Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Holly Bowl

Good morning everyone!

How are you doing? I wanted to post this yesterday, but time got away from me. I apologize for the sporadic posting over the past few days, to be honest, I was just being lazy!

My mom and I have been taking pottery classes together at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild on and off for the past few months. I am really no good at it, but I can manage to throw a mostly symmetrical bowl. So this time around instead of being frustrated that I couldn't figure out coffee cups, or vases, or plant pots, I decided to embrace my bowl-throwing abilities and focus instead on the decoration. I discovered that clear stamps work great to impress a design into the leather-hard clay. Because the stamps are flexible, it was easy to bend them to fit the shape of my piece. Anyway, I had a bowl fired last week and here's how it turned out.

I used the two outline holly stamps from Festive Foliage to decorate my bowl. I just impressed it into the clay, bending around the shape of the bowl. The berries were made from extra clay. I painted the leaves and berries with a glaze, the bowl itself was fired with no glaze - the metallic brown color comes from the soda firing process.

So there you go - stamps are for more than just paper! This is a pretty addition to my mantle for the holidays.

Another thing I wanted to share with you is a Citizen Science program that the Cornell Lab of Ornithology sponsors called Project FeederWatch. Project FeederWatch is an opportunity for those of you that feed your birds (I'm thinking of you, Cindy H.!!) to provide feedback to researchers about the types and numbers of birds that visit your feeders over the winter. They use this information to track species populations, changes in migratory/wintering patterns, disease, etc. The data exploration portion of the Project FeederWatch website has tons of information already compiled for the past 20 years, so you can see right where the information you provide is going.

There is a $15 fee to join the program, but you receive identification materials and a newsletter subscription, plus the money goes to help fund the research program. The program runs from November through April, and you can count as many or as few times as you'd like. If you enjoy watching your feeder birds or if you would like to start, this is a fantastic opportunity for you to contribute to scientific research. I encourage you to join! I love watching my birds and it is something that I find very rewarding (my husband is heaving a sigh now, I know it, but he was the one that built me the bird feeder! ;)

Please check out the links if you're interested, or send me an email! The Project FeederWatch program is available to US and Canadian citizens - my international friends, check for a similar program in your area! My professional background is in Ecology, so you're getting a peek at something else I'm passionate about.

Thanks for stopping today, and taking the time to listen to my PSA!

Anya

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Winter Birthday Wishes

Happy Saturday! Today is Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge day, and here is today's sketch:

Here is my card, for a friend celebrating a winter birthday!

The snowflakes are from Sewing Box - Christmas, a fantastic winter-themed set. The holly stamp is one of my all-time favorites. Kept things simple on this one, but made up for it with all that glitter!

The sketch challenge will remain open until Thursday, 11:59 EST. You can link up your entry on the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog. Top Mice will be announced along with the new sketch next Saturday! Be sure to visit the blog and check out what the other DT members and Mischief Makers have created for the sketch challenge!

Have a great weekend!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Sewing Box - Christmas, Teeny Trees - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Buckaroo Blue - Stampin' Up; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Buckaroo Blue - Stampin' Up!; Old Paper Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Antique Silver Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Snowflake punch - Marvy; Snow Cap Acrylic Paint - Ranger Industries; Scor-Tape; button

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Happy Thanksgiving!


A quick note this morning to wish my US friends a Happy Thanksgiving. I've been baking up a storm, taking a short break here checking some email before things get crazy for the day. I am watching Calendar Girls, have you ever seen it? I love feel-good movies like this.. this one may need to find a place in my collection.

A little enabling announcement for you.. Lizzie Anne is having a Thankgiving weekend sale. The entire store will be on sale 40% off Friday through Monday! And you will also get a holiday-themed Single stamp with every order over $25 (LAD choice.) What a great sale!

I have much to be thankful for: a loving family, a husband who is willing to make sacrifices, a cozy home, and supportive friends! I am sure I don't say it enough, but thank you. Have a wonderful day!

Anya

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Serendipity Coaster Challenge

Good morning! I am here today to bring you this week's Serendipity Stamps DT challenge. This week we were challenged to create a tile coaster. Have you ever made these coasters before? They are fun and easy!

So let's see a show of hands - who has a Dad, brother, husband that is hard to shop for? Yeah, me too. Well here's a gift idea for you!


Aren't these great? I used the Train Engine Large and Train on Track stamps from Serendipity to make these coasters.

The coasters are available at any big box home store, they are usually sold in a package of 9 (a square foot) for around $5. I have made these in the past and used a variety of mediums to color them. For this one, I stamped the images in Jet Black Archival Ink from Ranger and then colored the images with markers. After a clear coat of spray paint, I have never had any problems using markers or water-based ink. StazOn and Palette inks also work well. I hear Copics work well too, but you have to be careful the coaster doesn't suck all the ink from your marker. I like to finish the coasters off with felt pads on the bottom.

Package a few up together and you have an easy, great gift! I hope you will give them a try.

I'm so glad you stopped by today, please be sure to visit the other Design Team members to see their take on the challenge!


Also, don't forget to check the current contests on the Serendipity Stamps Blog and take some time to sign up for the newsletter (and sale announcements)!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Train Engine Large (1217J), Train on Track (1239G) - Serendipity Stamps
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Stampin' Write Markers - Stampin' Up!; Clear Spray Paint - Krylon; Tile Coasters

Monday, November 22, 2010

Advent Calendar Tutorial

Hello my dears!

Thank you all so much for your patience while things calmed down at home and I put together the tutorial for the advent calendar I made for the last WMS Release.

Before I get started, a few notes. To complete this project, you will need:

- A 12-inch by 12-inch shadowbox frame (I purchased mine at Michaels - it is about 1 inch deep and has an 11.5-inch opening, which is important later!)
- 25 sheets of cardstock trimmed to 8.25 inch square (ouch, I know)
- 'Twas the Night Before Christmas stamp set from Waltzingmouse Stamps

Ok - one final thing before I get into the pictures. This project is not difficult, but it is time consuming. I found the thing that worked best for me when doing it was to work production-line style. I cut all my cardstock, then scored it all, then stamped all the boxes, etc. It went much faster when I completed each step together - even though it was tempting to skip ahead! I know that we all don't have time to commit to a project like this all at once (and I won't get into how late I stayed up finishing this in time!!) but it is completely feasible to make a few boxes at a time and have everything in place by December 1! I know you girls can do it! :)

Grab a warm beverage, and let's jump right in!

Step 1. Score your cardstock at 1.5" and 3".

Step 2. Rotate your cardstock and score it again at 1.5" and 3".

Step 3. Repeat for each remaining side. (Your score lines will end up at 1.5", 3", 5.25"
and 6.75", but I found this method to be easier and faster).

Here is what the box pattern looks like.

I also created a PDF pattern for you that you can print directly onto cardstock if you want. Click here for the downloadable PDF. I'm sure I don't need to give you the for personal use only spiel :)

You will want to cut along the dotted lines and fold along the gray lines. The gray areas in the corners will be cut away.

Step 4. Here is what your box will look like once it has been scored and cut.

Step 5. Stamp frame and windows in the center of your box. This will end up being the front of your box, instead of what would normally be the box bottom.

Step 6. Color your frame and windows. I decided when I started that I was not going to color the fancy outer frame portion of the window. I wanted your eyes to be directed right to the window portion, and I knew it would save some time. I colored the window frame with Copic marker E43 and highlighted the window glass with W1, but the world is your oyster - make it your own!

Step 7. Finish decorating your windows. I *love* the little wreath included in this set. There are also lots of other elements that can be used to decorate the windows. I did something different in each of mine, but established a 'pattern' of sorts so that I at least had a starting point. I used the numbers from Victorian Alphabet to number my boxes for each day.

Step 8. Using a craft knife, cut along the top and bottom of your windows and then down the center in between.

Step 9. Score the outside edges of the windows. This creates a nice fold and allows the windows to open easily.

Step 10. Now you're ready to start assembling your boxes. I find it works best to fold all of your scored lines first. Then fold in the sides and adhere with a strong adhesive, as shown.

(I used Scor-Tape.)

Step 11. Repeat with the other side.

Step 12. Fold down the remaining flaps and adhere. I used a regular piece of tape on the bottom just to be sure.

Step 13. You have a finished box! One down - 24 more to go!! ;)

Step 14. Now you need to prepare your frame. You could, of course, do this step at any time in the process, depending on what you want to do. The frame that I bought was originally black, so I spray-painted mine. You could cover it with patterned paper, ribbon, glitter, or leave it plain - whatever you want!

Step 15. Once you've finished your frame, all you need to do to assemble the calendar is to slide the boxes in place. As I mentioned earlier, the actual frame opening is about 11.5 inches. The boxes were sized (2.25 inches) so that five of them would fit beside each other snugly and not require any adhesive to keep the boxes in place. I liked this plan a lot - if something happens to Day 11, for instance, you can just pop it out and replace it without having to tear the whole thing apart!

The finished product!! You can fill your little boxes with whatever you choose, I filled mine with little wooden ornaments, as seen here.

So that's it! A step-by-step tutorial for you. If you have any questions, or would like more information about a particular step, please don't hesitate to leave me a comment or send an email! I will respond with an edit at the beginning of the post so that we can all benefit from your question - I know I'm not the best direction-giver!! Thank you for bearing with me.

I hope you will be willing to give this project a try. You girls made me laugh when I read your comments on the original post. Yes, the recipient does love this! I smile each time I see it, and can't wait for my hubby and I to start counting down the days to Christmas (I'm keepin' it for myself!!! ;)

Hugs!!

Anya

Saturday, November 20, 2010

Warm Wishes

Welcome, weekend! I'm glad it is Saturday.

Today is Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge day, and here is today's sketch:

Thursday was my Mother-in-law's birthday and today we're celebrating. I thought I'd use the sketch as inspiration for her card. Here's what I made.

I have been eyeing up this swag image since Nutcracker Sweet was released. I used it to create my background. I don't know what exactly it is about this image, but I just love it. So much potential in that little shape.. I want to stamp it in red next!

I thought Warm Wishes was a completely appropriate sentiment for a birthday - something a little different!

The sketch challenge will remain open until Thursday, 11:59 EST. You can link up your entry on the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog. Top Mice will be announced along with the new sketch next Saturday! Be sure to visit the blog and check out what the other DT members and Mischief Makers have created for the sketch challenge!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Nutcracker Sweet, Very Vintage Christmas, Holiday Labels No. 14 - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette - Stampin' Up!; Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Mellow Moss, Pink Pirouette - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Petite Oval Small Nesabilities - Spellbinders; Fillable Frames 7 Die - Papertrey Ink; Half Pearls from Pretties Kit - Stampin' Up!; Pinking Blade for Rotary Paper Trimmer - Fiskars; Sewing machine

Friday, November 19, 2010

LAD November DT Challenge

Hi there!

I am here today to share the November Design Team Challenge from Lizzie Anne Designs. This month we were challenged to create a wreath, using this photo as inspiration.

Gorgeous, huh?

Here's what I came up with - I used the hot air balloon stamp from Warmest Wishes, the new December 2010 Mix Set!

I stamped the balloon four times in each of my selected colors (I went for the rich holiday jewel tones :). Then I used a 1-1/2 inch circle punch to punch out the portion used for my ornaments. I scored each of the circles down the center and adhered them together to create a three-dimensional shape. I lined the edges with a gold paint pen and added a punched ribbon bow for the top. I adhered my ornaments to a scalloped circle and then to my wreath. The wreath is approximately 5-1/2 inches in diameter.

Here's another photo - this was hard to photograph!

Isn't this a fun project, just in time for the holidays!

To see what the other DT members have created for this challenge, head over to the Lizzie Anne Designs blog!

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps: Warmest Wishes - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Rustic White - Papertrey Ink; Handsome Hunter, Elegant Eggplant, Not Quite Navy, Bravo Burgundy, Cranberry Crisp - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Handsome Hunter, Elegant Eggplant, Not Quite Navy, Bravo Burgundy, Cranberry Crisp - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: 1-1/2 inch circle punch - EK Success; Scalloped Circle punch - Marvy; Ribbon bow punch - Martha Stewart Crafts; Gold paint pen - Zig Painty; Gold pearls - Recollections; Gold elastic cord - Stampin' Up!; Gold brads

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Happy Birthday

Hi there!

Today I have a fun and quick birthday card that would be great for anyone! I used Lizzie Anne's Vintage Birthday set to put this together. I really like this set.

I thought it would be fun to use PTI's Grid Lines cardstock to add to the graphic feel of this card. I stamped Happy Birthday in red first and built the rest of the background around it. The gray is the second generation image (stamped off first onto scrap paper) and I like that it didn't give an even impression. I think it fits with this card. The 'Eat More Cake' is a portion of another sentiment in the set, I used a marker to ink up just the portion I wanted. Eat more cake sounds like good advice any time!

Thanks for visiting me today, tomorrow I will be back with the Lizzie Anne December Design Team Challenge. Saturday brings the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. I hope you have a great day and that you can stop back soon!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Vintage Birthday set - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Kraft, Guide Lines - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Cherry Cobbler, Basic Gray - Stampin' Up!
Other: Maraschino Baker's Twine - The Twinery; Black marker; Red button

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

November WMS Blog Waltz

Good morning, waltzers! Welcome to the November Friends of WMS Blog Waltz.

If you want to waltz along with us and you haven't yet linked up your project, head to this thread in the WMS Forum to link up your creation and view the other participants. There is also a thread for chatting about what you've seen and participating in our little contest! The DT members are each hiding an image (or not!) on their cards. Keep track of their count and a correct guess could win you a stamp set of your choice!

I can't think of many things more festive than these red and green Nutcrackers! I colored each of them with Copics and cut them out. My background pattern was created by filling up an acrylic block with all the sentiments in the Nutcracker Sweet set - I love this, and particularly like the many ways to say Merry Christmas!!

I stitched a strip of dark green felt to my card so my Nutcrackers had a place to stand, and I added some multi-colored crochet thread which is even a bit more fun than baker's twine!!

Have fun waltzing! Make sure to head back to the WMS Forum to chat and join the contest.

I hope you will join us! Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Nutcracker Sweet - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Garden Green - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!; Tuxedo Black Memento - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Copic markers; Multi-colored Crochet thread; Sewing Machine; Pinefeather felt - Papertrey Ink

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Shabby Tea Room Week #36

Hi there!
I am Guest Designer this week over in The Shabby Tea Room! This week's challenge is a color challenge with a thankful theme. Here's the photo inspiration:


I have to be honest, this one stumped me for a bit! Here is my card:

The creative juices started flowing when I spied this pretty little wreath in the new Around Christmastime set from Waltzingmouse. It is a simple thing, but one thing I am thankful for is the Autumn season. The colors and smells, the crisp chill in the air, woodsmoke drifting on the breeze.. I just love it. So that's what is wrapped all up in my card. I also used Off Beat Backgrounds and Musical Backgrounds on my card (I am also exceedingly thankful to have the opportunity to be a part of the WMS DT and work with Claire and her incredible stamps!).

Please make sure to head over to The Shabby Tea Room to see what the Design Team members have created. There's a great prize up for grabs this week, too, so be sure to try your hand at the challenge!

Have a beautiful day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Around Christmastime, Off Beat Backgrounds, Musical Backgrounds, Peace and Plenty - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Rustic Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Tangerine Tango - Stampin' Up!; Coffee Archival Ink, Antique Linen, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Crocheted lace; Sewing machine

Monday, November 15, 2010

LAD December Mix Preview

Happy Monday to you!

Today I am sharing a preview of the Lizzie Anne Designs December mix set, called Warmest Wishes. Each month on the 15th the DT previews the newest monthly mix set, which is available at a discounted price by becoming a member of the LAD Mix Club. All the details you need are here on the LAD website. This month's set is super cute!

I knew I had to make my first card using *the cutest* little gnome!

Last week my niece (she's 4) had eye surgery. It went well, but it sounds like she could use a card, so this is on its way to her.

I paper pieced my gnome's hat and shirt. I can't wait to use this guy again - wouldn't his beard look perfect in felt?

My second card for today uses another stand-out image for me.

I love this fancy filigree dress form! I stamped the crocheted lace image (also in the mix) along the bottom - this is a fun element!

I am just scratching the surface here! There is a little marshmallow in this set that I just can't wait to use!

Thanks for stopping in today. Head over to the Lizzie Anne Designs Blog to see what the other DT members have created for the December mix!

Just a note before I go, this week I am the Guest Designer over at The Shabby Tea Room blog! More about that later, but in the meantime hop over there to check it out! :)

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Make Gnome Mistake Card
Stamps: Warmest Wishes (Dec. mix) - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Bashful Blue, Certainly Celery - Stampin' Up!; Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Cosmo Cricket
Ink: True Black - Papertrey Ink
Other: Copic markers; Sewing machine

My Style Card
Stamps: Warmest Wishes (Dec. mix) - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Pretty In Pink, Pink Pirouette - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Pink Pirouette - Stampin' Up!; Coffee Archival Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Crinkle ribbon - MemrieMare (Etsy.com); Pearl stick pin

Saturday, November 13, 2010

Season's Greetings

Happy Saturday to you! I have been so busy, it is just crazy. Sorry about the lapse in posts, today I am having a Christmas Stamp Class and I have been spending each spare moment prepping (cause I'm a wait-until-the-last-minute kind of person). Things should calm down later today and I'll get started on that advent calendar tutorial! :)

Today is Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge day, and here is today's sketch:

And here is my card:

Simple, easy, and uses one of my favorite holiday color combinations!

The sketch challenge will remain open until Thursday, 11:59 EST. You can link up your entry on the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog. Top Mice will be announced along with the new sketch next Saturday! Be sure to visit the blog and check out what the other DT members and Mischief Makers have created for the sketch challenge!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Festive Foliage, Compliments of the Season - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Holiday floral sprig - JoAnn Stores; Red ribbon - i {heart} papers; Vintage button; sewing machine

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Serendipity Stamps Challenge

Good morning. I am here today to bring you this week's Serendipity Stamps DT challenge. This week, we were challenged to make a card to fit in a business-sized envelope. I love making different sized cards, so this was fun.

I used the Autumn Wreath Cling Set for my card, which is a perfect Thanksgiving-is-on-its-way image and one of my favorites from Serendipity. You can find more autumn images here.

I stamped my image and colored it with Copic markers. I wanted the wreath to take center stage, so I just stitched the image to some patterned paper and kept it simple. The sentiment was stamped directly onto the patterned paper.

I just love Serendipity's detailed images. Look at this beautiful cornucopia - I think I need to add this to my wish list!

I'm so glad you stopped by today, please be sure to visit the other Design Team members to see their take on the challenge!


Also, don't forget to check the current contests on the Serendipity Stamps Blog and take some time to sign up for the newsletter (and sale announcements)!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps: Large Autumn Wreath Cling Set (963QCL) - Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Scarlet Jewel, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Marrakesh Pottery - Bo Bunny
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento - Tsukineko; Coffee Archival Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Copic markers; sewing machine

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

It's Your Day

Good morning! How are you today?

Today I have a bright and fun birthday card to share with you. I used the Vintage Birthday set from Lizzie Anne Designs. This set is full of fun images and sentiments!

I combined the set with patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket's Togetherness Collection. I paper pieced the balloon and used a sketch from the most recent issue of Paper Crafts Magazine as inspiration. One of my best friends is celebrating a birthday next week, so this little cutie is headed her way.

Thank you all for your overwhelming response to my advent calendar project for the WMS November release. I will start working on a tutorial for you!

I also wanted to point you in the direction of the Inspirational Blog. I was featured there yesterday and I am so tickled! Thank you, Ann! I'm just doing my thing - the stamps do all the work for me! :)

Have a super day my dears!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Vintage Birthday - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Garden Green - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Togetherness - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: White Opal Liquid Pearls - Ranger Industries; Garden Green Stampin' Write Marker - Stampin' Up!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

WMS November Release Blog Waltz

Hi! Welcome to the November release blog waltz for Waltzingmouse Stamps!

Four new stamp sets are being released today, now available for purchase in the WMS store.

You should have arrived here from Lisa's blog and Joan will be your next stop. Claire is the start of the waltz, so you might want to head there first if you just happened to visit me today! :)

I have a very special project to share with you today, one that showcases the amazing possibilities and unique design of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas! I used the window image (that is built into the Labels 14 shape) and the coordinating accessories to create an advent calendar.

There is a little box for each day leading up to Christmas, with the window in front that opens to reveal a treat inside! The windows were so fun to decorate - Santa's even there! The numbers are from Victorian Alphabet. I filled the boxes with little wooden ornaments that I found at my local craft store.

The boxes are sized to fill the 12 x 12 shadowbox frame, so it was not necessary to use any adhesive to keep the boxes in the frame. They can be removed as needed! Once things settle down a bit, I'll share a more detailed post with the box pattern and materials info if you'd like to re-create this. I promise you that it is not as complicated as it looks!

As usual, Blog Waltz prizes are up for grabs for two lucky commenters! One winner will be randomly chosen from the comments left on one of the Design Team blogs, the other will be chosen from the comments left on the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog. So let us know what you think of the new release! The contest ends at 11:59 pm EST Tuesday, November 9th. Winners will be announced on the WMS Blog.

The details for November's Friends of WMS Blog Waltz have also been announced. More information is here on the blog, where you can also pick up the Blog Waltz graphic.

So glad that you could stop by today, have fun waltzing! Your next stop is Joan!

Anya

Saturday, November 6, 2010

WMS November Release Day Three

Good morning!

Today is day three of previews for the Waltzingmouse Stamps November release. Four new stamp sets are being released tomorrow! Today, I am sharing my projects using the Around Christmastime set, full of lots of circular images and other accents that are perfect for tags (among other things!).

It is also Saturday, Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge day! Here is today's sketch:

Here is my card, using one of the snowflake labels from Around Christmastime.

This is a long card - 8-1/2 by 4. The background was stamped with the border from Very Vintage Christmas. I used the paper rosette die to make the rosettes (it makes them a snap, too). I'm not sure how I feel about this card.. it came out a little different than what was in my head.. a lot brighter!

I went simple with my second project, and I love it!

I love the monochromatic look. In addition to Around Christmastime, I also used elements from Festive Foliage and Text It for this. I could see making up a few more of these for the girls in my office. Cute (and the candle smells like cookies!)!

Here are the rest of the DT members sharing previews today:


Tomorrow the four new sets will be released and we'll be Blog Waltzing, which starts on the WMS Blog at 2:00 pm EST. I hope you'll stop by!

The sketch challenge will remain open until Thursday, 11:59 EST. You can link up your entry on the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog. Top Mice will be announced along with the new sketch next Saturday! Be sure to visit the blog and check out what the other DT members and Mischief Makers have created for the sketch challenge!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Merry & Bright Card

Stamps: Around Christmastime (available November 7),
Very Vintage Christmas - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Soft Sky, Real Red - Stampin' Up!; White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Pink Pirouette, Soft Sky, Real Red, Basic Gray - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Paper Rosette Die - Tim Holtz Alterations by Sizzix; Antique Silver Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Detail White Embossing Powder - Stampendous; Sewing machine

Be Merry Candle and Card
Stamps: Stamps: Around Christmastime, Festive Foliage (available November 7),
Text It - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Kraft - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Crumb Cake - Stampin' Up!; Coffee Archival Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Labels Eleven - Spellbinders; Maraschino Baker's Twine - The Twinery; Vintage Cream Twill - Papertrey Ink; Jingle bells - Darice; Red adhesive rhinestones - Recollections; Vintage Sheet Music; candle

Friday, November 5, 2010

WMS November Release Day Two

Hi there!

Today is the second day of previews for the Waltzingmouse Stamps November release. Four new stamp sets are being released on November 7. Today, I am sharing my projects using the Vintage Ornament set.

As you may have seen, this set coordinates with Spellbinders' 2010 Heirloom Ornaments. Claire has done a fantastic job creating a beautiful and versatile set. No worries if you don't have the dies, these ornaments are very easy to trim!

This card uses the smallest ornament in the set. I stamped the ornaments once in the color I wanted to use and again in a second color, from which I trimmed the inside snowflake panel. These snowflakes coordinate with those in Compliments of the Season, too, which I used to stamp the card base. A big rhinestone flourish finishes it off.

Next, I created some Christmas decor. I apologize for these pictures, but there was just no good way to get a shot of this and all the metallics!

I started with a grapevine wreath that I spray-painted silver. The ornaments were stamped onto the Snow Day patterned paper and embossed in silver. A little silver elastic cord was used to attach the ornaments to the wreath.

The starburst is a separate stamp, so you have the option for how you want to fill in the center of your ornament. Fantastic!

Finally, I couldn't resist the opportunity to play along with the Tag - You're It Challenge! Have you entered your creation yet?

I started with a manila tag that was painted with Tattered Rose Distress Crackle Paint. I stamped and cut out some of the foliage images from the Festive Foliage set. I also stamped one of the medium ornaments from Vintage Ornaments, embossed it with Pastel embossing powder and die cut it. Everything got a healthy spritz of Perfect Pearls and then I arranged the elements on my tag. Lovely!

So that's Day 2! Be sure to check out the rest of the design team's previews:


I will be back tomorrow with more! Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Deck Those Halls Card

Stamps: Vintage Ornaments (available November 7),
Compliments of the Season - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Cool Caribbean - Stampin' Up!; White - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Mitten Weather - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Pale Plum, Tempting Turquoise, Real Red - Stampin' Up!; Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries; VersaMark - Tsukineko
Other: 2010 Heirloom Ornaments - Spellbinders; Red gingham paper tape - Martha Stewart Crafts; Corner Chomper - We R Memory Keepers; Rhinestone stickers - Recollections

Ornament Wreath
Stamps: Vintage Ornaments (available November 7) -
Waltzingmouse Stamps
Patterned Paper: Snow Day - Crate Paper
Other: Grapevine Wreath; Nickel Satin Metallic Paint - Krylon; 2010 Heirloom Ornaments - Spellbinders; Silver embossing powder; Silver elastic cord, Purely Pomegranate satin ribbon - Stampin' Up!; Adhesive rhinestones; Copic markers

Holiday Wishes Tag
Stamps: Vintage Ornaments, Festive Foliage (available November 7),
Very Vintage Christmas - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Rustic Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Close to Cocoa, Mellow Moss, Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries; Old Rose Versacolor - Tsukineko
Other: Manila tag - Stampers Anonymous; Tattered Rose Distress Crackle Paint, Perfect Pearl Perfect Pearls - Ranger Industries; 2010 Heirloom Ornaments - Spellbinders; Pastel embossing powder - Judikins; Adhesive pearls