Monday, September 30, 2013

12 Kits of Occasions...Halloween!

It's the last day of the month which means it's time for another 12 Kits of Occasions reveal!  This month our hostess was the lovely Kim Heggins, and she created a kit for her favorite holiday...Halloween!  It was just filled with TREATS, all lovingly packaged in little kraft bags sealed with washi tape...and even a mini slider box filled with ribbon and twine!


What caught my eye first was the adorable Haunted Hill die cut scene from Impression Obsession.  And OH the papers from Pebbles "Trick or Treat" Collection, they are so awesome!!


Thought it went perfectly with this sentiment from Cicely at Halloween by Waltzingmouse Stamps.  Kim sent us that sentiment, but I decided to make a "moon" and so cut patterned paper with a circle nestie and then stamped the sentiment myself.  Had to make my teeny cat's eyes green, TOO!


Another really fun die cut, a "Trick or Treat" filled with some images from an adorable set called "Halloween Hello" by Stampin Up.  


Then it was time for tags!  Love this sweet little spider (although I think he can be a bat, too ;) from "Halloween Treats and Sweets" by Papertrey Ink and a border spider web die cut by Cottage Cutz.  I cut it in two and then layered the 2 pieces next to each other.  The sentiment is from Midnight Feast by Waltzingmouse Stamps.


 I think the last  is my fave project of the month, this scaredy cat made by Lucy, cut with Kim's Silhouette (need one of those)!!  The sentiment is from Papertrey Ink's "Spooky Sweets II."


I covered my black cat with flock!  A well-placed orange sequin on the back of the die cut made for a perfect evil eye :)!!


Thanks SO much to Kim for such an amazing kit!  I will definitely try to revisit it this month since there is so much more to use and still some time left until Halloween!  To see the full supply list for any of the kits (starting from July 2013 and on), you can go to the "Monthly Kit Supplies" button on the 12 Kits Blog HERE.

For more inspiration, you can also visit our Pinterest board HERE and our Facebook page HERE.

Now off you go to see what the other ladies have made this month, including our special guest designer!!

Darnell, our guest this month!





Sunday, September 22, 2013

Happy Birthday, Sharron!

Our dear friend Sharron Gregory is having a birthday today!  So of course we are celebrating with a birthday blog hop :)!!  When Sharron makes a card, I always think that every element is just perfectly placed and so well coordinated...the end result is always so stylish!   I decided to use the newly-released Waltzingmouse Stamps sets Putting on the Ritz and Art Deco Backgrounds to make a birthday card with style just for her (and oh how the new sets make that VERY easy!!)


I stamped a background using two of the diamond patterns and a mini shape from Art Deco Backgrounds.


Added a sentiment and the glamourous flapper gal from Putting on the Ritz.  She's embossed with clear powder. A mini feather from the Fine Feathers set fit her headpiece perfectly!  The glittery stripe is made with Sweet Blush cardstock topped with glitter.

Sharron, I hope you have the most wonderful day!  So glad I could come to the party, which continues on here...


Supplies:
Stamps:  Putting on the Ritz, Art Deco Backgrounds, and Fine Feathers, all Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper:  PTI Vintage Cream, Dark Chocolate, Sweet Blush, and Raspberry Fizz cardstock
Ink:  Fresh Ink in Sugar and Dark Chocolate, A Muse Studio Berry
Other:  PTI Mat Stack 3 die, Hero Arts clear embossing powder, Stampendous Crystal Snow glitter, Circle Nestabilities, A Muse Studio Shell satin ribbon, gem

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Waltzingmouse Stamps Release Day Blog Hop

Today is the day!  Waltzingmouse Stamps will be releasing 8 new stamp sets in the store!  The Design Team is having a release day blog hop.  You should be arriving here from Becca's blog but you can always go back to Claire's blog if you get lost along the way.

The 8 new stamp sets are:
Art Deco Backgrounders
Putting on the Ritz
All Hallows Eve
Splat That
The Count
Vintage Witch
Spooky Tree
& Opera Tags Christmas

Today I made another little crackle box featuring mini images from Vintage Witch as a gift for my great niece. This pumpkin and the Count's coffin from the other day came in a little 4 pack from Michael's...and Reegan is a little girly pumpkin, so I thought she would like this...


Painted the paper mache box with orange folk art paint.  Then I covered it with Tim Holtz Distress Ink in Rock Candy (clear).  Added some distressing with Vintage Photo and Black Soot Distress inks when I was done.


Here are the tags stamped with the images from Vintage Witch.  They kind of cascade from the gingham bow like a little vine!  The bow was black and white gingham ribbon but I distressed it with Fine Linen Distress Stain (a trick from Anya ;))!


Stamped a coordinating tag with Spooky Tree for the background and a sentiment from Vintage Witch.  It will be perfect since there is another one of those "Grow You Own" toys inside the box...this time a mini witch :).


REMINDER:  There will be a prize of a stamp set of choice from a random drawing from comments left on the DT's blogs!! So the more comments you leave, the better your chances to win!
 You have until September 21 at 11:59 PM (GMT), 5:5 9AM Central (Sept. 22), 3:59 AM Pacific and 6:59 AM Eastern to leave comments. 
One name from each blog will be randomly drawn and submitted to Lynn who will draw a winner and post the name on Claire’s blog on Monday, September 23rd.

Thanks SO much for visiting and leaving such sweet comments all week!

Now off you go to the amazing LYNN'S blog to continue on the hop!

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Waltzingmouse Stamps September Release Previews, Day 3

Back for some more Waltzingmouse Stamps sneak previews!  Claire will be releasing 8 new stamp sets TOMORROW on Thursday, September 19th!  Today we are featuring peeks of two more sets, Spooky Tree and Vintage Witch!

First up Spooky Tree...



I know!  Did you think I made a mistake?  When I first got Spooky Tree, I stamped it on all different kinds of cardstocks and just loved how it looked embossed in white on this blue cardstock.  Positively icy!  I paired it with one of the Opera Tags Christmas, another new set being released tomorrow.


And Vintage Witch!  Don't you just want to cackle when you see her?!


I thought she looked perfect paired with some papers from Authentique, a spider web die cut, and lots of distress ink.  


The sheet music is even entitled "Witches' Dance"  ;)

Tomorrow is the traditional release day Design Team blog hop that will begin at 2:00 PM EST.  Stay tuned to Claire's blog for details like contest information, as well as the full reveal of all 8 new sets.

Until then, visit these Design Team members who will be showcasing projects today!

Welcome Sonny!

Today we are having a little BABY blog hop for our sweet "12 Kitter" friend Jessica Davis who will be giving birth to her first child...a baby boy (!!) very soon :)


I made a card with one of my favorite baby sets of all time, PTI's Baby Button Bits.  I paired it with some more faves (an oldie but goodie) the Linen Background from Stampin Up and PTI's Quilter's Sampler!


I colored both the bear and the quilt patches with Copics and then stamped over the each piece with the Linen Background.  For the bear, stamped over in yellow...and for the quilt, stamped over in Fresh Snow ink.  Love how it looks like fabric!

Head over to the 12 Kits of Occasions Blog to make sure you don't miss any of the stops on the baby hop!

Congratulations and best wishes, Jessica!   XoXo

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Waltzingmouse Stamps September Release Previews, Day 2

Now it's time for the spooky good fun to start at Waltzingmouse Stamps!  Claire is releasing 8 new stamp sets this Thursday, September 19th!  Today we are beginning to showcase her amazing new Halloween images!  Up first are...The Count, Splat That, and All Hallow's Eve!

For my first project, I thought it was high time to break out the crackle paint ;)


Every time I see the set The Count, I want to do the laugh..."Mwah ha ha ha!"  :)  I painted a little paper mache box with Tim Holtz black crackle paint and then distressed it further with Vintage Photo ink.  The tag was made with a Spellbinders Deckled Rectangle Nestabilities.  I stamped The Count with Versamark and heat-embossed with black powder.


The splatter (eek) is courtesy of the new Splat That set!  I thought if I stamped it in Cherry Cobbler it would be perfect for...you know, a vampire (wink)!!  Of course the images in Splat That can be used any time you need that freshly painted look!  The Count's name is part of a sentiment from the set.  I didn't use the whole thing, just colored his name with a Distress marker.

Inside is this little vampire that grows when you place it in water.  My great nephew Owen will love it!


Up next are images from All Hallow's Eve, a gorgeous vintage Halloween set!  Had to start with the raven!


I decided to make the card solely using stamped images.  The background is made by repeatedly stamping a beautiful filagree image included in the set.  


To make my moon, I placed a die cut circle on the paper, sponged around it with Tim Holtz Distress inks in Milled Lavender, Chipped Sapphire, and Weathered Wood, and then stamped the raven and the sentiment over the top.

Tomorrow the spooky fun continues with (quite possibly) my favorites images from the release!  
Until then, visit these Design Team Members' blogs today for more projects!

Monday, September 16, 2013

Waltzingmouse Stamps September Release Previews, Day 1

Welcome to the Waltzingmouse Stamps September previews!  Claire will be releasing 8 new stamp sets on Thursday, September 19th.  Today we are going stylish instead of spooky (those are coming up soon!).  She has designed some beautiful sets with her own fun twist.  Today we are showcasing Putting on the Ritz, Art Deco Backgrounders, and Opera Tags Christmas!

Up first is a party on a card created with Putting on the Ritz and Art Deco Backgrounders. I used anything and everything that I could find that was glitzy and glamorous, sparkly and shimmery!


First, I embossed the Art Deco Backgrounders with silver powder on black cardstock.


I embossed the glamour gal for Putting on the Ritz in silver as well, but then did the circular element onto the black cardstock with A Muse Studio's Diamond embossing powder.  Added some champagne bubbles and a feather ;)!  The sentiment is embossed in silver and then the frame is detailed with some Sakura Stardust pen.  I added a silvery "marquis" mat around the entire embossed piece using American Crafts Charcoal Glitter cardstock.  I wish you could see the effect in person, it looks like it's made out of real silver!!

Up next is a Christmas card featuring Opera Tags Christmas, a new set that coordinated with Claire's previously released custom Spellbinders Nestabilities set "Opera Tags."


Claire said she envisioned the tags in red, and ohhh me TOO!  I made a background using the previously released set Festive Foliage embossed in white.  Added some red gem berries.


For the tag, I also embossed the holly leaf outlines from Festive Foliage and cut them out to add to the top of the tag.  The beautiful sentiment is from Opera Tags Christmas, as well.

Be sure to come back tomorrow for more fun sets.  Until then, off you go to see these Design Team members and their fabulous creations...

Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Happy Birthday, Kara!

It's sweet Kara's birthday today and we are celebrating with a little hop!  Kara is known for her innovative, creative designs, and she can really rock a CAS card.  I tried to make a card suiting Kara with some die cuts....and now I see why CAS cards are HARD, lol!


I first cut with a heart die and then placed it on white paper, then cut around it with the balloon die from PTI's Birthday Style dies.




I wanted it to look like it was floating up right from PTI's Wonderful Words:  Hello, so made one of the letters sparkly red to match!  Tried to artfully place gems like confetti, but alas...I am not even sure if I did that all "modern" and "correctly" heeeee :)

But Kara...despite my funny card, I hope you have a wonderful day!!!  Please stop by JOYCE'S blog (our birthday moderator!!) for a full list of the birthday blog hoppers today :)XO


Monday, September 9, 2013

Back to School!

The first full week of school and I thought it would be fun to play along with my first Curtain Call Challenge since the theme is "Back to School"!  Here is the inspiration photo...


Here is my card,


I was thinking about THIS awesome card by Kath when I made it...I think I am a little bit obsessed with it :)!!   I loved her layout and fun patterned trees.  I added some fun cork paper from Crate Paper and dusted the edge of my black cardstock to look like a chalkboard.


Used apples from Waltzingmouse Stamps Peace and Plenty set and a ruler image and sentiment from A Muse Studio's "School Days" set.  Stamped the ruler on MME woodgrain paper to make it look more authentic.

Maybe this summer being over thing isn't so bad after all...I am feeling quite stampy lately ;)!  Thanks for stopping by!

Supplies:
Stamps:  Peace and Plenty, Waltzingmouse Stamps, School Days, A Muse Studio
Paper:  My Mind's Eye Stella Rose & The Sunny Side collections, Crate Paper Storyteller, PTI Black 
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, PTI Fresh Snow
Other:  Spellbinders Grand Nestabilities Circles, button, Studio Calico wooden stars, red paint, twine

Sunday, September 8, 2013

A Bewitching Sketch

It's Halloween card time!  I decided to make my first one using this week's sketch at Freshly Made Sketches.  It's by Cindy Hall and she made such a beautiful card with it seen HERE.

Out to cast her first bewitching spell of the season is Cicely at Halloween from Waltzingmouse Stamps!


First, I chose colorful papers from October Afternoon's "Witch Hazel" collection.  I have always loved the outfit Claire designed her in!  Whenever I go to color it, I think that Cicely is much too stylish to be dressed all in black!


Sparkled up portions with a Stardust pen, including the spider web die cut.  As always, had such fun with this sketch and can't wait to see what next week brings!

Supplies:
Stamps:  Cicely at Halloween, Waltzingmouse Stamps
Paper:  October Afternoon's "Witch Hazel" and PTI's Rustic White and Orange Zest
Ink:  Memento Tuxedo Black, Copic Markers
Other:  Spellbinders Oval Nestabilities, big die from Papertrey Ink's Spider Web Trio, Sakura Stardust pen, orange gems, silver sparkle twine


Sunday, September 1, 2013

Shiny Happy Die Cuts


Oh August, I am sad to see you go!  But it's the first Sunday of September which means it's Challenge Chicks Day!  This month our hostess is Jeanne and she challenged us to use DIE CUTS!  


I made a birthday card using both positive and negative die cut pieces with Papertrey Ink products, and this sketch from the Freshly Made Sketches blog by Linda Callahan...




I used a negative piece cut with the Hexagon Cover Plate as a mask and then sprayed with Tattered Angels Glimmer Mist in Yellow Daisy and Cherub Pink, and Heidi Swapp's Color Shine in Teal.  Then to match the sketch, I used the Happy Hexagon stamp set and stamped in 2 rows over the misted hexagons.


Then I used some "positive" die cuts :)- the Headline Alphabet and hearts cut from felt using the Love Lives Here dies.  I think this card will be perfect for when my girls are invited to friends' birthday parties...not too many layers and very shimmery and sparkly!

Don't forget to upload your project at Splitcoaststampers using the keyword "CHXSEP13" or link your blog post to our Facebook page HERE.

Now off to see what the other Chicks have come up with using their dies!


Supplies:
Stamps:  Happy Hexagons, Think Big Favorites #1, Papertrey Ink
Paper:  PTI Lavender Moon and White
Ink:  A Muse Studio Mermaid and Berry, Fresh Ink in Celery and Basil
Dies:  PTI Hexagon Cover Plate, Love Lives Here, Headline Alphabet 
Other:  Tattered Angels Glimmer Mists in Yellow Daisy and Pink Cherub, Heidi Swapp Color Shine in Teal, rhinestone, Stardust Stickles, Autumn Rose felt from PTI