Hi there blog friends, welcome to Waltzingmouse Stamp of Approval Parade (SOAP) – Day 3.  Waltzingmouse Stamps releases stamps every other month to give you a chance to play with them before the next release.  On the off month, we show you how the stamps can be utilized for projects as well as cards.  This month we’re doing a Christmas Themed parade that includes some of  the existing Waltzingmouse Stamps as well as the ones put out in November.  Today my project is a simple one, I’ll call it frugal because I’m repurposing something from my craft room.  This is a Holiday Tic-Tac-Toe set that packs nicely for the car.  Give it to the kids and it will keep them occupied for a while with this endeavor that some of us old timers would call “vintage”.  I guess I’m telling my age if I tell you that me and my siblings played for hours at Tic-Tac-Toe, Hang Man, Connect the Dots and that triangle paper football.   Yep, that’s what kids did before Nintendo, lol! 


For this project I took a plastic container and adhered my seasonal background to the top.  For the playing pieces I cut circles with Spellbinders Classic Circles and dropped them into the containers.  Although I could have gone farther, I want to be able to change this for various seasons and holidays so I kept glue to a minimum.  Had I wanted permanence, I would have filled the playing pieces with sand or such and glued them closed.  Instead I filled the pieces with quilt batting that I cut into circles.   As it is, this makes for a very quick project – able to be done within an hour.  Since it came from my craft room, I don’t have the packaging, but the organizer is under $5.00 full priced and of course $2.50 with a  50% off coupon at Michaels.

There were nine clear little containers in the organizer so I picked two motifs and put one of each side of each of the little containers.

SUPPLIES I USED
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps Seasonal Remedies, Nordic Winter,
Paper:  The Paper Company, Bazzill – Ruby Slippers, Neenah Classic Crest Cream 80 lb Cover
Ink: Colorbox Chalk Ink – Dark Read, Chestnut Roan,  Ranger Distress Ink – Vintage Photo, Brushed Corduroy,
Accessories
: Bead Storage Container – Michaels, Spellbinders Standard Circles SM, Clear Embossing Powder, ScorTape,

It’s never too early for a little Christmas Inspiration!  Be sure to peek in to see what the rest of the designers are up to!!

Fabulous Design Team Creations
1. Anya Schrier 8. Lynn Mercurio
2. Becca Feeken 9. Mona Pendleton
3. Clare Buswell 10.Niki Estes
4. Julia Aston 11.Sandie Dunne
5. Jennifer Holmes 12. Tosha Leyendekker
6. Kate Whelan 13. Claire Brennan (Owner)
7. Kelly Schirmer

Hugs all!  In the morning, I have another project Waltzingmouse project that will go live at 7:00am eastern time using Spellbinders Edgeabilities – hope you’ll come back for my second post of the day.

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  • MaryannNovember 3, 2011 - 2:44 am

    What a cool idea Becca. I made a set a couple of years ago too, but I made the pieces of wood and just stamped images on them and made the plate of wood too, that I painted the squares on, and then gave it all a bunch of clear lacquer at last, and it still works just fine, when we pull it out every christmas, but this one can be used all year long, and is soo easy to breing anywhere, you´ll need a little something to kill a little time for the kids. And it looks stunning, as your work always do.ReplyCancel

  • Barbara JayNovember 3, 2011 - 3:36 am

    Oh how clever!! Love it!!
    And you are up far too late or too early!! You need your beauty rest LOLReplyCancel

  • Sheila-UKNovember 3, 2011 - 4:05 am

    What a wonderful creation Becca……it’s fabulous and love the colours.

    Love Sheila xxReplyCancel

  • Ellen - CardMonkeyNovember 3, 2011 - 4:29 am

    Oh, how fun, Becca!! And yes, I too am old enough to remember the non-Nintendo days … and riding in the backseat of a car for HOURS with my siblings [once all the way from NY to Miami] without a DVD player OR even a car radio! GASP, we had to play CandyLand on a regular ol’ board and hope Dad driving didn’t stop suddenly, as then our gingerbread men-markers suddenly played Chutes’N Ladders instead, landing at the bottom (or top!) of the board. Fun for us was when the back of the station wagon’s seats were folded down and Dad put a mattress back there. Somehow, we all survived (even a head-on collision) without being seat-buckled OR in car seats.

    Thank you for sharing your inspiration with us!

    Fondly,
    Ellen ? CardMonkey
    ReplyCancel

  • Beth GrecoNovember 3, 2011 - 4:41 am

    Love this idea!! I think I’ll have to try this. Thanks for fabulous inspiration.ReplyCancel

  • Francie (Montreal)November 3, 2011 - 6:38 am

    Brilliant! This is a great gift – fun, looks terrific and it’s practical, all at the same time.

    I’m pleased to have enjoyed the computer era, but also have fond memories of playing games like X’s and O’s back in much simpler times. My friends and I whiled away the hours playing board games & kids card games; and the perennial favourites of Tag, Hide & Seek, and Stando. They cost almost nothing and kept us occupied for hours. I feel fortunate to have enjoyed both eras.ReplyCancel

  • ynnNovember 3, 2011 - 6:48 am

    What a cute idea. I played those simple games as a kid as well. thank you for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • Becky GreenNovember 3, 2011 - 7:13 am

    CUTE!!!!!!!!!!!! Yep, there were NO Ninetendos’ in my day either Becca!!!!!!! :) I don’t know about you, but those Ninetendo’s DRIVE ME CRAZY in the car! Kids have ear pieces, but they don’t like to use them! I HATE that silly music they have !!!!!!!!! BLAH!!!!! :)ReplyCancel

  • Marilyn ClarkNovember 3, 2011 - 7:21 am

    So creative. Memories…no seat belts, video games, cell phones, etc and we survived.
    I feel a trip to Michaels is in order. TFS. God bless.ReplyCancel

  • Sandy MNovember 3, 2011 - 7:34 am

    Awesome project. And so easy which is what I look for at this busy time of the year.ReplyCancel

  • DonnaNovember 3, 2011 - 8:18 am

    This is gorgeous, absoluely wonderful set Becca, love it.
    DonnaReplyCancel

  • Julia AstonNovember 3, 2011 - 8:22 am

    What a fun container and I just love how you created a game out of it Becca! This would be great to take on a car trip to keep the kiddies entertained – your stampings are lovely on this!ReplyCancel

  • JeanetteNovember 3, 2011 - 9:29 am

    I enjoy getting up and finding a new post from you in the mornings, love it! with all the new creative things you come up with is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing, your projects are beautiful. I went to order from the Waltzing Mouse Stamps website and my card was rejected. So I talked to the bank and they said they have a block on the UK/GB b/c there is a lot of fraudulent activity going on there. She said when the holiday shopping starts is when this starts. Is there any place in the United States where I can buy these stamps? I can’t wait to get started!!!ReplyCancel

  • Marianne CNovember 3, 2011 - 10:45 am

    I love your project!ReplyCancel

  • Marianne CNovember 3, 2011 - 10:46 am

    I love your project! So simple but functional. You are so creative!ReplyCancel

  • KathyNovember 3, 2011 - 11:09 am

    So cute!!!ReplyCancel

  • DarleneNovember 3, 2011 - 11:21 am

    This is pure genius!!!! I made a tic-tac-toe game with magnets, but I like this so much better!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Cyndee ScholetNovember 3, 2011 - 11:27 am

    Wow! I like how you think outside the box and come up with these totally innovative projects out of normal household items. Thanks for the eye candy.ReplyCancel

  • Kelly SchirmerNovember 3, 2011 - 11:49 am

    Okay, call me crazy but, I would not let my kids touch this…it’s TOO PRETTY, heeee! I would be all like, “Don’t get it sticky!”, or from the front seat of the car, “You didn’t lose any of the pieces did you?” hahaha What an adorable use of the Nordic Winter set! Amazing creativity, and a gift full of pure charm!ReplyCancel

  • Robin GasserNovember 3, 2011 - 11:56 am

    VERY good idea. –not just creatively artistic, but we need to teach our children to entertain themselves!! Our children are grown but occasionally we play these old games that still allow for interaction and conversation!
    RobinReplyCancel

  • Laura with Layers of ColorNovember 3, 2011 - 11:57 am

    What a clever and lovely idea!ReplyCancel

  • DooDuhhNovember 3, 2011 - 12:44 pm

    Good Morning, Sweet Becca! You are ONE TOTALLY AMAZING TALENTED Lady!!! The Good Lord blessed you abundantly!!! You never cease to amaze me!!! And one can tell the amount of love put into every single step of your projects!!! Thank You!!! Loves & HugsReplyCancel

  • AjgaciaNovember 3, 2011 - 12:47 pm

    just amazing ;->>> I love all yours projects!ReplyCancel

  • CarolaNovember 3, 2011 - 1:16 pm

    What a wonderful project! This Tic-Tac-Toe set is so pretty, I think it’s nearly too pretty to be used for playing with it. But I’m sure your kids like it and are proud to have such a unique set.

    Kind regards
    CarolaReplyCancel

  • Renee LNovember 3, 2011 - 5:30 pm

    What an incredible idea!!
    So creative…
    I LOVEY!!
    Love the packaging…
    such a great little gift/project for the kids while taking those long Holiday drives!!
    Incredible!ReplyCancel

  • Marcia WalthersNovember 3, 2011 - 6:20 pm

    Love the way you used the container to make the game. Very clever, quite outstanding.ReplyCancel

  • Debbie BNovember 3, 2011 - 6:26 pm

    Wow! How do you come up with these ideas? You are truly amazing!ReplyCancel

  • heidiNovember 3, 2011 - 6:54 pm

    Oh my goodness love this little project, love those labels.ReplyCancel

  • SharronNovember 3, 2011 - 9:04 pm

    I am so loving this WM set and you have created such a fun way to use it! Your creations are always so beautifully done! Thanks for the inspiration for a really quick & easy gift idea!ReplyCancel

  • Heidi KimmerlyNovember 3, 2011 - 10:12 pm

    What a cute gift idea! Your work is fabulous as always!ReplyCancel

  • Pat KinserNovember 3, 2011 - 11:06 pm

    Great, as usual. I adore this. It is so unique and love the color combo also. I am going to get these stamps. I am becoming a fan. Beautiful work Becca.ReplyCancel

  • SusanNovember 4, 2011 - 12:21 am

    I just love this Becca. I’m going to check for these organizers the next time I’m shopping in the U.S.!ReplyCancel

  • Ginny IngramNovember 4, 2011 - 12:47 am

    Another great idea, Becca!ReplyCancel

  • SueNovember 4, 2011 - 3:40 am

    Genius…..love it!ReplyCancel

  • AnyaNovember 5, 2011 - 1:12 pm

    Love it! Another creative idea and perfect execution! This would be great for my young nieces and nephews! Thanks for the inspiration, Becca!ReplyCancel

  • Deborah FringsNovember 5, 2011 - 7:02 pm

    Great idea to keep the children occupied and I love the way you’ve used Nordic Winter to decorate the box and counters! Fab!ReplyCancel

  • NancyDNovember 7, 2011 - 4:25 pm

    Really great project idea and so nicely executed too. NancyDReplyCancel


Hi there blog friends, I was rendered speechless yesterday when I got up to have a look at my blog.  Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  You pulled me up and ferried me over a sea of sadness yesterday and reminded me why I love to craft and blog.  Sweet tears of happiness and bonding as I read your advice and experiences! 

Well, I have two posts today, this is the first one and I’m time pressed to get it into place, but I’ll be back in a couple of hours to chat.  In the mean time, welcome to the Waltzingmouse Stamp of Approval Parade – it’s my first one too.  The theme is Christmas and what the design team is doing is showing you additional ideas that you can do with some of the Waltzingmouse Christmas stamps.  It may be quick gifts, a unique technique or a card.  The SOAP runs for four days, and at the end of that four days you can get involved and I’ll have details on that as the week goes on.  Today I’m sharing a card  I think this has to be one of my very favorite Christmas stamps in the Waltzingmouse Stamps collection, Santa’s Coming to Town.  I have to remind myself to emboss with cream or white — I don’t know why I don’t think of if but I love the look – it gives it an old timey look.  So, since I’m kind of a background addict, in other words I love making my own, I used the Victorian Frippery Border to create a background.  It went down as smooth as silk even though I had about eight repeats to emboss.  Still, it only took about 15 minutes to create the background (heck I spend that looking for paper and often, much longer).  I encourage you to go back and revisit tried and true basic stamping techniques – they make for a solid card and many of them are timeless.

SUPPLIES I USED
Stamps:  Waltzingmouse Stamps – Santa’s Coming to Town, Victorian Frippery (Background)
Paper: My Minds Eye, Bazzill
Ink: Versamark, Vintage Photo Distress Ink
Accessories: Spellbinders 2011 Heirloom Ornament, Ivory Embossing Powder, Prima Flowers, Seam Binding, The Paper Studio (Spare Parts) Brads, Zva Creative Pearls

Need some inspiration?  Be sure to peek in to see what the rest of the designers are up to!!

Fabulous Design Team Creations
1. Anya Schrier 7. Lynn Mercurio
2. Becca Feeken 8.  Mona Pendleton
3. Julia Aston 9.  Sandie Dunne
4. Jennifer Holmes 10. Tosha Leyendekker
5. Kelly Schirmer 11. Claire Brennan (Owner)
6. Laurie Schmidlin

Thanks so much for stopping by, I’m off to finish up and get ready for the Our Daily Bread Designs Blog Hop this morning.  By the way, I have a special treat coming on Thursday.  I have a frugal project that you can make in no time flat for Christmas, that your girlfriends will hug you for.  I hope you’ll stop by to see on November 3rd – hmmmm, I just bet there might be something in it for you too.  You’ll have to come see though!

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  • Ria ReijnNovember 1, 2011 - 3:22 am

    What a verry nice set is this. Thanks for sharingReplyCancel

  • SandieNovember 1, 2011 - 3:47 am

    Becca, this is STUNNING!! The rich colours, the stamping, the design and detailing.. all stunning!ReplyCancel

  • MaryannNovember 1, 2011 - 4:00 am

    WAUW this is so gorgeous Becca. So elegant and warm, it really makes me feel welcome somehow and looks absolutely gorgeous hun.
    I´m so glad to hear, that you felt better after todays comments, and it´s really true, there is just not anyone on the entire eart as sweet and understanding as crating people, that´s for sure. I´ve expirienced that a few times myself, and it´s just unbelievable how warm and kind people are inhere. But you also give soo much to everybody hun, that you should get lots back ofcause when you need it too.
    I really hope, you´ll feel much better today and can think of all the wonderful memories without too much sadness hun. Concentrate on the really awesome times, that will put a smile on your face, even with a little trear, but still feels good. Take good care sweet friend and have a wonderful day.ReplyCancel

  • OlgaNovember 1, 2011 - 5:26 am

    absolutely breathtaking!!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Kelly SchirmerNovember 1, 2011 - 5:48 am

    WOW! That’s a vintage dreamy card right there! I love how you did the ornament in that warm spicy color with the white embossing. Your background is spectacular!ReplyCancel

  • FrancineNovember 1, 2011 - 5:49 am

    It is a superb rebond you treat us like no one else with another invoice to come. I will watch for it … Cannot wait. Bonne journee ! FrancineReplyCancel

  • Peggy BiggsNovember 1, 2011 - 6:34 am

    Wow this is a beautiful card Becca. I love the ornament you used and the color is so pretty…. Great job!ReplyCancel

  • Helen BerryNovember 1, 2011 - 7:04 am

    Wowee! I am in total awe – your card is absolutely beautiful. The ornament just glows with warmth and the background is stunning too ;) I will be here on Nov 3rd to see what’s in store – now I’m intrigued Becca x xReplyCancel

  • Julia AstonNovember 1, 2011 - 7:17 am

    Love how you dressed up this fun stamp set with the pearls and lovely ribbon Becca!ReplyCancel

  • RichardNovember 1, 2011 - 8:20 am

    This is a beautiful card!! I really like this stamp set soooooo much!!ReplyCancel

  • Karen MNovember 1, 2011 - 9:32 am

    Becca, this is a beautiful card. I read yesterday’s post and I am so sorry for your loss. You are a very brave lady and with God’s grace and the help of your friends I hope you find more strength each day to keep on. The Lord still has a plan for you and He promises never to leave or forsake you. God bless KxReplyCancel

  • Marge R. (mer)November 1, 2011 - 9:32 am

    Like you, Becca, I don’t think to use cream/white to emboss for the BG or the main image either — LOVE this look and your card is just sooo SCRUMPTIOUS!!!ReplyCancel

  • Jan CastleNovember 1, 2011 - 10:00 am

    So Christmas-ee! Love the look you created here Becca..what an inspiration you are.
    JanReplyCancel

  • Sheila-UKNovember 1, 2011 - 10:15 am

    Oh this is such a beautiful card Becca..the flower and leaves just add the extra splash of colour.

    Love Sheila xxReplyCancel

  • Dana TarchalaNovember 1, 2011 - 10:42 am

    I am in love with this card! tfsReplyCancel

  • Deborah FringsNovember 1, 2011 - 10:45 am

    This is really elegant – I love the stamp and the beautiful pearl flourish. Fabulous work!ReplyCancel

  • MickieNovember 1, 2011 - 11:24 am

    BEAUTIFUL!!! Please add me to your Christmas list. LOLReplyCancel

  • Christine Harrop, Oxfordshire, UKNovember 1, 2011 - 12:12 pm

    Gorgeous card Becca. Just love that bauble.ReplyCancel

  • LaurieJNovember 1, 2011 - 1:37 pm

    Absolutely gorgeous! Love the Victorian Frippery background with the Christmas stamps!ReplyCancel

  • LESLEY CALABRIA-BROWNNovember 1, 2011 - 1:42 pm

    Your work is exquisite, Becca…I hope you don’t mind, I think I’d like to “re-create” this as a wall piece for my holiday decorating. Thanks for all the inspiration. Bless you, Girl!ReplyCancel

  • Charlotte ZweigoronNovember 1, 2011 - 3:17 pm

    Beautiful card, Becca. Can’t wait for the surprise! I’ll be checking in….ReplyCancel

  • Francie (Montreal)November 1, 2011 - 4:01 pm

    Pure elegance! Thanks for sharing a gorgeous card with us. But then again, I believe “gorgeous” is the only description in your card repertoire.ReplyCancel

  • Dottie DavisNovember 1, 2011 - 5:50 pm

    Very lovely. Beautiful classical card…! love it.ReplyCancel

  • MarinaNovember 1, 2011 - 6:11 pm

    The colors are so elegant. I did not see the Be good stamp, I did see the Jolly Good stamp did you make your own. Love the cards. IReplyCancel

  • MariaNovember 1, 2011 - 10:06 pm

    Gorgeous!ReplyCancel

  • Petronella SabolNovember 1, 2011 - 10:25 pm

    Beautiful!ReplyCancel

  • Mona PendletonNovember 1, 2011 - 10:43 pm

    Gorgeous card Becca! Love the white embossed Vintage ornament and sentiment!ReplyCancel

  • Beverly UNovember 1, 2011 - 10:44 pm

    Loved this so very much that I ordered both the waltzingmouse stamp and the spellbinders. Thank you for all your wonderful talent!!!!ReplyCancel

  • Lynn MercurioNovember 2, 2011 - 5:23 am

    Beautiful, Becca. Love how your bling outlines your sentiment so elegantly. I really like these warm colors and your pop of red with that lovely Poinsettia accent. Tremendous.ReplyCancel

  • Ellen ? CardMonkeyNovember 2, 2011 - 8:25 am

    GORGEOUS card, Becca!! I’ve never tried embossing in white or cream, and I will make this a MUST after seeing how pretty the WMS stamps are with it done this way. Thank you for your tips and wisdom!!

    Fondly,
    Ellen ? CardMonkey
    ReplyCancel

  • KathyNovember 2, 2011 - 5:19 pm

    A great card Becca..ReplyCancel

  • SharronNovember 3, 2011 - 12:00 am

    Gorgeous–love your background, your ornament and all the awesome bling! Very well done!ReplyCancel

  • alsmouseNovember 3, 2011 - 11:14 am

    What an elegant card. Just beautiful :) A perfect image for the season. I make a lot of cards and I am always looking for inspiration for them. Thank you so much for creating and sharing it.
    alsmouse ~C8> Ratty HugsReplyCancel

  • CarolaNovember 3, 2011 - 1:13 pm

    Becca, this is a gorgeous card. The images, the colours, the pretty embellishments, just very elegant and festive.

    Kind regards
    CarolaReplyCancel

  • Pet73November 4, 2011 - 9:35 am

    That’s such a fantastic card!ReplyCancel

  • AnyaNovember 5, 2011 - 1:21 pm

    A beautiful, elegant card Becca. The inked ornament and embossed background add so much sophistication to this card. The pearl flourish and vivid poinsettia are the perfect finishing touches.

    Sending big hugs to you, and keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.ReplyCancel

What a glorious Sunday!  So glad you stopped by sweet blog friends – I have a quick card to show and am working on lots of things for the upcoming weeks.  I hope you are in the mood for another Christmas card – I really haven’t made many so I’m still tickled when I get the chance. 

In perusing my paper supply are you surprised to know that my Christmas paper makes up about a third of my stash?  I sure don’t know how that happened, but I as an admitted hoarder of design paper, I must be a bigger hoarder of Christmas paper.  I hope you’ll indulge me – I didn’t send out cards last year and I have vowed that mine will be in the mail by November 20th this year.  Uh oh, I actually wrote that – I guess I’ll have to be accountable now   (Small hint – I’ve given up thinking that absolutely everyone of them must be handmade originals – are you shocked??)  Yes I do send out quite a few originals and for the rest, I went half way and got a kit that will involve some stamping, but all the pieces and parts are all there.  I’m really curious to hear what you all think of kits :-)

My card today is from an Our Daily Bread Designs set that was released this month called Holiday Ornaments.  These are quick ornament to make because they match Spellbinders™ Holiday Tags.  I have to admit that for the first time in my crafting life I managed to make one of those gold rimming pens work.  I can’t tell you how many of them I’ve purchased only to lay them down and have them eventually clog up because they (or maybe it was me) couldn’t do a consistent outline with out splotchy starts and stops and globs.  I lined each of my paper panels with the pen as well as each of the ornaments.  It makes for a nice, simple, clean finish to the ornaments – I love it.  I also managed to work in some of the velvet paper I love and finished it off at the bottom with Spellbinders™ Classic Scalloped Edgeabilities (you can hardly tell but I rimmed that with gold too at the top).    I have a translucent vellum envelope for this one.  I snagged several boxes of #10 sized vellum envies at Office Depot a couple of years back and at the time it seemed odd place to find vellum – an odd size too.

SUPPLIES I USED
Stamps: Our Daily Bread DesignsHoliday Ornaments
Paper:  My Minds Eye – Bazzill (Ruby Red), Velvet Paper
Ink: Colorbox Chianti Pigment, Versamark, Versacolor – Leaf Green
Accessories: Spellbinders™ Holiday Tags, Spellbinders™ Classic Scalloped Edgeabilities, Lace, Seam Binding, Satin Ribbon, Recollection Pearls, Krylon Gold Leaf Pen,

Well, that’s all for me today, back to work on more Christmas crafties!!  Have a fab day!!

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  • ShirleyOctober 30, 2011 - 2:41 pm

    Becca, I got the biggest tickle out of how much Christmas paper you have. Me, too. So you are not alone. I’ve started to make simple cards which reReplyCancel

  • ShirleyOctober 30, 2011 - 2:43 pm

    Becca, so sorry, I pushed the wrong button. I make the simple cards for Christmas now because it is less postage. I was spending a mint on them every year and wouldn’t get them sent out until after Christmas. Love your card sample today. You are my inspiration. Start using some of that paper! he he
    Shirley L.
    Roseville, CAReplyCancel

  • PatriciaOctober 30, 2011 - 2:48 pm

    Becca, That card is stunning.
    Like you I keep thinking I do not buy Christmas paper – well, why on earth do I have so much of it????
    Your card is beautiful, it has given me ideas so off now to experiment.
    Thank you for sharing all your wonderful work.

    Patricia xReplyCancel

  • MarianOctober 30, 2011 - 2:52 pm

    Beautiful! I love the shape and layout of the ornaments….stunning to say the least.ReplyCancel

  • MarianOctober 30, 2011 - 2:57 pm

    I just re-read your post. I too have so much Christmas paper and I keep on buying more. I simply LOVE it!
    I don’t get kits, but I do have several cards that are sent to my Mom & MIL and they pass them on to me. They come from Charities that they send to, and in turn they send them cards to try and get more donations…
    Anyway…I take the cards and cut the “pretty parts” and verses and use them to make my own, so it’s like recycling, but still my own work. Spellbinders come in so very handy for this :)ReplyCancel

  • Kathy EOctober 30, 2011 - 2:57 pm

    Lovely card as always…I too have stacks and stacks of Christmas paper (actually of all kinds of paper. I am a “collector” of paper!)
    I have used “Kits” when I am rushed or have too many cards to send.
    What I usually do with kits is alter them a bit to make them more “me”.
    I don’t feel so guilty then! I too did not send home made cards last year or much of this year since I was dealing with a lengthy health issue which is finally getting better! I want to make my cards this year but they may not be as elaborate as usual since time is ticking and I send sooo many! Good luck to you with your deadline! I just want mine out by the week before Christmas!!!ReplyCancel

  • Lisa S.October 30, 2011 - 3:02 pm

    Hi Becca! I am a faithful follower but I’ve never left a comment, I think. Until today because I love Christmas and one can never have enough Christmas DP, LOL! Great card as always and kits are okay in my book.ReplyCancel

  • Mary HOctober 30, 2011 - 3:04 pm

    Wow Becca!!!ReplyCancel

  • WendyOctober 30, 2011 - 3:08 pm

    I don’t have a problem with kits at all! I think they’re a great way to supplement more complicated cards that take quite a bit of time. Folks still get a mostly handmade card, and you get a chance to breathe during the holiday season!

    Your card is gorgeous, by the way!ReplyCancel

  • Barbara JayOctober 30, 2011 - 3:17 pm

    Beautiful card!! I love anything Christmas, althougth I don’t have a lot of any style of DP. Somehow when I try to put DP together it never turns out as I expected. :(ReplyCancel

  • ColoradoOctober 30, 2011 - 3:20 pm

    So far I’ve never purchased any kits for my cardmaking. I’ve always figured it wouldn’t be a good buy for me because I probably wouldn’t like everything in the kit and would end up feeling I wasted my money. I prefer to make everything from scratch anyway even when I’m making a lot of cards for specific holidays. Sometimes I’m sorry I’m so picky… it can take lots of extra hours since I prefer cards with a lot of detail, but I’m always happy when they are finished even if it takes me more time than I allowed for going in.ReplyCancel

  • Dee in N.H.October 30, 2011 - 3:25 pm

    Stunning card Becca! Love the gold rimmed ornaments!ReplyCancel

  • Darlene POctober 30, 2011 - 3:27 pm

    As always, I am in awe!!ReplyCancel

  • EmilyOctober 30, 2011 - 3:35 pm

    Another gorgeous card! I love the velvet papers too, and I have some of that lace trim in my stash. I may have to copy your design!ReplyCancel

  • lois skiathitisOctober 30, 2011 - 3:35 pm

    Look at that a tall card. It’s just beautiful. Love how you have embellished the ornaments with the bows. It’s very eye appealing the lace on the card and the pearls is a very nice touch. Beautiful work. As always Becca, TFS!!! :-DReplyCancel

  • Karen aka SoccerboyzmomOctober 30, 2011 - 3:39 pm

    Love your card and is it that close to Christmas already –need to get started on my cards.ReplyCancel

  • MaryannOctober 30, 2011 - 3:42 pm

    It loks really awesome Becca, and I must say I really just love that lace, you´ve used onhere, it´s so stunning and makes it looks gorgeous.ReplyCancel

  • Francie (Montreal)October 30, 2011 - 3:44 pm

    What a dandy card! It’s perfect. I love the string of pearls & bows the lovely ornaments are hanging on. Your bows are a work of art as always. The lace is scrumptious. And…what attention to detail you have. I think I might have thrown that gold pen out the window after 2 minutes with it. This is a keeper.ReplyCancel

  • RebekkaOctober 30, 2011 - 3:50 pm

    What beautiful ornaments Becca, your card is just lovelyReplyCancel

  • Cheryl StaufferOctober 30, 2011 - 4:00 pm

    Gorgeous card, Becca. I have never purchased a card kit as I love to design my own but I can see where it would save many hours of work!
    I haven’t started my Christmas cards yet but will need to real soon.ReplyCancel

  • Dana TarchalaOctober 30, 2011 - 4:02 pm

    Gorgeous card!!!ReplyCancel

  • Marilyn in AZOctober 30, 2011 - 5:02 pm

    Beautiful card. I send out about 75 christmas cards so I try to keep them pretty flat, light and fairly simple. I do 3 or 4 designs and batch produce them. I also do some special cards for close family. I can’t see myself buying a kit or fancy embellishments. I try to use stamped backgrounds rather than designer paper, but like most of us I have a good sized stash.ReplyCancel

  • Sheila-UKOctober 30, 2011 - 5:17 pm

    What a beauty!!!

    Love Sheila xxReplyCancel

  • JoyceOctober 30, 2011 - 5:25 pm

    Your cards are always a treat and very special. I have many of them stored so I can look back over them now and then. Thanks for all the ideas and encouragement. JoyceReplyCancel

  • Celia DixonOctober 30, 2011 - 5:48 pm

    Hi Becca. I just wanted to let you know that I log on to your blog every day and am never disappointed. Your work is amazing. I love what you do.I wish that I lived near you I know we would love to create together.I do a lot with ribbons and flowers now after checking you out each day. Thanks a bunch & God Bless you. CeliaReplyCancel

  • Mary HOctober 30, 2011 - 5:53 pm

    Breathtaking! I have trouble with the Krylon pens too. I thought was just me! You made me feel better. Yours looked lovely, and so even…no blobs or extra color, not enough color, etc. You did a great job….as per usual.
    Happy Halloween.ReplyCancel

  • DebraKOctober 30, 2011 - 5:57 pm

    Beautiful card, Becca. Love how you used the beads, and the lace is so pretty! ‘thinking a lot about you these days with prayers on this one year anniversary…big hugs to youReplyCancel

  • Mary DOctober 30, 2011 - 6:08 pm

    Beautiful card! I have made a long card yet, but you sure give inspiration in wanting to make one. Thank you for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • FrancineOctober 30, 2011 - 6:18 pm

    I really like the detail work with the gold pencil it complete the project perfectly. It is in the detail that we can admire a real professional work.
    I do some handmade cards but I am very selective for the people’s to who I send those. It is to much work and energy I am healthily limited so … My real pleasure is to build my own collection and contemplate through the years my work.
    I don’t accept the idea most of my people the will pout it in the garbage like the Chrismas tree so a prefer to send commercial cards.
    Imagine the pleasure I have to look at your work.
    Merci de le partager avec nous. FrancineReplyCancel

  • monica holmesOctober 30, 2011 - 6:29 pm

    Love Love Love this card. the size is different-larger so you can do more embellishing -yet not spend so much on postage. and the whole card is full of details. what a beautiful card. Once you posted you make your cards larger i started doing that too. the postage is really adding up tho! do you not mail cards and just hand deliver them?ReplyCancel

  • Jody HammondOctober 30, 2011 - 6:33 pm

    I have used those gold rimming pens several times and love how they look. It was a bit challenging at first but found the secret. Great job on the ornaments, love how the card turned out.ReplyCancel

  • Robin GasserOctober 30, 2011 - 6:41 pm

    Great card–I love the length of it and the white lace really pops on the red!! I recently have begun to use (my giant hoard of) scrapbook designer papers occasionally and coming from being a rubber stamper and really loving to make my own background papers, I feel as if I am cheating when I use them! I love it when others use them, though! Same way with kits.ReplyCancel

  • KraftyauntOctober 30, 2011 - 6:41 pm

    Gorgeous card and I bet you’ll enjoy using those Krylon pens. I really do. They are the only pens that work. I think it is because they are paint, not ink. I highly recommend them.

    Thank you over and over again for all of your inspiration. You are one of my creative heroines!! Sincerely, BeverlyReplyCancel

  • Charlene DahlbergOctober 30, 2011 - 6:59 pm

    Beautiful card-love those bows. As to using kits, if it makes it quicker, I am all for them. I loved how you used some Christmas note cards you purchased at Michael’s last year( I think ) and added some stamping and some nesties –they looked lovely and I am sure anyone would be really happy to get anything you put your touch on.But getting cards out in November?? that is really pushing it –.I just hope to have mine in the mail sometime in Dec.ReplyCancel

  • LindylooOctober 30, 2011 - 7:17 pm

    Just beautiful. Thank youReplyCancel

  • TeriOctober 30, 2011 - 8:03 pm

    I make original hand made cards for family and very close friends – and would welcome a kit to “mass produce” some for the rest of my mailing list. Takes the anxiety out of coming up with so many original ideas….LOL I’m nowhere near as creative as you are Becca!!!!ReplyCancel

  • RebeccaOctober 30, 2011 - 8:15 pm

    I use a gold leafing pEn by Pilot. I don’t think it is exclusively a Canadian brand. I get mine at Staples. I use the broad, chisel tippped pen and gouge a groove into it with the tip of a piece of acetate or Cardstock. Run the groove along the edge of your project with the pen at an angle and the groove keeps the thickness of the line consistent. Ive never had this pen run dry, splotch or blob. If a small area isn’t covered, I just go over it before it dries. If this one fails, try another brand. Even better, the Pilot pen is way cheaper than the Krylon version.ReplyCancel

  • tanja souterOctober 31, 2011 - 12:57 am

    Hi Becca, I personally think kits are great, the cards are still enjoyable to make but don’t take as much deliberation over the colours, stamps etc. People still love to receive them and don’t usually realise (or care) that others have received exactly the same card. Also they can be put together when you are feeling a little tired and not so creative – when you probably wouldn’t be making a regular original card.
    I think they are the “packet cake” solution of the crafting world for busy ladies.ReplyCancel

  • Karen WallaceOctober 31, 2011 - 4:26 am

    I’m catching up with your blog, beautiful creations the past days and I ordered the JRS and just got them, they are so wonderful!! I use the 18K gold pen all the time to edge my papers and die cuts, hold it in one hand and pull the edge of the paper thru with the other hand, it eventually makes a groove in the brush end of the pen and works fabulously. I don’t have a video camera or I would do a tutorial. I even use my copics to edge things like that.ReplyCancel

  • Marilyn ClarkOctober 31, 2011 - 6:16 am

    Beautiful card and I do not have any Christmas paper…how did I miss out, probably because I’m not a good shopper.
    I can think about Christmas after tonight, got to get thru the 300+ trick or treaters for Beggars Night.
    TFS.ReplyCancel

  • Marlene IacuzziOctober 31, 2011 - 7:05 am

    Last year (Bad year for me) I found cards under $3.00 at a store called the Christmas Shop. With the help of Spellbinders, I added to the simple fronts of these cards and managed to complete 50 of them in record time.They were still mine (with the help of Hallmark), and I thought they were beautiful. I even had the bonus of having the inside message already completed.
    Becca, you are a treasure.ReplyCancel

  • JudyOctober 31, 2011 - 7:25 am

    Becca, this card is simply beautiful. So elegant. Love the colors and everything about it. Thanks for sharing.ReplyCancel

  • EileenOctober 31, 2011 - 8:42 am

    Becca, I love using my Krylon pens…I use them exactly as Rebecca has described using hers and taught all the ladies who used to come to my craft classes how to use them and they all loved them. I prefer the colours of the Krylon pens to any other, I am pleased you have mastered them.
    Beautiful card as always!

    LOL EileenReplyCancel

  • Juanita BraunOctober 31, 2011 - 9:48 pm

    Of all the cards I see in the magazines and on the web sites yours are the most beautiful and so elegant.ReplyCancel

  • SusanOctober 31, 2011 - 10:50 pm

    A different and unexpected card Becca. I think kits are great — you don’t have to do everything they suggest, but they sure help with big tasks like Christmas cards.ReplyCancel

  • SandyNovember 1, 2011 - 9:09 am

    I feel special when I receive a hand made card because I know the time and effort that went into making them. I don’t mind receiving a card made from a kit because those take time and effort also. Even store bought cards require time, effort and thought to send. So I feel honored by each and every card I receive because I know that the sender thought enough of me to include me on their Christmas card list.ReplyCancel

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