House Mouse Anniversary

Please bear with me and come back tomorrow night when I'll have the FULL details for this card. I'm down to the wire and trying to get my cards posted for the 365 Cards challenge. My goal was to meet each challenge for the month of May. After a flurry of glue and paper, I did it. Now to get them posted. I had to cop out a little bit and combine 2 of their challenges for this card. This is my entry for Day 87 The Eyes Have It and Day 88 Anniversary. EDITED TO ADD: I like to think I’m fairly creative, but one challenge from 365 Cards nearly drove me to the brink. We were to use the word ‘EYE’ somewhere on our card. The obvious choice was ‘apple of my eye’, but I wanted to stretch myself. I enlisted the help of my dear hubby and we bounced around several ideas – eye candy, eye of newt (Halloween card), peck out your eyes (chickens – I have lots of poultry stamps), etc. He even spent an evening scouring THREE craft stores with me looking for the perfect stamp/sticker/ANYTHING. Have I mentioned how great my hubby can be in supporting my crafting addictions? I really liked the eye candy idea, but just couldn’t find anything that would work. I like to make a card that I can actually use and needed to tie it into some type of event. I finally found a quote I liked that included the word eye, and opted for an anniversary card. It could also be a wedding or just general ‘love’ card but I wanted to tie it into the other 365 Cards challenge to make an Anniversary card! (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

Sketch ~ House Mouse & Friends

Inspiration 365 Cards Day 87 ~ The “EYES” Have It 365 Cards Day 88 ~ Quite a Pair – Anniversary or Congrats on engagement

My Card

Image Detail

I used Diamond Glaze on the moon and water, plus my normal Spica glitz.

Inside of Card

INS AND OUTS ~ House Mouse Anniversary Challenges: House Mouse & Friends #25 ~ Sketch 365 Cards Day 87 ~The “EYES” Have It 365 Cards Day 88 ~ Quite a Pair Stamps: House Mouse ~ Together Under the Moon (Stampabilities), Everyday Classics (PaperTrey Ink) Paper: DCWV (Summer and Latte Stacks), PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (C1, E00, E31, R81, B34, Y21, Y26), Spicas (Clear, Gold)Accessories: SU Grosgrain Ribbon, Pop Up Dots, Diamond Glaze, Creative Memories Oval Cutting System

Happy Hopper Watermelon

Please bear with me and come back tomorrow night when I'll have the FULL details for this card. I'm down to the wire and trying to get my cards posted for the 365 Cards challenge. My goal was to meet each challenge for the month of May. After a flurry of glue and paper, I did it. Now to get them posted. I had to cop out a little bit and combine 2 of their challenges for this card. This is my entry for Day 89 - Watermelon and the sketch from Day 92. EDITED TO ADD: Everything is so much calmer in the morning. Much better to type out supply lists and the such. This card was only made for the 365 Card Challenges. Amazing, I know. I tend to try and merge as many challenges as I can into one card. It’s become my own personal challenge! (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

The Sketch ~ 365 Cards

Inspiration ~ 365 Cards Use watermelon colors or the image of one

My Card

Image Detail

I had a bit of fun by adding a ‘gem’ seed that flew out of the actual image. I also added Diamond Glaze to the watermelon (it’s super juicy) after I’d Spica-ed things up a bit. INS AND OUTS ~ Happy Hopper Watermelon Challenges: 365 Cards Day 89 ~ Watermelon 365 Cards Day 92 ~ Sketch Stamps: Happy Hoppers ~ Seed Shooter (Stampabilities), Everyday Classics (PaperTrey Ink) Paper: DCWV (Summer and Glitter Stacks), PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (E00, E31, E37, YG03, R29, R81), Spicas (Sky Blue, Pink, Red, Melon, Black, Clear), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials) Accessories: Diamond Glaze, Pop Up Dots, Gem (S A B I S – Snips and Bits I’ve Saved), Creative Memories Balloon Template and Circle Cutting System

House Mouse Baby Card

Please bear with me and come back tomorrow night when I'll have the FULL details for this card. I'm down to the wire and trying to get my cards posted for the 365 Cards challenge. My goal was to meet each challenge for the month of May. After a flurry of glue and paper, I did it. Now to get them posted. I had to cop out a little bit and combine 2 of their challenges for this card. This is my entry for Day 91 - Front and Center and the Sketch from Day 85. EDITED TO ADD: Okay, now that I’ve had a few moments to get my poop in a group, I can do a better posting on this card (and the other 2 frantic posts from last night). After my flurry to post this for the 365 Cards challenge, I still missed out. I neglected to note the deadline was midnight EASTERN Standard Time and I live in CENTRAL Standard Time. Ugh. Oh well, at least I met my personal goal to create a card for each of the daily May challenges. Now I can start fresh in June. There’s been a baby and wedding explosion at work so I need to restock my card supply. Two weddings are approaching mid-June and I haven’t even started on my personal gift/cards for the couples. I spent one night just coloring images so I’d have a stash ready for last minute cards. This simple sketch from 365 Cards was perfect to make a sweet baby card. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

The Sketch ~ 365 Cards

The Colors ~ Colour Create

Inspiration Front & Center ~ 365 Cards

New Baby ~ House Mouse & Friends

My Card

Image DetailInside of Card

INS AND OUTS ~ Baby House Mouse Card Challenges: 365 Cards Day 85 ~ Sketch Colour Create Challenge ~ Lemon, Pink Sorbet, Chocolate 365 Cards Day 91 ~ Front and Center (keep every element in the center, leaving lots of white space around the edges) House Mouse & Friends #1 ~ NEW anything Stamps: House Mouse ~ Monica with Blankie (Stampabilities) Paper: DCWV (card base), PTI White, SU Designer Paper Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (E00, E31, R81, Y11, Y15, W1, W3), Spicas (Lemon, Black, Pink), White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials) Accessories: Button (Basic Grey), SU Grosgrain Ribbon, Creative Memories Oval Templates (S A B I S – Snips and Bits I’ve Saved)

Girly Gruffie Birthday

Another card request from my hubby; he wants to send a birthday card to a friend’s daughter. He’s affectionately known as ‘the bear’ among many of his friends so it was the perfect chance to get out one of my Gruffie stamps. Once again I blended a few challenges (please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

CPS Sketch 99

Color Pink & Brown ~ High Hopes Challenge 2 Colors ~ 365 Cards Inspiration Animals ~ Simon Says Challenge

Birthday ~ House Mouse & Friends

My Card

Image Detail

Diamond glaze is great for making the balloon shiny and Spicas and Stickles add a bit of sparkle.

INS AND OUTS ~ Girly Gruffie Birthday Challenges: CPS Sketch #99 High Hopes Challenge 32 Simon Says Challenge – Animals House Mouse & Friends #38 ~ Birthday 365 Cards Day 90 – I See Your ‘Two’ Colors – use only 2 colors (images may be black &cs white) Stamps: Gruffies – Party Preparations (Stampabilities) Paper: DCWV, PTI White, SU Designer Paper (Pink Dots) Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (R81, RV14, RV19, E00, E31, E11, E37, C1), Spicas (Black, Pink, Clear)

Accessories: White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials), Stickles (Cotton Candy), Diamond Glaze, Buttons (SABIS)

Blue & Blinged Changito Grad

My boss and her daughter claimed 20 graduation cards (WAHOO) so I only need to make a few more for my own use. This was super quick and easy since I used adhesive paper and stickers for the sentiment. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

CPS Sketch #2

Color Chef Challenge # 8

Inspiration Graduation ~ Belli Challenge Bit O’ Bling ~ Cute Card Thursday Animals ~ Simon Says Challenge

My Card

Image Detail

INS AND OUTS ~ Blue & Blinged Changito Grad Challenges: CPS Sketch #2 Color Chef Challenge # 8 Belli Challenge #66 ~ Graduation Cute Card Thursday Challenge 62 ~ Bit O’ Bling Simon Says Challenge – Animals Stamps: Changito Grad (Stampendous) Paper: DCWV (Adhesive Stack), PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (E31, B21, B24, B41), Clear Spica

Accessories: Star Gems (S A B I S – Snips and Bits I’ve Saved), Word Stickers (The Paper Studio)

Get Well Mice

My hubby’s boss’s wife recently had surgery, and he wanted to pass around a Get Well card among the employees. I don’t have lots of ‘sickie’ stamps, but thankfully House Mouse came through again. I’m way behind on my challenges for the week, but still incorporated several. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun). I know I’ll be late posted to the challenge websites, but I still wanted to thank them for the inspiration.

CPS Sketch 101

Inspiration Simon Says Challenge – Animals House Mouse & Friends #35 ~ Get Well

My Card

Image Detail

As usually I was generous with my Spicas. I added stickles to the 'cotton' and Diamond Glaze to the ice cube and aspirins. INS AND OUTS Challenges: CPS Sketch 101 Simon Says Challenge – Animals House Mouse & Friends #35 ~ Get Well Stamps: House Mouse – Chewable Aspirin (Stampabilities) Paper: DCWV, PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (W1, W5, YG09, R81, C1, YR00, YR65, YE68, BG10, E00, E31), Spicas (Clear, Pink, Orange) Accessories: Ribbon Slide (Oriental Trading Company), SU Grosgrain Ribbon, White Opaque Pen (Inkssentials), Diamond Glaze, Stickles (StarDust)

Studio ~ Preparation Phase

Hello all! Just a quick note to explain while I've been a bit quiet this week and probably will be this weekend. I do have a few card orders to make over the weekend and will try to post them. Every other spare moment will be spent painting and setting up my studio! When we bought our house (almost 3 years ago), my hubby and I agreed this 'bedroom' could be all mine for crafting. Due to health issues, job losses and other 'life' happenings the project was put on hold. It's finally time to unpack the boxes and set up shop. I've been slowly moving everything OUT of the room so I can have a blank slate. Here are just a 'few' of the boxes now stashed in the hallway. The guest room (hidden behind the stack) is also FILLED with my supplies. I'll try to take a phoot of that chaos as well. The fur babies were helping with my photo shoot so I didn't open the guest room door. The last thing I needed was 7 pairs of paws climbing in the cardboard jungle. Here's my studio (from each corner). Here's the view from the entrance. There's the world's tiniest 'deck' outside the door (viewable on the left). I call it my Rapunzal balcony since it's only big enough for the outside door to open. Not sure of the purpose, but it's part of the character of our home. Lily (cut off on the left) and Rico (orange tabby under window) wonder what Mommy is doing.This is looking at the entry from the far corner (standing by the radiator). Dolly is overseeing things from the top of the ladder while Oscar (aka Ozzy) blends into the color of the floor. This is the closet 'view'. We have an older home with pretty small closets. I'm debating if I'll leave the door on or remove it (replaced with a curtain) to make it easier to access my storage. Amazing! No kitties in sight!

This is the final corner showing my door to the balcony (I'm standing in front of the closet). Now you can see Lily more clearly. Not pictured are my 3 other fur babies (Zoe, Lobo and Otis). They were playing in the hallway.

I'm so excited to finally get the walls painted (starting tonight) and set up my desk, storage and supplies. I've been crafting out of boxes since we moved in and it's getting old. I have tubs of stuff in the living and dining rooms. I attend workshops/crops whenever I can and the stuff just lands in the main living area. I've been doing my cards on a TV tray in the recliner for the past few months. There's a little nest of ink pads, paper, stamps, etc. encircling the recliner. Hubby will be SO happy to have his living room back!

Just a few baby photos from my shoot. Lily scares me every time she jumps on the stair railing. There's been a few times I've seen her slip, but she has yet to fall down. Her favorite position is as Gargoyle Kitty.

Dear Dolly made it to the top of the ladder, but wasn't sure how to get down. I asked if she needed help, but she stubbornly had to do it herself. Of course Lily just ran up and down the ladder AROUND Dolly showing off.

So, this is my official 'before' studio photos. I'll be sure to post more photos as the project progresses. I'm sure as I unpack my boxes I'll find LOTS of supplies I no longer need or that I've duplicated because I couldn't find them. I'd love to see your craft rooms or hear any organizational tips you may have. I've got so many decisions ahead of me! Have a great weekend and I'll try to post an update.

Rock Star Snoopy

This was a fun card to make. Not sure who will receive it yet, but Snoopy is definitely ROCKING! (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

The Sketch (Stamp TV)

Color Inspiration (Corrosive Challenge)

Inspiration Let’s Rock (Corrosive Challenge) Make a Matching Envelope (365 Cards) Add Texture and Pattern (Stamp TV)

My Card

Image Detail Inside of Card

Inside of Envelope

INS AND OUTS ~ Rock Star Snoopy Challenges: Stamp TV Sketch Challenge

365 Cards Day 83 ~ Make it Match (Decorate a matching envelope) Stamp TV ~ Potluck Friday (Use Texture and Pattern) Corrosive Challenge #12 – Let’s Rock Corrosive Color Challenge #13 Stamps: Rock Star Snoopy (Stampabilities), Rock-On (H&M Stamps) Paper: DCWV (Glitter Stack and Base), PTI White, Kraft

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Colorbox Silver Pigment Ink, Copics (E00, E31, E37, B24, B41, R29), Spicas (Red, Black, Gold, Silver), Silver Galaxy Marker Accessories: Dew Drops (Metallic Red), Pop Up Dots

House Mouse Purple Dreams

I'm trying to get caught up on the House Mouse & Friends Challenges (they do a weekly challenge on Mondays). I love the stamp line (and own quite a few) so I try to incorporate the images with other challenges when I can. Plus, they are lots of fun to color and I'm building my Copic skills (or at least trying). :o) (Please see the Ins and Outs for the challenge links and feel free to join in the fun).

The Sketch (House Mouse & Friends)

Inspiration Grape Fun ~ Use purple as primary color and incorporate 5 circles (365 Cards) May Flowers (Banana Split Sunday)

My Card

Image Detail

As I mentioned yesterday I love using Spica pens to add a bit of glitz to my images. In this image I highlighted the leaf 'veins', the mouse's nose, and a few spots in the flowers.

INS AND OUTS ~ House Mouse Purple Dreams Challenges: House Mouse & Friends Challenge #18 ~ A Sketch and a Kind Thought Banana Split Sunday ~ May Flowers (use flowers somewhere on your card) 365 Cards Day 86 ~ This will be GRAPE Fun Stamps: House Mouse Sweet Dreams (Stampabilities) Paper: PTI White, SU Designer Paper, Card Base is a notecard from Target Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (YG03, YG06, G85, BG10, BV00, BV11, Y26, V04, V17, R81, E00, E11, E31, E37, YR00), Spicas (Pink, Melon, Lavendar) Accessories: Gem Brad and Buttons (S A B I S - Snips and Bits I’ve Saved)

House Mouse Piano Recital

I bought this stamp months ago and was so happy to have a reason to ink it up. A coworker asked for a card to give for a piano recital. I immediately thought of my sweet mice and inked away. The color challenge was perfect for this card. I wanted to try a different ribbon technique than my usual bow and opted to ‘lace’ things up. There are a few challenges where I was trying to incorporate lace, but I can’t find a stitch of the traditional stuff anywhere. I opted to use a ‘lacing technique’ instead. (Please see the Ins and Outs for the challenge links and feel free to join in the fun). My coworker LOVED the card (she had no idea I stamp, color and pull everything together). She just thought I cut out images and slapped them together. LOL, I’m sure that would take less time, but not nearly as much fun. The real bonus is my boss (the same one I just made 20 graduation cards for) placed a pre-order for similar cards at Christmas. She teaches piano lessons and thinks these would be great for her students! WAHOO!

The Sketch (Stamps & Smiles)

Color Inspiration (SCS Forum) Bashful Blue So Saffron Pumpkin Pie Inspiration Polka Dots (Jacksonbelle Embellishments) Lace (House Mouse and Friends & A Spoon Full of Sugar)

My Card

Image Detail

I added Diamond Glaze to the piano keys. A cool effect I didn’t plan on was when I tried to ‘flatten’ my image (it was warping a bit from the wet glaze) some of the glaze cracked (you can see it a bit under the middle mouse’s feet). If you have an older piano (which I do), look at the ivory on the keys – often it gets hairline cracks! Bonus for reality! Of course, I couldn’t ‘make’ it crack in all the spots I wanted, but it was a happy accident.

Lace Detail

I used 2 colors of ribbon to create a laced border. It wasn’t difficult at all and I know I’ve spent more time trying to tie the perfect bow!

Spica Detail

If you’ve worked with Spica pens, you know the subtle sparkle that can be created. It’s very tricky to capture the glint in photographs, but I try. If you haven’t worked with Spicas – go get some! I use them on just about every image. PLUS they just released a new set of 12 colors (they are at the top of my wish list). In this image I used Clear Spica to outline the piano keys (and colored in the black); Gold Spica to highlight the bars of music and the ‘gutter’; Orange Spica to highlight the shadow between the book and piano; Pink Spica to pop the mice noses and just a tish in their ears; and I also used Clear Spica over their tails and to dot their eyes. The sparkle actually comes from minute pieces of glass mixed with the ink. SO GORGEOUS, get out and try some! (I don't work for the manufacturer or even get anything for promoting the product, I just LOVE it!)

INS AND OUTS ~ House Mouse Piano Recital Challenges: Stamps and Smiles ~ Sketch Challenge 16

SCS Color Challenge Jacksonbelle Embellishments Challenge ~ Polka Dots

House Mouse & Friends Challenge #2 ~ Lace it Up A Spoon Full of Sugar #53 ~ Lace Stamps: House Mouse – Tickling the Ivories (Stampabilities) Paper: DCWV, PTI White Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Copics (C1, C3, C5, E00, E31, R81, YR04, Y21, B21), Spica (Pink, Clear, Gold, Orange), Stampin Up Write Markers (So Saffron, Pumpkin Pie, Bashful Blue) Accessories: Diamond Glaze, Pop Up Dots

Mini Sketch Makes Me Smile

I was pretty hesitant about this card but am DEDICATED to completing all the May challenges at 365 cards (please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun). One of the challenges was to make a 3”x3” card and follow a recipe. The reason for a challenge is to stretch our brains, so I dove in. I see lots of sketches for square cards and had a ‘light bulb moment’ staring at my mini card base. “Hey, this is a square. I could use a square sketch (that I’d normally use for a 5.5”x5.5” card base) and just ‘mini’ it!” I’m sure I’m not the first to realize this, but it’s like a whole new world has opened up for me. I plan on making several mini cards and bundling them in my sale basket. Sometimes it’s nice to use a smaller note than a full card. Just think, if I hadn’t pushed myself to do the challenge, I would have missed out on the AHA. I love it when something I’m dreading turns out to be a WAHOO moment.

The Sketch (PaperTake Weekly)

Color Inspiration The Recipe 1 3x3 card 1 flower 1 brad 1 piece of ribbon 1 stamped sentiment NO PATTERNED PAPER My Card Inside of Card I cut the smile off the main image and popped it inside the card.

INS AND OUTS ~ Mini Sketch Makes Me Smile Challenges: PaperTake Weekly Sketch #15 Raspberry Suite Color Challenge #7 365 Cards Day 84 ~ A Recipe Stamps: Smile Curve (Stampendous) Paper: DCWV, PTI White, SU Always Artichoke and Certainly Celery Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black, Clear Spica

Accessories: Raspberry Fizz Ribbon (PaperTrey Ink), Sequin Flower (Hero Arts), Glittered Brad (Reminisce)

Sentimental Squared Graduation

This was kind of fun. At first I didn’t know how I’d implement FIVE squares in my card, but I guess you could say I have TEN SINCE I matted each image. I like the aqua with the black and think the final product is very festive. (Please see the Ins and Outs for links to the challenge websites and feel free to join in the fun).

INS AND OUTS ~ Sentimental Squared Graduation Challenges: 365 Cards Day 81 ~ It’s Hip to Be Square (use 5 squares on your card) OCC Challenge ~ It’s All About Sentiments (Use your favorite sentiment as a focal point on your card) Stamps: Graduate Calligraphy (Paper Inspirations), Event Full (Stampin Up) Paper: DCWV (Glitter Stack and Base), PTI White, Graduation Pack (The Paper Studio), Computer Generated Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black and Summer Sky

Accessories: Spellbinders Nestabilities Mega Rectangles, Ribbon & Stickers (The Paper Studio, Pop Up Dots