Gingham Girl

Butterfly Sketch

2012-03-03T03:00:00.020-05:00

Time for another Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge! This week, the sketch was created for us by Renee Lynch! It's SO versatile...

Here is my take:

Had to use that butterfly from Nordic Spring! Stamped it on patterned paper from My Mind's Eye. Added swirlies from Flourishes-Scallops and Dots, and a sentiment from Say It Loud!

Your turn! Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, March 9th. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: Nordic Spring, Flourishes-Scallops and Dots, Say It Loud, all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Lost and Found "Blush" Collection by My Minds's Eye, PTI Black
Ink: VersaFine Black
Other: Sakura Stardust glitter pen, black button, embroidery floss

Waltzingmouse Stamps DT Release Day Blog Waltz

2012-02-29T14:00:00.122-05:00

Bonjour, welcome to the Waltzingmouse Stamps Release Day Blog Waltz! You should be waltzing here from Clare Buswell's blog, but if you got lost, just stop back at Claire Brennan's blog to find your way again!

Today we are featuring the last 2 sets to be released TODAY in the store: Paris Nouveau and Very Vintage Labels No. 25...and both have images that coordinate with the new Spellbinders Labels 25 Nestabilities!

I have been dying to try a botanical card with all of the new sets! For this one, I used the houndstooth label from Very Vintage Labels No. 25, with a smaller one from the set tucked inside. The sentiment is from French Country. I stamped the background using images from Paris Nouveau, and also the previously-released sets Text-It and Roses in Bloom!

I stamped the text using Fresh Ink in Chocolate. First I stamped off on a piece of scratch paper, and before stamping the image, I ran my finger over the stamp take more of the ink off. I just love the whole look, and can't wait to try it again.

For my Paris Nouveau card, I used this piece of artwork as inspiration! It's called "Eiffel Tower Roses" by Angela Staehling. I found the link for the print HERE and saved it on my pinterest board!

Here is my card:

EEK, I am loving the Eiffel Tower as much as the French Country rooster! Stamped the cane print from Heirloom Patterns in the background, a label and sentiment from Paris Nouveau, and a flourish from Flourishes-Scallops and Dots.

The pansies are from Afternoon Tea Sentiments, colored with Copic markers. I also sponged Antique Linen Distress ink over the top of the flowers after coloring them. Added lots of dimensionals and a few little pearls!

I have had so much fun working with all of the new stamp sets! Thanks so much to everyone who stopped by to leave such wonderful comments. If you happen to leave one today, you may just win a stamp set of choice!

This time around EACH of the DT members will randomly draw one name from their blogs and submit the name to Lynn. Then Lynn will randomly draw one name from that list to get the winner. So, the more comments you leave, the greater your chance to win...good luck! Commenters will have until 6:59 AM EST on Saturday, March 3rd to post a comment. The winner will be posted on Claire's blog on Sunday, March 4th.

Now off you go to LYNNE'S BLOG!!

Supplies:

Botanical Card:
Stamps: Paris Nouveau, Very Vintage Labels No. 25, Text-It, Roses in Bloom, French Country, all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Kraft and Vintage Cream
Ink: Fresh Ink in Chocolate and Pear, A Muse Studio Ink in Toffee and Latte
Other: twine, A Muse Studio pearls

Paris Card:
Stamps: Paris Nouveau, Afternoon Tea Sentiments, Heirloom Patterns, and Flourishes-Scallops and Dots, all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Melon Berry
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa Ink, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink, A Muse Studio Latte ink, Fresh Ink in Chocolate, Silver Lilac, and Blue Sage, Copic markers
Other: A Muse Studio pearls

Waltzingmouse Stamps February Release Preview, Day 3

2012-02-28T03:00:00.110-05:00

Ohh today is the day that we have all been waiting for! It's finally time to reveal the new stamp designer for Waltzingmouse Stamps, eeek! The anticipation has been killing me, so I can't even imagine what it was like for the new designer!

Drum roll, please....

IT'S ANYA SCHRIER!!!!!

Her first set is absolutely fabulous!! It's called Heirloom Patterns, and it will be releasing along with 8 other sets from Claire on Wednesday, February 29th! Today we are featuring projects with Heirloom Patterns, as well as a wonderful new set called Compact Sentiments.

I couldn't think of a better sentiment to choose for Anya on her big day! It's tucked inside one of the Ovals-Classic Frames. I paired the rose from Roses in Bloom with the absolutely spectacular cane print from Heirloom Patterns. I had to laugh yesterday when I visited Anya's blog and saw that she stamped her cane print on light green paper with green ink, heeee! I must have been reading her mind :)

I colored the rose with Copic markers and popped up some of the layers with dimenisionals. The center is colored with my trusty Sakura Stardust glitter pen. That wonderful little pen really makes things shimmer!

Heirloom Patterns is perfect for so many styles. While I thought my rose card was modern, I wanted to use the set for a more vintage look...

Both the houndstooth and the striped pattern are from Heirloom Patterns. The tea cup from Afternoon Tea Sentiments is stamped on patterned paper and I added a sentiment from the set, as well.

I couldn't stop without checking to see if I could do cute with such a chic (ha!..see below) set....and why yes, you CAN!

The chick from L'il Buddies was stamped with the reverse dotted pattern from Gingham & Co. He is paired with the houndstooth print from Heirloom Patterns, cut with a grass die from A Muse Studio. LOVE this sentiment from Compact Sentiments, it's so...Claire! The Chicken Wire background will make an excellent companion for not only the rooster from French Country, but all of the L'il Buddies critters, too!

Congratulations, Anya! I can't wait to see what the DT has made today, so come along with me....

Anya Schrier

Becca Feeken

Belinda Chang Langner

Claire Brennan (Owner)

Supplies:

Happy for You card:

Stamps: Heirloom Patterns, Compact Sentiments, Ovals-Classic Frames, Roses in Bloom, all Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Spring Moss, white

Ink: Fresh Ink in Basil, VersaFine Black, Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic markers

Other: Sakura Stardust glitter pen, Spellbinders Standard Ovals Small Nestabilities, Fern satin ribbon from A Muse Studio

Tea Cup card:

Stamps: Heirloom Patterns, Afternoon Tea Sentiments, all Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Lost and Found "Market Street" Collection by My Mind's Eye

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, A Muse Studio Pistachio and Latte, Fresh Ink in Pink Lemonade, Antique Linen Distress ink, Copic marker

Other: Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Stain, rhinestone, lace, thin ribbon, paper flowers from A Muse Studio

Wee Baby tag:

Stamps: Heirloom Patterns, Chicken Wire, Compact Sentiments, L'il Buddies, Gingham & Co., all Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI White

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Fresh Ink in Chamomille and Pear, A Muse Studio Winter Sky ink, orange marker

Other: grass die from A Muse Studio, twine, button, PTI Tag Sale die

Waltzingmouse Stamps February Release Preview, Day 2

2012-02-27T03:00:00.082-05:00

Back for another preview for Waltzingmouse Stamps! Claire will be releasing 9 new sets on Wednesday, February 29th! Today we are featuring projects with two of the new sets... Florentine Frippery and Nordic Spring!

Florentine Frippery is a set full of delicate scrolls and unique sentiments that are so sweet like this one ..."Verily I thank thee." :) I stamped and cut my frame image with a standard square nestie, then cut a larger window into the patterned paper. The papers are from the My Mind's Eye "Blush" Collection.

I stamped the heart in pink ink, and then traced the scrolls with my Sakura Stardust glitter pen to make them shimmer. The outside frame is heat embossed with silver powder. I can just imagine the sweet creations that all of you out in blogland will make with this set!!

Next up is the very sweet cousin of Nordic Winter...it's Nordic Spring! Claire was one step ahead of all of us, and created this one before we even had to ask!

Such sweet images in this set...the tulips really make me smile! This strip is one image, but I was able to ink up the stems and flowers separately with those mini VersaMagic inks. Then I went back and added the blue heart separately. The bluebirds are stamped on a nestie label 10 that I stamped with the coordinating image from the previously- released set Very Vintage Labels No. 10. The sentiment is from Spring Baskets. Oh, and I finally squeaked some gingham onto a project!

Speaking of gingham, I made one last little tag with Nordic Spring because I always seem to need one!

I stamped the little flower image 3 times and then pieced it together so that the flower, leaves, and vase were different colors. The bottom is stamped with WMS Gingham & Co.. in a really delicious ink called "Toffee" from A Muse Studio. Used the petite scalloped circle and standard circle nesties for the top and adhered them to a PTI Tag Sale #5 die cut. A few vintage buttons from my stash, and that's a wrap until tomorrow!

Ready to see more of these fabulous sets?

Check out the rest of the awesome projects the DT has for you today:

Anya Schrier

Becca Feeken

Belinda Chang Langner

Claire Brennan (Owner)

Supplies:

Verily I Love You:
Stamps: Florentine Frippery, Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream cs, Lost and Found "Blush" Collection by My Mind's Eye
Ink: Versamark, VersaColor Raspberrry
Other: Spellbinders Classic Squares Small Nestabilities, silver embossing powder and Blush satin ribbon both from A Muse Studio, Sakura Stardust glitter pen, pearl

Bluebird card:
Stamps: Nordic Spring, Very Vintage Labels No. 10, Spring Baskets, Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI White, Sweet Blush
Ink: VersaMagic inks in Aloe Vera, Sea Breeze, and Pixie Dust, and Fresh Ink in Slate
Other: Spellbinders Labels 10 Nestabilities, pink buttons, embroidery floss, gingham ribbon

Nordic Flower Tag:
Stamps: Nordic Spring, Gingham & Co., Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream
Ink: A Muse Studio ink in Toffee, SU Cherry Cobbler, VersaMagic Tea Leaves
Other: PTI Tag Sale #5 die, Spellbinders Petite Scalloped Circles Large Nestabilities, Standard Circles Small Nestabilities, twine, buttons, mini pearl

Waltzingmouse Stamps February Release Preview, Day 1

2012-02-26T03:00:00.138-05:00

And a good morning it IS, something to really crow about, heee! Today is the first day of the previews for the Waltzingmouse Stamps February Release, and we are showcasing 3 of Claire's wonderful new sets: French Country, Chicken Wire, and Make Your Mark! These sets, along with SIX other ones, will be released on Wednesday, February 29th!

My first card features the rooster and a sentiment from French Country, and one of the Chicken Wire background strips. I masked off the rectangle frame from the previously-released Frame-It set to make a little scene. Kind of reminds me of an old-fashioned label, don't you think? A button sunshine to finish it off (shout out to Lori Tecler who always places hers so perfectly :)

I couldn't resist getting folksy, and thought back to the wonderful woven basket tutorial by Brenda Quintana. I have used it twice before, and it's really fun to make! I stamped patterns from French Country onto the horizontal strips. Used the Fleur de lis from the set to make the border around the top. Added a little tag using a certain shape that will be revealed later this week! There's that rooster again...he's my newest favorite image!

For my finale, I decided to use the images in a more elegant fashion to make an "Anniversaire" card!

This card was made solely with images from French Country!

First, I stamped a background with smaller images from the set and colored them with Copic markers. Added a label image that just so happens to fit the new Spellbinders Labels 25 Nestabilities! My nesties didn't arrive quite yet, but fussy cutting did the trick! Stamped a sentiment from French Country inside, along with 2 little border images from the previously released, Ovals-Classic Frames.

I used the Guide Lines Impression Plate from PTI, and stamped the fleur de lis from French Country inside the diamonds. Added a big bow made out of bias tape.

Couldn't leave without showing a glimpse of the BACK! Stamped with one of the wonderful new images from Make Your Mark!

I think there are a few other ladies that are just as excitied as I am today! So off you go on a trip through the French Countryside (and you don't even need to buy a plane ticket!)
See you back here tomorrow for Day 2!

Anya Schrier

Beeca Feeken

Belinda Chang Langner

Clare Buswell

Julia Aston

Jennifer Holmes

Laurie Schmidlin
Lynn Mercurio

Mona Pendleton

Sandie Dunne

Claire Brennan - Owner

Sarah Martina Parker

Tosha Leyendekker

Supplies:

Good Morning card:

Stamps: French Country, Chicken Wire, Frame-It, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream and Kraft

Ink: SU Cherry Cobbler, VersaMagic Night Sky, Fresh Ink in Chocolate, Antique Linen Distress ink, PTI Vintage Cream ink

Other: yellow button and embroidery floss

Basket:

Stamps: French Country, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream

Ink: SU Cherry Cobbler and Not Quite Navy, Antique Linen Distress ink

Other: PTI Kraft twill ribbon, eyelet, twine

Bon Anniversaire card:

Stamps: French Country, Make Your Mark, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, PTI Pure Poppy, A Muse Studio Winter Sky, Antique Linen and Pumice Stone Distress inks, Copic markers

Other: bias tape, heart pin, PTI Guide Lines Impression Plate, A Muse Studio cranberry pearls, corner rounder punch

A Special Award

2012-02-20T07:34:00.001-05:00

Helen Berry, one of my favorite stampers, happened to award ME with a special title last week! I was so thrilled to get such a nice blog award from a person with a style that I admire so much! I have had my eye on her blog since way back when I started participating in blog hops. I would always stop and stare and wonder, "Who is this girl with the sweetest style and a last name to match :)"

The title of the award is...

Liebster' is German for 'dearest'. The award is a 'share-the-love' arrangement, given to inspirational bloggers with less than 200 followers.

Here's the to-do list of any Liebster award recipient:

Thank the giver and link back to the blogger who gave it to you.
Reveal your five blogger picks and let them know by leaving a comment on their blog
Copy and paste the award on your blog (see above)
Hope that those you award forward it to their favourite bloggers

Here are my five favourite blogs (in no particular order) with less than 200 followers (based solely on google followers).

It was very VERY difficult to narrow this down to five!

1. Kara of "KandRdesigns"
2. Terri of "Life with Terri"
3. Mary Rose of "Mary Rose's Cafe"
4. Sharron of "On Papillon's Wings"
5. Jen Adcock of "Only Love is Real! Papercrafts"

Okay, so I have a special entry for Ms. Laurie Jones! She does not have a blog yet and she needs to start one, heeee. You can find her beautiful gallery at Waltzingmouse Stamps HERE. Now, Laurie...you have a blog award to post for your very first entry!

Thanks again Helen for your lovely gesture!

Easter Egg Sketch

2012-02-18T03:00:00.036-05:00

Another lovely from Jen Cuthbertson for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog!

Oh yes, after yesterday's wonderful Blog Party, spring stayed on my mind! Since Spring Baskets was sitting out on my table, I jumped at the chance to use it again!

Turned the sketch so that I could make those circles into Easter eggs! I used patterned paper from October Afternoon's "Sidewalks" collection to paper-piece the eggs and make my little scene. I masked off the sentiment so that I could extend it across the top. ((Secret: I got a little ink splotch by the word "hunt", so I stamped over it with a bee!)) Also made some grass and a rick rack border using A Muse Studio dies.

Upload your creation with this sketch HERE by next Friday, February 24th. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected player who will win a WMS stamp set of choice.

DON'T FORGET....sneak peeks of this month's release are beginning on Claire's blog TODAY! You may have seen the first one in the monthly newsletter, so you know you won't want to miss out on the second one!

Supplies:
Stamps: Spring Baskets, Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, October Afternoon "Sidewalks" Collection
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Other: A Muse Studio's grass and rick rack dies, Stickles, Divine Twine in yellow, dimensionals

Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party!

2012-02-17T13:30:00.025-05:00

It's the 17th, that means time for another Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party! The theme this month is "Looking Forward to Spring"!

Remember to add your project link to Claire's blog HERE! The festivities begin there according to your location, as indicated below:

UK - 6:30 p.m. 17th Feb
USA (New York) 1:30 p.m. 17th Feb
Australia (Queensland) - 4:30 a.m. 18th Feb
Canada (Alberta) - 11:30 a.m. 17th Feb
Malaysia - 2:30 a.m. 18th Feb - 12:00 p.m
Norway - 7:30 p.m. 17th Feb

The blog party linky will remain open for 24 hours so that everyone on both sides of the globe can participate!!! - so closing times will be exactly 24 hours after the times posted above!

I chose a clean and simple design with LOTS of gingham! (Okay, maybe the fussy cutting part wasn't quite as simple as I imagined, hee!)

I stamped the rectangle frame from Frame-It in pink ink, and then made a little swag of flowers to scatter around the border using an image (and sentiment) from Spring Baskets.

I paper-pieced the flowers with gingham paper from A Muse Studio. Some bouquets are lying flat and others are popped up with dimensionals.

Will be back to hop later to catch some of that fresh spring air!

Thanks for stopping by today :)

Supplies:

Stamps: Spring Baskets, Frame-It, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: A Muse Studio Gingham papers and Sage cardstock, PTI white

Ink: Memento Black, A Muse Studio Bubblegum

Other: dimensionals

I'll Take "Interactive Cards" for $500, Alex

2012-02-14T21:56:00.004-05:00

Ha, feeling punchy here, but just had to try the interactive card challenge at Papertrey Ink today... for the chance to win a $500 gift certificate and a set of the new interactive dies and the stamp sets introduced today!

I made a card very similar to this one, seen HERE.(My "go-to" interactive design, as they are not my forte)! It was a hit for my niece's birthday, so decided to make another one to have on hand.

This card is like a PTI Die Bonanza! Used the Seed Packet die for the pocket, and tucked a button card inside. On top, I made felt flowers with Beautiful Blooms II #2 and the Buttoned Up button dies. The Tiny Tag is stamped with a sentiment from Tranquility Trilogy. Where is the interactive part?

Going up!

The button card was stamped with a pattern from Background Basics: Retro on the bottom, a sentiment from Script Sentiments, and then Waltzingmouse Stamps "happy birthday" from Say It Loud added underneath.

Such a fun card to make...and to give!

Supplies:

Stamps: Tranquility Trilogy, Background Basics: Retro, Script Sentiments from Papertrey Ink, and Say It Loud, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist, White, October Afternoon Sidewalks Collection, miscellaneous paper scraps for buttons

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black & A Muse Studio Orange and Ocean

Dies: all from PTI: Button Card, Seed Packet, Buttoned Up #1 & #2, Beautiful Blooms II #2, Large Scalloped Border, Tiny Tags

Other: PTI felt in Harvest Gold, Vintage Cream, Simply Chartreuse; Lemon Tart and Aqua Mist buttons, twine, gingham ribbon, cotton fabric

Coaster Butterfly

2012-02-13T21:11:00.000-05:00

A card for two activities going on today at Papertrey Ink. The first is an anniversary challenge to win another awesome prize package-to make a card with both a butterfly and leaves. The second is for Make It Monday...to get creative with coasters!

Stamped an oval with the sentiment and leaves from Harvest Berries. Added a butterfly from the Love Lives Here die collection made with a coaster...

I die cut 2 butterflies from the coaster and then spritzed each with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist. While they were wet, I peeled them into layers on the edges, leaving the center intact. Then I stacked the two on top of each other and adhered them together! Easy peasy fun with coasters :)!

Supplies:

Stamps: Harvest Berries, PTI

Paper: PTI Kraft, White, Scarlet Jewel and also an older SEI Collection of patterned paper (maybe Dill Blossom?)

Ink: Fresh Ink in Strawberry, PTI Scarlet Jewel, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress ink, Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaColor Umber, and VersaMagic Wheat

Other: PTI coaster, Love Lives Here butterfly die, Spellbinders oval die, Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist, Sakura Stardust glitter pen, A Muse Studio ribbon, twine

Kettle Sketch

2012-02-11T03:00:00.057-05:00

Jen Cuthbertson is on a sketch creating ROLL! Here is another one she made especially for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog...

Time for tea...

Used the sweet sets Afternoon Tea and Afternoon Tea Sentiments! Found some patterned paper in the October Afternoon 5 & Dime Collection that had recipes in on it...for delicious treats, no less! And if you do a double take, you will see my sewing? (Those single stitches!) YES, that is about the extent of it!

Paper-pieced the kettle with more patterned paper, and placed the cup in front with some dimensionals.

That sentiment just makes me smile :)

It was no easy task picking the Top Mice from last week, and I can only imagine how hard it will be with this week's sketch! Be sure to upload your creation with this sketch HERE by next Friday, February 17th. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected player who will win a WMS set of choice!

Supplies:

Stamps: Afternoon Tea & Afternoon Tea Sentiments, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, October Afternoon 5 & Dime and Holiday Style Collections

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress Ink, red Copic marker

Other: PTI Button Boutique die, mini metal clip, red embroidery floss, dimensionals

Spring has Sprung Virtual Stamp Night Mini!

2012-02-10T18:37:00.002-05:00

I am a hostess tonight for the Virtual Stamp Night (VSN) Mini at Splitcoaststampers! The theme this year is "Spring has Sprung". My challenge is entitled, "All the Twists and Turns of Spring". The word "sprung" popped out at me, and made me think of all of the twists and turns of spring in upstate New York....warm days, cold days, rain, wind, flowers, and SNOW! So how to incorporate all of those twists into a card-making challenge? Use FLOURISHES on your card!

I used the sweet bunny and sentiment from L'il Buddies and the flourish from Flourishes-Scallops and Dots, both from Waltzingmouse Stamps. Stamped over Miss Bunny with the retired SU Linen Background and shaded her with Copics. Tucked a spring bloom behind her big ole' ear :) My Spring Moss hill is covered with flourishes from the D'Vine Swirls Cuttlebug embossing folder!

You can play along, too! One challenge is posted on the hour from 6:00 through 10:00 EST in the Virtual Stamp Night Forum seen HERE. This mini leads up to the BIG Virtual Stamp Night weekend Friday, March 9 through Saturday, March 10!

Supplies:
Stamps: L'il Buddies and Flourishes-Scallops and Dots, both Waltzingmouse Stamps, retired Linen Background, Stampin Up
Paper: Papertrey Ink White and Spring Moss
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Tim Holtz Tumbled Glass Distress ink, VersaColor Umber, Copic markers
Other: mini flower, pink twinkle sticker from A Muse Studio, D'Vine Swirls Cuttlebug folder, gingham ribbon

Color Me Melissa!

2012-02-08T19:25:00.000-05:00

Another fun contest for the Papertrey Ink 5th Anniversary festivities! Today's challenge was to choose one of the DT member's favorite color schemes. I chose a fun one by Melissa Phillips...I would never think to put these together (that's why SHE is the expert!)

Simply Chartreuse, Autumn Rose, Hibiscus Burst, and Raspberry Fizz!

Here is my card:

I used the newer sets Rosie Posie and Script Sentiments combined with an older set, Background Basics: Botanicals. Stamped the rose image in white on Autumn Rose cardstock then covered it with Martha Stewart's clear coarse glitter. The background was made with a combination of inks that I had on hand. Melissa's sample flowed together seamlessly (how does she always do that???), but when I tried it...a healthy dose of Vintage Cream was in order!

Supplies:
Stamps: Rosie Posie, Script Sentiments, and Background Basics: Botanicals, all Papertrey Ink
Paper: Vintage Cream and Autumn Rose, Papertrey Ink
Ink: PTI Fresh Snow, Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaColor Opera Pink, A Muse Studio Bubblegum, Tim Holtz Victorian Velvet and Antique Linen Distress inks, and Fresh Ink Tuscan Olive
Other: antique white ribbon, circle nestie, Martha Stewart clear coarse glitter, paper piercer, dimensionals

Fun with Doilies!

2012-02-06T09:15:00.002-05:00

I recently saw an advertisement in Real Simple Magazine for some stationery by expressionery.com, and I was inspired by the colorful medallion patterns. I decided to take out my Dainty Doilies 2-Small set from Waltzingmouse Stamps and try my hand at the same look!

It was really fun to play around layering different images and coloring with my Copic markers to see what I could create. The doilies are stamped with Memento London Fog ink, and then colored with some blue, green, and red Copics.

I am obsessed now (after Amber's blog hop), fearing that things look too "flat" on my cards! I added some pizzazz to my sentiment from Say It Loud. It was stamped in gray, so I decided to trace it with my Sakura Stardust glitter pen...much better!

My photography is not doing the real thing justice! Such drab days here lately, so glad I have my stamps, markers, and a bit of glitter to sparkle up my days :)

Supplies:
Stamps: Dainty Doilies 2-Small, Say It Loud, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI White and Aqua Mist
Ink: Memento London Fog, Fresh Ink in Red Currant, Copic markers, Sakura Stardust glitter pen
Other: clear rhinestones

Decidedly Danielle

2012-02-05T22:56:00.001-05:00

Papertrey Ink has started their 5th Anniversary celebration, and there is a huge prize up for grabs today! To enter to win, the challenge was to case one of the DT member's projects using some of their favorite products.

I chose the project by Danielle Flanders as my inspiration as I love her style! Always fun little surprises here and there...a touch of lace or felt, a die cut, and always beautiful patterned papers. She seems to have a way of creating freely and places elements in unique ways. Her cards never look the same, as she always uses a variety of products and interesting layouts. Her blog "Homespun with Heart" is perfectly named!

She made sweet invitations with glassine bags, some butterfly die cuts, and PTI's Blooming Button Bits set. Here is my take:

I used patterned papers from Jilly Bean Soup's Homemade Six Bean Soup Collection, and cut a window using the Mat Stack 1 die. Stamped the stems from Blooming Button Bits and added a Buttoned Up #2 die cut in gingham, a rolled rose in Pure Poppy felt, and a Lemon Tart button. The butterfly is from the Love Lives Here die collection. It is stamped with the coordinating image, edged with a bit of glitter, and backed with Pure Poppy felt so the little heart shows through. Added some lace and a big loopy twine bow, as I see lots of those on her projects! Topped it off with my favorite PTI sentiment of all time, "Wishing you Sunshine" from Blooming Button Bits!

Thanks to Danielle and ALL of the PTI designers who share so much heart with all of us each week. It's going to be an exciting 2 weeks, can't wait to see what's coming next!

Supplies:
Stamps: Blooming Button Bits, Love Lives Here, both Papertrey Ink
Paper: Lemon Tart cardstock, Jilly Bean Soup Homemade Six Bean Soup patterned papers, A Muse Studio gingham paper
Ink: PTI's Pure Poppy ink and Fresh Ink in Tuscan Olive
Other: PTI's Mat Stack 1 die, Buttoned Up #2 die, Lemon Tart button, and Pure Poppy felt; also Divine Twine, My Favorite Things Mini Rolled Rose die, Martha Stewart clear coarse glitter, clear embossing powder from A Muse Studio

With Love Sketch

2012-02-04T03:00:00.042-05:00

I just love this sketch by Jen Cuthbertson for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog! It is so perfect for Valentine's Day...or any day that calls for a little love :)

...and how I LOVE Sewing Box-Hugs!

I made my circle bases by tracing old can lids! Stamped the heart from Sewing Box-Hugs on two different papers from the October Afternoon Holiday Style Collection. The teeny sentiment is from Seasons of Love-Tags. Some delicious new kraft twill (more love!) from Papertrey Ink to top it off. A CAS card that sorta-kinda could be masculine-ish. I am terrible at those, so this is about as masculine as one of my cards gets!

Show the sketch challenge some love! Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, February 10th. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a stamp set of choice!

ALSO...I LOVE that Waltzingmouse Stamps will be releasing NINE new stamp sets this month on February 29th! Sneak peeks set to begin on Sunday, February 26th, yippee!

Supplies:

Stamps: Sewing Box Hugs, Seasons of Love-Tags, both Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, October Afternoon's Holiday Style patterned papers

Ink: Stazon Black, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress ink

Other: mini brads, PTI kraft twill ribbon, wooden button from Michael's, red embroidery floss, dimensionals

Rosie Right

2012-01-29T17:34:00.003-05:00

Amber Daigre is hosting a really fun little blog hop this week for her one year blog anniversary. She's been looking back at her previous posts and re-doing some cards...those "What was I thinking?" type cards! I actually chose a recent card that was leaving me "unsettled". I couldn't put my finger on why I didn't like it. I kept staring at it wondering what was wrong?

Call the doctor! For it was Dr. Amber that diagnosed this card. She had made a background with Rosie Posie and pronounced it "flat" until she added shading with colored pencils. YES! That's it! This is too flat! Also, I was going for Maile's monochromatic background seen HERE, and I don't think I stamped my images close enough to each other.

So armed with Amber's advice, and the colors from the CR84FN Challenge , I made a new card.

(Note: Excuse the poor picture. There is no natural light to be found here right about now!)

I stamped the roses using Memento Angel Pink ink and then shaded them with Copics. The leaves were inked with PTI's Ocean Tides ink but stamped off the paper once to get a lighter image. Same goes for the little dots, stamped off using Ocean Tides and Pure Poppy ink. I've been seeing denim patterned papers lately, so I dug out my retired SU Denim Background and stamped some Ocean Tides Denim of my own!

While I am still not totally thrilled with my coloring, I think I may be on the right track! Rosie Posie is such a beautiful set, that I can't give up yet! Thanks so much to Amber for hosting this fun event!
P.S.: Congratulations on your one year anniversary (Seriously...only 1 year? Oh the places you have gone, Amber :)!

Edited to add: STILL fixing it, hee! Slid bow over to right hand side, didn't like it in the center. ALSO forgot to say that I was inspired by the awesome coloring of Rosie Posie by both Amber AND Suzanne Russell! Suzanne's stunning card is seen HERE!!

Supplies:
Stamps: Rosie Posie, Tiny Tags both Papertrey Ink, and retired Denim Background, Stampin Up
Paper: PTI white
Ink: Memento Angel Pink, PTI Ocean Tides and Pure Poppy, and Copic markers
Other: white satin ribbon, Tiny Tags die, pink embroidery floss

All Those Little Images... Sketch!

2012-01-28T03:00:00.043-05:00

Isn't this sketch grand? Another fun one created by the fabulous Anya Schrier for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog. I had so much fun that I got a bit carried away...I used images, big and small, from SIX different WMS sets to make my card!

Here's the rundown:
-a big heart and sentiment from Sweethearts
-wreath image from Faux Fun Circles
-a mini heart from Earth Angel
-leaves from Teeny Trees
-dotted circle and tiny dot from Nutcracker Sweet
-reverse polka dot border from Gingham & Co.

It just goes to show that Claire's sets really are so versatile and have the sweetest little treasures tucked between those bigger images on that acetate sheet!

I shout out to Edna...I added a bit of a "topper" to the sketch! (Eek, I couldn't help myself!) I cut the wreath out with a Standard Circle Nestie and layered it over a bigger Petite Scalloped Nestie. I covered the polka dotted heart from Sweethearts with Martha Stewart's clear coarse glitter. You can see a bit of fabric underneath cut with a scallop border die. The sentiment is stamped on a Tiny Tags die cut from Papertrey Ink.

This is going to be a week of brilliant background stamping I'll bet! Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, February 3. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: See list above, hee!...all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream and Kraft cardstocks
Ink: Fresh Ink in Tomato Red and Basil, VersaColor ink in Umber, Tim Holtz Distress Pumice Stone Distress ink
Other: Tiny Tags die and Large Scalloped border die from PTI, fabric, Martha Stewart's clear coarse glitter, Spellbinders "Standard Circles Small" and "Petite Scallops Large" Nestabilies, twine, dimensionals

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2012-01-25T09:13:00.000-05:00

The theme for this month's Papertrey Ink Blog Hop is a fun one. We were to choose a favorite project from last year and use it to be inspired to make one for the new year! I recently put together a Top 10 cards of 2011 post on my blog, so I had a favorite in mind all ready to go.

This was the ATC card that I made last April for Spring Fest in Buffalo, NY. It's an annual get-together for stampers, and I always sign up for this swap! I though my design was simple until on (approximately) ATC #3 (out of 26), I didn't want to thread and glue any more buttons! I kept going, though, and was really happy that I pushed through :)!

I decided to take out Button Boutique, Baby Button Bits, and Bitty Background Blocks again to make a new card:

I thought this patterned paper from October Afternoon's "5 & Dime" Collection was a perfect fit in theme and matched the colors of my button card.

Instead of stamping a Bitty Block pinked square, I used 2 of the images from the set to paper piece the cupcake and leaves. Used different images from Button Boutique to make my button card, and added the cupcake and sentiment (instead of the peas) from Baby Button Bits.

It will be so much fun to see all of the projects, both old AND new! Thanks for stopping by my blog today!

Supplies:
Stamps: Button Boutique, Baby Button Bits, Bitty Background Blocks, all Papertrey Ink
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream and Aqua Mist, October Afternoon's "5 & Dime" patterned papers
Ink: PTI's Aqua Mist, Fresh Ink in Chocolate, Pink Lemonade, Celery, and Chamomille
Other: PTI's Button Boutique dies, button, embroidery floss, dimensionals, little white flower and Lemon Whip satin ribbon by A Muse Studio

Little Pink Houses Sketch

2012-01-21T03:00:00.033-05:00

Time for another fun layout at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog. Here is this week's sketch by Anya:

Because of kind Cathy Weber, I decided to enter this in the CR84FN Challenge, too...I forgot that yellow was the other color paired with pink this week!

I was singing that John Cougar Mellencamp (or is he now John Cougar? John Mellencamp?) song "Ain't that America" while I was making this sketch card. You know the line..."Little pink houses, for you and me..."

I had colored this cottage from A Cottage Home way back at release time, but did not have any patterned paper that went well with my pink house! It had been sitting in my "How do I use these on a card?" bin for too long. I stamped some plaid paper using the stripes from Off Beat Backgrounds and Pic-Nic Patterns. It kind of looks just like striped paper now because the cottage is hiding the vertical stripes! The sentimentand tiny hinges from A Cottage Home are stamped on PTI's Linen Vellum cardstock and wrapped around the card front.

I colored the house with Copic markers, layered it with dimensionals, and then added glitter here and there. Oh how I love the scallops on the roof, the teeny lanterns, and the sweet little details on the door! The delicious satin ribbon is in the color "Lemon Whip" by A Muse Studio.

Now it's your turn to get creative! Upload your project HERE by next Friday, January 27th. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your creation to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: A Cottage Home, Off Beat Backgrounds, Pic-Nic Patterns, all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI White, Lemon Tart, Linen Vellum
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stazon Black, A Muse Studio "Bubblegum Pink", Fresh Ink in "Chamomille", Tim Holtz Crushed Velvet Distress ink, Copic Markers
Other: Stampendous Crystal Snow glitter, Lemon Whip satin ribbon from A Muse Studio, lots of dimensionals!

Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party!

2012-01-17T03:00:00.077-05:00

It's a new year, and a new kind of Blog Party at Waltzingmouse Stamps! The blog party will still be held on the 17th of each month and will have a special theme. Now, you will link your project on Claire's blog instead of in the forum. You will have until 10:00 a.m. Central Time, 8:00 a.m. Pacific, 11:00 a.m. Eastern, and 4:00 p.m. Dublin time to post your direct link using the Inlinkz tool. The linking option will be closed after that time. From there you can just click on any of the projects linked and be directed to any of the participants’ blogs to get a closer look at their creativity.

On the 20th of the month – a few of the entries with that "extra special effort" will be highlighted on Claire's blog. Also at that time, a randomly-selected participant in the blog hop will receive a coupon code good for a free WMS set of choice!

The theme for January's hop is "Sweet Things." I can think of no other stamp set in the world that is sweeter than "Earth Angel"! (I readily accept any opportunity that I have to gush over this set :)!

The background is made with the Dainty Doilies-Large set. A sentiment from this set fit the theme perfectly! I added little hearts from Earth Angel, as well.

I am trying to embrace gray as a color in my card-making, and thought Earth Angel would look so sweet in a little rustic dotted dress! Stamped the polka dots for her dress from Gingham & Co. The circle of hearts is another fave image of mine from the L'il Buddies set. Her wings are colored with a red Copic marker and then coated in Martha Stewart's clear coarse glitter.

This is going to be a deliciously good hop! I can't wait to see all of the versatile projects with the "Sweet Things" theme. Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:
Stamps: Earth Angel, Dainty Doilies-Large, L'il Buddies, and Gingham & Co., all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI White, Soft Stone, and Pure Poppy cardstock
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Ladybug Red, Fresh Ink in Slate, and Copic markers
Other: Spellbinders Standard Circles Nestabilities, Stickles, Martha Stewart clear coarse glitter, and lots of dimensionals!

Homespun Hugs Sketch

2012-01-14T03:00:00.012-05:00

Another unique sketch from Anya at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog! This one made me think of quilty prints...

I have missed using my non-holiday sets! Time to get out the old favorites like Sewing Box-Hugs!

I also can't seem to leave that October Afternoon Sidewalks Collection alone! Just love the fun springy colors and patterns. I layered the Sewing Box-Hugs flowers with dimensionals after stamping them directly onto the patterned paper. Also added my own little stamped pattern with flowers from Eat Cake.

For the center panel, I sponged the edges with PTI's Aqua Mist ink, and then stamped the plaid stripes from Off Beat Backgrounds on the top and bottom. I could line up the sweet sentiment from Sewing Box-Hugs perfectly!

Like using a ruler...but with much cuter results!

Now it's your turn to play along! Upload your creations HERE by next Friday, January 20th. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image or product on your creation to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS set of choice!

Don't forget!!!!....there is another event next week at Waltzingmouse Stamps. The Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party will take place on Tuesday, January 17th. This month's theme is "Sweet Things"! In the new format, you will link your blog post directly into the Mr. Linky section on Claire's blog, rather than on a thread in the forum. You can add your project any time that day. Can't wait to see you there!

Supplies:

Stamps: Sewing Box-Hugs, Eat Cake, Off Beat Backgrounds, all Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream cardstock, October Afternoon's Sidewalks collection

Ink: PTI Aqua Mist and Smokey Shadow inks, Tim Holtz Barn Door Distress ink

Other: PTI Aqua Mist and Pure Poppy buttons, embroidery floss, dimensionals

Winter Bloomers

2012-01-09T15:29:00.000-05:00

The CR84FN Challenge is back, and they came up with a bright, cheerful color combination to chase away those winter blues...

Here is my card with the inspiration colors:

I made some roses using My Favorite Things Mini Rolled Rose dies, and added them to the basket from Papertrey Ink's Vintage Picnic. The yellow wool felt is from an etsy.com shop called "BenzieBazaar". Had to sneak in just a few leaves with PTI's Simply Chartreuse felt. The sentiment is from Friendship Jar Fillers.

It was so nice here that I took this photo outside! No rain, no drizzle, sleet or snow...maybe the real bloomers aren't far behind?

Supplies:
Stamps: Vintage Picnic and Friendship Jar Fillers, Papertrey Ink
Paper: PTI white
Ink: Tim Holtz Broken China Distress ink, Fresh Ink in Chamomille
Other: PTI Sending You (arch) and Tiny Tags dies, MFT Mini Rolled Rose dies, Swiss Dot CB embossing folder, orange gingham ribbon, PTI Simply Chartreuse felt, and yellow felt from BenzieBazaar (etsy.com shop), white pearls

Lovely Celebration Sketch

2012-01-07T03:00:00.029-05:00

Welcome back to another year of fabulous sketches at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog! I had a wonderful holiday week, but it is good to get back to the usual routine :)! Here is this week's sketch by the lovely Anya...

Time to put away those Christmas colors and get out some bright fun colors again:

Okay, confession time...the sweet love tag IS from Around Christmastime! (Maybe I can't put away all of those sweet WMS sets yet!) I embossed it in white on Hibiscus Burst cardstock. Only THEN did I remember that the sentiment panel was supposed to be at the bottom of the card! I thought the teeny tiny "I love you" sentiment from Say It Loud fit right in with this adorable patterned paper from October Afternoon's Sidewalks Collection.

I turned the sentiment into a little medallion/ribbon with stamped "tails" from Bitty Banners

to match the theme on the paper.

Let the fun begin again! Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, January 13th. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected player who will win a WMS set of choice!

Supplies:

Stamps: Around Christmastime, Say It Loud, Bitty Banners, all Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Hibiscus Burst, and Harvest Gold and Sidewalks Collection by October Afternoon

Ink: PTI Ocean Tides, Memento Ladybug Red, Versamark, Antique Linen Distress ink

Other: Nestie circles, rick rack border die from A Muse Studio, buttons, twine

Washi Ruffles

2012-01-05T19:06:00.001-05:00

Ugh, this week back to school and work has been difficult! I am longing for those lazy days that came after Christmas. I decided that I needed some creative therapy, so off to the Runway Inspired Challenge again for some fun eye candy. This week's design is by Gareth Pugh, Spring 2012....I see layers of fabulousness!

Oh so out of my comfort zone (figuratively and literally...those SHOES!) 

I grabbed some Washi tape and made some layers of my own:

I cut 3 strips of black cardstock and wound some black and white striped washi tape around them. I left some overhang at the bottom to make little "ruffles". (Note to self: Use washi tape more often, it's very forgiving!) Then I layered the 3 panels over each other, and adhered them diagonally to mimic all of the crazy angles at the bottom of the skirt. Both the sheer ribbon and the sentiment are from A Muse Studio.

I am enjoying the Runway Inspired Challenge so much! It's just the kick start that I needed to try new things this year. As an added bonus, the DT members' and participants' samples are JUST as inspiring as the original photo!

Supplies:
Stamps: sentiment from Glamour Girl, A Muse Studio
Paper: PTI black and white
Other: washi tape, ribbon, and white embossing powder, all from A Muse Studio

Embroidered Rosies

2012-01-03T14:26:00.000-05:00

I got to play along with one of my favorite Splitcoaststampers challenges this past weekend, the Inspiration Challenge hosted by SmilynStef! She chose an etsy.com site called "Embroidery Everywhere" for inspiration. I chose the lovely Simply Sweethearts embroidered flour sack seen HERE to get me started.

Ever since I saw Maile Belle's background stamping with PTI's new Rosie Posie set, I knew that I wanted to try it out! I stamped the roses along with the hearts from Love Lives Here in Tomato Red Fresh Ink. The sentiment is from Waltzingmouse Stamps Say It Loud set. Added some layered buttons and gingham ribbon (is there any other kind, hee!) to set off my Valentine! It's fun to think hearts and pretty things after all of those Christmas projects :)!

Supplies:
Stamps: Rosie Posie and Love Lives Here, Papertrey Ink, and Say It Loud, Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI white and black
Ink: Fresh Ink in Tomato Red, VersaFine in Black
Other: black and heart buttons, gingham ribbon, corner rounder punch, Divine Twine

Tiptoe on the Runway...

2011-12-30T19:10:00.002-05:00

It is with extreme anxiety that I step onto the runway! I am playing along with a new challenge created by the fabulous Jennifer Rzasa. It is called the Runway Inspired Challenge, and it's in it's second week!

This blog has QUITE the Design Team and they are some of the best CAS card designers in the industry. This blog is modern! It's chic! It's everything I am not, hee! So I watched from afar (aghast) at the first round and it looked like so much fun. So in New Year's Resolution style, I tiptoed onto the runway (in quaking stilettos).

Here is this week's awesome design inspiration by Fendi Spring 2012...

Awesome! Here is my card:

I was inspired by the patterns and colors of the dress. Stamped the chevron stripes from Waltzingmouse Stamps Off Beat Backgrounds in Slate and Chamomille inks. Added yellow along the bottom to match her shoes :)

Used Bloom Builder #3 from Papertrey Ink (layered 2 of each petal set). It's cut from PTI's Linen Vellum, and topped with a sparkly New Leaf button to match her purse. The sentiment is in lavender. Heck, throwing all caution to the wind, I even cut into a brand new pack of Soft Stone cardstock that has been just sitting in my closet waiting for a challenge like this. All the cool people are saying "Grey is the new Black," you know!

Come join in the fun yourself...you'll be so glad to get out of your comfy sweats at least once this week, right?!

Supplies:
Stamps: Off Beat Backgrounds, You're Lovely, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Soft Stone, White, and Linen Vellum
Ink: Fresh Ink in Slate and Chamomille, VersaMagic in Purple Hydrangea
Other: PTI Bloom Builder #3 die, New Leaf Button

Top 10 for 2011

2011-12-30T16:49:00.002-05:00

I LOVE looking at everybody's Top 10 favorites of 2011! I did the same on my blog last year and it really brings back fun memories. It also is a bit of a kick start for the new year. Kind of makes you think, must get that set out again...or try that color scheme...or use that sketch!

Here are my Top 10 favorites looking back on my own blog this year:

ATC card for Buffalo Spring Fest

Stamps: Button Boutique, Baby Button Bits, Bitty Background Blocks, Polka Dot Basics

Papertrey Ink

My first Mischief Maker card at Waltzingmouse Stamps!

Stamps: Earth Angel, Pic-Nic Patterns

A slide out pocket card

Stamps: Sewing Box-Hugs, Say It Loud

Waltzingmouse Stamps

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop card

Stamps: Baby Button Bits, Background Basics: Diamonds, Blooming Button Bits

A color scheme by Betsy Veldman!

Stamps: Love Lives Here and Leaf Prints by Papertrey Ink

and a text background from Penny Black

One of my first Waltzingmouse Stamps Design Team projects!

Stamps: Cicely at Halloween, Say It Loud-Winter Holiday, Hocus Pocus

St. Patrick's Day Waltz for Waltzingmouse Stamps

Stamps: Roses in Bloom, Pic-Nic Patterns, Teeny Trees

Verve Valentine

Stamps: Text Objects from Verve Stamps

A Purple Christmas!

Stamps: A Cottage Christmas, Around Christmastime

Waltzingmouse Stamps

And possibly my favorite of all, featuring my favorite stamp set of the year...

Nordic Mittens

Stamps: Nordic Winter, Waltzingmouse Stamps

So there you have it! I would love to know which one you like best and why. Seriously! It will keep me thinking for 2012! Hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's Eve and New Year's Day! Hope to get to some crafty challenges in blogland this weekend. No work for me until Tuesday, yippee!!

Papertrey Ink Christmas Leftovers Hop

2011-12-26T21:00:00.003-05:00

Time for the annual "Christmas leftovers" hop with Papertrey Ink! The challenge was to find leftover items from the holiday, whether pieces of wrapping paper, cards, envelopes, ribbons, gift bags, etc. and make something new with them!

Even though I tend to get photo cards from most of my friends each Christmas, I still get some lovely "store-bought" cards, too...many of them are spectacularly flocked, or glittered, or embossed!

This morning (not feeling as guilty since Christmas is over), I went at them with my scissors (yikes!)...

I didn't know what to do with them until today. I took out some dies, mainly the ones from the Love Lives Here:Holiday set and cut some trees, stockings, and mittens!

Poor Santa!!

His glittery white beard was too good to pass up...

I came to a sad realization yesterday. I could spend an hour making a gift tag, but for the most part...it's going to get swept away with the wrapping paper! Birthday tags, or ones for other special days during the year, may stand a chance. But not the Christmas ones! My New Year's resolution is to make simple Christmas tags for next year. On this one I used the Love Lives Here: Holiday tree (cut from Santa's beard above), Tag Sale #5, and a sentiment from Merry Little Christmas. The patterned paper is by Jillibean Soup.

On this one, the sweet embossed holly is from a Precious Moments card that I received. Used the same dies and stamp set, and some October Afternoon Holiday Style patterned paper. I also had enough to cut a mitten and stocking with the same pattern!

Can't wait to see all of the recycled projects tonight! I have been sneaking peeks throughout the day, but there were toys to be played with and fights from cranky (overwhelmed) children to break up! Thanks for stopping by!

Merry Christmas Eve!

2011-12-24T19:43:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas from our house to yours! Thanks so much to all of you that stop by and visit every week, you brighten my world so much! Wishing you a safe and happy Christmas Eve and Christmas Day!

Hugs from your Gingham Family...

Jason, Kelly, Eva & Claire :)

PTI's Make It Monday-Shaped Tags

2011-12-19T18:50:00.000-05:00

This week for PTI's Make It Monday, Erin showed us how to make shaped folding tags with any of the PTI dies! I chose the angel from Love Lives Here Holiday.

After cutting and stamping her, I realized...where to put the hole at the top???? I just secured a piece of twine under a little square of cardstock on the back, then glued the wings over the top.

The sentiments inside are from Rustic Branches.

Such a fun technique, Erin! Can't wait to try it out with some other bigger dies!

Supplies:

Stamps: Love Lives Here Holiday and Rustic Branches, Papertrey Ink

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, A Muse Studio Kraft

Ink: Fresh Ink in Pear and Chocolate, Colorbox Chesnut ink, Tim Holtz Antique Linen and Evergreen Bough Distress inks, Other: Martha Stewart Clear Coarse glitter, twine, PTI Love Lives Here Holiday die set, red mini gift bag from Big Lots, red Copic marker

Ginger Star Sketch!

2011-12-17T03:00:00.047-05:00

One more sketch before a short hiatus at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog. The Mischief Makers will be taking a break until after the new year begins. That means that you have extra time to ponder over this fun idea from Claire:

Here is my take:

This card is inspired by one of my favorite papercrafters Anna Wight! She is always sugar-coating the cutest primitive krafty shapes, making them look absolutely delicious! She also used a Sizzix Primitive Star die last year that I just pined for! This is the newest version called Stars, Primitive. There are 3 sizes on the one die.

I got a very thin cardboard insert in a package recently. It was a little more honey-colored than kraft cardstock and a smidge thicker, but not as thick as chipboard. I wish I knew which package it came from because I would call the company and ask where they got it from! As soon as I saw it, I knew I would save it for a sparkly little confection! Covered it with Tea Dye and Brushed Corduroy Distress inks, and Martha Stewart's clear coarse glitter.

As for my stamping, I thought the plaid banners from Bitty Banners were a fun addition, and the sentiment is from Seasons of Love-Tags! The paper is by Jillibean Soup's "Homemade Six Bean Soup" Collection and the buttons are from A Muse Studio.

Can't wait to see if you use this sketch for a Christmas project, or save it for afterwards (hopefully to use with some of those new stamps you got from Santa???) Upload your creation HERE by Friday, January 6th! Be sure to include at least 1 Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Moxie Fab Mouse!

2011-12-15T00:00:00.081-05:00

Today Waltzingmouse Stamps has received Cath Edvalson's Moxie Fab "Stamp" of Approval at the Moxie Fab World Blog!

Visit Cath's post HERE for a chance to win.

One randomly-selected winner will get SIX WALTZINGMOUSE STAMP SETS just by leaving her a comment!

Here are the sets that are up for grabs...

Nordic Winter

(Seen here along with the WMS set Very Vintage Labels No. 10 which I used to make the frame.)

Santa's Coming to Town

(Seen here with October Afternoon's Holiday Style paper and the medallion from WMS "Around Christmastime" set.

Seasonal Remedies

(Seen here with more October Afternoon Holiday Style paper and the WMS "Musical Backgrounds" set!)

2011 Holiday Ornaments

(A tag with patterned paper by Jillibean Soup's "Christmas Chowder" Collection)

and Candy Jar Christmas and Candy Jar Christmas Fillers!

So what are you waiting for? RUN over to Cath's blog and leave a comment on her post today!!!

Be sure to visit Waltzingmouse Stamps Owner and Creator, Claire Brennan's blog as she has some projects to share, as do some of the other DT members like me (see list in my sidebar)!

Ohhh, it would be such a great early Christmas present if you win.

GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!!

Doilyflake Sketch

2011-12-10T03:00:00.042-05:00

I am in LOVE with this week's sketch by Claire at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge blog! I can see myself going back to this sketch over and over again! It's one of my faves of all time...

I was absolutely inspired by JJ Bolton's doilicious card that was a Top Mouse winner a few weeks ago seen HERE! It was so special that it also claimed a prize in the Moxie Fab World Medallion Challenge! (Actually JJ claimed an award for 2 beautiful medallion cards, first time ever on the Moxie Fab blog :)!

Here is my doily gone snowflake card...

The papers are from October Afternoon's Holiday Style Collection that just arrived last week (I pre-ordered them in October knowing that they would be a perfect fit for me!). The sentiment is from the lovely Compliments of the Season set, all embossed in white.

Also used new Fresh Ink by Impress Rubber Stamps in the color "Blue Sage". It was my birthday present to myself :) Stamped 3 doilies from Dainty Doilies 2-Small and cut them out with Spellbinders Petite Scalloped Circles Large Nestabilities. Typically I am stingy with my use of pearls and rhinestones. I am always afraid of running out of them! Well let me tell you, it's fun to use almost a whole pack on one card!

All ready to be wowed as I always am when I see what you do with this sketch! Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, December 16th. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your card to be eligible to be the randomly-selected winner who will receive a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: Dainty Doilies 2-Small, Compliments of the Season, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Holiday Style patterned paper by October Afternoon, PTI Vintage Cream
Ink: Fresh Ink in Blue Sage, Versamark
Other: Spellbinders Petite Scalloped Circles Large Nestabilities, Sky Blue rhinestones, ivory pearls, and white embossing powder from A Muse Studio, lots of dimensionals!

40 on the 40

2011-12-06T00:00:00.011-05:00

Today is my big day...I am FORTY years old!

(That is the strangest thing to type!)

I had a very special birthday party this weekend. I went to my very first Buffalo Bills game!

Big birthdays need big venues, hee!

It was a balmy 52 degree-ish in Orchard Park at Ralph Wilson Stadium. That's practically summer weather in Buffalo, not a snowflake in sight. We still bundled up just in case...

That's me, Maureen, Becky (my niece), and Terri...

My husband Jason (with his winter beard, ack!), my nephew Scott, Buck, and my nephew-in-law Aaron!

Did I mention that the Bills lost 23-17? It's their 5th loss in a row. They started off the season so well, but things have taken a turn for the worst. If you live in upstate NY, it's your duty to remain loyal...

I had high hopes :)

I saw an interview with country star Faith Hill on TV a month or so ago.

She said she was in her 40's and fierce.

If the Buffalo Bills and I start to think that way...it's going to be quite a 2012 :)!

Cookie Sketch

2011-12-03T03:00:00.005-05:00

Claire sure has cooked up a delicious sketch for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog this week...

So yummy indeedy! I had sweet things on my mind...

There's always a need for a Christmas cookie tag! I used the gingerbread man from Candy Jar Christmas Fillers and sentiment from Candy Jar Christmas. The sweet holly paper is from Jillibean Soup's Christmas Chowder Collection. Made a felt topper using Papertrey Ink's Holly Jolly dies.

Still have more of those little cranberry colored bags from Big Lots...3 down, 5 to go!

I really can't wait to see what everyone creates with this sketch...the Mischief Makers had me applauding from my computer chair! Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, December 9th. Be sure to include at least 1 Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected player who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:

Stamps: Candy Jar Christmas & Candy Jar Christmas Fillers, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, Jillibean Soup Christmas Chowder patterned paper

Ink: Fresh Ink in Honey, SU Cranberry Crisp, Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress ink

Other: PTI Tag Sale #4 and Holly Jolly dies, A Muse Studio Cranberry Pearls and scalloped edge die, Spellbinders Standard Circle Small Nestabilities, gingham ribbon, PTI Simply Chartreuse felt, cranberry felt from BenzieBazaar (etsy.com)

A Teeny Tree for Tenia!

2011-11-27T12:08:00.001-05:00

I was blog hopping today and found out that one of the sweetest stampers around was honored as the Featured Stamper last week at Splitcoaststampers....Tenia Sanders-Nelson! I just had to case one of her stylish cards and I chose this beauty!

I know, WOW!

I also wanted to play along with the Inspiration Challenge this week, an awesome website featuring children's bedding called Glenna Jean. I was inspired by this bedroom set called Central Park!

See those 2 trees on the dresser in the background? Tenia's awesome layout and card elements, along with the colors and trees from the photo led me to making this card...

I used the tree and sentiment from Teeny Trees, and the beautiful label from Very Vintage Labels No. 10 from Waltzingmouse Stamps. The background is the Tulle Damask Backgrounder from Cornish Heritage Farms. I embossed it in white on Sky cardstock by A Muse Studio.

I embossed the tree with Diamond Embossing powder, cut it out, and then added a little rolled rose at the top. I could only dream of making a flower like Tenia's! I made up for it by adding a big dramatic satin bow just like Tenia used on her card!

CONGRATULATIONS, TENIA! I am so happy that you were featured this week! Oh how I love your style and so appreciate all of the sweet comments you sprinkle all over blogland :)!

Supplies:
Stamps: Teeny Trees and Very Vintage Labels No. 10, Waltzingmouse Stamps, and Tulle Damask Backgrounder, Cornish Heritage Farms
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, and A Muse Studio Sky
Ink: Versamagic, VersaColor Umber, and Tim Holtz Walnut Stain Distress ink
Other: Diamond and White embossing powders, pearl, and satin ribbon all A Muse Studio, Spellbinders Labels 10 Nestabilities, PTI Vintage Cream felt, MFT Mini Rolled Rose die

A Place for the Mr. and Mrs....Sketch!

2011-11-26T03:00:00.015-05:00

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving! But don't put those fancy dishes too far back on the shelf yet...it's already time to think about place settings for Christmas! As always, Claire was thinking ahead with this week's sketch at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog!

I decided to make room for 2 additional guests this year...

Santa and Mrs. Claus! Santa will probably be too tired to drive back to the North Pole, and Mrs. Claus deserves a day off in the kitchen! Jen Cuthbertson told me that if you make a place for them, they are sure to come!

I used the Santa sentiment from Santa's Coming to Town, and the Mrs. sentiment from Candy Jar Christmas. The gingham is from Gingham & Co.!

I might be a little obsessed with this sweet evergreen swag image from Nutcracker Sweet! Oh and those ribbons, so sweet! To embellish, I just dotted the little circle with Christmas Red Stickles, and wrapped twine around the cardstock above the gingham panel.

Who will you be coming to your house this Christmas? Make some place cards and upload a photo of them HERE by next Friday, December 2. Be sure to use at least 1 Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your creation to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: Nutcracker Sweet, Santa's Coming to Town, Candy Jar Christmas, Gingham & Co., all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream and Kraft cardstock
Ink: VersaColor Bamboo, Fresh Ink in Tomato Red, Tim Holtz Distress inks in Walnut Stain and Antique Linen
Other: twine, Christmas Red Stickles

While I'm at it...let's CR84FN!

2011-11-25T20:54:00.000-05:00

It's my first time playing along with Mona Pendleton's CR84FN Color Challenge! I picked a week with a bit of a tricky combination for my first go around...

Brown, Tan, and Green...ohhh it was hard keeping away from the red on this one. But I did it!

I had the Love Lives Here: Holiday stamp set out for the PTI Blog Hop and just kept going! Also used 2 new Black Friday finds, the Triad Leaves and Snowflake #8 Embossing Folders by Sizzix/Basic Grey. Used Grass cardstock by A Muse Studio which has a white core. It started to show through with the crisp embossing, so I sanded over it even more.

Added lots of sparkle with Crystal Snow glitter by Stampendous on the angel's wings and star, some Sakura Stardust glitter pen on the branches, and some A Muse Studio Latte pearls on her skirt.

I had SUCH fun with this challenge! So much inspiration from Mona, the Design Team, and all of the other participants. Be sure to visit the CR84FN blog HERE to play along, too!

Supplies:

Stamps: Love Lives Here: Holiday, Papertrey Ink

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream and Kraft, A Muse Studio Grass cs

Ink: VersaColor Umber, Color Box Chesnut, Fresh Ink in Tuscan Olive, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress ink

Other: Spellbinders oval die, Sizzix/Basic Grey embossing folders in Triad Leaves and Snowflake #8, Crystal Snow glitter by Stampendous, sandpaper, A Muse Studio Latte pearl stickers, twine

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2011-11-25T20:35:00.000-05:00

Time for another blog hop with Papertrey Ink! Who could pass up the opportunity to use this beautiful photo as inspiration for a Christmas card.?

Here is my card:

I used the beautiful angel and pine boughs from Love Lives Here: Holiday, and a sentiment from Believe. The technique to make the background was featured on a previous Make It Monday. I placed the arch from the Sending You die set on top of the Vineyard Impression plate (cutting side facing away from the impression plate), paper on top, and tan/chocolate mats on top of that. Sent it through my Cuttlebug.

It left a beautiful impression in the center, the perfect place to tuck the angel.

I'm posting a late entry, as I was out scoring some deals on Black Friday! My best finds at 6:30 AM? Some Sizzix/Basic Grey dies that were 75% off, fancy Fiskars tweezers that were 60% off, and 5 new Copics to add to my collection. Hope you all had fun shopping today...whether at the local mall or in the comfort of your own home!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Supplies:

Stamps: Love Lives Here: Holiday, Believe, both Papertrey Ink; Gingham & Co, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Vintage Cream and Pure Poppy

Ink: Fresh Ink in Tomato Red, Color Box Chesnut, VersaColor Umber and Bamboo

Other: Vintage Cream twill tape, Vineyard Impression Plate, Sending You and Love Lives Here: Holiday die sets, all Papertrey Ink; also, Spellbinders oval, A Muse Studio Cranberry pearls

Gingham & Holly Sketch

2011-11-19T03:00:00.039-05:00

Another wonderful and versatile sketch from Claire this week at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog! This one is just perfect for a Christmas card, see?....

I thought so....!

I stamped images from two sets that I can't seem to get enough of lately...the holly tag image from Around Christmastime inside the candy cane circle from Faux Fun Circles. The regal sentiment is from Nutcracker Sweet!

I stamped the tag image in Memento Tuxedo Black ink, colored the inside with Copic markers, and added a bit of Crystal Snow glitter. Popped it up inside the candy cane circle and added some red pearls for the berries. The holly fits perfectly inside a 1.75 inch circle punch, and the Faux Fun Circles coordinate perfectly with the Spellbinders Standard Circles Small Nestabilities set!

Are you on a Christmas card roll, too? Link your project with this sketch HERE by next Friday, November 25th. Be sure to use at least 1 Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project in order to be eligible to be the randomly-selected player who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: Around Christmastime, Faux Fun Circles, Nutcracker Sweet, all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: gingham paper by A Muse Studio, PTI white
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Stampin Up Cherry Cobbler, Copic markers
Other: Spellbinders Standard Circles Small Nestabilities, 1.75 inch circle punch, Crystal Snow glitter by Stampendous, ribbon, pearl twinkle stickers from A Muse Studio

Friends of Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz

2011-11-17T03:00:00.035-05:00

It's time for another Friends of Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz, and this month's theme is Christmas/Winter!

I have been collecting some 6x6 Christmas-themed patterned paper pads lately! In the past when I have purchased papers, I then had trouble incorporating them into projects. So I have been trying new things, and actually USING what I buy! When I saw the Peppermint Collection by Crate paper, I knew that I wanted to combine it with the new WMS set Santa's Coming to Town!

Those lovely traditional colors with the text all about Santa was a perfect fit. I used the Santa silhouette from Santa's Coming to Town, and a label from Very Vintage Labels No. 1, which coordinates with Spellbinders Labels One Nestabilities.

I stamped the image in Versamark, and embossed it with black powder. It fits perfectly over the little circle in the center of this image, with just enough peeking out to look like a pinked edge!

Can't wait to see all of the Christmas projects today! If you would like to participate, or follow along and visit the other participants' blogs, just look HERE in the Waltzingmouse Forum!

Supplies:
Stamps: Santa's Coming to Town, Very Vintage Labels No. 1, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Crate Paper's Peppermint Collection, PTI white
Ink: VersaMark, Fresh Ink in Basil, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress ink
Other: Spellbinders Labels One Nestabilities, Fern ribbon and red pearls by A Muse Studio, red jingle bell, twine

Better Late Than Never Sketch

2011-11-14T17:13:00.000-05:00

I didn't get to post a project for this week's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge, but I just had to work on something this weekend because it is SUCH a good sketch from Claire!

Here is my card (I stepped away from the Christmas images for just one second, they'll be back SOON)!

I used the beautiful wreath and sentiment from Peace and Plenty. I colored the wreath with Copic markers, and then covered it with Martha Stewart clear coarse glitter. I made a wreath like this last year, but I didn't have Copics at that time. They sure do make my wreath more vibrant! Made a felt flower using My Favorite Things Mini Rolled Rose die with Harvest Gold felt. The background woodgrain paper is from A muse Studio, and the grid paper is from October Afternoon's 5& Dime Collection.

Add your project to the link list HERE before this Friday, November 18th. Be sure to use at least 1 Waltzingmouse Stamps image to be eligible to be the randomly-selected player who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: Peace and Plenty, Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream, A Muse Studio woodgrain patterned paper, October Afternoon 5&Dime Collection
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic markers
Other: twine, Martha Stewart Clear Coarse glitter, My Favorite Things Mini Rolled Rose die, PTI's Harvest Gold felt

Walzingmouse Stamps November SOAP CASE Winner!

2011-11-11T03:00:00.000-05:00

And the winner of the Waltzingmouse Stamps CASE competition from the November "Stamp of Approval Parade" is....Charmaine Stack! Just look at these lovelies that she made after being inspired by Tosh's SOAP project from Day #3 seen HERE!

Plum Gorgeous, Charmaine! I just love the way Charmaine used so much sparkly shimmer, and the elegant mix of die cuts, images, and patterned papers that she combined!

A special thank you to everyone who participated in the CASE competition. Your projects were amazingly creative and inventive. You can see ALL of the competitors right HERE!

Stockings in a Row Sketch

2011-11-05T03:00:00.057-04:00

Okay, holiday season full steam ahead! I can't seem to put my Christmas stamps away now! Lucky for me it's Saturday and time for another sketch at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog.

Claire drew up a fancy one this week...now who's up for this challenge?...

Heee!

Here is my card:

I tried to cut a fancy top, but couldn't figure out that Nestie trick! Instead, I cut out panels with a nestie circle to make arches to hang my stockings. The stocking image is from Sewing Box-Christmas, and the green gingham paper is by A Muse Studio. Paper-pieced the stocking with those lovely Jillibean Soup patterned papers from the "Homemade 6 Bean Soup" and "Christmas Chowder" Collections.

The sentiments, and little star and heart are also from Sewing Box-Christmas.

Ready to tackle this sketch? Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, November 11th. Be sure to include at least 1 Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected player who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:

Stamps: Sewing Box-Christmas, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: Vintage Cream cardstock, Papertrey Ink; Jillibean Soup "Homemade 6 Bean Soup" and "Christmas Chowder" Collections; green gingham paper from A Muse Studio

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa

Other: Spellbinders Standard Circles Small Nestabilities and Petite Ovals Nestabilities, wooden button from Michaels, red twine by Martha Stewart

Waltzingmouse Stamps SOAP, Day 4

2011-11-04T03:00:00.081-04:00

Welcome to the final day of the "Stamp of Approval Parade" at Waltzingmouse Stamps! It's been so much fun sharing all of these Christmas projects! Claire has SO many wonderful sets to choose from :)!

For my last projects, I used one of my favorite techniques...the Faux Silk Technique. The finished product will leave your card recipients saying...."Now how did you DO that?" We don't have to tell them how EASY it is! There is a great tutorial about it written by Beate Johns HERE at Splitcoastampers. I think there are really 2 ways to do this technique, so I'll share how I did mine...

First I stamped snowflakes from Seasons of Love-Tags on Vintage Cream cardstock to make my own background. Then, I took a glue stick and covered the entire stamped portion. I crumpled up a piece of tissue paper (the more wrinkles the better), straightened it out again, laid it on the glue, and smoothed it right over the images. Lastly, I cut the excess tissue off around the edges, and added some Antique Linen Distress ink in places to enhance the aged appearance. (I think Beate actually stamps on the tissue paper, crumples it, and then lays it down on plain cardstock...but I tend to have a hard time stamping on the tissue!)

See those wrinkles? I think they look so pretty (now if only that were true for our clothes)! I stamped the star and sentiment, also from Seasons of Love-Tags, and coated it with Martha Stewart Clear Coarse Glitter. I added that fun bias tape in a crisscross pattern, and attached the star with some twine and cream twill tape.

How about another Faux Silk card with Festive Foliage and a sentiment from Say It Loud-Winter Holiday!

I even put my rusty jingle bells away for a moment to get out my SILVER ones!

Wrinkly AND sparkly!!

Guess what? Now it's YOUR turn to get crafty for Christmas! Here's the information for the CASE competition this month!

We hope that you have enjoyed, and have been inspired, the past few days from our Stamp of Approval Parade; highlighting Claire's lovely Christmas and holiday sets. Now it’s time for you to get your craftiness on as we invite you to participate in a CASE (Copy and Share Everything) competition.

Find a card or project from any of the projects posted over the past few days by the WMS Design Team, CASE that project using Waltzingmouse Stamp images, and link it using the Inlinkz on Claire’s blog at http://waltzingmouse.blogspot.com/. At the end of the competition, one project will be randomly selected to be highlighted with a Parade of its own on several of the Design Team blogs.

We hope you will enjoy this competition and that it will inspire you be creative. You have one week to complete and link your project as the competition will close at 8:00 AM Claire’s time on November10th, which is 3 AM Eastern, 2 AM Central and Midnight, Pacific time. The winner will be announced on Claire’s blog on November 11th.

I have had SO much fun sharing these projects with you this week, and I can't thank you enough for all of your sweet comments. Now be sure to stop by the following Design Team Members' blogs for more Christmas inspiration!

Claire Brennan (Owner)

Supplies:

Star Card:

Stamps: Seasons of Love-Tags, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: Vintage Cream and Kraft, Papertrey Ink, and tissue paper

Ink: Stampin Up Not Quite Navy, Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Brushed Corduroy and Antique Linen, VersaColor Umber ink, Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream on edges

Other: Martha Stewart Clear Coarse Glitter, twine, bias tape, Vintage Cream twill tape, PTI, and dimensionals

Holly card:

Stamps: Festive Foliage and Say It Loud-Winter Holiday, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: Vintage Cream, Papertrey Ink and tissue paper

Ink: Brilliance black, VersaFine Onyx Black, Fresh Ink in Currant

Other: Martha Stewart Clear Coarse Glitter, rhinestone, satin ribbon, silver jingle bell, twine, dimensionals

Waltzingmouse Stamps SOAP, Day 3

2011-11-03T03:00:00.050-04:00

Seeing all of this lovely Christmas inspiration has put me in such a jolly mood! Today's project features one of my favorite Waltzingmouse Stamps sets of all time...Sewing Box-Christmas!

I used the snowman from Sewing Box-Christmas, and made a banner with a sentiment from Seasonal Remedies. He's inside the little knit circle from Faux Fun Circles. (PS: When blog hopping recently, I was inspired by a WMS customer who had Mr. Snowman holding a little sign! I thought it was in the sketch challenge cards, but when I went back to link it up, I could not find it! So if you are the creator of the sign-toting snowman, tell me in the comments!)

Inside is the closest snack that I could think of that looked like "snow" in a pail..white chocolate popcorn! You should have seen me in the kitchen! While I like making cards, a chef I am not. When melting the white chocolate chips to pour over the popcorn, bad things started to happen. I have since consulted a friend and know what to do next time! In the end, I guess it didn't matter too much..the popcorn still tastes great!

I also made a little cover for the lid using the large and smaller knit circles from Faux Fun Circles.

Time for more delicious inspiration from the Design Team! Here are the members who are participating today.

Claire Brennan (Owner)

See you back here tomorrow for the final SOAP day. A competition will follow, so stay tuned for details!

Supplies:
Stamps: Sewing Box-Christmas, Faux Fun Circles, Seasonal Remedies, all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Vintage Cream and Pure Poppyfrom Papertrey Ink, dotted patterned paper from A Muse Studio
Ink: A Muse Studio Bermuda ink, Memento Rich Cocoa
Other: clear pail, Michael's; Aqua Mist buttons, Papertrey Ink; twine, gingham ribbon, toothpick, white chocolate popcorn, dimensionals

Waltzingmouse Stamps SOAP, Day 2

2011-11-02T03:00:00.080-04:00

Fa la la la la! Welcome back for another Christmas project featuring Waltzingmouse Stamps!

It's well known that I love me some Tim Holtz Crackle Paint! I thought it would be perfect for a bit of a "masculine" project today, featuring the stamp set Around Christmastime.

Oh, I just love that Santa! I started out with one of those little paper mache boxes from JoAnn's seen HERE. It only cost $1.00! It's about a 4-inch square, and 2 inches deep. I painted it with 2 coats of Plaid Folk Art paint in "Barnyard Red". Stamped the Santa from Around Christmastime with VersaFine Onyx Black on Vintage Cream cardstock, heat set it, then colored it with Copic markers and Antique Linen Distress ink. I cut out the image using a Spellbinders Standard Circle Small Nestie. I then put lots of red line adhesive on the back of the circle and adhered it to the top of the box.

Afterwards, I painted over the whole box with Tim Holtz Crackle Paint in Rocky Candy (clear). After it had dried, I went in with a sponge dauber and Tim Holtz Distress inks in Tea Dye, Aged Mahogany and Pumice Stone, and distressed the edges of the image and the seams of the box. This also helped to enhance that beautiful crackle!

Tied some ribbon (a scrap from last year!) around the edge and secured a big rusty jingle bell at the top with twine.

There you have it! So easy...all you really need is patience for the layers to dry! It only cost a few dollars to make, and I think it looks just like a little box that you would see at an antique store or specialty gift shop. I think it will be perfect with a gift certificate or little treat tucked inside!

Can't wait to hop around myself and see what awesome Christmas projects these ladies have in store for us today:

Claire Brennan (Owner)

Supplies:

Stamps: Around Christmastime, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI's Vintage Cream cardstock

Ink: VersaFine Onyx Black, Tim Holtz Distress Inks in Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Aged Mahogany, and Pumice Stone, Copic Markers

Other: paper mache box, Standard Circles Small Nestabilities, Plaid Folk Art Paint in Barnyard Red, Tim Holtz Crackle Paint in Rock Candy, square foam brush, sponge daubers, 13 mm rusty jingle bell from http://www.rustytin.com/, twine, plaid ribbon, red line adhesive

Waltzingmouse Stamps SOAP, Day 1

2011-11-01T03:00:00.068-04:00

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse Stamps SOAP Event for November! For the next 4 days, the Design Team will be bringing you projects featuring previously-released stamp sets that most definitely have our "Stamp of Approval!" This month, we are focusing on not one, not two, but ALL of the Christmas-themed sets at Waltzingmouse Stamps!

A few months ago when I joined Pinterest, this picture was one of my very first "pins." It's the most adorable project courtesy of the Martha Stewart website under the heading "The Craft Department's Favorite Holiday Projects":

I decided to try my hand at this sweet project...stamping style!

Not a creature was stirring...not even a WALTZINGMOUSE!

This made me SO happy while I was making it! First, I cut a freehand teardrop shape from kraft cardstock, and then stamped the background with the Nordic Winter stamp set. I cut 2 slits for the ears and 2 slits to insert the candy cane with a craft knife. The sentiment is from Candy Jar Christmas, stamped on a Classic Scalloped Heart Nestie!

(Sidebar: Do you know that it's hard to find candy canes right now? I had to go to 3 stores! Must be they stock these the day AFTER Halloween! My candy canes are Cinnabon's Classic Cinnamon Roll flavor. I love the nontraditional color scheme! I may have tried one myself...delicious!)

Cut 2 pieces of cardstock in a "light bulb" shape for the ears, and slid them into the slots. I used mini black eyelets and a rusty tin bell for mousie's face. The twine I used to tie on the bell made excellent whiskers, so I added some more! I am in charge of making Christmas class treats for Eva's class. I have a sneaking suspicion that I will be buying 2-3 more boxes of candy canes on November 1st!

Time to send you off for some more Christmas inspiration! Here is a list of the Design Team members who are showcasing SOAP projects today. See you back here tomorrow!

Claire Brennan (Owner)

Supplies:

Stamps: Nordic Winter, and sentiment from Candy Jar Christmas, both from Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Kraft and Harvest Gold cardstock

Ink: Stampin Up Cherry Cobbler, Fresh Ink in Tomato Red, VersaColor Sahard Sand, ColorBox Chalk ink in Creamy Brown, Tim Holtz Distress inks in Brushed Corduroy and Tea Dye

Other: mini red bag from Big Lots, Cinnabon candy cane (regular sized not mini), mini black eyelets, rusty jingle bell, twine, Spellbinders Classic Scalloped Heart Nestabilities, gingham ribbon

Say a Prayer

2011-10-30T22:39:00.002-04:00

Katie Renz is fighting so hard right now as evident in her husband Kevin's most recent blog post seen here:

http://katiespaperhaven.blogspot.com/

Please say a prayer for the Renz Family. They need us now as much as ever. The i heart papers page with the donation link is HERE. Kevin also said to keep those cards coming, as Katie loves to see them! Here is her address again:

Katie Renz
PO Box 5913
Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Thank you!

Snowman Soup Sketch!

2011-10-29T03:00:00.004-04:00

Another sketch from ME at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog!

I just love the top, and the Mischief Makers took this sketch and ran with it, so excited! Here is my sample:

Stamped the sweet snowman and trees from A Cottage Christmas and the sentiment from Say It Loud-Winter Holiday. I just got some Jillibean Soup patterned papers for the first time, and they are so pretty! The pink paper is from the Homemade 6 Bean Soup Collection, and the paper on the trees is from the Christmas Chowder Collection. I just love the names and COLORS!

Colored the snoman with Copic markers, and added lots of dimensionals here and there. The star is chipboard, painted first with Tim Holtz Antique Linen Crackle Paint, and then "streaked" over the top with Plaid Folk Art Paint in the color "Vintage White". I discovered that if you buy Bias Tape and then unfold it and iron it out, it makes the prettiest sheer cotton ribbon!

Now it's your turn! Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, November 4th. Ohhh it's getting close to Christmas, and I can't wait to see your creations! Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: A Cottage Christmas, Say It Loud-Winter Holiday, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Homemade 6 Bean Soup Collection and Christmas Chowder Collection from Jillibean Soup, Vintage Cream cardstock, Papertrey Ink
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Copic Markers
Other: chipboard star, button and yellow twinkle sticker from A Muse Studio, bias tape, twine, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Crackle Paint, Plaid Vintage White Folk Art Paint

Papertrey Ink Blog Hop

2011-10-25T07:28:00.000-04:00

Time for another blog hop with Papertrey Ink. This month is another inspiration photo seen here:

So....have you ever made what I call a "fantasy card"? Like, one that you have absolutely no idea who you are going to send it to, or how it would ever hold up in the mail? Well, that's what I made for today...

Hee! I made this fringed pumpkin after seeing Julie Ebersole's AWESOME video tutorial HERE! That's how this whole card started. Seriously, watch her video, it's so easy! All you need is a long strip of felt, some thin sticky tape like Scor-Tape, and some scissors!! I saw her tutorial, happened to grab some Melon Berry felt to practice the technique, and whaddya know! A pumpkin idea grew...and grew....!

The leaves are from the In Bloom set stamped on Ripe Avocado cardstock, and the sentiment is from Friendship Jar Fall Fillers (on a Tiny Tag die cut). The little stem is some shimmery brown American Crafts ribbon tied with twine. The patterned papers reminded me of the ones in the inspiration photo, and are from the 5&Dime Collection by October Afternoon.

Happy Fall y'all...I know I am from upstate New York but I HAD to say it :)! Thanks for stopping by!

Tag Parade!

2011-10-23T10:36:00.000-04:00

Last night I was in a crafty mood, but didn't seem to have the attention span to sit and work on one thing for very long! I purchased the Bloom Builder #3 die from Papertrey Ink, and the Mini Rolled Rose die from My Favorite Things a few months ago, and felt that it was time to get them out (or use the flowers that I had already made)!

So I got out some patterned papers, tag dies, and favorite sentiments, and went to work making an all-occasion set of tags...

PTI Tag Sale #5, MFT Mini Rolled Rose die, sentiment from Say it Loud, Waltzingmouse Stamps, October Afternoon's 5&Dime patterned paper, PTI Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, and Simple Chartreuse felt

PTI Tag Sale #5 die and Bloom Builder #3 die, sentiment from Frame-It, Waltzingmouse Stamps, PTI's Pure Poppy cardstock

PTI Tag Sale #3 die, 2011 Holiday Ornaments stamp set (and coordiating Nestabilities dies), Nordic Winter stamp set, both from Waltzingmouse Stamps, MFT Mini Rolled rose die, PTI's Vintage Cream felt

PTI Tag Sale #3 and Bloom Builders #3, dies, patterned paper from Pink Paislee's Queen Bee Collection, PTI's Tiny Tags die and stamp set and Scarlet Jewel cardstock

PTI's Bloom Builder #3 die and Tag Sale #5 die, patterned Paper from Pink Paislee's Queen Bee Collection, PTI's Harvest Gold cardstock

PTI's Tag Sale #5 die, MFT Mini Rolled Rose die, patterned paper from October Afternoon's Modern Homemaker Collection, sentiment from Waltzingmouse Stamps Frame-It set, PTI's Harvest Gold and Simply Chartreuse felt

Now I'm like that girl "all dressed up, with no place to go"... hee! But I am sure these tags will find homes on gifts in the near future!

Candy Cane Sketch

2011-10-22T03:00:00.025-04:00

This week's sketch at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog is by...well, ME! It's a pretty simple little sketch...

Here is my card:

I used two new sets, Candy Jar Christmas-Fillers & a sentiment from Candy Jar Christmas. After seeing this card by Jennifer Holmes during release week, I knew that my candy cane image was destined to be coated with glitter, too! I could not stop thinking how pretty that card was, and kept going back to look at it!

Sparkly! I used Copic markers to color it, and then covered it with Martha Stewart coarse clear glitter. Distressed up some Divine Twine and added a silver bell. The background paper is from the 5& Dime Collection by October Afternoon.

I can't wait to see what you make with this sketch! Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, October 28th. Be sure to include at least 1 Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your card to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: Candy Jar Christmas & Candy Jar Christmas Fillers, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream cardstock, October Afternoon's 5& Dime patterned papers
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa, Tim Holtz Antique Linen and Tea Dye Distress inks, Antique Linen Distress Stain, Copic Markers
Other: lace, Divine Twine, Martha Stewart coarse clear glitter, mini jingle bell, dimensionals

Friends of Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Waltz

2011-10-17T03:00:00.062-04:00

It's time for another Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Hop! This month the theme is Gratitude/Thanksgiving.

I made a little autumn scene with A Cottage Home, and leaves and a sentiment from Peace and Plenty. Colored the cottage with Copic markers, and then popped it up with dimensionals.

The background is made with the Woodgrain Impression Plate from Papertrey Ink. I then found a basket of scraps from old patterned paper lines that I loved, and paper-pieced the maple leaf from Peace and Plenty.

I am anxious to waltz around and see all of the inspiration for this theme. You can never have too many thank you cards on hand! There is still time to play along. Just add your blog post to the link list of waltz participants seen HERE on the forum! Thanks for stopping by today!

Supplies:
Stamps: A Cottage Home, Peace and Plenty, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Vintage Cream, Fine Linen, Papertrey Ink
Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa ink, Copic Markers, Tim Holtz Distress inks in Rusty Hinge, Antique Linen, and Walnut Stain
Other: Woodgrain Impression plate, Papertrey Ink, circle nestie, cream satin ribbon

Waltzingmouse Stamps Release Day Blog Waltz!

2011-10-15T14:00:00.112-04:00

Hello! I am sure that you have arrived here on the waltz from Clare Buswell's blog, but if you got lost along the way you can head back to Claire Brennan's blog to see the full list!

Release day is finally here! Claire saved 2 of the sweetest sets for last, Candy Jar Christmas and Candy Jar Christmas Fillers! These sets are packed with adorable treats, and also pay homage to an underappreciated, but very productive, member of the North Pole Staff....MRS. CLAUS!!

I expect that a notebook just like this is tucked in good ole Mrs. Claus's purse! I call this the "Black Friday" notebook! For those of you that don't know, Black Friday is the shopping day after Thanksgiving here in the United States. I made these a few years ago and gave one to my sister, niece, and friend when we met at a favorite store at 6:00 AM! I tucked in in a clear bag with a candy bar and a pen, and called it their Black Friday Survival Pack (the chocolate was just in case we got hungry when waiting in a long line)!

The circular label was made with images from the Candy Jar Christmas set, and the little bow is from Candy Jar Christmas Fillers. The background is made with Gingham & Co., and a little poinsettia from Big Blooms-Poinsettias. I think Mrs. Claus would approve of this print! Hey, Santa Claus isn't the only one who makes a list, and checks it twice!

I just took a piece of cardstock, and scored it twice in the center to form a "book" around a little notepad. I secured the pad to the back with red line tape. On the other side, I made a little pocket. I taped it down on the left and bottom side, so that there was room to tuck coupons inside! The very important "No Peeking" sentiment is from Santa is Coming to Town!

Up next is the Candy Jar Christmas Fillers set! My red ink pads left me a note on my stamping table this morning. They said that they would like to be paid overtime for their extensive use during this release...this time I used Tim Holtz Fired Brick Distress ink!

Each element of the jar is a separate image, but they are so easy to stamp, mix, and match! Have you ever seen sweeter gingerbread? They are embossed with white powder, and then (Claire's idea), I waterbrushed in some Tea Dye and Brushed Corduroy distress inks. The little circular label at the top is from Candy Jar Christmas Fillers. I stamped the little peppermint on the inside, as it was a perfect fit!

There you have it! I have so enjoyed working with each set, and I cannot wait until these goodies arrive on your doorsteps! REMEMBER: Leave a comment on each DT Member's Blog as you waltz, as 1 random comment will be chosen, and the winner will receive a stamp set of choice!

Thanks so much for your sweet comments this week, they are so encouraging and appreciated!

And now, your next stop on the waltz......LYNN'S BLOG!

Supplies:

Mrs. Claus's Notebook:

Stamps: Candy Jar Christmas, Candy Jar Christmas Fillers, Santa is Coming to Town, Big Blooms-Poinsettias, and Gingham & Co., all Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI's Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy, and Aqua Mist

Ink: A Muse Studio Bermuda ink, Memento Tuxedo Black, VersaColor Cardinal

Other: White Opal Liquid Pearls, Spellbinders Standard Circles Small Nestabilities, 3x5 Notebook, paper piercer

Gingerbread Jar card:

Stamps: Candy Jar Christmas and Candy Jar Christmas Fillers, both Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: PTI Kraft and Vintage Cream

Ink: Tim Holtz Distress inks in Fired Brick, Tea Dye, Brushed Corduroy and Antique Linen, Memento Rich Cocoa, VersaMark

Other: white embossing powder and cranberry pearls from A Muse Studio, waterbrush, twine

Cicely's Hat Sketch

2011-10-15T03:00:00.009-04:00

Oh Claire and those Mischief Makers are up to something FUN at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog today! Check out this week's sketch:

Heee! That Claire! I chose to accept this challenge, and made a little witch's hat tag!

I cut a little triangle from kraft paper, and then stamped it with the chevron stripes pattern from Off Beat Backgrounds in Black Soot Distress ink. Decided those stripes would look just as good as the brim of the hat, so stamped them in orange and cut them out! Stamped the circle from Cicely at Halloween, and colored it with Copic markers. I thought some magical sparkle was in order, and used a Spica Pen in a peachy orange color, and a Sakura Stardust glitter pen...

The sparkle even hides some of my coloring mistakes :)!

The Mischief Makers have shown that the sky is the limit for this creative sketch! Add your creation HERE by next Friday. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image in your creation so you will be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS set of choice!

REMEMBER: Release Day is today! Waltzingmouse Stamps will be releasing 6 new sets. Find the release schedule on Claire's blog post HERE. Then come back at 2:00 PM EST for the Design Team's Release Day Blog Waltz, where we will be featuring 2 of the new sets!

Supplies:

Stamps: Off Beat Backgrounds, and Cicely at Halloween, both Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: Kraft and Vintage Cream cardstock, Papertrey Ink

Ink: Tim Holtz Distress inks in Black Soot, Vintage Photo, and Tea Dye, Memento Tuxedo Black ink, A Muse Studio orange ink, Copic Markers, Sakura Stardust Glitter pen, Spica pen

Other: twine, rusty jingle bell

Waltzingmouse Stamps October Preview, Day 3

2011-10-14T03:00:00.064-04:00

Another fun day of previews at Waltzingmouse Stamps! Today's two sets are festive and full of good cheer!

Up first is 2011 Holiday Ornaments, and you guessed it...they coordinate perfectly with the new Spellbinders Heirloom Ornament 2011 Nestabilities!

I used 4 ornaments from the set. That little reindeer is a separate image, and can be stamped right into the plain mini ornament! Same goes for the sentiment "Merry Christmas". That ornament has an open space for text, and I am sure lots of Claire's past sets will have words that tuck in there quite nicely. The background paper is from A Muse Studio. Yes, that SU Cherry Cobbler ink is still getting a Christmas workout!

The second set is so much fun, you can tell just from the title: "Santa Claus is Coming to Town"!

I couldn't choose what set to make the background with at first. As I stamped, I found myself singing that song in my head, so Musical Backgrounds won out! Used the knit patterned circle from Faux Fun Circles, and then cut along the edges to make a medallion shape.

I stamped a lovely snowflake image from the set over the sheet music. I used VersaColor Cardinal ink, and then just stamped off beforehand so that it looked a bit more "vintage". The little vine is also from Faux Fun Circles.

Tomorow is Release Day! Claire will be revealing the sets on her blog at 2:00 PM EST, and then there will be the Design Team Blog Waltz...with a prize involved for one lucky commenter. See you then!

Now off you go to see what the rest of the Design Team has made with these two wonderful new sets!

Anya Schrier

Becca Feeken

Belinda Chang Langner

Claire Brennan (Owner)

Supplies:

Ornament card:

Stamps: 2011 Holiday Ornaments (available Oct. 15th), Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: Kraft and Vintage Cream, Papertrey Ink, and patterned paper from A Muse Studio

Ink: Stampin Up Cherry Cobbler, Color Box Chesnut, Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream, Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress ink, Other: Spellbinders Heirloom Ornaments 2011 Nestabilities, embroidery floss, chocolate pearls from

A Muse Studio, gingham ribbon

Santa Card:

Stamps: Santa Claus is Coming to Town (available Oct. 15), Faux Fun Circles, and Musical Backgrounds, all Waltzingmouse Stamps

Paper: Vintage Cream, Papertrey Ink

Ink: VersaColor Cardinal, Tim Holtz Distress inks in Black Soot and Antique Linen, VersaMark

Other: Black embossing powder, A Muse Studio, red rick rack, Spellbinders Standard Circles Small Nestabilities

Waltzingmouse Stamps October Preview, Day 2

2011-10-13T03:00:00.022-04:00

You may have heard me shriek all the way from where I am, to where you are, when I caught my first glimpse of the set we are previewing today called Nordic Winter! It is one of my favorite stamp sets of ALL TIME! It will be released this Saturday, October 15th, and you will want to have this one on your list!

I KNOW! I told you it was so good! Of course, I had to pair it (no pun intended!) with one of my other faves Sewing Box-Christmas! I had this idea about a pair of mittens, but the set comes with the one image seen on the right. I heard this idea long ago on Splitcoast (when I was a beginner) about stamping a mirrored image, but I didn't quite understand it at the time! It popped into my head today, and this is what I did...

I stamped the image directly onto an acrylic block with Memento Rich Cocoa ink, then quickly slapped a piece of cardstock on top. I won't lie, it takes some practice and some extra cardstock! Ohh, but when you get that good image, you might just jump up and down! Since I was covering it with patterns from Nordic Winter, I knew it didn't have to be perfect!

I can barely believe that I stamped that background! Claire's wonderful images make it easy to create one just like patterned paper! The teeny heart and sentiment are also from Nordic Winter.

Next up is a card with the "stamp kissing" technique using Nordic Winter...

I inked a tree from Teeny Trees with VersaColor Bamboo ink, and then stamped this Nordic Winter pattern right onto the stamp with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Crushed Olive.

I then stamped the image on the cardstock, and cut it out with Spellbinders Beaded Oval Nestabilities. The snowflakes are also from Nordic Winter, and the dotted impression plate on the "hills" is from A Muse Studio. Little Liquid Pearl dots are scattered about the card!

I could have kept going...and going....and going with Nordic Winter, but there are some other ladies who want to share projects with you today! Be sure to check them out! I will try not to be rude by cutting to the head of the line to see, too!

Anya Schrier

Becca Feeken

Belinda Chang Langner

Claire Brennan (Owner)

Supplies:

Mitten card:
Stamps: Nordic Winter (available Oct. 15th) and Sewing Box-Christmas, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Vintage Cream and Kraft, Papertrey Ink
Ink: Vintage Cream, Papertrey Ink, Cherry Cobbler and Not Quite Navy, Stampin Up, Memento Rich Cocoa, VersaColor Sahara Sand, and Tim Holtz Antique Linen Distress ink
Other: Standard Circles Small Nestabilities, twine, Latte pearls from A Muse Studio

Tree card:
Stamps: Nordic Winter and Teeny Trees, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream
Ink: VersaColor Bamboo, Tim Holtz Crushed Olive Distress Ink, Color Box Creamy Brown chalk ink
Other: Spellbinders Beaded Oval Nestabilities, Liquid Pearls in White Opal, cream satin ribbon, Tiny Tags die from Papertrey Ink, Polka Dotted Impression Plate from A Muse Studio

Waltzingmouse Stamps October Preview, Day 1

2011-10-12T03:00:00.010-04:00

It's Christmas time at Waltzingmouse Stamps! If the next 4 days don't have you singing carols and wishing for snowflakes in the air, then I don't know what will! Claire has lined up an absolutely spectacular release this month. I know you will all love it so much! Up first is a holiday sequel to Rescue Remedies....

SEASONAL REMEDIES! It will be released on Saturday, October 15th along with five other new sets! I kid you not, this set practically makes projects by itself! It is so amazing in it's detail. Take a look...

Up first a little star tray all ready for some Christmas sweets...

Although it is hard to choose, this just might be my favorite label of them all. I just love the sentiment and the old-fashioned flair!

All this label needed was to be stamped in Versamark ink on PTI's Scarlet Jewel cardstock, and then heat embossed with white powder. Seasonal Remedies coordinates with Spellbinders Nestabilities Classic Squares Small, which makes layering it a breeze. The little plaid wrap is made using the double plaid strip from Off Beat Backgrounds. Added some twine, buttons, a rusty jingle bell, and some gingham ribbon to finish it off.

I found some little red bags on sale at Big Lots this past weekend...8 bags in a set for $2.40, woo hoo! They match Stampin Up's Cherry Cobbler ink which has been a staple at my stamping table this week!

Perfect to have ready for quick wrapping or gift cards at the last minute. This gorgeous label from Seasonal Remedies was topped with some holly from Festive Foliage.

The tag shape coordinates with the largest die from Spellbinders Small Labels set. I also cut the sentiment oval with the Classic Ovals Small set, and popped it up a bit. Easy breezy, snowman freezy...giggle!

I cannot wait to see what the Design Team has created with Seasonal Remedies. I am getting goosebumps from anticipation! Here are the members who will be featuring projects today:

Anya Schrier

Becca Feeken

Julia Aston
Belinda Chang Langner

Claire Brennan (Owner)

Supplies:

Star Tin:
Stamps: Seasonal Remedies (available Oct. 15), Off Beat Backgrounds, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Scarlet Jewel and Kraft cardstock, Papertrey Ink
Ink: Versamark, Tim Holtz Tea Dye Distress ink
Other: white embossing powder, A Muse Studio, Classic Square Small Nestabilities, Papertrey Ink's Scarlet Jewel and Spring Moss buttons, twine, gingham ribbon
*The star tin and rusty jingle bell are available online at www.rustytin.com

Celebrate the Season tag:
Stamps: Seasonal Remedies (available Oct. 15), Festive Foliage, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Vintage Cream, Papertrey Ink
Ink: Stampin Up Cherry Cobbler ink, VersaColor Bamboo ink
Other: Small Labels and Classic Ovals Small Nestabilities, gingham ribbon, mini gift bag

Swimming for Katie Renz, Blog Hop and Fundraiser!

2011-10-11T00:00:00.172-04:00

From October 10-12, I am honored to be included in a group of wonderful stampers who will be joining together to support and encourage our friend and fellow stamper, Katie Renz. Katie is currently battling stage 4 gastric cancer, and her story started just before Christmas last year. This young, beautiful, healthy, and vibrant mother of 3 was suddenly diagnosed with inoperable cancer, virtually overnight. Her first post about it is HERE. The idea of “Swimming for Katie” came from her recent post HERE.

The exclusive (and adorable!) octopus stamp used in my sample, designed by Becky Oehlers, is available as a clear stamp, as well as a digis or a dig and SVG cut file. 100% of the profits from the sale of these images go to Katie's fund to help her and her young family. Katie, her husband Kevin, and her three young sons need our help and support. In addition to the Keep Swimming Octopus, Marianne Walker and True =D Doodle Designs both donated digis that are for sale, as well!

Here are all of the items that are available for sale.

Information central is HERE. Direct donations are also being accepted! This is a permanent page that will stay active at i {heart} papers with current information and the full 3 day blog hop listing, as well as the donation button.

I hope you will join me in supporting Katie through a purchase or donation!
When your image arrives, be sure to post a project to your blog or online gallery and spread the word about this fund for Katie!

If you would like to send Katie a card, her mailing address is:

Katie Renz

PO Box 5913

Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

The following is a list of everyone who has projects posted today. I hope you will be inspired by them and moved to purchase or donate. Thanks so much!

Windy Robinson

Ashley Cannon Newell

Connie McCotter

Heidi Van Laar

Karen Maldonado

Lori Craig

Melissa Phillips

Tosha Leyendekker

Amy Kolling

Angela Thomas

Angelica Suarez

Angie Blom

Becky Oehlers

Betty Wright

Bev Gerard

Brenda Weaver

Carolyn King

Chari Moss

Charlene Driggs

Cindi Bisson

Claire Brennan

Corinna McGregor

Craft Critique

Karen Hunsaker

Keely Yowler

Kelly Schirmer

Keri Lee Sereika

Kim Hughes

Kimber McGray

Kittie Caracciolo

Kristin Eberline

Wendy Price

Simple Snowflake Sketch

2011-10-08T03:00:00.053-04:00

Another lovely sketch from Claire this week at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge blog!

This week I turned the sketch to the left, and decided to make a clean and simple card. I cannot even begin to tell you how difficult it was for me! How do these CAS designers knock it out of the park every time?

I used Frame-It with a sentiment from Say It Loud-Winter Holiday. Stamped the snowflake from Sewing Box-Christmas two times and popped the center layer up with a dimensional. The little heart is also from Sewing Box-Christmas. I stamped it with SU's Cranberry Crisp ink and then sponged the center with it, too. Since embellishments were to remain in their respective drawers and baskets, I decided to use approximately 47 dimensionals instead (hee)!...

So which way will you go this week? Sweet and simple, or luscious layers? Whatever you choose, be sure to upload your creation HERE by next Friday, October 14th. Be sure to include at least 1 Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project in order to be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant who will win a WMS stamp set of choice!

Pssst...you might want to check Claire's blog today! Last night I think I saw a SNEAK PEEK of something good (really, really, realllllly good) that's coming SOON!

Supplies:
Stamps: Frame-It, Sewing Box-Christmas, Say It Loud-Winter Holiday, all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Vintage Cream and Kraft
Ink: SU Cranberry Crisp, VersaColor Umber, and PTI Fresh Snow
Other: none...except for those dimensionals!!

Compliments and Pinecones Sketch

2011-10-01T03:00:00.004-04:00

Happy October! Happy World Card Making Day! It's time to stop folding laundry, washing dishes, and mopping the floor in order to take time to be crafty. In fact, it's time that you get a head start on some holiday tags using Claire's taggy sketch this week at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog!

Here's mine:

Used the lovely pine bough from Festive Foliage, and sentiment from Compliments of the Season. I used a whole die cut's worth of my much-loved basket weave paper from The Paper Company. Usually I only use a snippet! I bought the last sheet at our local store and am afraid that they don't seem to be re-stocking!

To add some dimension, I used the true paper tole technique (3 layers) on the big pinecone, and used 2 layers on the little one. I fussy cut those pine needles and they're authentically sharp now! Finally got some rusty jingle bells in 3 different sizes from an online shop called...Rusty Tin!
Now it's your turn to play along. Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, and be sure to include at least 1 Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your project, so you will be eligible to be the randomly-selected participant to win a stamp set of choice!

Supplies:
Stamps: Festive Foliage, Compliments of the Season, both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: basket weave specialty paper from The Paper Company, and PTI Vintage Cream cardstock
Ink: VersaColor Bamboo and Evergreen, Color Box Chesnut, Tim Holtz Antique Linen and Tea Dye Distress inks, SU Cranberry Crisp
Other: PTI Tag Sale #4 die, twine, gingham ribbon, paper piercer, circle punch, rusty jingle bell

Papertrey Ink September Blog Hop

2011-09-25T09:50:00.003-04:00

Time for a Papertrey Ink Blog Hop! This month is another inspiration photo, seen here:

When I saw this picture I was stumped at first! Then as I was visiting favorite blogs, I came across this awesomely creative idea by Samantha Sibbet in this post on her blog More Paper Please. We met through Pink Persimmon a few years ago, and she is such a talented scrapbooker and card designer! Samantha wrote a wonderful tutorial about making your own chevron stripes HERE. So with patterned paper strips in hand, here is what I came up with:

I made my strips using PTI's True Black cardstock, and papers from October Afternoon's Modern Homemaker and 5&Dime Collections. Stamped my favorite little gingerbread and a sweet sentiment from Holiday Button Bits. I found that it was easiest to make those strips really long, glue them down on the cardstock, and then cut the edges off afterwards. Also, some of my center points looked a little wonky, so a nice piece of black embroidery floss seemed to even everything right out!

Thanks so much for visiting today, and thanks to Samantha for always being so generous in sharing her talents with the blog world!

Supplies:
Stamps: Holiday Button Bits, Papertrey Ink
Paper: PTI's True Black, Kraft, and Vintage Cream cardstock, and October Afternoon Modern Homemaker and 5&Dime patterned paper collections
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Fresh Ink in Honey, Tim Holtz Distress ink in Black Soot
Other: circle nestie, black embroidery floss, buttons from October Afternoon

Peace on Earth Angel Sketch

2011-09-24T03:00:00.022-04:00

Claire herself is back with sketches for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog! She started off again with one of her beautiful circular sketches. I had never made one until I tried one of her past sketches. They really are so much fun!

Here is my card:

Earth Angel is back! She is perfect with this new sentiment from Say It Loud-Winter Holiday! More papers from October Afternoon's Modern Homemaker collection. I also couldn't resist using the new holly dies from Papertrey Ink, which I embossed with that "weathered stripe" Cuttlebug Embossing folder (not sure of the real name?) I kept the sparkle subtle on this one, and colored in many portions with a Stardust glitter pen from Sakura.

Round up your supplies (hee!) and join in the fun. Upload your creation HERE by next Friday, September 30th. Be sure to include at least one Waltzingmouse Stamps image on your creation so you will be eligible to be the randomly-selected player who wins a WMS stamp set of choice!

Supplies:

Stamps: Earth Angel and Say It Loud-Winter Holiday, Waltzingmouse Stamps

Ink: Memento Rich Cocoa and Ladybug Red, Tim Holtz Distress inks in Antique Linen and Tea Dye, Copic Markers

Paper: October Afternoon Modern Homemaker Collection, Vintage Cream cardstock, Papertrey Ink

Other: holly dies from Papertrey Ink, Sakura Stardust glitter pen, twine, red rick rack, Cuttlebug striped embossing folder, A Muse Studio cranberry pearls, paper piercer

Psssst....

2011-09-23T06:57:00.000-04:00

The winner from the Waltzingmouse Stamps September Release Blog Waltz is posted today...and was randomly-chosen from MY blog comments, yippee! Go now to Claire's blog to check it out!

Waltzingmouse Stamps Release Day Blog Waltz!

2011-09-19T14:00:00.062-04:00

Hello! You should be waltzing here from Clare Buswell's blog! But if you lost your way, you can go back to Claire Brennan's blog to find your way again!

So now the store is open, and you got to see every glorious stamp in the four sets releasing today...Say It Loud-Winter Holiday, Hocus Pocus, A Cottage Home, and A Cottage Christmas!

Today we will be featuring projects with A Cottage Christmas on the waltz. I made 2 projects to share today...

I colored my little Christmas world PURPLE ( a color that I sadly neglect)! Used Copic markers on the cottage, and lots of Diamond glitter. There are so many little snow caps around the windows and ledges, that I used a super fine glue pen to get them all...

I made the snowy background with an image from Around Christmastime and a little snowflake from Seasons of Love-Tags. I stamped in Versamark and embossed with white powder on PTI's Royal Velvet cardstock. It looked a little bright to me compared to my house, so I sponged over the whole thing with PTI Vintage Cream ink, and then went in with a damp paper towel, and wiped the embossed portions. It turned out to be some swirly fun!

I could not leave my stamping area until I included the adorable lantern-toting snowman on a project!

I am stockpiling tags for Christmas! I stamped a pattern from Gingham & Co. and then the trees over the top. Used PTI's Tag Sale #4 die and a circle nestie for the center. The sentiment is from A Cottage Christmas, too!

Be sure to leave a comment on all of the DT members' blogs, as 1 random comment will be chosen...the winner taking home a Waltzingmouse Stamp set of choice! You have until September 21st to leave a comment by11:59 PM Claire's time (3:59 AM Pacific, 5:59 AM Central, and 6:59 AM EST).

Thanks SO much to everyone who visited me for my first WMS release! I appreciate all of your kind words and encouragment.

And now...your last stop....LYNN'S BLOG!

Supplies:
Christmas Cottage card:
Stamps: A Cottage Christmas, Around Christmastime, Seasons of Love-Tags, all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Royal Velvet, white, and Vintage Cream
Ink: Versamark, Memento Rich Cocoa and Tuxedo Black, Copic markers
Other: white embossing powder, Diamond glitter, and twinkle stickers from A Muse Studio, white ribbon, PTI's Canvas/Linen Impression plate

Snowman Tag:
Stamps: A Cottage Christmas, Gingham & Co., both Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: PTI Kraft and white
Ink: VersaColor Bamboo and Cardinal inks, Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Other: PTI's Tag Sale #4 die, circle nestie, A Muse Studio twinkle stickers, twine, mini bell, gingham ribbon

Waltzingmouse Stamps September Preview, Day 3

2011-09-18T03:00:00.079-04:00

It's Day 3 of the September Release Previews at Waltzingmouse Stamps! Today we are previewing a new Halloween set called Hocus Pocus, which will be released on Monday, September 19th at 2:00 PM EST. Oh how I love Claire's magical spin on Halloween!

I have a love for everything folk art. Warren Kimble's prints can be found in quite a few spots at my house. I found a little pumpkin basket for $1.00, and for some reason my mind wandered to images like these...

(image from www.thepatterncupboard.com)

Which led me to making this...

Heeeee! I can't even explain why?!

This is what the basket started out like:

I stamped Hocus Pocus onto the wood using Stazon Jet Black ink. I only bought 1 pumpkin so I figured I had 2 shots at it (the front and back!) Luckily it worked out on the first try! I used a foam brush to paint on Plaid's Folk Art acrylic paint in Vintage White. Since it was square-shaped, I could get in pretty close to the sentiment and make a "mouth" shape.

After 2 coats dried, I covered it with Tim Holtz "Picket Fence" Crackle Paint (on just the pumpkin), and then with a smaller brush, added some "Rock Candy" Crackle paint over the mouth.

Took out some Distress inks in Antique Linen, Tea Dye, and Vintage Photo and rubber over the edges and enhanced some of the crackle. Searched high and low for just the right mismatched and crazy buttons! The orange ones are from Papertrey Ink, and the black and corduroy ones are from my "vintage" stash. I wanted a rusty bell for his nose, but settled on this mini clothespin that I stained darker brown. I even used Tim Holtz's new Antique Linen Distress Stain (thanks, Anya!) to make my ribbon more grungy!

Used PTI's Tiny Tags die, and stamped it with the crow and fence post from Hocus Pocus. The leaves are a fuzzier felt from JoAnn's that I cut with PTI's Bloom Builder's #1 die. I just cut off all of the petals except for 3 and strung those together. At this point, Jason arrived home and I asked for a wire cutter. He said he didn't think I should be using a wire cutter, but relented when I said I'd only make 2 snips :)! The copper wire is courtesy of HIS stash!

Reminder! Tomorrow is the day that these 4 new sets will be released in the Waltzingmouse Stamps store! Claire will reveal the sets on her blog at 1:00 PM EST, and then the store will open at 2:00 PM EST. Then join the Design Team for the Blog Waltz, for a chance to win a fabulous prize!

Off to visit THESE blogs since I can't get enough of Hocus Pocus! Here are the DT members who will be playing along today!

Supplies:
Stamps: Hocus Pocus (available Sept. 19) and"boo" from Halloween Party, Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper: Vintage Cream, Papertrey Ink
Ink: Stazon Jet Black, Tim Holtz Distress inks in Black Soot, Antique Linen, Tea Dye,Vintage Photo
Other: wooden pumpkin basket (AC Moore store), Tim Holtz Distress Stain in Antique Linen, Tim Holtz Crackle Paint in Picket Fence and Rock Candy, Plaid Folk Art acrylic paint in Vintage White, foam brush, gingham ribbon, buttons, copper wire, mini clothespin, Bloom Builders #1 die and Tiny Tags die, both from Papertrey Ink, felt from JoAnn's, cream embroidery floss