MCT Made In Minutes: SPECtacular Birthday Card

This weekend, we celebrated our niece, Evelyn's, 8th birthday. Wow! I can't believe how fast she's growing up!!! This simple, but so perfect-for-Evy birthday card was made just for her.

MCT Products Used
What's Growing On? (glasses die)
Alpha Pack (letters to create sentiment)
Stitched Square Speech Bubbles (speech bubble die)

I've been seeing a lot of sequins being used lately, and I must say, I wasn't a huge fan of the trend myself. But then I bought my own sequins...

...and of course, now I love them. They are such a simple little something to add dimension and flair to a card.

Thanks for stopping by today. There are more Made In Minutes projects to see on Emma's blog (plus winners from last week's 5 Days of Christmas!) Check it out!

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 5 Days of Christmas: Reindeer Invitations

My Creative Time is wrapping up the 5 Days of Christmas today. If you haven't been following along on the MCT blog, check it out! Emma and the designers have created some fabulous Christmas projects for you to see this week!

Today I'm sharing with you our annual Christmas Eve Eve invitation. Each year, The Hubs and I get to celebrated Christmas for three full days beginning with two days before Christmas. On December 23rd, we host my side of the family in our home for dinner, presents and quality family time.

This year, I've used the super classy leaping reindeer die from Oh Deer as the focus of our invitations. The "believe" die from Boughs of Holly works perfectly beneath it. I also used a Stitched Rectangle Die and a circle die from Bunch of Fun Circles to keep the card simple, but interesting.

Thank You cards from Mara-mi

My card fronts are actually built on a pre-existing thank you card that I found for a STEAL from Target. These card/envelope sets sell for $10.99 online. I picked up three packs for less than $3 each. With 30 sets in the pack, that's less than $.10 per set! The cards are embossed in wood grain and the envelopes feature printed wood grain, too.

I originally purchased them to use as bases for my sister-in-law's upcoming baby shower thank you notes. Of course, I loved them so much myself that I made sure to pick up one extra box for me!

***5 Days of Christmas Giveaway***
Emma has had awesome giveaways all week and today is no different!

To qualify for a chance to win today's giveaway, simply leave your comments on the designers' blogs. Please remember also to leave an email address for us to contact you if you are a LUCKY winner! You still have the weekend to leave your comments. Emma will announce ALL five days of winners on her blog Monday, December 8, 2014! Good luck!

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Thank you so much for stopping by to share some Christmas cheer with me today! You can check out Emma's blog to see what the other designers have up their sleeves for you.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 38th Release Blog Hop: Olaf Candy Holder

The view from my studio window

Welcome to the 38th Release Blog Hop! You've probably arrived here from Kim's blog. If not, you can start this Hop from the beginning at the MCT blog.

Is it cold where you live? I'm in Southeast Michigan and we're experiencing cold temperatures and snow. Now, as a Michigander, I'm no stranger to snow, but mid-November is quite early for us to be having this fluffy stuff. It's going to be a long winter. Thank God we have a snow blower.

Today, I'm showcasing the FREE stamp set (details below), HELLO You.

Since I don't have kids, I don't usually get to join in on the latest kid craze. But when I saw a little Olaf made using punches, I just had to try my hand at making him with MCT dies! Plus, Olaf is my favorite Frozen character. We might might not have kids of our own yet, but we have 11 nieces and nephews to 'borrow' (#12 due in March). We took our 7-year-old niece, Evelyn, to see Frozen when it was in the theaters.

MCT Products Used
Bunch of Fun Circles (belly and feet)
Oh Deer (eyes, nose, buttons and 'hair')
Stitched Decorative Banner (sentiment flag)
Stitched Sweetheart Die (head/cheek layer)
Stitched Lollipop Holder (base layer)
It's A Magical Season (snowy background)
NEW! Stitched Oval Die (head/face layer, mouth and chest)
NEW! HELLO You (sentiment)
*The arms, teeth and eyebrows were hand cut.

This little guy was so much fun to create! I love using products I have and re-imagining them into something new. Now that I think about it, it wasn't snowing yet when I made him. Oh no!!! Did I bring the snow?!?!

First 150 orders receive
this stamp set FREE!

***FREEBIE STAMP***
This release, Emma is giving away the HELLO You stamp set to the first 150 shopper for FREE! No need to add it to your cart, it will automatically be added to the first 150 orders. If you order after the first 150 shoppers, this stamp will be available for purchase with the rest of the release items.

UPDATE: The first 150 shoppers have ordered! If you've ordered and your invoice is between #13858 - #14012, you'll receive the Hello You stamp set for FREE! If not, you can purchase this stamp with the rest of the new release.

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***BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY***
For today's Blog Hop Giveaway, Emma is giving away a $50 gift card to the My Creative Time online store to ONE LUCKY winner! To be entered in the random drawing, simply leave a comment on each of the Design Team members' blogs. You are not required to comment on every blog, but the more you comment on, the better the more entries you receive.

Very important: Please leave a way for us to contact you with your comment so we can notify the winner.
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***SALE ALERT***
Our sale starts right now! Use the code: NOV2014 to receive 20% off your entire purchase! This sale applies to IN-STOCK items ONLY and ends on Wednesday, 11/26 st at 11:59pm PST!

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I'm so glad you stopped by to hop with us today. You've got one more stop to make at our Guest Designer, Cindy's, blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 38th Edition Sneak Peek: Wreath Anniversary Card

It's Release Week at My Creative Time and today we are showcasing the new Stitched Oval Dies. Now, I'm going to be honest with you: I'm not a fan of ovals. Nope. I'm more of a circle girl. But in using these dies I've come to appreciate the oval. Maybe not love it, but I can see the need for an oval here and there.

This anniversary card was created with someone special in mind. Someone who reads my blog, so I shall not name any names. I used the new ovals to create a frame and a layer. Emma added the fabulous stitching accent to the inside and outside of these dies. So as you can see on my card, it doesn't matter if you use them for frames or layers, you'll still get the stitching!

I used Pretty Spring Wreaths stamp set for my focal point. When stamping on kraft colored card stock, try adding in some white ink. It'll really help your images to pop.

MCT Products Used
Pretty Spring Wreaths (wreath)
Boughs of Holly ("Happy" die)
Happy Thoughts ("anniversary")
Stitched Trio Banner Die (banner for sentiment)
NEW! Stitched Oval Dies (available this Friday)

That's it for me today. Be sure to check out the My Creative Time blog to see what the other designers have whipped up using these dies.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Inspiration Wednesday: Heartbeat Card

As a designer and crafter, I find inspiration all over the place. From nature to color swatches at the paint store - inspiration is everywhere! For this card, I was inspired by my new marathon hoodie that The Hubs bought me a couple weeks ago:

26.2 Heart Beat Hoodie

Over the weekend, I joined the ladies in my family for our semi-annual Scrap Camp retreat. I was able to get SO MUCH done (way more than usual). I wore this hoodie as I was working on my "December Anniversary" card. The Hubs and I celebrate two anniversaries: one in June (wedding) and one in December (when we started dating twelve years ago). 

The ECG (heartbeat) was made using the heart die from Winter Cheer + a lot of hand cutting. I combined two stamp sets for the sentiment: Sit Back & Relax and Alpha Pack.

The Stitched Square Speech Bubbles were used quite a bit this weekend. Did you know that a heartbeat 'says' "lub dub"? I didn't.

That's it for me today. Head over to the MCT blog to see what the other designers were inspired by today.

I hope YOU were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Made In Minutes: Oh Deer Birthday Card

I honestly can't remember a time I've made a project "in minutes". Like, ever. One card will usually take me an hour or more to dream up, create, edit, re-do, hem-and-haw over, and then complete. And don't even get me started on scrapbook layouts. Let's just say that twice a year I go away to "Scrap Camp" for a weekend and come home boasting to The Hubs about how I completed "x" number of projects (which I can usually count on one hand).

But I suppose this card could be done in minutes if I were to re-create it. So that counts, right?

MCT Products Used
Oh Deer ("oh deer" & deer dies)
Seasonal Greetings (tree stamps and dies)
Stitched Decorative Banner Die (shape for sentiment)
Celebrate Good Times ("it's your Birthday!")
Birthday Buddies (birthday hat)
Fun Stitched Edges Die (to make hills)

I used a black marker and white gel pen to color some accents on the deer so he looked less like Donner and more like Daniel (this card is for my brother, Dan, after all). I cut his antlers out a second time in kraft to layer them. A little bit of Crystal Effects dots the hills for some added interest.

Thanks for stopping by today! You can see what the other designers have created for today's Made In Minutes on the MCT blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Scrapping the Little Things: Mom & Me Wedding Layout

I'm plugging away on my wedding album. It's only be three-and-a-half years in the making. Progress is progress, right?

The MCT Design Team was asked to use a sketch (found on the MCT blog) for our layouts today. This layout is of my mom and me. Can you tell we're related?

MCT Products Used
Build A Pretty Flower (flower stamps)
Pretty Spring Wreaths (yellow dots stamp)
Build A Scripty & Watercolor Background (script stamp)

Thanks so much for dropping by today. Mosey on over to Emma's blog to see what the other designers have in store for you.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 37th Release Blog Hop: Santa Paws Card

It's another Release Day with My Creative Time! If you've hopped here from Kim's blog, you're on the right path. If not, head on over to Emma's blog if you'd like to start from the beginning.

I'm supposed to be showcasing just one set today, but this entire release is so cute that I couldn't help but use a bunch of different sets together.

MCT Products Used
NEW! Boughs of Holly (holly leaves, "Fa La..." sentiment, "believe" die)
NEW! Oh Deer (music notes)
NEW! Christmas Doggy (Get this set for FREE - details below)
Bunch of Fun Circle Die
Classy Girl Accessories Dies  (Santa hat)

First 150 orders receive
this stamp set FREE!

***FREEBIE STAMP***
This release, Emma is giving away the Christmas Doggy stamp set to the first 150 shopper for FREE! No need to add it to your cart, it will automatically be added to the first 150 orders. If you order after the first 150 shoppers, this stamp will be available for purchase with the rest of the release items.

UPDATE: The first 150 shoppers have ordered! If you've ordered and your invoice is between #13533 - #13683, you'll receive the Christmas Doggy stamp set for FREE! If not, you can purchase this stamp with the rest of the new release.
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***BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY***
For today's Blog Hop Giveaway, Emma is giving away a $50 gift card to the My Creative Time online store to ONE LUCKY winner! To be entered in the random drawing, simply leave a comment on each of the Design Team members' blogs. You are not required to comment on every blog, but the more you comment on, the better the more entries you receive.

Very important: Please leave a way for us to contact you with your comment so we can notify the winner.
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***SALE ALERT***
Our sale starts right now! Use the code: OCT2014 to receive 20% off your entire purchase! This sale applies to IN-STOCK items ONLY and ends on October 31st at 11:59pm PST!
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Phew! That's a LOT of info! (But it's all good stuff, right?)

Thanks so much for hopping by today. You've got one more stop. Head on over to our Guest Designer, Brigit's, blog to see what she's created.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 27th Edition Sneak Peek: Tree of Hearts Card

I was so sad to miss last month's MCT Release. Well, maybe not too sad - I was vacationing for 2 weeks in Europe. On holiday. That sounds so much fancier!

I'm back and so excited for the 37th Release! Today, I'm showcasing Whimsical Trees and Seasonal Greetings.

The layout and design is quite simple, but the colors give this card a POP. The tree's circle is a stamp in the Whimsical Trees set, not a die. I found that my solid stamps work best when I put a magazine underneath my project. It's a little extra cushion for the stamp and gives a a cleaner look.

MCT Products Used
Whimsical Trees (circle stamp - Available Friday)
Seasonal Greetings ("Follow Your Heart", heart die, tree trunk die - Available Friday)
Trio Stitched Banner Dies (banner for sentiment)
Stitched Rectangular Frame Dies (large rectangle base layer)

***Sneak Peek giveaway!***
We will be giving away the sets we are showcasing each day to ONE lucky winner! The winner of today's set will be announced on Emma's blog tomorrow.
To enter, simply leave a comment on each of our blogs! You are NOT required to comment on every blog, but the more you comment on, the better chance you have for winning!

Very important: PLEASE leave a way for us to contact you with your comment so we can notify the winner.

For extra entries, you can spread the word about this release on Facebook, tweet about it or even instagram it! #mycreativetime!

Good luck and let's start spreading the word!
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Thanks so much for stopping by today. You can see more inspiration using these soon-to-be-released sets on the My Creative Time blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Tag It Tuesday: Silver & Gold

This is a work in progress. That's okay, right? We were challenged to use a beautiful color palette on the MCT blog today and I struggled a bit. 

What will I use this tag for? I'm not sure, actually. So I left my options open by not adding a sentiment or making it too theme-y. It's simple, but the glitter and shine of the papers really give it an elegant look.

MCT Products Used

Tag Dies (gold layer)

Tag Die Layers (white layer)

Scalloped Stitched Rosette Dies

Bunch of Fun Circle Dies

Stitched Sweetheart Dies

Thanks for stopping by today! You can see more (finished) tags using today's color palette on the MCT blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT What A Treat Wednesday: Baked With Love Box

I love to bake. Cupcakes, cakes, mini desserts... you name it. But the treat I get the most "Oh-my-gosh-you-made-this?-I-have-to-have-more" compliments on are my chocolate chip cookies. They're life changing.

I brought a box of my cookies to a meeting last night and decided to dress up the packaging a bit.

MCT Products Used
Alpha Pack (all stamped words)
Uppercase Fun Dies ("VK")
100% Sweetness (heart die)
Bunch of Fun Circle Dies (large circle)
Trio Stitched Banner Dies (3D banner on heart)
Stitched Decorative Banner Dies (flag banner)

The box is adorable, but it's what's INSIDE the box that really matters. The recipe I use is not my own original recipe. You can find it here. You won't be sorry you tried it!

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Thrifty Thursday: #love Card

I have a confession to make: I love hashtags! It's so much fun to create witty, sometimes silly hashtags to add to my Facebook status updates or even just to send in a text to friends. For today's Thrifty Thursday, I've used all scraps (except for the card base) to create this #love card for a friends' bridal shower.

I used the 'instacam' dies from Picture Perfect for the camera and mimicked the shape with 4 x 4 Journal Die in the background. I also mimicked the camera stripes on the background for added color.

To create my own 'hashtags' on the kraft layer, I used the Alpha Pack stamp set and stamped each word individually. (You might notice #Blake as the first one - that will be the bride's married name.)

The "#love" uses the Social Media Dies and Family Is Everything.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Check out the MCT blog for more Thrifty Thursday projects.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Scrapping The Little Things: Love Wedding Layout

Hello there! Today at My Creative Time we're using a sketch for our scrapbook layouts. This one was a lot of fun for me. I've always loved the look of mostly 'bare' pages with a bold main focus - and this page is just that!

To create the 3" x 3" photo squares, I used the Stitched 3x4 Journal Die. After cutting out the photo first, I then re-positioned the die to cut the photo again at a smaller length. It was kind of the opposite of lengthening a die.

MCT Products Used

Stitched 3x4 Journal Die

Family Is Everything ("love" die)

Speech Bubble Sentiments ("you")

Stitched Heart Layering Dies

Thank you so much for stopping by today. Be sure to see what the other designers have created for today on Emma's blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 35th Release Blog Hop: Love Phone Case

Yay! It's another Release Day at My Creative Time! If you're hopping with us today, you've gotten here from Kim's blog. If not, please join us by starting at Emma's blog.

Today I'm showcasing the Family Is Everything stamp & die set. As soon as I saw this set, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I recently purchased a clear iPhone case so that I can express myself while talking and texting.

As you can see, this design is super simple. The gold, glittery "love" is a show stopper and really POPS on the casual parquet background.

MCT Products Used
Family is Everything ("love" die)
Stitched Sweetheart Die

***FREEBIE STAMP***

Since the last release was such a great success, Emma is showing her appreciation by giving away this Good Friends stamp to the first 150 shopper for FREE! No need to add it to your cart, it will automatically be added to the first 150 orders. If you order after the first 150 shoppers, this stamp will be available for purchase with the rest of the release items.

UPDATE: The first 150 shoppers have ordered! If you've ordered and your invoice is between #12870 - #13021, you'll receive the Good Friends stamp for FREE! If not, you can purchase this stamp with the rest of the new release.
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***BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY***
For today's Blog Hop Giveaway, Emma is giving away a $50 gift card to the My Creative Time online store to ONE LUCKY winner! To be entered in the random drawing, simply leave a comment on each of the Design Team members' blogs. You are not required to comment on every blog, but the more you comment on, the better the more entries you receive.

Very important: Please leave a way for us to contact you with your comment so we can notify the winner.
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***SALE ALERT***
Our sale starts right now! Use the code: AUGUST2014 to receive 20% off your entire purchase! Sale ends on September 5th at 11:59pm PST!
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Thanks so much for hopping by today. I'm your last stop.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 35th Edition Sneak Peek #1: Wish Big Candle Card

Welcome, welcome to another Release Week with My Creative Time! We're kicking this week off with a sneak peek of Fun Vertical Greetings. This stamp set coordinates well with the Embossed Gift Card Holder Die, but I've used it on a card here.

I stamped the "Wish Big" sentiment from the new set onto the birthday candles that I fashioned using two dies that weren't originally created to be candles. It's so fun to look at dies in a new way!

The candle base was created using the medium Stitched Decorative Banner Die. I extended the die to allow for the sentiment to fit. (There's an easy-to-follow video made by another crafter on extending dies here.)

The flame was created with the ornament die from Warm Holiday Fun. I cut it out in white and colored it with my Copics.

***Sneak Peek Giveaway!***
We will be giving away the sets we are showcasing each day to ONE lucky winner! The winner of today's set will be announced on Emma's blog tomorrow. To enter, simply leave a comment on our blogs. You are NOT required to comment on every blog, but the more you comment on, the better chance you have for winning!

Very important: Please include your email address with your comment so we can notify you if you are the lucky winner.

For EXTRA entries, you can spread the word about this release on Facebook, tweet about it OR even instagram it! #mycreativetime!

Good luck!

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That's all for me today. Thanks for stopping by! You can swing by the MCT blog to see what the other designers have created using this new set.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Head of the Class Blog Hop

Hello! You've probably come here from Kim's blog. If not, you can start this awesome Hop from the beginning at Emma's blog.

Back to school already?!?! Didn't summer just begin? I don't have kids quite yet, so the "Back to School" season doesn't affect me too much - other than the fact that one of my very good friends is a teacher, so when she gets back to work, I lose my daytime running buddy.

My brother and his family just moved last month, so my seven-year-old niece, Evelyn, will be starting at a new school this year.

This card features the NEW pencil die included in the Love to Learn die + stamp set (available right now!). It works so well with the past MCT goodies I've used on this card, too:

Alpha Pack (sentiment)
Fun Letter Background
Get Schooled (paper lines)

This release isn't JUST for "Back to School", though. I've used the new Uppercase Fun Dies for a birthday card for The Hubs.

The story behind the card:
Many moons ago, my brother was later-than-usual coming home from a party. My Mom and I were paging him (remember, I said MANY moons ago) for hours and when we finally got a hold of him, his response was that he was "d@#n near 21" and that we shouldn't be worrying so much about him. That phrase has stuck with my family since then.

The Hubs will be 29 in September, so this 'family phrase' is perfect for his "nearly 30" birthday card!
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Along with the Uppercase Fun Dies, I've used:

Alpha Pack ("YOU'RE")
Social Media Dies ("@#")
Stitched 4x6 Journal Die ("30")
Stitched Decorative Banner Dies
Bunch of Fun Circle Dies
What's Growing On? (mustache die)

***FREEBIE STAMP***

Free stamp included with each order

As a thank you for shopping with us this weekend, Emma is giving away this Stay Focused stamp to EVERY shopper for FREE! THIS WEEKEND ONLY, each order will include this FABULOUS stamp. No need to add it to your cart, it will automatically be added to your orders! This offer ends Sunday, 8/17 at 11:59pm.
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***BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY***
For today's Blog Hop Giveaway, Emma is giving away a $50 gift card to the My Creative Time online store to ONE LUCKY winner! To be entered in the random drawing, simply leave a comment on each of the Design Team members' blogs. You are not required to comment on every blog, but the more you comment on, the better the more entries you receive.

Very important: Please leave a way for us to contact you with your comment so we can notify the winner.
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***SALE ALERT***
This weekend only, use the code: BACKTOSCHOOL to receive 20% off your entire purchase! Sale ends on Sunday, August 17th at 11:59pm PST!
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Thanks so much for hopping with us today. I'm your last stop.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT What a Treat Wednesday: Chewsy Gum Pocket

I don't really have anyone to make little treats for. I have 11 nieces and nephews, but there aren't any holidays or birthdays coming up for the little ones and I'm pretty sure my soon-to-be 17-year-old nephew isn't exactly hoping for a little box filled with candy. So when I was schedule for What a Treat Wednesday, I was at a bit of a loss.

I finally decided to make a little gum holder to tuck away in The Hubs' bag when he leaves for his annual trip with his buddies. A bunch of guys hanging out together for six days... not too sure about the priority of proper oral hygiene... I'm sure some gum will be a welcomed amenity.

I first wrapped the gum in white paper to cover the label. Another layer of patterned card stock and a Mustache Die was added to the front. I used the Tag Gift Pocket Die to slip the gum into and decorated it with the new Stitched Trio Banner Die and Alpha Pack (I am LOVING the Alpha Pack and honestly didn't think I would.).

Thanks for stopping by today. You can check out the MCT blog for more fabulous treat holders from the Design Team.

I hope you were inspired.

- Veronica

MCT Designer Challenge: Cloud Baby Card

There's a Designer Challenge going on at My Creative Time and we'd love for you to join in! Today we're challenged to use a new color palette, and it SURE WAS a challenge for me!

We just found out that a couple close to us is expecting and we're thrilled! (They haven't officially announce yet, so I'm keeping the names under wrap.) This card is for them.

It's definitely non-traditional baby colors, but I'm happy with the way it turned out. It's a modern twist! Can I just rave for a moment about how much I love the new Alpha Pack stamp set? I have to be honest: I wasn't super thrilled about this set when Emma announced it to the Design Team. But WOW! I've found a TON of uses for it! Now I can make any sentiment I want!

MCT Products Used
Cartoon Cloud Background (cloud background)
Stitched Cartoon Cloud Dies (3D clouds)
Stitched Grass Die (grass)
Classy Girl Accessories (baby buggy)
Trio Stitched Banner Die (sentiment banner)
Alpha Pack (sentiment)

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Please join us in this Color Challenge on the MCT blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Scrapping The Little Things: Happy Feet Layout

For today's Scrapping The Little Things at My Creative Time, we were challenged with creating a layout using a sketch. I'm still plugging away at my wedding album and knew that I wanted a page to feature The Hubs' and my footwear.

The title is made of all MCT dies. A lot of MCT dies have layers, but for those that don't, you can make your own by simply cutting the die out in two colors and off-setting them like I did for "Happy".

MCT Products Used
Happy Thoughts ("Happy")
Lowercase Fun Dies ("feet")
Girls' Night Out Stitched Dies (high heel)
Stitched Bracket Dies (bottom edge of journal layer)
Stitched 4x6 Journal Die (side edges of journal layer)

Thanks for stopping by to see my Happy Feet layout. The other designers have fabulous pages for you to check out on the MCT blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 34th Release Blog Hop: Dodged A Bullet Day Card

Release Day is here! Now you can see the full sets of everything available in this release and get it all in your hot little hands! You've probably arrived here from Kim's blog, but if not, you can start this Hop from the beginning at the MCT blog.

I'm showcasing the Alpha Pack set today with a cameo appearance from the Trio Stitched Banners. This card was created for my BFF, Stephanie. Five years ago, she made the brave decision to call off her July 25th wedding just six weeks before walking down the aisle. It was the best decision of her life. Now we lovingly refer to July 25th as "Dodged a Bullet Day". To celebrate her 5th anniversary, she and I spent the day together last Friday. We started with breakfast at our favorite place, had mani/pedis, shopped, had lunch, enjoyed a "couple's massage" at a spa, and ended the day with dinner and fro-yo. It was a wonderful time and a great way to celebrate the day and our friendship.

A lot of MCT products were used to create this card. The bullet was made using ALL MCT dies (listed below).

MCT Products Used
Cocktail Party Stitched Dies ("wine" die for bullet nose)
Build A Banner Kit (bullet base)
Stitched 4x6 Journal Dies (I used the bottom of the "1" die to notch out the base of the bullet)
Stitched File Folder & Index Card Dies (pink/blue tabs behind banner)
More Chocolate Greetings ("Happy", "Day")
Bunch of Fun Circle Dies (large circle layers)
NEW! Alpha Pack ("Dodged a Bullet")
NEW! Trio Stitched Banner Die (sentiment banner)

I know you've heard all about the fun stuff happening with this Release, but it's so awesome that it bears repeating...

***FREEBIE STAMP***

Emma is offering the Dream Bigger stamp to the FIRST 100 shoppers for FREE! If you are one of the first
100 shoppers, you do NOT have to add it to your cart with your purchase; Emma and her shipping crew will automatically include it in your package. If you are not within the first 100 shoppers, this stamp will be available for purchase.

How do you know if you are one of the first 100 shoppers?

AFTER the 100 shoppers come through, this stamp will be listed as available for purchase along with the rest of the new release items


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***BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY***

For our Blog Hop Giveaway, Emma is giving away a $50 gift card to the My Creative Time store to one lucky winner! To enter, simply comment on the Design Team members' blogs. You are NOT required to comment on every blog, but the more blogs you comment on, the more entries you earn.

Very important: Please leave a way for us to contact you with your comment so we can notify you if you win.

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

***SALE ALERT***

Our sale that is starting RIGHT NOW! Use the code: SUMMER2014 to receive 20% off your entire purchase! Sale ends on August 8th at 11:59p PST.

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That's it for our Release Blog Hop today. I'm your last stop.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 34th Edition Sneak Peek: Typed Birthday & Golden Grain Congrats Card

It's Release Week at My Creative Time again! Today we're showcasing a few new items, so I have two projects to share.

This first card is for my mother-in-law who will be celebrating her birthday in just a few weeks. It features the new Fun Letter Background and Large Cloud Bubble Edge Die (you asked, Emma answered).

My Creative Time products work seamlessly together. It's so easy to combine previous releases with new products! I've done that here with the Typewriter Stamp and Die and banner from the Stitched Party Dies. The sentiment was made using individual words from Chocolate Greetings. For the period puncuation mark at the end, I simply inked up the 'dot' of an "i" and stamped it after "birthday".

My second project is a card for my cousin's upcoming bridal shower.

This card showcases another new background stamp available with this Release on Friday: Grainy Wood Background. I stamped it here in Versamark and heat embossed it in gold. The dots are from Build a Pretty Flower and were stamped in Versamark and heat embossed in clear for a subtle, but shiny effect.

This card also uses flowers from Build a Pretty Flower, the Pretty Butterflies Dies (Click here to see an example of how I built my butterfly) and a small flower from Pretty Spring Wreaths. The sentiment comes from Vintage Sentiments and is stamped on a a flag that was modified using the die from Vintage Stitched Label Dies.

***Sneak Peek giveaway!***
We will be giving away the sets we are showcasing each day to ONE lucky winner! Each winner for the day will be announced the following day on the My Creative Time blog. To be entered to win, simply leave comments on our blogs. You are NOT required to comment on every blog, but the more you comment on, the better chances you have for winning!

Very important: Please leave a way for us to contact you in your comment so we can notify the winner.

For EXTRA entries, you can spread the word about this release on Facebook, tweet about it or Instagram it! #mycreativetime!

Good luck and let's start spreading the word!

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Thank you so much for stopping by today. There a more creative ideas to see using these new products on the MCT blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Scrapping The Little Things: Wedding Ceremony Layout

Bit by bit I've been working on my wedding scrapbook. We've been married for 3 years now, so while I'm definitely not on top of things, it's coming along.

The designers were challenged to use a sketch for today's post, and I think I may have cheated a little. No surprise there. I've used part of the sketch on one page and part of the sketch on the other page.

Since I like to justify when I cheat, I'll point out that I did create two pages, so since I did extra work, the judges should be lenient with their ruling. Obviously, I've been watching too many lawyer shows.

This double-layout features my wedding ceremony from June 2011.

Fun fact: Like many women, I had dreamed about my wedding for as long as I could remember and there were a few minor details that I made sure the pastor was clear on...

1. I wanted to say "I do" during our vows, not "I will." He even changed the wording of his 'script' to make sure that happened.


2. I wanted him to tell my new husband to kiss "his bride", not "the bride."

Silly to some, yes. But these little things were so important to me.

The first page shows the actual ceremony being held. I included a program on the page to remember the order of the service. For those of you wanting the full experience, feel free to listen to Canon in D when viewing these pages. Ha!

For the second page, I kept it very simple and let our first kiss as husband and wife tell the story. I used the "&" from And Then Some and letters from Lowercase Fun Dies to make a statement. I cut each die out twice: once in its designated color and once in white. I then layered the white die cuts behind the colored/patterned versions to create a shadow. It really helps the letters to pop.

Thank you so much for stopping by to relive a bit of the happiest day of my life with me. You can see other fabulous scrapbook layouts on the MCT blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Try Me Tuesday: Anniversary Slider Card

Today at My Creative Time, the Design Team is trying the Slider Card technique. The concept is pretty simple, but the execution takes time and patience.

The idea is to create the effect of the little slider games we played with as kids. You know, the ones where you had to maneuver all the little squares around to create the picture? I've done cards with squares in the past, but I've never assembled them all jumbled up like this.

This card is for my parents' anniversary tomorrow. Yeah, we have a lot of June/July weddings in my family. My Mom isn't always very good at checking her email, so I'm banking on the fact that she won't see this post until she receives the card.

To be honest, I'm not sure if I cheated with this technique. The video we referred to that showed us this technique showed the card designer stamping her background. I used a patterned sheet of paper. But I did 36 squares, so that must make up for something, eh?

The Speech Bubble Die was modified for this card. I cranked it only half-way through my Big Shot, then removed it, flipped the card stock over and re-positioned the die. I then cranked it half-way through again, resulting in a 'double bubble'.

MCT Products Used
Stitched Round Speech Bubble Die
Bunch of Fun Circle Dies (large wavy circle)
Stitched Restroom Peeps Dies (people)
Stitched Layering Heart Die

Now it's your turn to try out this technique! Before you do, head on over to the MCT blog to see what the other designers have done.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Inspiration Wednesday: FIFA Birthday Card

Today we're sharing projects that we were 'inspired' to make. Last week, our almost-11-year-old nephew, Zack, stayed a few days with us. He and The Hubs both love soccer, so you can bet that the World Cup games were on in our house!

They even went outside and played soccer with the boys next door. Yep, The Hubs went outside to play, too. I think he was just waiting for an excuse (Zack) to go play!

Zack's birthday is coming up next week. I knew that a FIFA inspired birthday card would be perfect for him, so I Googled the World Cup logo and found this interesting parrot image. Now, its not the official World Cup logo, but the bright colors really caught my eye and the shapes seemed like fun.

I cut the shapes by hand, imitating the shapes that make up the parrot in my inspiration image. The "Happy" was cut out in white card stock and then colored with my Copics to coordinate with the shapes.

MCT Products Used
Soccer Stamp Set  (soccer ball)
Bunch of Fun Circle Dies (for soccer ball)
Happy Thoughts ("Happy" die)
Vintage Label Dies (flag die)
Card Sentiments ("Birthday")

Thanks for stopping by! Head over to the MCT blog to see what our other designers have created for today.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Thrifty Thursday: Butterfly Anniversary Card

A few weeks ago, The Hubs and I were at Home Depot picking out paint colors for our front door and exterior entrance. As we were browsing the paint swatches, I noticed a little pamphlet with color combo ideas.

I really loved the different color ideas inside the pamphlet and figured I could maybe use the itty bitty swatches that were included. Sure enough - I did!

This anniversary card is for my other brother and sister-in-law who will be celebrating 9 years married this month. I cut the small butterflies out of the paint swatches in the pamphlet and kept the rest of the card very airy and white.

This card is super clean and simple, but has such an elegant feel. The sentiment was created by combining two stamp sets.

MCT Products Used
Pretty Butterflies & Dragonfly Dies
Vintage Stitched Label Dies (sentiment banner)
Chocolate Greetings ("HAPPY")
Happy Thoughts ("anniversary!")

Thanks so much for stopping by! You can check out more thrifty projects on Emma's blog.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT Made In Minutes: Birthday in Paris

Today at My Creative Time we are created projects that can be "Made in Minutes". My sister's birthday is this week, so I made this card for her. I'll try my best to remember to send it out on time.

This card looks more elaborate than it actually is. Using dies and lots of layers is a great way to achieve a detailed design without spending a lot of time.

MCT Products Used
Pretty Butterflies & Dragonfly Dies
Fly Away With Me Sentiments (flag die)
Stitched Postage Frame Die
Springtime in Paris ("Happy Birthday", Eiffel Tower stamp & die)
Build A Scripty & Watercolor Background  (subtle script background in postage die)
Fun Stitched Edges Dies  (scalloped edge)

Fun tip: "Building" your butterflies is easy. Just cut out the shape a few times, trim the pieces and layer them together. Be sure to leave the bottom layer full so that you have a base to build on.

Thank you for stopping by today. You can check out the MCT blog for more great Made In Minutes projects from the other designers.

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica

MCT 33rd Release Blog Hop: Sit Back & Relax

Oh how I love Release Day at My Creative Time! It's so much fun to see all of the fabulous, out-of-the-box ideas the designers have with the new goodies. You've probably arrived here from Kim's blog. If not, head on over to Emma's blog to start this Hop from the beginning.

Today I'm showcasing the new set, Sit Back & Relax. I'm sure you've been drooling over it since last week when we sneaked it for the Flip Flop Blog Hop. This card is for my sister-in-law and her family who just moved away from Michigan to Florida. Oh, I'm sure the weather is just terrible down there!!! I'll be sending this card along with some family photos for them to put up in their new home.

The chair and umbrella image on my card is actually a recycled piece from an anniversary card The Hubs and I received from my Grandma last week. (3 years and counting!) When we opened the card, I knew it would fit well with this set and thought it would be fun to try a new color combo.

There is a LOT of dimension on this card. Some of the pieces are popped up more than once. You can see here that I popped up only the front of the sandal strap pieces to resemble real sandals. The back portion of those pieces are just glued to the sandal soles. I even slightly bent the "in-between-the-toes" pieces down.

Lately, I've been creating a lot of CAS (clean and simple) cards, so it was fun to 'doll' this one up and use a lot of pieces.

MCT Products Used

Sit Back & Relax (sandals, sentiment) NEW!

Bunch of Fun Circle Dies (image layer shape, "&" layer)

Make A Splash Die (waves)

Chocolate Greetings (flag die)

Social Media Dies ("&" die)

There's so much going on with this month's release...

***FREEBIE STAMP***

Since the last release was such a success, Emma wanted to show her appreciation by giving away this FUNfirst 150 shoppers today, you do not have to add this new stamp to your cart. Emma and her shipping crew will automatically include it in your package! IF you place your order after the 150th shopper, you will be able to purchase this new stamp.
new "My Kids Have Paws" stamp to the FIRST 150 shoppers! If you are among the

How do you know if you are one of the first 150 shoppers? 

After the first 150 shoppers come through, this set will be shown as available for purchase with the new release items! 

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***BLOG HOP GIVEAWAY***

For our Blog Hop Giveaway, Emma is giving away a $50 gift card to the My Creative Time store to ONE LUCKY winner! To enter, just leave a comment on each of our blogs! You are not required to comment on every blog, but the more you comment on, the more entries you have. 

Very important: Please leave a way for us to contact you with your comment in case you are the lucky winner! 

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***SALE ALERT***

Our sale that is starting RIGHT NOW! Use the code JUNE2014 to receive 20% off your entire purchase! Sale ends on Friday, July 4th at 11:59p PST! 

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Thanks so much for hopping by. You have one more stop! Please head over to our guest designer, Nancy's, blog for more inspiration using this month's new release!

I hope you were inspired!

- Veronica