Friday, December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas!

My dear friends, wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays.



I'll be back soon, going to take a few days to savor this time of year.

But before I go, the winner of my magazines! Random.org drew number 5, so you're my winner Nancy! Please email me your address and I will send your magazines out.

Take care, my dears! Lots of love and holiday wishes to you.

Anya

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Yuletide Blessings

Oh good morning sweet friends. This morning we are having our Christmas breakfast at work, a wonderful excuse to relax a little and enjoy some time together. I am blessed to work in an office full of interesting, caring people and I am very thankful for that. The office closes for a half day, and we can all head home to our families and start to enjoy the holidays.

Today's card is the design I used for my Christmas cards this year. Based on these cards made for a previous WMS release, I opted for the rich color combination of red and cream.


I switched up the stamps that I used, and was pleasantly surprised to find that the poem from 'Twas the Night Before Christmas was a perfect fit for the card front. I worked assembly-line style when making these cards and finished 20 of them in a weekend.

I so look forward to sending and receiving Christmas cards, we always hang them in the doorway between our living and dining rooms. I have been a little disappointed this year in the number of printed photo cards that we received. Don't get me wrong - I like to see photos of the little ones in our lives all dressed up in their holiday finest, but what bugs me most is that not a single one of these cards included a hand-written holiday message. Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I miss reading that little wish of joy for the season.. a connection between two families.

I will be choosing a winner for my little giveaway this evening, so if you have not yet left a comment it might be a good time to do so! :) I will be back tomorrow to announce the winner.

Have a fantastic day my dears!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
'Twas the Night Before Christmas, Musical Backgrounds, Holiday Labels No. 14, Compliments of the Season - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Rustic White - Papertrey Ink; Riding Hood Red - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Sahara Sand, Riding Hood Red - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Labels 14 - Spellbinders; Perfect Gold Perfect Pearls - Ranger Industries; Gingham Paper Tape - Martha Stewart Crafts; Sewing machine

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Christmas Thanks

Good morning! I am here today to bring you this week's Serendipity Stamps DT challenge. This week we were challenged to create a Christmas thank you card. I must admit, sending a thank you after the holidays is something I have overlooked too often.

I wanted to keep a wintry theme with my cards, and I liked this little Snowman with Tree image.

I know that I didn't use a traditional 'thank you' sentiment, but I thought this Christmas Memories sentiment was heart-warming. It made me think of cozy times with family and friends, the excited faces Christmas morning, and fuzzy pajamas. I also thought it was a nice segue into the note I plan to write inside, about how the recipient helped to create some wonderful Christmas memories for me.

I liked this card so much that I created a second using the Snow Angel image. I thought these two made a cute pair.

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)!

Don't forget to leave a comment on this post for a chance to win the most recent issues of Paper Crafts and CardMaker Magazines!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Snowman with Tree, Snow Angel, Christmas Memories - Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Kraft, Harvest Gold, Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Copic Markers - Imagination International, Inc.; Pinking Blade for Rotary Paper Trimmer - Fiskars; Stardust Gel Pen - Sakura; sewing machine

Monday, December 20, 2010

Baby, its Cold Outside!

Happy last Monday before Christmas!

I hope you're enjoying the time leading up to the big day. Last night was my first round of baking for the season.

Yummy, yum, YUM!

Today I want to share a cute little card that is easy to put together with circle dies or punches.

Isn't he a cutie? I saw a snowman image like this somewhere and thought how easy it would be with my Circle Nesties! I cut three circles, each one smaller than the last, inked the edges a bit and then layered them onto my card with foam tape. I used a small dot stamp to create his face and buttons. His arms and nose were cut from scrap cardstock and his scarf is a few snips of ribbon. He looks like he's ready for a hug!

This month I was fortunate enough to have a card featured in both CardMaker and Paper Crafts Magazines. I just happened to have an extra copy that I would love to send to you! Please leave a comment sharing what you are most looking forward to this Christmas. Maybe it is time with your family, the giving of gifts, or maybe just that special 'feeling' this time of year has. On Thursday night I will randomly draw a winner to receive both issues and announce it here on Friday!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps: Snowfall - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Close to Cocoa, Pumpkin Pie, Cool Caribbean - Stampin' Up!; White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Cool Caribbean - Stampin' Up!; True Black, Dark Chocolate - Papertrey Ink; Pumice Stone Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Standard Circles Large and Small Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Ribbon

Saturday, December 18, 2010

Merry Christmas

Good morning! I am here today to share my card for this week's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge.

I used one of my favorite WMS Christmas sets, Sewing Box - Christmas for this card. Here is this week's sketch:


The chevron image is from Off Beat Backgrounds. It is one of my favorite things to paper piece these images, I particularly love the holly!

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!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Sewing Box - Christmas, Off Beat Backgrounds - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke, Poppy Parade - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Pear Pizzazz, Always Artichoke, Poppy Parade - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Dazzling Diamonds glitter - Stampin' Up!; sewing machine

Friday, December 17, 2010

Holiday Photos

Any day that starts with a croissant for breakfast is a good one. It also helps that it happens to be a Friday. How is your Friday going?

The holiday festivities in my cozy little home have begun. On Wednesday, Bill and I celebrated our anniversary and started our annual gift giving marathon. We share a gift a day up through Christmas. I love this tradition and how it seems to stretch the season. I have been making tags for Bill's packages, and will share those with you later. Other than that, I haven't been doing much paper crafting... I'm busy working on a ----- --- for my mom, an ----- for my MIL, and some ---- for my SIL and brother's GF. :) Now you didn't think I'd just tell you, did you? You'll have to wait until after Christmas to see those - they are surprises!

Today, I thought it might be fun to share some holiday TTV photography with you (you may remember I shared some back in October). Go here to read more about TTV photography, or here to see some more photos. I think these pictures really capture Christmas for me - I'd love to print them for our cards next year.






These photos were taken at the Phipps Conservatory Winter Flower Show.

Before I go, I hope you've been following the Waltzingmouse 12 Days of Christmas. I am so amazed by the fantastic projects the DT shared and can't wait to try them out. You can find a list of each participating member on the WMS Blog and leave a comment for your chance to win a free stamp set. Enjoy!

Anya

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Cozy Winter Wishes

Good morning!

Popping in quickly to share a wintry card I made using Sewing Box - Christmas from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I love the many possibilities for paper piecing these adorable images.

I liked the combination of dark purple and light blue for winter. I hope you've got a pair of fuzzy mittens like these, its really cold outside!

Have a great day, and stay warm!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Sewing Box - Christmas - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Spring Rain, White - Papertrey Ink; Concord Crush - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper: 2008 Bitty Dot Basics - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Concord Crush - Stampin' Up!; Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Large Standard Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Polka Dots, Herringbone Embossing Folders - ProvoCraft; Corner Chomper - We R Memory Keepers; Button twine; Copic marker

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

LAD January Mix Preview

Hi there!

Today I am sharing a preview of the Lizzie Anne Designs January mix set, called Lucky in Love. All the details about the Mix Club (which is now switching to a quarterly release) can be found here on the LAD website. This month we are looking ahead to Valentine's Day. There is a great mix of romantic and whimsical images in the set.

I used the sucker image and coordinating sentiment for my first card.

So lovey dovey - and sparkly!

I used the fun lantern image for my second card. There is also a wonderful encouragement sentiment that coordinates with this image. I paper pieced my lanterns and added some subtle shimmer. So many occasions this card would work for!

Thanks for stopping in today. Head over to the Lizzie Anne Designs Blog to see what the other DT members have created for the January mix and to read more about the changes to the Mix Club!

Anya

Recipe
Sucker for You Card
Stamps:
Lucky in Love, Warmest Wishes - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Berry Sorbet, Pure Poppy - Stampin' Up!; Pink Pirouette - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento Ink, VersaMark - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Copic Markers (R32, R37, E43) - Imagination International; Stardust Stickles - Ranger Industries; Doily - Wilton; Mat Stack 4 Die - Papertrey Ink; Sewing machine

Lantern Card
Stamps:
Lucky in Love - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Ripe Avocado, Fine Linen, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Distressed Dots - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Seeing Spots Embossing Folder - ProvoCraft; Stardust gel pen - Sakura

Monday, December 13, 2010

Thank you for the Cookies

Hello friends! How are you? Are you knee-deep in the holidays, too? I have about a half-dozen unfinished projects and I just keep plugging away! I finally finished my Christmas cards (phew!) and most are on their way to their destination.

Today I'm tapping the archives for a photo that I don't think I've shared yet. I have a few other things to share but I'm trying to keep things Christmasy now! :)

This was made using one of the WMS sets released last year, Santa Was Here. I adore this snowflake pattern.

A perfect card for your kiddies to find on Christmas morning, along with the empty plate of cookies they left for Santa! Keep the magic alive! ;)

Have a great day, my dears, I'm back to it.

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Santa Was Here - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Riding Hood Red - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Riding Hood Red - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Silver pearls - Recollections; sewing machine

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Santa Claus is Comin' to Town

So I hope you have been good!

Here is my card for today's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. I had not yet had a chance to use this half-moon Santa image from Around Christmastime, and today's sketch was the perfect opportunity.

The red, green, and light brown cardstock was all colored using Distress Inks. This is a fun technique using your Distress Inks if you've never tried it. I smooshed the ink pads onto my craft mat, spritzed it with water and then pressed my cardstock down into it. The result is a mottled, vintage look. Tim Holtz uses this technique often: he has lots of other technique ideas on his blog. I used a heat tool to dry the cardstock and then stamped my images. I am loving the combination of red and dark brown, paired with this Santa image it feels so cozy and Old World.

I added a distressed doily to my background and some rusty jingle bells. This would be a great combination for a tag too! *makes a mental note* :)

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!

Hope you have a fantastic day, we're off to get our tree!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Around Christmastime - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Early Espresso - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Barn Door, Fired Brick, Aged Mahogany, Antique Linen, Tea Dye, Vintage Photo, Forest Moss, Pine Needles, Walnut Stain Distress Ink, Coffee Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Doily - Wilton; Rusty Jingle Bell - Darice; Baker's Twine - Martha Stewart Crafts; Standard Circles Small Nestabilities - Spellbinders

Friday, December 10, 2010

LAD December DT Challenge

Good morning!

I am here today to share the December Design Team Challenge from Lizzie Anne Designs. This month we were challenged to create a tag featuring holiday stamps. I can do that!

I used the present image from Deck the Halls to create these cute stacked boxes. Stamped in festive colors and cut out, I accented them with glitter (a must!) and a baker's twine bow.

This was a very timely challenge as I'm ready to switch into tag-making-mode! Some of you know about one of my holiday traditions - my hubby and I share a gift a day between our anniversary and Christmas and I make a tag for his gift each day. The fun starts next week, so I'd better get to it!

Thanks for stopping to visit me today, be sure to head over to the Lizzie Anne Designs blog to see what the other DT members created for this challenge. Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Deck the Halls - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Jolly By Golly - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Wild Wasabi, Riding Hood Red, Crumb Cake - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Garnet, Peridot, Antique Silver Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Maraschino Baker's Twine - The Twinery; Wild Wasabi stitched ribbon - Stampin' Up!; Sewing machine; Jingle Bell

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

April Birthday

Hello! I am here today to bring you this week's Serendipity Stamps DT challenge. This week we were challenged to create a birthday card using one of the month stamps from Serendipity's Illustrated Months set. I love these - one of these days I *will* make the calendar I've had on my list!

I chose to make my card with the image for the month of April. We were given this sketch to work with:


And here is my card:

I followed the sketch pretty much to the letter, just couldn't resist putting my month image right there in that oval spot. Part of the image was paper pieced and other parts were colored with my Copics.

Here is the inside, using the It's That Time and the Happy Birthday sentiments. No reason why I can't use a Christmas sentiment for a birthday, no? I mean, a birthday comes around once a year too!

The Illustrated Month stamps are available in two sizes (the one I used on my card is the larger size). They are available individually or in a set; they are also available in Cling Sets with coordinating sentiments. Go check them out, the illustrations are really adorable!

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)!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
April, It's That Time, Happy Birthday - Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Baja Breeze - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper: The Thrift Shop - October Afternoon
Ink: Coffee Archival Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Copic Markers - Imagination International; Doily - Wilton; Sewing machine

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Waltzingmouse 12 Days of Christmas


Hi there! I am pleased to be your hostess this morning for Day 2 of the Twelve Days of Christmas, Waltzingmouse Style!

Normally at this time we would be previewing new stamp sets for release. However, this month WMS is taking a break from releasing new stamps to allow us (all!) to enjoy the holidays with family and friends, as well as to focus on some fantastic things happening behind-the-scenes! It is all very exciting, and we appreciate your enthusiasm!

In lieu of a release this month, we are instead coming together to bring you some ideas and inspiration for holiday crafting (and beyond) which we are calling the Twelve Days of Christmas, Waltzingmouse Style! Each day will showcase a different Design Team member, so be sure to check the WMS Blog daily through December 17th for the links.

Today I have an easy holiday home decor project that packs a punch!

Aren't these paper pierced luminaries beautiful? They are easy, too - keep reading for a step-by-step tutorial.

For each luminary, you will need one sheet of cardstock, a needle or paper piercer, and your favorite WMS stamps.

Step 1. If desired, trim your cardstock to size. I used one full sheet of 8-1/2 by 11 cardstock for the red luminary. Changing the width of the cardstock on the 8-1/2 inch side will change the height of your luminary. I used a different width for each of mine so they would all sit at different heights.

Choose where you want to stamp your design. Using a pencil and ruler, lightly draw a line.

Step 2. Using your pencil line as a guide, stamp your pattern. I used Versamark ink, but you can use whatever ink you'd like. I used images from Santa Was Here, Festive Foliage, and Sewing Box - Christmas for my luminaries. Anything with a bold outline will work great.

Step 3. Using a paper piercer or needle, punch holes around your image to outline the shape. I would recommend using a piece of foam or a mousepad underneath to protect your work surface. I found it easy to punch a hole at each corner and then to fill in the rest - this seemed to help to keep things evenly spaced.

Step 4. Finish piercing your design and erase your pencil lines.

Step 5. To assemble your luminary, cut an additional piece of cardstock the width of your luminary (in this case, 8-1/2 inches). I used a strip approximately 1 inch wide. Apply strong adhesive (I used Scor-Tape) to this strip of cardstock.

Step 6. Remove adhesive liner and adhere the cardstock strip to one side of your luminary.

Step 7. Repeat on the other side, curving your cardstock into a tube shape as you go. This extra cardstock strip adds some stability to the junction of your cardstock as well as to give it a nice clean edge.

See, wasn't that easy? Here are all three of the luminaries I created so you can see the different images and the height differences.

Now all that is left to do is to add a candle, dim the lights, and enjoy!

I think these would be so pretty as a centerpiece lined up along your holiday dining room table! I hope you enjoyed this project - if you give it a shot, I would love for you to share!

Tomorrow, you'll want to head over to Lisa's blog for her project! Have a great day!

Anya

Monday, December 6, 2010

Holly Happy Birthday

Hi! How is Monday treating you? Is your holiday planning coming along? Our outdoor lights went up this past weekend - it was freezing, but I was anxious to get them up. I did some shopping, too. I love to give gifts, I get more excited about the giving than the receiving, and right about now I get really impatient!

I have another holiday birthday card to share today. I sent this to Joan, my fellow WMS DT member who celebrated her birthday over the weekend. I hope you had a fantastic day, Joan!

I used WMSC25 as inspiration for this one. I also used my favorite holiday color combination: red, cream, and sand with a touch of green for good measure!

I am really glad that I can use Festive Foliage beyond Christmas - I have a hard time putting it down. :)

And for those of you itching for holiday inspiration, today the WMS DT is kicking off the Waltzingmouse 12 Days of Christmas! Each day a different WMS Design Team member will be sharing holiday ideas and inspiration for gift giving, home decor and more! Today, my dear friend Julia is sharing some great gift-wrapping ideas. Head to the WMS Blog each day for a sneak peek of the project and a link to follow... oh you will love what we've come up with!

See you tomorrow, friends!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Festive Foliage, Faux Fun, Say it With Style - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Rustic White - Papertrey Ink; Cherry Cobbler - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Sahara Sand, Cherry Cobbler, Handsome Hunter - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Filigree Gold Embossing Powder - Stewart Superior; Cappuccino Baker's Twine - The Twinery

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Kisses Under the Mistletoe

Hi there. I am here to share today's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. I can't believe we are already up to Week 26! Here is today's sketch:

A circle! Here's my card:

I was inspired by this quilted mistletoe my mom made for me. It has the cutest little felted berries, I just love it. Its very festive hanging in my doorway.

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 fantastic day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
Festive Foliage, Little Box Labels - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Cherry Cobbler, Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke - Stampin' Up!; Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Mellow Moss, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand, Cherry Cobbler - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Lacey Circles, Standard Circles Large - Spellbinders; sewing machine

Friday, December 3, 2010

The River Bends

Hi there!

Its a cozy Friday here.. the snow is slowly falling, the birds are busy at the feeder. I am looking forward to a warm evening at home.

Here's a card I made using The Key to Happiness, November's mix set from Lizzie Anne.

I love that each of the images in the mix sets have at least one sentiment that coordinates. I particularly like this one - a great masculine encouragement sentiment - those are hard to come by!

I hope you have a great Friday and fantastic weekend. On tap for me is to update my blog banner, to work on a project for a super fun WMS thing that is happening next week, and to try and finish some more shopping! Fun times!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps: The Key to Happiness - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Fine Linen - Papertrey Ink; Early Espresso - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Coffee Archival Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Woodgrain Impression Plate - Papertrey Ink; string

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Pine Cone Candle

Hi there. How is your Thursday going?

I have an easy and festive gift to share with you today. This also makes great decor in your own home, too.

You may have seen this candle that I made for last month's WMS release. I needed some craft show projects, and it was easy to come up with a few other designs based on that first candle.

The candles themselves are pillar candles from Michaels - I think they are less than $3 each. I used some vintage sheet music given to me by my mom (these were her piano lesson books from the early 60s :)

The tag was created using Festive Foliage, which is one of my all-time favorite WMS stamp sets. The branch was stamped once in green and once in brown. I cut them both out, layering just the brown pine cones onto the green needles. It is very easy to ink this stamp up with both colors at once (see Claire's post here) but I liked the dimension those extra pine cones added.

I added some crystal glitter to the pine cones and tied the tag to my candle using baker's twine and a jingle bell. Isn't it just sweet? I made a few of these for a craft fair I'm participating in. Like I said, an easy gift or fun decor for yourself. If you want to light the candle (which smells like yummy evergreen) all you need to do is just slide the band off the candle.

Two more things quickly before I take off. I just had a thought about my advent calendar - you certainly don't need to have your days in order. I've seen many calendars with the days mixed up so that you have to do a bit of searching for the one you're looking for. Not necessary, but might be fun if you have little ones! The way that I made the boxes to fit within the frame would be so easy to switch them up from year to year, or even as you go!

And secondly, I added a new page to my left sidebar with a list of the Waltzingmouse Stamps sets and the Spellbinders Dies that coordinate with them. If you scroll down that same page, there is also a second list listing the Spellbinders dies and the WMS stamp sets that coordinate with them. So if you want to know what dies coordinate with Rescue Remedies, or if you have the Standard Circles Large and want to know what stamps you can use with them all the information is in one place. This list will be available on the WMS site as a resource soon, too, and will be updated as new sets and dies are added!

Have a great day, my dears!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps: Festive Foliage - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Background Basics: Woodgrain - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Rustic Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries; Evergreen, Pinecone Versacolor - Tsukineko
Other: Vintage Cream Twill; Tag Sale Die #1 - Papertrey Ink; Baker's Twine, Crystal Glitter Fine - Martha Stewart Crafts; Vintage Sheet Music; Jingle Bell; Pillar Candle

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Home Sweet Home

Hi there! Can you believe it is December already? Geez.

Today Lizzie Anne is releasing two Simply Singles for December. This month's singles are the House and the Home Sweet Home sentiment.

I love images of dogs that remind me of my own. This little one reminds me of Luca, our crazy pup.

When I was thinking about the card I wanted to make, this house image combined with the idea of home reminded me of one of those cute Home Sweet Home Samplers that you might find hanging on Grandma's wall. What do you think?

I used the Classic and Lacey Square Nestabilities to create the frame. I stamped the House image and colored it with Copics.

Here is a photo of the inside, where I used the Home Sweet Home sentiment. This sentiment makes me feel all warm and fuzzy :)

Look for the other Lizzie Anne DT members sharing previews of the singles then head over to the LAD shop and add them to your cart! :)

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe
Stamps:
House, Home Sweet Home - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Kraft, White - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: 2008 Bitty Box Basics - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento Ink - Tsukineko
Other: Standard Squares Large, Lacey Squares Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Copic markers; White brad; Twine

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