CELEBRATE 2012!!!

Happy New Year to all my blog readers! It has been such a blessing to have so many wonderful readers visit my blog and leave comments of support and encouragement. And I have met many new friends who continually add such joy to my life. Thank you all!!

Click on picture to get better view of glitter

I used the current WM sketch challenge to make my card. Another plus this year has been joining in these weekly challenges! There is so much fabulous inspiration from the Mischief Makers and others who join in on each challenge. This week's sketch from Claire uses a star:

And here's a link to view all the other entries. There's still time to join the fun! I used the star from WM's Seasons of Love, stamped it with Amuse slate ink and covered with glitter. IRL it is SO bright and sparkly! The penquin is from PTI's Tiny Treats-Christmas. The paper in the background is actually black and white (Black and White Basics-PTI). I colored all the dots red! The only bling is a single large rhinestone. I wanted to keep it simple.

Enjoy your weekend and stay safe! Wishing you all the very best in 2012!

HUGS,

Sharron

A Year in Review

Hi all--hope everyone had a fantastic holiday! And are you now ready for the end of the year celebrations? I was inspired by Terry when I visited her blog and decided to participate in Karin's A Year In Review blog hop. I did one last year and really enjoyed taking time to review my blog entries and to revisit some successes--and some failures--before venturing in the new year. A huge thanks to Karin for getting this started. 

I reviewed posts for each month of 2011 and picked one from each month that was a favorite, or one that was most memorable! There were several months with very few posts. Resolution for 2012--try to be more consistent and post more often! If you wish, you can click on the month to connect to my original post. Thanks so much for stopping by. I would love to see your favorites too so be sure to visit Karin's blog so you can join in the fun!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year's weekend!
Sharron

JANUARY

FEBRUARY

MARCH

APRIL

MAY

JUNE

JULY

AUGUST

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

NOVEMBER

DECEMBER

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #77

This looks like one of those sketches that I could use again and again! Today I wanted to use it for bookmarks. I like to make tags, especially for the grandkids presents and thought a tag/bookmark combo would be perfect. They could end up having a useful purpose and not just a tag! Actually this would be a fun addition to other cards in the future--coordinated bookmarks for birthdays and other special occasions!! I used a combination of patterned papers and embossing, being sure to end up with at least two layers for durability. Since they are in fact tags too--see last photo for how I incorporated names.

Love this tree paper--lots of fun colors to work with so I'm sure I will use it again. The embossing is Plaid--one of my favorites!

This is for our four-year old granddaughter so candy canes work great. I wasn't sure what to put in the circle and then decided on the candy and yummmmy sentiment!

And I couldn't leave out something made with Nordic Winter!!!

Here is the tag on the back. They can be left on or removed after Christmas. I used Tiny Tags dies from Papertrey. It is so handy to keep a bunch of them cut out and ready to use.

Well, still lots to do. We are having an early Christmas this weekend and going to see the granddaughters' Christmas programs. I will post the Supply List this evening.

Hugs,

Sharron

Supplies

Card 1--Stamps: A Cottage Christmas (WMS)

Cardstock: Simply Chartreuse, Pure Poppy, Spring Rain, Vintage Cream (PTI)

Patterned Paper: Be Merry Trim the Tree (My Mind's Eye)

Additional: Half and Half Dies (PTI); Plaid Embossing Folder (Sizzix); Limitless Layers 1 3/4" Dies (PTI); Copics; Divine Twine; Eyelet (American Crafts); Amuse Ink

Card 2--Stamps: Candy Jar Christmas Fillers (WMS)

Cardstock: Aqua Mist, Ocean Tides, Stamper's Select White (PTI)

Patterned Paper: I Believe Thin Stripes (My Mind's Eye)

Additional: Half and Half Dies (PTI); Circles Embossing Folder (Sizzix); Circle Punches (1 1/4", 1 1/2"); Inks (Amuse, Memento); Divine Twine, Eyelet (American Crafts); Copics

Card 3--Stamps: Nordic Winter (WMS)

Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Stamper's Select White (PTI); Blue-source unknown

Additional: Half and Half Dies (PTI); Limitless Layers 1 3/4" Dies (PTI); Divine Twine, Eyelet (American Crafts); Ink (Memento); Silver Detail Embossing Powder (Ranger)

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #76

Wow, another marvelous sketch for this week's WMSC from the super talented Claire!

I found this ribbon at Michael's when they were having a huge holiday ribbon sale. It reminded me of none other than the FABULOUS Nordic Winter set--which I am so tempted to use on everything I make!! The ribbon is however printed on one side only so the pattern is lost on a tied bow (or at least one I would tie!)--hence this version. I also ended up flipping the sketch. I tried it the other way but liked the deer image better this way. And lastly, I love Nordic images with plaid!

So how are you doing with your holiday plans? Thankfully I have everything ready to mailed. Well, almost ready--I have everything purchased but not completed wrapped! But I'm making progress. My plan is to have everything done by next Monday so I can then concentrate on making cookies and getting cards mailed.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

And as always, thanks so much for dropping by,

Smiles.......

Sharron

Supplies

Stamps: Nordic Winter,  Candy Jar Christmas Fillers (WMS)

Cardstock: Pinefeather, Stamper's Select White (PTI)

Patterned Paper: Christmas Time (Paper Pizazz)

Additional: Ribbon (Michael's); Bells from Stash; EK Success Scalloped Scallop Border Punch; Tag Sale #3 Die (PTI); Cottage Ivy and Rhubarb Stalk Ink (Memento)

Playing With WM Little Box Labels!!!

Hi all, I have been MIA a bit for the past week or so. Just trying to make some headway with Christmas gifts that need to be mailed. Much of our family lives out of town so we have a significant amount of mailing to do. I started on some tags for last week's WMSC. We never use name tags and so I thought tags using the sketch would be okay. However, when Claire posted the details on the tag contest, I decided to wait and use them now.

I like to have two types of tags--the ones that can be tied on a gift and also ones that are mini cards where I have more room to write a note. They need to be quick to make with simple designs so I chose Little Box Labels and Spellbinders Labels Five to do some easy cutting and stamping. Be sure to check Claire's post here to see how she used this set. I love her version using Festive Foliage. There are just endless possibilities!!

Clicking on Image Helps to Show Glitter Detail

For such little creations I had SO many supplies out---you should have seen the mess! I kept getting out more and more sets to try different images--fun but messy! These used sentiments from Christmas Cottage. A complete list of supplies is below.

Here's a photo of the backs. It helps to stamp "To" and "From" or a short message. I also left enough twine on the end, after tying bows, to be able to tie these on a package.

Clicking on Image Helps to Show Glitter Detail

Here are the mini cards (approximately 4" x 3 /12"). One of the cool things about this label stamp is that you can flip it so the circle is at the bottom or at the top. And there are lots of options of images that fit inside too!

Happy Holiday Preparations to All........

Smiles,

Sharron

Supplies

HANGING TAGS

Stamps: Little Box Labels, Cottage Christmas, Candy Jar Christmas Fillers (WMS); Tiny Treats-Christmas, Love Lives Here-Holiday (PTI)

Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Ocean Tides (PTI)

Additional: Ribbon (PTI Pure Poppy Satin, American Crafts Green); Twines from Divine Twine and The Twinery; Glitter (Stampin' Up); Copics; Dew Drops: Inks (A*Muse and Memento); 1" and 1 1/4" Circle Punches

MINI CARDS

Stamps: Little Box Labels, Twas the Night Before Christmas, Candy Jar Christmas Fillers (WMS)

Cardstock: Vintage Cream, Pure Poppy (PTI)

Patterned Paper: Stripe (A*Muse); Gingham (S-E-I Silver Valley)

Additional: Inks (A*Muse and Memento); Glitter (Stampin' Up); Dew Drops

Waltzingmouse Waltz: Theme-Winter/Christmas

Festive Foliage is one of my new (to me) WM stamp sets. The images are so beautifully done and the detail is fabulous. I decided to use this image and emboss in silver. I stamped the entire branch on Pinefeather cardstock before embossing. Then I restamped the pine cones on Dark Chocolate. They were then embossed, cut out and added on top. The background paper is one of those treasures I just happened to come across when I got out my Christmas papers. It is a sheet of patterned vellum that I have had for several years. To help create the winter feel I glued it to a sheet of white cardstock so the pattern is more visible. The sentiment from Christmas Cottage was stamped in Versamark and then Memento Lady Bug before embossing with clear embossing powder. I love the icy look it created! The base is dry embossed with a woodgrain impression plate. Rhinestones colored with a Copic marker add a touch of brighter color. 

I have been so inspired by all the wonderful WM projects that have been posted during the past couple of weeks. Wish I had time to try them all out before Christmas! 

Hope you enjoy the Waltz! Here's a link to Claire's blog where you can find information on how to participate and a link to Waltz.

Hugs,

Sharron

Supplies

Stamps: Festive Foliage, Christmas Cottage(WMS)

Cardstock: Soft Stone, Pinefeather, Dark Chocolate, Stamper's Select White (PTI)

Patterned Papers: Patterned Vellum (A Wonderful Winter Day-Deja Views)

Additional: Deckled Rectangle Die (Spellbinders); Woodgrain Impression Plate (PTI); Rhinestones (Queen and Company); Embossing Powders-Detail Silver and Clear (Ranger); Ribbon (American Crafts); Memento Ink; Copics; Vellum Spray Glue

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #73

I started with this patterned paper for this week's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. It's one of the new 12 Days of Christmas by My Mind's Eye. I used both sides for the base layers. I'm anxious to try all my new stamp sets so this time I used the jar and gingerbread men from from Candy Jar Christmas-Fillers. They are colored with Copics and mounted on a tag die. I can see this bow from the set having lots of uses! It was colored with Copics also, cut out and popped up with foam dots to add some dimension.  A PTI button holds the Tiny Tags diecut that I stamped with a sentiment from the CJCF set.

Next project is posting a card for the Waltzingmouse Waltz. It is so different from my usual style! Visit tomorrow and let me know what you think!

Smiles,

Sharron

Supplies

Stamps: Candy Jar Christmas-Fillers (WMS)

Cardstock: Rustic Cream, Stamper's Select White, Vintage Cream (PTI)

Patterned Paper: 12 Days of Christmas (My Mind's Eye)

Additional: Deckled Rectangles Die (Spellbinders); Ribbon from stash; Tiny Tags and Tag Sale #4 Dies (PTI); Glossy Accents; Pure Poppy Button (PTI), Copics

In Memory

KIOWA

9/5/96 to 11/11/11

With sadness we lost one of our sweet furry kids on Friday. He started with various signs of illness in July of last year but with meds and a wonderful vet we were blessed with many more months than we thought we might have. He was a sweetie and gave us so much joy! Rest in peace, Ki!

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #72

Note 11-10: Photos replaced this afternoon. Retook them with better light. Hope it helps!

My card for today started out as a CASE! I love this card by Kelly Schmirer from the last WMSC. I had it saved in my inspiration file so when Claire announced there is a competition where we were to CASE something done by one of the design team, I went back to find this one. I wasn't sure it qualified as this was not one of the SOAP posts. But no problem as it eventually just grew into a 3-panel card that I can use for this week's WMSC. When I began I was going to use the snowman from A Cottage Christmas with trees stamped with the Nordic Winter set. After die cutting and stamping them and finishing the star, I realized they were a little too large for what I wanted. So I went to the three panels. I wasn't sure about how to do the shaped tops but found an EK punch that seemed to work. The card was cut to 10 1/2 x 5 1/2 inches before I punched the top. It was scored and folded into thirds. This was a little more time consuming but the very best part was I was able to use a bunch of my new stamps and also a couple of 

new dies!

The cottage from A Cottage Christmas was colored with Copics and dusted with 'glittery snow'. 

The star is from Sewing Box: Hugs and the lamb is from my newest WM set, L'il Buddies. Isn't he adorable! The sentiments are from A Cottage Christmas and Say It Loud-Winter Holiday. 'Peace' is cut from felt using a new PTI die.

Hope you enjoy this as much as I enjoyed making it!

Smiles,

Sharron

Supplies

Stamps: A Cottage Christmas, L'il Buddies, Nordic Winter, Say It Loud-Winter Holiday, Sewing Box: Hugs (all WMS)

Cardstock: Spring Moss, Stamper's Select White, Ripe Avocado (PTI)

Additional Paper: Simply Smooth-White (Bazzill), 12 Days of Christmas (My Mind's Eye)

Additional: Dies (Wonderful Words: Holiday, Merry and Bright-both PTI); EK Success Curve Edge Punch; White Glitter (Stampin' Up and Martha Stewart); Rhinestones; Ripe Avocado Ink (PTI); Spring Moss Felt (PTI)

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #71

Just HAD to use my new Nordic Winter set! OMG, it is SOOOOO COOOOL! I have been painting woodwork in our bedroom this week and my stamping supplies had to be moved to the middle of the room. The week has gone so fast. Thursday already and I still hadn't used my new WM stamps so I cleared off a space and made this wonderfully easy card. The stamps are perfect and are super easy to use. Here' s the link to the Waltzingmouse site with info on the challenge.

I decided on black on grey with red as an accent. For the top I found some red ribbon in my stash and did a little embossing with houndstooth. I do have one question though. After I stamped the sentiment I noticed that other people had 'God Jul' instead of 'Good Jul'. I used the stamp in the set so just wondered if it could be an error. I certainly can get along without that stamp since there are many, many more that I know I will be using a lot. Just checking!

Thanks so much for dropping by.........

Smiles,

Sharron

Supplies
Stamps: Nordic Winter, Gingham and Co.  (WMS)
Cardstock: Soft Stone, Smoky Shadow, True Black, Pure Poppy (PTI)
Additional: Circle Punches, Tiny Labels Die (PTI), Houndstooth Embossing Folder (Cuttlebug), Ribbon (May Arts), Memento Ink

Cicely at Halloween!!

Finally getting a Cicely card posted. I LOVE these Halloween sets! I debated about cutting her out but it really wasn't hard at all. I always like using Copics and paper piecing so this card was a real joy. The coat is Bo Bunny paper--using both sides. Everything else is colored with Copics. Now just need to get this in the mail for a granddaughter in Florida!

I went to a Basketweaving Weave-In last weekend and have almost finished my basket. The instructor forgot to put in the top trim piece and is mailing it to me. I haven't done much weaving lately and really enjoyed the class. I'll post a photo when done.

A wedding reception is scheduled for this weekend in Kansas City for son Bryan and his new wife but now with the pending hurricane, they may not be able to get here. They are scheduled to fly out of Cancun tomorrow afternoon at 12 pm!

More later......
Smiles,
Sharron

Supplies
Stamps: Cicely at Halloween, Hocus Pocus (WMS)
Cardstock: Terracotta Tile (PTI), Denim (The Paper Connection), Moon-color unknown (Bazzill)
Patterned Paper: Back to Backs-Decaf Dot (Bo Bunny), Spooktacular (Teresa Collins)
Addtional: Circle Punch (1 1/2"), Rustic Jute Button Twine (PTI), Memento Inks, GellyRoll pen (gold)

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #69

Such a FUN sketch from Claire! This is the second card I have made. I just couldn't not do a witch's hat! 

I tried a different approach with the ribbon. Hope it gives the look of a ruffled brim. For the sentiment I used Labels Eleven and cut an opening from the patterned paper, then added a separate layer on top. I didn't intend for it to look like a 'pumpkin' but after I took the picture it was the first thing I noticed! Still not sure if I like it or not! The sentiment is stamped in black and clear embossed. The Melon Berry color looks so much better IRL. Lots of problems with the lighting--had to work to get the detail and rhinestones to show up against so much black. The hat is black cardstock--black ruffled ribbon covers the brim and gold embossing with rhinestones complete the top. The clear rhinestones were colored with a Copic marker to get the matching purple. The wispy pieces at the top were cut from a puffy ribbon. 

Hope you enjoyed your visit--please come again!

Smiles,

Sharron

Supplies

Stamps: Hocus Pocus (Waltzingmouse)

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: Royal Purple, Melon Berry, True Black (PTI); Haunted House (Best Creation)

Additional: Labels Eleven (Spellbinders); Embossing Powders-Clear, Detail Gold (Ranger); Ribbons (LSS); Rhinestones (Queen and Co.); Memento Ink-Tuxedo Black; Copic Marker, Uniball Pen-Gold

Waltzingmouse Waltz: Theme-Gratitude/Thanksgiving; WMSC #69

Edited to add this entry to the WMSC for this week!!

My VERY late Waltzingmouse Waltz entry

I was playing around with ideas for this week's WMSC and remembered Julia Aston's card where she cut off the top of Cicely's hat to make a pilgram hat. SO here is my Thanksgiving card!

I decided to do it in gingham--just because gingham is such fun. The sentiment is from the new Say It Loud-Winter Holiday set. I know I'm going to love it as much as the original one. The only thing I struggled with was the buckle. I didn't have a real one so created this out of paper. The silver part is cut with a 3/4" square punch and the center is the smallest Spellbinders Square die. 

Time to go visit all the other entries--know there will be lots of inspiration there! Here is the link to Claire's blog with info about the waltz and a link to the forum.

Have a wonderful week!

Sharron

Supplies

Stamps: Gingham and Co., Say It Loud-Winter Holiday (WMS)

Cardstock and Patterned Paper: Summer Sunrise, True Black, Vintage Cream, Autumn Abundance (all PTI)

Additional: Woodgrain Impression Plate (PTI), Memento Ink, Ribbon (May Arts), Silver Uniball Pen

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #68

Good Morning All! My internet crashes every time I try to get on so I am using hubby's computer to finally get my sketch card posted. I thought I would have recovered from our trip to Mexico by now but I came down with a cold right after we returned so still feel pretty worn out. I also was going to post a few pictures but can't access the ones in my computer until I get the internet problem fixed!!  Unfortunately I also ended up with way too many ruined shots since I took an older camera rather than my newer, much heavier one. 

I had this patterned paper in my stash and had never used it. It seemed to go great with the little snowman from Sewing Box-Christmas. Dressed him up with a few additions--a 'carrot' nose, black pearl buttons and the broom from Hocus Pocus. 

It is a gorgeous fall day here--sunny and a crisp 52 degrees! LOVE autumn!! Thanks for dropping by.....

Smiles,

Sharron

Supplies

Stamps: Sewing Box-Christmas, Hocus Pocus (Waltzingmouse); Beyond Basic Borders (PTI)

Cardstock: Blueberry Sky, Spring Rain, True Black, Stamper's Select White (all PTI)

Patterned Paper: Doodlebug Designs

Inks: Paris Dusk, London Fog, Rich Cocoa (Memento)

Additional: Snowflakes Embossing Folder (Sizzix); Rhinestones and Black Pearls (Queen and Co.);

Limitless Layers Dies (PTI); Spellbinders Labels Eleven: Copics

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #66

Claire contributed this fantastic sketch for this week's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge. I especially like circular cards so in spite of being super busy getting ready for our trip to Mexico for hubby's youngest son's wedding, I just had to take time for this challenge!

One of the first WM sets I got was Sewing Box-Christmas and I love it as much today as when I first got it. Whenever I use the mitten, I like to make one showing the outside view and the other with the palm. That way I can chose a coordinated pattern to finish the palm side. This is some patterned paper from Cosmo Cricket-a pad called Mitten Weather (appropriate, don't you think!). The white was embossed with a houndstooth pattern and the card background is embossed using a plaid folder. I also like the effect you get from paper piecing and that technique works great with the Sewing Box sets.

Thanks for dropping by. This probably will be my only post this week!

Hope you have a good one,

Sharron

Supplies

Stamps: Sewing Box-Christmas, Frame-It (Waltzingmouse)

Cardstock: Pure Poppy, Ocean Tides, Aqua Mist, Stamper's Select White (PTI)

Patterned Paper: Mitten Weather (Cosmo Cricket)

Embossing Folders: Houndstooth (Cuttlebug), Plaid (Sizzix) 

Additional: Spellbinders Circles and Scalloped Circles Dies, Pure Poppy Button (PTI), Ribbon (Stampin' Up), Memento Ink

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #64

For this week's Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge I am again using my Twas the Night Before Christmas set. I really do have other WM stamps! But it's fun to get a start on Christmas and I didn't get a chance to use this much last year. Besides, I really LOVE it! Today I used part of the 'A visit from St. Nicholas' verse stamped on Spring Moss. The three images are from a Stampendous set called Santa Trio. Actually I had forgotten I even had it. I was in Kansas City a couple of years ago and stopped at a couple of scrapbook stores. At one they were having a Make and Take with this set. I didn't have time to participate but bought the set and then put it away after I got home. Gosh, is everyone guilty of having too much unused "stuff"!

I colored with Copics and used a Snow Marker to add the puff on the hat. The sentiment at the bottom is embossed in silver.

I love having visitors--so glad you stopped by!

Smiles,

Sharron

Supplies

Stamps: Twas the Night Before Christmas (Waltzingmouse), Santa Trio (Stampendous)

Cardstock: Spring Moss, Pure Poppy, True Black, Stamper's Select White (PTI)

Additional: Memento Ink, Copics, Silver Embossing Powder (Ranger), Rhinestones (Queen and Co.)

Snow Marker (3M), Uniball Silver Pen, Foam Dots