12 Kits of Chirstmas - June 2012

Are you ready for another edition of the 12 Kits of Christmas?  Just to refresh your memory, this is a group of 12 designers. Each has been assigned a month to provide the Christmas crafting supplies to the other 11 members. We all receive the same supplies and post our creations on the last day of every month. It's interesting to see how we all come up with something different with the same kit of supplies.

This month our hostess with the mostest supplying all the goodies is Amy. She's provided all sorts of paper crafting goodness.....  Paper from Simple Stories, Lil'Inker Die Cut Stamped Images, buttons, gems, ribbon and twine (check out the photo to the right!).  This month I made  four cards.  Everything came together seamlessly as if each item was meant to be with the next !!   Amy's style is pure clean and simple with lots of graphic designs.   I think this came through in in the kit she put together for us.  I tried to do Amy proud by channelling her mojo.  I'm happy with the results, and I think  these cards are a different direction from my norm.  The have a lot of clean lines - and not so many of the embellishments that I normally gravitate to. 

I've named each of the cards so you can match up the material list at the bottom of this post.

Jolly

Post Card

Joy

Gift Card Holder

I used this little paper bag that Amy had some of the supplies in for my card.  It is the perfect size to slip a gift card into!

If you like these, why not see what the rest of the team came up with for this months challenge? Here's a list of the designers with links to their blogs!

Amy June  (Our Hostess this month)

Christina July

Kim August

Kara September

Jessica October

Jeanne (That's Me!) November

Sharron December

Renee January

Cathy February (On Vacation this Month!)

Suzanne March

Marybeth April

Joyce May

Thanks for having a look! Join us next month to see the latest in the 12 Kits of Christmas!

Jeanne

Supplies Used: 

JOLLY             Finished Size 6x6"

Paper:  25 Days of Christmas Simple Stories,  Solid Paper  Papertrey Ink Kraft, Poppy Red, Ripe Avocado , Rustic Cream, Vintage Cream

Stamps:  Holly Jolly & Jingle Joy Lil Inkers

Die Cuts Lil Inkers Holly Jolly & Jingle Joy, Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Frame 5

Embossing Folder: SIzzix  Holly Swirls

Twinery Maraschino Twine, Gems Recollections (Michael's), Button Papertrey Ink, 1/8" red satin ribbon, Ivory Satin (Dollar Tree), Red Twill (Hobby Lobby)

POST CARD  Finished Size 6.5 x 4.25"

Paper:  25 Days of Christmas Simple Stories,  Solid Paper  Papertrey Ink  Pure Poppy, Ripe Avocado , Rustic Cream

Stamps & Die Cuts Holly Jolly & Jingle Joy, Texture Plate1, Small Bow, Flags and Tags, Sentiment Flag Die Lil Inkers

Extras:  Memo Pin:  Tim Holtz, Twinery Maraschino Twine, Gems Recollections (Michaels), Button Papertrey Ink,  Mini Clothespin

JOY  FInished SIze:  6" x 6"

Paper:  25 Days of Christmas Simple Stories,  Solid Paper  Papertrey Ink  Pure Poppy , Rustic Cream, Scarlett

Stamps:  Holly Jolly & Jingle Joy Lil Inkers

Die Cuts Lil Inkers Holly Jolly & Jingle Joy, Spellbinders Labels 14, Labels 10

Extras  1/8" red satin ribbon, Ivory Satin (Dollar Tree), mini jingle bells (Joanne)

GIFT CARD HOLDER:  Finished Size 6" x 6"

Paper:  25 Days of Christmas Simple Stories,  Solid Paper  Papertrey Ink  Ripe Avocado , Rustic Cream, Kraft

Stamps:  Holly Jolly & Jingle Joy Lil Inkers  "Form You" from Waltzingmouse Halloween Party

Die Cuts Lil Inkers Holly Jolly & Jingle Joy, Spellbinders Labels & Tags, Cheery Lynn Lace Corner Deco E, Memory Box Honeysuckle Vine

Extras:  Ivory Crochet Thread, Gems Recollections (Michael's), Button Papertrey Ink, Small Kraft Bag,  Red Twill (Hobby Lobby), Mini Paper Clip (Tim Holtz)

WMSC#104 - Victorian 4th of July!

 I hope you're feeling patriotic!  This is the sketch before the 4th of July so I thought I would go all out with an Americana theme here!  I had to include the striped pennant stamp - it looks just like a flag!  Some tips for getting a good two colors on the stamp - first rub the stamp with a good quality eraser for better ink coverage (I use a stencil brush to get all the crumbs out of the creases), and use the teardrop or cat's eye shaped ink pad to get in those tight areas.  My first attempt was with a big square ink pad and the results were not so pretty! 

This week's sketch is brought to you by Teresa Kline.  Remember the shapes are just a guideline - you're supposed to have fun!  I switched up the oval for a pennant to keep with my 4th of July theme and added lots of embellishments.  You just have to love how all the Waltzingmouse stamps just work so well together.  I ask you, "Does that look like a holiday label?"  I think it looks right at home with my Victorian influenced Americana theme.  Check out all the different ideas the Mischief Makers have put together for this design  here.  I hope you find some time to play along - you might even win a free set of stamps!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size 5" x 7"

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Holiday Labels #14, Vintage Banners

Die Cuts:  Spellbinders Nested Pennants, Labels 14, Classic Ovals, Ribbon Buckles, Marianne Creatables Border LR0155

Paper:  Jolee's Boutique French General Collection

Solid Paper:  Papertrey Ink Kraft, Vintage Cream, Poppy Red

Seam Binding:  Hug Snug Lipstick Red

Ink:  Momento Danube Blue, Rhubarb Red, Versafine Onyx Black, Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Antique Linen

Extras:  Roses:  Ribbon Reel, Twine (Natural Joann Fabric), Buttons, Pearl Spray (Hobby Lobby), Metal (Michael's Jewelry Dept)

Shabby Tea Room #120 / Ribbon Reel #31- Tea Party

So much for the lazy days of summer.  I have been so busy lately and there has been very little "me" time.  My son is going to Philmont Scout Ranch in New Mexico so we are trying to get him geared up with everything he needs to "live off the land".  He has been officially dubbed "trip photographer" so I expect I will have lots to scrap when he gets back.   I am going to miss him so much!!

I am still working with our 5 month old puppy - she has lost two of her canines this week - so hopefully there is an end in sight to her teething.  She is a bundle of enery and requires a lot of attention!

I've had some fantastic news to report - I am having my first work published in the upcoming PaperCrafts Holiday Cards & More: Volume 7 on sale August 25.  As if that wasn't fantastic enough I made the cover - it will feature three designs including one from Chan Vuong!

I  used the color combination from The Shabby Tea Room challenge, and the photo from The Ribbon Reel as inspiration for the card I made today.  I love the photo of the three girls having a tea party!  Isn't that the sweetest?  I took the colors from their feathery hats to color my tea service and tried to keep the papers and trims more fun  (like the striped twill) for the little ladies, and less elegant and formal. 

My daughter used to love dressing up in one of her Disney princess outfits, floppy hats and feather boa's and make us all sit down for a civilized tea party - even though some times it was just kool aid in our tea cups!  She is all grown up now in college, but she still loves apple tea in a cup with a saucer with a few sugar cubes on the side!  Ooohhhh and we can't forget a plate of sweets now can we?
Thanks for having a peek!  Have a beautiful day!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size:  5" x 7"
Stamps:  Serendipity Tea Service, Tea Cup, Tea Time!
Paper:  K&Co. Cut N'Paste Collection
Papertrey Ink:  Sweet Blush, Aqua Mist, Harvest Gold
Mulberry Flowers, Button Twine, Twill Ribbon:  The Ribbon Reel
Markers:  Copic
Dies:  Spellbinders Labels 14, Cheery Lynn Polynesian Sails Oval
Border Punch:  EK Success Double Embossed Dotted Lace
Button:  Papertrey Ink
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Black Onyx

WMSC #103 - Goodwill

Hi and thanks for stopping by! Today I made a card for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. This week's design is a real trixie from Mischief Maker Edna Morrisedie. Edna is keeping us on our toes with this one!! Maybe you will look at the design and be immediately struck with a genius idea!   Will all those boxes be words? embellishments? Only you know for sure! But no worries! If you need a bit of inspiration you can hop on over to the WMSC blog and see different takes on this sketch by the other mischief makers - including our guest designer Vickie Zimmer!

I decided to make a Christmas card.  I don't know about you, but I have been falling back on some of my New Year's resolutions - One of which was to keep current with the Waltzingmouse Chirstmas Card Challenge.   This is a win win for all who enter.  First of all - Lynn Mercurio gives you a starting point for your design with the criteria for the challenge  every month.  Just make one Christmas card a month for the challenge  and  think of how prepared you will be this  December.  On top of that prizes - yes PRIZES! are awarded twice a year to participants.  You can get all the details on the challenge here.

Well, like I said, I am behind.  I feel like the rabbit in Alice in Wonderland - I'm late I'm late!!!!  My card today is actually for the May challenge which was to add a bit of chipboard into your design.  Lynn has a good tutorial on how to make your own chipboard for a custom accent  on the WMCC forum thread for May.  My chipboard element is the gold glittery flourish behind my sentiment label. 

I stamped my accents in two colors of red ink - they remind me of cranberries.  A quick tip on cutting out these little circles is to use a 3/4" hole punch.   They are easy to center and cut out cleanly.  I added little gems, and tiny jingle bells as accents. 

I hope you will be inspired to play along with the Sketch and Christmas Card challenges
Thanks for having a look - have a great day!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size:  5" x 7"
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Seasonal Remedies, Vintage Labels 18
Dies:  Spellbinder Labels 18, Standard Ovals,  Classic Scalloped Ovals, Grand Labels 23
Paper:  October Afternoon Holiday Style Collection
Solid Paper Papertrey Ink  Poppy Red, Vintage Cream
Ink:  Stampin' Up! Real Red, Versafine Satin Red
Gold Flourish K  & Co. Twinkle Type
Extras:  1/8" ribbon, mini jingle bells, 3/4" hole punch

Graduation - Launch Your Dreams!

My mom knows I love making cards.  She asked me to make this one for a graduation party she is going to.  My cousin's son just graduated from Eastern Illinois University.  I wanted to make a fun card for a young man so I consulted my 16 year old on a few of the details to help me get it just right.   To personalize it just for Michael,  I made this one in his school colors of navy and pewter.   I cut and pasted his school logo in word and then die cut it in a circle to match the retro bubbles stamp I used.

 

I don't normally finish the inside of a card.  I usually write a hand written message on the inside.  I know my mom would prefer to just sign her name so I finished off the inside for her.   I almost re stamped the bubbles for a cleaner look, but I decided the distressed had a little edgier feel.  Here's what it looks like.  Thanks for having a peek!  Have a beautiful day.

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size 5" x 7"

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Free Spirit Sentiments, Free Spirit Boy

Ink:  Momento Nautical Blue, Stampin Up Sahara Sand

Twinery Stone Twine, 3/8" Pewter Grosgrain

Paper:  Papertrey Ink Stampers Select White, Enchanted Evening

Die:  Spellbinder Standard Circles

Serendipity Blog Hop - Lace Corner

Welcome to the Serendipity Stamps bimonthly blog hop challenge!  The challenge this time was to use a border or corner stamp with the Rose, Cocoa, and Mint color scheme.   Serendipity has lots of corners and borders to choose from...  floral, rope (nautical or western), flourishes, and the pretty lace corner that I used on my card today.

You don't have to buy a special die to make a paper yo-yo.  I  made mine by cutting a 2" strip of pattern paper.  I punched the edge with a border punch and then scored lines every 1/4 inch.  I inked the edges and then folded the paper in a zig zag pattern and attached the two ends.  I hot glued a paper punched circle on the top and bottom of the folded paper to keep it in place.  I wanted to frame my yo yo with the lace corner stamp.  First I stamped the top right and bottom left.  There wasn't room for the entire stamp for last two corners, so I masked off the area I already stamped and then added these two corners.   I knew my bow and my tag would cover most of the "blank" areas where the stamps didn't meet.

 I finished off the card with a pretty bow, some mulberry flowers, and a pretty flourish.

I hope you liked my card and will visit the other Serendipity Design Team members and see what they've come up with for this challenge!  Just click on their names listed alphabetically below to jump to their blogs.

Kathie Bailey
Amy Cokley

Sue Eldred

Jenny Gropp

Miriam Napier

The sale this week at Serendipity is buy 3 stamps and get the 4th one free.  Sale ends on June 25.  You can click here to go to the Serendipity storefront.
Have a beautiful day!

Jeanne



Supplies Used:  Finished Size 6" x 6"
Stamps:  Serendipity Lace Corner, Victorian Hearts, Bliss
Paper:  Jolees Boutique French General Collection
Solid Paper:  Papertreyink Fine Linen, Dark Chocolate, New Lear, Stampers Select
Corner Chomper - We R Memory Keepers 1/8", Fine Linen
Die Cuts:  Memory Box  Amira Flourish, Spellbinders Labels 14
Mulberry Flowers Ribbon Reel, Seam Binding Hug Snug Camel Hair
Ink:  Stampin' Up Real Red, VersaFine Vintage Sepia, Ranger Tim Holtz Distress Antique Linen, Festive Berries

Cheery Lynn Blog Challenge - Red White & Blue

Hi everybody!   There is so much going on this week - my son wound up with some complications with his wisdom teeth, but he is doing much better now.  Our church is having "Fun Days" which means a carnival and games.  My husband and son have been helping with the set up - and along with my daughter will be voluteering at some of the booths later in the week.  I've been playing chauffeur - I finally get the "mom's taxi" thing! 

Today I'm playing along with the Cheery Lynn Blog Challenge.  You know I am totally nuts about dies!  The more intricate and detailed they are, the better!   When I saw the challenge this week is Red, White and Blue I thought I'd pull out all the stops and make this into a 4th of July celebration reminiscent of sparklers, jumping jacks, and parades!.  I embossed all three of my stars with glitter embossing powder for lots of sparkle, and my sentiment on the fancy stick pin reminds me of the baton at the front of the marching band! 

Time for your puppy update.....   Here's a photo of "Binker" as in "Stinker Binker" with my son that I took this weekend - She's getting BIG!  Can you tell it is really hot here?  Look at that tongue!!!     We are getting used to each others "personalities".  She still likes to chew on rocks and sticks and is helping herself to the raspberries and blueberries on my plants.  How does she know which ones are ripe?  I am guessing the green ones don't taste so good - but she definitely has it figured out!

 I hope you find some time to play along this week - the prize is a $20 gift certificate at the Cheery Lynn store!  Have a great day!

Jeanne

Supplies Used: Finished Size 6" x 6"

Stamps:  Stars, Celebrate Serendipity

Dies:  Cheery Lynn, Dainty Dutch Doily Frame, Polynesian Sales Oval, French Pastry, Spellbinders Nested Pennants, Lifestyle Crafts Nested Star

Paper:  October Afternoon Rocket Age, Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream, AC Specialty Gold Foil

Embossing Powder Stampendous Red Dragon, Tinsel Blue,  Ranger Gold Tinsel

Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black

Red Crown Pin:  Wild Orchid, Button Stampin' Up!, Twinery Twine Maraschino, Ribbon 1/4" Satin Red, 1/4" Turquoise

Waltzingmouse Blog Party - You're Lovely

Are you partying with your Waltzingmouse friends today?   Its a good place to be - so many sweet people to meet!   Every month Waltzingmouse Stamps hosts a blog party.  This month's inspiration photo was selected by  Design Team Member  Lynn Mercurio (Did I mention that Lynn loves Turquoise?). 


You could be inspired by any of the elements in the photo  - the colors, the clean straight lines, the ornate furniture - and use any Waltzingmouse set that strikes your fancy to make your creation.

I focused on the color swatches across the bottom for my design.  The chair against the wall in the photo made me think of a ball - the chairs put to the side to make way for the dancers.  This inspired me to use the "You are Lovely" set and make a beautiful ball gown.  

I stamped my frame in grey and then masked it off.   I then stamped the dress form in gray on the label.  I stamped the actual dress in turquoise ink onto embossed turquoise paper twice.  I fussy cut both and layered them with pop dots to add shadow and  the impression of the folds in the fabric.  Here's a close up.

I will keep this short so you can jump over to the Waltzingmouse Makes Blog and view all the other fab creations made special just for the blog party. 

 Thanks for having a look - enjoy your day and the rest of the blog party!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size 5" x 7"
Stamps: Waltzing Mouse You're Lovely, Vintage Labels 25
Dies:  Cheery Lynn Oval Doily Stacker One, Spellbinders Labels 25, Rectangles, Grand Labels Four
Paper:  Echo Park Be Mine Collection Rose Bouquet, Dress Paper Memory Boutique (Joann)
Solid Paper:  Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream, Aqua Mist
Ink Momento Grey Flannel
Roses:  Ribbon Reel
Seam Binding:  Hug Snug Paradise Blue
Twine: Twinery Caribbean
Extras Grey Card stock, 1.5" Aqua Stain Pleat Ribbon (Hobby Lobby), 1/4" Stitched Yellow Grosgrain Ribbon

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #102 - Big Bloom Thanks

I hope everyone is having a fantastic summer.  Mine is off to a good start.  There are so many local festivals going on it is easy to find something to do on a long summer weekend.  We finally got all the green out of the swimming pool!  Because of the weather we only have the pool open a few months- usually from Memorial Day through Labor Day.  The rest of the year the weather is too chilly to want to take a dip!  This week is hot in humid so I'd say we got it done just in time!

I hope you have some time this week to play along with the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge.  The design this week is from Edna Morrisedie.  When I saw the scalloped edge on the design I just knew that I wanted to make it into leaves.  I stamped my first leaf, masked it off, and then stamped another leaf in a different color.  I repeated this process until I thought it resembled the scalloped edge.  I used post it notes for my masks - a tip I picked up from JJ Bolton.  The sticky part is just tacky enough to stay in place, and the paper isn't too thick and you can still get a clean crisp impression on the over lapped images.   I added a double stacked bloom from the Big Bloom Chrysanthemums set,  and cut out my sentiment with a leafy die.  I embossed and distress sanded the base paper to bring out the white core to complement the white veins in the stamped leaves. 

If you are looking for inspiration , check out what the other Mischief Makers have come up with for the sketch challenge!  Who knows - you might just be the next Top Mouse - or better yet - you could win a free set of Waltzingmouse stamps!!  Oh and don't forget we have our first ever guest Mischief Maker this month - Vickie Zimmer!  I hope you will stop by her blog to congratulate her!  I can't wait to see what amazing creations she will come up with!

Oh and don't forget about the Blog party on Sunday, June 17!  This month is a color challenge.  You can get all the details here.

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size 5x7"

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Big Bloom Chrysanthemums, Compact Sentiments

Dies:  SPellbinder Blossom Tags & Accents

Embossing Plate:  SIzzix Texturz Mummy Stripes

Extras:  Twinery Mandarin, E beads

Ink:  Versafine Olympia Green, Momento Bamboo Leaves, Love Letter, Cottage Ivy, Stampin Up Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi, Garden Green, Certainly Celery

Card Patterns #169 - By the Sea

 Wow! The weekend is really coming on fast! I have to start getting it together for Father's Day. I invited my mom and dad over - time to plan a menu and get the house straightened out! I'm thinking BBQ and some cool creamy peanut butter pie!     Puppy is still causing trouble.  My daughter just handed me one of the decorative plastic caps that cover the screws that attach the toilet to the floor.  Apparently someone decided it looked like a chew toy.  It was probably the only thing she could carry out of the bathroom that wasn't tied down.  Sometimes you just gotta laugh or you will start to cry!!!  I guess it could be worse - at least she didn't eat it! 

Today I'm escaping by playing along with  Card Patterns.  I am dreaming of a stroll upon the beach and this card is just the ticket.  I used a beautiful Triton shell stamp and then stamped my sentiment on top of it in a darker shade.  I found this neat button in my stash.  It sort of looks like something you might find on the beach.  I added a little blue gem and the blue ebeads to resemble some sea glass.  The brown Kraft I embossed to resemble the texture of the sand.  OK Sorry if I'm getting carried away - but I told you I need an escape!!

Here is the final card.

Thanks so much for having a look!    Remember to LAUGH!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size:   5" x 7"

Stamps:  Serendipity:  Triton Shell, Quote

Die Cuts:  Spellbinders Grand Label 23, Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Frame 5

Embossing Folder:  Oriental Weave Cutllebug

Paper:  Me & My Big Ideas Low Tide Collection

Solid Paper:  Papertrey Ink Kraft, Fine Linen

Ribbon 1 1/2" Blue/White Satin Stripe: Ribbon Boutique (Hobby Lobby)

Ink:  Momento Toffee Crunch, Versafine Vintage Sepia, Tim Holtz/Ranger Distress Antique Linen

Extras:  Button, Gems, Twine, E Beads

Organizing Tags

Today I just wanted to share a few organization tips that have worked really well for me.  Maybe you already have a working system in place, maybe you are keeping an open mind and want to try something different.  I hope this system helps you like it has me.

Whenever I post a card I try to include all the particulars so that if you see anything you like you know exactly what I used.   To help keep it together I use simple jump rings with identification tags.  This is also really helpful for me when I am creating a card.  I shudder to think of all the different ink pads and colors I own.  How do I know exactly what shade of green I want to use without getting them all out and trying them? 

To keep it organized, whenever I buy an ink pad I print the name on a piece of cardstock.   I punch out a tag, and a hole for the jump ring, and then stamp an image in that color ink. The tags are color coded lightest to darkest.  Sometimes I will add a letter after the name of the ink to help me identify the pad - for example M = Momento, V = Versafine, SU = Stampin' Up! etc.    Here's a close up of the ink pad tags....

Here is a photo of my swatches of cardstock.  I am addicted to Papertrey card stock and purchase this brand almost exclusively now.  If you have other favorites you can simply notate with a letter the brand for easy reference.

  

 Here are my swatches of seam binding.  I buy Hug Snug brand and have my rings color coded.  I leave the tails long so that I can drape them across my project to see exactly what shade will work best to coordinate with the other materials I'm using.  So many colors to choose from.

These are my swatches for We R Memory Keepers Corner Chompers.  I have the name of the cut written on the tag and I have a stripe of color drawn on the swatch that matches the handle color of the Corner Chomper.  For Example, If I want to use the "Photo" cut (the swatch has a pink stripe) then I  want the pink handled Corner Chomper.

I keep all my rings on hooks in my scrap room.  They are all within arms reach so I can grab them for easy reference when I make something, or for when I need to make a list of different products I used for a project.

I hope this inspires you and will help keep you organized! 

Jeanne