April MFT Die-namics Feature and Pre-Release Pep Rally!

Hello Stampin' friends! Well, 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.

So, for my card today, I am using this little doll, Pure Innocence Dress Up Diva, and I coloured her with my Copics. I really took my time colouring her up, her pretty dress really lent to colouring in some pleats. I worked at getting the highlights just so...still not totally happy with it but will keep practising. I used this pretty, Howdy Doody, MME 6x6 paper, such a lovely colour combo. I made lots of flowers with the Pretty Posies Die-namics, the Regal Rose Die-namics and the new Regal Rose Leaves Die-namics.

I am totally loving the new Die-namics STAX...aren't you!? What a fabulous creation and a must-have item! The STAX Die-namics, stack beautifully leaving a nice thin border when layered alternately from both the STAX1 and STAX2 and they emboss effortlessly! The STAX Die-namics  are a thin metal die and have a plastic backing so you can see through them to get the prefect positioning of your stamped images, HERE is a link to a video by MFT Designer, Jody, giving a tour of the Oval STAX!

 I've put together a little photo tutorial showing how to use the Circle Die-namics STAX to make a mask so you can ink the background of your image with Distress inks...one of my favourite things to do!!!

 But before I share my photo tutorial, here is the inside of my card. I stamped another one of the sweet sentiments that comes in the PI Dress Up Diva set and I used the Fishtail Flags STAX and stamped the PI girl again too.

 

So here's the photo tutorial...it is a bit long, sorry!
First cut a circle from plain cardstock, Eclipse Tape or another masking tape using the same size STAX Die-namics as you used to cut out and emboss your image. I have used a large circle STAX die from STAX set 1.

 (Note: I have tried this technique with the 6" wide Eclipse Tape too and it worked beautifully. If you use the Eclipse Tape you can eliminate some of the steps that I have shown here because it has a low-tack adhesive backing. I found this tip works equally well with both the cardstock and masking tape.)

Then using the next size down from the Circle STAX 2, align the smaller die in the centre of the cardstock circle and run it through your die-cutting machine again. You will be left with a thin circular frame that we will use as our mask.

 
 This is where the Eclipse tape is handy as it has a low-tack adhesive backing on it but I just added some temporary dot adhesive to the cardstock frame mask so I can adhere it over the embossed edge of my image.

 adhere the mask around the embossed edge of your image. (I usually colour my image first but this is just a sample)

 

 Ink around the image with your Distress inks, ink blending applicator tool, ink blending foam pad and a Non-Stick Craft sheet. I find that I get the best results inking when on a slick surface as the foam applicator glides better.

Remove the mask and remove any little bits of temporary adhesive that my be on your image. If you use the Eclipse tape there is no adhesive residue left behind. You can save your cardstock mask and use it again but I found that when I removed the Eclipse Tape mask it lost its shape because it is such a thin frame and the masking tape is very thin. It may be difficult to re-use a thin Eclipse Tape mask a second time.

 

 Thanks SO much for sticking to the end of this long post!!! I really wanted to show that you can use your MFT STAX Die-namics to make a mask and then ink the background and have that crisp white embossed edge!

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

• You can attend the New Release Party on April 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 April 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 April 3rd just before the release party, on the MFT blog.

Have a Stampin' Great Day!
Hugs,



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