PPRS Star Sketch Challenge

Hi everyone! Here in the States it is back to a normal schedule again.. it was nice to have a short break, though. I certainly indulged in a little laziness!

I have a sketch challenge to share today, brought to you by Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps. The DT was challenged to create a card using this sketch:

Here's what I came up with:

The star card was fun to make! I used the circle part of the sketch and created a little window to the inside. The inside candle image is actually part of a larger ornament. I stamped it twice, paper piecing the candle and flame. I added some Stickles, too. The scalloped circle frame was made using Nestabilities.. it is covered in Stickles too but is a little difficult to see. Here's a view of the inside:

Fun! Thanks for stopping by today. I will be back with more tomorrow. Have a great evening!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Snowflake Candle Ornament - PPRS
Cardstock: Real Red, Wild Wasabi - Stampin' Up!; Spring Moss, Summer Sunrise, White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Wild Wasabi - Stampin' Up!; Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink
Other: Classic and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Stickles - Ranger

Autumn Wreath

In the spirit of the season, I want to thank all of you for your daily visits and comments. I am encouraged, comforted, and blessed by you all and for that I am grateful!

I held a stamp workshop back in September and we made these wreaths. I was originally inspired by a wreath similar to this in the current Stampin' Up! Idea Book and Catalog. I started with a 7" styrofoam wreath form and added the leaves with Elmer's glue. I just layered and curled and layered until I got the look I wanted. Aside from cutting all the leaves, it was easy!

Thank you so much for stopping by today, please know how much I appreciate your visits. I hope you and your families have a wonderful (and relaxing) belly-stuffing Thanksgiving!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Season by Season, Country Blessings - Stampin' Up!
Cardstock: Ruby Red, Elegant Eggplant, More Mustard, Pumpkin Pie - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Autumn Traditions Designer Series Paper - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Leaves #2 Originals Die - Sizzix; Kraft corduroy buttons - Stampin' Up!; Branch and Frond punches - Martha Stewart Crafts; pinking shears; linen ribbon; styrofoam wreath form

Fall Blessings

Hi friends! Only one day left before break! Yipee!

Before I go full-on Christmas mode (I admit, I've been listening to Christmas music already.. gotta love the 'Sounds of the Season' cable channel) I have a fall card to share with you. I am squeaking in under the wire with last week's sketch challenge from Mercy.

Here is the sketch:

And here is my card:

Boy, do I love these colors together! I had a color combination of Terracotta Tile and Spring Moss in mind and then when I saw this patterned paper from the Cosmo Cricket Nutmeg collection, my plan fell perfectly into place! This card is 6" by 3-1/2".

The oak leaf and acorn stamps are from the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blessed By You stamp set. The Fall Blessings sentiment is from Peace and Plenty. I stamped the leaves in Spring Moss, Really Rust, and Dark Chocolate. I cut them out and added some Martha Stewart glitter with a glue pen. Nothing like adding a little sparkle :)

I think I am finally caught up now with Mercy's Tuesday Sketch Challenge. I like doing these challenges regularly, so I'm glad to be back on track. And before I go, I'd like to share another of my husband's photos with you. Today's card reminded me of this one. Enjoy!

Hope you have a wonderful night!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Peace and Plenty, Blessed By You - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Terracotta Tile, Spring Moss, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Nutmeg - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Spring Moss, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; Really Rust, Creamy Caramel, Close to Cocoa - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Green Agate, Brownstone, Fire Opal glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; sewing machine

Winter Wonderland ATC

Here we are at another Monday! I had grandiose plans for crafting this weekend but only managed to squeak out the ATC I am sharing with you today. But, I did take a mini-road trip with my Mom, winterized my backyard patio, put some finishing touches on my studio, and rearranged more furniture - so all was not lost! ;)

This is for Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps, using their Snowflake Tree stamp.

I don't usually make ATCs, but they are so fun! A mini canvas for your creativity!

I stamped the snowflake tree once onto white cardstock and again onto shimmer white. I used a punch to punch out the shimmery circles and then adhered them to the first tree with foam tape. I added some stitching, some aqua rhinestones, and a layer of vintage glass glitter. You could add this to a card front, use it as a tag, or trade it! Just keep an eye out for an ATC trade on your favorite forum. It is fun to work on the small scale. Hopefully I'll have better luck with the crafting tonight - I have so much I'd like to do!

Have a great evening - thank you for stopping by!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Snowflake Tree, Winter Wonderland - Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps
Cardstock: Night of Navy, Cool Caribbean - Stampin' Up!; White, Shimmer White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Night of Navy - Stampin' Up!; Old Paper Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Creative Candy Twinkle Stickers - Amuse; sewing machine; vintage glass glitter; circle punches

Holiday Birds

Happy Friday everyone! Just a quick one today.. here is another card made using the holiday stamps from Prickley Pear. This stamp is called Holiday Birds.


The image was stamped with Tuxedo Black Memento and colored with my Copics. It was matted on a piece of Riding Hood Red cardstock that had been outlined with a gold paint pen.

I added some random messy stitching to a piece of Mellow Moss, and some snowflakes to the Sahara Sand cardstock. I had a piece of faux pine and a pinecone that I thought would be fun to add!

Thanks for stopping by - it is Light Up Night here in Pittsburgh so I'm going to head downtown later for some hot chocolate and fireworks! The Holiday Season is offically here!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Holiday Birds, Snowflake - Prickley Pear Rubber Stamps
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red, Sahara Sand, Mellow Moss - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!; Memento Tuxedo Black - Tsukineko
Other: Assorted Copic markers; sewing machine; Stardust Gelly Roll pen - Sakura; gold paint pen; faux foliage

Pink Winter Wonderland

It is a dreary, cold and rainy Thursday here today. I think some cozy time on the couch is in order this evening.

Today's card uses new holiday stamps from Prickley Pear.

I stamped the flourished reindeer three times with Versamark ink and then embossed it with silver embossing powder. I added a Raspberry Fizz mat and then tied on a Raspberry Fizz satin ribbon. The card base is a Hibiscus Burst square (I can't seem to make anything but square cards recently). I added some clear adhesive rhinestones to the deer antlers to finish it off. The sentiment is also from Prickley Pear.

Hope you enjoy! Stay warm and dry tonight! :)

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Flourished Deer, Winter Wonderland sentiment - PPRS
Cardstock: Hibiscus Burst, Raspberry Fizz, White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: True Black - PTI, Versamark - Tsukineko
Other: Raspberry Fizz satin ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Rhinestone stickers - Recollections; silver embossing powder

Cookie Sheet Advent Calendar

Hello!

I have to tap into my files of old projects to share today's with you.. I haven't made anything new in a few days. But that changes tonight! I have new stamps from Waltzingmouse Stamps sitting on my desk, my Papertrey Ink order was delivered today, and I have assignments for Prickley Pear. I don't know what I'm waiting for!

Today's project is a cookie sheet advent calendar that I made for the craft show last weekend. These are a little time consuming, but so, so fun! I certainly didn't come up with the idea - a quick Google search results in these links here, here and here (and many more). I first saw this idea last year and made them as gifts for family. I can't wait to make one for myself.

Anyway - on to the photos!


If you have any product-specific questions or want to know a little more about how I did something, please ask! I'm not going to bog us down with details in this post today. I will say that I used patterned paper from the Cosmo Cricket Oh Joy Collection (Frosty and Wrapping Paper), Thickers from American Crafts, and other little do-dads from my stash. Each day is a magnet created from a chipboard shape, and either inked or glittered (if they are glittered, I put a coat of Crystal Effects on top to smooth and seal them). Here is a close-up of some of the days (click on any picture for a larger version).

The dates are stamped onto the cookie sheet as well, so that when the magnets are not in place, you have a guide for magnet placement.. not that you couldn't just count! ;)

There is still time to get cracking on one of these for yourself in time for December!

I also wanted to thank you for the kind words you had for my husband's photos. He pops in here now and again, so I know he saw them. I will certainly share more of his pictures!

Thank you for your visit, and I hope the rest of your day is wonderful!

#Anya

Please comment on this post or email me for any product-specific questions you may have :)

Warm Wishes

Hello, my friends!

I have a cozy, snowy card for you today. I am enjoying experimenting with some non-traditional holiday colors and originally made this card for the first Embellish Magazine publication call.


All stamps used are from the Waltzingmouse Stamps Very Vintage Christmas set (which is currently out of stock - but you can add your name to Claire's waiting list).

This would be easy to mass-produce for Christmas cards.. which I just might do! I love the colors together and think these snowflakes are so elegant. A color combination of light and dark blue would be beautiful too! Have you started your Christmas cards yet? (I haven't!)

And finally, before I go, I wanted to share these photos with you. My husband took these. He really is turning into quite the photographer - if anyone has contacts in the photo industry, please send them our way!

Those are star trails - seriously! That just boggles my mind!

And a classic western Pennsylvania stream. Aren't they fantastic?!

Enjoy your evening!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Very Vintage Christmas - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Kraft, Rustic Cream, Ocean Tides - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Real Red, Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!; Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Ocean Tides Twill, Dark Chocolate Button, Rustic Cream Button Twine - Papertrey Ink

Blessed By You set

Ok! I feel like I might be returning to the land of the living once again! Between the craft show and my studio remodel, I have been crazy! I finished the painting and carpet removal this weekend, so I think I am approaching the home stretch. I really just want to spend the week on the couch! ;)

Before I share my stuff for today, I wanted to address some questions you guys left on my Christmas Coasters post. After I stamp my coasters (I use StazOn, Palette Hybrid Ink, or other permanent ink) and let them dry, I spray on a clear coat to seal it. I use Krylon clear in a matte finish and have never had any problems with the ink running or fading or anything. I've had a coaster on my desk at work for 2+ years and it is as good as new! I also put felt pads on the four corners to really give it a finished look and feel.

Today I want to share another set of cards that I made. I really am enjoying taking a few elements and carrying the theme throughout a whole set of cards. This one uses PTI 2008 Bitty Box Basics patterned paper and some stitching. Here's a selection.. each card has a different sentiment from the Waltzingmouse Stamps set Blessed By You.

Plum Pudding and Beautiful Blooms:

Ocean Tides and Rustic Branches:

Ripe Avocado and Blessed By You:

And because they are so pretty together, a shot of the whole set:


Aren't the sentiments perfect! I love that they say a little more...

Thanks for the visit - enjoy your evening!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Beautiful Blooms, Rustic Branches - Papertrey Ink; Blessed By You - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Plum Pudding, Ocean Tides, Ripe Avocado, White - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: 2008 Bitty Box Basics collection - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Plum Pudding, Ocean Tides, Ripe Avocado, True Black - Papertrey Ink
Other: Sewing machine

Serendipity Nov DT Challenge

Today is the 15th, which means it is time for another Serendipity Stamps Design Team challenge. This month we were challenged to make a shaped card. I knew what stamps I wanted to use right away and so it was serendipity that my card is a circle! :)

Both the wreath image and the sentiment are from the Autumn Wreath Cling Stamp Set. I colored the wreath with Copic markers. The sentiment was stamped and trimmed, then I added a few rhinestones.

I think this card would make a fabulous place card for Thanksgiving dinner! Don't you agree?

Now make sure you stop and visit the other Design Team members!

Amy
Jennifer
Kathie
Lynda
Shannan
Sue
Yvonne

And don't forget that Serendipity also sponsors a Reader Challenge in conjunction with the DT Challenge. Check out the Serendipity Stamps Blog and Gallery for more information - play along with us and you could win a $20 Serendipity gift certificate!

Thanks for stopping by - I hope your day is great!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Autumn Wreath Cling Stamp Set (963QCL) - Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Elegant Eggplant - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento - Tsukineko; Elegant Eggplant - Stampin' Up!
Other: Assorted Markers - Copic; Classic and Scalloped Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; purple adhesive rhinestones

Christmas Coasters

Coasters are another craft show crowd-pleaser and they are fun to make!

I'll skip the chit chat and go right to pictures. All the supply information is below.

Vintage Ornaments:

Tree Trimming Trio:

And (you knew it was coming)... Christmas plaid! I will be making one of these for myself. :)

Thanks for your visit - I hope you're having a great day!

#Anya

Recipe:

Vintage Ornament Coaster
Stamps: Vintage Ornaments, Signature Christmas, Faux Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Halloween Party (star cluster) - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Raspberry Fizz, True Black - Papertrey Ink; Water Lily Green Palette Ink - Stewart Superior; Midnight Blue StazOn - Tsukineko

Christmas Tree Coaster
Stamps: Tree Trimming Trio, Snowfall - Papertrey Ink
Ink: True Black - Papertrey Ink; Water Lily Green, Jardin Moss, Moulin Rouge Palette Ink - Stewart Superior

Plaid Coaster
Stamps: Off Beat Backgrounds - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Blazing Red, Olive Green StazOn - Tsukineko

All use 4x4 tiles purchased from my local big box hardware store.

Eye Candy

Two quickies today - these are some other things I've put together for the craft show. I'll add the supply list later, but am in a bit of a hurry right now!

Love making these recipe books - I use the Bind-It-All to put these together:

And more notebooks.. this one is special for Teacher. I always find that someone is looking for a teacher gift..

Sorry for the abbreviated post - I will add the supplies tomorrow. Thank you for your visit and I hope you have a great evening!

#Anya

Recipe:

Vintage Apron Recipe Book
Stamps: Vintage Apron, What's Cookin'? - Lockhart Stamp Company; Recipe Box - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Sage Shadow, Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Bundt Pan from the Nook and Pantry Collection - Basic Grey; Title Strips from the Summer Soiree Collection - Fancy Pants
Ink: True Black - Papertrey Ink
Other: Thickers - American Crafts; Effervescence border punch - Fiskars; Bind-It-All - Zutter; circle punches; vintage buttons

Teacher Notebook
Stamps: Take Note, Teacher's Apple - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper: Homework and Tube Socks from The Boyfriend Collection - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: True Black, Spring Moss - Papertrey Ink; Cardinal VersaColor - Tsukineko

More Many Thanks

As promised, here are the other two thank you cards in the set.

Using my ultimate favorite stamp, the plaid from Off Beat Backgrounds:

And finally, using Guide Lines and Guide Lines Two:

Here's a photo of all 5 cards together - an aerial shot :)

Lovely!

Thank you for your visit today, I'll be back again tomorrow with more. Have a great night!

#Anya

Recipe:

Plaid Thank You
Stamps: Off Beat Backgrounds, Very Vintage Labels No. 4 - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Giga Guide Lines - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Baja Breeze - Stampin' Up!; Soft Stone - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Not Quite Navy, Baja Breeze - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Labels Four Nestabilities - Spellbinders

Guide Lines Thank You
Stamps: Guide Lines, Guide Lines Two, Damask Designs - Papertrey Ink; Very Vintage Labels No. 4 - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Spring Moss, Guide Lines Grid Cardstock, White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Spring Moss, Ripe Avocado - Papertrey Ink; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Labels Four Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Adhesive pearls (Lush) - Kaiser

Many Thanks

Hi everyone! I hope you all are doing well. I have been really busy - I am moving my studio into another room in the house and I've been painting, tearing up carpet and moving what feels like every piece of furniture in the house. It has been a lot of work and there's clutter everywhere. I am relatively settled now and at least have a craft space I can work at. I also have a craft show this weekend that I am preparing for, so I've been trying to squeeze that in as well. Hopefully I will be able to keep updating!

I am making a few card sets for the show and I thought I would share a few cards from the set of thank you cards I am making. It is a set of five 4-1/4 inch square cards. They all follow the same theme - handstamped patterned background paper and Very Vintage Labels No. 4.

The recipes for each are below, but I went right to Off Beat Backgrounds from Waltzingmouse Stamps for a few of my patterned papers.

Using the chevron from Off Beat Backgrounds:

Using the polka dots from Off Beat Backgrounds:

And finally, using Fancy Flourishes and Background Basics: Text Style II from Papertrey Ink:

What do you think? These were really fun to make - nothing like stamping your own patterned paper. I will share the last two of the set tomorrow. Thanks for stopping by - I hope you have a great day!

#Anya

Recipe:

Pink Thanks
Stamps: Off Beat Backgrounds, Very Vintage Labels No. 4 - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Mega Mixed Messages - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Pink Pirouette - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Pink Pirouette - Stampin' Up!; True Black - Papertrey Ink; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Sweet Blush Satin Ribbon - Papertrey Ink; Labels 4 Nestabilities - Spellbinders

Purple Thanks
Stamps: Off Beat Backgrounds, Very Vintage Labels No. 4 - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Everyday Classics - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: SS White - Papertrey Ink; Pale Plum, Perfect Plum - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Pale Plum, Perfect Plum - Stampin' Up!; Milled Lavender Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Labels 4 Nestabilities - Spellbinders; clear adhesive rhinestones

With Gratitude
Stamps: Very Vintage Labels No. 4, Peace and Plenty - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Background Basics: Text Style II, Fancy Flourishes - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: SS White - Papertrey Ink; Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Sahara Sand, Baja Breeze - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Labels 4 Nestabilities - Spellbinders

On the Nice List

I have another Elfin creation to share with you today. You may have seen this on the Waltzingmouse Stamps Secret Set blog post.. (more info here). I'm officially on this year's Nice List!

With the seal of approval from the Chief Elf, no less!

The card details, straight from the elves themselves: gold embossing powder was layered (heat and cool a few times to create thickness) and then stamped with the Chief Elf's seal. The classic circle was layered onto a pinked circle. Other elements include some stripes (oh yes, plaid stamp from Off Beat Backgrounds) and some pixie footprints! What a treat!

Here's a close-up of the seal:

Thanks for stopping by! Now go over to Waltzingmouse Stamps and visit Claire, give her some love, and find out about the Secret Set!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy, Spring Moss - Papertrey Ink; Wild Wasabi - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Real Red - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Classic and Pinking Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Edge Distresser - Heidi Swapp; Gold embossing powder

Plum Crazy Plaid

Happy Wednesday everyone!

I don't usually use purple much in my paper crafting - it isn't that I dislike the color, I guess I tend towards other colors first - but the current Moxie Fab World Challenge is helping me to be plum crazy!

And what could be better than a perfect plum plaid!! ;)


I started with half a sheet of Perfect Plum cardstock. I stamped my plaid (Off Beat Backgrounds) in Perfect Plum, Night of Navy, and Peony VersaColor ink. *swoon*

The card base is Night of Navy, and I adhered my plum plaid diagonally and trimmed off the rest. The label is from Very Vintage Labels 4 and the circle tag and sentiment is from Seasons of Love - Tags. I adhered the label on a bit of an angle, just for kicks. I added a silver button, some white gel pen dots, and some distress ink to finish it off.

This deep purple color is really speaking to me right now - I am thankful to Cath for the inspiration and challenge! Go here to check out the challenge, be inspired, and submit your entry!

Have a great night everyone! I am so glad to see you today!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Very Vintage Labels 4, Seasons of Love - Tags, Off Beat Backgrounds - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Perfect Plum, Night of Navy - Stampin' Up!; White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Perfect Plum, Night of Navy - Stampin' Up!; Peony VersaColor - Tsukineko; Antique Linen, Tea Dye Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Signo white gel pen - Uniball; Vintage Lables 4, Classic Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Silver elastic cord - Stampin' Up!; silver button

Release Day!

Hello everyone! Today is release day for the new Waltzingmouse Stamps!

Today I am going to share a card that I 'found' using a very special new set! If you've been following the Waltzingmouse Blog, you know what I'm talking about. To see this set in full, follow the instructions here. Maybe you'd like to be a proud member of Santa's Network, too?


Santa is one sneaky guy, isn't he?

I can't wait to see what other things him and his elves come up with! *wink* I know he would love to hear that you stopped by today!

Head on over to Waltzingmouse Stamps and check out the other new releases!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Elegant Eggplant - Stampin' Up!; Shimmer White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: True Black - Papertrey Ink; Moonlight White Brilliance - Tsukineko

Holiday Hugs

Another red and white holiday card for you today.. made very simple with more Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly!


The cute little gingerbread man is from the Waltzingmouse Stamps Oven Fresh Gingerbread Joy stamp set. I stamped him in Close to Cocoa ink and added some red Stickles for buttons. The bottom edge of the red cardstock was punched with the Upper Crest border punch. The sentiment is also from the Gingerbread Joy set. The ribbon is Pure Poppy twill.

So glad you could stop by today, I didn't have a chance to get crafty this weekend, but I am hoping to tonight. Have a great evening!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Oven Fresh Gingerbread Joy - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Smitten Mitten from Jolly By Golly Collection - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Close to Cocoa - Stampin' Up!
Other: Pure Poppy Twill - Papertrey Ink; Upper Crest border punch - Fiskars; Red Stickles - Ranger