Happy Halloween!

Happy Halloween to you!

We don't have many neighborhood kids where I live, so I put some Halloween treats together to give to my nieces and nephews.

I dipped some pretzel rods in orange chocolate and tucked them in their own little bags. I finished them off with a Halloweeny tag, created using the Midnight Feast stamp set and some Spellbinders circle shapes. Yum!

Hope you have a spooky day!

Anya

An Invitation

Happy Saturday morning!

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


Here is my card. This was so fun to make, I pulled a little bit of this and that together from my WMS sets to complete it.

Here is a picture with the tag removed.


A fun way to receive an invitation, huh?

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!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, friends, and thank you for your visit today!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Halloween Party, Midnight Feast, Little Box Labels, Holiday Labels No. 14 - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: True Black, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink; Kiwi Kiss - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper: Matilda - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Old Olive, Tangerine Tango, Elegant Eggplant, Basic Black - Stampin' Up!; Wild Honey, Antique Linen, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Labels Eleven - Spellbinders; True Black twill, Simply Chartreuse button - Papertrey Ink; Library pocket - European Papers; Bat punch - Martha Stewart Crafts

Creepy Crawly

Oh its Friday. I am so looking forward to the possibilities of the weekend.

Here are some creepy crawlies for you today.

I used the Friendship Jar and Fall Fillers sets and coordinating dies from PTI. The fun plaid patterned paper is Blackbird from My Mind's Eye. I stitched a strip of scrunched up tulle on top, its a bit hard to see, but a good compliment to the jar full of spider webs!

Tomorrow I will be back with the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge for the week but before I go I wanted to let you know that Lizzie Anne Designs is having a Halloween sale. Now through Sunday, the entire store is 20% off! I hope you find some goodies.

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Background Basics: Tin Types, Friendship Jar, Friendship Jar Fall Fillers - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Going Gray, Soft Stone - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Blackbird - My Mind's Eye
Ink: Going Gray, Basic Gray - Stampin' Up!; Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger
Other: Jar & Lid, Jar Label dies - Papertrey Ink; Peeled Paint reinker - Ranger Industries; Copic Black multiliner; Tulle; Sewing machine

Fright Night

Hi there!

Back to Halloween projects today. Here's a fun little card I made using Matilda patterned paper and Ready Set Chipboard from Cosmo Cricket.

This came together super quick! The Ready Set Chipboard is fun to use.

Bill has posted some more info on his blog about TTV photography. He posted an in depth explanation of the technique that you might find interesting. Me? I'm a more visual person. Here are some more photos that he took (at one point he actually asked me if I wanted to take some pictures) so the last one is mine. Very addicting - I cannot wait to take some holiday pictures.







There are more in our gallery too.

I also wanted to let you know that I have a post today on the Lizzie Anne Designs Blog. I'd love for you to stop by!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Spooky Sweets - Papertrey Ink
Cardstock: Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Matila - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Double Embossed Dotted Lace punch - EK Success; Matilda Ready Set Chipboard - Cosmo Cricket; Orange Peel Stickles - Ranger Industries; sewing machine

Serendipity Simple Christmas

Good morning. I am taking a break from the Halloween cards today to bring you this week's Serendipity Stamps DT challenge. This week, we were challenged to make simple (one layer, limited embellishments) Christmas cards. I let Serendipity's outstanding images speak for themselves and created these cards (you can find their Winter and Christmas images here).

This card uses the Birch Candles image and Simple Merry Christmas sentiment. I colored my image with Copic markers and then accented with some coordinating Martha Stewart Crafts glitter. I finished it off with a simple knot of baker's twine.

My second card features one of my favorite Serendipity images, the Cozy Village.


I used the Cozy Village Cling Set, which also includes the sentiment used. I love the font and curvy lines.

I colored this image using ink pads and an Aquapainter. Then I gave everything a healthy dose of glitter - it is a snow-covered village after all! I really love this simple card.

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!

Amy
Kathie
Lynda
Jenny (Guest Designer)

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:
Kraft Merry Christmas Card
Stamps: Birch Candles, Simple Merry Christmas - Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Kraft - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento - Tsukineko
Other: Copic markers; Cappuccino Baker's Twine - The Twinery; Garnet, Brownstone, Yellow Gold Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

Cozy Village Card
Stamps: Cozy Village Cling Set - Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Spring Rain - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries; Handsome Hunter, Close to Cocoa, Marina Mist, Real Red, Whisper White - Stampin' Up!
Other: Dazzling Diamonds glitter - Stampin' Up!; Aquapainter

Wreath of Stars

Hi!

Today's Halloween card is a result of one of those lightbulb moments. I was doing a bit of studio reorganization and I was looking through the images in the new LAD Key to Happiness set and I saw this wreath. It is included with other holiday images, but since it didn't have any outwardly Christmas vibes, I thought it would be fun to use for Halloween.

I paired the image with some Halloween patterned paper and rhinestones, and I think it turned out pretty fantastic!

Thanks for stopping by, I hope you have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: The Key to Happiness, Deck the Halls - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Orange Zest, Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Halloween Prints - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Halloween rhinestones - Recollections; True Black Felt, Ric Rac Border die - Papertrey Ink; Stardust gel pen - Sakura; Baker's Twine - Apple Blossom Paperie; sewing machine

Best Witches

Hi there! How was your weekend? Mine was good - we fit in a little kayaking, some hockey, and a bit of creating and studio reorganization (which is almost just as fun as creating!)

I decided that in a last-ditch effort to use my favorite Halloween things and count down to the big day, that I would spend the rest of this week sharing Halloween projects. Today's card is a fun, collagey mix of different elements.

See the paper rosette? It was made with the Tim Holtz Alterations Paper Rosette die. This was so super simple and fun to make that I guarantee you'll be seeing more of them!

Love all the bits and pieces on this!

One more thing I'd like to share before I go is a photography project that my husband started. You may have heard of it or seen it before, but it is called TTV (through the viewfinder) photography. I'll direct you to the post on his blog about it, but look at this photo he took of our fireplace.

Oh, it just makes my vintage-loving heart swoon.  I cannot wait to take Christmastime photos using this technique.  Could you imagine how our Wanda's Pantry photoshoot would have looked?  I may need to recreate a bit to try it out! So fun!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Text It - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Tangerine Tango - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper: The Spider's Web - My Mind's Eye
Ink: Basic Gray - Stampin' Up!
Other: Halloween Time Vintage Cuts, Halloween Greetings Creative Scraps - Crafty Secrets; Paper Rosette Die (Tim Holtz Alterations) - Sizzix; Baker's Twine - Apple Blossom Paperie; Doily - Wilton; Bat punch, Fire Opal Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Sewing machine

Creeping Spiders

Hello hello!

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

I think you might see a last surge of Halloween projects here before the big day! Here's my card for today.

Can I tell you something? If it hasn't stolen your heart already, you need Text It. Please trust me, it just makes my crafty little heart so happy, and I want you to be happy too! :)

I combined the loopy script font from Text It with the polka dots from Offbeat Backgrounds to create some super fun patterned paper. The spiders and sentiment are from Halloween Party.

Thank goodness for these stamps, you know? I've seen a trend in my stamping recently and I think stamping my own backgrounds is keeping me sane. 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!

I hope you have a wonderful weekend, friends, and thank you for your visit today!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Text It, Offbeat Backgrounds, Halloween Party - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: True Black, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Kiwi Kiss - Stampin' Up!; Jet Black Archival Ink, Antique Linen, Peeled Paint, Black Soot Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Color Spritzer - Stampin' Up!; Lilac Baker's Twine - The Twinery

Trick or Treat

We made this quick and simple card at my last Stamp Camp.

Boy, do I love my Halloween Party set. For this card, I paired the cauldrons with some halloween patterned paper. I will miss creating for Halloween once its over, but Christmas is always fun, too!

Have you seen the Tag - You're It! challenge that WMS is having? The details are here on the WMS Blog and the prize is a *whopper* - almost $200 to spend however you want in the WMS store!! Seriously, that is awesome, what a prize! I can't wait to play along too, you know I love tags. I am waiting for the November sets to arrive to get started - I've got an idea floating around using them! Ooh it will be soon now! Lots of time to enter, so play along!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Halloween Party - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: True Black, White - Papertrey Ink; Kiwi Kiss - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper: Halloween Prints - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Kiwi Kiss, Concord Crush - Stampin' Up!; Jet Black Archival Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Mandarin Baker's Twine - The Twinery; Simply Chartreuse button - Papertrey Ink

Lizzie Anne Holiday Preview

ED - Ooh! All of Lizzie Anne's Holiday/Christmas sets are currently 20% off - including the cutie I used below.  Hurry, its just for a limited time!!

Good morning!

I am here to share the October Design Team Challenge from Lizzie Anne Designs.  This month we're doing a holiday preview featuring some of the many Christmas sets that Lizzie Anne has to offer.  We were challenged to create a card and a non-card project.  Each DT member is sharing projects from different sets, so you'll be sure to have lots of eye candy today!

I used the Deck the Halls set.  So, so cute!

For my non-card project, I made a petal box. These are fun and easy!

I created some patterned paper using my stamps and then sliced it up to decorate my box. I added some glitter to the candy canes after assembling everything and boy are they cute! I tied the box up with some crinkle ribbon and added a tag.

And here is my card. I just love it!

I stamped the single stocking three times onto cardstock and then again onto patterned paper. I paper pieced the stocking and then glittered them up. There's nothing like holiday projects to make me break out the glitter! I really like this color combination, too.  There is also a string of stockings in this set that I can't wait to use.

So there you have it - a little holiday kick start. Head over to the Lizzie Anne Designs blog to see what the other DT members created for this challenge.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Candy Cane Petal Box
Stamps: Deck the Halls - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Riding Hood Red - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Riding Hood Red, Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Garnet glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Circle punch - Marvy; Red Crinkle Ribbon - MemrieMare; Tags Trio - Spellbinders
Merry Christmas Stocking Card
Stamps: Deck the Halls - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Garden Green - Stampin' Up!; Aqua Mist, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Mitten Weather - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Jet Black Archival, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries; Garden Green - Stampin' Up!
Other: Dazzling Diamonds glitter - Stampin' Up!; Peapod Baker's Twine - The Twinery; Apron Lace punch - Fiskars; Sewing machine

Enjoy Every Bite

Hi! I have approximately 3 minutes to post this and run! I've been busy, busy.

Luckily for me, I seem to have neglected to write down my supply list for this card, so I'll have to come back later with that information.  Let's just have a quick share today, then, ok?

The stamp is from a Stampin' Up! set, and I think the patterned paper is Making Memories.  I love the funny look on this skeleton's face... makes me giggle every time.

So sorry for the in and out, but its been that kind of week.

However, please stop back tomorrow as I will be sharing my projects for this month's Lizzie Anne Designs DT Challenge - to create for the holidays!  I hope you'll join me!

Have a great day!

Anya

October WMS Blog Waltz

Good morning, waltzers! Welcome to the October 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! This month's Waltz competition is to guess the subject of one of the stamp sets being released in November. The participating DT members each have a one-word clue on their blogs. Once you see all of them, you should be able to guess! A correct guess could win you a stamp set of your choice!

Ok, now that we've got the details out of the way, here is my card!

I thought it would be fun to use Big Blooms - Poinsettia to create some sunflowers.  I think they look pretty convincing! :)

After I stamped my flowers, I needed to find a little something to fit in the open spaces in between.  There are lots of great shapes in Teeny Trees - I thought at first I would try the small CONE-shaped tree but instead chose one of the fun swirly circles.  After I finished my pattern, I stamped one of the images from Text It over top.  I can't seem to stop using that set! I used the font that coordinates with my sentiment.  Love that!

Have fun waltzing! Don't forget to head back to the WMS Forum to chat and join the contest.

So glad you could stop by today - don't forget the clue!!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Big Blooms - Poinsettia, Teeny Trees, Text It - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Rustic White, Kraft - Papertrey Ink; Close to Cocoa - Stampin' Up!
Ink: So Saffron, More Mustard, Mellow Moss, Close to Cocoa - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Sewing machine

Boo!

Hiya!

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

Love that wide-open space!

Here's what I made, feeling the Halloween love still.

Using the pumpkin guys from Halloween Party, I made up some background paper then trimmed it to fit my 6-1/2 by 3-1/2 inch card. I added some twill and crocheted lace and used glittered chipboard letters to spell out boo! Fun stuff!

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!

Tomorrow is the October Friends of Waltzingmouse Stamps blog waltz - I hope you're planning to play along, and be sure to stop by! You can find all the info you need by following that link. I will see you then!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Halloween Party, Midnight Feast - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Rustic Cream - Papertrey Ink; Pumpkin Pie - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Cajun Craze, Pumpkin Pie, Marigold Morning, Old Olive, Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Chipboard letters - American Crafts Thickers (Sprinkles); Terracotta Tile Twill - Papertrey Ink; Crocheted lace; Tracing wheel

LAD November Mix Preview

Good morning, my dears!

I am pleased to be able to share my first post as a Lizzie Anne Designs DT member! Today I am sharing a preview of the November mix set, called The Key to Happiness. 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. It is a super deal!

On to the cards!

I got a jump start on this card by using this week's LAD sketch challenge. So excited to add some more sketches to my book!

I used the fancy skeleton key stamp to create my background. Then I stamped the image of the door, inking up the sentiment part two more times to create a ransom note paper piecing bit. I found the little key charm in my stash - one of those things I've had for years just waiting for the right card!

Here is my second card, a little cutie if I do say!  I combined the fancy teapot and sentiment with some October Afternoon patterned paper for a card that would be perfect for my Nana.  A piece of a Die-Cut Lace Tag peeks out from under the teapot, like a fancy doily. 

Thanks for stopping in today.  Head over to the Lizzie Anne Designs Blog to see what the other DT members have created for the November mix!  Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Open Door Card
Stamps: The Key to Happiness (Nov. Mix) - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Soft Suede - Stampin' Up!; Rustic Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Soft Suede, Basic Black, Cajun Craze - Stampin' Up!; Bundled Sage, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Bracket punch - EK Success; Linen thread; Sewing machine; Key charm
Time for a Cuppa Card
Stamps: The Key to Happiness (Nov. Mix) - Lizzie Anne Designs
Cardstock: Baja Breeze - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: The Thrift Shop - October Afternoon
Ink: Poppy Parade - Stampin' Up!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Yellow rhinestone - Recollections; Die-Cut Lace Tag - Martha Stewart Crafts

In Your Debt

A quick, scrappy card for you today using lots of fun elements.

I acquired a new package of Die-Cut Cardstock from K&Company - this time from the Life's Journey line. I really like to turn to these when I want to make something but don't know where to start. I rifled through the package and set a few elements aside - the Telegraph record and the postage stamps, and then built my card around them.

I stamped the card base with one of the stamps from Text It. I think these just look great with everything, and the longer stamp length means I don't need to try and line up the edges, which I love. I also liked how it mimicked the handwriting on the telegraph. I added a piece of fabric that had been stitched and frayed and then my telegraph sheet, stamped with one of the sentiments from Rescue Remedies Additions.

The other bits include a vintage button tied with baker's twine, the postage stamps I had set aside, and a sprocket gear and game spinner from Tim Holtz. Fun stuff!

I will be back tomorrow with previews of the November Mix set from Lizzie Anne Designs! Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Text It, Rescue Remedies Additions - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Kraft - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Going Gray - Stampin' Up!; Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Life's Journey Die-Cut Cardstock - K&Company; Sprocket Gear, Game Spinner - Tim Holtz Idea-ology; Cappuccine Baker's Twine - The Twinery; Vintage button; Fabric; Sewing machine

Serendipity Snowbird

Hi there! It is Wednesday, so that means it is Serendipity Stamps DT challenge day. The DT was challenged to create a card depicting a hobby that they (or someone else) may have. If you hang around here often, you know how much I love watching and feeding my backyard birds. Well, Serendipity has a fantastic collection of beautifully illustrated bird stamps (many are here in the 'Animals' section), so that's what I used for my card!

We were also challenged to use this sketch:

I chose to work with the images in the Snowbird Cling Set.

The single feather image was stamped repeatedly to create a background pattern. I used the Versamark/Perfect Pearls technique again, stamping the feathers in Versamark and then brushing Perfect Gold Perfect Pearls over top. The top right corner of the card is at the correct angle for you to see all that shimmer.

I colored the bird image with Distress Inks and an Aquapainter. A white gel pen was used to add some highlights and to color in the snow on the branches. So there you go! Whether your other hobbies include knitting, reading, fishing, hunting, sewing, gardening, boating, traveling, or antiquing (among others!) Serendipity has you covered!

Please be sure to visit the other Design Team members to see their take on the challenge!

Amy
Kathie
Lynda
Jenny (Guest Designer)

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: Snowbird Cling Set (1139QCL), For You Small (615B) - Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Fine Linen, Terracotta Tile, Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento, Versamark - Tsukineko; Brushed Corduroy, Stormy Sky, Rusty Hinge, Walnut Stain, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Perfect Gold Perfect Pearls - Ranger Industries; Labels Twelve Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Signo White gel pen - Uniball; Crochet thread; Vintage button; Sewing machine

Being Crafty and Funkin Punkins

Hello dears. I have some non-card craftiness to share with you!

I tried my hand at some serious (for me - it actually involved a pattern!) sewing last week. I have to say, I was pretty impressed with myself!

My sweet niece turned the big *4* this weekend and I thought she would love an apron. You see, for a while there, every time Allison came over my house she had to cook her Uncle Bill and I scrambled eggs. I have no problem with this whatsoever, and I fully encourage it! She can cook some mean eggs (supervised of course, don't you worry)! I hear she helps her grandma bake as well, so it was a done deal.

I found a free pattern online for a child's apron, and so I set to it. I was a big fan of the Velco closure!

Here's the finished product.

And here is cutie patootie Allison modeling for me.

She looks pretty snazzy, huh? Her gift also included a child's cookbook, so we'll see what sorts of goodies come out of her kitchen! ;)

I also wanted to share another fun thing with you today. If you think I'm crafty, you should meet my mom. Let's just say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree. She makes these crazy fun pumpkins - she calls them "Funkin' Punkins"! I love them, and I thought maybe you would, too!

Each is uniquely designed and hand sewn. She lovingly chooses or creates all the bits for their fun faces, combining new and found items.

I particularly love this guy with the eye patch!

The pumpkins are approximately 8-inches in diameter and would be a fantastic addition to your Halloween and Fall decor. Please email me (link in left sidebar) if you would like to make one your own or have any questions. Each is $20, which includes shipping. I've also added these guys to my Items for Sale page.

Thanks for the opportunity to share - I will see you tomorrow!

Anya

Happy Harvest

Good morning!

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

I looked at those very tree-shaped elements and thought: pumpkins! :)

I used images from Bountiful Baskets Additions and Peace and Plenty (I love that they coordinate!) to make my little pumpkin patch. The background was stamped with the type font from the new Text It set.

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: Bountiful Baskets Additions, Peace and Plenty, Text It - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Wild Wasabi - Stampin' Up!; Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Restoration Collection (Woodgrain) - Crate Paper; Matilda (Green Plaid) - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento - Tsukineko; Old Paper Distress Ink - Ranger Industries; Old Olive - Stampin' Up!
Other: Copic Markers; Orange Zest Button - Papertrey Ink; Lemondrop Baker's Twine - The Twinery; Sewing machine

Halloween Greetings

Hey you! Its a beautiful Friday here - how is your day going?

Thank you all for the super sweet and wonderful comments you left for me during the Waltzingmouse Stamps countdown and the October release Blog Waltz.  I enjoyed reading each one of them - you are all so dear to me!  The Blog Waltz contest runs through tomorrow (Saturday) evening, so make sure you get your comments in.. you could win a free WMS stamp set just for doing so! 

This week's challenge over at The Shabby Tea Room was to create a card with a Vintage Halloween theme. Well, if you've been here before, you know those words are irresistable to me!

I couldn't resist throwing some Enchanted Evening into the mix of colors - I love these together. The image is from the Crafty Secrets Halloween Creative Scraps - I was so excited to get these (and then use them)!

I had fun making this - who doesn't love glittered bats and pom pom trim? I hope you have a super day.. tomorrow I will be back with the WMS Sketch Challenge!

Hugs!

Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Midnight Feast, Halloween Party - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Enchanted Evening, Summer Sunrise - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink, Black Soot, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Halloween Greetings Double-Sided Creative Scraps - Crafty Secrets; Double Embossed Dotted Lace Punch - EK Success; Seasonal Grungeboard (bats) - Tim Holtz; Hematite Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Pom Pom trim - JoAnn Fabrics; Crepe paper

WMS October Release Blog Waltz

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

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

You should have arrived here from Julia's blog and Belinda 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! :)

Do you ever have an idea, and just can't get over it until you get it out? When I first saw the artwork for Big Blooms - Poinsettia, I wanted to stamp the images onto felt. With the gift-giving season quickly approaching, I wanted to make something that I could reasonably give as a gift. I came up with this.

I started by stamping the largest and medium-sized poinsettia blooms onto red felt. I set these aside to dry and then trimmed them out, trying to leave approximately 1/4-inch around the image. I then cut two pieces of cream colored no-pill polar fleece (8-1/2 by 12) for the front and back of my pillow. The first step in decorating the front was to stitch the swirls, just a random pattern to fill up some space. Then I carefully stitched the flowers to the fleece, trying to stay within that extra 1/4-inch I left around the image. After stitching the front and back of the pillow together and filling it, I added some half pearls to the flowers.

I always sort of wing sewing things, but this looks good enough to jazz up an armchair for the holidays, no?

I also have a card to share, I couldn't resist creating (my favorite) a cream-colored poinsettia. 

It is impossible to see from this shot, but the background was stamped using Versamark and one of the stamps from Text It.  Then I brushed on some Perfect Gold Perfect Pearls for a perfectly warm, shimmery background.  Here's a shot I took before I assembled the rest of the card.

Please try this! You won't be disappointed!  It adds a gorgeous, subtle shimmer.

The poinsettia is the largest of the set, stamped twice and embossed in gold.  I cut some of the central petals from the second flower and adhered them over my original flower with dimensional tape.  The sentiment is from Compliments of the Season, also embossed in gold. The finished card size is 5-1/4 inches square.   I love this card.  It is so warm and just makes me happy :)

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 Saturday, October 9th. Winners will be announced on the WMS Blog.

The details for October'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 Belinda!

Anya

Recipe:
Red Poinsettia Pillow
Stamps: Big Blooms - Poinsettia - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Pure Poppy Felt - Papertrey Ink; Half-pearls - Stampin' Up!; Cream colored Fleece - JoAnn Fabrics; Sewing machine
White Poinsettia Card
Stamps: Big Blooms - Poinsettia, Text It, Compliments of the Season - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Versamark - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Filigree Gold Embossing Powder - Stewart Superior; Perfect Gold Perfect Pearls - Ranger Industries; Smoky Quartz Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Diamond Lace Border Punch - EK Success; Chipboard (Infuse) - Basic Grey; Lace; Adhesive pearls; sewing machine

WMS October Release Day Three

Hi there! Have you been enjoying the new release previews so far? If you haven't been following along, Waltzingmouse Stamps is releasing five new stamp sets tomorrow. Claire and the rest of the DT have been sharing previews of the new sets since Monday, and what amazing previews they have been!

Today I am previewing Text It, Claire's take on the popular text background. This set contains five different, delicious fonts! And in true WMS fashion, the stamps are large enough to easily cover a card front without having to match up the ends. So easy!

I have a friend who recently celebrated her fall birthday.. I picked up a cute ceramic pumpkin candle holder and wanted to create some coordinating packaging for her gift. Using the different stamps from Text It and the Leaves #2 Die from Sizzix, here's what I came up with!

I certainly have been loving creating gift bags recently! This one is larger than I normally share, almost 8 inches across. I stamped the gothic font (which I adore) onto a strip of cream cardstock and added some stitching and Distress Ink. The leaves were cut from various cardstock and then stamped with one of the script fonts from the set. A coordinating button was added to each of those. I used the same products for the tag, layering a few different fonts, some velvet ric-rac, and another leaf that I stamped with a sentiment from the Compliments of the Season set. Here's a close up for you.

I found the fun little clothespin in the office section of Walmart. Did you know that you could use Distress Inks to color your clothespins? Yep!

While I had everything out, I also created a card. I took cues directly from my bag, and this cutie came together in just a few minutes!

I just adore those rich colors. The sentiment is from Bountiful Baskets Additions.

I love fall! So that's what I have for today, here are the other DT members sharing previews today:

Claire
Belinda
Bonnie
Jennifer
Joan
Julia
Lisa
Lynn
Mona
Sandie

Tomorrow is the new release Blog Waltz - the fun begins on the WMS Blog tomorrow at 2:00 pm EST. I hope to see you there!

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Text Leaf Bag, Tag, and Card
Stamps: Text It, Compliments of the Season (Available October 7), Bountiful Baskets Additions - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Rustic Cream, Scarlet Jewel, Kraft - Papertrey Ink; Peach Parfait, Cajun Craze, Creamy Caramel - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Tea Dye, Brushed Corduroy Distress Ink, Coffee Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Leaves #2 Die - Sizzix; Tiny Attacher (Tim Holtz Idea-ology) - Advantus; Large Kraft bag - Target; Small Clothepin (@ the Office Wood Paper Clips) - Walmart; small tag; buttons; crochet thread; velvet ric-rac; sewing machine

Lizzie Anne Designs

Just interrupting here for a quick announcement!

I have been invited to join the Lizzie Anne Designs DT!  I am grateful, humbled, and very excited to work with these amazing ladies. You can read more about it here on the LAD Blog.

Back to your regularly scheduled programming - thank you! :)

WMS October Release Day Two

Good morning! Today is Day 2 of the WMS October release previews. Five new stamp sets will be released on Thursday, October 7. There is so much more to see before then!

Today I am sharing samples using the Frame It set.

Frame It contains two frame borders and 18 different (fabulous!) sentiments. It wasn't until after I finished these cards that I realized I didn't use a single one of them! I guess that goes to show how versatile it is!

Birthday Wishes - perfect for my niece's birthday this weekend!

I inked the square frame with a glue pad then added some purple glitter. The cupcakes were stamped onto a bit of scrap cardstock, colored and then cut out. I added more glitter on them for perfectly sparkly cupcakes. The sentiment is from Bountiful Baskets Additions, released last month. A quick, simple card.

I've had a thing recently for adding fabric to my cards. When I was at the Fair last weekend, I picked up a bag of fabric scraps for $1. They are all the perfect size for cards, just little bits of this and that. I trimmed this piece to fit within my rectangle frame and stitched it to my card front. The poinsettia is from Big Blooms - Poinsettia, stamped and cut out. I added the gold pearls to the center and highlighted the flower with a Garnet Spica glitter pen.

And here's one that is a little different. I liked that the Text It stamps actually had real phrases on them and not just a jumble of words. I inked my stamp up and highlighted some of these phrases with a marker.

It is crooked and faded and I love it. :) I stamped my frame and masked off the outside so the text would just be inside. I trimmed the outside with pinking shears. The patterned paper is scraps from the Restoration Collection from Crate Paper. I added some felt and threaded some buttons onto a bit of baker's twine.

So that's today! Thank you for stopping by, be sure to check out the rest of the design team's previews:

Claire
Belinda
Bonnie
Jennifer
Joan
Julia
Laurie
Lisa
Lynn
Mona
Sandie

Have a great day!

Anya

Recipe:
Birthday Wishes Card
Stamps: Frame It (Available October 7), Bountiful Baskets Additions - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Lavender Moon, White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Rich Razzleberry - Stampin' Up!; Tuxedo Black Memento Ink - Tsukineko
Other: Copic Markers (V0000, V000, V12, E43); Dazzling Diamonds Glitter - Stampin' Up!; Amethyst Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts
Season's Greetings Card
Stamps: Frame It, Compliments of the Season, Big Blooms - Poinsettia (Available October 7) - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Vintage Cream - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger Industries; Cherry Cobbler - Stampin' Up!
Other: Filigree Detail Gold Embossing Powder - Stewart Superior; Garnet Spica glitter pen; Gold adhesive pearls - Recollections; Black patterned fabric; sewing machine
Share. Smile. Hug Card
Stamps: Frame It, Text It (Available October 7) - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Rustic Cream - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Restoration Collection - Crate Paper
Ink: Rich Cocoa Memento - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Ocean Tides felt, Spring Moss buttons - Papertrey Ink; Lemondrop Baker's Twine - The Twinery; pinking shears