Stamperosity

Heading to the Sea

2012-01-26T05:20:00.000-06:00

Hi crafty people. I’m not exactly headed toward the sea shore, but I am headed to the coast…the left coast…you know the coast where CHA will be happening this weekend. Yep, I’m excited to see my girls and all the new crafty stuff that will be on display.

While I’m away, I’m not sure if I’ll be posting or not because for the first time, I’m leaving my laptop at home, and traveling light with my iPad. I haven’t tried posting to my blog from my iPad before so I’m not sure how well it will work. But, I couldn’t leave without sharing a little sneak peek of another wonderful stamp that will be revealed at the Stampendous booth beginning Sunday.

I began with a green card base and layered white beneath a layer of Garden Café Patterned paper by American Crafts which was a light blue color with this great white embossed pattern. I added Mustard Seed and Peeled Paint inks to the patterned paper and the white resisted, leaving me with a great background for this fanciful mermaid that more closely matched the colors I wanted to use.

I stamped the Stampendous Mermaid (CRP157) onto white cardstock and colored her with Copic Markers

I used a Copic Multiliner pen to draw a base for the mermaid and then proceeded to add glitter, gold glitter glass and some of the Sage Fragments to the base. You are going to love the new colors of Fragments that Stampendous has for you.

Here you can see the varied colors I used to shade the Mermaid. To give the Mermaid tail a bit of shimmery shine I added some pearl colored Smooch.

To the sea floor I added lots of texture by adding, Fine Crystal Snow (GX901F) and Gold Glitter Glass in addition to the Sage colored Fragments.

For more embellishments I added a few self-adhesive pearls, jute twine, jute netting and three pearl brads.

That’s it for today. I hope you are looking forward to seeing even more wonderful surprises that will be coming your way from Stampendous and CHA.

Thanks for stopping by. Until next time, stay crafty and I’ll see you in Anaheim.

Copic Blending Cardstock by X-Press (pack of 12)	Bazzill Basics-Kraft 12 X 12	Bazzill Rainforest Green Cardstock	Creative Impressions Jute Twine	Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (Memento)	Ranger Mustard Seed Distress Ink
Ranger Peeled Paint Distress Ink	Smooch - Pearlized Accent Ink - Moonlight	Copic Markers	Quickie Glue Pen	Fine Crystal Snow Glitter	Stampendous Champagne Crushed Glass Glitter
Creative Impressions Pearl Mini Rounds - PF

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Torn Tile Mosaic Tutorial

2012-01-23T05:22:00.001-06:00

Just a quick little heads up – I have a quick and easy technique tutorial posted on the Paper Craft Planet blog. Head on over and take a quick peek!

Getting ready to go to CHA – lots to get done – and only 5 more sleeps for me! Getting really excited, but right now I need to get ready to go to work, so I’ll catch you later.

Welcome to the Weekend

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000-06:00

Hello crafty people. Today I’m sharing a sneak peek of a brand new set from Stampendous called Wonderland (SSC135). This set is one of the new sets that will be revealed at CHA at the end of January. It’s such a great vintage style and I couldn’t resist using this lovely Alice image.

I started out with a Razzelberry Dark cardstock by Bazzill for my base and layered on white and Mauve Ice before I added the paper doily. I die cut the mat that Alice is stamped on using my Grand Labels 4 die by Spellbinders and while the white cardstock was still in the die, I sponged some Spun Sugar ink around the edges before stamping Alice. I colored her with Copic Markers.

I used the same die cutting-sponging technique for the sentiment which was die cut from the standard Labels 4 Nestabilities.

Behind my sentiment I layered ribbon and some flowers by Zva Creative on top of a metal filigree piece that I had in my stash. It matched well with the heart brads I used along the top. I was pleased with how the card turned out.

BLOG CANDY ANNOUNCEMENT: In Monday’s post I offered some Blog Candy in celebration of my birthday. I just loved reading the responses that were posted about your favorite birthday memories. It’s great to have those memories, and even better when you can share them. Thanks so much for all who posted…I had the best time reading them. So now I’d like to announce the winner of the blog candy I offered. I used the random.org thingy and came up with the winner. Drumroll please……

Congratulations to StampnInkLady a/k/a Lori Reinholz

Thanks Lori for taking part in my own birthday celebration. Pop me an e-mail (follow the instructions to contact me in the side bar of my blog) and send me your snail mail address and I’ll get your goodies into the mail to you.

And thanks to everyone who took the time to comment. I hope you have a wonderful weekend…I’m on my way to a brunch this morning with some of my sorority sisters. FUN! Until next time, stay crafty.

Grand Labels 4 Nestabilities	Labels 4 Nestabilities	Copic Markers	Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (Memento)	Ranger Spun Sugar Distress Ink	Color Box Sky Gray Ink
Bazzill Mauve Ice	Copic Blending Cardstock by X-Press (pack of 12)

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IHP’s January 2012 DT Blog Hop Challenge

2012-01-17T07:00:00.000-06:00

If you are looking for my Waltzingmouse Stamps project for the WMS Blog Party, please scroll down to the next post.

Hello crafty people. It’s the I{Heart}Papers monthly Design Team Blog Hop and we are happy to share with you our crafty projects. This month our Challenge was to use one of several inspiration photos that our Challenge Coordinator, Deb Felts, found for us. The inspiration photo I chose to use was this one.

Since Valentine Day is on the horizon, I took the opportunity to make a Valentine “laced” with lovely pinks gleaned from this inspiration photo.

Speaking of lace – I used some lovely 1-1/2” Fuchsia Lace from May Arts to create my background. I ran my white cardstock front through my Xyron adhesive applicator creating a sticky layer on which to lay my 3 strips of lace, and then I trimmed off the excess.

My doily Lace Heart Circles by Spellbinders was die cut using Bubblegum Pink cardstock and patterned paper from the Be Mine patterned paper collection by Echo Park. I mounted the stripped die cut onto the pink bottom layer using foam dimensional pop dots.

The “xoxo” strip was cut from the same Be Mine paper along with the “with Love” sticker.

I adorned the white heart with crystal bling from Zva Creative. To finish off my embellishments, I used a Copic Marker to color the red and white bakers twine, making it a matching fuchsia color. I tied a bow and attached two small punched hearts to the ends. I positioned it on the right-hand side of the “xoxo” strip to balanced out the heart cluster on the left.

For more inspiration from supplies available at I{Heart}Papers, be sure to stop by the blogs of these talented Design Team Members:

Deb

Thanks for looking in. Until next time – have a wonderful day!

Echo Park Be Mine 12X12 Collection	1-1/2" Lace Fuchsia Pink	Copic Blending Cardstock by X-Press (pack of 12)	Foam Dimensional Dots	Zyron 5" Creative Station	Zva Creative Crystal Bling
Copic Markers	Cherry Red Divine Twine	Spellbinders Doily Heart Circles

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It’s a Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party–You’re Invited!

2012-01-17T04:30:00.000-06:00

Hello crafty people! It’s the 17th of the month and that means it’s time for a Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party. We’ve transformed the Friends of Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz with a new year, a new name, using the same GREAT images from Waltzingmouse Stamps.

To see all the awesome projects, full of WMS inspiration, check out the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog where you will find all the links to the wonderful, creative projects all focusing on “Something Sweet”. I can’t think of anything sweeter than my honey. And this card is for him filled with the sweetest hugs and kisses, created just for him.

I used a single card design that I got from the On-Line Card Classes, Day 1 project. My card is a 5.25” square card. I created a 3-3/4” square using Eclipse Masking Tape and masked off the center of the card. I then stamped a patterned from the Pic-Nic Patterns set from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I then removed the mask and was left with a nice white square surrounded by this great pattern.

Using some ribbon from the Really Reasonable Ribbon January Club pack, I created a frame for my sentiment from the Sweethearts set and little “xo” embellishments from the Say it with Style set that I stamped using red chalk ink. The embellishments were stamped onto scrap cardstock and shaped with a circle punch and adhered using foam dimensional dots.

A clean and simple card expressing my sweet affection for my patient and loving husband.

Now it’s your turn to see ALL the creative “sweetness” created by the other talented crafters participating in the Blog Party. Check it out right now on the Waltzingmouse Stamps blog

PS: Today is an extra special day for my blog readers. I have a wonderful bounty of prizes that one of my readers will receive. The 15th of January was my birthday and I wanted to celebrate with you by offering some blog candy. I meant to post this opportunity on my birthday, but I got caught up in the day and never got it posted.

To enter the random drawing, just leave a comment and tell me your best birthday memory. I’ll select a winner on the 20th and will announce the winner here on the 21st. What’s up for grabs?

Pillow Box templates
Take Out Box templates
Goofy for You clear stamp set by My Favorite Things
Spellbinders Big Scalloped Circles Large
Friendship Assortment by Clear stamp set from Stampendous
Jumbo Cling Romantic Border stamp set from Stampendous
Butterscotch orange Vivid Ink Pad
Hang in There Stamp set by Gina K Designs, designed by Theresa Momber
C2 and C4 Sketch Copic Markers – great for shadowing
plus other goodies that I’ll throw in but couldn’t fit in this photograph

Copic Blending Cardstock by X-Press (pack of 12)	Really Reasonable Ribbon January Club pack	Lipstick Red Colorbox Chalk Ink	Foam Dimensional Dots	EK Success 1/2" Circle Punch	Eclipse Masking Tape
Waltzingmouse Stamps Pic-Nic Patterns	Waltzingmouse Stamps Say it with Style	Waltzingmouse Stamps Sweethearts

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Drive-by Thank-You

2012-01-12T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hi folks. I hope your week is going well. It looks like St. Louis can no longer skirt around winter weather, as we are expecting COLD temperatures with snow. Not MUCH snow, but just enough to make things slick and required me to wipe off Allie’s paws when she comes in from the yard. I guess it was inevitable and now it’s looking like winter is unavoidable. It just makes my upcoming trip to CHA in sunny California later this month seem all the more appealing.

I have a quick and SIMPLE card to share with you today that I created to express my thanks for a special favor!

On a vanilla cardstock base I layered teal cardstock along with some fun patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket’s Joy Ride 6X6 patterned paper pack. I used my Lacy Pennants dies to die cut patterned paper from the same paper pack and layered them onto more teal cardstock and attached them to the patterned paper; topping them with a piece of brown Divine Twine.

My sentiment are letter stickers that I’ve had in my stash for ages. I placed them onto the teal cardstock and then cut around the letters, popping them up on my card with Dimensional Foam Pop Dots.

I appreciate you stopping in to take a look at my card, and I want to tell you how much your visits mean to me! Until next time, have a wonderful (and snow-free) day!

Cosmo Cricket Joy Ride 6X6 Patterned Paper

Grass cloth Texture - French Vanilla

Bazzill Basics Intense Teal

Spellbinders Nested Lacey Pennants

Divine Twine Baker's Twine

Foam Dimensional Dots

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Only 349 Days Left…

2012-01-10T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hi crafty people. I know you don’t want to hear this, let alone believe it, but there are only 349 days left until Christmas. You know better than anyone how quickly the weeks and months pass by. Wasn’t it you that just said at Thanksgiving, “wow – wasn’t it just New Years?”. Yes, the time does fly by, so you see, there is no better time to work on Christmas cards for 2012 than NOW!

It’s the 10th of the month and that means that the Waltzingmouse Stamps Christmas Card Challenge is up and running for 2012!

If you haven’t heard of the WMS Christmas Card Challenge, I can quickly give you the low-down.

Each month I will announce the Waltzingmouse Stamps Christmas Card Challenge theme for that month. Create one or more Christmas Cards that fit the theme using WMS images. Then upload them to the Christmas Card Challenge gallery. There are prizes awarded in June and December for those who completing the challenges each month. For more details check out the Waltzingmouse Stamps blog or the Waltzingmouse Stamps Forum thread for January.

For the January challenge we are looking skyward. We are creating cards that highlight either a day or nighttime sky.

I chose to create a nighttime sky filled with starry snowflakes falling on this cute little snowman from the A Cottage Christmas set. With cardstock layers of navy, light blue and white, I created layered mats for a snowy scene.

The stars were stamped using ColorBox Silver pigment ink onto navy cardstock with a blanket of white cardstock snow hills. I added three light blue brads as embellishments in the top right corner to balance out the sentiment stamped below the image.

I stamped my snowman and quickly colored this friendly fellow with Copic markers and then I trimmed him and and used pop dots to lift him up from the page.

Thanks for looking in. I hope you decide to get a jump on your Christmas card and join us for the challenge.

A Cottage Christmas	Pure Luxury Cardstock	Copic Blending Cardstock by X-Press (pack of 12)	Pure Luxury Little Boy Blue Cardstock	Colorbox Silver Pigment Ink	Memento Paris Dusk Dye Ink Pad
Ornare Paper Piercing Tool	Copic Markers	Foam Dimensional Dots	Making Memories Brads

InLinkz.com

Stampendous Brings on the Bling

2012-01-07T07:00:00.000-06:00

(Hello crafty people. If you are looking for my Waltzingmouse Stamps Challenge card, please scroll down below this post.)

It's the very first Saturday of the month and it also just happens to be the first Saturday of the year, and that means the fabulous ladies at Stampendous have a brand new challenge to share with you to get your mojo runnin’. This month we are all about bringing in the New Year with BLING! Glitter, rhinestones, sparkly stickers...you name it.

My project is one considered a “SNEAK PEEKS” of sorts because it contains stamp image and other product that will be available at the end of January, all of which will be revealed at CHA in Anaheim, January 29-Feb. 1. Are you ready? Let’s get to it.

My blingy project today highlights a new set from Stampendous called Corset Ladies. If you enjoy images from an era bygone, you will love this set. I die cut the long classic rectangle die and then sponged Scattered Straw Distress Ink around the edges of the die cut before removing the die from the cardstock, giving me a nice white border around the die cut. I stamped my image using VersaMark ink and then I sprinkled on Aged Aqua Embossing Enamel – another new product from Stampendous that is sure to add texture and dimension to your projects.

Sponge on Old Papers Distress Ink on patterned paper, and die cut the Eyelet Pendant from the Cool Mint card stock and inked edges with Old Paper Distress Ink and used a distressing tool on the edges of my mat bases.

To finish my embellishments I added my swirly, pearl embellishment below the focal image and on top of my patterned paper layers and attach Sage and Chiffon Color fragments (another sneak peek at some great new product) around bottom of rose using white craft glue.

Take a look at what these Stampendous team members have created to dazzle you today:

Stampendous Impressions Blog

We want YOU to play along with us! Just add you direct link to your project (make sure you've loaded it up with tons of BLING) to the linky tool on the Stampendous blog before February 2, 2012 at 11:00 PM EST. You don't have to use Stampendous products to play along, but we sure love it when you do! As an extra incentive for playing, one lucky person (drawn at random from all the entries) will receive this gorgeous Cherub Wishes Perfectly Clear Stamp Set – just in time for those romantic Valentine cards!

Due to shipping restrictions, the winner must have a US address. We hope you get a chance to play along with us - happy stamping!

Thanks for looking in!

{Supplies}

Stamps: Corset Ladies (SSC1136) – New from Stampendous coming in February

Papers: Mohawk White cardstock, Bazzill Dandlelight, Lavender Ariel Garden Café (American Crafts), Cool Mint (World-win)

Ink: Old Paper Distress Ink, Scattered Straw Distress Ink, Versamark Clear Embossing Ink

Additional Supplies: Aged Aqua Embossing Enamel, Small Long Classic Rectangle Dies (Spellbinders), Eyelet Pendant Dies (Spellbinders), Sage and Chiffon Color Fragments FRC02 and FRC03, Distressing Tool, Zva Creative Flourish, Yellow lace trim

WMSC#79–Let’s Celebrate–Another Birthday!

2012-01-07T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hi all – January is birthday month around here. Not only is January MY birthday month, but I usually gear up restocking my supply of birthday cards and THIS January is no different. I’m focusing my crafting in January towards those special days that are especially special to the birthday girl or boy (or woman/man).

I wanted to play along with the Waltzingmouse Stamps Sketch Challenge this week because the challenge blog has been quiet for the past two weeks, and I’m ready to get going again.

Here is the sketch that Anya Schrier supplied the Mischief Makers for their wonderful samples. Be sure to check out the WMS Sketch Challenge blog to see all of their amazing creations using this sketch.

Here is my take on Anya’s great sketch.

I’m all about trying to use things that are already lying around my workspace. I had the pink die cut that is the bottom most layer of my birthday card, and the fun die cut (made using my Silhouette) that is the base for this fun birthday cake (from the Eat Cake stamp set from Waltzingmouse Stamps). I’m so happy that I could use them on this card and not have them lying around taking up valuable real estate on my counter. With a white card base, I added a bit of patterned paper from the Uncommon paper pack by Authentique.

I added a circle of Zva Creative pearls and also added a few to my birthday cake along with the addition of some liquid pearls added to the smaller flowers.

The lovely die cut flower is actually a part of an old laser cut scrapbook paper that I trimmed around and applied to the card – topping it off with another pearl. I love this pretty lacy trim and I know that I originally purchased it from I{heart}Papers but I couldn’t find a link ANYWHERE! I tend to hang onto pretty stuff rather than use it, but for a specially occasion like a birthday it’s a great time to break out the really GOOD stuff.

My sentiment is from the Say it Loud stamp set from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I hope you will break out any WMS images you have and play along with the challenge this week. Prizes are given each and every week.

Thanks for looking in today. It’s great to be back and to welcome you to my blog in 2012!

Waltzingmouse Stamps Say it Loud	Waltzingmouse Stamps Eat Cake	Authentique Uncommon 6X6 Paper Pack	Copic Blending Cardstock by X-Press (pack of 12)	Ranger Spun Sugar Distress Ink	Ranger Distress Ink - Victorian Velvet
Tsukineko Brilliance Graphite Black Ink	Zva Creative Crystal Circles	Ranger Liquid Pearls-Pastel Raspberry	Spellbinders Big Scalloped Circles Small

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More January Birthdays

2012-01-05T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hi – glad you’re here. Come on it and sit a spell. How have you been? I’m struggling through my work week. Boy, I’ll tell you, it’s not easy going back to work after 10 days off. I could really get used to NOT going to work every day.

As I ease back into a regular crafting work schedule here at home, I’m busy working up a few birthday cards. I know that there seems to be TONS of Valentine cards hitting the blogosphere, but I just can’t get into the Valentines Day mood just quite yet. I’m still coming down from my Christmas high. Perhaps after CHA I’ll be ga-ga for all things “hearts”. Until then, I’ll just keep plugging along on my birthday cards.

I’m still trying to find my groove with my mojo, which took a real HIT over the holidays. It seems that the longer the break, the longer it takes me to hit my stride.

I used a couple of Waltzingmouse Stamps stamp sets – Very Vintage Labels 4 and Frame-It to create this birthday card. An A-2 card with the front trimmed down to allow for my border which was punched and adhered to the interior.

I stamped my Labels 4 die and the sentiment using Guava ink before stamping and color the bitty cupcake which I colored with Copic markers, embellished with a punched flower that contains a crystal center.

I used my Sakura gel pen to add some sparkly highlights to the cupcake – what’s a birthday without a sparkly cupcake? *giggle*

Simple? Yes, but as you may recall, Simplicity is my One Little Word for 2012, and I’m trying my best to keep it simple as I can in all areas of my life. I’m learning to take time to relax and not fret so much about every little thing. There are times when I’m actually sitting STILL. Ask my husband. It is a rare occasion when I’m not multitasking working on 3 things at once, all while watching TV or listening to a podcast. This has to stop. Simply be…simply take one thing at a time…simply slow down. It’s almost manic at times, the pace I keep, and I want to be in the present and not always thinking about the future …I want time to pass more slowly…I want simplicity. I’m working on it.

What’s your focus for 2012? Do you have one? Is this something that you even think about? I’d love to hear your thoughts on how you approach a new year with the possibility of new beginnings.

Again, thanks for stopping by. Until next time…stay crafty!

WMS Vintage Labels 4	WMS Frame-It	Cosmo Cricket Earth Love 6X6 Pad	Fiskars Border Punch Threading Water	Labels 4 Nestabilities	Copic Markers
Pure Luxury Ivory Cardstock	Sakura Stardust Silver Jelly Roll Pen

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A New Year–A New Card

2012-01-02T11:31:00.001-06:00

Hello and Happy 2012. It seems like it has been such a long time since I visited my blog; and it has been. I took some time off over the holidays to enjoy the season, spend time with family and friends and rejuvenate my mojo. My husband and I always take vacation time between Christmas and New Years – although we never go anywhere, but rather just enjoy time at home. I would have said, “we enjoy the downtime”, but everyone knows that there IS no downtime during Christmas.

We hosted family on two different occasions, and attended 3 family meals. Whew – have I ever packed on the poundage. Good thing the new year has gotten me motivated to cut back on the calories. I’m not into deprivation during Christmas, so I take in all the smells and flavors, much to the dismay of my waistline.

This is my last day of vacation and I’ll be heading back to the “salt mines” tomorrow, so I thought it was about time to get back into the crafting routine…and none too soon either because January is a crazy busy time for birthdays and I have to get caught up.

Before I get to my card, I quickly wanted to share my One Little Word for 2012. I chose SIMPLICITY for several reasons, but the number one reason is that I want things to be less complicated in my life. I want the freedom that living a simple life brings and hopefully as 2012 progresses, I’ll incorporated more simplicity into all areas of my life. Now that I’ve made this decision, I will start with today’s card; a more masculine project for an uncle who has a birthday later this month.

Using patterned papers from Cosmo Cricket’s Circa 1934, I layered two patterns from the pack onto a A2 sized card base. Since I didn’t have any cardstock to match the off colored yellowish green in this patterned paper, I stamped the sentiment several different times on a scrap of the numbered paper, then trimmed them out and reassembled them on a Labels 22 die cut.

The button, from my stash needed some thread, but I didn’t have any black twine, so I took some black and white bakers twine and colored it with my black Copic marker. I love the ability to make Baker’s Twine any color I wish with the help of my Copic markers.

With a bit of black crepe ribbon and the addition of a few taupe colored pearls, this card was complete. Pretty simple and hopefully, masculine but not too remorse for a birthday LOL.

I appreciate you stopping by and taking a look after my long absence. Until next time, keep it simple. =)

Cosmo Crickett Circa 1934 6X6 pad	Pure Luxury Black Onyx Cardstock	Crepe Ribbon by Creative Impressions	Spellbinders Labels 22	Copic Markers	Divine Twine Black Licorice Twine
Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (Memento)	Zva Creative Pearls-Taupe	Mint Motif Very Square Sentiments

InLinkz.com

Savings…in the (St.) Nick of time…

2011-12-20T02:00:00.000-06:00

Beginning today (Dec. 20) I{Heart}Papers is holding an end-of-year inventory blow out with savings up to 75% off on some products! Hundreds of items have been steeply marked down including:

- Unity Itty Bittys only $3.25
- All other Unity sets $5-$7 (that's 75% OFF!!!)
- All 6x6 pads only $3.50
- All Echo Park and MME 12x12 kits 50% off
- All Hero Arts sets (including die and stamp sets) 50% off
- Lawn Fawn 50% off
- Market Street Stamps 50% off
- All My Cute Stamps 50% off
- All Technique Tuesday, including Ali Edwards sets, at least 50% off
- All Lifestyle Crafts nesting dies only $12
- All Spellbinders Nestabilities only $12
- 3D Embellishments $0.50 - $2
- Zva bling only $1

and much, much more! Check the sale page for more amazing deals! Sale will run while supplies last or until New Year's Eve, so make a list now, either for yourself or a crafty friend.

While you are making up your list of must haves, I want to share a quick page with you. I’m taking part of of Shimelle.com’s Journal Your Christmas project. My project is the second part of a small 8X8 two page layout.

My picture is of a Santa Wine caddy, but what this layout is REALLY about is that small box at Santa’s feet. That simple white box contains the very best toffee I have ever eaten. We buy a one pound box each Christmas from a local woman and promptly eat every last crumb. It’s covered in chocolate and the toffee is light and not a “crown breaker”! I look forward to this candy each year.

The patterned paper is from the Jolly By Golly – an Echo Park 6X6 paper pad. I die cut my three embellishments using the Postage Stamp Nestabilities and then wrapped baker’s twine around them, topping them off with stockings and the #25, also cut from the same patterned paper.

I adhered the trimmed pieces using foam dimensional tape. I admit that this is not the most attractive layout that I have ever created, but I’m not trying to create major masterpieces…I’m just trying to journal things about this Christmas season. Putting too much stress on myself to create something fabulous defeats the whole purpose for me. This journal I’m creating is not meant to add “just one more thing on my to-do list”, but rather just document those things I want to remember. For me that means getting the thought down and not laboring over the details too much.

Thanks for looking in.

Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas Collection

Bazzill Basics-Kraft 12 X 12

Green Apple Divine Twine

Foam Dimensional Dots

Red Pleated Ribbon

Postage Stamps

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Waltzingmouse Stamps is Moxi Fab…but I already knew that!

2011-12-15T04:47:00.000-06:00

Hello everyone. Today is a very special day for Waltzingmouse Stamps as several of Claire’s stamp set are featured on Moxi Fab World.

In honor of today’s Moxi Fab World, I created a card using one of the featured sets, 2011 Holiday Ornament.

Using a card base of Suede Medium Brown, I layered some Bazzill Dotted Swiss cardstock and a patterned from the Kaisercraft December 25th paper pad before adding this lovely Zva Creative bling flourish.

I first stamped my WMS 2011 Holiday Ornament onto another piece of plain paper from the patterned paper pack using Latte colored ink and then die cut the ornament using my 2011 Heirloom Ornament die.

To give my ornament a bit more dimension, I added a few pieces of crystal bling and stamped the ornament top with VersaMark and embossed with gold embossing powder, which I attached with a foam pop dot.

So are you ready for Christmas yet? Or are you like most of us who struggle with the last bit of details to attend to? I’m the latter, but even with the stress of the holidays, I love this time of year. It’s only once a year and the heartwarming feeling of this blessed season is something I crave year round.

Thanks for looking in, and I hope you will stop by Moxie Fab World and tell them how much you love Waltzingmouse Stamps! Have a great day.

WMS 2011 Holiday Ornaments	Kaiser Craft December 25th	Adirondack Latte Ink	VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad
Detailed Gold Embossing Powder	2011 Heirloom Ornament	Foam Dimensional Dots

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It’s Laura Weed’s Special Day

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

You may or may not know Laura Weed, but for anyone on the Stampendous Design Team, she’s like our guiding light – a port in the storm – the fabulous lady who can juggle 20 things at once and still share lots of humor with us. She has many jobs at Stampendous and keeping us all on track has to be one of her most challenging assignments. *giggle*

Members of the Stampendous Design Team are gathering together to wish Laura a very happy 50th birthday. No 50 year old has ever looked as young and as happy as this lady. We love you Laura and hope today brings you all the best wishes and lavish attention you so much deserve.

My card, in honor of Laura, was created using two great Stampendous sets, Daisy Stem Trio and Rose Branch Border.

On a black base I layered white and Teal Medium.. I punched out the Frosted Teal squares and rounded opposite corners and then using a slightly smaller square punch, I punched out 4 white cardstock squares and rounded those corners too. Using gray ink, I stamped the flowers onto the white cardstock, then stamped again using black in.

I colored the black images using Copic Markers and adhered them to the card base.

The sentiment is from the Rose Branch Border set and I snipped the sentiment apart so that I could make a space between the “happy” and “birthday”, large enough to fit in the chipboard “50”. I adorned the sentiment a bit more by added 6 tiny crystal hearts to either side of the sentiment. I then adhered two strips of the ribbon along the top and bottom border of the sentiment.

I will get this off into the mail to Laura, who won’t receive it on time (bad me), but it WILL get to her.

If you would like to wish Laura a happy birthday yourself, pop on over to the Stampendous Facebook page. You can send Laura your well wishes and see the projects that the other Design Team members have created for this special day for a special lady. And if you haven’t done so already, be sure to LIKE this fan page so you can be updated on what’s currently going on with Stampendous.

I would have gotten this card put together sooner, but I spent the weekend enjoying the company of my daughter, Christina, and her boyfriend, James – who were both here for a visit. We don’t see each other often – only about twice a year, so I didn’t want to take any of that precious time away. We had a great time, visiting, exchanging our Christmas presents, watching movies, and even slipping out long enough to see the new Muppet Movie where we BOTH teared up and cried when Kermit sang, The Rainbow Connection. Sometimes Tina and I are more alike than she cares to admit…we are both big softies. I hated to see her go, as I always do, but pray for another chance to be together soon.

Thanks for looking in today. I really do appreciate your visits and your comments. Until next time, find peace and have a wonderful day.

Perfectly Clear Daisy Stem Trio by Stampendous	Perfectly Clear Rose Branch Border by Stampendous	Houndstooth Ribbon	Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (Memento)
Memento London Fog Dye Ink	Copic Markers	We R Memory Keepers Corner Chomper

InLinkz.com

December’s WMS Christmas Card Challenge

2011-12-10T06:00:00.000-06:00

Season’s greetings to one and all. It’s the 10th of the month and that means it’s time for our final Waltzingmouse Stamps Christmas Card Challenge for 2011. As we snuggle up to final countdown, it’s time to tally up the number of cards you need to create and get busy because the BIG day is almost here.

The challenge for December is to create the balance of your Christmas card needs, in a quick and easy manner. But just because we are feeling that “joyful rush”, that doesn’t mean quality has to suffer. So Waltzingmouse Stamps challenges you to make one layer cards. Truly, this IS a challenge for me, but with these great Waltzingmouse images, it’s easy…and that’s the whole idea, right?

I’m still trying to use up some scraps of my kraft cardstock that I used for a Christmas album and these little cards measure 5.5 X 3.25.

For my one layered card I stamped the holly image in the red and outlined each leaf using a Copic Marker and to give the image a little dimension, I added three berries from Liquid Pearls. A little tip about using Liquid Pearls, or any dimensional paint: to eliminate those little “Dairy Queen” pointy tops, tap the back of your card with a flicking manner. This will flatten out the points leaving you with a nice rounded circle, minus the points. Be sure to let these dry well before doing anything else with your card.

To highlight my sentiment, I added rows of leaf images top and bottom. Simple and quick, but just right to share my Christmas wishes.

I know you probably have a few cards left to create, so why not join in the challenge and make a few one layer cards…if you dare. That’s right…I’m daring you – even double-dog daring you to join us and join the fun. You can get all the information in this thread on the Waltzingmouse Stamps Forum.

Glad you could stop by in the midst of your Holiday rush. Have a fabulous day!

Waltzingmouse Stamps Around Christmastime	Bazzill Basics-Kraft 12 X 12	Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (Memento)	Ranger Liquid Pearls-Pastel Raspberry	Copic Markers
Clearsnap Olive Vivid Dye Ink

InLinkz.com

IHP & Market Street Stamps Blog Hop!

2011-12-06T05:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the i {heart} papers and Market Street Stamps combined teams blog hop! We're so excited to have you join us, and we know you're in for a real treat!

You should have arrived here from Lori Tecler’s blog. If not, visit Kate's i {heart} papers blog to start from the beginning. You'll go from there to the blogs of our designers and finish up at the Market Street Stamps blog. If you get lost, both company blogs have the complete list of links.

Now, about my card…

My project today showcases this adorable pup from the Pawprints on our Hearts set from Market Street Stamps. I stamped him onto ivory cardstock and then colored him with Copic Markers and cut out the image. I stamped the ears again on a piece of scrap paper and cut those out – and popped them up using Foam Dimensional Pop Dots – giving it some fun dimension.

I gave this sweet pup a little glossy nose by adding some black enamel and a leash from some fun brown burlap. I DO love this pup…and being such a big DOG fan, I can see myself using this set quite often, as it’s customary for our family to send cards to one another from our dogs. DON’T laugh…we are a family who consider our pets as much a part of the family as any one else. Yes – we are strange group! HA!

Now before you move onto the next blog, here is a bit of history about IHP and Market Street Stamps.

About i {heart} papers:

i {heart} papers (IHP) is proud that we recently celebrated our 3rd anniversary in October. We’ve grown by leaps and bounds and have not strayed from our core principle of stellar customer service with FAST and FREE shipping. You ALWAYS receive free shipping with your $50 US order/$150 CAN order with no gimmicks or restrictions like so many other companies, and orders are almost always shipped within 24 business hours. We’re thrilled to be hopping along with the MSS team today and to be carrying the MSS line of stamps. If you’ve never ordered from us before, please mention that you learned about us on this hop for a free gift with your first order! Please visit us at www.iheartpapers.com, “like” us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/iheartpapers, where you'll find over 1900 other IHP fans!) and follow us on Twitter (@iheartpapers). Enjoy the hop! If you order by Wednesday midnight EST, all MSS sets are 15% off! Leave comments along the hop to be entered in a drawing to win one free MSS set. The more you comment, the more chances to win! You have until Wednesday at midnight...winners will be announced on the ihp blog on Friday!

About Market Street Stamps:

Market Street Stamps, LLC, was founded in January 2010 by Angelica and Jorge Suarez, a husband and wife team who create unique stamps made from peach-tinted photopolymer, the best available on the market today! Market Street Stamps' goal is to produce durable, high quality designs that you'll turn to again and again! We are thrilled to be hopping with i {heart} papers and their incredibly talented design team today! Be sure to "like" us on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/MarketStreetStamps) for the latest releases and project ideas from our Design Team!

From here, you're headed to Michele Gross’ blog. Enjoy the hop! Thanks for your comments, and remember to order your MSS from IHP before Wednesday to get the 15% discount!

Pure Luxury Black Onyx Cardstock	Pure Luxury Ivory Cardstock	Tim Holtz Tag & Bookplate Die	My Mind's Eye Kraft Fun Day 6X6	Pawprints on Our Hearts Market Street Stamps
Copic Markers	i {stick} papers Red Line Tape	Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (Memento)	May Arts Brown Rope Twisted Burlap	Ranger Liquid Pearls-Pastel Raspberry
Inkssentials B&W Enamel Accents

InLinkz.com

Stampendous December 2011 Challenge

2011-12-03T07:00:00.000-06:00

Hello crafty people. Since it’s the first Saturday of a new month, it’s time for a new Stampendous Monthly Challenge. For the month of December we have a color challenge for you – Use at least three of these colors - pink, cream, gold, and/or brown on a card or project. The colors can be by way of papers, coloring implements, inks, and/or any of the fabulous Stampendous Essentials. If you've been stuck in a traditional holiday color mode, this is your opportunity to think outside the Christmas crayon box! Please join us in our challenge this month, and link your creation(s) to the InLinkz located on the Stampendous Impressions' blog.

You don't have to use Stampendous images and/or products on your designs…but we sure love it when you do! You have until January 3, 2012, 11:59 PM EST to enter your creation, for the opportunity to be the one lucky random winner to receive this fabulous Stampendous prize, Amore Frames Perfectly Clear set:

Since I still have a shortfall of Christmas cards (still can’t believe I don’t have enough of them since I’ve been making them all year) I decided to make a non-traditionally colored card and this month’s Stampendous challenge fit the bill.

I started with an ivory card base and stamped my snowflakes using the Snowflake Symphony set using cream colored chalk ink. Upon that I cut a strip of pink.

My main sentiment was stamped onto a scalloped circle punched piece of cardstock with Spun Sugar Distress Ink sponged around the edges.

I did something that would make some crafters freak out, but I wanted strips of wording to border the top and bottom of the pink panel. I took a sentiment (see below) and I cut the phrase apart from the rest of the image. This is the great thing about clear stamps…they are easily snipped so that you can use them just as you like and will easily fit back into line if you do want to use the entire image again as a whole.

I then stamped the clipped sentiment onto ivory cardstock and trimmed them down to small strips which I layered to the punched Embossed Snowflake border punched sections.

For my embellishment, I punched a snowflake, applied a thin layer of glue and sprinkled on the Fine Crystal Snow Glitter and then topped it with a button threaded with baker’s twine.

I hope that you will stop by these other Stampendous players to see what wonderful inspiration they have for you.

Stampendous Impressions

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you will play along…you could score a free Stampendous set.

Until next time, be well and be happy.

Martha Stewart Scandinavian Snowflake Punch	Divine Twine Baker's Twine	Ranger Spun Sugar Distress Ink	Stampendous Snowflake Symphony
Stampendous Christmas Wishes	Crystal Snow Ultra Fine Glitter

InLinkz.com

Olive Snowmen (I Love Snowmen)

2011-12-01T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hello – and welcome. It’s that time of year when I’m in a mad rush to get the number of Christmas cards ready that I’ll need in the next couple of weeks. I thought I had done really well with making my card for the holidays, since I have worked on them all year, but when I updated my list of those who I would be sending to, I was horrified to discover that I was about 25 SHORT! EEK…not what I was expecting, but that just means that the balance of my shortfall will be quick and easy cards with minimal layers and embellishments.

I have been working on a mini album which required me to cut down quite a bit of 12 X 12 kraft paper, leaving me with LOTS of small scraps. So I decided to make some not-so-usual-sized card. The card base measures 5.5 X 3.25 which is such a cute size, and allowed me to have the snowman extending above the top of the cards.

I scored and folded the card base, stamped my snowflakes and then spritzed it with the Fireworks spray. I added some patterned paper along the bottom part of the card and then using a bit of I {Stick} Papers super sticky adhesive to apply the elastic ribbon along the top of the patterned paper. I also used the same sticky stuff to apply the same elastic ribbon to the circular sentiment.

Here is a close up of the fun shimmer created by the misting of Fireworks.

Thanks for looking in….now, I really MUST go make more Christmas cards….later!

Unity Itty Bitty Snowbody Warms My Heart	Kaiser Craft December 25th	i {stick} papers Red Line Tape	Maya Road Ruffled Edge Trim Elastic Golden Yellow	Memento Fireworks Spray
Bazzill Basics-Kraft 12 X 12	Foam Dimensional Dots

InLinkz.com

Stampendous Blog Candy Winner Announced

2011-11-27T02:00:00.000-06:00

Well, Black Friday has come and gone. How did you do? Did you go out, or just shop on-line? I don’t do the Black Friday thing – I know lots of people who do, but I stay indoors, like the plague is circulating. It’s crazy enough in the St. Louis area from Thanksgiving until Christmas as it is – throw in some great bargains and people lose their minds. Nope – not me. I did lots of window shopping on all the wonderful on-line stores and Amazon.com, of course. I think Amazon’s wish list system is the best thing since sliced bread, especially for those hard to buy for folks, and loved ones so far away that I wouldn’t know WHAT to get them. I think everyone should have one…run – go fill one out…it’s great to pick out all the things you WISH someone would get for you. LOL

The hardest part about Black Friday for me is the temptation to buy for myself, because I’m so easy to buy for. HA! I have to remind myself daily that I cannot spend money on myself (except for that iPad I ordered last week-*grin*) until AFTER the holidays.

So, I know that you are waiting to find out if you were the lucky winner of the Stampendous blog candy that I offered last week…I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. The lucky winner of this set right here

is…

who happens to be Terri, who said, “ “

Congratulations Terri. Please send me an e-mail, (see the E-mail Me link along my sidebar) along with your snail mail address and I will get this into the mail to you. I’m looking forward to seeing what creative things you make with this adorable snowman.

I appreciate all of your comments and visits to my blog. Without you…I’d just be talking to myself – and I do that enough as it is. =)

Have a wonderfully blessed Sunday.

…and You Thought Thanksgiving Was a Big Day…

2011-11-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

You may be thinking that Thanksgiving is the BIG day everyone is looking forward to, but I’m not sure; judging from all the excitement about Black Friday, I think that it may be all the awesome bargains that has everyone full of anticipation. I {heart} Papers is ready to help you save $$ for crafting supplies for yourself and every crafty person on your gift list.

Here are the details:

- Black Friday sale starts today, Wednesday 11/23 and runs through Sunday 11/27.
- 25% off EVERYTHING storewide (in stock items only). Just use the code black25dt at checkout. (min. order $35)
- 10% gift certificate bonus. IHP will add an additional 10% of the value of the gift certificate during this sale. (25% discount does not apply to gift certificates.)

I know you will want to check out all the great deals at I {heart} papers so you can take advantage of the sale and stock up on all those supplies that you have had on your wish list.

I’m not sure if I will have a chance to post tomorrow, so I would like to wish all of my U.S. readers a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving. It’s a holiday I truly love because the focus is on gratitude for all the blessings in our lives – I’m blessed by your visits and your lovely comments and I don’t need a holiday to tell you that, but it seems an appropriate time.

Note about my post yesterday: I had a little blogger technical difficulty on yesterday’s post, which posted twice, but I will leave both posts up until I select the winner of my blog candy on Saturday, since I have comments from both posts. LOL. Gotta love technology, even when it doesn’t work as I would like!

Until next time, be well.

Thankful for Free Gifts

2011-11-22T12:40:00.001-06:00

I was totally taken with Ann Voskamp’s One Thousand Gifts book that I read last March. I listened to every word from my Audible.com book as she loving and emotionally took me on her journey to living the celebration of grace and a recognition of the power of gratitude. I loved the book so much that I bought 4 copies that I could give to others.

Today, Ann gives back, and boy am I GRATEFUL for this free iPhone app.

As Ann says on her blog:

“Because Thanksgiving is more than holiday–

It’s the Way to Wake up to Really, Fully Living

The One Thousand Gifts App is our free gift to you this Thanksgiving… making life application of giving thanks everyday easier — and making life transformation an everyday reality.

Wherever you are, count your blessings, collect gifts, count it all joy. Because there’s no way to enter into His courts but through the gates of Thanksgiving — and it’s only in His presence is fullness of Joy!

The free app makes everyday Thanksgiving:

~ Launches with a quote from One Thousand Gifts: A Dare to Live Fully Right Where You Are

~ Invites you to chronicle a gift with text or with photo.

~ Automatically chronologically counts and date stamps your gifts.

~ Allows you to search your gifts, scroll through your gifts, and share your gifts — via email, Facebook or Twitter. Stand in the assembly and give Him thanks, give Him glory! We were made for this!

~ Scroll through the #1000gifts Twitter Stream and read a symphony of thanksgiving to God!

Count Gifts — and know You can count on God… Keep Calm and Count On.

Download the free app at iTunes and for android devices– and invite one friend to take the dare to count gifts with you this gift giving season… because who doesn’t want the gift of being 25% happier?”

Thank you Ann for your gift to us this Thanksgiving and EVERY day.

I've Been FRAMED!

2011-11-22T05:30:00.001-06:00

Since I have been held up making samples for Stampendous’ new catalog that will be released in January, I don’t have anything extraordinarily new to share with you, but I did alter this plain wooden frame that I picked up at Michael’s. I actually created this about two months ago, but it seemed a great time to share with you something that I haven’t posted to my blog yet.

I began with priming my wooden frame with Gesso and I let that dry before painting it with gold metallic acrylic paint. I let that dry thoroughly before stamping this wonderful holly image from Stampendous called Jumbo Holly Holidays using Versa Mark ink on the lower half of the frame. Then I sprinkled on some green embossing powder from the Holiday Tinsel Embossing Kit and heat set the images. What holly images are complete without some red berries? I added some Red Dot Sparkler stickers giving it the right amount of color and sparkle.

I don’t have a photo yet to go in the center of the frame, so for now, I added some White Stackable Trees Stickers and placed them onto some red Bazzill cardstock.

For one more added festive touch, I stamped the sentiment from the set onto white cardstock and sprinkled on some of the very sparkly Red Tinsel Embossing Powder and heat set before using my paper snips to trim out the image. Now all I need is to snap a holiday picture for my frame!

Now, it’s time for a little present for you! Stampendous has given me a Cling Merry Snowman Set to share with you, my readers. It’s an adorable snowman with a “magical” sentiment.

Here’s a card I made using this set for the Stampendous Catalog with plenty of holiday sparkle.

If you would like a chance to win this adorable winter set, just leave me a comment and tell me how you prefer to spend cold winter days. I’ll draw from the comments on Saturday and post the winner’s name on Sunday.

That’s it for now. I need to get back to my craft room…there are stamps needing to be inked! Have a wonderful day.

Stampendous Cling Merry Snowman

VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad

Stampendous Red Tinsel Embossing Powder

Class A'Peel Dot Sparklers-Red

Stampendous Stackable Tree Class A'Peel Stickers

InLinkz.com

I’ve been FRAMED

2011-11-22T02:00:00.000-06:00

I began with priming my wooden frame with Gesso and I let that dry before painting it with gold metallic acrylic paint. I let that dry thoroughly before stamping this wonderful holly image from Stampendous called Jumbo Holly Holidays using Versa Mark ink on the lower half of the frame . Then I sprinkled on some green embossing powder from the Holiday Tinsel Embossing Kit and heat set the images. What holly images are complete without some red berries? I added some Red Dot Sparkler stickers giving it the right amount of color and sparkle.

I don’t have a photo yet to go in the center of the frame, so for now, I added some White Stackable Trees Stickers and placed them onto some red Bazzill cardstock.

Now, it’s time for a little present for you! Stampendous has given me a Cling Merry Snowman Set to share with you, my readers. It’s an adorable snowman with a “magical” sentiment.

Here’s a card I made using this set for the Stampendous Catalog with plenty of holiday sparkle.

That’s it for now. I need to get back to my craft room…there are stamps needing to be inked! Have a wonderful day.

Stampendous Cling Merry Snowman

VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad

Stampendous Red Tinsel Embossing Powder

Class A'Peel Dot Sparklers-Red

Stampendous Stackable Tree Class A'Peel Stickers

InLinkz.com

I {Heart} Paper Design Team November 2011 Challenge–SRM Mini Calendars

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and welcome. I’m glad you stopped by today. The I {Heart} Papers Design Team is sharing their creativity with you as we all use SMR Mini Calendars. These are a sticker sheet with full year of self adhesive calendar months for 2012, which makes creating holiday calendar projects a breeze.

My project today was a bit labor intensive, but I created it for my hubby, who does a lot of traveling around town – and that’s quite a bit of road, here in the St. Louis area. I’m always complaining about all the paper slips and receipts that are floating around in his car, so I made this little bag book to corral all those slips of paper.

It may look a bit bulky, but it will do a fabulous job of keeping all of his receipts in one place, plus remind him of the love and attention I have given this project – and indirectly my love and attention to him.

I call this a bag book because it’s made with 7 brown bags, measuring 4” X 8”. I laid them out horizontally and stitched them together using bakers twine.

I then cut a piece of self adhesive fabric sheet that is faux leather a little larger than the full length of the bag and stuck in to the outside. This fabric sheet a wonderful way to cover a book, or you could die cut it for any variety of projects. Kate has a few more of these in stock right now.

On the back cover I placed an eyelet to give the fastener a sturdy hold and threaded a balled rubber band that I have had in my stash for ever, and don’t even remember how I came to have them. You can see that I folded the faux leather over the edge just a bit to give it a finished edge.

I adhered a piece of patterned paper to the back cover to conceal the binding and then added some metal corners to protect them from heavy use and the “throwing around” that this bag book will surely endure.

Starting at the front of the bag book, I covered each side of each bag with patterned paper from a variety of sources (listed below) and decorated each side according to the month it represents.

Placing the bags together as I did allowed for each month to have its own corresponding pocket for those nasty receipts, all which can be contained by the help of the elastic band.

I didn’t want to bore you with all the photos unless you were interested in looking, so you can just view the slide show of all the interior shots. (This is the first time I’ve used this function – let’s hope it works like I think it should.)

Bag Book

VIEW SLIDE SHOW

DOWNLOAD ALL

Now that you have seen my project, I hope you will stop by the rest of the design team to see the creative ways they have used their SRM Mini Calendar stickers.

Thanks for spending a bit of your day with me. Until next time have a wonderful day.

Stamps: December Daily, No Day Like Today, The Observant Traveler, It’s All in the Details (Ali Edwards by Technique Tuesday), Happy Harvest (Petal Press)

Papers: Harvest Market (Lily Bee Design), Blissful (Authentique), Apple Cheddar Soup (Jillibean Soup, Splendid (Authentique), December 25th (Kaiser Craft), Really Rust and Old Olive

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black

Additional Supplies: Zva Creative Arrows: (CRW-02CB-107), 1-1/8” Circle Punch, Stampendous Felt Stickers (AC990), I {Stick} Papers adhesive tape, Red Stickles, Foliage Dies from Spellbinders, Tim Holts Metal Corners, Ivory Lace Tape (Love My Tapes) Dandelion Fireworks, Color Me Crazy Flowers (Petaloo), White Gel Pen, Marvy Snowflake Punch, Olive Crepe Ribbon, Scallop Punch, 7 brown paper sacks, bakers twine, Self Adhesive Fabric Sheet, Divine Twine Brown Sugar bakers twine

Stampendous Fran•táge Encrusted Jewel Hop

2011-11-12T07:00:00.000-06:00

Welcome to the Stampendous "Fran•táge Encrusted Jewel Hop"! The Stampendous Design Team is so excited about this new technique; an accidental creative process discovered by our own Fran Seiford, Chief Artistic Officer at Stampendous! There is a quote that says, "There are no mistakes, just opportunities for embellishment!" Most crafters can attest to this fact. And today’s projects will show you just how lovely this “embellishment” can be.

Today our super-creative-with-mistakes designers are excited to show you how you can deliberately create with gorgeous sloppiness. For more info on the process of Encrusting with the Fran•táge Essentials, check out the YouTube video HERE.

I began with a pink card base and then layered white onto brown patterned paper. On the white paper, I sprinkled Shabby Pink Embossing Enamel and the heat it from the back so as not to “blow off” the powder, which was just sprinkled on the cardstock. After it set, I loved the texture and interest that it gave the background.

I stamped this sweet Angel Kisses set on white cardstock and colored with Copic Markers. Then I die cute the image out with my Postage Stamp Die and inked around the edges using a blue-green ink. Using a Quickie Glue Pen, I added Crystal Snow Glitter to the wings and snow footing and then added Snow White Fun Flock.

Here is where the Encrusted Jewel technique comes in. I took three chipboard snowflakes and pressed each one into the VersaMark and then sprinkled on the Shabby Pink Embossing Enamel and then heat it. While still warm, I sprinkled on the Silver Crushed Glitter Glass – heat the snowflake up again and then sprinkled on a few Pearlized Mica Fragments. I love hos they turned out.

Here's the list of our Encrusted Hoppers for today:

As you hop from blog to blog, be sure to leave some love (and your contact email) for the designers, as well as on the Stampendous blog. Your comments are your insurance that you have an opportunity to win one of four blog candy goody boxes of Stampendous Fran•táge Essentials for you to create your own Encrusted Jewel goodness:

Aged Black Prize Package

Aged Silver Prize package

Aged Gold Prize Package

Shabby White Prize Package

You have until 8 PM EST on Sunday to leave comments on as many blogs as you can. At that time, four winners will be randomly chosen from the blogs and will be announced on Monday. (only U.S. winners) Don’t forget to include your e-mail address to make it easy to get in touch with you when you win. You will want to get these tools in your hands right away!

Thank for stopping by today and I hope you will enjoy the hope and good luck.

Stampendous Cling Angel Kisses Set	American Crafts Pastel Cardstock	Echo Park Holly Jolly Christmas Collection	American Crafts White Cardstock	VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad
Postage Stamps	Quickie Glue Pen	Crystal Snow Ultra Fine Glitter	Stampendous Cotton White Fun Flock	Copic Markers
Stampendouse Shabby Pink Embossing Enamel	Foam Dimensional Dots	Stampendous Pearlized Mica Fragments	Maya Road Chipboard Snowflakes	Silver Crushed Glitter Glass
Martha Stewart Doily Lace Border Punch

InLinkz.com

A Special Day for Several Reasons

2011-11-11T11:11:00.000-06:00

Hi everyone. Today is a very special day for several reasons.

Here in the U.S., we honor our Veterans. Today, the Veterans Day National Ceremony will be held at Arlington National Cemetery . The ceremony commences precisely at 11:00 a.m. with a wreath laying at the Tomb of the Unknowns. The ceremony is intended to honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces. From stirring parades and ceremonies to military exhibits and tributes to distinguished veterans, we honor and remember with enduring respect and gratitude for their service.

This happens today 11-11-11 at 11:00 a.m. – which brings me to the next reason why today is special.

11-11-11 WOW!

The Internet is full of theories and predictions about the significance of this date, but I put no stock into these things – I just think it’s cool – a day that happens only once a century and I get to see it. Awesome!

And the last reason that today is special. If you remember, back on November 4th, Claire of Waltzingmouse Stamps issued a CASE (Copy and Share Everything) Competition. She asked that you choose a project from any of the 4 days of the Stamp of Approval Parade (SOAP) held November 1-4th, and CASE a project from one of the Design Team members’ projects. We are happy to announce that we have a winner. Today we are highlighting these two great tags created by: Charmaine Stack

Charmaine got her inspiration from Tosha Leyendekker's Day 3 SOAP project. You can view Tosha's project here.

Charmaine did a wonderful job, not only CASING Tosha, but in creating two stunning holiday tags. Everyone that took part in the competition did an amazing job. If you would like to see for yourself, just right here.

So, you see – today is a special day. How will YOU make it special? You have made it extra special for me for sharing a part of it with me. Until next time, stay crafty!

p.s. I just couldn’t resist scheduling this post for 11:11 a.m. *grin*

Just Around the Corner

2011-11-10T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hello crafty people. It’s the 10th of the month and that means it’s time for another Waltzingmouse Stamps Christmas Card Challenge. Time is running short now, and Christmas is right around the corner, so it's time to move into high gear and this month's challenge will help add more to your stash in a flash.

In the U.S., our postal service recommends that you postmark your holiday cards by the 15th of December to ensure their delivery by Christmas. That means that we only have about 4 weeks to finish, write our personal notes, and address all those envelopes.

If you haven't yet begun to make your Christmas cards, I don't think you are alone, but if you would like to begin, why not start today? Take the Waltzingmouse Stamps Christmas Card Challenge today - right now. There's no better time than now to begin.

The challenge for November is to make a batch of CAS (Clean & Simple) cards. All must take 10 minutes or less to create. If you have been reading my blog for a while, you know that CAS IS a challenge for me. I’m a layers girl – a crafter who enjoys their bits and pieces and rarely knows when to say WHEN. This applies to more areas in my life than just crafting, but that’s for another post. *giggle*

My cards are very quick and easy. I stamped a couple of flourishes from the Flourishes - Scallop - Dots set using silver pigment ink. Then using a vibrant blue, I stamped a few snowflakes. I used the same blue to stamp the sentiment form the Say It Loud - Winter set.

To accent my sentiment, I applied 1/4" Scor-Tape onto the blue shimmery ribbon and laid it on the card, and capped off the ends with two Kaiser Craft Sparklets.

Quick and easy, and took only a few moments to create. Now, thinking up the idea took a little longer, but the actual execution was quick. Are you ready to join me? Pop on over to the Waltzingmouse Stamps forum and join in the fun.

Have a wonderful day, and thanks for spending a bit of it with me!

Say It Loud - Winter Holiday	WMS Nutcracker Sweet	Waltzingmouse Stamps Flourishes - Scallops and Dots	Waltzingmouse Stamps Join Us	Copic Blending Cardstock by X-Press (pack of 12)
Colorbox Silver Pigment Ink	Kaiser Craft Sparklets	Corner Chomper	Creative Impressions Blue Glimmer Ribbon

InLinkz.com

The Stars Shine Bright Around the Paper Craft Planet

2011-11-09T20:03:00.002-06:00

With the recent departure of three of our beloved Paper Craft Planet Super Novas, Susanna set out to find three new shining stars and nearly 100 people applied for the Super Nova team. I'm sure it was a daunting task to narrow down the list, as there are so many talented people in our planetary community. I'm glad I didn't have to make the selection. Please join me to welcome the following ladies to our team.

New Paper Craft Planet Super Novas:

Deb Felts, from With a Stamp and a Song: “I am a rarely stay-at-home, home-schooling mom who loves to sing and stamp, sometimes at the same time! Stamping brought my love of colors, fabrics, textures, and painting together into one art, and I am completely hooked! I’m so excited to be part of Paper Craft Planet’s team of incredible designers, and blessed to call them my friends!”

Pam Hornschu, from The Pampered Stamper: “I’m on the design teams for Dreamweaver Stencils, Lizzie Anne Designs, Scrappy Chick Boutique, and Stampendous. Previously, I worked as the lead stamp artist at Stampendous for six years. I’ve been stamping for twenty years and crafting all my life. Currently I am also taking courses in graphic design.”

Taylor Usry, from The Quiet Moments: “I’m a Design Team Member for Stampendous, Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps, Gourmet Rubber Stamps, Skipping Stones Design, and Paper Pretties. This year I have also had the privilege to be a guest designer for Kraftin’ Kimmie Stamps, The Play Date Cafe, and Our Craft Lounge.

I’m so excited about this new adventure with Paper Craft Planet!”

Lisa Somerville, from Lisa Somerville.com: “As long as I can remember I’ve been crafting one thing or another. My style is pretty classic with a bit of shabby chic. I live in Illinois with my husband Jim, and 2 boys (17 & 16). You can find my work published in Crafts N’ Things, Take Ten, Stampers Sampler, Just Cards, Just Holidays, Stamp & Scrap, Vamp Stamp News, Rubber Stamp Madness, Paper Crafts, and The Rubber Stamper.

I’m thrilled to be working with Papercraft Planet as a Super Nova Design Team member. I also currently design for The Technique Junkie Newsletter, Artistic Outpost, Kitchen Sink Stamps, Stampotique, Creations by AR, Verses Rubber Stamps, Our Daily Bread Designs, Zva Creative and Staedtler. Visit my blog at www.lisasomerville.com”

Please help me welcome these lovely ladies to our team, and thanks again to everyone who thought enough of our community to apply! I sincerely hope you’ll try again for the next call! Personally, I wish we could have asked ALL who applied to be on the team!

Saying Goodbye

2011-11-07T13:08:00.001-06:00

A mighty struggle she did fight, but now she is at rest. It saddens me to post this letting you know that Katie's battle is now over and she suffers no more. Katie has passed from this world as she slept, early this morning, at 5:10am PST. She was surrounded by her family and the loving prayers of many until the very end.

We had such an overwhelming support for the Swimming for Katie hop and fundraiser. The donation link is still live, as is the static page with the fundraising items for sale to aid Kevin and the boys. You may find all the information right HERE. So, if you feel so moved, you may still to purchase or donate.

If you are inclined to send your heartfelt thoughts, sympathy cards can be sent to:

The Renz Family

PO Box 5913

Bellingham, WA 98227-5913

Thanks again for the support, both monetarily and emotional that you have shown with your donations and prayers for the Renz family.

Rest in peace now, sweet Katie. You fought valiantly and with such grace.

Journal Your Christmas 2011

2011-11-07T02:00:00.000-06:00

Hello and happy Monday. I trust you are well rested with that extra hour of sleep we received here in the U.S. by moving back to Standard Daylight Time. I love that it’s lighter at an earlier hour, but I’m not so keep on it getting dark at 5:00. I guess I can’t have everything – although 15 hours of daylight would suit me just fine. =)

I recently signed up for an on-line journey with creative scrapper, Shimelle Laine (www.shimelle.com) called Journal Your Christmas, and thought it would be a great opportunity to document the season that will soon be upon us. Last year I participated in Ali Edwards’ December Daily and this year I’m doing something along those same lines, but in a different way. Really different.

I decided that I would do this Journal Your Christmas all digitally using a new program that I downloaded. This is a program that was provided to me free of charge in exchange for my review of it's functionality. I told the representative from Polaroid's My Memories Suite that I would never recommend something that I hadn’t tried and loved. Well, the journey begins now. I hope that by using this program for my Journal Your Christmas, I will discover if this is the kind of program that I would enjoy using for more of my memory keeping.

If you are proficient in Photoshop and/or Photoshop Elements, you may not need to shell out $39 (less if you use the discount code I have below) for another program that assists with digital scrapbooking, but if you don’t have PS or PSE, or find that the learning curve for these programs for digital scrapbooking is too steep to handle, then come with me as I explore this program. I’ll be honest with my findings and give you some of the pros and cons as I progress with my Journal your Christmas class. If you would like to go ahead and download the program and take this journey with me, log in to http://www.mymemories.com/digital_scrapbooking_software and use this coupon code of STMMMS41287. This Share the Memories code provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value.)

As an example of the ease of using this program…with no experience, or instruction, I threw this page together in less than 10 minutes.

I am still on the fence about whether digital scrapbooking is for me, but time will tell if I find that #1 – I like digital scrapbooking, and #2 – if I like this program and all it has to offer. So far I’m fairly impressed with the ease in which I can drag and drop photos in, apply shadows and throw something together really quick.

Seeing the work of others who use digital scrapbooking techniques and all they accomplish on their computers alone really fascinates and amazes me. I have been a “supporter” of the digital community for several months with my paid membership to The Daily Digi. This has allowed me to acquired numerous kits, so I have plenty of supplies to work with. I have a long way to go, but every new endeavor requires that first step.

Thanks for looking in. More to follow. Have an awesome Monday!

Stampendous Monthly Challenge–November 2011- Chipboard

2011-11-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

It's the first Saturday of the month, and that means it’s time for a brand new challenge with the Stampendous Design Team! This month, we are focusing our attention not only on great Stampendous images, but we have been challenged to incorporate chipboard into our design. That’s easy for me because I love chipboard; the dimension it adds to any project is fantastic, and don’t you know – I have lots of it in shapes that I have purchased myself and, when I chose, I die cut my own shapes using one of several of my die cutting tools and machines.

The Stampendous team hopes that you will join us by using chipboard on your cards and projects. This month we are giving away a Cling Jumbo Songbird set to a random winner. You don't have to use a Stampendous image or products to play along, but we sure love it when you do! You have until Thursday, December 1 at 11:59 PM EST to add your link to the linky tool, and we'll draw a random winner. You can enter as many times as you'd like, so break out that chipboard and get busy. =)

Also, did you know Stampendous is offering FREE shipping on all orders $50 or over (to US/APO/FPO addresses)?! Use the promo code FREESHIP and stock up on some goodies! Sweet! OK – now how about a bit about my project.

Apparently this stamp set is very well loved, as Stampendous (the store) has sold out of them, but don't fret, you can still find this adorable duo at various scrapbook/craft stores such as Michael's and Joann's. Just call them before you make a trip to see if they have it in stock.

I began with a kraft card base and then stitched together two older patterned papers that I've had in my stash for a long time. I trimmed this just a bit smaller than my card base.

I stamped my snowy couple onto ivory cardstock and colored them with Copic Markers and trimmed around the image before attaching them to the card using foam dimensional dots.

My chipboard elements are three chipboard snowflakes from Maya Roads that I inked up first with the red and green ink. Then using VersaMark, I used the other image that comes with this jumbo snow pair set to stamp the image onto the snowflakes and then sprinkled on the Champagne Pearlustre Embossing Powder and heat with a heat gun.

I cut a piece of twill and layered it across the bottom of the card and added the snowflakes, attaching them with glue dots.

Be sure to stop by these Design Team members who will also have projects today for your viewing pleasure:

Taylor Usry - http://taylorusry.blogspot.com/ – will post her project a little late

Wendy Jordan - http://www.papertherapy-wendy.blogspot.com/

Suzanne Czosek - http://www.suzzstampingspot.blogspot.com/

Pam Hornschu - http://1pamperedstamper.blogspot.com/

Krissy Fossmeyer - http://www.paperinkspirations.blogspot.com/

Stampendous Blog -- http://stampendousblog.wordpress.com/

Thank you so much for looking in again. Your visits are most welcome and VERY much appreciated.

Stampendous Champagne Pearlustre Embossing Powder	Fired Brick Distress Ink	Ranger Forest Moss distress Ink	VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad	Tuxedo Black Ink Pad (Memento)
Pure Luxury Kraft	Copic Markers	Ranger Glossy Accents	5/8 Off White Twill Tape	Maya Road Chipboard Snowflakes

InLinkz.com

Waltzingmouse Stamps November 2011 SOAP–Day 4

2011-11-04T02:00:00.000-05:00

Hi and welcome to Day 4 of the Waltzingmouse November SOAP (Stamp of Approval Parade). Over the past 3 days the WMS Design Team has been sharing lots of wonderful holiday inspiration with projects made using Waltzingmouse holiday sets, and there are plenty to choose from. Just take a look!

Before we get into my post details, I'd like to acknowledge that today is my sweet baby girl's 27th birthday. Yes, she’s not a baby, or even a little girl any longer, but all grown up. I don't know where the time has gone, and tears well up as I realize how quickly the time has gone by. Happy birthday Christina. May your special day be filled with joy – the same joy I feel every time I think of you.

Ok – on with today’s project. I had this idea in my head that I wanted to create a little sled that I could include on a gift tag, so I searched the Internet and I saw this tutorial and found what I was looking for.

I followed the directions, painting my sticks red before I stamped an image from Nordic Winter on each of the sticks. I stamped the image using VersaMark and then embossed with white embossing powder. The wood took the heat embossing wonderfully. After painting and stamping all the sticks, I followed the directions and glued the pieces together and let it dry quite well before I proceeded to the next step.

Next, I added some glue to the tops of each of the slats of my sled and applies some Polar White Flowersoft, which looks great as snow on my sled and the top of my sentiment bookplate. I adhered the sled to my tag using some sticky tape because I wanted it SECURELY attached.

I added a silk ribbon that I layered with some die cut foliage, a Prima flower, more ribbon and a bit of bakers twine. For me, when created an embellishment for an embellishment (giggle), the more layers, the better.

My sentiment was stamped from Compliments of the Season which just fit within the bookplate that I die cut. You can see the Polar White Flowersoft that rests on the top.

I added a couple of crystal rhinestones, rather than use brads. I couldn't have those ugly brad legs on the back of my pretty gift tag, now could I?

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 your creativity. You have one week to complete and link your project as the competition will close on November 11th at 8:00 AM Claire’s time, which is 3 AM Eastern, 2 AM Central and Midnight, Pacific time. The winner will be announced on Claire’s blog on November 12th.

If you looking for more inspiration and plenty of projects to CASE, just check out what the rest of the Design Team have to share with you today. Their projects this week have been amazing.

Thank you for looking in, and I hope you will join in the fun and play along with the CASE competition. Until next time, have a blessed day.

WMS Vintage Ornaments	Very Vintage Christmas	WMS Text It	Sewing Box Christmas	WMS Compliments of the Season
WMS Nordic Winter	Pure Luxury Ivory Cardstock	Jingle Patterned Paper	VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad	Antique Linen Distress Ink
Tsukineko Brilliance Graphite Black Ink	Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Stickers	Clearsnap Olive Vivid Dye Ink	Nested Mittens Nestabilities	JudiKins Iridescent Ice Embossing Power
Postage Stamps	Tattered Angels Olive Vine Shimmer Mist	Ranger Glossy Accents	Fiskars 1/4" Hole Punch	Silver Crushed Glitter Glass
i {stick} papers Red Line Tape	Stickles	Kaiser Craft Sparklets	Lipstick Red Colorbox Chalk Ink	Cherry Red Divine Twine

InLinkz.com

Waltzingmouse Stamps’ November 2011 SOAP–Day 3

2011-11-03T02:00:00.001-05:00

Hello and welcome to day three of the Waltzingmouse Stamps November SOAP (Stamp of Approval Parade). I trust that you have been enjoying the wonderful Christmas inspiration that the Design Team has shared with you thus far.

Today I have a card/tag combo that uses three different WMS Christmas sets: Vintage Ornament, Very Vintage Christmas and Sewing Box Christmas

I began with an ivory card base and layered wonderful papers from the Jingle collection by Lily Bee Design. I added a scallop edge to one of the layers and dotted each scallop with Stickles. Another later is wonderful glitter glass. For my banner layer, I stamped one of the images from the Vintage Ornament set using VersaMark ink and then added Iridescence Ice Embossing Powder and heat embosses, which looks amazing with the right light - none of which I could actually capture, naturally! Within the center of each of the "bursts" I added these wonderful Clear Sparklets by Kaiser Crafts.

I die cut some of the patterned paper using my Postage Stamp Nestabilities and inked around the edges. I stamped the holly leaves from the Sewing Box Christmas set on some scrap paper that you may recognize from the card (Christmas Tree) I shared yesterday. I cut them out and added a layer of Glossy Accents for added dimension.

To finish off my card I punched a little bird, added a winter cap with a dot of Liquid Peals for a bob to the tip of the cap.

My tag mimicked the card with the postage tap die cut, but I added some text from the Text It set to the lower portion of the tag.

I'm happy with the way these turned out, but most importantly, I'm happy that I have another Christmas card and gift tag completed. Nothing feels better than that feeling of accomplishment. I may be lacking in many other areas of my life, but my Christmas card stash is in pretty good shape, if I do say so myself.

If you have a little time, please check out these amazingly creative ladies, who will WOW you with inspiration and ideas that you get your holiday juices flowing.

Thank you for looking in and I hope you will stop by tomorrow for our last day of the SOAP; complete with a little CASE competition. Until then, have a blessed and most excellent day.

WMS Vintage Ornaments	Very Vintage Christmas	WMS Text It	Sewing Box Christmas	WMS Compliments of the Season
WMS Nordic Winter	Pure Luxury Ivory Cardstock	Jingle Patterned Paper	VersaMark Watermark Ink Pad	Antique Linen Distress Ink
Tsukineko Brilliance Graphite Black Ink	Cosmo Cricket Tiny Type Stickers	Clearsnap Olive Vivid Dye Ink	Nested Mittens Nestabilities	JudiKins Iridescent Ice Embossing Power
Postage Stamps	Tattered Angels Olive Vine Shimmer Mist	Ranger Glossy Accents	Fiskars 1/4" Hole Punch	Silver Crushed Glitter Glass
i {stick} papers Red Line Tape	Stickles	Kaiser Craft Sparklets

InLinkz.com