My Favorite Things - Die-namics Feature and Pre-Release Pep Rally

Greetings!!  Today I'm here with the My Favorite Things New Release Pep Rally. Over the last six days, you've seen all the new stamps and Die-namics releasing tomorrow night.  It's just so fun and exciting!  I hope you've been enjoying as much as I have!! 
Today I have just a couple of really simple tips that I've learned along the way that I'd like to share with you during this awesome Die-namics Feature today! 

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.

I'm going to start by sharing with you how I created my stuffed felt strawberry that I showed you yesterday.  But first - I must tell you that I used Jody's amazing video with help learning how to put the strawberry together.  You can check out her video right here.   (it's AWESOME)  And it's the exact way I closed my strawberry up only instead of using liner tape I used hot glue since I was working with fabric. 

But first I started by getting out all of my supplies:

I simply LOVE all the gorgeous details of these amazing Die-namics:

I'm showing you the close up of the dies so that you can really see the embossing that will happen when you cut your fabric or paper.

Ok - cutting time! 

I kept my photos small for this portion as there are lots of them.  I use my Bigkick with the cutting plates all stacked according to the directions.  I then place my cutting surface, then my Die-namics die facing up, then my felt, then my top cutting plate, then a thin piece of cardboard (shim) just to add a bit of extra pressure so I really get those embossed strawberry seeds pressed into the felt. 

Here is how it looks when it comes out of the cutting machine.  Look at all of those awesome strawberry seeds!!  (sorry about the paper fuzz on the felt.  It brushes off so easily but is totally trapped in all of the cuts and scratches of my embossing plates)

Here is how the strawberry hull came out using the same technique:

For the hull, I used my sewing machine and after popping the center of the hull out, I used white thread and a straight stitch.  I started at one point and went straight across to the next one until all of the scored lines were stitched white.

Because felt is rather spongy in nature the deeply embossed seeds will, over time, puff back up and lose a bit of their dimension.  In order to make my hand sewing easier and not having to worry about getting to the seeds before they become faint, I took my black Copic marker and dotted each one so that I'd have a template of where to stitch. 

(would you believe I get a manicure every 10 days?  The cold here in the North East is just brutal on my hands!)

Now that I have my seeds marked, I took black embroidery floss and a large needle and started to stitch each seed. 

 After I was finished stitching both the hull and the body of my berry I used a bead of hot glue on the flap to hold the strawberry together.  I used three jumbo cotton balls to stuff the berry with.  And, using Jody's amazing video, pulled it all together with soft, green yarn and a green button. 

And my berry was complete!  

Now I have another very quick trick to show you.  I LOVE using Die-namics and transforming them into faux-chipboard embellishments.  This is one of the easiest things to do ever!  I did this on Day One of the Teasers with the Eiffel Tower:

And I did it again today using my very favorite Bracket Tab Die-namic and I'm going to show you how to do that right now.

First gather your supplies:

Any Die-namics die, cardstock or DP (your choice) and Glossy Accents.  Depending on the thickness of my paper I will cut five or six of the same die.  I use Glossy Accents as my adhesive of choice.  It holds superbly and allows for a bit of wiggle room when you start stacking the dies on top of one another.  

Regardless of the shape of the die, I only put the Glossy Accents in the center and not too close to the edges.  You don't want your adhesive leaking out of the sides.  It will just look messy.  

Start layering your die cuts one on top of another adding another layer of Glossy Accents each time until you have used all of your pieces.  When you are done, the thickness of the layers will then resemble a chipboard element!  It's so cool and adds such great dimension to any project.  My tip to you, use the best cardstock or designer paper you can to achieve the best chipboard look possible.  

Here is how this piece looks in the project I posted yesterday for the PI Teaser:

Thanks so much for coming by today!!  I hope you have enjoyed!!  "See" you tonight at the Release Party!!!  

And a HUGEEEEEEE thank you to Kim, Jody, Joanne and the rest of the AMAZING MFT Design Team for having me this month.  It has been an experience unlike any other.  A crafter's dream come true!

Now for all of the administrative bits and bobs!  Have a GREAT day and a fabulous time tonight!!
  

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.
• 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.
  
  
  
  

  Fabulous Pre-Release Party Hugs!!
  Meredith