Happy 4th of July Birthday!!

Happy 4th of July to those here in the US!  A great day -- very thankful for those who gave us a reason to celebrate!  I hope you are off from work, and having fun today.  I had gotten these awesome stamps and cut files from Waltzingmouse Stamps a few weeks ago, and I just couldn't wait to make this card.  It's been in my head, and waiting for the right moment.  I was totally inspired by Anya's card.

Not only is today America's birthday, it's also the birthday of a long time friend of mine.  I've known her since I was 12, so it's been....eeerrrrr, uhhhh, mmmmm...well, it's been a long time ;).  Anyway, I always thought it was pretty cool that her birthday is on the 4th of July, I mean, fireworks for your birthday...like EVERY year?? lol.

Sooooooo - it's Amanda's birthday, and it's the 4th of July...so I should make a card for Amanda.  Here it is....

I think this may be the most favorite card I've ever made.  Not sure if it's the sense of pride I have of being from New York, the USA, or just that these cut files and fireworks stamps are just SO DARN COOL!

The fireworks images were stamped in gold or platinum inks, and embossed with either gold tinsel or hologram highlights embossing powder (I think the hologram one was retired by SU! - but I think you can still get gold tinsel in M's)  The background was airbrushed with my Copics...I LOVE the background.

Lady Liberty, and the city skyline are cut files that Claire has made available -- SO cool.  I used a sentiment from 1776, and then snagged the 'birthday' from one of my PTI sentiments.

So - HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMANDA!  Hope it's the start of a great year!  (well, of course it will be, she's getting married in September!  YAAAAAYYYY!)  Happy 4th of July to all <3 p="">

It's a Waltzingmouse Father's Day!!

Here in the states, it's Father's Day today.  I am very lucky, as I have a wonderful husband who is an awesome dad.  I also still have my dad here with me, and my father in law as well.  My girls have two awesome Godfathers as well, sooooo that equals lots of Father's Day cards to be made!

Luckily, Claire, over at Waltzingmouse Stamps, took a LOT of the guesswork out of cards for the guys this year!  These first two are for my father-in-law and brother-in-law whom we saw yesterday.  We're a fife and drum family, so all things patriotic always come to mind when I think of them.  So I used the new 1776 set, along with My Kind of Guy to make these two.

Up next is the card I made for my husband, which I used My Kind of Guy and Man of the Hour.

My girls each made their dad a card, as well, using the same sets... the first one is by my little one, and the next one by my big one :)

Lastly I'll finish up with the cards for my Dad, and my brother, both of which also use My Kind of Guy and Man of the Hour.

Claire - THANK YOU for making "man card" making easy for me this year!!!  I had tons of fun using these sets, and I see more projects coming in the near future!!!

Hope everyone had a great Father's Day :)  Thanks for stopping by!

A Little Birthday Ombre...

Had some fun playing around with an ombre technique (that's fancy for repeated stamping without re-inking, lol).

I used the long line with a curl at the end image from Waltzingmouse Stamps Free Spirit -Boy set, obviously not using the curl part ;).  I just stamped, and then lined the stamp up next to the previous line, and worked my way out to the corner.  A nice big sentiment from PTI, and I was good to go!

I liked it so much - I made another one, but with different colors...and this time I added some cute little wood veneer stars...

Orange is my favorite color, so I think I may be a little partial to this one, which one do you like better??  This inquiring mind would like to know :).

I'm grateful the weekend is upon us, though it will be a busy one!  Thanks for stopping by, wishing you all a great day!!

Supplies:

Blue Happy Birthday:

Stamps: Free Spirit-Boy, Waltzingmouse Stamps, Think Big Favorites #14

Ink: Pacific Point (SU!), Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Pacific Point (SU!), Select White (PTI)

Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch

Orange Happy Birthday:

Stamps: Free Spirit-Boy, Waltzingmouse Stamps, Think Big Favorites #14

Ink: Orange Zest (PTI), Memento Tuxedo Black

Paper: Orange Zest (PTI), Classic Kraft (PTI)

Accessories: Corner Rounder Punch, Wooden Veneer Stars (Studio Calico)

Waltzingmouse Blog Party - and a little ramble...

I can't believe June is already more than 1/2 over!!  It's the last week of school here, and truthfully, it couldn't come at a better time - we're all EXHAUSTED! lol.  However, it will still be busy, as the kids will head to camp, and I will still be heading to work every day.

At the last minute, I got to whip up something simple and fast for today's blog party (or I guess yesterday's, but I'll get in RIGHT under the wire, lol.

Here's the inspiration photo:

And here's what I did with it:

I told you it was simple and quick!  But -- I do love the color combo, which is primarily what I used from the inspiration photo.  A few little orange gems adorn the sentiment (I get it from my friend Pam, she understands, lol) That bottom chevron looks black, but it is indeed dark gray *sigh*.  Thanks for popping by today - glad I got to play!

Now -- the ramble.  My older daughter is a bit shy, ok, she REALLY shy, but more than that, she's not the "stick up for herself" type of girl - and when adversity is in her path...she'll usually run the other way.  BUT - about a year and a half ago, she began martial arts training.  WHAT a difference in her confidence, and self esteem!  It's something she KNOWS she's good at - and she enjoys it.  This past weekend, she competed for the first time, and though it was not the ideal situation (nothing went according to plan) my "old" daughter would have freaked out - and decided not to do it.  My "new" daughter got up there - and though not perfect, did it.  She did it, and she did it with a loud kiyap (a loud yell) and essentially said "That's right -- I'm here, and I'm going to DO THIS".  My heart raced, and filled with pride for my little girl who is getting so big and brave.  

Until next time...

Smokey Shadow Cardstock - Papertrey Ink	Compact Sentiments Part 2 - Walztingmouse Stamps	Hawaiian Shores Cardstock - Papertrey Ink	Orange Zest Cardstock - Papertrey Ink
Fresh Snow Ink Pad - Papertrey Ink	Chevron Border Dies - Papertrey Ink

InLinkz.com

WMSC 100!

There's a celebration going on over at the Waltzing Mouse Sketch Challenge blog.  This week marks their 100th sketch!  I wound up unexpectedly being home today, so I got a chance to play along :)

Here's the sketch:

And here's my take:

I turned it on it's side, and gave it a manly look...and speaking on manly...that's my handsome hubs on that wanted poster.  Of course, not the GREATEST photo of him, but he's a bit pesky when the camera is out ;).  I used my tea dye cubes A LOT to try and get this messied up, in a good way.

If I *could* have a party for my husband (we have a mutual understanding, I do not throw him any parties, and he can throw as many for me as he likes ;) ha ha ha) I think it would be fun to do invites like these...we're in a Fife and Drum Corps that dresses like cowboys...so while we're not the REAL deal, it's fun to play dress up, though I think he'd fit right in, he loves horses, and looks great in jeans and a cowboy hat.

Thanks for stopping by today -- make it a great one!

Supplies:

Back in the Saddle - Waltzingmouse Stamps	Way Out West - Waltzingmouse Stamps	Kraft Cardstock - Papertrey Ink	Kraft Ink Pad - Papertrey Ink
Dark Chocolate Cardstock - Papertrey Ink	Dark Chocolate Ink Pad - Papertrey Ink	Soft Stone Cardstock - Papertrey Ink	Soft Stone Ink Pad - Papertrey Ink
Smokey Shadow Cardstock - Papertrey Ink	Smokey Shadow Ink Pad - Papertrey Ink	Vintage Touch Tea Dye Duo - Papertrey Ink	Mat Stack 4 Die - Papertrey Ink

InLinkz.com

A Waltzingmouse Birthday Girl

Yes, it's been a long time, yes, I'm popping in for a visit...if you're reading this, that means you are too, and I'm thankful :).

For those of you that know me...you know that I have a big extended family with LOTS of nieces and nephews...and that means...LOTS of birthday parties! :)  This past weekend was NO exception!  My niece Tess, turned 4, and her older sister Grace turned 11.  I'm sharing Tess' card with you today, and will save Grace's for next time ;).

I was so happy to have received my new stamps from Waltzingmouse Stamps - called Half Pint Heroines.  I decided to use the full body image with the long haired 'head' to make a likeness of my niece.  Colored her in with my Copics (I completely forgot to photograph the colors I used -- sorry!)

I fussy cut the image out (old school in this day and age of custom dies, HA!) and mounted it on a banner cut (wine bottle tag) from By the Numbers paper. Added some embellishments, and adhered that to the base, which also had her age mounted on a lemon tart flower.  Bright and colorful for a bright and colorful girl :).

We had a great time at the party, a neighbor took the kids on a tractor ride to the local farm, and they played on the playground, and then came back to the house (a few times!) I think they all felt 'big' to get away from all of the parents for a little while...I think there were 19 kids on one ride (I told you I have a big family, lol).  Thanks for popping by!!  Make it a great day!

Supplies:
Stamps: Half Pint Heroines (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black
Paper: Classic Kraft, Plum Pudding, Raspberry Fizz, Lemon Tart, New Leaf, Hawaiian Shores, Select White (all PTI), By the Numbers patterned paper
Accessories: Wine Bottle tag die, Filigree Border die (PTI), swiss dot embossing folder, recollections bling  

Waltzingmouse Blog Party - think SPRING!

Good Afternoon!! (Well, here anyway!)  It's the 17th, so that means is time for the Waltzingmouse Blog Party!  Yaaaay!  I haven't gotten to play along in quite some time, but this month's theme got me going.  I can't think of Spring, and not think of cute little First Communicants. :)  This year, my big girl, as well as my Nephew (and Godson) will both make their First Holy Communion.

The nephew was born ON St. Patrick's day, so really, how could I NOT use Claire's Celtic Heritage stamp set for his card?? LOL.  

The cross image is heat embossed with detail gold embossing powder, and lots of little green gems were added to dress it up a bit.  The sentiment (also from Celtic Heritage) was stamped in Green Galore Ink from SU! - though I'm fairly certain it has been retired.  It looks a little washed out in my photo, but is a nice hearty green.  The roped background is stamped with the braid image from Irish Blessings, in Sahara Sand ink, also from SU!

Looking forward to making the rounds -- thanks for stopping by!!  Wishing you all a marvelous weekend!

Supplies:

Stamps: Celtic Heritage, Irish Blessings (Waltzingmouse Stamps)

Ink: Green Galore (Retired), Sahara Sand (SU!)

Paper: Select White (PTI)

Accessories: Mega Mat Stack #4 die (PTI) Filigree Gold EP, Amuse and Doodlebug gems

Happy Birthday Waltzingmouse!!

WHEW!!!  I just made it. :)

I started this the other day, and all of the sudden, this morning, I realized that I never posted!!  So, I ran outside, thank goodness for a beautiful sunny day.

This is quick, because I'm unfortunately off to a funeral, but I wish Claire continued success always!!  I ♥ her company, and hope it continues strong for a long LONG time! :)

Happy Saturday!


Supplies:
Stamps: Way Out West, Back in the Saddle
Ink: Memento Black, PTI distress cubes, fresh snow
Paper: water color paper (SU!), Dark Chocolate, Vintage Cream (PTI)
Accessories: Sakura stardust pen, WMS tea baggie template, PTI button, DMC floss

A Waltzingmouse Blog Hop!

Good Morning!!


I'm here to share another quickie post with you today.  It's the 17th of the month, so that of course, means it is time for another Waltzingmouse Blog Waltz!  This is my second month playing along.  This month's challenge was to make something vintage/shabby chic.  This is a TOUGH style for me.  I think in general, I'm a fairly CAS stamper, so to go with distressing, and vintage, definitely not my usual.  I did find that Victorian Frippery helped though.

 

I used the fabulous border image from the set to make the large panel on the card front -- I think it looks kind of like old wallpaper, no?  I added some sweet blush and tea dye to the edges of the panel, added some faux stitching, and trimmed it with a bit of lace trim, and made a fun ruffled ribbon treatment, just pinching as I stuck it down to some scor-tape, on the front of my card.

Finished it with the Merci sentiment, and I'm good to go...perhaps not the fanciest, or shabbiest, but all in all, I think for being out of my comfort zone, not so bad!!

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





Supplies:
Stamps: Victorian Fripperie (WMS)
Ink: Brilliance Chocolate, Sweet Blush (PTI) vintage touch ink (PTI)
Paper: Kraft, Shimmery White
Accessories: lace trim, sweet blush satin ribbon, piercer

A Quick Fly By...

With some Waltzingmouse goodness...


I made a couple of easy peasy quick cards for two of my nephews using Free Spirit Boy and Free Spirit Sentiments.  These are the most PERFECT stamps for those otherwise hard to stamp for guys in our lives.

There's a LONG striped image that curls up on one end...I used the straight end of that to create my 'plaid' on the bottom of the card, and used a few other random pieces for the top.

These were done in no time flat - the boys liked them - and promptly forgot all about them when they moved on to the next gift.  So goes the life of a cardmaker - lol.

Thanks for stopping by!!

Supplies:

Stamps: Free Spirit Boy, Free Spirit Sentiments (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Enchanted Evening, New Leaf, Scarlet Jewel, Vintage Cream
Paper: Enchanted Evening, New Leaf, Scarlet Jewel, Kraft

My First Waltz!

YIPEEE!  It's my first Waltz with Claire Brennan and Waltzingmouse Stamps :).  Every month, I have every good intention of playing along, and something happens (usually my forgetfulness...) But this month...this month was different.  I've moved the area I lovingly refer to as "Stampland" up to our front room, from the basement, since we apparently still have "inhabitants" down there...and when I saw the challenge, I decided that this would be the first card I made in my "new space".

I LOVE Claire's stamps, and am glad I get to play along with so many others who feel the same way.

I used one of her older sets, Sewing Box Hugs.  I used Hawaiian Shores and Spring Moss Cardstock, along with Hawaiian Shores and New Leaf ink.  I cut out the layers, and put the flowers together - finishing them off with a button in the center.

The base layer is White, and I added a layer of Kraft, punched with that delicious EK Success Embossed Curve punch....ooooh how I've waited to get that punch - and I finally broke down and treated myself to it :).  I love it.  Probably a little too much.

Finished it off with my sentiment -- and there you have it!  I apologize, but by the time I got to sit down and finish it, all daylight was gone, and I haven't gotten to set up my light box anywhere up here yet...sooooo, my photo is not ideal.

Thanks so much for stopping by -- Have a great weekend!!



Supplies:
Stamps: Sewing Box Hugs - Waltzingmouse Stamps
Ink: Hawaiian Shores, New Leaf (PTI), Rich cococa memento
Paper: Gina K Luxury white, PTI Hawaiian Shores, Spring Moss, Kraft
Accessories: Buttons, embroidery floss, EK Success Embossed Curve punch

Free Spirit Boy...

Hello!!  Yes, I am alive.  I'm sure you've all been wondering ;).  I've taken a bit of time off and enjoyed it with my family, and I feel refreshed.  Yes, I know I just posted on Thursday, but I think in blog days, it was an eternity! lol.

I'm here today to share with you a simple little number featuring the latest and greatest from Waltzingmouse Stamps.  I've been struggling for a while now for appropriate images for cards for my nephews who are pre-teen/teenagers, and Claire has TOTALLY hit the nail on the head with these sets!!  Free Spirit Boy, and Free Spirit Sentiments...LOVE them!!

My nephew Bobby had his 14th birthday last week, I still can't believe he's 14!  For goodness sake, I was still a teenager when he was born, and I can't be that old, can I??  Dang.  Anyway -- he's a real great kid,  he's got a good heart, and a great sense of humor.  And, he's my first nephew (also my Godson) so he always has a special place in my heart (he'll probably GAG if he reads this!)

He's pretty easy to shop for these days, iTunes gift cards or cash that he can use to put minutes on his cell phone are always a good bet - and I know they're being put to good use...besides, how else will I know all the coolest apps for my iPhone, than to get input from a teenager?? ;)

Here's my card, simple, straightforward, and uses his favorite color, orange (which is my favorite too, in case you'd like to send me some happy mail ;) ).

He said he liked it, though I'm sure he liked the check made out to cash much better, but hey, what more can I ask for??  I'll be lucky if he even still wants to associate with me by his next birthday, so I'll take what I can get ;).

Thanks for stopping by today -- hope it's a great one!


Supplies:
Stamps: Free Spirit Boy, Free Spirit Sentiments (Waltzingmouse Stamps)
Ink: Pumpkin Pie, Not Quite Navy, Green Galore (SU!) Memento Brown
Paper: Not-Quite Navy, Whisper White
Accessories: Sponge, Aquapainter