Stamping With My Labs

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #52: Rainbow

2010-10-11T03:42:00.001-07:00

I was a little unsure of this challenge...all the colors of the rainbow must be included or pick a color of the rainbow??? I decided the latter and picked PURPLE...which I am sure is Bella's fav. My image is the wicked step sisters...I'm still waiting for Cinderelli's mice :-). I printed on my hp in fast draft and colored with my copic markers. I have just completed Suzanne Dean's Beginner and Advanced Copics classes - highly recommend - I took them in one day. I would have preferred to take them over two days but she was only in Long Island for one day. LONG DRIVE - 2 1/2 hours but well worth it. I don't know the source of the DP but the cardstock is Bazzill and SU! The ribbon is SU! Brad and flowers are stash. The sentiment is from an SU! set. Nesties for the image.

Copic Creations #36: Orange

2010-10-11T03:41:00.001-07:00

Quick post. I'm not crazy about my picture for this card....I took it late at night and have all kinds of shadows especially on my black buttons. My image is from HM - one of my favorites. Stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black on Neenah Solar White and colored with copics. The DP is SU! and MLYB. The cardstock, chipboard, and brads are SU! Flowers are PRIMA. The buttons and ribbon are stash. Finally my nesties edged with Tim Holtz Distress Inks and my pumpkin basket has crystal effects.

Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge 49: Spooky Card

2010-10-11T03:34:00.000-07:00

New class, New Products, and Lots of Learning. My Kraftin' Kimmie card takes in (or at least tries to..) what I have recently learned at the Stampers Anonymous booth with Tim Holtz Distress Inks and at the Copics classes in LI with Suzanne Dean :0) . My image was stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with copics. The tag is from Office Depot and blended with Distress Inks. The sentiment is from HL. The DP is Little Yellow Bicycle. The brads and ribbon are SU! Spooky enough? I hope so.

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #50: Bling, Bling, and MORE Bling

2010-09-26T17:29:00.001-07:00

The Cupcake Fairy is one of my favorites. I printed her on Neenah Solar White and printed on my HP in fast draft. I colored with Copic Markers and used Stickles on her wings. I die cut and embossed with Nesties. DP is Stampin' Up. The flowers are Prima. The cardstock is Bazzill and Stampin' Up. The sentiment is Stampin' Up. The embellishments are Close to my Heart and Stampin' Up.

House Mouse Challenge #78: Sketch and Blog Hop

2010-09-26T17:28:00.001-07:00

I have never participated in a Blog Hop but House Mouse Monday Challenge is one of my favorites so I'm going to try.

I used a Gruffies Halloween Image - stamped with Memento Tuxedo Black on Neenah Solar White and colored with Copic markers. The DP is Little Yellow Bicycle. The cardstock is Bazzill and Stampin' Up. The sentiment stamp is from the Ink Pad in NYC stamped with Memento Rich Cocoa (go..if you haven't...fun store). The twine is Stampin'up. The brads are from my stash. The flowers are die cut from a Tim Holtz Bigz Flower Die.

Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge 47: Purple, Green, and Orange.

2010-09-26T17:27:00.001-07:00

When I think of purple, green, and orange, I think of HALLOWEEN! I love Annie Rodrique and Kraftin' Kimmie!

My image was "Perfect Poison". I stamped on Neenah Solar White with Tuxedo Memento Black and colored with Copics. Die cut the image with Nesties and matted it with Nesties. The background paper as well as the embellishments are from Little Yellow Bicycle. The buttons and ribbons are from my stash. The cardstock is Bazzill and Stampin' Up.

Stampers Anonymous: Distress Inks

2010-09-26T17:16:00.000-07:00

I was TOTALLY inspired at the Rhinebeck Stamp and Scrapbook Show on September 18th. I stalked the "Stamper's Anonymous" booth for most of the visit and spent tons of money and had follow up visits to all the local craft stores to buy supplies and Tim Holtz DISTRESS INKS. I love it and learned a ton at the Demo's in the booth. Below are my first tries........I'm still learning and working on my distress color pallette. A couple great stamp booths at the show also - I now have a huge collection of "Alice in Wonderland stamps. I used Memento Tuxedo Black and Rich Cocoa. I also purchased Archival Ink in Black from the Stampers Anonymous booth - which also worked well. The embellishments are from Stampin' Up and Close to My Heart. The Flowers are Prima.

Kraftin' Kimmie Challenge 43: Pearly Whites

2010-09-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

Oh Blog....where have you been :-). It has been a long time...so long that my blog background stopped working and I had to discover a new one. My font colors are not working but I will get around to fix. I have been scrapbooking quite a bit and have made a few other cards that have made it to Facebook or just into the mail but I was committed to getting back in the challenges - keeps the creative juices fresh.

Kraftin' Kimmie Pearly Whites: I love Kraftin' Kimmie. Darci and I have an order in as I type to get a few of the new stamps that are online. My favorite is DRUCILLA from Annie Rodrique. Just can't get enough of her designs. I colored her with copics. To get in the Pearly's - Shiny Pearly White Bazzill Basics, White Brads, and SU! Buttons. Cuttlebug and Nestys are my favorites these days - using deckled rectangle on my sentiment, a labels set on Drucilla, and an embossing folder on my background. Prima flowers. Sentiment is an SU! stamp set called Sweet Little Sentiments. I thought it was quirky and perfect for this image and card.

Simon Says Stamp: Easter and Glimmer and House Mouse Challenge #66: Easter

2010-03-29T03:08:00.000-07:00

Easter and Glimmer. I don't have many Holiday stamps that non-Christmas related. I think I realized this last year when I bought this HM stamp but had never used it until this weekend. It was fun to color. I stamped my HM image with Memento Tuxedo Black on Neenah Solar White. I colored with my copics and used Diamond Stickles on the pussywillows - My Glimmer!! The Flowers are Prima. The cardstock is a mix of Stampin' Up and Bazzill Basics. The Designer Paper is Stampin' Up. The sentiment is a rubon from Stampin' Up. The brads are from Hobby Lobby.

House Mouse Challenge #65: Sketch

2010-03-29T02:58:00.001-07:00

I hope I make the challenge in time as I completed my card on Saturday and procrastinated photo taking until this morning. My take on the sketch below and new HM Stamp since Hobby Lobby had all Stampabilities 50% off :-). I stamped my image with Tuxedo Memento Black and stamped on Neenah Solar White. I colored with my copic markers and used Diamond stickles on the wings. The Designer Series paper is Stampin' Up. The cardstock is Stampin' Up and Bazzill Basics. The flowers are Prima. Brads are from stash. I also used my scalloped circle Nesties and my Cuttlebug. Finally the punches and sentiment stamp are Stampin' Up.

House Mouse Challenge #64: Anything But A Card

2010-03-09T03:58:00.001-08:00

I'm not usually one for "non-card" challenges but I was inspired by Curt's recipe box. I have created a similar box for gift tags. I designed my own template from scratch. My House Mouse image was stamped on Neenah cardstop in Memento Tuxedo Black. The images on the gift cards were colored with my copic markers.

Gift Tag Purse: Brown/White Cardstock from Stampin' Up. The Designer Paper was from House Mouse. The ribbon is felt with stitching is from Stampin' Up.
Gift Tags: Cardstock is Neenah, Designer Paper is Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses. Cut out with my Cuttlebug and Nesties. Ribbon is from my stash.

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #21: Color Challenge

2010-03-09T03:57:00.001-08:00

I found the BEST dp at Hobby Lobby this week. Great Brown/Blue Challenge for Mo's. My Favorite Mo's Image. :-)

Cardstock: Stampin' Up and DP from Hobby Lobby
Mo's Image: Stamped on Neenah Cardstock and colored with my copic markers. Printed on my HP in Fast Draft. Cut out with my Cuttlebug and Nesties and embossed.
Ribbon: Stampin' Up Satin from the Spring Mini
Sentiment: Stampin' Up
Button: Button Latte from Stampin' Up

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #20: A Sketch

2010-03-02T18:42:00.000-08:00

My take on Mo's Challenge #20. First a new purchase from Mo's - of course you don't buy just one - I bought 4 new images. I printed on my HP in Fast Draft Mode on Neenah Solar White and colored with my copics. Snowflakes from my Cricut.

Cardstock: Stampin' Up

Designer Paper: Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses (how perfect!!)

Brads: Little Yellow Bicycle

Heart Embellishments and Sentiment Stamp: unknown

House Mouse Challenge #63: Multi Fold Card

2010-02-27T11:12:00.000-08:00

Great Challenge. I used a design that I have used previously on cards but it is my favorite multi-fold card. I stamped my image on Neenah Classic Crest - Cream cardstock with Tuxedo Memento Black. Colored the image with Copic Markers. Cut out and embossed with Nestabilities. I also covered the entire drink filled portion of the glass with crystal effects. It looks great. I love that stuff. Other Cardstock is Stampin' Up and the designer paper is BoBunny. The flowers are Prima and the silver hardware is from the SU! Hodge Podge collections. The ribbon is simple chocolate brown grograin. The sentiments are SU!

Magnolia-licious Challenge Feb 28, 2010: Pop-Up Card

2010-02-27T10:59:00.000-08:00

My first pop-up card............I have been working on this card for two weekends. It was a little tricky to figure out how to make the Tilda "pop-up". I didn't get it quite right because my card won't lay flat....but she looks great when I open the card. My Tilda and Edwin are colored with copics and embellished with SU! Crystal effects on the wings, the Star, and the ornaments. I finally figured out how to use my Tim Holtz tool with the white pads to antique my images - as you can see I loved it once I was able to lay down the ink nicely. I used Nestabilities on the inside along with Prima Flowers and MLYB Brads. The cuttlebug has been busy all weekend!

Cardstock: Stampin' Up

Images and Sentiments: Magnolia and SU! Home for Christmas

Ink: SU! Soft Seude

Button: Basic Grey

Ribbon/Twine: SU!

Magnolia Valentines Day Card

2010-02-20T11:02:00.000-08:00

I'm thinking about doing one more card today for the "Just Magnolia" challenge blog.....but was stalled a bit when I saw the "prize". It is two Magnolia stamps which happen to be two that I received in my winter club stamps. FUN. I used those stampes to make this Valentine's Day card for my husband - pretty girly but I loved how it came out. I spent some time last weekend watching Suzanne Dean's videos on you tube on distress ink coloring with your copic markers. I didn't quite hit the mark compared to her images but I was happy with how mine came out. She has a four part video series that is really fantastic. I sat and colored along with her. The cardstock is a mix of Stampin' Up and Bazzill Basics. The flower and brad is from Stampin' Up. The DSP is Stampin' Up. Glitter Paper is from New England Scrapbook Company (LOVE THAT PLACE) and was stocked with the Bazzill so it may be from that company.

Basic Grey Challenge #14: Color Combo Maroon Lemon Pink

2010-02-20T10:49:00.000-08:00

FUN Challenge. I have had a challenge blog void so I'm back with a few challenge entries - two with Mo's Digital Pencil Images. My entry is for the Basic Grey Challenge Blog. Color Combo Maroon, Lemon, and Pink.

Basic Grey: Eskimo Kisses - Village

Image: Mo's Digital Pencil "A Thousand Stars" colored with Copic Markers

Ribbon: Stampin' UP

Buttons: Basic Grey (not sure what collection)

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #19: Clean and Simple

2010-02-20T10:44:00.000-08:00

I loved this challenge for a brief moment......I could NOT get my imaged cardstock to stand up as a card so I had to modify slightly to add a backbone to the card. My Mo's image is one of my favorite's called "Makin' Cards" and colored with my Copics. I used Green Satin ribbon and a Martha Stewart punch to finish the card.

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #16: Shades of Gray

2010-01-31T07:40:00.000-08:00

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge "Shades of Gray". I'm just happy to actually post a challenge on time. I used the Mo's Image Bella Hearts Bronte. What a great Valentine's image. I cut the image out with a Nesty Circle. I printed on Stampin' Up Going Grey. The scalloped background is a Sizzix die on Basic Grey. The flowers, ribbon, designer paper, and the heart brads (they ARE silver) are from my stash. The silver embellishments are Hodge Podge Silver from Stampin' Up. The star punch is Martha Stewart Crafts - which work great on light dp or card stock but on heavier cardstock...they are difficult. The sentiment is from Stampin' Up.

Old Challenges: House Mouse and Mo's Digital Pencil

2010-01-31T07:23:00.000-08:00

I wanted to post a few cards that I created for older challenges that I either didn't get done on time or missed the posting on time.

The first is a House Mouse Challenge #59: Winter Wishes.

Mo's Challenge #15 - Color Challenge. White, Almost Amethyst, Bashful Blue, and Elegant Eggplant. The Mo's image is colored with Copics. Mo's Challenge #13 - Happy New Year.

Scrapbook Christmas Present

2010-01-31T06:58:00.000-08:00

I have been away from blogging....not because I'm not crafting but because I have been too lazy to post :-). I made a scrapbook for my neice who will be 17 this year on Valentine's Day. I was really happy with the way it came out. I made about 20 pages. The scrapbook is Martha Stewart 8x8. It was tough to work with this size....mainly...requires small pictures if you want multi pages. I included all pages in the post, even the ones with crappy focus...ugh. It was a fun present to make. I'm going to start including my scrapbooking adventures which is a new hobby for me....started in 2009. The pages include Best Friends, Tennis Team, Prom for 2009 and for 2010, Sweet Sixteen Birthday, Stowe Raiders Soccer Team, 2009 Trip to Washington DC, Naskiska Ski trips in 2008 and 2009, Mount Mansfield Ski Club, Summer Job at the Malt Shop, Christmas, and the Skimeister event from 2009. The papers, diecuts, and embellisments are too many to name. If you click on the pictures...not the best focus but in the blog view they look ok.

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #10: Note Of Thanks...

2009-12-13T18:58:00.000-08:00

I fell in love with the Cupcake Fairy (I know that isn't her name...). I printed her on Neenah Solar White and colored with my copic markers. A really fun image to color. I also used stickles to jazz up the frosting. I thought the blue hair was PERFECT!! On my card, my cardstock is Stampin' Up and the designer paper is Basic Grey. The sentiments are rub-ons...which I'm currently in a love/hate relationship with. The ribbon is Stampin' up. The flowers are Prima and the centers are from Toodles and Binks. I used Nesties to cut her out and a Bigshot Scalloped Circle to frame her, but that is a little hard to see. NEXT WEEK I'M PLANNING ON USING MY NEW MO'S FROM STAMPAVIE - whoooooo hooooo.

Basic Grey Challenge Week 9: Sketch

2009-12-06T06:26:00.000-08:00

In my quest to complete a couple of challenges this weekend. I checked out Basic Grey which is one of my FAVORITE PAPERS and it was a sketch. It made me break down and mount a few stamps that I had bought at a papercrafts and stamping show from September :-(. I'm drawing a complete blank on the company that I bought unmounted rubber stamps of the rabbit elf. The company sold mounted and unmounted - they were fantastic. I'm hoping somewhere in my craft room I will find their business card - I know I specifically grabbed one so I could buy additional stamps from this collection.

For the challenge, my Basic Grey paper was the Figgy Pudding collection. A big favorite of mine but Eskimo Kisses is on the way from 7KidsCollegeFund. Maybe I will have a new favorite. I stamped the rabbit elf with Memento Tuxedo Black, colored with copic markers, added Diamond Stickles to his hat, and added a small white pom pom for his tail. The remainder of the cardstock is from Bazzill Basics and Stampin' Up! The sentiment is from the stamp set "The Snowflake Spot" by Stampin' Up. The felt ribbon is SU!. The buttons are Basic Grey. The glittered C is from Michaels.

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #9: Christmas Card

2009-12-06T06:07:00.001-08:00

I have to admit that my Mo's images for this challenge were actually for last week's challenge but I didn't get beyond coloring and cutting out the images ;-). A couple new purchases for me including the Cupcake Fairy (I don't that is her official name), Christmas Tree, and Christmas Morn. The latter two we for the challenge. I printed on Neenah cardstock in "fast draft" on my HP and didn't color for 24 hours - my best recipe from all the ideas on PCP. I colored with copic markers and used stickles on the cuffs of the stockings and on a couple of the Christmas decos on the tree. The other cardstock and dsp is from Stampin' Up and Bazill Basics. The buttons are from a Basic Grey collection. The ribbon is SU!. I used 3 sets of nestabilities - I have sissix and a cricut - but I'm still a huge fan of nestabilities!! The sentiment is from Hobby Lobby (I think from Stampabilities). My new MO'S rubber stamps are on the way from 7KidsCollegeFund - CANNOT WAIT!

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #7: Recipe Challenge

2009-11-23T03:14:00.001-08:00

Recipe Card...I like these. For my card, I used the Bella and Bronte (my favorites!) "Makin' Cards". I colored with copic markers. I'm waiting for my stamp order from 7 Kids College Fund. I ordered so long ago - I think either 2 or 3 Mo Stamps. CAN'T WAIT!!

3 Papers: Light Purple is Bazzill Basics. Card Foundation, Dark Purple, and DSP are Stampin' Up.
2 Ribbons: Stitched Grosgrain from Stampin' Up that I dressed up with punched flowers. Daisy Ribbon which is actually iron on ribbon from M&J Trimmings.
Deco Edge: SU! Scalloped Edge Punch on my DSP.

Not too Fancy..but FUN!

House Mouse Challenge #56: Kit Card

2009-11-23T02:55:00.000-08:00

I'm too late with my entry...I guess I thought I had until this morning to post since my card was done last night. :-( The kit card was fun. For my image, I stamped in Tuxedo Black on Neenah cardstock and colored with copic markers. I didn't have any stamps that seemed to cut it with the Thanksgiving theme but I tried to make mine work. No matter how many I buy, when I sit down to do the challenge, it seems that I never have the right stamp. HAH!

Colour theme - Brown and Cream1 - Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip and Naturals Ivory, Green Bazzill Basics

Spotty/patterned paper - Stampin' Up DSP...it has a somewhat spotty theme.

Brown Ribbon - Stampin' Up Sahara Sand (I think) stitched grosgrain ribbon

Silver thread - Stampin' Up

Charm - Stampin' Up Hodge Podge Hardware

Stamped image - House Mouse

Sentiment - Cherish is from Stampin' Up Warm Words and the Happy Thanksgiving A.C. Moore

Swirl die-cut - Nestabilities

Embossed card - Embossed Sentiment Happy Thanksgiving in Stampin' Up Copper

Pearls (or diamontes) - Stampin' Up Button with a pearl'ish look

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge Blog #1: Perple

2009-10-09T19:10:00.001-07:00

My latest purchase from Mo's Digital Pencil was "Bella and Bronte". It is one of my favorites. I printed on my HP on Neenah Solar White. This image vs. others that I have purchased from Mo prints with thicker lines. I'm not sure if my printing is problematic or really something different with the image but I really struggled to heatset so I was a little unhappy with some of the smudging that I ended up with. I colored with Copic Markers. The Card Stock is SU! and Bazzill Basics. The DP is Imaginisce. I used scalloped Nesties, Prima Flowers, SU! Silver Twine, and SU! buttons to embellish. Also, SU! punches and SU! "Sweet Little Sentiments" stamp set for the sentiment - which I think was perfect for my card. Ribbon is stash. New test for my pictures - under flourescent bulb in my kitchen, old camera, and laying flat on the counter. I think getting better.

Mo's Digital Pencil: My First Purchase

2009-10-05T03:04:00.000-07:00

From my first purchase on Mo's - here are 2 of my first cards: The first is Bronte and Bella on the Tobaggon. I printed the image on my hp with Neena Solar White and colored with Copic Markers. I used Stickles on her fur hat band and Crystal Effects on her earmuffs. The card stock is SU! and the designer paper is Basic Grey. The sentiment stamp, ink and punch are SU!. The buttons and silver twine are SU! The blue ribbon is stash. The second is Bronte and Bella Ice Skating. Printing and coloring info same as the first. Stickles on her hat band and muff. Crystal Effects on her ear muffs. The snowflakes and sentiment stamp are SU! heat embossed with SU! Silver embossing powder. The buttons and silver twine are SU!. All card stock is SU! The ribbon is stash.

Challenge #53: Buttons

2009-10-04T05:53:00.000-07:00

I am having fun with my new house mouse stamps - this challenge blog is the best salesman HM will ever have. I have two new Halloween Stamps so I'm sticking with the Halloween theme. My quest for nice digital pictures of my cards goes on....I have switched to my old digital camera. Current theory is that my Nikon needs a close-up lens (think $$$$) and I'm now trying my old digital point-n-shoot. Today's pictures have issues with shadows - hence my other problem - I virtually never have a chance to take my photos in daylight. As I said, the quest continues.

For the challenge, I used HM stamp "Mice Carrot" stamped on Neenah Solar White with Memento Tuxedo Black. I colored with copics - I just recently added new markers including the new sketch set with the 0000 markers. It is taking me a little time to understand them but the blending is amazing. I also used SU! Crystal Effects on the treat pumpkin. The card stock is SU! and Bazzill Basics. The ribbon and buttons are from my stash. I used two sets of Nesties - Peony for the mouse and Deckled Rectangles for the lettering. The letters/shadow letters are Don Juan and Cricut Create.

Mo's Digital Pencil Challenge #1: Fall Color Challenge

2009-09-28T18:56:00.001-07:00

What a great challenge...I can't wait to try more. Here is my first Mo's Digital Pencil challenge - Bronte and Bella Out for Trick or Treating. My image was from Mo and colored with copics. I have diamond stickles on her boots and crystal effects on her treat bucket and her broomstick. The cardstock is mostly bazzill basics to match the colors of the challenge. The sentiment and the punches for the sentiment are SU! The flowers, ribbon, button, brads, and twine are from my stash.

House Mouse Challenge #52: Year in Review

2009-09-21T03:49:00.000-07:00

Challenge #8: Halloween. I looked back at the year and chose a week that I didn't participate - so with a new House Mouse stamp - Count Mouse. I chose Halloween. Lots and Lots of new stamping and papercrafting items in my crafting room including a Cricut "Create" that I received for my birthday - I LOVE IT!! I made this card twice this week which is why it is sooo late getting on the blog...I'm posting the 2nd version but still feel something is missing with my card. I used Neena Solar White stamped with Tuxedo Memento Black,colored with Copics, die cut with Nestabilities, and stippled with Rich Cocoa. The letters are the Don Jaun cartridge and the pumpkins are the Speaking of Fall cartridge used on my new cricut. The cardstock is a mix of Bazzill Basics and Stampin' Up! The Designer paper is Stampin' Up.

Mo's Digital Pencil "Freebie" on Paper Craft Planet

2009-09-13T17:19:00.000-07:00

How lucky....I joined the "Mo's Digital Pencil" group on Paper Craft Planet....and Mo had posted a freebie. I thought I would give it a try. Not my typical type of image but did my best to give it a warm home feel. The girl made me think of a grey fall day and she is spending the afternoon reading , looking at photo albums, or maybe last years yearbook reading comments from all of her friends. I also was lacking in the copic color department, but my new order is going in this week and I will be in much better shape. Enjoy!

The imaged was printed and heatset on Neenah cardstock and colored with Copics. The sentiment, solid cardstock, and ink are SU! Ribbon and chipboard are Michaels.

You can find Mo's Digital Pencil at http://digitalpenciltoo.com/

Basic Grey Challenge Week 3: Inspiration

2009-09-12T14:04:00.000-07:00

I think I'm mostly inspired by getting back into stamping and a using a bunch of new supplies and stamps today. My first Basic Grey challenge - looks fun - I love the paper. To start, I have used a Basic Grey paper from the "Two Scoops Collection" called Ice Cream Parlor and also Basica Grey button which I'm pretty sure is from the Marrakech collection. My Cardstock is SU! and Bazzill Basics. Also from SU! are the brads and flower. My image is House Mouse "Just Dandy" stamped on Neenah Solar White with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored with Copics. I'm working on blending and blending and blending. I have a new copics ordered prepared and it will go in this week. I can't WAIT!!! I think I might give this to my Dad for his Brithday on October 1st.

Mouse Copics: C1, C3, C6, W2, E00, E21

Flower Copics: Y13, YG17, YG25, YG91

Dandelion Seeds: Brown Sharpie

House Mouse Challenge #51: Song Titles / Lyrics

2009-09-10T17:56:00.001-07:00

When I checked in on Challenge #51, now that I'm back after my spring/summer layoff, I dug through my box of House Mouse stamps and always feel like I never have enough stamps or the right image for the challenge so PRIOR to doing anything - I placed an order with RK Stamps http://www.rkstamps.com/ . They are fanstastic - prices are good, shipping is always fair, and shipping is quick. My card is a repeat image if you look down the blog but I love this one - Autumn Sprinkles. For the image I used Neenah Card Stock, Memento Ink in Tuxedo Black, and colored with Copic Markers. Solid paper is a mix of Stampin' Up and Bazzill Basics. The Designer paper is SU! and a new paper that I just purchased at New England Scrapbook Company. The clips are SU! HodgePodge and the ribbon is Kate's Paperie.

Leaves/Grass Copics: YG91, YG95, E09, E55, E43, E32,E53, YR24, E33
Mice/Chipmunk Copics: E00, E21, R20, E33, E53, YR24, E43

House Mouse Challenge #50: Gift Card Holder

2009-09-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

After a full spring and summer off - I am back to stamping, cardmaking, and scrapbooking. The break started with a trip to Hawaii, on to house renovations after a bad renter, and then some hope to pullout the scraps of summer after record rains. I have missed it a ton. Recently shopping and bought some new paper and all kinds of items. A trip to New England Scrapbook company always helps.

For my entry, I used "Nose to Nose in Flowers". I'm going to post for now and then will come back and edit the details - brunch and golf for the holiday weekend. I have a giftcard pocket attached to my HM Scalloped Cirle and mounted on the dark purple scalloped circle.

Now for the details and hopefully a better picture....I have a great camera but really need lessons and advice on posting a good picture of my work. My image was Nose to Nose in Flowers. Stamped on Neenah Cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black and colored in Copics. From SU! I used the tag punches, rub-ons, Button Latte, twine, eyelet, and Jumbo Eyelets. The card stock is SU! and Bazzill Basics. Purple ribbon is from Michaels. The scalloped circles are Nestabilities and SU! Bigz Scalloped Circle.

Mice Copics: R20, E00, E21, YR24, E33, E43, E53

Grass Copics: YG91, YG95

Flowers: Sharpie

House Mouse Challenge #28: MEN

2009-03-15T05:33:00.000-07:00

As usual...I enjoy all of the challenges...even the card for the men. I almost always make my husband a handmade card for Christmas, Valentine's Day, and His Birthday. He doesn't go nuts over it but I think he really likes them. The bigger challenge was making a masculine card but keep the holiday theme out. Father's day is easy......I chose a card to share with a Friend. The House Mouse Stamp is a new one for me "Autumn Sprinkles". I think anyone who struggles to "nicely" stamp the large stamp images like House Mouse or other's - getting in a weekly challenge definitely improves your skills and you get to read everybodies tips on inks and papers. I nailed this one in one try. I stamped the image on Neenah Cardstock and Memento Dew Drops in Rich Cocoa. I colored the image with Copics in a spring theme vs. fall theme. The cardstock is SU! Naturals White, Baja Breeze, and Basic Grey. The Designer Series paper is SU! but I can't seem to find it in the catalog - may have been in the winter mini. The brads and h/w are SU!. The ribbon is MJ Trimmings - one of my favorites....jeez I need another trip to the Ink Pad, MJ Trimmings, and Dick Blick Art in NYC. The sentiment is an SU! Hostess Set "A is for Adorable".

House Mouse Challenge #27: Chipboard

2009-03-09T18:16:00.000-07:00

I'm late and was watching Stickles and Crystal Effects dry last night.... :-(. I was afraid to take pictures for fear of messing up or drips. New HM stamp for me and I LOVE IT. "Birthday Cupcake"!! I stamped the image with Memento Dew Drops. Colored with Copics. Finished with crystal effects on the candles and Diamond Stickles on the frosting. My chipboard - fun buttons from Michaels that I had purchased for the Feb VSN but never used. The sentiment is from the SU! set Upsy Daisy. All cardstock is SU! Kiwi Kiss, Naturals White, Designer Series Urban Garden and the purple is textured Soft Subtles but I'm not sure which one. Finally, the ticket corner punch and the silver twine are from SU! I keep trying to make different color brown mice but in the end they always look the same. I really need to beef up my color collection.

My Copics:

Cupcake: YG01, R20, E21, E43, E53

Mouse #1: E00, YR24, E43, E33, E53, R20

Mouse #2: E00, YR24, E43, E53, R20, E21

3 Clovers Design Challenge #3: Green and Pretty

2009-03-09T18:08:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm.....not a lot of green choices in my craft pile. Definitely no stamps in the spirit of St. Patty's Day. But here's my card. All cardstock is Stampin' Up Naturals White, Kiwi Kiss (LOVE IT!!), and Designer Series Urban Garden. My 3 embellishments are Medium Sized Eyelets from Micheals, Corduroy Green Velvet Ribbon from MJ Trimmings, and Aged Copper Hodgepodge H/W from Stampin' Up. The stamp set is also one of my favorites - Pocket Silhouettes. The inks are all Stampin' Up - River Rock, Mellow Moss, True Thyme, and Kiwi Kiss.

Three Clovers Design Challenge #2: B+B+B

2009-03-01T07:55:00.000-08:00

Blue, Brown, and Buttons!! I was inspired reading the Three Clovers Blog and looking at the Inspiration Team cards and LOVED the Linus Card. Peanuts are one of my favorites. Just yesterday I was thinking about how soon I could put away my 4 Runner for the winter and pull out my Beetle Convertible. Mine is light blue with a grey convertible top. My "girl" car!! Here is my entry with one of my Stampabilities Peanuts stamps. Two lessons on this card :-( I used SU! Wisper White to stamp the image and wasn't too happy with Copics on Whisper White and I use glue on my letters which was a bad choice on my grosgrain ribbon since it is showing spots. I have tried a XYRON with my Cuttlebug Letters and I wasn't crazy about it - but probably would have been a better choice for this card. My cardstock and designer paper is from Stampin' Up. The image was stamped with Memento Dew Drops Tuxedo Black and colored with Copic Markers. The grosgrain rickrack ribbon is from New England Scrapbook Company. The letters are Cuttlebug Hippie Chick. The buttons are Michaels.

House Mouse Challeng #26: Mother's Day

2009-02-28T07:01:00.000-08:00

OK!! I seem to be locked into Pink/Brown/Green. I love the colors and I'm completely hooked on them right now :-). I'm running out so I will have to move on soon. Mother's Day Card. A "first" in this card - I had some chipboard elements from Stampin' Up that were about 2 years old - not one piece has seen the light of day until this card. I colored the chipboard with my copics - very easy. So maybe more chipboard will make it in my world. My House Mouse image was Lip Smackin' Relaxin'. One of my latest stamp purchases that I have fell in love with. I would love some great ideas for the marshmellows - I used crystal effects which highlights them nicely but that doesn't turn them white. I used copics to color the image that I stamped with Memento Dew Drops in Rich Cocoa. My cardstock is a mix of Textured Stampin' Up, Stampin' Up Designer Series Paper Raspberry Tart, and the Paper Source Chocolate Brown. The ribbon and fibers are from Michaels. The rub-ons and brads are Stampin' Up. The flowers are Prima. The bling are ZOOMZ that I purchased online from Stamp Galaxy in the UK. The letters are CuttleBug Hippie Chick!!

Mouse Copics: E21, E33, E00, E43, E53, E21, R20

Coffee Mug Copics: YG01, RV02

VSN Day #2 February 21st with SplitCoast Stampers

2009-02-28T06:43:00.000-08:00

My second day on the VSN with Darci. We had a great day and enterred 4 more challenges. I found it to be very challenging to view the challenge and the trick for me was to VERY QUICKLY decide on my paper(s) and stamps. Put the basics of the card together as fast as I could to allow as much time in the 45 minutes to add bling. Lots of fun. I will definitely do it again. My only advice to others....if you have large stores of bling, ribbon, paper and other embellishments - I would not go too crazy with the shopping list. Some of the challenges will require you to have followed the shopping list but many work out just fine with stuff that you have piled in your craft room. Also...there are so many challenges in a VSN, if you miss one due to supplies you will still have more than enough challenges to participate in. All of these cards are shown in my gallery on Splitcoast under labs3vt. All the card details are included in the gallery entries.

FEB09VSNM - Celebrity Crush: Make a Card that represents your celebrity crush. I had to go with it - with the stamps that I had packed up and brought to Darci's house. Not the most creative card for a Celebrity but I am a big fan of Charles Schulz and the Peanuts.

FEB09VSNL - Wee Bit 'O Love: Make a Card with Inchies. Pieces of paper 1"x1".

FEB09VSNK - Long Lost Love: Make a Card with an old favorite stamp or something you have hoarded and not used in a long time. My Long Lost Love was my Hodgepodge Hardware.

FEB09VSNJ - See Thru: Make a Card that is see thru or with see thru materials.

SplitCoast Stampers VSN Friday Feb 20, 2009

2009-02-21T07:51:00.000-08:00

First try at VSN last night. I liked it. It was fun to wait for the challenges to pop up. I was happy with my first two cards - but my 3rd card - I was not so happy with due to the time constraint. I will be back at it today. In honor of the House Mouse Challenge - my first card was with a HM stamp :-).

The 7pm Challenge: "USE ONLY NEW"

The 8PM Challenge: "Monochromatic"

The 9PM Challenge: "Split Negative"

House Mouse Challenge #25 - A Sketch

2009-02-19T03:41:00.000-08:00

Many firsts for me in the House Mouse Challenge - my first sketch challenge. Very fun. I had to use my new House Mouse stamp that I won from the Rubber Cafe and the House Mouse challenge - Glitter Hearts. My image was stamped with Memento Dew Drops in Tuxedo Black on Neenah card stock. I colored the image with Copics and Sharpies. Color Combos for the mice below. Stampin' Up Crystal Effects on the jar and Fruit Punch Stickles for the Border. The card stock (which I'm completely stuck on these colors right now) is Stampin' Up - Kiwi Kiss, Pink Pirouette, and Designer Series Raspberry Tart and Chocoloate Brown from The Paper Source. The die is the scalloped circle from Sissix and cut with my Cuttlebug. The ribbon is bargain binfrom Michaels :-).
Grey Mouse Copics: C1, C3, W5, E00, E21, R20
Brown Mouse Copics: E43, E53, E55, E33, E00, E21, R20

My Valentines Day Creations and New Blog Format

2009-02-15T07:27:00.000-08:00

New Blog Format and Updated/Edited Photos. I remain unhappy with the my photo quality versus what I see on the other blogs. Today I post the Valentine's Day Cards that I made yesterday. Lots of fun...my spare bedroom looks like a bomb went off...need to clean it up today. Thinking about the Splitcoast VSN next weekend. Haven't tried that yet but I think it will be fun.

The first card was for my husband...he got 4 lottery scratch-offs with the card and a Cold Stone Creamery Cake...he was in heaven. The cardstock was Stampin' Up Maine Blueberry, Raspberry Tart, and Kiwi Kiss. Also from the Paper Source the Chocolate Brown. I had a ton of this paper from my wedding invitations, save-the-dates - finally working it off a bit. The copper embossing powder, the scalloped circle Sissix die as well as the rub-on is from Stampin' Up. Michaels for the flowers and the brad. I think Tom even liked the card :-).

The second card was a birthday card for my neice who's birthday is on Valentine's Day and turned 16!!. The stamped image is from Toodles and Binks. I purchased after I fell in love with it when I saw it used on the PaperMonkey. I bought the stamp online - but then realized I had no supplies for unmounted stamps. After a couple of months I have finally mounted

the stamp and have used it for the first time. I STILL LOVE IT. I colored the stamp with copic markers. The paper is Stampin' Up Raspberry Tart Designer Series and Kiwi Kiss. The rub-ons...becoming one of my new favorite things...are also from the same set as the card for my husband from Stampin' Up. The scalloped circle was done with my Cuttlebug and a Sissix Die. I also used Crystal Effects on her boots - very fun!! Flowers are from Prima and the brads from Michaels. Finally, the Ribbon is from MJ Trimmings.

My 3rd card (my 4th that was sent off to my Valentines was the extras from the card swap from my previous post using the Woodland Elves from Pollycraft) is also using a stamp colored with Copic Markers from Toodles and Binks. How can you order a stamp from across the big pond and only pick one - I picked two - I thought is was very cute. Not sure if really a Valentines stamp but I think my niece Kiersten will love it. The cardstock is Stampin' Up and the Paper Source. The flower is PRIMA. The brads and ribbon are from Michaels. The stamp is from a Stampin' Up set and the ink is '07 InColor Vintage Violet.

House Mouse Challenge #24 - Tall and Thin

2009-02-12T02:52:00.000-08:00

Tall and Thin. Great Challenge. Not sure how this card would ever get in the mail but fun to make. Happy Hopper Stamp Yaaawn. It was the first time that I used it - very cute bunny. The image is stamped on Neenah card stock with Memento Dew Drops Tuxedo Black and colored with Copics. The card stock is Stampin' Up Textured In Color Baja Breeze and Kiwi Kiss. The designer series card stock is Stamin' up Maine Blueberry. The ribbon is MJ Trimmings - everyone near NYC should try this store.....tons and tons of ribbon that you can buy by the yard. The flowers are Prima and the brads are Michaels. Once again, I am unhappy with my picture - I will try again in sunlight - during the week I'm just not home when the sun is out :-( work :-(.

House Mouse Challenge #23 Valentines

2009-02-07T08:44:00.000-08:00

I was waiting for a Valentine's Day challenge from the House Mouse team. One of my favorites. A fun challenge and the design team cards were amazing. I keep trying to improve my photos and they don't seem to get much better. I will keep working on it. I do not have a Valentine theme HM stamp :-( so I had to make a modification to "Are We There Yet?". I really enjoyed coloring this and actually colored two images - one with a grey dog and one with a brown dog. I think with each challenge I learn a little more about color blending. For this card, I colored the HM stamp with Copic Markers and I will list at the bottom my colors. From The Paper Source - chocolate brown paper. From Stampin' Up - Kiwi Kiss, Raspberry Tart
Designer Series paper, and the Rhinestone Brad. From MJ Trimmings - rick rack. From Michaels - flowers. Finally - Stickles on the heart.
Copic Markers:
Grass, Fishing Rod, and Leaves: G99, YG01, C3, E43, E33
Dog: E57, E43, E53, YR24, E33
Brown Mice: E57, E43, E54, E33
Grey Mice: C1, C3

House Mouse Challenge #22 Paper Piercing

2009-02-01T06:42:00.000-08:00

A brief post for today as I head out of town overnight to watch the Superbowl. I had a major struggle with the card and left a graveyard of unhappy pierced paper in my spare bedroom.

I love the image and enojoyed coloring it with Copic Markers. The paper is all Stampin' Up. The ribbon is from M&J Trimmings (iron on).

House Mouse Challenge #21 - Color Challenge

2009-01-25T07:48:00.000-08:00

At first when I looked at this challenge, I started to think, I don't have those colors, I don't have a good image to work with.......but I think it worked out ok :-). It is my first house mouse challenge with a GRUFFIE. "Stacking Baby Blocks". I colored him with Copic Markers. E21, E55, E43, E53, and E33. Still working on making the fur POP. I colored him brown since I don't really have the shades of gray to make him work. Sounds like time for a copic marker order. The Designer Paper is Stampin' Up and the Solids are Bazzill Basics (my closest to Old Olive) and Stampin' Up. The flowers and brads are from Michaels. The ribbon is from two of my favorite places in NYC - MJ Trimmings and Kate's Paperie. Try them both if you are there. The letters are Cuttlebug "Hippie Chick" and the back
ground is the Swiss Dot Folder. I like to post Ellen J's version - It makes me want to get my get more shades of gray color copics.

Pollycraft Winter Elves.....First Card Swap of 2009

2009-01-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

Today I finished my cards for our first card Swap of 2009. I used one of my new favorite stamps from Pollycraft which I discovered out on a blog and can't remember where. Pollycraft was NICE enough to ship to me in the U.S. even though that is not standard for them. :-). All this blog watching has me looking at stamps from all over the place. The stamp is a "Winter Elve" called Honesty. I colored with Copic Markers and Sharpies (I would use all copics...I just don't have enough colors). I used Diamond Stickles on her pom poms. The paper is a mixture of Stampin Up, Bazzill Basics, and My Little Yellow Bicycle "Love Letters". I used Martha Stewart's Lace Border Punch, Stampin Up Oval Punches, and the Stampin' Up Bigz Die Top Note. The stamp sets are Stampin' Up Hostess Set Spring Summer 2008 "A Little Bit of Happiness" and Stampin' Up Set "Warm Words". The ribbon is from Kate's Paperie in NYC - I think they have great ribbon at great prices - check them out.

House Mouse Challenge #20 - ATC Card

2009-01-18T14:32:00.000-08:00

I fell off the House Mouse Challenge Wagon for the Holidays but as of today - I'm back on. My first ATC card. Kind of fun. My House Mouse Stamp was Cozy Mitten (Mudpie) 1999. I colored with my copic markers - you can see the colors that I used in the picture below. I used watercolor paper from Michaels...I'm going to have to look for ivory or offwhite paper - I don't care for the white - but the watercolor paper seems to work the best. The image was stamped in Tsukineko Memento Tuxedo Black. I outlined the edge in Stampin' Up Chocolate Chip. The brads and the heart shaped embellishment are from Michaels. The background and oval paper is from Bazill Basics. The off-white paper is Naturals White from Stampin' Up. The sentiment is from the Stampin' Up Short and Sweet set. The background stamp is Stampin' Up True Thyme from the Peaceful Wishes Set. The embossing poweder is Stampin' Up Copper. The ribbon is double sided satin and oval punch are from Stampin' Up. I have also posted Ellen J's version from the House Mouse website. I have an older version of this stamp from Stampa Rosa that is only black in. ;-)

House Mouse Challenge #16

2008-12-05T03:05:00.000-08:00

Glitz and Glitter......

FUN card this week. I'm back to the holidays.....after slipping last week into Birthdays...but now back to thinking about Christmas cards for friends and family. For this weeks House Mouse Challenge I used Leaf-ing the Tree Farm. What a great stamp!! I colored it with Copic Markers - still working on my blending - but also for the first time I used Memento Dew Drops in Tuxedo Black for my image. WOW! Much easier and Much nicer than Staz-on. I'm learning lots from the Paper Monkey ;-). Also Stickles for the snow and on the hats. All of the paper for my card is from Stampin' Up except the Brushed Silver is from Michaels. The ribbon is from Stampin' Ups winter mini - Brown Felt...I love it. The snowflakes are felt and I purchased those at the New England Scrapbook Company Store. I punched the brushed silver paper with a border punch by Martha Stewart.

Ellen J's Version

House Mouse Challenge #15 - POLKA DOTS

2008-11-28T15:40:00.000-08:00

My second House Mouse Challenge.....I had to forget the holidays because my imagination was heading elsewhere. For this card I used a 1998 House Mouse Stamp called Wrapped and Ready. I see it on the website now with a colored Stampabilities version - mine is an older version from a different supplier with just black ink. I colored the mice with Copics and added a picture of the copics that I used below. I'm a newbie with Copics and I think this card is my best so far with blending colors on the mouse fur. All of the card stock and designer series paper is Stampin' Up. The sentiment stamp "Happy Birthday and the punch is Stampin' Up. I used STICKLES in Diamond for the bows on top. My first time using Stickles...loved them! The flowers, brad, ribbon, Martha Stewart Star Punch - all from Michaels. I didn't have the easiest time photographing this card - I decided to use the version with my flash off :-). I have to keep working on the best settings of the photographs.....

House Mouse Challenge #14

2008-11-18T07:30:00.001-08:00

It's Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas

My first try at the Monday House Mouse Challenge. It was a lot of fun. It is a 1998 stamp from Ellen J - "Have a Sleigh Ride". I colored the House Mouse Stamp with Copic Markers. Paper is Stampin' Up! Naturals Ivory, Cranberry Crisp, True Thyme, Vintage Violet, and Designer Series Paper Holiday Thyme. Ribbon is SU! double stitched grosgrain River Rock. Embellishments are SU! HodgePodge in Aged Copper. SU! Stamps embossed with vanilla - "be merry" from Warm Words and "Merry Christmas" from the Curly Label Punch Bundle set/Punch Kit. Definitely Lots of Fun!! Hope to join next week also :-).

House Mouse with the Paper Monkey Tutorial :-)

2008-11-16T14:46:00.000-08:00

My Blick Art Order came in today!! I had ordered the recommended House Mouse colors from Suzy's PaperMonkey Tutorial. I had to take a try at a House Mouse stamp with the new copics and the expert directions. SU! Papers Naturals White, True Thyme, Cranberry Crisp, Vintage Violet (I loved the IN COLOR's from 2007) and SU! Designer Series Paper Holiday Thyme. SU! Hodgepodge Hardware SU! Stiched Grosgrain Ribbon Vintage Violet. SU! Stamp "Be Merry" from the "Warm Words" set. House Mouse Stamp "Warm Tree Light". Martha Stewart Craft Star Border Punch. Copic Markers - from now on I will post a picture of the Copics that I use but if you check out PaperMonkey, I tried to duplicate the Brown Mouse and Grey Mouse.

Paper Monkey Tutorial:

http://blog.papermonkey.org/index/2008/11/house-mouse-coloring-tutorial-with-copics-junk-challenge.html

Close-up Pix of the Mice...I'm fairly happy with the Grey Mice, my Brown Mice seem kind of orange - could be my camera :-). I'm going to have to work on my Brown Mice copics. I didn't have the best colors for the light and tree but worked with what I had.

Here is Ellen Jareckie's version on www.house-mouse.com

My First Blog Entry

2008-11-16T08:00:00.000-08:00

I have been inspired by Papermonkey.org to start my own blog. I do not understand many details of blogging but I think I can at least post two of my latest cards. Hopefully I will learn some cool blogging tips and hints as I get up to speed so the posts are a little more exciting.

First Card - Thank you card for our HORIZON of HOPE event at the Thayer Hotel at West Point Academy. I'm became an Independent Longaberger Consultant in 2008 to bring down the cost of my severe Longaberger buying habit. It has been fun, I haven't gone too crazy with it - but one of the special events of the year is Horizon of Hope. Several consultants hosted a brunch to raise money for Breast Cancer Research - we have raffles, silent auctions, and door prizes!! My thank you card for my donors below. The paper is Stampin' Up (Certainly Celery, Lavender Lace, Pumpkin Pie) and the pattern paper on the outside of the card is from Martha Stewart Crafts. The stamps are House Mouse "Relaxing Wild Flowers" colored with SU! Watercolor Crayons and SU! Stem Silhouettes.

Second Card - Also a special card made for the troops http://www.cardsforheroes.org/ . Our stampin' group put together a huge box of cards about a month ago - some new and some from our collections. It was a great project. I chose a Christmas card. The paper is SU!

Naturals White, Brocade Blue, and True Thyme. The patterned paper is Figgy Pudding by Basic Grey. The stamp (my first copics artist foray) is from American Art Stamp Karen Stolper's "Building the Snowman". I found Karen Stolper's Cling Thing American Art Stamps at the Ink Pad in NYC and fell in love with them. Please take a look at the website http://www.americanartstamp.com/ or try a visit to the Ink Pad - we love this store!! The letters are Hippie Chick from Cuttlebug on a metallic copper paper. The ribbon is from the bargain bin at Michaels :-).