Wplus9 Monday Mood Board

I am so glad to be playing along with this week's Monday Mood Board Challenge from Wplus9, it has been ages.

I love poinsettias, but this set kind of flew under my radar during the last Wplus9 release. But when I started seeing the absolutely amazing things that Meredith MacRitchie was making, really, I couldn't believe that I had passed this one up. Bill and I were married right before Christmas, so my memories of that day are full of red and cream sparkly poinsettias and the warm glow of twinkle lights. I had that in mind when I pulled out Pretty Poinsettias for this card.

I particularly loved the placement of elements on this week's Monday Mood Board graphic. I thought it would make a great card layout.

I guess that kraft isn't really a true poinsettia color, but that is the vibe I was feeling from the Mood Board. I added the leaf veins with Versamark ink and embossed them in gold. I love how warm this card feels.

The little bit of greenery is from the Merry & Bright set, it amazes me how realistic it looks.

I hope you have a great day - we got about a foot of snow last night, so its really starting to feel festive around here. I will share some pictures in the next few days, but man, I am so thankful for such a beautiful place to live. Hugs to you all!

---------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Pretty Poinsettias, Merry & Bright - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: Cranberry Crisp - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Crumb Cake, Baked Brown Sugar, Mellow Moss, Old Olive, Cranberry Crisp, Soft Suede, So Saffron - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Pretty Poinsettias Die - Wplus9; Detail Gold Filigree Embossing Powder - Stewart Superior

Gobble, Gobble

Hi there, today I am playing along with this week's Viva La Verve sketch challenge.

This week's sketch was designed by Teresa Kline.

I used the little turkey from Bountiful Harvest for my card.

I used a bunch of different patterned papers to paper piece him. Isn't he fancy?

The VLV sketch challenge is hosted on the Verve forum over on the Splitcoaststampers site. Go check out the challenge rules and join us! You could win $100 in Verve goodies - the clock is ticking!

Have a fabulous day!

------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Bountiful Harvest - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: PB&J - Basic Grey; Handmade Holiday - Simple Stories; Restoration Collection - Crate Paper
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger; Crumb Cake - SU!
OTHER: Cappuccino Twine - The Twinery; Oval Nestabilities - Spellbinders

November Pajama Party at WMS

Good evening, sweets! How about a little late night fun?

The Waltzingmouse Stamps November Pajama Party has just kicked off, with four fabulous holiday inspired challenges to add a little spice to your evening. The challenges are open for 24 hours, so if you need a little time to think things over, you have until tomorrow evening to link up your projects.  

Read all about this month's challenges here!

I'm sharing a little something using the Bedtime Story Sketch. This particular challenge remains open for a week, so you have plenty of time to join us.

I just have to say, I can't help myself.

You may just see these pinecones on everything for the rest of forever.

Festive Foliage + Heirloom Patterns = happy.

Join us, won't you?

Have a lovely evening!

---------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Festive Foliage, Heirloom Patterns, Folk Art Christmas Additions - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Vintage Cream - PTI; Ballet Slippers - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: 25th & Pine - Basic Grey
INK: Cinnamon, Sage, Umber VersaColor - Tsukineko; Early Espresso - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Pinecones Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Sewing machine

A Waltzingmouse Christmas - Day 4

Hi there. Today is our final day of A Waltzingmouse Christmas. I hope you enjoyed seeing the new products Waltzingmouse Stamps has available and collected a little holiday inspiration. Today we are sharing ideas for holiday decorations.

My project for today is a tad more function than decoration, but still shares the holiday spirit. It would also make a great gift!

I used the new Holly Sprig Die and some felt scraps to create a little festive fabric coaster.

I die cut the holly and berries from felt and stitched it to the houndstooth fabric with embroidery floss. In addition to adhering it to the fabric coaster, the stitching also helped to give the holly leaves a bit more definition.  As you can see, I am not practiced at embroidery :) 

Perfect for a mug of hot cocoa!

A little set of these tied up with some twine would make a cute gift, I think! Or you could keep them for yourself (mine is going to stay on my desk, perfect for a cuppa ;) They are inexpensive to make and don't require too much time - a great Sunday afternoon project.

That wraps it up for me today. Tomorrow is the monthly WMS Pajama Party so I hope you'll check out the details and join us... goodies are up for grabs! Here are the rest of the Design Team links for today!

Anya Schrier - you are here!

Becca Feeken

Edna Morrisedie

Iwona Palamountain

Jeanne Jachna

Jen Cuthbertson

Jennifer Holmes

Julia Aston

Karin Åkesdotter

Kelly Schirmer

Kim Duran

Lynn Mercurio

Renee Lynch

Sandie Dunne

Teresa Kline

Tosha Leyendekker

Claire Brennan

So glad you stopped by! Have a super day!

------------
Recipe
MATERIALS: Holly Sprig Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Scrap Felt Squares (approx. 4 1/2 inches); Embroidery thread

A Waltzingmouse Christmas - Day 3

Good morning and welcome back for Day 3 of A Waltzingmouse Christmas. Today we are inspiring you with Christmas tag ideas.

For today's project, I pulled out another newly released set, Seasonal Flourish. A beautifully elegant sentiment set, these phrases are stand-alone works of art!

I wanted to incorporate as many of the sentiments as possible on my tag, so I used them to stamp my background. I love the look - the flourishes are so elegant. I accented my background with some glitter-covered Scor-Tape and a little corsage of Festive Foliage. I used all three of the coordinating dies: Holly Sprig, Pinecones, and Mistletoe to create the look.

Tomorrow is another day of inspiration, I hope you will join us! Here are the rest of the Design Team links for today!

Anya Schrier - you are here!

Becca Feeken

Edna Morrisedie

Iwona Palamountain

Jeanne Jachna

Jen Cuthbertson

Jennifer Holmes

Julia Aston

Karin Åkesdotter

Kelly Schirmer

Kim Duran

Laurie Schmidlin

Lynn Mercurio

Renee Lynch

Sandie Dunne

Teresa Kline

Tosha Leyendekker

Claire Brennan

So glad you stopped by! Have a super day!

------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Seasonal Flourish, Festive Foliage - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Vintage Cream - PTI
INK: Going Gray, Mellow Moss, Handsome Hunter, Wild Wasabi, Always Artichoke, Close to Cocoa, Ruby Red - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Holly Sprig Die Set, Pinecones Die Set, Mistletoe Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Linen Thread - SU!; Manila Tag - Stampers Anonymous; Florentine Gold Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

Serendipity Stamps Challenge #24

Hi there!

This week is just moving right along, isn't it? Today it is time once again for a new challenge on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog. The challenge this week is to create a gift or tag for the holidays.

I thought a tag was the perfect thing on which to use this whimsical little Christmas Tree. I love the little lean it has to it :)

I stamped it on a variety of patterned papers (all from Simple Stories' Handmade Holiday collection) and paper-pieced my stamped image. I added a little bit of twine in the top corner to match the tree's lean. I also thought a little clothespin would be a cutie way to attach it to a gift (alas, my clothespins are MIA - in a box somewhere, I'm sure!).

Won't you join us for this week's challenge? All you need to do is use at least one Serendipity Stamps image on your project, along with paper scraps, and link it up over on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog.

Here is this week's fabulous inspiration from the rest of the Design Team:

Jenny Gropp
Marybeth Lopez
Miriam Napier
Pauline Pollington
Anya Schrier - you are here!
Jeanne Jachna
Vickie Zimmer
Julie Warner
Karen Amidon

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge. If you're in the mood for a little shopping, this week's sale is 40% off the highest priced item in your card. Use the coupon code 40fromhigh1113 to apply the discount. The special is good through 11/27.

Thanks for stopping by, take care!

------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Christmas Tree - Serendipity Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: Handmade Holiday - Simple Stories
INK: Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger
OTHER: Star Dust Stickles - Ranger; Rustic Cream Button Twine - PTI; Corner Chomper 1/4 Edge Rounder - We R Memory Keepers

A Waltzingmouse Christmas - Day 2

Good morning and welcome back to Day 2 of A Waltzingmouse Christmas. Today we're focusing on Christmas cards, pulling together new releases and some old favorites. No more chit-chat, I can't wait to show you my first card!

In the words of sweetie Renee Lynch, I die! And its thanks to her and her massive die-cutting efforts that I can share the new Pinecones Die Set with you! This is another of the new die releases that coordinates with the Festive Foliage set.

The ornaments are from a newly released set, Folk Art Christmas Additions. This little set has a rustic, Scandinavian feel and pairs perfectly with the themes in Folk Art Medallion. And speaking of, I used some of the motifs in the Folk Art Medallion set to accent the ornaments. They weren't a perfect match, but they created that fabulous ghosting look reminiscent of vintage Christmas cards. In serious love here, especially with the red and blue ornament.

The Musical Background added a subtle pattern to my card base. The sentiment is one of five from Folk Art Christmas Additions. And yes, I am already wishing for dies for this set, too.

Next up is a sweet little number using the Candy Jar Christmas Fillers set.

For this set, I pulled out the Jar Essentials Die Set (thanks, Kelly!) for my little sweetie jar. The Jar Fillers - Jam Packed set is also making an appearance. How fun to combine all these sets and dies to create such a cute little jar. The 'Happy Holidays' is another sentiment from Folk Art Christmas Additions.

Be sure to stop back tomorrow - it is Christmas tag day! Here are the rest of the Design Team links for today!

Anya Schrier - you are here!

Becca Feeken

Edna Morrisedie

Iwona Palamountain

Jeanne Jachna

Jen Cuthbertson

Jennifer Holmes

Julia Aston

Karin Åkesdotter

Kelly Schirmer

Kim Duran

Laurie Schmidlin

Lynn Mercurio

Renee Lynch

Sandie Dunne

Teresa Kline

Tosha Leyendekker

Claire Brennan

So glad you stopped by! Have a super day!

------------
Recipe
Peace on Earth Card
STAMPS: Festive Foliage, Folk Art Christmas Additions, Musical Backgrounds - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Vintage Cream - PTI; Lake House - Wplus9
INK: Poppy Parade, Cool Caribbean, Daffodil Delight, Pistachio Pudding, Close to Cocoa, Always Artichoke, Crumb Cake - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Pinecones Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Silver Pearls - Recollections; Crystal Fine Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Sewing Machine

Happy Holidays Card
STAMPS: Folk Art Christmas Additions, Candy Jar Christmas Fillers, Jar Fillers - Jam Packed, Pinstripe Backgrounder - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Pistachio Pudding - SU!; White - PTI
PATTERNED PAPER: Season's Greetings - Echo Park Paper Co.; Handmade Holiday - Simple Stories
INK: Bravo Burgundy - SU!; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; White - Wplus9; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Jar Essentials Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Copic Markers; Vintage Cream Grosgrain Ribbon, Rustic Cream Button Twine - PTI; Star Dust Stickles - Ranger Industries; Button

A Waltzingmouse Christmas

Good Morning!

Today is the first day of a week-long holiday celebration at WMS called A Waltzingmouse Christmas. We will be sharing samples of some of the new holiday sets (that have already been released and are available for sale in the Waltzingmouse store!) as well as some of the older sets. WMS is debuting coordinating dies this month (!!), so we will also be incorporating these into our projects.

Today, I am sharing the Holly Sprig Die Set, along with some peeks of the Alpine Christmas stamp set.

The Holly Sprig Die Set is a thin steel closed die. It coordinates with the large holly sprig and berry cluster from the Festive Foliage stamp set - one of my all time favorites EVER.

For my first card, I combined three snowflake images from Alpine Christmas, stamped onto cream cardstock and die cut with a circle die. I die cut the Holly Sprig as an accent for my design, but found that it was going to overlap my sentiment. I just snipped one of the leaves off, and covered up the edge with the berry cluster. Instant new look! The stamps line up beautifully with the die cuts, and there is a lovely border with lots of room to see where you're stamping.

For my second card, I incorporated the die cut holly into a background design.

I love the texture that this adds to the design. The holly was die cut from the same green cardstock as the banner, then stamped with the solid holly image. I inked the edges a bit with Distress Ink then adhered the die cuts onto the banner, trimming off any excess. I paired the green with a brighter shade stamped with the Woodgrain background. The sentiment and little Christmas village are all from the Alpine Christmas set. I love the vintage feel of this one!

That is it for me today, I will be back tomorrow with more holiday creations. Here are the rest of the Design Team links for today!

Anya Schrier - you are here!

Becca Feeken

Edna Morrisedie

Jeanne Jachna

Jen Cuthbertson

Jennifer Holmes

Julia Aston

Karin Åkesdotter

Kelly Schirmer

Kim Duran

Laurie Schmidlin

Lynn Mercurio

Renee Lynch

Sandie Dunne

Teresa Kline

Tosha Leyendekker

Claire Brennan

So glad you stopped by! Have a super day!

------------
Recipe
Merry Christmas Card
STAMPS: Alpine Christmas, Cabin Plaid Backgrounder, Festive Foliage - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Kraft, Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Crumb Cake, River Rock, Baked Brown Sugar, Always Artichoke, Cranberry Crisp - SU!; Coffee Archival Ink, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Holly Sprig Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Standard Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders

Happiest of Holidays Card
STAMPS: Alpine Christmas, Festive Foliage, Woodgrain - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Crumb Cake, Wild Wasabi - SU!; Spring Moss - PTI; Oatmeal - Wplus9
INK: Wild Wasabi, Poppy Parade, Bravo Burgundy; Smoky Slate - SU!; Spring Moss - PTI; Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Holly Sprig Die Set - Waltzingmouse Stamps; Diamond Stickles - Ranger Industries

Festive Friday Challenge - Take 2

Hi there, I am back again to share a second project for this week's Festive Friday Challenge. I sure do love a two week long challenge, don't you? :)

For my second card, I used the newly released Alpine Christmas set from Waltzingmouse Stamps.

I stamped the mountain, little village, and trees (all separate stamps) in white ink onto red cardstock. Then I doused it in glitter so everything sparkles like snow. This new set is going to be such fun to use!

In addition to the Alpine Christmas stamp set, coordinating dies have been released! Also, dies for some of the previously released sets: Bright Season and Little Lanterns are also available.

In an effort to make these products available as quickly as possible, Claire has released them without the typical release countdown. However, starting on Monday, November 18th, the Design Team is kicking off A Waltzingmouse Christmas event. We'll be showcasing the new sets and dies and sharing lots of holiday inspiration. I can't wait for you to join us!

Have a lovely day!

------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Alpine Christmas - Waltzingmouse Stamps
CARDSTOCK: White, Lake House, Cupid's Bow - Wplus9
INK: White Pigment - Wplus9; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Snowflake Embossing Folder - ProvoCraft; Dazzling Diamonds glitter - SU!

Give Thanks - November Viva La Verve!

Happy Friday!

Today I am happy to be hosting this week's Viva La Verve! sketch challenge!

Here is your sketch for this week:

This week also features an inspiration photo to help give your crafting a kick start. Here is the fun, fall photo I picked:

photo source

So beautiful! Here is the card that I made using the sketch and inspiration from the photo.

I loved all those dahlias in the rich fall colors, so you can see how those things made their way into my card. I used the Bloom & Grow stamp set from Verve to create my floral background panels. I used some generation stamping to get some different color variations. The sentiment is from the Bountiful Harvest set. I did a little masking to change the orientation of the sentiment so it would fit in my die-cut oval.

The VLV sketch challenge is hosted on the Verve forum over on the Splitcoaststampers site. I encourage you to head over there and check out the challenge rules and join us! You could win $100 in Verve goodies, and really, who can pass that up?

I also hope you'll stop in the forum to see the amazing samples that some of the other DT ladies created using this week's sketch. They did such a fabulous job!

I am also sharing a second card for this week's Festive Friday challenge (featuring some newly released stamps from Waltzingmouse Stamps). I'll share more details here tomorrow.

Have a fabulous day!

------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Bloom & Grow, Bountiful Harvest - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Oatmeal - Wplus9; Blush Blossom - SU!
INK: Rich Razzleberry, Really Rust, Blush Blossom - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink, Coffee Archival Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Oval Die - Spellbinders; Baker's Twine - Target; buttons; sewing machine

Viva la Verve!

Hiya! I hope your week is off to a good start. I made some progress this weekend with some house projects on my list, so I'll be ready to move to Phase 2 here in my craft room.

Today I am popping in to share a card I made for this week's Viva la Verve! Sketch challenge.

Chistyne Kane created this bannerific sketch for us:

I used the Poppy Birthday stamp set from Verve for my card.

This set was such fun to play with, and creates such beautiful flowers when combined with the Build a Poppy Die Set.

The VLV sketch challenge is hosted on the Verve forum over on the Splitcoaststampers site. Pop on over and check out the challenge rules and join us! You could win $100 in Verve goodies, and really, who can pass that up?

Have a great day - thanks for stopping by!

------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Poppy Birthday - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Sweet Blush, Fine Linen - PTI; Blushing Bride - SU!; Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: Life's Journey - K&Co.
INK: Blushing Bride, Regal Rose, Pistachio Pudding - SU!; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Build a Poppy Die Set, Flag It Die Set - Verve Stamps; Standard Circle Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Black pearls - K&Co.; Sewing machine

Festive Friday Challenge

Hi there!

Today I am super excited to be Guest Designing for the Festive Friday Challenge! The challenge for this week is a color challenge. I couldn't be happier with what Meredith picked for me - one of my favorite holiday combos: red, white, and aqua.

Even though it was the day we were moving, I couldn't resist jumping on the new Wplus9 release. To make up for not actually being able to use them right away, I spent a lot of time planning how I could use these sets for the challenge. :)

Simple and sweet. For my projects, I used the Silver Bells stamp set and coordinating dies. I am a big fan of all the little accent bits that Dawn includes in her sets. I love the little bits of greenery tucked behind the bells.

It all started with a cute little tag that came together easily with pops of red and aqua.

And then (since I didn't want Meredith to think I was a slacker for just making a little tag ;) I made a coordinating card.

Sweetness. In love with this set.

The Festive Friday Challenge is open for two weeks, so you have plenty of time to squeeze in a little cardmaking fun. Please head back to the Festive Friday blog to find all the challenge details, be inspired by the amazing (!) design team, and link up your project.

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Have a great day!

------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Silver Bells - Wplus9
CARDSTOCK: White - Wplus9; Soft Sky - SU!
INK: Poppy Parade, Pool Party, Baja Breeze - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries; Onyx Black Versafine - Tsukineko
OTHER: Silver Bells Die - Wplus9; Woodgrain Embossing Folder - Darice; Tag Sale #1 Die - PTI; Antique Silver Glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts

Serendipity Stamps Challenge #23

Hi there!

Thank you all for being so sweet yesterday. It is so nice to be back sharing cards with you. Today it is time once again for a new challenge on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog. The challenge this week is to use paper scraps on your project.

Are you a scrap hoarder? I can't throw mine away - I keep every little bit or sliver, just in case!

For my card today, I thought I would use some patterned paper scraps to create a fun woven background.

I started by adhering the vertical paper strips to my card base. I just used a bit of glue at the top and the bottom, and left the middle un-adhered (is that a word?). Then I added the horizontal strips, weaving them in between the verticals. Easy peasy and look how cute!

The jar image and label are from the Jar Label Cling Set. I used more scraps to paper piece the jar and lid.

Won't you join us for this week's challenge? All you need to do is use at least one Serendipity Stamps image on your project, along with paper scraps, and link it up over on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog

Here is this week's fabulous inspiration from the rest of the Design Team:

Jenny Gropp
Marybeth Lopez
Miriam Napier
Pauline Pollington
Anya Schrier - you are here!
Jeanne Jachna
Julie Warner
Karen Amidon

I hope you'll join us for this week's challenge. If you're in the mood for a little shopping, this week's sale is free shipping on any US orders. The special is good through 11/13.

Thanks for stopping by, take care!

------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Jar Label Cling Set - Serendipity Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Soft Stone - PTI; Oatmeal - Wplus9
PATTERNED PAPER: Farmhouse Collection - October Afternoon
INK: Slate - Amuse|Studio; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Linen Twine - SU!; Button

November Verve Diva Inspirations Hop

Hello!

Welcome to the November Verve Diva Inspirations Hop!

It's the 5th of the month and that means it's hopping time. We love to get our Verve inky around here, whether they're hot off the presses, or a little worn around the edges. So today you'll see Diva creations to inspire you with both old and new Verve! It's sure to be a treat, and speaking of treats, one lucky commenter along the hop will win Verve's entire October Release Collection! Check out the Verve Blog today for all the details.

You are on the right track if you've arrived here from Amy's blog. The hop is kicking off on the Verve blog, so be sure to head there to get all the details!

This week there is also a contest going on at the Mojo Monday blog. I used this week's sketch to help kick start my inspiration.

I used Harvest Blessings on my card, a sweet little set released back in 2009.

I am so glad to be back to card making.. I am lucky enough to have a small room in our new house that I can use just for crafting. It is coming together, but I am glad to have a nice workspace set up to get myself back in business! I am so glad to see you again!

There are lots of lovely Verve ladies joining us today - some of the release team is with us, so be sure to keep on hopping! Betty Wright is your next stop along the hop!

And since the holidays are just around the corner, Verve Stamps has a little holiday sale going on through November 26!

Take care, and thanks for stopping by!

------------
Recipe
STAMPS: Harvest Blessings - Verve Stamps
CARDSTOCK: Kraft - PTI; Oatmeal - Wplus9; Really Rust - SU!
INK: Really Rust, Crumb Cake, Early Espresso - SU!; Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
OTHER: Houndstooth Embossing Folder - ProvoCraft; Tag Sale 5 Die, Vintage Cream Twill - PTI; Linen Thread - SU!; Button