...last days of 2010

I hope 2010 was good to you but I hope 2011 will be better! The last few days of 2010 have been even busier and crazier than the rest of the year if possible, and so I have only had 5 mins this evening to think about what I hope 2011 will bring!

Every year I make resolutions as many of us do, and I think it's time I stopped the charade! I usually line up all of the usual suspects such as "more exercise", "cooking from scratch" etc, etc and solemnly declare myself committed to the plan, which normally falls wide apart in the first few days.

Truth is, I have long been a skeptic of the planning process. I have friends who buy Christmas gifts in the January sales for next year, I know people who have their 2011 summer holidays already bought and paid for - good luck to them I say, but it's not my way.

Call me superstitious, call me unprepared, call me whatever, but I just cannot bring myself to do these things. When I attempt to plan such things I feel like I am taking things for granted, that's just how my brain works, it's no reflection on folks who have their plans laid already.

Truth is, I don't want to know what's coming, I don't want to see far into the future. I just want to look into my wee folks eyes this evening as I tuck them into bed, and hold onto that smile. It's enough.

So, I have no idea what's coming to Waltzingmouse Stamps this year!! I have loads of ideas and I have set some stuff in motion, but I don't hold hard and fast to any plan of action, I want to throw a few sparklers in the pot and see what happens! I will set a course, but I am happy to go with the flow if I find that it's more interesting! I hope you can come along at least some of the way. I don't think it will be a boring business trip ... 'cos I'm not really a business woman ... LOL! I'm a stamper!

Good luck and God Bless you and yours in 2011!

...a little prayer request

Folks could we spare a few prayers for a lovely lady? A friend of mine from USA has received yucky news and could use some good vibes and some prayers if you have any. The details are not my beeswax to pass on, but I believe that your good wishes, prayers and positive thoughts are powerful, and so I'm begging a few for my friend. Thank you!

...on Vacation

Just a quick note to let folks know that we are on Vacation. The store will remain open, but orders will not ship until the 5th January. The weather continues to be exceptionally bad here, and although conditions here are probably not so bad as they are in other parts of the world, Northern Ireland is simply not equipped to deal with extended periods of snow, we're not used to it! Driving is fairly perilous and airports are open and shut seemingly at a moments notice, and so it is very unlikely that I would have been able to get any orders out the rest of the week anyhow, the last batch will go this evening.

I want to take this opportunity wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I very much appreciate all of the folks who support WMS and I look forward to some exciting changes at WMS in the New Year, which I'm hoping will make a lot of folks very happy!

I intend to be back on the old blog between now and then, but if you're 'unplugging' for a while yourself, have a great Christmas and stay warm and safe!

...WMS Nice List Winner!!!!!

Good Sunday Afternoon to you all!!!

This should have been done well over a week ago, but the good folks at the Post Office have been keeping me busy with packages taking longer than usual so I have been chatting with customers whose orders have been delayed!

My apologies if you have been waiting for this post!

Anyhow without further ado I am delighted to announce the winner of our Nice List giveaway!!

Randomly chosen from over 160 worthy and sometimes tear jerkingly moving entries, the prize goes to:

Wendy who said:

"I nominate my friend Debbie (a crafter as well). She has really helped me throughout the whole summer with my problem of being unemployed. She has a local business and she not only gave me work, just when I though that no one would, but she keep encouraging me. She made me realize that I have alot of attributes that I didn't know I had. She had faith in me and come to find out, all I needed was for someone to have FAITH!! Thank you Debbie!!!! I appreciate you SOOOO much!! Now, thanks to Debbie, I will have my own small business, starting January 1st. Wierd, that my first customer has already staked her claim....Debbie. I have tears in my eyes.

Thanks Claire!!! I will visit your blog to read these comments a few times a day, because I LOVE hearing of nice things that people do for one another.

My name is Wendy and you can contact me at wendyjo72xxxxxxxxxx"

You know what ladies and gentlemen? This has been the best competition I have run this year. Yep, we loved the tags, and we've had fun with other challenges, but reading through all of the entries for this competition had me laughing, smiling, and at times weeping for folks. It is so easy to look at news headlines and to believe that the world is full of folks who don't care. Here, in the answers to this Nice List giveaway, we have a goldmine of all that is best about people. Our friends, who care about us.

Thank you to everyone who has shared their stories, I do hope folks will continue to look in on the stories, they can be found here, and I believe that they capture at least something of the spirit of Christmas.

Wendy - I'm emailing ya, right now!!!!!!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 12

Edited to add: because Waltzingmouse Stamps is on vacation and won't begin shipping again until January 5th, we'll keep this competition open until then. Enjoy!

OMGoodness!! I wish I could claim snow as the reason this post is so late, but it's strictly due to an unfortunate lapse in memory. I got so caught up in the activities of last evening, that I plum (or is it plumb?) forgot to do the post. Please forgive me (Lisa)!

To make it up to you, we're offering yet another chance at a stamp set of choice. Just leave a comment on this post telling us which of the Days 7 through 12 you are likely to try for a chance to win!

Now, without further delay, let us all draw a collective deep breath and sing sing sing!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... won-der-ful gi-ft wrap-ping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... three lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly (Lisa) brought to you...scrapbook page ideas!

On the fourth day of Christmas, dear Carly brought to you...beautiful home decor!

On the fifth day of Christmas, dear Belinda brought to you...adorable gift packa-ging!

On the sixth day of Christmas, dear Bonnie brought to you...monogrammed soap containers!


On the seventh day of Christmas, dear Lynn brought you...treat bags full of cheer!


On the eighth day of Christmas, dear Jennifer bought to you...a fabby stocking stuffer!


On the ninth day of Christmas, dear Sandie brought to you...gorgeous gift ta-ags!


On the tenth day of Christmas, dear Laurie brought to you...cards for the giving!


On the eleventh day of Christmas, dear Mona brought to you...a ma-gi-cal cou-pon book!


On the twelfth day of Christmas, dear Joan brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Joan's blog  to find out!!!

I can't believe the 12 days are over! But don't despair, we will return after the holidays with more fun and inspiration. In the meantime, we sincerely wish each and every one of you a Merry Christmas, Happy Hannukah (belatedly), Happy Kwanzaa and a healthy, prosperous and very Happy New Year!!!

...snowed in

Just a quick note to say we are snowed in, It is likely that I will NOT get to the Post Office today. Much of Northern Ireland is covered in deeeeep snow!

Both NI Airports are closed today, undoubtedly leading to further delays.

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 11

Welcome back! You know what this means... it's time to sing!!!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... won-der-ful gi-ft wrap-ping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... three lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly (Lisa) brought to you...scrapbook page ideas!

On the fourth day of Christmas, dear Carly brought to you...beautiful home decor!

On the fifth day of Christmas, dear Belinda brought to you...adorable gift packa-ging!

On the sixth day of Christmas, dear Bonnie brought to you...monogrammed soap containers!


On the seventh day of Christmas, dear Lynn brought you...treat bags full of cheer!


On the eighth day of Christmas, dear Jennifer bought to you...a fabby stocking stuffer!


On the ninth day of Christmas, dear Sandie brought to you...gorgeous gift ta-ags!


On the tenth day of Christmas, dear Laurie brought to you...cards for the giving!


On the eleventh day of Christmas, dear Mona brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Mona's blog  to find out!!!

Be sure to join us tomorrow for... can it be?...the twelfth (and final) day of Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 10

Are we really on Day 10 already? My goodness! And I mean GOOD-NESS! I am inspired by everything I've seen so far and plan to try them all. How about you?

But the fun isn't over yet, so hang onto your hats and away we go!!!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... won-der-ful gi-ft wrap-ping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... three lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly (Lisa) brought to you...scrapbook page ideas!

On the fourth day of Christmas, dear Carly brought to you...beautiful home decor!

On the fifth day of Christmas, dear Belinda brought to you...adorable gift packa-ging!

On the sixth day of Christmas, dear Bonnie brought to you...monogrammed soap containers!


On the seventh day of Christmas, dear Lynn brought you...treat bags full of cheer!


On the eighth day of Christmas, dear Jennifer bought to you...a fabby stocking stuffer!


On the ninth day of Christmas, dear Sandie brought to you...gorgeous gift ta-ags!


On the tenth day of Christmas, dear Laurie brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Laurie's blog  to find out!!!

Be sure to join us tomorrow for the eleventh day of Christmas!

...more shipping info

ED 1 Jan- Bambi - I will be back in the office and able to catch up with all emails etc on the 4th/5th January, I look forward to catching up with you then, I am so sorry that your package is still in transit!!!

For all you US folks still waiting, here is a link to what the Royal Mail have to say about the delays:

http://www.royalmail.com/portal/rm/content1?catId=400033&mediaId=3800088#1600085

you need to scroll down to where it says

8. North America (USA & Canada)

it points out that there have been issues since the 18th November, which I believe will account for all of the currently delayed orders. Ugh.

If you haven't seen it, Scroll down for today's 12 days of Christmas project!!!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 9

Based on the feedback we've been getting, lots of folks will be making luminaries and monogrammed soap dispensers!! You'll have to be sure to share them with us when you do... and any of the other projects you make. We'd love to see them!

The winner of a stamp set of choice from all the comments left on the Day 7 post is #49 Crafty Math Chick!!! Congratulations! Please email Claire with your choice and she'll mail your prize out to you. Enjoy!


Okay, on we go!!!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... won-der-ful gi-ft wrap-ping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... three lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly (Lisa) brought to you...scrapbook page ideas!

On the fourth day of Christmas, dear Carly brought to you...beautiful home decor!

On the fifth day of Christmas, dear Belinda brought to you...adorable gift packa-ging!

On the sixth day of Christmas, dear Bonnie brought to you...monogrammed soap containers!


On the seventh day of Christmas, dear Lynn brought you...treat bags full of cheer!


On the eighth day of Christmas, dear Jennifer bought to you...a fabby stocking stuffer!


On the ninth day of Christmas, dear Sandie brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Sandie's blog  to find out!!!

Be sure to join us tomorrow for the tenth day of Christmas!

...Shipping delays

Folks, the Christmas postal craziness is in full swing, I am getting many reports that packages are slow. Please be aware that our normal shipping times will NOT apply, all orders may well be subject to delays at this time. Undoubtedly the weather has a lot to answer for, but the volume of mail passing through Post Offices all over must be staggering right now and so realistically, you must assume that orders will be delayed.

Our standard shipping does NOT include tracking, and so I do very much regret that I am unable to pinpoint where your package might be. I too am waiting on packages, and I do understand the frustration, but unfortunately, once the package leaves me, there is absolutely nothing I can do to hurry it along. I am sorry.

Specific delays seem to abound in North America where a high percentage of folks are still waiting on orders that shipped out in the last week of November.

Here is a link (thank you luvfellyb, on our forum) that shows some of the affected areas in North America.

http://www.usps.com/communications/news/serviceupdates.htm?from=global_ftpromo&page=mailserviceupdates

The Netherlands too, seems to be badly affected by Postal Strikes.

After Christmas I will be re-evaluating the postal services that we offer. At present we do not offer tracked shipping as standard, simply because it is so expensive that no-one who has requested the pricing has wanted to go ahead and use it.

The recent delays are leading to dissatisfaction on the part of our customers and ourselves as folks orders are delayed, and we are powerless to do anything about it.

Frankly, I believe that the present problem is a delay which will clear eventually. These are delays which are beyond my control. I do my utmost to ship orders as fast as I can, and after that I am at the mercy of the Post Office. It pains me that folks are still waiting, but realistically, there is nothing I can do to alleviate the situation.

My apologies to everyone affected.

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 8

You're still there? We're so glad! Let the fun continue!!!
Take a deeeeeep breath and sing along with me!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... won-der-ful gi-ft wrap-ping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... three lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly (Lisa) brought to you...scrapbook page ideas!

On the fourth day of Christmas, dear Carly brought to you...beautiful home decor!

On the fifth day of Christmas, dear Belinda brought to you...adorable gift packa-ging!

On the sixth day of Christmas, dear Bonnie brought to you...monogrammed soap containers!


On the seventh day of Christmas, dear Lynn brought you...treat bags full of cheer!


On the eighth day of Christmas, dear Jennifer brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Jennifer's blog  to find out!!!

Be sure to join us tomorrow for the ninth day of Christmas!

Don't forget to leave a comment on the Day 7 post below telling us which of the first six projects you are likely to try yourself for a chance to win a stamp set of choice!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 7

We are onto the second half folks! Please hang in there with us as there is so much more to see! 

To reward our faithful carolers (that means YOU!), please leave a comment on this post telling us which of the six projects so far you are likely to try yourself for a chance to win a stamp set of choice!

Now, sing along with me!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... won-der-ful gi-ft wrap-ping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... three lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly (Lisa) brought to you...scrapbook page ideas!

On the fourth day of Christmas, dear Carly brought to you...beautiful home decor!

On the fifth day of Christmas, dear Belinda brought to you...adorable gift packa-ging!

On the sixth day of Christmas, dear Bonnie brought to you...monogrammed soap containers!


On the seventh day of Christmas, dear Lynn brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Lynn's blog  to find out!!!

Be sure to join us tomorrow for the eighth day of Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 6

A sing-along!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... won-der-ful gi-ft wrap-ping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... three lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly (Lisa) brought to you...scrapbook page ideas!

On the fourth day of Christmas, dear Carly brought to you...beautiful home decor!

On the fifth day of Christmas, dear Belinda brought to you...adorable gift packa-ging!

On the sixth day of Christmas, dear Bonnie brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Bonnie's blog  to find out!!!

Be sure to join us tomorrow for the seventh day of Christmas!

...nice list...there's still time

It's me, just squeaking in to say there's still time to add someone to our nice list SEE HERE I'll be picking a winner tomorrow night (Sat), and not tonight, as there are some chores I just have to do tonight!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 5

A sing-along!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... won-der-ful gi-ft wrap-ping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... three lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly (Lisa) brought to you...scrapbook page ideas!

On the fourth day of Christmas, dear Carly brought to you...beautiful home decor!

On the fifth day of Christmas, dear Belinda brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Belinda's blog  to find out!!!

Be sure to join us tomorrow for the sixth day of Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 4

A sing-along!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... won-der-ful gi-ft wrap-ping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... three lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly (Lisa) brought to you...scrapbook page ideas!


On the fourth day of Christmas, dear Carly brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Carly's blog  to find out!!!

Be sure to join us tomorrow for the fifth day of Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 3

Hello everyone! Lisa the Mousekeeper back again to introduce our next designer to you in this very special presentation we call the 12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! If you missed out on Days 1 and 2, you've but to click below as I'll keep a cumulative list in each day's post. You won't want to miss a single one!

Now, sing along with me!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... wonderful gift wrapping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brought to you... lu-min-ar-ies!

On the third day of Christmas, yours truly brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit my blog  to find out!!!

Be sure to join us tomorrow for the fourth day of Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 2

Hello everyone! Lisa the Mousekeeper back again to introduce our next designer to you in this very special presentation we call the 12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! If you missed out on Day 1, you've but to click below as I'll keep a cumulative list in each day's post. You won't want to miss a single one!

Now, sing along with me!

On the first day of Christmas, dear Julia brought to you... wonderful gift wrapping!

On the second day of Christmas, dear Anya brings to you...

What could it be? You'll have to visit Anya Schrier's blog to find out!!!


Be sure to join us tomorrow for the third day of Christmas!

12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Day 1

Hello everyone! Lisa the Mousekeeper squeaking in to send you greetings of the season! Normally at this time, we'd be previewing new stamp sets for release. However, there will be no release this month. Don't be sad! This is a really good thing... it's giving Claire time to focus on a few "behind the scenes" plans that will take us to the next level in the new year. It's all very exciting, so we ask that you bear with us. It will be worth it, I promise!

Instead, we're coming together to bring you some ideas and inspiration for holiday crafting (and beyond) which we're calling 12 Days of Christmas Waltzingmouse Style! Each day will showcase a different design team member, so be sure to check back daily through December 17th for the links... and enjoy!

We're kicking things off with Julia Aston, bringing you some ideas for gift wrapping!

Enjoy! We'll see you back here tomorrow for more!

...back in stock

A number of stamp sets are now back in stock, but the quantities are very small, they are what was left over once I had fulfilled ALL of the waiting orders.

I expect to have the final batch of shipping notices out later today, but if you are waiting on anything that has been out of stock, it shipped Friday-Sat morning!

Don't forget to check out our Nice List comp below, you just need to leave a comment! easy!

...WMS Nice List, are you on it??

Good evening folks!

I have been pretty much missing in action recently, getting orders out, keeping on top of (well trying to...) backorders and feeding plumbers and builders as they go about making our house warm enough to cope with the snow! lol!

Tonight I have just filled the last envelope for the morning post, and I thought I'd take a moment to put up this post before diving into some emails.

I've had this idea for a Competition rattling about in my head and I need to get it out there before Monday (wink!).

So here it is - The Waltzingmouse Stamps Nice List Competition!

I know, we don't really have a stack of time at the moment to actually make anything, do we? Well I don't so here's want I want you all to do:

Leave a comment on this post telling me all about someone who has been nice to you recently. Simple.

It can be anyone. Your best friend, your milk-man, they guy who walks your dog, I don't care who it is, I just want to know what they did for you that was nice.

I will start us all off:

There are stacks of folks I could mention here, lots of stampy friends especially, family etc, but this week I just have to nominate my Auntie La. We were having the heating upgraded and Auntie La bundled all the wee folk off to her house every day after school so's they wouldn't be cold, she fed them, entertained them and got homeworks done AND she strong-armed the laundry from me and did that too! So Auntie La is top of my nice list.

Who do you nominate and why?

You don't have to give their names, I know some folks are a little shy, but I must have your name and some way to contact you if you win!

The prize is A stamp set and a set of matching Spellbinder Die templates of your choice, and a wee something else too that I can't mention just yet, cos I haven't added them to the store yet...keep an eye out later this week...LOL! AND be sure to let me know if your nominee is a crafter too! There will be a little something in it for them too!!

The winner will be chosen by random number generator, and I will let this competition run until next Friday the 10th December! So, come on!! let's hear about who you want added to our nice list!