Play Date Cafe Challenge #162

Hi there! It certainly is a busy time of year, isn't it? I hope you are all having a chance to enjoy the season. I have been doing my best.

Today I am here to share this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge. This week we have another beautiful holiday combination: gold, teal, mint, and lavender.

This week we were sponsored by Jenni Bowlin Studios who sent us some fabulous stamps to work with.

I used the Writer clear stamp and created this card:

I used strips of cardstock to add some color blocking to my card. I made sure to incorporate some glitter for the gold! I stamped the stamp right over my cardstock strips then added the word hello, assembled with Thickers. This stamp was fun to use, you could have it writing just about anything!

This is another great holiday color combination - I hope you will join us! This challenge will be open for two weeks, so hopefully you will be able to squeeze something in amongst all your holiday merry-making! You can link up your creation over at The Play Date Cafe Blog. You have through Tuesday, January 1st to play along. While you're there, you can check out the Cup of the Week prize from our fabulous challenge sponsor, Jenni Bowlin Studios!

Thank you for sponsoring us this week, Jenni Bowlin Studios!

Have a super day and a very happy holiday if I don't see you before then!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Writer - Jenni Bowlin Studios
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9; Sage Shadow, Taken With Teal, Wisteria Wonder - SU!
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: Antique Gold Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Thickers - American Crafts

Play Date Cafe Challenge #161

Hiya!

Welcome to this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge. This week we have a favorite holiday trio of mine: evergreen, gumdrop, and candy cane red.

And here is the card that I created:

I used one of my all-time favorite Waltzingmouse sets, Candy Jar Christmas Fillers on this card. I combined it with the complimentary Jar Fillers - Jam Packed for the lid image.

This is a great holiday color combination - I hope you will join us! You can link up your creation over at The Play Date Cafe Blog. You have through Tuesday, December 18th to play along. While you're there, you can check out the Cup of the Week prize from our fabulous challenge sponsor, Simon Says Stamp!

Thank you for sponsoring us this week, Simon Says Stamp!

Have a super day!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Candy Jar Christmas Fillers, Jar Fillers - Jam Packed - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Rustic White - PTI; Wild Wasabi, Real Red, Regal Rose - SU!
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento - Imagine Crafts; Wild Wasabi - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Eyelet Lace, Pinking Shears Border Die - PTI; Copic Markers - Imagination International; Star Dust Stickles - Ranger; Sewing machine - Janome

Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog

Hi there - how is your week going?

I have some fun news to share with you .. Serendipity Stamps has just started a Challenge Blog! The bi-monthly Design Team challenges are being opened up to all of us for the chance to join in and maybe win some great Serendipity goodies! You have two weeks to complete the challenge, so there's plenty of time to squeeze it in.

The first challenge is to create a honeycomb or accordion embellishment for your project - check out this gorgeous example from Cathy Weber:

Isn't that so lovely?

The only challenge requirements are that you use at least one Serendipity Stamps image on your project. Pretty simple! And if you don't have any Serendipity Stamps, let me direct you the Serendipity store for a little shopping!

The current challenge will remain open for a few more days, I would really love if you would visit the challenge blog, check it out, see the amazing DT inspiration for this first challenge and join in!   Hope to see you there!

Have a great day!

December Cloud9 Blog Hop

Hello Wplus9 fans!

Welcome to the December Cloud9 Blog Hop! We have a big month for you - Suzanne has picked two fabulous photos to inspire you and we have three amazing guest designers joining us!

We are so lucky to have Amy Kolling, Maureen Merritt, and Kim Singdahlsen sharing their creations with us this month. These ladies are fabulous!

Here are the inspiration photos for this month:

I loved the second photo, with all the different items arranged so beautifully. I took inspiration from their placement along with the patterns and pops of red to create this card:

I so enjoyed pulling together all the different elements to use on this card. In addition to some patterned paper, a few buttons, a wooden snowflake and some washi tape, I used images from Folk Art Flurries, Mehndi Medallions, Spring Tags, Fair Isle Backgrounds, and Christmas Wishes. I love spreading all the stamp sets out and picking out bits and pieces from each to combine.

And now I have another holiday card to add to the stack. Its a good thing!

I am so glad that you've stopped by to see me today, I hope you'll play along with this month's Cloud9 Blog Hop with the chance to win fabulous Wplus9 prizes! You have until 10 am on December 12th to link up with us over on the Cloud9 Blog.

Also be sure to check out the amazing creations from the rest of the inspiration team:

Suzanne Dahlberg
Gayatri Murali
Christina MacLaren

as well as our three special guest designers:

Amy Kolling
Maureen Merritt
Kim Singdahlsen

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Recipe
STAMPS: Folk Art Flurries, Mehndi Medallions, Spring Tags, Fair Isle Backgrounds, and Christmas Wishes - Wplus9 Design Studio
CARDSTOCK: Real Red - SU!; Kraft, Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: Christmas Plaid - Hot Off the Press (JoAnn Fabrics Stores)
INK: Latte - Amuse|Studio; Real Red - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Kraft Buttons - PTI; Wood Snowflake - Maya Road; Wonderland Paper Tape - Martha Stewart Crafts; Sewing Machine - Janome

Play Date Cafe Challenge #160

Hiya!

Welcome to this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge. This week we have some beautiful wintry colors for you: mountain top, icy blue, and snowflake.

And here is the card that I created:

For this card, I used the Four Framed Snowflakes set from Hero Arts. I added a little glitter and some white ink. I like the tile look of this, especially with the sparkle.

You can join us by linking up your creation over at The Play Date Cafe Blog. You have through Tuesday, December 11th to play along. While you're there, you can check out the Cup of the Week prize from our fabulous challenge sponsor, ScrapbookPal.com!

Cricut
Cartridges

Thank you for sponsoring us this week, ScrapbookPal.com!

Have a super day!


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Recipe
STAMPS: Four Framed Snowflakes - Hero Arts
CARDSTOCK: Fine Linen, Rustic White - PTI; Bordering Blue - SU!
INK: Buckaroo Blue, Whisper White - SU!
OTHER: Blue Topaz Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

Waltzingmouse December Release +3

Happy Wednesday!

Today is my final day of samples for the Waltzingmouse Stamps December release. These sets are now available for sale and I hope you've had a chance to pick some up! Today I am sharing two cards made with the Ornate Ornaments set.

This set contains beautifully illustrated ornament images that coordinate with the 2010, 2011 and 2012 Heirloom Ornament dies from Spellbinders!

For my first card, I did a little paper piecing.

I stamped the ornament three times, each on a different sheet of patterned paper. Then I cut the separate pieces out and assembled them. I don't have the coordinating dies for this shape (2012), but I found it pretty easy to just cut this out by hand. I layered the ornament onto more coordinating patterned paper and added some rhinestones and a fancy button. I like the different look you get from paper piecing this.

For my second card, I used the back of the small ornament stamp to give me a solid background on which to stamp the striped pattern.

I stamped the back of the stamp first onto my Kraft cardstock and then went back in and stamped the front (correct side) in Versamark so I could heat emboss the detailed image in white. For the two outside ornaments, I added the starburst image from Vintage Ornaments (this is out on my desk full time now) before embossing the detail.

A little bit of patterned paper and some stitching and you have a fun, colorful card. I also added a portion of the woodgrain chevron from the Woodgrain Backgrounder Set peeking out on the top and bottom. I love the reverse stamp trick - it doesn't always work, but here it was perfect!

Well that is it for me, I so appreciate you making my blog a regular stop! I hope you enjoyed my samples and they kept you inspired while you waited for your stamps to arrive :)

Here are the links to the other gals posting today:

Belinda Chang Langner

Kelly Schirmer

Lynn Mercurio

Have a great day!


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Recipe
Glad Tidings
STAMPS: Ornate Ornaments - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Cherry Cobbler - SU!; Fine Line - PTI
PATTERNED PAPER: Season's Greetings - Echo Park Paper Co.
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: Snowflakes Embossing Folder - Provo Craft; Adhesive rhinestones - Recollections; Vintage button

Peace Ornaments
STAMPS: Ornate Ornaments, Woodgrain Backgrounder Set, Vintage Ornaments - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Kraft - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: Jolly By Golly - Cosmo Cricket
INK: Rich Razzleberry, Bermuda Bay, Poppy Parade, Whisper White - SU!
OTHER: Detail White Embossing Powder - Stampendous; Sewing Machine - Janome

Waltzingmouse December Release +2

Hiya!

Today I am back to share some samples using My Heart and Woodenheart Alphabet. These sets are part of the Waltzingmouse Stamps December release that are now available for sale. My stamps were delayed in arriving, so I get to share my cards with you now! :)

My Heart is a perfect lovey dovey set. There are some fantastic heart images in this set, but I thought I'd focus on some of the sentiments.

Song stuck in your head now? ;)

My second card uses some of those beautiful woodgrain patterned hearts.

I took the hearts and went Christmasy with them. I liked how the vine heart reminded me of a wreath, so I just went with it. The background was stamped with the large woodgrain background from the Woodgrain Backgrounder Set. The sentiment was created using the Woodenheart Alphabet. This alphabet coordinates beautifully with the sentiments and images in the My Heart set. It is about time to get the Christmas tags underway, so I am looking forward to using this set for my Anniversary tag. I will be sure to share!

Speaking of sharing, please be sure to visit the other ladies doing a release 'postview':

Belinda Chang Langner

Kelly Schirmer

Lynn Mercurio

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Recipe
Love Is All We Need
STAMPS: My Heart - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Melon Mambo - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Regal Rose, Melon Mambo, Rose Red - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries; Slate - Amuse|Studio
OTHER: Pink Sorbet Twine - The Twinery; Sewing Machine - Janome

Peace
STAMPS: Woodgrain Backgrounder Set, Woodenheart Alphabet, My Heart - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Fine Linen, Vintage Cream - PTI; Ruby Red - SU!
INK: Always Artichoke, Ruby Red, Early Espresso, Whisper White - SU!; Pebble - Amuse|Studio; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Postage Stamps - Spellbinders Paper Arts; Adhesive pearls

Waltzingmouse December Release +1

Hi there,

Today I am going to share some more samples of the sets just released as part of the Waltzingmouse Stamps December release. Before I get there, though, I wanted to make sure you were aware that WMS is now shipping from the US!

The current release, as well as the stamps released in November are available for immediate shipping from here in the US. Not all of the WMS catalog is stocked currently in the US, but more will become available on this side of the pond as they are reordered! You can find all the details (as well as some information about a spread-the-news competition that Claire is having) here on the WMS Blog! This is fabulous!

So back to today's previews. First up is the Woodgrain Backgrounder Set. Yes, it has a huge woodgrain background stamp that is a fast favorite, but it also has some other elements (a few banners, a hexagon) that are perfect for some background building. Here are these images at work.

For this card, I used the woodgrain dot to create some background patterned paper. Lots of possibilities with this one!

Next up is a little holiday card using the woodgrain hexagon.

The hexagons were stamped right onto the cardstock - I just winged the first one and built the rest around it. The little starburst is from Vintage Ornaments and was the perfect element to help fill the centers of the hexagons. Throw in a gingerbread man and a holiday sentiment, and you have an easy Christmas card.

I had so much fun making that one that I thought I'd try again in some Valentine colors.

Same deal here, except I used a heart image and sentiment from Sweethearts.

Fun! All the new stamps are available for sale in the Waltzingmouse Stamps store. Don't forget to check out the competition details on the WMS blog, too!

I'll be back with more post-release previews tomorrow! Until then, here are the other gals posting along with me:

Anya Schrier - you are here

Belinda Chang Langner

Kelly Schirmer

Lynn Mercurio

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Recipe
Best Wishes
STAMPS: Woodgrain Backgrounder Set, Text It, Fancy Phrases - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK - Guidelines - PTI; Taken With Teal - SU!
INK: Crumb Cake, Apricot Appeal, Taken With Teal, Raspberry Ripple - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Sewing Machine - Janome

Merry Christmas
STAMPS: Woodgrain Backgrounder Set, Vintage Ornaments, Oven Fresh Gingerbread Joy, Compliments of the Season Two - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Vintage Cream - PTI; Wild Wasabi - SU!
INK: Certainly Celery, Wild Wasabi, Close to Cocoa, Cherry Cobbler - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Star Dust Stickles - Ranger Industries

Hugs and Kisses
STAMPS: Woodgrain Backgrounder Set, Vintage Ornaments, Sweethearts - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Vintage Cream - PTI; Regal Rose - SU!
INK: Pink Pirouette, Regal Rose, Rose Red - SU!; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Star Dust Stickles - Ranger Industries

WMS December Release Blog Waltz

Hey there!

Whew, I am sneaking in here right at the end of the Waltzingmouse December Release! My stamps did not arrive until yesterday, so just like you, I've been drooling over the amazing samples the Design Team has shared over the past few days. But now, I am finally able to join in. What is even better, is that for the next few days I (along with a few other DT members who have slow postal service) will be sharing more previews! The inspiration just keeps on comin'! ;)

But let's jump right in to today's Release Blog Waltz!  Four new sets are being released this month, and they are all available for purchase now in the Waltzingmouse Stamps store!

You should have arrived here from sweet Sarah's blog. The waltz starts over at Claire's blog, so be sure to head there if you're just popping in. I am bringing up the rear this month, so maybe from here you will head to the WMS store to do a little shopping?

As usual, Blog Waltz prizes are up for grabs! One winner will be randomly chosen from the comments left on one of the Design Team blogs, so let us know what you think of the new release! You have until 6:59 AM EST on Tuesday, December 4th to leave your comments. The winner will be announced on the WMS Blog on the 5th.

I wasted no time in breaking out the Woodgrain Backgrounder Set. I am excited not only to have a full size woodgrain background, but also about using the fun extra shapes that are included in the set!

Drawing inspiration from this set of espresso mugs from Target that I just love...

...I created this card.

Each strip of different colored cardstock was stamped with the large woodgrain background from the Woodgrain Backgrounder Set in its coordinating ink color. I distressed and inked the edges before adhering the strips down to my card base.

I layered a few elements together to create my focal point. The heart is from the My Heart set (which I will share more of later this week), but the sentiment is from the previously released Seasons of Love - Tags. The holly is from Festive Foliage and it was layered on the woodgrain hexagon from the Woodgrain Backgrounder Set. I am in love with this woodgrain hexagon and can't wait to share more with you tomorrow! Throw in a die cut doily and a few adhesive rhinestones, and there you have it!

That is it for me today, but I will be sharing additional previews starting Monday! I hope you will stop back then!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Woodgrain Backgrounder Set, My Heart, Festive Foliage, Seasons of Love - Tags - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Real Red, Perfect Plum, Always Artichoke, Sahara Sand - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Real Red, Perfect Plum, Sahara Sand, Always Artichoke - SU!; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Antique Linen, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Adhesive rhinestones - Recollections; Die-cut Doily - Martha Stewart Crafts

CardMaker Blog

Happy Friday, everyone!

Just a quick note to let you know that I am posting over on the CardMaker Blog today. I am sharing some photos of my creative space. I always love to see where other crafters work, so if you'd like to check out my little corner and some of my storage solutions, be sure to head over there for today's post.

Have a great day!

Play Date Cafe Challenge #159

Hi there!

It is time once again to share this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge. I hope you enjoyed last week's two-weeker and had a chance to play along with us. This week we have a super fun Color Splash for you!

This week's challenge colors are black and white with a splash of maroon. Here is the card that I made:

Santa is from the Around Christmastime set from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I stamped the image and die cut it with a Spellbinders circle die. I colored just the hat, and added some Frosted Lace Stickles to Santa's beard. The circle was matted with a die-cut pinking circle, a doily, and some big buttons. I like the little strip of red that peeks through the doily.

The background was stamped with the Vintage Christmas Backgrounder from WMS.

I hope you will join us for this week's challenge. You can link up your creation over at The Play Date Cafe Blog. You have through Tuesday, December 4th to play along. While you're there, you can get all the necessary details, be inspired by the rest of the DT creations, and check out the Cup of the Week prize. Whew!

Thanks for stopping by - see you soon!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Around Christmastime, Vintage Christmas Backgrounder - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Black - Wplus9; White - PTI; Cherry Cobbler - SU!
INK: Tuxedo Black Memento - Tsukineko
OTHER: Standard Circles Large, Pinking Circles Small - Spellbinders Paper Arts; Doily - Wilton; Frosted Lace Stickles - Ranger Industries; Copic Marker (R59) - Imagination International; Corner Chomper - We R Memory Keepers; Buttons - PTI; Sewing Machine - Janome

CardMaker and Flower Soft Blog Hop

Hi there!

Today the CardMaker Magazine Blog Team is teaming up with Flower Soft for a fun blog hop. Each of the CM blog team members and Flower Soft DT have made an animal themed card and combined it with Flower Soft products. You should have arrived here from the Flower Soft Blog. Jennifer Buck will be your next stop along the hop.

I used this adorable tiger stamp to create a fun card for a little boy.

:) Isn't he the cutest?

I started by stamping the tiger image onto a rectangle of cream cardstock. I went in with a fine tip glue pen and added glue to the tiger's stripes. Then I applied Black Flower Soft to the glue. After that dried, I used a two-way glue pen (with a fatter tip) and applied glue to the tiger's body. There, I added a mix of the Bright Orange and Nut Brown Flower Soft. He looks so soft and fuzzy!

The sentiment is from the Half Pint Heroes set from WMS.

Please be sure to check out the Flower Soft Website and Blog. Jennifer is going to be your next stop on the hop!

I also want to give a special shout out to my fabulous CardMaker Blog Teammates. This is our last hop together, as most of our terms are ending this month. These ladies are the best, and I have been so grateful for the opportunity to work with them! I also must mention how wonderful it has been to work more closely with Tanya and Brooke, the editorial team from CardMaker Magazine. These gals are just the best!

Anya Schrier - You are here!
Carolyn King
Colleen Schaan
Glenda Wyatt
Jennie Harper
Kimberly Crawford
Trudy Sjolander

Thanks for stopping by. Have a great day!


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Recipe
STAMPS: Jungle - TPC Studio; Half Pint Heroes - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Black - Wplus9; Vintage Cream - PTI
PATTERNED PAPER: Bitty Box Basics - PTI
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Antique Linen, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Black, Bright Orange, Nut Brown Flower Soft; Corner Chomper - We R Memory Keepers; Standard Circle Large - Spellbinders Paper Arts; Button - PTI

Giving Thanks

Hello there!

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. It was a good one here!

I am popping in to remind you that you have a bit more time for the current Play Date Cafe Challenge. This week's challenge is running for two weeks, so the blog will be accepting entries through Tuesday the 27th - there is still time to join us!

Here is another card that I made using the current challenge colors:

I used lots of bits and pieces from the Vintage Garden - Seed Packet set from Waltzingmouse Stamps. I stamped the carnation image onto patterned paper and then pieced it inside the seed packet frame. The sentiment is also from that set. I layered it on a strip of gray cardstock that was stamped with the houndstooth pattern from Heirloom Patterns. Added a button, doily, and lots of Distress Ink to finish this off.

Sorry for being such a sporadic poster recently. I have been slammed at work since we headed into fall, and I am desperately trying to keep my head above water. I have the best intentions of getting cards made and posted, but it doesn't always work out. I hope you'll bear with me!

Take care!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Vintage Garden - Seed Packet, Heirloom Patterns - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Sage Shadow, Going Gray - SU!; Soft Stone - PTI
PATTERNED PAPER: Nostalgia - My Mind's Eye
INK: Slate - Amuse|Studio; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Pumice Stone Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Doily - Martha Stewart Crafts; Sewing Machine - Janome; Button

WMS November Blog Party

Good morning!

Just a few hours left in this month's Waltzingmouse Blog Party. I'm just under the wire as usual!

This month's theme is gratitude, and it is always good to take stock of what we're thankful for regardless of the time of year. I am sure we all have a long list.

I have always been fond of this sentiment from Jar Fillers - Jam Packed and thought it would work well for this month's theme.

After stamping the jar lid and then the jar, I stamped the 'filling' using the Cabin Plaid Backgrounder. A great way to incorporate my new favorite stamp into the mix. I wanted my thank you jar to stand out, so I stamped the rest of the jars in black and left them plain. I used lots of foam dimension tape to pop up my jar, too.

If you'd like to join us for this month's Blog Party, create a project with the theme of gratitude and head over to the Waltzingmouse Blog and link it up. You have until 1:30 pm EST today before the links are closed, but there is still time to join us!

Have a great day!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Cabin Plaid Backgrounder, Candy Jar, Jar Fillers - Jam Packed - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Wild Wasabi, Marina Mist - SU!; Vintage Cream - PTI
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Wild Wasabi, Marina Mist, Early Espresso - SU!
OTHER: Cream Button Twine - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Button

Play Date Cafe Challenge #158

Hello, hello!

Another Thursday, and it is time for me to bring you this week's Play Date Cafe Challenge! This week our colors are rose, eucalyptus, and slate.

I just love that holiday door decor!

Here is the cozy card that I made for this week.

The Cabin Plaid Backgrounder from WMS and the Winter Wishes set from Wplus9 play so well together!

Love the warm coziness with the combination of soft colors, plaid and mittens.

Because next Thursday is Thanksgiving here in the US, this challenge will stay open for two weeks, so you have extra time to play! I hope you will join us and link up your creation over at The Play Date Cafe Blog. You have through Tuesday, November 27th to play along. While you're there, you can check out the Cup of the Week prize from our fabulous challenge sponsor, Scor-Pal!

Thank you for stopping in - have a great day!

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Recipe
STAMPS: Cabin Plaid Backgrounder - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Winter Wishes - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: Blushing Bride, Going Gray - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Pink Petunia, Sage Versamagic - Tsukineko; Slate - Amuse|Studio
OTHER: Star Dust Stickles - Ranger Industries