MFT 2018 Creative Olympics | Event #4 - Speed Cardmaking

Welcome back to the My Favorite Things Olympic Village - we're so excited to have you joining us here for the fourth and final event of the MFT 2018 Creative Olympics! 

Just like the Olympics, crafting brings people together. We can’t wait to spend the next two weeks bringing the competition right to your home. Compete with your fellow cardmakers, feel pride in the cards you create in response to each event, and maybe even walk away from the 2018 Creative Olympics with a medal!

If you need some inspiration…some examples of grit, determination, and stamina as you tackle each event, turn on the PyeongChang games to watch as you compete — I know that’s what we’ll be doing in the weeks to come!

THE VENUES
We have a number of venues for you to visit over the course of this epic event. You’ll find events and activities at each so make sure you visit them all — you don’t want to miss a single event!

Olympic Stadium — Our main blog is your home base. You’ll be able to participate in challenges shared February 9 and February 14, and our medal ceremony will be held there on February 22, as well.

Olympic Village — Our Challenge & Inspiration Blog will host two events as well, ending with today's. Make sure you check out the second event that was hosted here on February 12th.

Olympic Park — Meet up on our Facebook page to mix and mingle with fellow Olympians and participate in Q&As about your impressive training regimen. 

THE MEDALS

It wouldn’t be the Olympics without the iconic medals! We have a stash ready and waiting to be bestowed upon our event winners.

Gold medal: $100 MFT Voucher — One winner randomly selected from participants that complete all 4 events.

Silver medals: $50 MFT Voucher — One winner randomly selected from each event.

Bronze medals: $15 MFT Voucher — Winners randomly selected from Olympic Park Q&A events.

RULES & REGULATIONS

• Create brand new/original cards. Previously posted cards will not be considered. There is no limit to the number of entries you submit for each event.
• Use stamps, Die-namics, stencils, and patterned papers from My Favorite Things. Cards using other products will be disqualified immediately, so get creative with the MFT products that you have on hand! Use whatever card stock and inks you have available.
• Submit your card(s) to the InLinkz collection found at the end (the finish line!) of each event post on or before 10 PM EST on Monday, February 19.
• When submitting your card, please simply use your name in the Link Title section.
• International entries are most DEFINITELY welcome!

All winners will be announced at our Closing Ceremony on Thursday, February 22, so make sure to check our main blog to see if you are one of our medalists!

EVENT4

 
The Speed Cardmaking event will push your creative limits to the edge and deliver speed and resilience that you didn't even know you had! Grab your phone, set your stove timer or have one of you family members watch the clock - you have exactly 20 minutes to complete a card from start to finish. It can be any theme and use any MFT products - this event is all about speed. 

Stephanie created a winter themed card to correlate with the winter games and completed the event with 23 seconds to spare - take a look at this photo finish:

We caught up with her after the event to get her thoughts on how difficult it was and where she feels she could have improved. Here's what she had to say:

MFT Reporter: Was there any time during the creation of your card that you didn't think you were going to finish the event on time? 

Stephanie: Absolutely! I started off at a really good pace, but as I stamped and die cut, I realized I had already lost 5 minutes, and I hadn't even started the coloring. I really had to focus and limit my color choices to save time.

MFT Reporter: Do you think you put too much pressure on yourself and attempted a card design that was a bit too difficult? 

Stephanie: No, not at all. I really wanted to push myself creatively and I knew that attempting a design at an advanced level would make me work harder and push me to succeed.

MFT Reporter: Lastly, is there anything you would have done differently if you could do it over again?

Stephanie: Definitely be more prepared. I didn't have my supplies ready, and I ended up wasting time searching for card stock colors and basic supplies. I would definitely make sure I had a better game plan next time.

Thanks so much to Stephanie for taking some time to share her experience in the Speed Cardmaking event - here's a look at her final card design:

Supplies featured in today's card:


Are you ready to race the clock on your journey for the gold? On your marks, get set, GO.

An InLinkz Link-up

MFT 2018 Creative Olympics | Event #2 - Freestyle

Welcome to the My Favorite Things Olympic Village - we're so excited to have you joining us here for the MFT 2018 Creative Olympics! 

Just like the Olympics, crafting brings people together. We can’t wait to spend the next two weeks bringing the competition right to your home. Compete with your fellow cardmakers, feel pride in the cards you create in response to each event, and maybe even walk away from the 2018 Creative Olympics with a medal!

If you need some inspiration…some examples of grit, determination, and stamina as you tackle each event, turn on the PyeongChang games to watch as you compete — I know that’s what we’ll be doing in the weeks to come!

THE VENUES
We have a number of venues for you to visit over the course of this epic event. You’ll find events and activities at each so make sure you visit them all — you don’t want to miss a single event!

Olympic Stadium — Our main blog is your home base. You’ll be able to participate in challenges shared February 9 and February 14, and our medal ceremony will be held there on February 22, as well.

Olympic Village — Our Challenge & Inspiration Blog will host two events as well, starting with today's. Mark your calendars to come back here on February 16 for our last event of the MFT 2018 Creative Olympics.

Olympic Park — Meet up on our Facebook page to mix and mingle with fellow Olympians and participate in Q&As about your impressive training regimen.

THE MEDALS

It wouldn’t be the Olympics without the iconic medals! We have a stash ready and waiting to be bestowed upon our event winners.

Gold medal: $100 MFT Voucher — One winner randomly selected from participants that complete all 4 events.

Silver medals: $50 MFT Voucher — One winner randomly selected from each event.

Bronze medals: $15 MFT Voucher — Winners randomly selected from Olympic Park Q&A events.

RULES & REGULATIONS

• Create brand new/original cards. Previously posted cards will not be considered. There is no limit to the number of entries you submit for each event.
• Use stamps, Die-namics, stencils, and patterned papers from My Favorite Things. Cards using other products will be disqualified immediately, so get creative with the MFT products that you have on hand! Use whatever card stock and inks you have available.
• Submit your card(s) to the InLinkz collection found at the end (the finish line!) of each event post on or before 10 PM EST on Monday, February 19.
• When submitting your card, please simply use your name in the Link Title section.
• International entries are most DEFINITELY welcome!

All winners will be announced at our Closing Ceremony on Thursday, February 22, so make sure to check our main blog to see if you are one of our medalists!

EVENT 2

 
The Freestyle Event will allow you to take your creativity wherever it leads you. Create one card in any style with one exception -  it has to have a winter theme!

Are you ready to go for the gold? On your marks, get set, GO.

Supplies


Enter your Freestyle projects here! Winners will be announced February 22, 2018.

An InLinkz Link-up

Tips, Tutorials, & Techniques - Refilling Copic Markers

Copic Sketch markers are dual-tipped, alcohol-based markers that feature an easy-to-grip oval shape and include both a broad nib and Super Brush nib. The marker is filled with permanent, non-toxic ink and once you purchase a marker, it is yours for life. By simply refilling the marker and replacing damaged nibs, your marker will last a lifetime.
 
Learn how to quickly and easily refill your Copic markers HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Shop the full collection of Copic markers at My Favorite Things here.

Do you Copic color on your cards? Tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted.

Tips, Tutorials & Techniques - Creating Bookmark Clips

Creating cards with an interactive element is a fun surprise for the recipient and really let's you stretch your supplies and creativity. Today, we have guest designer Tara Sell on the challenge blog sharing her ideas for creating a card with removable bookmark clips using the Bitty Bears stamp set.
 
Watch Tara create here interactive card HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Stacking multiple die cut layers onto the paper clips helps to keep everything in place and adds more stability to the finished clip.

Are you ready to create an interactive card? Tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted.

Tips, Tutorials & Techniques: How to Create Masked Sentiments

Adding images around a stamped sentiment is a really great way to highlight the greeting and make the word stand out. Today, we have guest designer Carissa Wiley on the challenge blog sharing her ideas for creating cards with masked sentiments.
 
Watch Carissa create 2 cards using the Grateful and Rustic Wildflowers stamp sets HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Layering die cut sentiments slightly offset on a second word cut from white, gray or black card stock is a great way to add shadow or highlights.

Are you ready to try masked sentiment stamping on your next project? Tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted.

Tips, Tutorials & Techniques - 1 Stamp, 5 Ways with Justine Hovey

If you're like most crafters, then you have a lot of stamp sets in your stash, and sometimes they just don't get the attention they deserve. Today, we have guest designer Justine Hovey on the challenge blog sharing her ideas for using one stamp set, five ways.
 
Watch Justine create 5 cards using the Written in the Stars stamp set HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Using the coordinating Shining Stars Die-namics is a great way to stretch the stamp set even further.

Are you ready to use a stamp set five different ways? Tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted.

Tips, Tutorials & Techniques - Experimenting with Copic Coloring

Copic markers are a fantastic way to really step up your coloring and create beautifully colored images with both depth and dimension. And more often than not, when we find a paper we're comfortable with and performs well with our markers, we stay true to that medium and forget the fun of experimentation.

Today we have special guest Jane Allen on the blog to share how she colored the same image with Copic markers on 4 different MFT papers and we can't wait to show you the results! 

Image from Bitty Bears colored on Smooth White Card Stock:

Image from Bitty Bears on Primitive Cream Card Stock:

Image from Bitty Bears on Natural Card Stock:

 
Image from Bitty Bears on Kraft Card Stock:

We would love to know which one is your favorite - are you partial to the regular white card stock or do you like to mix it up with some color?
 

Ready to break out your Copics and papers and play? Tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted. 

Tips, Tutorials & Techniques - How to Create Party Favors with the X's and O's Card Kit

If you've received your August card kit, you're probably bursting with ideas for integrating the innovative designs and embellishments into your projects. While Valentine's Day crafting might be at the forefront of your mind due to the love theme and pinky-red color palette, this collection is really perfect for any time of year! 

Learn how X's and O's can be used to create sweet party favors by watching Stephanie's video HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

By simply changing up the images and color choices, these party favors will work for almost any occasion.

If you haven't purchased the X's and O's Card Kit yet, you're in luck! We still have a limited supply available and one of them has *your* name on it! Card kits make great gift ideas for the crafters in your life as well — especially new paper crafters. Since they feature everything you need to create a beautiful card right out of the box, you get to introduce future craft addicts like yourself to the wonders of stamps, dies, and fun supplies in one fell swoop. Grab X's and O's for yourself today!

Ready to party with your My Favorite Things August card kit? Tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted. 

Tips, Tutorials, & Techniques - How to Create a Felt Flower Garden Using Dies from MFT Stamps (Part 1)

Have you used your craft supplies to create home décor items? Florals are a design element that can be integrated into virtually any style by customizing colors and creating pieces that are more traditional or more modern depending on your preference. Felt is a fun and forgiving material to die cut and as you’ll learn in this video from Stephanie, the perfect medium for crating flowers that will stand the test of time.

Watch Part 1 of this flower garden series HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Just imagine all the looks you can achieve with different colors and container options!

Ready to break out your felt and Die-namics to play florist? Tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps and #mftfeltflowers - you might just be spotted. 

Tips, Tutorials, & Techniques - Pattern Building with Die Cuts

Cutting a stack of die cuts and pushing them around is a great way to experiment with pattern, color, and dimension. You can use simple shapes or more complex to create unique looks. Play with color, add pattern or texture, or go with a tone-on-tone look — the options are limitless!

Learn how Barbara was inspired by the Mod STAX to pattern build HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Check out some more examples of how our team has created pattern with die cuts:

Ready to break out your dies and play? Tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted. 

Tips, Tutorials, & Techniques - Quick & Easy Cards: Celebrate

Do you have two minutes? Sure you do! Take the next couple of minutes to watch and learn how Laurie uses a kitchen staple to easily position and adhere her die cuts with precision. You'll wonder how you ever lived without this ingenious little trick.

Learn Laurie's secret HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Have you used this trick before in crafting your own cards and projects? Let's see them! Tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted. 

Tips, Tutorials, & Techniques - Cleaning Clear Stamps

Let's talk cleaning...the dirty side of our pretty hobby. Never mind whether you fall on the clean-as-you-go side versus the let-it-pile-up-til-you're-working-in-a-postage-stamp-sized-area side (we won't judge you either way!) — today, we're talking stamp cleaning.

Learn some tips and techniques for cleaning your stamps HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Now that you're ready to play with your sparkling clean stamps, make something beautiful and tag your MFT projects with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted. 

Tips, Tutorials, & Techniques - Mermaid Slider Card

So, you love shaker cards AND you love adding movement to your scenes with die-cut elements and sliders. Why limit yourself to just one technique when they can be combined so beautifully? Karolyn's video provides an abundance of great tips for creating a shaker card that also features a mobile mermaid — she's on the move and your recipient will flip for her antics!

Learn how Karolyn created her shaker card with slider action HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Are you feeling inspired to double up your techniques by creating a shaking, sliding masterpiece like Karolyn's? Make sure to tag your next MFT project with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted. 

Tips, Tutorials, & Techniques - Smart Align

One of the greatest challenges we've encountered in our crafting is lining up intricate stamps and dies when there is no obvious match point — the flowers in our July card kit are a perfect example of this situation. We challenged ourselves to come up with a solution to this problem and Smart Align is the result. We're so excited to be able to include this feature in our July kit, as well as future stamp and die combos that warrant this revolutionary feature.

Watch our Smart Align introductory video HERE, or by watching below. For more tips and tricks, make sure to subscribe to our Youtube channel!

Check out some card kit samples from our team to see how Smart Align helped them create picture-perfect florals:

We can't wait to get Smart Align stamps and Die-namics into your hands! Make sure to tag your next MFT project with #mftstamps - you might just be spotted.