WMSC8

Hi there!

I'm here this morning to share my card for the new Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. What a fun week full of WMS goodies we had, huh? Halloween is certainly on my mind, now!

Here is this week's sketch:

And here is my card:

Ooh, I just love it!

Halloween Party was the first Waltzingmouse set I ever bought, and Winnie will always hold a special place in my heart!! ;)

The background pattern was created using the long scroll border stamp from Say it with Style. It was stamped with VersaMark ink onto Enchanted Evening cardstock. I absolutely love the color combination of Enchanted Evening, Summer Sunrise, and black.

Winnie and the bats were all stamped in black and cut out. I inked all the edges with Black Soot Distress Ink. The sentiment is from the new Midnight Feast.

The sketch challenge will remain open until Thursday, 11:59 pm EST. You can link up your entry on the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog. Top Mice will be announced along with the new sketch and some exciting news next Saturday! I hope you will join us!

We are headed out today for a family picnic, hope we continue to have nice weather. Have a great weekend!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Halloween Party, Say it with Style, Midnight Feast - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Enchanted Evening, Summer Sunrise - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink, Black Soot Distress Ink - Ranger; VersaMark - Tsukineko

Dancing Lanterns

TGIF, friends!

Popping in quick today to share the card I made for this week's Moxie Fab World Tuesday Trigger.

Beautiful, isn't it? I just couldn't resist another opportunity to play with the sweet lanterns from Asian Gardens Additions.

As you can see, I interpreted the photo pretty literally. I love the happy mix of colors on this one. The Kraft background is embossed with a woodgrain pattern and I cut the tops of the lanterns out so that I could string them on the twine. The sentiment could be used for many occasions - I think this is a great fit for 'come on over and celebrate the summer on my back patio!'

Have a great night! I am back tomorrow with my card for the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Asian Gardens Additions - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Kraft, White - Papertrey Ink; Soft Suede - Stampin' Up!
Ink: Tangerine Tango, Wild Wasabi, Bermuda Bay, Real Red, Marigold Morning, Soft Suede - Stampin' Up!
Other: Woodgrain Impression Plate - Papertrey Ink; Brown baker's twine - Martha Stewart Crafts

Happy Foreverness

Hello, my dears!

I am really excited to share today's card with you. I love to pop through everyone's comments on the new Waltzingmouse releases, and I saw a few comments about the gothic window stamp that is part of Midnight Feast.

Well, the wheels started turning. Want to see what I came up with?

Has a very 'Going to the Chapel' feel, doesn't it? ;)

And because I love you all so much, I thought maybe you'd enjoy a step-by-step tutorial. I encourage you to try this technique - its fun, easy, and packs a punch.

You can click any of these pictures for a larger version, and all product information is listed at the end of the post.

Step 1: Stamp your windows. I stamped mine with white pigment ink and embossed them with Pastel embossing powder. It gives a pearly, textured look.

Here's a tip for stamping your windows side-by-side. Line up the two bottom corner stones and overlap the trim at the top - it helps to create a seamless line.

Step 2: Set your windows aside and gather your alcohol inks and a piece of acetate (I just use a transparency - purchased in the office supply store or borrowed from work). You will also need an ink applicator and applicator felt. You may have one of these applicators already for your blending foam and Distress Inks.

Step 3: Randomly apply alcohol ink to felt applicator. You really only need a few drops - a little goes a long way.

Step 4: Continue applying ink to applicator until you've used all the colors you want. I used six different colors, applying about 3-4 drops of each. No worries about the white spaces in between drops - it will all smoosh together.

Step 5: Now you want to 'stamp' the ink onto your acetate. Apply a little pressure, rotating the applicator to mix up the colors a bit. A little overlap is ok, but too much could leave your colors looking like you mixed red, green, blue and purple all together. Eww.

Step 6: Keep applying ink until you've covered up your entire piece of acetate. Set this aside and let it dry.

Step 7: While your acetate is drying, trim out your windows. Claire shared a great tutorial for cutting out the windows on her blog.

Step 8: Once you've got your windows cut out and your acetate is dry, adhere your windows to the acetate. I used a large piece of acetate so I could be a little fussy about where I put my windows. I just covered the back of my windows with adhesive and stuck it down.

Step 9: The last step is to trim the excess acetate from around your windows. I used a craft knife with enough pressure to just cut through the plastic.

That's it! FUN, huh (and not so spooky anymore, eh)? :)

So glad for your visit today, I hope you enjoyed the little tut! Have a great day, and feel free to ask if you have any questions!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Midnight Feast, Fancy Phrases - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!; White - Papertrey Ink; acetate transparency
Ink: Sahara Sand - Stampin' Up!; Currant, Lettuce, Cranberry, Meadow, Caramel, Eggplant Adirondack Alcohol Ink - Ranger
Other: Pastel Embossing Powder - JudiKins; Polka Dots Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - ProvoCraft; Apron Lace border punch - Fiskars; Silk ribbon - Papertrey Ink; vintage button

Christmas in July

Good morning!

I am here today with another challenge from Serendipity Stamps!

If you are looking for my Waltzingmouse Stamps new release Blog Waltz post, please scroll down or click here!

Today's challenge was to use one of Serendipity's non-Christmas images to make a Christmas card. I thought it would be fun to use Cheryl's Postcards to make some Christmas mail.

I started by stamping the postcards three times, twice on Riding Hood Red cardstock and once on Rustic White. I embossed each of these in gold, and then cut the individual postcards out and layered them on top of each other.

The patterned paper is from the Cosmo Cricket Jolly By Golly line. I thought it was a good compliment - not too Christmasy, but it helped to tie everything together. The sentiment is from the Snowbird Cling Set. I masked the bottom portion off and stamped only Merry Christmas - I love getting extra mileage out of my sentiment stamps.

I hope you enjoy! This was a fun challenge - and its never too early to start making Christmas cards!

I am so glad you could stop by today, I really appreciate it. 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: Cheryl's Postcards, Snowbird Cling Set - Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: Mellow Moss, Riding Hood Red - Stampin' Up!; Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Patterned Paper: Play Day from the Jolly By Golly Collection - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Detail Gold Embossing Powder - Stewart Superior; lace trim, sewing machine

Wanda's Pantry

Welcome, my pretties!! You have arrived at the August release Blog Waltz for Waltzingmouse Stamps! It has been so much fun sharing these Halloween projects with you. Two new sets, Midnight Feast and Wanda's Pantry, are now available for purchase in the WMS Store.

If you're waltzing along with us, you should have come here by way of Julia's blog. If you just happened to stop in, the fun starts with Claire on the Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog. The fabulous Jennifer is up next; her blog is linked up again below.

Let me share a peek of something wild and witchy, fun and frightening! Let's take a look in Wanda's Pantry!

We have double-strength Venom - dangerous stuff! And some Irish Toad Oil to add a little zest (you can always click the pictures for a larger version).

Witch's Brew - Wanda's own putrid purple concoction - will have your victim out in no time. Fermented Innards add a certain tang, and never underestimate the powers of Vampire Blood!

A staple of every witch's pantry, Love Potion No. 9. All it takes is a drink - you won't know if it is day or night.. you'll start kissing everything in sight! Keep the lid on this one!

Just a couple of old bottles, a dab of food coloring, a few odds and ends from around the house (I bet you all think I'm a big weirdo now, huh?), and the labels from Wanda's Pantry, and you have the making of some spectacularly spooky (and easy) home decor for Halloween.

What a blast I had putting this together! My wonderful husband's role as photographer was indispensable - I couldn't have set the spooky scene without him!

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! Do you have lots of spooky ideas for Halloween? Are you ready to pull out the treats now? The contest ends at 11:59 pm EST Thursday, July 29th. Winners will be announced on the WMS Blog on Friday.

Thank you so much for visiting today - Jennifer is your next stop along the waltz. Have a great day!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Wanda's Pantry - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Pink Pirouette, Lovely Lilac, Always Artichoke - Stampin' Up!; Smokey Shadow, Spring Moss, Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink, Antique Linen, Bundled Sage, Vintage Photo, Fired Brick Distress Ink - Ranger; Riding Hood Red, Always Artichoke, Soft Suede, Bermuda Bay, Tangerine Tango - Stampin' Up!
Other: Small Labels, Labels Four, Labels Eleven, Classic Circles, Classic Squares Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Detail White Embossing Powder - Stampendous; Dusty Concord Distress reinker, Perfect Gold Perfect Pearls - Ranger; black rhinestones

Trick or Treat Trio

Good morning!

Today I have a fun trio of cards for you using Midnight Feast - one of two new sets being released by Waltzingmouse Stamps tomorrow!!

Each is a variation on a theme - vintage print, some ruffled crepe paper, and a fabulous circle label from Midnight Feast all in my favorite Halloween colors.

I scored a vintage song book at a fleatique last weekend for a buck. Here, I spritzed a sheet of it with a mix of Wild Honey Distress reinker and Perfect Gold Perfect Pearls.

I pulled out the crepe paper again for these cards, ruffling it under my stamped panel.

Some glitter, rhinestones and sparkle finish each of these off. (Yes, I chose that particular piece of music on purpose! ;) It is fun to work assembly-line style and I love to see these little guys all lined up.

Today, Claire, Julia, Lynn, Mona, Jennifer, Belinda, Lisa, and Laurie are sharing previews. Be sure to check them out!

Release day is tomorrow! The DT is having a Blog Waltz, so be sure to stop back!

Have a great day!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Midnight Feast - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: More Mustard, Perfect Plum - Stampin' Up!; Ripe Avocado, True Black - Papertrey Ink
Ink: More Mustard, Old Olive, Perfect Plum - Stampin' Up!; Jet Black Archival Ink, Wild Honey, Peeled Paint, Dusty Concord, Vintage Photo Distress Ink - Ranger
Other: Pinking Circles Large, Classic Circles Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Dusty Concord, Peeled Paint, Wild Honey Distress reinkers, Perfect Gold Perfect Pearls - Ranger; Chaorite glitter - Martha Stewart Crafts; Black Crepe Paper; Adhesive rhinestones; Vintage books; sewing machine

The Dead of Night

'The Harvest moon fills the sky
A wicked witch goes flying by...'

Welcome to our second day of previews for the Waltzingmouse Stamps August release. Today's card uses Midnight Feast, a perfect set for ghoulish treats and cards alike!

When I first saw the artwork for this set, I envisioned using the window shape to create a little scene.. the view of Winnie zipping across the sky, outlined against the moon! I stamped the gothic window repeatedly, lining the edges up to create the look of a wall of windows. Yeah, then I cut all those windows out!

The set contains a cluster of stars, excellent for creating a background! I stamped mine in VersaMark Dazzle for some extra shimmer. Winnie was stamped onto Spring Moss and cut out. Everything was given a coat of Perfect Pearls, but you'd have to see them shimmer in person to believe me. The ruffle bit at the bottom is crepe paper! I've got all sorts of fun ideas in mind for that.

Today, Claire, Julia, Lynn, Bonnie, Mona, Jennifer, and Belinda are sharing previews. Be sure to check them out!

Thanks for stopping by today - have a great Sunday!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Midnight Feast - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Going Gray, Vintage Violet - Stampin' Up!; Spring Moss - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Basic Gray - Stampin' Up!; Jet Black Archival Ink - Ranger; Champagne VersaMark Dazzle - Tsukineko
Other: Perfect Pearl, Interference Blue Perfect Pearls - Ranger; white gel pen; black crepe paper

Calling all Vamps!

Happy, happy Saturday!

Today we are starting the previews of the new stamp sets being released for August from Waltzingmouse Stamps. This month, two Halloween sets are being released - the season will soon be upon us! And if you're like me, you can't wait!!! Today I am previewing Wanda's Pantry - the perfect set to accompany all your Halloween treats!

I combined my preview with today's WMS Sketch Challenge:

And here is my card:

How marvelously macabre!!

The Vampire Blood label fits the largest of the Small Labels Nestabilities. I stamped it, die cut it and then used Pumice Stone and Black Soot Distress Ink to dirty it up a bit. The patterned paper is from Cosmo Cricket (Haunted) and was a perfect fit. The dripping blood was cut by hand - this would be an ideal pair for the Martha Stewart Drippy Goo punch!

Wait until you see these sets up close and in their entirety - perfect down to the last, gory detail!!

This month we are also adding another fantastic lady to the Design Team! Mona Pendleton, the head cupcake herself, is joining us! I am very excited for the opportunity to work with Mona. Please take a moment to stop by her blog and say hello!

Claire is also offering another free shipping promotion this month. Please check the WMS Blog for all the information.

Today, Claire, Lisa, Julia, Lynn, Bonnie, Mona, Jennifer, and Laurie are sharing previews. I can't wait to see what creepy creations they have come up with!

See you tomorrow with more!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Wanda's Pantry - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Smokey Shadow, Soft Stone, True Black - Papertrey Ink; Riding Hood Red - Stampin' Up!
Patterned Paper: Gothic from the Haunted Collection - Cosmo Cricket
Ink: Jet Black Archival Ink, Pumice Stone Distress, Black Soot Distress - Ranger
Other: Small Labels Nestabilities - Spellbinders; Upper Crest border punch - Fiskars; Copic marker R05 - Imagination International

Mahalo!

Hi friends!

Today is an exciting day! Have you seen the announcements on the Waltzingmouse blog? Three awesome things happening!

- WMS has a new webstore! The website has been updated with increased functionality and features and is just downright purdy!!
- WMS has also opened a Gallery! Go forth and upload your WMS projects! Don't forget to check out all the DT's projects, too!
- The August release previews start on SATURDAY! Yes - you heard that right! Claire is going on vacation (and a much-deserved one at that) and is moving the August release up a few days. Hold on to your socks, people!

Still here?? ;)

Here's a card from the archives for you today. You'll have to wait a few days to see the new stuff that I've been working on!

The flowers and sentiment are from the Free Spirit sets. They were colored with Copics.

That's it for me today - I can't wait to see you around for the new WMS release festivities! Have a great day!

#Anya

Recipe:
Stamps: Free Spirit - Boy, Free Spirit - Sentiments - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Cardstock: Hawaiian Shores, Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Tuxedo Black Memento - Tsukineko; Antique Linen Distress - Ranger; Hawaiian Shores - Papertrey Ink
Copics: RV13, RV23, Y11, Y17, Buttermilk Spica - Imagination International
Other: Hawaiian Shores Vintage Buttons, Rustic Cream Button Twine - Papertrey Ink; Petite Oval Nestabilities - Spellbinders

Serendipity Stamps Classic Challenge

Good morning!

I'm back today with another challenge from Serendipity Stamps!

Today's challenge was to use one of Serendipity's early images. I chose to work with the Window image.

I loved the vintage appeal of the image and wanted to run with that theme. I stamped the window onto Rustic Cream cardstock with Coffee Archival Ink (yum!). Then in an effort to just add a touch of color, I used chalk pastels to color in portions of the image. It is a subtle touch, I hope you can see it!

I debated how I wanted to place my sentiment, Hands of Memory, another fantastic verse from Serendipity. Finally, I decided to trim the words out and have them follow the lines of the image. I kept everything else simple, just stitching a frame around the outside and layering it onto an embossed mat. I really like the final product!

I am so glad you could stop by today, I really appreciate it. Please be sure to visit the other Design Team members to see their take on the challenge!

Amy
Kathie
Lynda

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: Window, Hands of Memory - Serendipity Stamps
Cardstock: True Thyme, Blush Blossom - Stampin' Up!; Rustic White - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Coffee Archival Ink, Antique Linen Distress Ink - Ranger Industries
Other: Herringbone Cuttlebug Embossing Folder - ProvoCraft; Chalk Pastels - Stampin' Up!; sewing machine