Friday, October 31, 2014

Happy Halloween!!

I want to wish everyone a fun and safe Halloween!!  I have two really simple cards to celebrate with today - no challenges for me.. these are just for fun. 
The Waltzingmouse sentiment has the perfect Halloween font.  It's got that Tim BUrton feel with the little swirls on the ends of the letters - like on the "e's".  This one was really easy to decorate with some swirly gems.   I like to buy the big sheets when they're on sale and cut them down into little pieces - separating the swirls - to use on projects.   The bats are from Spellbinders Nested Bats set.  It's retired but I just can't stop using it - the bats are so neat!
 I love this skeleton from Neat and Tangled's Graveyard Shift!
This skeleton was so easy, and just a few colorful sequins make him look like he's ready to party!  Have a great weekend and Happy Haunting!! 












Supplies Used:  Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Hocus Pocus
Dies:  Spellbinder Nested Bats
Card Stock:  PTI White
Gems:  Recollections
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black

Stamps:  Neat & Tangled Graveyard Shift
Card Stock:  PTI White, True Black
Sequins: Pretty Pink Posh
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black

Thursday, October 30, 2014

12 Kits of Occasions


It's time for the latest edition of  The 12 Kits of Occasions!  Just to refresh your memory, the 12 Kits is a group of 12 designers.  Every month one of us provides a kit of goodies to the rest of the group and an occasional guestie.  .  We all post on the last day of the month - it's fun to see what we make with the same kit.  Our hostess this month is Jessica Davis from The Paper Parade!  You might also know Jessica from her time as a DT member on the Paper Smooches Sparks Challenge!  She gave us a wonderful kit packed with pretty papers from Stampin' Up! stamped images from Paper Smooches, Avery Elle and Papertrey Ink.   Seriously just about everything you need to make lots of beautiful cards!


Sometimes there is an element that I'm not sure what to do with.  I think I might have just been hoarding this time - saving for that special card - but just a heads up - the thing I didn't use was the wood veneer ribbon strip (its in the upper left corner photo).   I can't wait to see how the other ladies put it to work. I have 5 cards so I'll keep this short.  I know there's more you want to see!! 
  
 
Wasn't that fun?  Here's a list of the other members of the 12 kits.  I hope you have fun seeing what we all did with the same bunch of supplies!  And keep an eye out for that wood ribbon strip!! 

You can also get sneak peeks of one project from each of the ladies as well as a complete list of ingredients on the 12 Kits of Occasions blog.  One more day til Halloween - yes!  I can't help it!  Counting down here!!





Things I added:
Border Punch:  EK Success Double Embossed Dotted Lace, Zig Zag Stitch
Dies:  Serendipity Stamps Oak Leaf Scroll Die, Oak Leaf Outline and Acorn , Paper Smooches Flag Tags, Loopy Leaf, Tag Zig Zag, Cheery Lynn Canadian Kaleidoscope Mini Doily, French Pastry, Marianne Double Die Frame Set, 
Leaf Pin:  Ribbon Reel
Button Twine May Arts
Gold Shimmer, Marigold, Honeydew, Lilac Twine - TheTwinery
Buttons, Heart Gems, Sequins
Embossing Folder Paper Studio Herringbone (Hobby Lobby)
Burlap Chevron Ribbon Stampin Up!

Top Dog Dies - Alternative Acorns

Lucky me!  I'm guesting for Top Dog Dies.  Want a peek at what I made today?  

If you want to see more you will have to click here and hop to the Top Dog Dies blog!

Wednesday, October 29, 2014

CASology - Witch Way to the Candy?

Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.  I'm getting into the spirit of things here.. our house is decorated with purple and orange lights  and there are huge spiders and webs on the bushes.  I stocked up on lots of candy for the kiddos!!  It's not unusual for us to get lots of kids if the weather is fine.    One year we had over 300!  Folks just sit in on their porch or in the driveways close to a fire pit and chat with neighbors when they bring their kids by. 

When I saw the cue word this week at CASology, I couldn't resist playing!.  Sometimes everything comes together quick and easy like this one did.   I just had to add some silver stars and sequins.  Something about Halloween and Christmas just demands to sparkle!     This witch was really easy to color too since her whole body was left untouched.  I just colored the hat, broom and wand. 

Ever wonder if ghosties go trick or treating?  Well yes,  of course they do - mine is dressed as a witch.  I just love that sentiment - because that's what I'm looking for... direct me to the Reeses Peanut Butter Cups PLEASE!!! 

 
Isn't that stitched border so pretty?  It's from the latest Pretty Pink Posh release!  I think I'll be using that one A LOT!

Thanks for stopping by - if you didn't get your costume and goodies you better hurry!  It's almost here!!! 











Supplies Used:  Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Stamps;  Waltzingmouse Peek A Boo Sentiments, Boo & Friends
DIes:  Pretty Pink Posh Stitched Borders 2
Card Stock:  SU! WIsteria Wonder, PTI White
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, LuLu Lavender, Copic Markers
Sequins:  Pretty Pink Posh & Darice (stars)

Tag You're It Challenge #9 Fall Thanks Tag

I found some time to play!  I haven't been walking as much as I would like.  Poor Moriko has a sprain and she just got spayed last Thursday so I'm supposed to restrict her activity.  I should go walking alone for my own health, but she just gives me that look like I'm some sort of a bad mom or something so I will wait for someone else to get home and keep her company.    


I am so hooked on Tag You're It!  Challenge that it's not even funny!   I'm starting to assemble a little stock pile of tags - so I will have no excuses for handing out any plain bags of treats and baked goods.  I know my kids would be shocked if I did anyway.  I think we all eat with our eyes so it's not just about the cookies, the presentation make them taste even better!  Look at this great design by Leigh Penner this time.   It would have been so easy for me to just copy these because let's face it... I know they're just perfect 'as is'.  I wanted to use the design as a starting point and let them inspire me.  I thought these were so clever the way she used the die to cut the pattern paper and even slipped in a bit in the die cut spaces.  I was inspired by her design to create this fall tag.   I used pattern paper for both halves of the tag and tried a technique I've been seeing around, but hadn't tried.  


I cut the Thanks die 6 times and then glued them all together.  Not as easy as I thought it would be.  I kept a piercing tool  handy to help me keep them all stacked straight.  The top die is cut in terracotta tile. All the cuts under the top one are in Orange Zest.   The leaf is  a wood veneer cut that I covered in Glossy accents and sprinkled with gold glitter.  

 Have I told you I'm addicted to tulle?  This gold one has all sorts of sparkles and confetti built in and just gotta say it makes a nice light weight poofy bow!

If you want to play along you still have plenty of time.  You can get all the details here at Tag You're It! Challenge!

Thanks for stopping by!  I hope you find some time to play!








Supplies:
Dies:  MFT Tag You're It!, Wplus9 Thanks 
Pattern Paper Echo Park Autumn Collection 6x6"
Wood Veneer Leaf Stampin Up!
Sequins Pretty Pink Posh
3" Gold Tulle and 1/8" Gold Chevron Ribbon Hobby Lobby 

Tuesday, October 28, 2014

Waltzingmouse October Release Blog Hop!!

I hope you have been enjoying all the wonderful projects made with the latest Waltzingmouse Release!    Claire always makes the best Christmas images and sentiments and these were loads of fun to play with.  We're celebrating the stamps hitting the web store today with a blog hop and another opportunity to win some of these goodies for yourself.  If you're hopping along you should have reached me from Laurie Schmidlin's blog.  If you'd like to start at the beginning you can get all the deets here at Claire's blog!

I made two cards for you today - the first was made using the swirly peppermint accent from Elf Made.  I was tempted to dress up some cupcakes, but thought that some lollipops would be just as nice.  I had a heck of a time finding the wood coffee stirrers.  I'm not a coffee drinker so I didn't realize that most everything is plastic now.  I found these at Hobby Lobby touted as "wood craft sticks".  They were in the aisle with other wood items like clothespins and images to dress up with paint.

This one is my favorite card I made from the release.  I use the assembled Santa image from the "Jolly Old Elf" set, and the cute little tag from "Elf Made.  The tag is made using the new Pretty Panels Two die, and the "Certified Elfmade" tag stamp fits perfectly on it!   I really like that the die is made with a separate little outline that allows you to add a bit of color to your stamped image.  
My latest addiction is tulle.  It's available in shorter rolls now in lots of colors and makes a wonderful poofy bow.   A bit of gold sparkle does wonders for my soul!   
Ready to see more beautiful designs?  Your next stop is Karin Akesdotter!!  I can't wait to see what dreamy confection she has for us today!   

Here's a list of all the ladies with projects for you today!  Enjoy!  Happy Hopping and GOOD LUCK!!! 

Head Mousetress Claire Brennan 
Julia Aston
Sandie Dunne
Laurie Schmidlin 
Jeanne Jachna (That's Me!)
Karin Akesdotter




Supplies Used:  Peppermint Lollipops  Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Elf Made Stamp Set
Dies:  Waltzingmouse Stitched Tags, Spellbinder Standard Circles
Twinery Maraschino Twine
Pattern Paper:  Echo Park Keepin' Cozy 6x6"
Card Stock:  PTI White, Aqua Mist
Ivory Button Twine, 3/8" Velvet Woven Light Blue May Arts, 7/8" Lace Hobby Lobby Decorative Trim, White Seam Binding Hug Snug
Wood Sticks:  Woodpile from Hobby Lobby
Heart Gems, Button
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, Avery Elle Cherry

Santa Tag Card  Finished Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps Jolly Old Elf, Elf Made
Dies:  Waltzingmouse Pretty Panel 2, Waltzingmouse Jolly Old Elf Digital Cut Files, Cheery Lynn French Pastry, Spellbinder Nested Lacey Pennants
Glitter Stars - Paper Studio - Hobby Lobby
Twinery Gold Shimmer Twine
1/8" White / Gold Chevron Zig Zag, 5/8"  Gold Chevron Elastic Hobby Lobby
Ink:  Versafine Onyx Black, Avery Elle Cherry, Memento Bamboo Leaves, Love Letter

Pretty Little Studio - Jack & Julia

I'm posting at Pretty Little Studio's Blog today.  I'm counting down to Halloween!  How about you?  
Meet Jack and Julia!  If you want to see more just click here!

Monday, October 27, 2014

Waltzingmouse New Release - Elf Made

HI friends and thanks for stopping by! I hope you are loving the latest Waltzingmouse Release.  It's day three of  the previews.  We celebrate with a blog hop tomorrow when the stamps are officially available in the store.  Today we're previewing Elf Made!  This is a really sweet set with an elf girl holding mistletoe, and an elf boy with a candy cane.  There are lots of extra goodies as well - a giant swirly peppermint, and loads of wonderful sentiments!


I colored up all the images with Copic Markers.  They were really easy to work with - no "tricky bits".  There is a digital cut file available for these but I just fussy cut mine.  I like to color on heavier card stock and I just didn't think my machine could handle it!  LOL!!

I don't know if Claire has christened these wee folk with names yet or not - but I'm sort of thinking that she should!  They're awfully cute!  
Here's our sweet girl!  I love that she has a pocket full of paintbrushes.  Doesn't that just speak to your crafty soul?
You know I like my tags, so here's one more project with the little elf accent.   The sentiment that runs around the rim "The best way to spread Christmas Cheer is singing Loud for All to Hear" brings to mind visions of Will Farrell in the movie Elf.
I know you want to see more - here's a list of all the ladies with projects for you today!

Head Mousetress Claire Brennan 
Karin Akesdotter

I hope you'll pop by tomorrow - we have a blog hop planned with a sweet prize!  



Supplies Used:  Cards 4.25 x 5.5"
Santa Told Me
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Elf Made
Pattern Paper:  Basic Grey "25th & Pine" 6x6"
3/8" Velvet Woven Parrot Green, 1/2" Square Stitched Red / White Ribbon  May Arts
Border Punch EK Success Double Embossed Dotted Lace, Binding Edge
Heart Gem Paper Studio (Hobby Lobby)
Twinery Gold Shimmer Twine
Ink:  Copic, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black
7 Gypsies Journal Page 
Card Stock:  PTI White, Vintage Cream, SU! Garden Green

Hugs and Kisses
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Elf Made 
Dies:  Spellbinder Petite Ovals, Petite Scalloped Ovals, Lifestyle Crafts Tag
Pattern Paper:  Echo Park "Keepin Cozy" 6x6"
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Twinery Maraschino Twine
Ivory Buttons Twine, 1/2" Faux Silk May Arts
Border Punch EK Success Double Embossed Dotted Lace
Card Stock:  PTI White, SU! Garden Green
Wood Button Little Yellow Bicycle
1/2" Striped Grosgrain Martha Stewart

Tag:  
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps Elf Made
Dies:  Waltzingmouse Stamps Stitched Tag, Spellbinder Standard Circle, Pinking Circle
Twinery Gold Shimmer Twine
Card stock:  PTI White, Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy, Kraft
Star Pin:  Maya Road
Ink:  Memento Desert Sand, Tuxedo Black , Copic, Versafine Onyx Black

Poppystamps Fancy Thanks

Poppystamps is starting a blog blitz today to show you the latest mini release of 17 dies.   They're giving away a die on each post featuring the new products.   I get to kick off the event with this card.

The prize today is the Fancy Thanks die shown on my project.  All you have to do is comment on the Poppy Blog to enter to win.   Click here to jump to their blog.

CardMaker Vellum Flower Tutorial

I'm posting on the CardMaker Magazine blog today with a tutorial on how I made this gold embossed vellum card.

Want to see more?  Just click here!

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Waltzingmouse New Release - Jolly Old Elf

Are you enjoying the latest Waltzingmouse Release?  This time Claire has three new sets for us as well as two new dies.  Today we're showing projects featuring the new Jolly Old Elf set!    It has lots two little guys who are already assembled and ready to stamp, and one that allows you to change the ink colors for the different pieces of his outfit.  A digital cut file makes these easy super easy to work with. 
The set includes three styles of hats that are interchangeable for all three bodies - a pointy gnome hat, traditional Santa hat, and a quilted hat with mistletoe on the end - that I used here. 
There are lots of little extras in the set too - pine branches, berries, pine cones and three fun patterned stockings.
Ready to see more?  Here's a list of ladies with projects for you today.

Head Mousetress Claire Brennan 
Karin Akesdotter

I hope you will stop by tomorrow when we'll be showing another new set?  Yes ok.. another hint?  It's called "Elf Made"








All cards 4.25 x 5.5"
From our Gnome
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Jolly Old Elf, Holiday Label 14
Patterned Paper:  October Afternoon Silent Night
Dies:  Waltzingmouse Digital Cut Files Jolly Old Elf, Spellbinder Labels 14
Twinery Twine Maraschino

Tag:  
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Jolly Old Elf
Die:  Waltzingmouse Digital Cut Files Jolly Old Elf
Sequins
Jingle Bell
Zing White Embossing Powder

Have Your Elf
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Jolly Old Elf
Die:  Waltzingmouse Digital Cut Files Jolly Old Elf, Cheery Lynn French Pastry
Sequins
Card Stock:  PTI Pure Poppy, Rustic Cream, Vintage Cream

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Waltzingmouse New Release - Flurries

Oh happy day!  There is a brand new release from Waltzingmouse!!  And lucky me!  I get to show you some sneak peeks with these fabulous goodies!   For the next three days (October 25-27) we'll be showing you three new sets.  The stamps hit the store on October 28 when we'll be celebrating with a blog hop and some prizes!  The set we are featuring today is called "Flurries"!  
Flurries is a set of beautiful snowflakes, and a winter woods scene..  There are also some pretty accent pieces like sprigs and stars.  You can leave the trees "as is" or over stamp them with a tear drop shaped stamp to add more color and shape. 

Did I mention that there are two new dies as well?  Take a look at this close up so you can see all the detail going on here.  This one is called Pretty Panels One.  There is a pretty pierced design on the outside of the die as well as on the cut out label.  The  double cut frame allows you to add a border of different colors to your design for lots of design flexibility.   Imagine the possibilities! 

I know you are going to see lots of snowflakes today with the DT showing you this pretty set. I wanted to make mine a little "different" so I treated them more like flowers - stamping them in pretty colors and making an arrangement.  
 Ready to see more Flurry Projects?  You're just one click away!! 


 Head Mousetress Claire Brennan 

I hope you'll come back tomorrow to see more new releases.  Want a hint? Tomorrows set is called "Jolly Old Elf"... hmmm.... I wonder what that could mean!









Supplies Used:  Size 4.25 x 5.5"
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse "Flurries" Stamp Set
Die:  Waltzingmouse  Pretty Panels One
Twinery Twine Marachino
Card Stock:  PTI
Pearls, Heart Gem, Sequins (Pretty Pink Posh)