Halloween Wishes

It's that time of the month, folks! Another Waltzingmouse Stamps Blog Party. I'm excited about this one simply because I now have an excuse to go crazy over Halloween and not fret over Christmas! For my project I went back to an earlier (Christmas) project of mine called My Christmas Village. I referred to Mynnette's cascading card tutorial over at Technique Tuesday and gave it a spooky twist with the colours of the blog party.

I had so much fun with this project and there are so many cute elements thanks to some awesome Spellbinder dies (l-o-v-e- them!). Enough rambling, here's my project:

The patterned papers are by Fancy Pants "Oct 31st"  6x6 pad. Unlike my Christmas project, I did not cram all kinds of everything into this one.

A couple of Jack-o-Lanterns, a left boot and a pointy hat - that's it! And I call it being CAS!

Upfront I have a cat and a couldron. These witchy shapes were cut using Spellbinders Witches' Brew dies.  For the eyes and flames I used some orange paper from the Fancy Pants pad. The greeting is from WMS Hocus Pocus set cut with Spellbinders Label 4. Then I threw in 3 black pearls... newt's eyes! 

I lined the middle compartments with purple patterned papers from "Oct 31st" and added a couple of pumpkins next to the witchy paraphernalia  - also cut with Spellbinders Jack O'Lantern dies, inked with TH's Brushed Corduroy and Antique Linen distress inks. 

Here's my favorite bit - a witch on a broomstick flying against a full moon. I popped her up on some foam tape. 

I lined the sides with some grey CS and stamped the fence, birds and bats from the Hocus Pocus and Gracie at Halloween set.

The back looks like this. I've made some space for a message because I actually plan to give this away. There's that missing right boot and the fence is from Hocus Pocus. Not sure why the ribbon looks blue in the photo. I'm sure it was purple when I picked it...spooky!

Supplies:

Stamps: Waltzingmouse "Hocus Pocus" and "Gracie at Halloween"

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black, TH Distress Inks: Brushed Corduroy and Antique Linen

Spellbinders Dies: Witches' Brew S4-282 ; Jack O'Lanterns S4-281 ; Labels 4  S4-190 ;  Standard Circles LG  S4-114

So there you have it - Halloween wishes that can sit on your mantlepiece too. I'm also sharing this with Die Cutting Divas #87 "Use a Pumpkin"; Ribbon Carousel #73 "Halloween Spirit" + spooled item (ribbon), Shopping Our Stash #73 "Trick or Treat"; Craft Your Passion #132 "Witches" Papertake Weekly "Fright Night ... Boo!" ; Lexi's Creations #76 "Halloween" ; Simon Says Stamp "Eerie Inspiration"; Divas by Design #57 "Something Spooky" Crafting for All Seasons #38 "Spooky" and Paper Crafter Star #117 "A Halloween Pumpkin".  

Thanks for stopping by today and I'll see you in a bit with another little something. 

Beijinhos!

P.S. Fly over to Make It Monday #112 for tons of fab creations. You won't be disappointed!

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Chocolate chip cookies and 

This is my all-time fave Halloween album!

It is such a hoot! Monster Mash, The Adams Family,

Trick or Treat... great songs from the 60s - 80s.

Zalig Kerstfeest

Rumour has it, Christmas will be upon us in 69 days! Can you believe that? Where has the year gone? I know I've been making Christmas cards but my box is still looking bare. Time to switch to a smaller box!

For today's card, I've employed the Bargello technique for the background. Mynnette of Technique Tuesday has written up a wonderful tutorial on this for her October challenge and it really is easy. I followed Mynnette's instructions...sort of... until I did a left turn and went on my merry way. If you're a good girl, you'll do as you're told:

1. start by cutting 1/4" strips of several patterned papers;
2. lay the strips down vertically on a piece of CS;
3. give the CS a quarter turn so the strips are facing you horizontally and cut into 1/2" strips.

I was feeling rebellious so I started  by cutting my patterned paper in strips of various widths: 1/4", 3/8" 1/2" and 5/8". After laying them down nice and tight on a  piece of CS, I cut it into 1/4" and 1/2" strips before putting it all together to get a pattern I sort of like.

I'm using Waltzingmouse sketch #119 but I've scaled it down to a square card. Gosh! I'm being awfully naughty! What next? Steal Santa's whiskey and cookies?!  Wonder if he'll strike me off his "Nice" list!


Here's my card... tell me what you think!

The patterned papers are by Nit Wit Christmas Collection. I picked one dark pattern  to show an obvious design.

The sentiment is from Waltzingmouse Stamps "Nutcraker Sweet", stamped in Memento Rhubarb Stalk. Then I cut it out with the smallest die from Spellbinders Resplendent Rectangles and inked with TH's Barn Door distress ink.

You can see here that I've cut the strips in irregular width. It works, doesn't? For the baubles I used Spellbinders 2010 Heirloom Ornaments. For the insides I used WMS stamps and heat embossed with Stampendous Fine White EP. Got to have some bling for festive fun.   

One final touch: rich satin ribbon and I'm done!

On the inside, I stamped streamers and snow - all from WMS "Nutcracker Sweet" with Memento Rhubarb Stalk. And I had to do some stitching ...  to make up for not having any on the outside. 

I'm also linking up with Ooh La La Creations #116 "Christmas Sentiments" (mine's in Dutch!), My Craft Spot Monday Challenge #73 "Emboss It!" , Through the Craft Room Door #40 "Anything Goes" and Fashionista Challenge #8 "Anything Goes".

That's all from me today. Thanks for dropping in and I'll see you soon with another project (hopefully I get it done in time!)

Beijinhos!


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Vintage Port and 

Milestone Birthday

Happy Monday, my friends! Hope you're having a wonderful day. It's been nice and sunny here so that's nice. But it is Monday, and it's usually the day that I wish I could be in 5 places at the same time. I'm going to make this really brief and head on down to the kitchen and get started on dinner.

Monday = Mojo and here is a card I made for a birthday party we'll be attending at the end of the week.  Its a milestone birthday but I'm not giving away the age! The card is a mash-up of MojoMonday sketch #263 and colours from CR84FN #65. 

Here's what I've come up with:

The papers are from Wild Rose Studio "Vintage Rose"

I used a die from Spellbinder Resplendent Rectangles to cut out the central panel and Spellbinder Heart Circles for the pale pink die-cuts. 

The sentiment is from Waltzing Mouse Stamps Say It Loud, stamped with Brilliance Pearlescent Chocolate ink.
Ribbons, paper rose and some pink bling finish the embellis. 

On the inside I stamped a couple of phrases from Waltzing Mouses Half Pint Heroine set..

That's my card for an amazing lady, who I'm sure must have been pretty amazing as a little girl ... many many many moons ago! (I hope she doesn't read my blog!)

Thanks for dropping in. Don't forget to to swing by Eclectic Ellapu for their very first challenge. It's Anything Goes all week and there really is no excuse not to show off your talent. I'll be back after dinner with another card which I've been sitting on for a couple of days but keep forgetting to post!

Beijinhos!


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Strawberry shortcake (oh yum!) and

The Eclectics are here!

Hello my friends! I am giddy with excitement today!!! It's the very first challenge of a brand new weekly challenge blog called "Eclectic Ellapu" and I am on the design team! Yep, you read right - little ol' me playing along side the bigwigs, some of whom I have secretly admired from afar! I can scarcely believe it myself!!!  

Our Fairy Godmother is none other than the über-talented Elaine and she has bought together some truly awesome ladies whose creativity will inspire you. Over the past weeks I have witnessed their super-skills and continue to be amazed not only by their artistry but their willingness to help and eagerness share. I am honoured to be in their company and together we are called "Eclectic Ellapu".  

This is a weekly challenge blog and we have 2 teams of 10 designers. Talk about being spoilt for choice! There'll be something for everyone: from austere single layer CAS cards to outrageous steam-punk projects; from frilly shabby chic creations to vintage cards that will make your Nana sing; from cutesie scrapbook LOs to grunge metal trinkets your teenage son will covet; AND everything and anything in between!   

Spread the word, hop on over to Eclectic Ellapu and show us what you've got. We're all about sharing and inspiring, so please don't hide your light under the bushel! 

Speaking of light, here's my first offering for our very first Anything Goes challenge: a vintage style Christmas card. (Can you hear my Nana sing?!)

A 5" square card with a simple sketch. I've used papers from Dovecraft Back to Basics Vintage Christmas 8x8 pad. The stamp is from Chocolate Baroque's " The Gift of Christmas". 

The sentiment is also by Chocolate Baroque, stamped in Memento Rhubarb Stalk and cut with Spellbinders Resplendent Rectangles die. Then I sponged the edges with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.   

I stamped the image with Memento Tuxedo Black, coloured it with SN markers and fussy cut  it with my Cutter-bee.

To finish: some sheer green ribbon, a golden bling and foam tape for dimension.

Supplies:

Patterned paper: Dovecraft Back to Basics Christmas - Vintage

Die: Spellbinders Resplendent Rectangles S5-147

Stamps: Chocolate Baroque "The Gift of Christmas"; WMS "Seasons of Love - Tags"

Ink: Memento-Tuxedo Black, Rhubarb Stalk ; Tim Holtz Distress Ink Vintage Photo

SN Markers: Bookshelf - EB5, EB8, GB5, GB7, GB8, GB10   Candle - EB1, EB2, CT1, CT2, CT4   Floral arrangement - DG2, DG3, DG4, JG3, JG5, JG8   Books - BT4, BT5, TB2, TB3, LV1, LV2, DR1, DR3, DR5   Baubles - CR8, CR10, CR11   Star - OR1, GB5   Mistletoe - JG4, JG6, IG1   

Now it's your turn. Make something - Anything Goes this week - and come join us at the creative playground of Eclectic Ellapu. 

I'm also showing my card over at CSAYL #32 "Anything Goes" and MIM #111.

Thanks for visiting me today and please drop in on the rest of the Eclectics to see what they've been up to. You will not be disappointed! Until next time, have a blessed Sunday!

Beijinhos!

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Lemon pudding and 

   

A different Christmas

Hello my friends! Just a short post to show you my card then I'm off to bed again. I have a wretched flu and tonsils feel like they're about to pop. Suffice to say I feel yucky. I made this card yesterday and did not get around to posting it. For inspiration I looked at The Shabby Tea Room #135 "Beautiful Romance" and Top Tip Tuesday #87 "Things with Wings". The sketch from Tuesday Morning Sketches #167  and it comes with an "E" twist and mine's "Ethereal lass Enchanted by a snowflake"...yep, I'm definitely not well. I'd better go lie down.

Tuesday Morning Sketches #167

The Shabby Tea Room #135

While I hide under the covers, I leave you with my card:

The patterned papers are from Papermania's "Winter Frolic" 6x6 pad.

NO pop-dots....this one's as flat as a pancake...almost, if not for the ribbon ... and white lace trim.

The image is  from a freebie stamp that came with a crafting magazine waaay back in 2010. I've been saving for today! I coloured quickly (and carelessly) with SN markers. 

I just had to fiddle with the inside.

I hope you're having a better day than I am. Perhaps tomorrow my sinuses will clear up and my tonsils will retreat and my appetite will come back....I feel like having some peanut brittle!  Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you again soon.

Beijinhos!

Twinkle Twinkle

I'm back!!!! Well actually I've only been away for 4 days but in Blogland it's like ...forevah! I'm slowly wading through my e-mails and been doing some visiting. I'm getting there. But since it's Monday, I stopped everything for my Mojocard. I call it my simply because I've become mighty attached to it and will not entertain the thought of skipping a week. This maybe the start of some beautiful!







Here's what I came up with MojoSketch #262 and the colours from Christmas Card Challenges #45:

Teeniest bit of patterned paper on this card, but I went crazy with the Crystal Stickles.

The sentiment is by WMS. I added more silver mirri stars and blue bling. Shine and Bling! I think I'm going for a Stars & Snowflake look...I don't know...

Here's a close-up of the vellum window. You can just about see through to the image inside... 

This stamped image is from Chocolate Barroque's "Gift of Christmas" set. I'm still not done playing with it. Every stamp is soooo magical. Love it! The sentiment is by WMS stamped in Versacolor Silver.

I lost control and decided to stamp some silver snowflakes from the Chocolate Barroque set.

Supplies:
Patterned paper: Wild Rose Studio "Wedding Bells" 6x6 pad; Papermania Signature "Christmas Carol" Vellum A4 pad
Stamps: Image - Chocolate Barroque "Gift of Christmas"; Sentiment - WMS "Seasons od Love - Tags"
Ink: VersaColor Silver, Memento Danube Blue
Embossing Folder: Cuttlebug "Swiss Dots"
Spellbinders Dies: Standard Circles LG  S4-114, Eyelet Circles S4-304

Also linking this card up with PaperPlay Challenges #40 "Shine On", Delightful Sketches "Winter Holiday" and Sweet Stampin Challenge "Through the Window".

So there you have it a Christmas card without traditional colours BUT with all the trimmings of the season. I'm off to see to our dinner. Thanks for stopping by and we'll catch up soon!

Beijinhos!

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Chocolate walnut cupcake and

Little cupcakes

Helloooo! It has been a hectic week so far and I have not had much time for crafting or visiting. I did find the time to make these 2 simple cards for 2 special little girls who will be celebrating their birthdays next week. These cupcake themed cards are perfect because they are both partial to sweet thangs.

Here's the card:

The patterned papers are by Jenny Ellory "Teatime Sweets" . The cards measure 4-1/2" square.

The stamp by Adam Pescott, coloured with Spectrum Noir pens, which I cut with Spellbinders dies. I've gone with cream and pink  colours for this card.

Pop dots and distress ink for a bit of drama!

Here's the second card. I chose purple and teal because it's her fave  colours... unless she's changed her mind ... again.

As before, Spectrum Noirs and Spellbinders were called to service!

On the inside I used a sentiment by WMS. 

Supplies:

Papers: "Teatime Sweets" by Jenny Ellory

Stamp: "You're So Sweet" by Adam Pescott 

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black; Memento Rich Cocoa

SN Pens: Baking Kitty - GB1, GB3, TN2, FS2, FS3  Mouse - BG1, BG2, EB1  Bowl - EB1, EB2  Table - GB8, GB10, GB11, EB7  Book - CR7, C8, C10  Batter - GB3, CT3, CT4  Yellow Pup - TN2, TN3, GB4, CT3, CT4  Teddy - EB2, TN7, TN8 

Promarkers: Buttercup; Tan; Pink Carnation

Spellbinder dies: Classic Ovals LG  S4-110; Classic Ovals SM S4-112; Lacey Ovals S4-314; Labels 18 S4-310

I'm linking my cards up with the following challenges: Tuesday Throwdown #118: Cute & Cuddly,  Stamptacular Sunday Challenge #183: "It's Your Birthday", A Gem Of A Challenge #56. "For The Girls" and DigiDesigns Challenge "Animals Acting Like People".

Thanks for dropping by. I'm off to bed ...tomorrow is going to be another busy day...oh I can't wait for the week to be over!  Hope you're having a more relaxing day. Until next time!

Beijinhos!

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A Pile of Pressies

Octoberfest!!!! Not so much beer and debauchery but it is a festive month in our fam. Someone's celebrating a birthday every other day in October: husband, sister, nieces, cousins, grandmother, god-mother and little Rosie, who will be 10 later this month (Ok, just so we're clear...little Rosie is my doggie and she's quite hefty!)  I should be making birthday cards, but nooooo. I've got Santa on my mind and he made me churn out another Christmas card. So here it is: a towering pile of pressies. Wouldn't it be fun waking up on Christmas morning to find Ye Ole Tannenbaum looking like this:

Would you believe me if I said this is how I see CAS?! Papers are by Papermania "Festive Frolic". I absolutely love the non-trad colours in the 6x6 pad. 

This stamp is from a set called "The Gift of Christmas" by Chocolate Baroque. There are 11 stamps in this set and I LOVE every one. This pile of presents is 5-1/8" tall and is a pleasure to colour.

The sentiment is also from that set. 

I coloured the image with Spectrum Noirs and Promarkers. The details on the images are simply astounding. 

I tied a big red bow, just as in the image. And I couldn't help adding some Stickles to make the gift sparkle. Its is Christmas, after all! 

Kept it simple on the inside. Sandie, is this CAS enough? :-)

Supplies:
Paper: Festive Frolic by Papermania
Stamp: The Gift of Christmas by Chocolate Baroque
Memento Ink: Tuxedo Black; Rich Cocoa
Colours: SN Pens - TB7, TB5, TB1, BT7, BT5, BT4, CT4, CT2, CT1, BP6, BP3, PL2, PP3, DG3, DG2, CG2, GB5, GB3, DR6, DR5, DR3, DR1  Promarkers - Buttercup, Pink Carnation, China Blue, Pear Green, Lipstick Red
Spellbinder Dies: Teardrop Circles S4-344; Standard Circles LG S4-114

The sketch for this card is from MojoMonday #261. I gave it a 90º turn and gave that banner a whole new look! I'm also entering the Christmas Cards All Year 'Round Oct Challenge: "Traditional Image with Non-Trad Colours" and a couple of stitch challenges: Robin's Fetish #127 and Gingerloft Challenge #49. Also, I just discovered a new challenge blog (new for me) focussing on alcohol pens: ScrapBitzCopics and challenge 53 is about Fun Bright Colours.

Thanks for stopping by. Have a pleasant Monday evening. I'm off to make dinner and later we're going for a movie + popcorn. We're pretending to be teenagers tonight!

Beijinhos!


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G& T and