Merry Christmas!

I received this image as part of a larger Christmas themed email from a non-stamping friend of mine. I was so surprised to see some of our little house mouse friends in it, I had to share! I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas, and I'll be back soon with more fun cards and yummy recipes! I have been cooking like CRAZY the last two days, and have tried to take pictures as I went along so I can share later. Stay tuned!

Merry Christmas!


P.S. I see there's a little watermark on the .gif that says "just jeanne". If anyone knows who made it, post a comment and I'll credit her here!

Much Love

I made this card for my hubby last night in honor of our 9 year anniversary, which happens to be today! Isn't that just the cutest image?

When I first started stamping, most of my stamps were House Mouse, and hubby was so into it. He was always looking for stamp stores when he traveled for work and asking if they sold Stampa Rosa (which was the company that owned them at that time). He was always coming home with one or two new "meece" for me to stamp with.


I thought it was only fitting to use one of those early stamps to make his card with. The sentiment on this card is actually from a foam mounted set (remember those?!) that was probably the first thing I bought when I started stamping. I have no idea what brand it is, but I think it was purchased at Ben Franklin.

Click on over to my family blog if you'd like to take a trip down memory lane with me and see some wedding pictures. :)

And before I go, I have to alert you to some more blog candy from the i {heart} papers team. Amber is hosting this time, and there is a fun cupcake stamp set up for grabs, along with some ribbon and stickles. How cool is that?! All you have to do is leave her a comment with party ideas for an 8 year old boy. Easy peasy! Go check it out!

Into Every Life...

...a little rain must fall. I bought this stamp ages ago. Back when I was collecting House Mouse stamps just for the sport of it. I never really knew what I'd do with it, but I had to have it. Today I received an email from a friend requesting a sympathy card for her sons who lost their great-grandmother recently, and I knew this was the stamp I had to use.

My great-grandmother was easily one of my best friends in this world, as well as one of the greatest women I've ever known. She lived until I was 26. There is a song I have heard on the radio that always reminds me of her (and my other grandparents who have passed, all of whom I had the priviledge of being very close to), called Holes In The Floor Of Heaven by Steve Wariner. If you're interested, you can hear it in the background of a youtube video HERE. And go ahead and get a tissue out while it loads. You'll need it.

Anyhow, this is my official grandparent sympathy card stamp because of that song. I wrote a short note inside, along with part of this story and a few of the lyrics. Hopefully it will help to bring the boys (who are old enough to grasp the concept, not little ones) a little comfort in the same way it does me.

As for the card, I actually stamped the image on Sky Blue paper. I've never done that before, but I think it worked ok. I thought it would be easier than trying to color in all of that sky. The only thing is you have to test your copics before you color with them unless you know the rules of color mixing (i.e. yellow and blue make green, etc.). It made for some pretty fall leaves though, didn't it? This also reminds me of a conversation I had with some online friends today who told me that the locals in the Vermont area refer to tourists as "leaf peepers" when the come for the fall color tours. That just made me giggle, I don't even know why. It still does. lol!

Alright, has everyone regained their composure now? Seeee, this is why I only make fun and cheery cards! *wink* Before you go, be sure to check out Chrissy D's blog candy. She's giving away a beautiful autumn leaf set (how appropriate!) from Sweet n' Sassy Stamps that she designed herself!

Details:
Stamps: House Mouse Stamp of the Month
Ink: Adirondak Pitch Black, Brocade Blue (sponged edges)
Paper: Sky Blue, Creamy Caramel, Ruby Red
Other: Wide Gold Organdy Ribbon (SU!), Copic Markers

Be Yourself

This is one of a handful of House Mouse images I received from my blogger friend Lorraine a few months ago. I think the image is adorable, but I was really at a loss as to what to do with it. I wasn't sure what sentiment to put with it, and was really wishing I had another image so I could cut one (or more) of the mice out and pop them up for a little dimension. I wanted to use my "Hang in There" sentiment from the old SU! set of the same name, but it was too big for the card.

So, given my limitations of only having the one image, and no idea what to do for the sentiment (lol), this is what I came up with! I colored the image (yes, the WHOLE image!) with my copic markers, then added a little zing here and there with my gelly roll pens for highlights. The ribbon is some kind of grosgrain from SU... I don't know, because that was sent to me as a RAK as well (gotta love those Random Acts of Kindness!). It seems to match that blue paper pretty well though, so maybe it's Ballet Blue? Not sure.

What do you think about the card? Cute? How would you like to win it? I figured since it was made up of so many gifts, it would be nice to gift the final product to someone as well. If you'd like to win the card, leave a comment telling me so, and I'll pick a winner at random sometime this weekend, so check back to see if your name is chosen! You don't need to have a blog to leave a comment, and I don't even use word verification so it really couldn't be easier for you!

Details:
Stamps: House Mouse (Unknown), Smarty Pants (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: Ballet Blue, Black (Unknown)
Paper: Whisper White, Cameo Coral, Ballet Blue, Creamy Caramel
Other: Copic Markers, 1/8" Circle Punch, Blue Grosgrain Ribbon (SU!), White and Silver Gel Pens

Tart-y Wishes

My aunt had a birthday in early July, and though I made a super cute card for her well before her big day (this one, to be exact) it seems I never got the dang thing in the mail (or even made out and into an envie for that matter). Argh. SO! Now I get to make a belated card, nearly a month later! The good news is that they (aunt and uncle) will be here for a visit this month, so I will have no excuses this time! Honestly, I'm sure I could think of one if I really tried but let's not go there. *wink*

Anyhow, I made her this little gift set. Here's the card:

How do you like that button over the cherry? I thought that was kind of clever, but it's hard to catch in the pic. I used some SU rub-ons on the base of the card (first time for me, and I have to say I'm not a fan) to help fill the corner space, then layered the Tart n' Tangy DP over Real Red CS and did the same with the main image.

Here's the back of the tin (from the Target $ Spot, by the way!):


And here's the front of the tin:


This lemon stamp is from the Tart n' Tangy set by SU (it was in the Occasions Mini, but I have it on good authority that it is also in the new catty that comes out soon if you really want it but didn't get it). I added some dazzling diamonds to the lemon that is popped up and then stuck a yellow "Fire" (SU!) gemstone brad in the center. The whole thing is adhered to the tin with ModPodge.

I started with the tin, and used Yoyo Yellow and Brilliant Blue to match the colors of the Lemonhead brand. Then when I moved onto the card I was at a loss because I really couldn't get the blue to jive with the mice. I pulled it in a little on the ground, but to me it kind of looks like they're floating now with lemon shaped buoys. hee hee. Had I started with the card, I probably would have incorporated some cherries into the tin.

Thanks for all of your input yesterday on stamp cleaners. I do have the Judikins StazOn cleaner and MAN does that stuff STINK! It smells like paint thinner to me. I was at Hobby Lobby tonight (where all stamps are currently 50% off, by the way) and saw that Ranger sells a bubblegum scented mist. lol! That could get old too, but it's better than thinner! I didn't buy any though. I want to use up the stuff I have before I go investing in more.

Today's question is.... do you know of any good sales going on online right now for stamps? Not that I need stamps, mind you, but I do love a good sale!

OH!!! And!!! I can't believe I almost forgot to tell you! Remember this card that I made for Taylor's Cupcake Challenge last week? Well, Taylor picked me to be this week's Featured Cupcake Sampler because of it! Woot! I have next week's challenge in my hands already and have to get my creation to her by Thursday night so she can post it on her blog Friday. Stay tuned!

Card Details:
Stamps: House Mouse (Stampa Rosa)
Ink: Adirondak Pitch Black
Paper: Bliss Blue, Real Red, Tart n' Tangy DP, Whisper White
Other: SU! Rub-Ons, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Red Button (Stampin' Up!), Copic Markers

Tin Details:
Stamps: Tart n' Tangy (Stampin' Up!), Sentiment (Stampa Rosa)
Ink: Yoyo Yellow, Basic Black
Paper: Brilliant Blue, Yoyo Yellow, Whisper White
Other: Fire Brad, White Grosgrain Ribbon, Dazzling Diamonds, Yellow stitched ribbon, candy-filled dollar spot tin

A Little Something

I made this card for my Summer Sister, Lorie, the other day. I got the image from my blogger friend Lorraine, and colored it with my copic markers. I wish you could see the shading on the wings. That's my favorite part. I originally positioned the image so that I could add ribbon at the top, but once the ribbon was there I didn't care for it (should have been narrower), so I pulled it off before mailing it.

The only downside to that is that then the picture was off center... but I didn't want to raise it because then the sentiment would have been floating aimlessly at the bottom of the card. Argh. Sometimes you just can't win! My pictures aren't so hot of this card, but I did some edge distressing to the purple layer with my Heidi Swapp Distresser.

My apologies for the late post. We had an electrical storm yesterday, and dh thinks we took a lightning hit. Our modem was fried (literally - black and smokey, etc.) because it was the one thing in the house that wasn't on a surge suppressor. Go figure. Anywho, we were without internet AND telephone (we have cable phone) for about 24 hours. It's amazing what gets done around the house when your internet is out though! LOL! We're all back to normal now though. Look for a new bella tomorrow. It'll either be the last of my three design team application cards, or one of the three bridal shower cards I made this week!

Details:
Stamps: So Many Sayings (Stampin Up!), Bunny stamp by Stampabilities
Ink: Staz On Black, Going Grey (sentiment)
Paper: So Saffron, Eggplant Envy, Grey (off brand), Whisper White
Other: Copic Markers, Stickles (on wings), Heidi Swapp distresser, Grey taffeta ribbon (SU), 1 3/8" Square Punch (SU!)

I'm So Lucky

There's a little history behind this card that I need to share with you. First, I saw a super cute patriotic house mouse card on my blogger friend Lorraine's blog here. I love me some House Mouse stamps, but I don't have that particular one, so I asked if she would consider swapping some HM images so I could get my inky fingers on it... she said yes (how cool is that?)! The images came, and that very same day another blogger friend, Holly, posted a card on her blog here where she used Copics on her House Mouse image.

Wait... what? Copics on a House Mouse? I was ALL over that! I love those little critters, but they take for-bloody-ever to color properly with prismacolors, so they don't see much ink.

Here is my second attempt at the images that were sent to me (the first attempt - with a different stamp - is en route to its recipient, so I can't post it yet!). I just love the way this turned out! That Baroque Motifs set is coming in so handy these days. I just used it with Winobella too for a super cute card that I'll show you soon.

The sentiment is actually one stamp, but I inked it in two steps with my black Stampin' Write marker so I could have half outside and half inside (dots are hand drawn). I kind of wish the font was a little more scripty, but oh well. After seeing my uploaded picture I also have realized I need to add some purple flowers to the vine inside my card as well.

What do you think of that cute little mouse? Aren't the colors sooo vibrant? I love it! I colored the sky with Robin's Egg Blue, and then pulled some of the color off in spots with my Colorless Blender. All in all, I don't think it's too shabby for a first (well, technically second) attempt! Big thanks to Lorraine for the enabling and Holly for the images.

Oh - and speaking of Holly - while you're on her blog, click the "Chesney's Images" label on the left. Those cards are all made with pictures that her INCREDIBLY talented daughter DREW. I kid you not. It's amazing. The one at the bottom of this post is my favorite so far (lol!)!

Last, but not least, check out Maria's blog candy!

Details:
Stamps: Oh Lucky Day (Stampabilities), Sentiment (Stampa Rosa), Baroque Motifs (Stampin' Up!)
Ink: StazOn Black, Garden Green, Orchid Opulence (both were stamped off on a separate piece of paper first)
Paper: Whisper White, Garden Green, Orchid Opulence
Other: Black Stampin' Write marker, Copic Markers, Paper Piercing

That's Me!

A friend recently asked me to create a 4x6" contact card for her. The front of the card was supposed to represent who I am, and the back would contain all of my contact information (isn't that a fun idea?). I thought about this for awhile, and came up with different ideas. When I was up nightly with Jack at 3am *grrrr*, I was certain I'd be using the Grumpabella image, but ultimately I decided on this House Mouse stamp instead. There I am... the Mama Hen, taking care of all three of my boys (Henry, Jack, and hubby ;o) ).

Details:
Stamps: Flannel Plaid BG, House Mouse
Paper: Always Artichoke, Really Rust, Barely Banana, Ruby Red, Very Vanilla
Ink: Basic Black, Really Rust
Other: Raffia, Weathered Brads (non-SU), Prismacolors, Gamsol

Cards!! Finally!!

Here are the Valentine cards I made this year. Check my SCS gallery for more details on paper, ink, accessories, etc. used (sorry - don't feel like typing all of that again!).


This one was for Papa from Henry. Getting the heart in that little dinosaurs mouth was a trick, but I think it turned out cute in the end.

This one is for Darrin from me (thanks gain to Uncle Donnie for cutting that So Many Sayings stamp set apart)! Otherwise I'd never have been able to use just the "Be Mine" and hearts on this one.

This was to my sister and her kids. I love this little mouse. It's actually part of a bigger image that I think is geared more toward birthdays, but I thought it looked a little Valentine-y with all the hearts!

This was from Henry to his godparents. I love this stamp! lol!

This was from Darrin and I to my Mom and Grandma. I have had the SU air brush tool for EVER, and this is the first time I've used it. I thought it worked well with this "Love" image.

And finally, this was from Henry to his Grandmas. I thought adding the dazzling diamonds on the heart really made it pop!

Thanks for Lunch

Wow - I can't believe this crazy computer actually let me upload a photo. It's a Christmas Miracle! :) "Technical Difficulties" (see post below) continue, but here is an exception!

I made this cute little housemouse card for a friend who treated Henry and I to lunch last week at El Azteca. It's one of the few food related stamps I have, but I thought it was fitting because I looked similar to that little mouse when I left. LOL!

The card is made using the spotlight technique. WW and Bashful Blue cs, going grey (background) and basic black (colored image, sentiment) ink, prismacolors and gamsol for coloring, and b/w gingham ribbon. The sentiment is from the SU! set called "Much Appreciated" (which by the way is one of the handiest little sets in the world if you make a lot of thank you cards!).

Sorry for all of the dead space around the picture. I can't seem to find a photo editing program on this computer either. No surprise there *sigh* .