I am super excited, this is the first time, I am taking part in MFT guest Designer.

I made this handbag book for MFT Guest Designer contest. When I first heard about the title, Hit the Books, the first thought was Pearls of Wisdom, My dad always says Books give you Wisdom. So I went with that theme. Luckily my son and my daughter have my love of reading.

Now knowing that is what I wanted to do, I went to my local store for what book I could make. I found this gorgeous handbag book by Maya Road. I could not resist it. I not only used sayings from Pearls of Wisdom, but I looked at all my sets and saw which one are nuggets of wisdom, and used them accordingly. Originally I wanted to make 14 pages, but this book could hold only 8 because of all the dimensions I added. I truly enjoyed making it, I concentrated on sayings and what I love about MFT–yes, their DIE-NAMICS.

I have used Finishing Flourishes Stamp throughout the pages, I can’t seem to put that one down. All papers used are Miss Carolina- Howdy Doody and Dolled up, unless stated otherwise. All sentiments were stamped with Momento Black Ink and embossed. Most of the colored papers used are PTI cardstock.

This is the front.

I used the Rosette and the Fringed Perennial flower for it’s front, you will see pearls throughout the book

Now let’s explore all the pages inside. Each page is an MFT layout, since I started card making and luckily joined MFT in May, I have missed a few, and am always finding a reason to play catch up. I have taken some liberties with some sketches.

Page 1: Accomplish Your Dreams

MFT layout # 30. This saying is from a VIP Set-Jump for Joy. The dies used are Rolled Rose-Medium, Vintage Flourish, Dizzy Doily Duo, medium Scallops, You Move me -rocket and plane, I hope everyone’s dreams rocket sky up. Also used fired brick Distress ink, pearls, ribbon and stampin up markers.

Page 2: Be Happy.

MFT layout # 27. This saying is from Pearls of Wisdom. The dies used are Flower Trio, Butterfly from Notched Tag, Double Scallop Border, Layered Label Die. Dotted Butterfly is from Tag You’re IT stamp set. Also used fired brick Distress ink, Momento Bamboo ink, pearl brad and ribbon.

Page 3: Loved ones are for keeps.

MFT layout # 7. This saying is from Clearly Sentimental about Romance. I cut a sticky back canvas with the Mix and Match Banner, Thank You Joanne and showing how to make them the size I would need. I stamped the flourishes on it directly. Then I stamped the saying on a tissue paper, cut it slightly bigger to the size needed and adhered it to the canvas with Multi Medium Matte both on the canvas and over the tissue, zapped it with a heat gun, you can let it dry itself. I learnt this from Jennifer Mcguire. Love this look. For the flower, after I die cut it I used Aged Mahogany to stamp the flower with Hero Arts background flower stamp and then rolled it.The dies used are  Rolled Daisy, Button Quartet, Skyline, isn’t it the best. Popped some windows and not all.  Also used MFT – blossom Twine, Aged Mahogany distress ink, Claudine Hellmuth Studio Multi-medium Matte, Zva pearls and lace.

Page 4: Be Humble and Enjoy Life.

MFT layout # 26. This saying is from Pearls of Wisdom. For the flowers, after I die cut them I used Dusty Concord to stamp the roses with Inkadinkado Medallion stamp and then rolled them. The dies used are Rolled Scallop Flower, Rolled flower, Leafy Flourish, Crown, You Move Me and peeking behind is Vintage Cameo Frame. Also used  Momento Rose ink Zva pearls and ribbon.

Page 5: Good Deeds.

MFT layout # 9. This saying is from Clearly Sentimental About Harvesting. The dies used are Leafy Flourish, Pretty posies.  Also used faded Jeans Distress ink, , Say it with Crystals, Vintage Brad and ribbon and Bow Easy.

Page 6: Courage

MFT layout # 2. This saying is from Vertical Greetings. I absolutely am in love with these greetings. Sarah said that at times she makes a border with a marker so that is what I did.  The dies used are Fancy Flourish, Dizzy Doily, Mix and Match Banner. Also used Ice stickles, Zva pearls and lace.

Page 7: Create Yourself

MFT layout # 61. This saying is from Pearls of Wisdom. The dies used are Paper Doll, Mix and Match Banners, Flower Trio, Notebook and Tag You’re It.  Also used Scattered Straw Distress Ink, Zva pearl, Say It with Crystal, Brad and ribbon.

And the last page

Page 8: Celebrate Life

MFT layout # 25. This saying is from Pearls of Wisdom. The house looks much brighter than it actually is. It is a very soft pink. The dies used are Fence, Rick Rack, underneath the fence, Bracket Tab, Heart from Homespun Birdhouse and Notched Tag, Butterfly from Notched Tag, Rainbow, Clouds from You Move Me, Homespun Birdhouse, Sun is from Prima Donna Flower,  Also used Spun Sugar Distress ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink,  pearls and Glitter felt.

Just a side view to show how the layers fit in the book

Inside View

And Lastly the back

How could I not use my alphabet dies!!!

I love this personalized stamp. Inge, thank you so much for giving me direction regarding it. Love your work.

My daughter loved this book and has declared it as hers. I will save it for a few years and maybe give it to her when she is 16- she is 6 now.

A fun Fact: Used 32 Die-namics in all.

Thank you for staying with me as this was a long post.

Thank you for visiting and I appreciate and love to read each comment.