WMSC 113 - Halloween Greetings!

Are you ready for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge this week?  My Saturday morning ritual is always see who won Top Mouse and check out the new sketch and Mischief Maker Inspiration.  The sketch this week is by Waltzingmouse DT member Lynn Mercurio of Stamperosity.    Lynn makes so many fabulous creations with all the perfect accents - I can't wait to see what she came up with for this one.   I really love the drawing with the scalloped edge at the bottom. 

I am in a fall state of mind.  Lately I am drawn to sitting outside with a good book and a big glass of iced tea.  I have been trying to fight it and get things done, but maybe my body knows something my mind doesn't.  I expect the cold weather will be here before I know it and I should enjoy as many rays as I can get until then.  But it makes me feel so darn lazy!  Can you believe the leaves are changing colors here already?    While I'm sitting in the yard I can see (and hear) them falling from the trees.  Birds are starting to flock together to migrate too! 

I decided to make a Halloween card - too many books about enchantment and fantasy perhaps?  I stamped the frame from Holiday Labels 14 twice - once in black, and once in orange.  I stamped the sentiment in black on the orange tag, and added a sprinkle of starbursts from Cicely at Halloween in a slightly lighter orange.   I cut out the center oval and used pop dots to adhere it to the black label.  Here's a close up..

I die cut the scallop trim in black with a Spellbinder Edgeability, and then cut the center strip with a reverse scallop to mimic the fancy edge.  I topped it off with a bow and some silver beads that I found in the jewelry department of the local craft store.  The bow center is a big black button with a medallion from Large Doily and the tiny witch from Midnight Feast.

Thanks so much for stopping by for a week - I hope you are inspired to play along this week if you are not as enchanted by the sun as I am!

 

Jeanne

 

Supplies Used:  Finished Size 5" x 7"

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Midnight Feast, Holiday Labels 14, Large Doily, Cicely at Halloween

Paper:  Recollections (Michael's) Midnight Magic, Papertrey Ink Orange Zest, True Black, Rustic Cream

Dies:  Spellbinders Labels 14, Standard Circles, Edgeabiliites Classic Scallop, Classic Decorative Inserts 2, Classic Petal

1" Black Wired Organza Ribbon

Deco Corner Chomper We R Memory Keepers

Twinery Charcoal Twine

Silver Beads Joann Jewelry Dept.

Ink:  Momento Cantaloupe, Versafine Onyx Black, Stampin Up! Tangerine Tango, Pumpkin Pie

Paper Sweeties September Release - Rah Rah!

Have you met the new kids on the block yet?  Well if you haven't, let me introduce you to the Paper Sweeties! If you are a girlie girl at heart, and love playing with pretty and sweet little stamps, then you will love the Paper Sweeties! The set is a series of adorable little dolls with interchangeable outfits, accessories and sentiments.     Two weeks ago three little ladies were introduced (Emma, Sophie, and Abigail) along with several adorable accompanying sets.   Today we are bringing you a sneak peak of the upcoming release that will be available on September 15. 

 

I couldn't wait to start playing with this cute cheerleader set.  This is such a versatile set so easy to dress up for your favorite team by switching up the colors.  How about making a card to cheer on your bestie - complete with their favorite colors and initials?

Of course I dolled mine up with a big PS for you guessed it ... The Paper Sweeties!  I even made my own pom poms out of bakers twine.  This was very easy with the pom pom maker I picked up at the fabric store.  The 1 3/8 finished size was a little big so I just trimmed down the threads a bit. 

Hop on over to the other Paper Sweeties Design Team member blogs to see what they created  and be the first to get a sneak peek of what's in store this month.  Just click on their names listed below.

Debbie Marcinkiewicz (Creator of Paper Sweeties) - Simple Treasures

Char Cundy - Expressions of Me

Andrea Ewen - Ewen Style

Pattie Goldman - Paper Silhouettes

Jinny Newlin - Soaring

 

If you like what you see today, please check back on the 14th - 16th  for more previews and to celebrate the latest release of Paper Sweeties!

 

Jeanne

 

Supplies Used:  Finished Size 6" x 6"
Stamps:  Paper Sweeties Emma PS-E, Rah-Rah! PS-19
Die Cuts Quickutz University Alphabet, Spellbinders Wonky Rectangles, Reverse Wonky Rectangles
Paper:  Cosmo Cricket 6x6" pad - Clementine
Papertrey Ink Paper:  Stampers Select White, Pure Poppy
Markers:  Copic
Twinery Maraschino
Ribbon Red Double Faced Satin 1/2"
Ink:  Momento Tuxedo Black

12 Kits of Christmas August Edition!

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.

This month our hostess supplying all the goodies is Kim from Cupcakes Cards & Kim    Kim has a really clean graphic style - she lets the images do all the talking!   I can't wait to see the projects she came up with!  Take a gander at this bag of lovelies..droool... . pleated satin ribbon, gems, buttons, pretty papers from Fancy Pants Designs, silver foil die cuts, and gold jingle bells - can't go wrong with this!!  I had a lot of fun and can't wait to tell you about the changes we are planning for next year!

This month I came up with 4 cards. It would have been easy to keep going with all the perfectly coordinated supplies.  I decided to save a little so I can CASE one of the ladies next month.  I've named each of the cards so you can match up the material list at the bottom of this post

O Christmas Tree (of course!)

Holiday  (Gift Card Holder)

Merry

Celebrate

You ain't seen nothin' yet!!  Why not check out what the other members of the 12 Kits of Christmas came up with this month. You can jump to their blog by clicking on their names below (listed by month).

Kim August (Our Hostess this Month)

Kara September

Jessica October

Jeanne (That's Me!) November

Sharron December

Renee January

Cathy February

Suzanne March

Marybeth April

Joyce May

Amy June

Christina July

Thanks for stopping by for a peek! Have a fantastic day!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:
O Christmas Tree   Finished Size 6.25 x 4.5
Image Digital - Pink Petticoat
Paper:  Fancy Pants Designs Winterland
Card stock Papertrey Stampers Select White, Aqua Mist
Corner Chomper Corner Rounder We R Memory Keepers 1/4"
Victorian Crochet Trim Stampin Up!, Blue Organza Joann's
Divine Twine Aqua

Holiday  Finished Size 6" x 6"
Paper:  Fancy Pants Designs WInterland. Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist
Victorian Crochet Trim Stampin Up!
Seam Binding Hug Snug Paradise Aqua
Papertrey Ink Wonderful Words Die
Button Thread Waltzingmouse
Buttons Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist
Digital Images Pink Peticoat
Jingle Bells, Gems Stampin Up!, Vellum Envelope

Merry  Finished Size:  6" x 6"

Paper:  Fancy Pants Designs WInterland

"Merry" Die Cut Papertrey Ink Wonderful Words

Button:  Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist

Button Thread Waltzinmouse

Dies:  Spellbinders Stars 5, Nested Pine Trees

Ink:  Versamageic Sage

Pearl: Stampin Up!

Celebrate   Finished Size 6" x 6"

Paper:  DCWV Glitter Paper Silver

Papertrey Ink Vintage Cream, Sweet Blush, Stampin Up! Very Vanilla, Pink Pirouette

TIm Holtz Distress Ink:  Spun Sugar

Dies:  Spellbinders  Labels 19

Button:  Papertrey Ink Sweet Blush

Ribbon:  Stampin Up! Pleated Satin Blushing Bride

Embossing Folder:  Cuttlebug Snowflakes

Makers:  Copic, Gems:  Stampin Up!, Twinery Twine Blossom

Moxie Fab: A Pin Therein

Today I had some time to play so of course I went to Moxie Fab Tuesday Trigger to check the inspiration photo.  Have a look at this beauty.  I immediately started thinking brown polka dot paper, hexagon dies, and quilt patterns.  After searching high and low I came up empty handed.  I started playing with octagons, stars, and triangles - none would form a circle.  I almost called it quits when I thought about my nestie pennants.  They still didn't make a perfect circle - had to do a little trimming, but I am so happy that I stuck with it!   I love the patch work quilt look I achieved!

I cut the pennants in all different colors of paper from the same 6x6 pad.  I taped them together to line them up and make them easier to handle.  The inspiration photo had lots of pretty pastels, but I decided to go bold with lots of color.  I kept the pins and twine from the photo as well as the pretty floral papers.  I hope you have some time to play - this one was lots of fun - you might even find some clever shape to make  it all YOU!

 

Hugs!
Jeanne

 

Supplies Used:  Finished Size 6" x 6"

Stamp:  Waltzingmouse Eat Cake

Paper:  Basic Grey Piccadilly 6x6 Pad

May Arts 3/4" Twill Natural Ribbon

Hug Snug Seam Binding Bright Red

Dies:  Spellbinders Standard Circles, Nested Pennants, Cheery Lynn Polynesian Sails Oval

Extras wood Button, Pins, Gem, Twine (Waltzingmouse)

Claire Don't Worry - Be Happy!

As you may or not know, Waltzingmouse recently issued a new release of stamps.  Due to unforeseen circumstances from the manufacturer shipments have been delayed for 3 weeks or so.  I know we are all disappointed that our orders have been cancelled, and that we won't be able to get our hands on these lovelies for a little while longer.   

 

Most of all I know Claire's heart must be broken - these are her babies after all.  And I know she would never want to disappoint us in any way.  A fellow blogger, and Waltzingmouse fan,  Nerina from A Creative Inkling, came up with a fantastic idea to honor Claire.   Nerina is asking for a show of solidarity - that fellow Waltzingmouse fans consider making something to honor Claire for her creativity, kindness, and honest to goodness integrity.   If you'd like to participate or see some of the projects from other friends of Waltzingmouse who feel the same way you can get all the details here.

I thought this sentiment was appropriate for the circumstances. I know Claire will shine through this, and that the stamps will be worth the wait. Cheers to you Claire!

Hugs!
Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size;  6" x 6"
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse:  Vintage Labels 10, Afternoon Tea Sentiments, Dainty Doilies 2, Afternoon Tea
Stampin Up Island Indigo, Papertrey Ink:  Stampers Select White, Raspberry FIzz, Vintage Cream
Anna Griffin Designer Scrapbook Cardstock
Die Cuts, Spellbinders Labels 10, Cheery Lynn Polynesian Sails Oval, Couture Creations Jewel Collection Lily G
Lace and Button Twine Waltzingmouse
Roses:  IamRoses.com
Seam Binding:  Hug Snug Elegant Peacock Blue, Noble Peacock
Ink: Momento Rose Bud, Teal Zeal, Stampin Up Pink Pirouette, Pretty In Pink, Versafine Onyx Black
Gems

WMSC #112 - Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Saturday!  Any big plans for the weekend?  I'm going to my son's first cross country meet  of the year!  A new school, a new team, a new beginning.  This is my son's 6th season running.  All the schools arrive at around 8:00 am and they have one event after another - girls varsity, girls jr. varsity, boys varsity, boys jr. varsity etc.  Sometimes he doesn't hit the field until 1:00 p.m which used to really frustrate me.  The waiting frustrated me - and I didn't see the point in sitting there for hours to watch my son run by in the blink of an eye.  I've learned time is relative, and how you spend your time is important.  Most of all I've learned that time is fleeting.  It's not a waste of time because I expect there are only a few more cross country seasons ahead.  I have learned to slow down and make the most of it.  I plan on packing up the car with a blanket, chairs, a cooler with drinks and nibbles - a good book - and if she is a good girl - my binker.  Isn't life grand?

 

Cross Country always reminds me of Fall, and I will credit that as my inspiration for my card this week.  The sketch this week at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge is by Waltzingmouse Design Team member  Mona Pendleton of Cupcake's Creations.  Mona's creations are always stunning - lovely eye candy perfectly embellished with lace, ribbon, stitching and if you're lucky a sprinkle of sugary glitter!  She is a great source of inspiration, and hers is one of the first blogs I fell in love with when I was introduced to the Internet world of paper crafts.  I hope you have a some time to play along this week.  If you're in need of a little inspiration hop on over to the WMSC page and see what the Mischief Maker's have come up to tickle your fancy!

I stamped the pumpkin image twice, colored with Copics, and used pop dots to make a layered embellishment.  Here's a close up so you can see all layers going on here.  I stamped the wicker / cane background behind the doily and added some crochet lace trim.  I thought this one was pretty enough to hold it's own without a big bow.

 

 Here is the finished card...

 

Thanks for having a look - have a beautiful day - and don't forget to get out there and  soak up some sunshine!

 

Jeanne

 

Supplies Used:  Finished Size:  5" x 7"

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Peace & Plenty, Large Doily, Heirloom Patterns

Paper;  Papertrey Ink Stampers Select White, Kraft, Orange Zest, Terracotta Tile

Markers:  Copic

Lace:  Waltzingmouse

Dies:  Spellbinders Standard Circles, Big Scalloped Circles, Classic Inverted Scalloped Circles

Embossing:  Sizzix Texturz Emboss Plate Formal Fanfare

Ink:  Versafine Habanero, Onyx Black, Momento Tuxedo Black

Eagle Scout Congratulations!

To say my family is heavily involved in Scouting would be an understatement.  My husband is a Scoutmaster, and I am the troop Treasurer.  Not a day goes by without a conversation about the troop!  The reward for all the time spent procuring supplies and organizing events is seeing the scouts grow from boys into independent young men.  This weekend one of the boys in my son's patrol is having his Eagle Scout Court of Honor.  This is the highest rank a Scout can achieve.  I wanted to make a special card for him that represents his path from Tenderfoot Scout to Eagle.

 

I started with BSA approved paper from K&Co.  I added a knot of twine (knotting is required for advancement and several scout badges), a Fleur De Lis (this is the symbol of scouting), a tent and campfire (for all those countless trips to the wilderness) and a transparency compass (so he knows where he's going and where he's been).  And, yes it does actually spin!! Yeahhhh!  I did it!!  I tried to keep it fun and colorful, yet still special enough for the occasion! And look mom, NO BOW!!

Thanks for stopping by and having a look!  Have a beautiful day - oh and always be prepared!

 

Jeanne

 

Supplies Used:  Finished Size 5" x 7"

Stamps:  Papertrey Ink Summer Camp

Tag Die:PTI, Fleur De Lis:Sizzix

Paper K & Company Boy Scouts of America, Papertrey Ink Pure Poppy, Rustic Cream

Compass Transparency Me & My Big Ideas Journey

Metal Arrow for compass center:  Tim Holtz

Ink:  Stampin' Up Real Red

Circle Punch

Markers:  Copic

Twine

Serendipity Stamps Blog Challenge - Step Card

 Well are things starting to settle down a little?  For me they are!  Both of my kids are back in school as of yesterday!  Now if only I could find some day care for Binkie!  She is 6 months old now and still chewing everything.  I'm starting to wonder if she just wants more attention.  She has started running off with sheets of patterned paper and I don't think she has taken up paper crafting like her mom!  Not unless her project requires lots of chewed up little bits of colorful paper!

Today I am showing you a card I made for the Serendipity Stamps Blog Challenge.  The challenge this time was to make a "step" card.  Now here is another thing I love about challenges.  They always get me to try something that I would have never considered before.  I am always hesitant at first - like going to a party where I don't know anyone, but a few hours later  I'm so happy I went.  I have never made a step card and honestly didn't even know where to start.  Fortunately, Mary, my Serendipity Mentor, provided a little inspiration she found at Splitcoast Stampers to set me in the right direction.  Here's the link: http://www.splitcoaststampers.com/resources/tutorials/centerstepcard/.

I stamped the Large Poinsettia two times with Momento ink and colored them in with Copics.  I cut the first layer with an Exacto knife and ruler in a square shape leaving  a few of the poinsettia petal tips extending past the edges.  The second colored poinsettia I fussy cut and then adhered with pop dots to add dimension. 

Here is a side view of the card to show the folds that make this center step card a real stand out compared to a flat card.

 This is the finished card....

I am so excited to announce that Serendipity Stamps has added three talented artists to the design team.... Cathy Weber, Helen Berry, and Pauline Pollington.   Please hop over to their blogs to welcome them and see the beautiful creations they've made for this challenge.

Helen Berry  - Helen Berry Designs

Amy Cokley - So Amused

Jenny Gropp - One Krafty Kat

Miriam Napier - Miriam's Delirium

Pauline Pollington - Craft Obsession

Cathy Weber - Empty Nest Crafter

I hope you will give the step card a try - I know I'm glad I did.  It was lots of fun and easy to create.  Oh yes, the sale this week is 40% off the most expensive item in the shopping cart.   The coupon code is 40FROMHIGH  and expires August 29th. 

Thanks for stopping by!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:

Stamps  Serendipity Large Poinsettia, Merry Christmas Simple Large

Copic Markers

Paper:  My Mind's Eye Lost & Found Collection Market Street "Adore" Pleated Skirt Paper, Papertrey Ink Aqua Mist, Sweet Blush, Vintage Cream

Ribbon Reel Challenge #35 - Baby Bunting!

Are you addicted to ribbons and trims of lace, satin, twill, grosgrain, seam binding, paper flowers, buttons and so much more? Well I know I am! And I know just the place to find all the fab things that I love! Why The Ribbon Reel of course! Their blog challenge is one of my favorite places to play! I am always challenged by their sketches and inspired by the gorgeous creations by their design team!  I am thrilled and honored to be the Guest Designer for the month of August at The Ribbon Reel Challenge Blog!!  This is the second and final challenge for the month - challenges are every two weeks.

This is the inspiration photo. Some kind of baby shower huh?  You are to create something using the colours in the photo as well as a banner / pennant.   So many beauties in this photo that there should be no problem getting a little inspiration... stripes, polka dots, pennants, flowers, ruffles - it's all up to you.  The Ribbon Reel Challenges last two weeks so you have lots of time to think about what you want to do and MAKE SOMETHING!!   

I made this  baby card with Waltzingmouse Stamps and lots of gorgeous trims and extras from the ribbon reel.  The mulberry paper flowers were originally off white.  I colored them with a Powder Blue Copic - just running the brush tip along the edges.  Since the flowers are paper they absorb the ink easily. I left one of them white so you can see what they looked like originally.  Here's a close up of the banner.

And here is my finished card.

Thanks for stopping by for a peek.  I hope you will join me this week and play along!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size 6" x 6"
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Bitty Banners, Holiday Labels No 14, Say It Loud
Paper: Paper Studio Blue Tiny Toes Baby Feet, Herringbone Blue (Hobby Lobby)
Solid Paper:  Papertrey Ink Select White, Stampin Up Bashful BlueInk: Momento Summer Sky, New Sprout, Versafine Onyx BlackDies:  Spellbinder Petite Ovals, Nexted Pennants, Cheery Lynn Swedish Spring Oval Frame
Ribbons 38mm White Crochet Lace, 10 mm Sky Blue Small Check Ribbon Reel
Buttons:  Paper Trey Ink Aqua Mist
Mulberry Paper Flowers :  The Ribbon Reel
Copic B41 Marker

WMSC111 Reindeer Games

Hi and thanks for stopping by to check out my post for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge.  The design this week is by Design Team member Julia Aston.  Julia is always clever and creative and I think this design is a good example of that.  She did a good job motivating me to stamp a background - something I don't usually do but I don't really have a good reason why.    I bought the Heirloom Patterns set about two months ago so when I read "stamp background here"  I knew exactly which background it was going  to be.  I love the herringbone pattern on this set created by Anya Schrier!!  

While I'm at it, I am going to confess that I haven't been doing so good keeping to my Waltzingmouse Christmas Card Challenge resolution.  All you have to do is make one card a month and there are some big prizes to be had!!   The good news is that it is never too late to start participating!  You can go back to any month you missed and enter your creation.

Every month Lynn Mercurio challenges us to make a specific type of Christmas card and enter it in the WM challenge gallery.    The challenge for June (I'm not too far behind!!)  was to create a  card with stitching - could be real, could be stamped.  I used the stitched reindeer from Nordic Winter on my design.  I love a bit of sparkle to anything for the holidays so I matted my design on a silver glitter paper.  I added a crystal heart charm tied  with a bit of clear fishing line to keep it invisible, and the final touch was a tiny red gem on the flower above my sentiment.   And yes that is velvet ribbon! 

  

Thanks for stopping by for a look.  I hope you will find some time this week to play along!  Maybe get a little caught up on your Christmas Card resolution too!!

Hugs!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size:  5" x 7"

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Holiday Labels 14, Heirloom Patterns, Nordic Winter

Dies:  Spellbinder Labels 14

Paper: Papertrey Ink:  Vintage Cream, Silver Glitter DCWV

Ink:  Stampin Up Real Red, Momento Rich Cocoa

5/8" Red Double Face Satin, 7/8" Red Velvet Ribbon, Silver Trim, Silver Lame Thread

Extras:  Gem, Crystal Heart, Fishing Line

Waltzingmouse August Blog Party! Happy Birthday!

Kids at school?  Check.  Laundry Caught Up?  Check.  Know what's for dinner?  Check.   Alright then!  It's time to PARTY!!!  Did you now that on the 17th of every month Waltzingmouse hosts a Blog Party?  That's right!   Time to get out those stamps and start creating!  The theme this month is birthdays.  We all have them- whether we are counting the years or not!  The challenge is to make a birthday card - the only requirement is that you keep to the theme and use your Waltzingmouse Stamps!  Easy Peasy!  And if the laundry isn't done?  It will always be there tomorrow - and hey!  Who doesn't like pizza?

I will keep my post short because I know you want to make it around to all the blogs participating.  I made an ultra feminine card with lots of lace and pretty flowers.  I embellished the birthday cake with pearls and gems and am serving it all up on a silver platter!  Enjoy!

Well what are you waiting for?  Check out all the other birthday creations (and if you get to it - link yours!) here.

Hugs!
Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size:  5"x 7"

Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Sentiment:Basket Additions, Eat Cake, Vintage Labels 25
Paper:  Authentique Uncommon Collection "Unique", "Gifted"
Dies:  Spellbinders Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals, Labels 25, Jar Labels
Ink:  Stamp Up Regal Rose, Pretty In Pink, Versafine Onyx Black
7/8" Light PInk Grosgrain, 38mm Off White Crochet Lace Ribbon Reel, Pearl Ring Hobby Lobby His & Hers Collection, Hug Snug Seam Binding Baby Pink, Gems, Pearls, Flowers Wild Orchid Crafts

Paper Sweeties - My Bestie

 

Well the Paper Sweeties are officially released and 15 different designs are available in the Paper Sweeties Shop. I hope you enjoyed all the FUN inspiration the Sweeties Teamies shared this week!!  Did seeing the designs get you thinking of other designs you'd like to see Debbie come up with?  Maybe something got you thinking of a Paper Sweetie of your own!  Then the ‘Suggest A Sweetie’ contest is just for you!  Well, here’s your chance to make some suggestions … and put yourself into the running to win TWO FREE PAPER SWEETIES STAMP SETS! Fun … right??!!  Well you can get all the details here! 

I made this sweetie for a friend of mine (my bestie!)  I tried to make it look like her.  I know she adores gingham and I could picture her off shopping - maybe stopping at the farmer's market for some fresh berries. 
Thanks for stopping by for a peek - I hope you have enjoyed meeting the Paper Sweeties this week!  I don't know any more talented or creative people than those I've met on line.  I know you will have some brilliant ideas for the Sweeties!

Jeanne

Supplies Used:  Finished Size:  6x6"
Stamps:  Paper Sweeties Sophie PS-S,
Paper:  Simple Stories, Summer Fresh Collection 6x6 pad
Dies:  Spellbinders Scalloped Edge Frame Deconstructed, Lifestyle Crafts Nesting Frame 2
Twinery Maraschino, Gingham 3/8" Ribbon Boutique
Pin:  Tim Holtz Memo Pin
Roses Wild Orchid Crafts
Gem Hobby Lobby Paper Studio
E Beads Red
Markers:  Copics