what the rest of the Design Team has for you using these darling tins:

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Birthday Pennants (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic White (Flourishes); Basic Black (SU!)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Nested Pennants, Lacey Nested Pennants (Spellbinders); Dew Drops, ribbon, glitter, chipboard numbers, Xyron X Sticker maker, foam dots, tin

Look After My Heart - MFT January Teaser, Day Three

2011-12-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome back to MFT's January Teasers, Day Three! Today we're showing you two Clearly Sentimental sets: Clearly Sentimental about Romance (Triple Scoop Set) and Pearls of Wisdom (previous Triple Scoop Set). I'm using Clearly Sentimental About Romance for my card today. I'm not a Twilight addict, but I love this sentiment A LOT! I stamped it on the smaller of the new Layered Heart Die-namics dies and layered it with the larger heart as my focal image. You can see I'm using the awesome Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics die again. I do {heart} that flower. And some leaves using Upsy Daisy Die-namics. I finished it off with some twill ribbon and some clear Dew Drops for balance. Sweet.

I stamped another sentiment from the set on the inside of my card.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers 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 January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Thanks for stopping by! See you back here tomorrow for my Day Four teaser!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About Romance (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Whip Cream; Smokey Shadow (PTI); Head Over Heels (Lilybee Design)

Ink: Smokey Shadow (PTI); Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Layered Heart, Rolled Scallop Flower, Upsy Daisy Die-namics dies (MFT); twill, Dew Drops, foam dots, glue gun

From the Heart - MFT January Teaser, Day Two

2011-12-29T00:00:00.000-05:00

My main bunny Flopsey is back in Bunch of Hearts Flopsey!!! Oh, I do love that rabbit! This time he's bringing us a bunch of love :) I'm also using the new Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics die for this card. I love this flower!!! It's super easy to assemble and as you can see, I couldn't stop with one ;-) My girl Jody Morrow has put together a little video to show you how simple it is and you can see it HERE. I tried it with hot glue like Jody did and it's simply amazing how well it works! I confess to have been a little rolled flower (especially the roses) challenged so I'm going to try it on one of them to see if I get better results than glue dots. I'll let you know :)

OK, back to Flopsey. He's colored with Copic markers and I stamped one of the sentiments on the front, overstamping "Heart" with an open heart image, also from the set. Then I added a Simply Scallops Die-namics border some baker's twine, and the rolled flowers. I must have leaves for my flowers so I added some cut with the Upsy Daisy Die-namics set.

Here's the inside with another sentiment and all of the open heart images in the set.

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card:

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers 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 January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Thanks SO much for stopping by! See you back tomorrow for Day Three January Teaser!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Bunch Of Hearts Flopsey (MFT)

Paper: Black Licorice, Wild Cherry, Sweet Tooth; Smokey Shadow (PTI); Yours Truly 6 x 6 (Echo Park)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Lady Bug

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Upsy Daisy, Simply Scallops, Rolled Scallop Flower Die-namics dies; baker's twine, Copic markers, sewing machine, glue gun; foam dots

...because it has a song - MFTWSC #52

2011-12-28T12:00:00.000-05:00

Are you ready for this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge? Here’s this week’s sketch. You can find the sketch on the MFT blog and also in the MFT forum on SCS, as well as in the weekly newsletter. The Design Team will be on hand to provide plenty of inspiration to get you started.

I brought out the very first set in the Inspired by line - Inspired by Caged Bird. That set started my love affair with the Inspired by line and it's never wavered.

I pretty much kept the sketch intact this week for a change ;-) I stamped the cage, matted it, and popped it up on foam. I added a Little Open Scallops Strip Die-namics to the vertical element and used wide striped ribbon for the fishtail element. I stamped the bird in flight, cut it out, and popped it up, as well. Everything was sponged with some Antique Linen Distress Ink to keep the Vintage feel going.

Here's the inside with another stamped bird and a well-loved sentiment from the set.

Thanks SO much for stopping by! See you back tomorrow for another January teaser!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Inspired by Caged Bird (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Whip Cream, Black Licorice; Times & Seasons (Echo Park)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Little Open Scallop Strip Die-namics die (MFT); ribbon, pearls, foam dots

Je t'aime - MFT January Teaser, Day One

2011-12-28T00:00:00.000-05:00

Ooo-la-la! WTG has gone international! Who's That Parisian Girl will WOW you with the images and sentiments that work so well with the new Eiffel Tower Die-namics die. How cool is THAT?!

I stamped WTG, paper pieced her skirt and colored her very very chic sweater with Copic markers. Then I matted it and popped it up on foam, adding the Eiffel Tower die cut, some Flat Bottom Clouds, and a new Mini Wavy Pennant Die-namics die cut. These pennants work with the pole from the previously released Mini Pennant Die-namics set and give you added versatility with that set. I'm also using the new Jumbo Monarch Border Die-namics, embellished with some hot pink gem stones and some matching gingham ribbon. I like the contrast between that ribbon and the sophistication of the gems and the image.

Here's the inside of my card, with more images from the set.

And here are the Die-namics dies I used on this card.

Here are the details about the upcoming release on January 3rd at 10 PM EST:

You can attend the New Release Party on January 3rd from 8-10 PM EST HERE in the MFT forum, where you can enjoy fun, games, and PRIZES!
The MFT release, including all new stamp sets and Die-namics, is on January 3rd at 10 PM EST. You'll find all the newest products HERE at release time.
The guest designer contest is ON! Check out the forum for details on how YOU can win $200 in stamp sets and Die-namics, and play along with the MFT Design Team for a month.
If you'd like to see all the teasers 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 January 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Thanks SO much for stopping by! Hope to see you back later today for this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge and I'll be back again tomorrow with another teaser!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Who's That Parisian Girl (MFT)

Paper: Black Licorice, Whip Cream, Razzleberry, Perfect Paper Panel; Smokey Shadow (PTI); Be Mine 6 x 6 (Echo Park)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Rose Bud

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Eiffel Tower, Jumbo Monarch Border, Mini Pennant, Mini Wavy Pennant, Flat Bottom Clouds Die-namics dies (MFT); bling, ribbon, foam dots; Copic markers

It's An After Christmas Sale at Flourishes!!!

2011-12-27T09:54:00.000-05:00

We hope you enjoyed the holidays and we hope you felt the blessings we wished upon you and your family! We’ve been busy at home base trying to go through all of our shelves to prep for our end of year inventory. After walking through the warehouse, it was clear…. FLOURISHES NEEDS A SALE!

So, if you have Christmas money to spend, we’ve got a great deal you won’t want to miss! From now through Friday, everything in the store is 25% off. Even the goodies on our sale page that have already been reduced for quick sale are 25% off the sale price!

TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SALE….. Simply use XMAS11 in the coupon code box at the time of checkout.

Be sure to hit the recalculate button on the page so that your total adjusts to the sale price. Keep in mind, there are no rain checks or back orders. Once some of these items are gone, they will be gone for good! So, shop early for the best selection!

December MFT Creative Chat - Embellishments

2011-12-27T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's time for the MFT Creative Chat. The My Favorite Things Design Team Creative Chat is a monthly feature, where we are challenged to explore our creative spaces and share valuable organizational methods, tools, and shopping strategies with you. You'll be able to peek into our creative spaces, ask questions, and share your own ideas in the MFT forum. This month, we were asked the following questions:

Show us how you store your embellishments.

What are your absolute favorite embellishments?

Any tips or tricks on how to use embellishments on stamped creations?

Visit Kim's Blog for a full list of designers that have taken up the challenge and get ready to delve into the minds of our creative team.

OK, are you ready for the tour? Let's go! I keep flat things like chipboard letters in a drawer in a Sterlite cabinet.

***

I love canning jars and use them for all kinds of storage. I use them for canisters in my kitchen and buttons in my stamp room. These are the little pint jelly jars and I use the replacement white plastic tops instead of the lids and rings. Each of these jars contains one color of buttons. A little further back you'll see pint jars with color collections.

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The little 4 oz jars are perfect for brads. I don't use brads a lot, but I want them handy when I do. You'll also see some smaller button collections in these little jars. I keep all the jars on lazy Susans so I can see everything easily, at the touch of a finger.

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Here I have some Prima flowers, sorted by color, and all of my stick pins in one pint jar. I probably should sort them out into smaller jars.

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In this set of medium Sterlite drawers you'll see...Big Brads, LOL! It's even labeled! These are larger brads and Basic Gray Brads.

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In this set of medium Sterlite drawers I keep my bling.

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Bottom drawer has all my pearls.

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Middle drawer is gem stones.

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And top drawer is for my flourishes, gems and pearls.

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I also love Dew Drops. I keep my little bottles of them on a turntable handy to my stamping area. and...

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...also close by I have this nifty box of dispensers that I got on eBay. Lots of colors, conveniently packaged and also handy on my table.

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OK, that's it for storage. As for my favorite embellishment...well, it's a toss up between buttons and Dew Drops/pearls. I love buttons on ribbons, on twine, or simply by themselves--always with twine, never naked, LOL. I love them because you can use them with ANY style project--from CAS, to Vintage, to primitive, to, well, anything!

I love Dew Drops/pearls because they give the look of brads without the hassle. I never seem to be able to line brads up straight and then you've got the problem with the "legs" between layers. With Dew Drops or pearls, aligning them is much easier than brads for me. I did figure out a way around the "leggy" problem, though, and it also helps with lining them up. Sometimes nothing will do except a brad, KWIM? I'll show you how I manage them with a few pictures.

First, cut the legs off your brads as close as you can down inside the cap. I keep some wire cutters hand for this purpose.

Then, push the "stumps" down into the cap as far as possible. I use a hemostat but small needle nosed pliers or jewelry pliers would work. And sometimes I just smack it with the flat side of my wire cutters ;-)

Next, fill up the cap with liquid glue or Crystal Effects (my preference).

Don't overfill or it will leak out around your brad when you adhere it into place. Voila! No legs to deal with and you can move them a tiny bit if necessary for neatness.

And that's it for embellishments from me--thanks so much for stopping by! I hope I gave you a few things to think about when organizing your embellishments.

January teasers start tomorrow, so I'll be back with Day One and then later on with this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge! Hope to see you back!

Flourishes Friday Free For All

2011-12-23T01:00:00.000-05:00

Hi, all, back today with a couple of cards using Flourishes latest release sets. This first one is using an image from the Pears set. I stamped the image and sentiment on Classic White card stock with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, then colored with Copic markers and cut out with a Curved Rectangles Nestabilities die. The ribbon I'm using is THIS ribbon. I sponged the edges of the image panel with Antique Linen Distress Ink, popped it up on foam dots, and added some flat back pearls for balance.

Here are the Copic Collections I used on this card:

For my second card, I'm using the new Snow Wonderful set--another set that is designed to work with the Tailor-made Spellbinders die set called Classic Keyhole Template Die.

Again, I stamped on Classic White card stock, colored with Copic markers, and sponged the edges. I popped it up on a Labels Four Nestabilities die cut. That was popped up on a Picot Edge Circle die cut and finished off with some sheer brown ribbon and some more pearls.

These Copic Collections were used on this card:

Don't forget that today is the last day to take advantage of the New Release Bundle Special. Get all the details HERE.

And be sure to check out what the rest of the Flourishes designers have for your today:

~Supplies~

Card 1:

Stamps: Pears (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic White (Flourishes); Kraft (SU!); Happy Day (Simple Stories)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Curved Rectangle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); ribbon, Copic markers, flat back pearls

Card 2:

Stamps: Snow Wonderful (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic Ivory, Classic Cream (Flourishes); Kraft (SU!); Father Christmas (Bo Bunny)

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa; Antique Linen Distress Ink (Ranger)

Accessories/tools: Grand Calibur, Labels Four Nestabilities, Picot Edge Circle Nestabilities (Spellbinders); ribbon, Copic markers, flat back pearls

A Beautiful Day - MFTWSC #51

2011-12-21T12:00:00.000-05:00

I decided to go all scrappy with this card and I brought out the very first Inspired By Flowers set, Set 1. I've always LOVED this carnation image. I stamped it on some patterned paper, colored it with Copic markers, and went to town with the sketch. I stamped the sentiment, from the recently released Inspired By Months Of the Year on a Ticket Tab Die-namics die cut and attached it to the image panel with some zig zag stitching. I decided to leave the ends loose for a little textural interest. I used my Simply Scalloped, Medium Die-namics die for the border, did some more stitching, and added some twine and a button to finish off the sketch. I really like how this card turned out.

For the INSIDE of the card, I stamped the carnation again, stamped off once, and a sentiment from the set.

And that's it! Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Inspired By Flowers (Set 1); Inspired By Months Of the Year (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Black Licorice; For the Record 6 x 6 pad (Echo Park)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Simply Scallops, Medium and Ticket Tab Die-namics dies (MFT); sewing machine, Copic markers, foam dots, twine, button

MFT December VIP New Product Tour

2011-12-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

It's that special time of the month - it's MFT VIP time! The VIP Collection is available for purchase NOW and here's what's included in the package:

Again this month, two adorable PIs! And the most fantabulous rolled flower die. I am totally in love with this die, as you will see in the future :)

For my first little girl, I stamped her, paper pieced her dress, and colored the rest with Copic markers. Don't you simply LOVE that little knee up in the air. Swooooooon! There's a Dizzy Doily Die-namics die cut under her and the sentiment was done on a banner, using Banner Day and By the Letters Die-namics dies.

On the INSIDE, I added a sentiment from the set and three hearts using the Hearts A Plenty Die-namics dies.

For my second card, I again stamped the image, paper pieced her flight suit, and the rest is colored with Copic markers. I colored in her wings with a gold pen for some contrast. I used the Crown Border Die-namics die for the red border and added one of the Rolled Scallop Flowers and some leaves using the Upsy Daisy Die-namics.

The sentiment, from the In the Air Sentiments mini set, was stamped on a cloud from Cloud Trio Die-namics with a sweet little airplane from You Move Me Die-namics. It's so easy to build a card with the awesome selection of Die-namics dies. The sentiment on the inside is from the PI set--and I promise it's stamped straight--must be my amazing photography skills making it look crooked ;-)

Here are the Die-namics dies I used on these cards:

Thanks so much for stopping by! I'll be back later with this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge!

~Supplies~

Card 1:

Stamps: PI - Jump For Joy (MFT)

Paper: Whip Cream, Perfect Paper Panel; Cherry Cobbler (SU!); Love Me 6 x 6 pad (MME)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/tools: Vagabon (Tim Holtz); Banner Day, By the Letters, Dizzy Doily, Heats A Plenty Die-namics dies (MFT); twine, Dew Drops, Copic markers, ribbon, foam dots

Card 2:

Stamps: PI - Plane Amazing (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Whip Cream, Wild Cherry, Perfect Paper Panel; World Traveler 6 x 6 pad (Teresa Collins)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Crown Border, You Move Me, Cloud Trio, Rolled Scallop Flower, Upsy Daisy Die-namics dies (MFT); twine, foam dots, Copic markers, gold pen

Season's Greetings - MFTWSC #50

2011-12-17T00:00:00.000-05:00

I'm back today with this week's MFT Wednesday Sketch Challenge. Here’s the sketch. You can also find the sketch on the MFT blog and in the MFT forum on SCS, as well as in the weekly newsletter. The Design Team will be on hand to provide plenty of inspiration to get you started.

Sooooooooooo... I couldn't resist; another Christmas card :) And, yeah, I messed with the fishtail element a bit ;-) I couldn't help it--I had to use the Christmas Ornaments Die-namics set again. MAN! I've gotten a ton of use out of this set this year! I love it to pieces!

And, one of my favorite Die-namics sets, Layered Labels was virtually mandated, don't you think? Yeah, I thought so, too. The sentiment is from my also well-used/loved Clearly Sentimental About Christmas set, stamped on patterned paper and embellished with the SWEET little holly leaves from Christmas Ornaments Die-namics.

Here's another sentiment, from the same set--so many versatile sentiments that can he used inside or out in this set.

So, that's all for me today! Hope to see you over at the MFT Member Forum on Splitcoast joining in on the sketch!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Clearly Sentimental About Christmas (MFT)

Paper: Fossil, Jellybean Green; Season's Greetings (Echo Park; Metallic gold (SU!)

Ink: Cherry Cobbler (SU!)

Accessories/tools: Vagabond (Tim Holtz); Christmas Ornaments, Layered Labels Die-namics dies (MFT); gold cord, foam dots, pearl, sewing machine

Flourishes 1, 2, 3 Create Kit - Little Black Dress

2011-12-16T01:00:00.000-05:00

Today we're revealing December's 1, 2 3 Create Kit. You can get all the details at the Flourishes Blog.

Oh, how I love the paper is this kit, Little Black Dress by Basic Grey. Totally elegant and sophisticated, just like all the matching embellishments and ribbon that Flourishes has put together for you. For my card, I'm using the paper (of course!), the black gemstones, and the shiny cream color ribbon. You know I love ribbon that ties a pretty bow, and this stuff is heavenly to work with! Since this kit is so elegant and classy, I decided to go with an anniversary card and to keep it relatively uncluttered, using Flourishes' Wedded Bliss set. The "doily" was cut using Spellbinders' Picot Edge Circle die, and the sentiment was cut out with a Petite Oval Nestabilities die. My base card is from Classic Ivory card stock.

Now, be sure to check out what the rest of the design team has for you today...

Barbara Anders (<--you are here!)

...because ONE of them is the

for today :) Now, here's a few things you'll want to know about this release:

Take advantage of a special limited time only deal and grab both of our New Release Sets for December at 10% off the total price. Get all the details HERE.

Don't forget the Feminine Flair Challenge is still in progress.

All winners will be announced on Saturday, December 17th, at Noon CST on the Flourishes Blog.

Thanks so much for stopping by!

~Supplies~

Stamps: Wedded Bliss (Flourishes)

Paper: Classic Ivory (Flourishes); Little Black Dress 1, 2, 3 Create Kit (Fourishes); Basic Black (SU!)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Accessories: Little Black Dress 1, 2, 3 Create Kit (Flourishes)

Paper Pursuits

Flourishes Friday–Focus On Angelic Love

Always Kiss Me Goodnight–MFTWSC #56

Love–CTD #176

I Remembered Your Birthday–MFT and Scor-Pal Joint Blog Hop!

Thank you for your generosi-tea

Superstar–C4C #120

My Best Bud - Flourishes Friday Free For All

I just can’t thank you enough–MFTWSC #55

Thank U–CTD #175

It's MFT VIP Time!

Look After My Heart - MFTWSC #54

*offer only available in the USA, to retail customers *this is a free service from MFT - regular text message rates apply

Thank You - C4C #119

Flourishes January Sneak Peek - Day Three

Flourishes January Sneak Peek - Day Two

Flourishes January Release Noon-Time Challenge, Day One

From the Heart - Flourishes January Sneak Peek, Day One

Happy Birthday - CTD #174

MFT January Creative Challenge - Masculine

You're My Everything - C4C #118

Make Every Minute Count - Flourishes January Pre-Release Challenge

MFT Wednesday Stamp Club Sketch Challenge - End of Year PARTY!

I Love You This Big - MFTWSC #53

Happy New Year - Color Throwdown #173

MFT January New Product Tour

You're a STAR - MFT January Die-namics Feature and Pep Rally

You're One Of a Kind - MFT January Teaser, Day Six

Chocolate = Happiness - MFT January Teaser, Day Five

Happy 2012 - MFT January Teasers, Day Four

Flourishes Focus On Tins - Celebrate!

Look After My Heart - MFT January Teaser, Day Three

From the Heart - MFT January Teaser, Day Two

...because it has a song - MFTWSC #52

Je t'aime - MFT January Teaser, Day One

It's An After Christmas Sale at Flourishes!!!

TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE SALE….. Simply use XMAS11 in the coupon code box at the time of checkout.

December MFT Creative Chat - Embellishments

Flourishes Friday Free For All

A Beautiful Day - MFTWSC #51

MFT December VIP New Product Tour

Season's Greetings - MFTWSC #50

Flourishes 1, 2, 3 Create Kit - Little Black Dress

offer only available in the USA, to retail customers
this is a free service from MFT - regular text message rates apply