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Wednesday, 29 February 2012

...Welcome to the February 2012 Release - 9 New sets

ED - I'm was a little late opening the store folks, my apologies, I am still adding some pics, but the store is now open! Thanks for your patience!

Good evening (or early morning, sorry Australia and Malaysia!) and welcome to the February release at Waltzingmouse Stamps! Here is a quick checklist to make sure you have seen everything, this is a long post:
1) scroll back to the previous post to see if you won a prize in our Biggie comp.
2) Waltz along the DT link list to see more samples made with today's sets, commenting as you go.
3) See the 9 new sets here on this post
4) See the new Cotton Laces at the end of this post.
5) Note that our little price increase has been held back until Sunday
6) Note the free shipping on orders over £50 GBP is still on, for everywhere.


If you are new to us, we design and produce clear stamps made from the best quality photopolymer (that's the good stuff) and today we are releasing NINE new sets!!! Welcome! We hope you find lots of creative inspiration!

There is a Design Team Blog Waltz happening right now where you can see some gorgeous examples of what you can do with the new stamps shown below, and we've been previewing for several days already so it's worth a scroll back to see what's new! Today the ladies will be showing the final sets,  Paris Nouveau and Vintage Labels 25, be sure to visit them all and Don't forget to comment, there's a prize!

Commenting Prize
You have have until March 3 11:59 PM, 5:5 9AM Central, 3:59 AM Pacific and 6:59 AM Eastern.
to comment on as many of the Design Team blogs as possible because a winner will be selected at that time from one of the Design Team members’ blogs to win a Waltzingmouse Stamp set of choice. The winner will be announced on the 4th March here on my blog.

Below is a link list of your dance partners for our Release Day waltz!
Remember - FREE standard shipping for orders over £50 to Everywhere, yes, you're included! (approx $79.00 USD, $78.74 CAD, $74.00 AUD, €59.72 Euros, rate subject to change) and if you don't need £50 GBP worth of stamps today you might be interested to know that shipping one set to US costs around $4.27 USD. We ship our stamps out from our company base here in Northern Ireland. Please note our free standard shipping offer does not include tracking. 
Also - we are having to raise prices soon as our costs have increased (groan) but we're holding it back until after the release - The increases will be very small but even so, we all like to get the best value we can and that is why I'm giving advance notice, so that anyone who needs to can take advantage of the current prices. I will be reviewing the prices from the 4th March.

And here are the New goodies for February

Please note ladies that I have slightly changed the way I display the drawings so that you can see all images at the correct angle. I used to display the sets as they were laid out on the carrier sheet, and given that I love to stuff as many stamps into a set as I can, some images appeared at odd angles or even upside down!! From now on everything will be shown right side up, so it will not always be obvious at first glance what size a set is. Please refer to the descriptions as the size is noted there.
 Heirloom Patterns

Set size – 6 × 8 inches

Green Room Designs presents - Heirloom Patterns. Five gorgeous background building patterns that are going to be perfect for just about everything! Anya has begun her Green Room Designs stamp collection with the same impeccable style that we have always admired in her card making! Lovely long stamps that cover the length of a standard size US card with one impression. The Large houndstooth pattern is just under 1.5 inches wide by 6.25 inches long. The diamonds are 1.25 inches tall by just over 6 inches long. All images and stamp designs are Copyright © 2012 Green Room Designs and Waltzingmouse Stamps, Anya Schrier and Claire Brennan.

French Country
Set size 6x8 inches
Featuring a hand-drawn border stamp inspired by French fabrics this set has a distinct French country style. Five small floral accents for stamping simply, colouring or not as you please and French sentiments round out this unique set. Rooster is there as are the Fleur de Lys, Iconic French imagery. A further border/backgrounder and a simple label frame designed for Spellbinders labels 25. OOh-la-la...
The detailed border measures approx 6 and 3/8 inches by just under 2 inches. The Bonne Fete sentiment is 1.5 inches long by just under a half inch tall.

All images and stamp designs are Copyright © 2012 Waltzingmouse Stamps, Claire Brennan.

 Florentine Frippery
Set size 6x8 inches

A deliciously fussy stamp set for folks who like pretty things! Inspired by historical design, but styled in a clean fresh way, this set will prove an ally whenever you need to add a little charm and grace to your card or layout. Three large label designs, two of which which co-ordinate with Spellbinders Labels 24 and 25 die templates. Two elegant border/background builder designs and 6 decorative motifs. Also included in the set are two sentiments, I picked my two favorite, albeit archaic, words and fashioned them into two usable sentiments. What fun to exclaim "Forsooth, thou art a blessing" or "Verily, I thank thee" on a card! The longest border measures approx 7 inches by 5/8 inches. The circular motif is just under 1.25 inches in diameter.

All images and stamp designs are Copyright © 2012 Waltzingmouse Stamps, Claire Brennan.

Very Vintage Labels 25
Set size – 6 × 8 inches

Stamps to match the gorgeously proportioned Spellbinders Labels 25 Die Templates #S5-077. Seven complete Label stamps, two half label frames that can be used to make whole labels, one 'tag shoulder' stamp and a handy sentiment.
The largest label frame is 4.5 inches by 2.75 inches approximately. The dotty tag shoulder stamp is 0.75 inches by 1.5 inches at the widest points. All images and stamp designs are Copyright © 2012 Waltzingmouse Stamps, Claire Brennan.


Paris Nouveau
Set size – 6 × 8 inches

A French inspired set of stamps which grew up around a striking art nouveau label design that I created to go with the new Spellbinders 25 Label die templates. It is possible to get 3 different sizes of label frames from this set. Two are already made up and one may be made from the decorative motifs supplied. A background/border stamp is also included together with a circular tag design and a neat little library label. I particularly liked the idea of using the large label as a book plate. The Eiffel tower is very much the image of the moment and this strikingly graphic design will add that touch of ooh-la-la to your projects! 3 supporting sentiments complete this very graphic set. The longest border measures approx 7 inches long by just under an inch tall. The Eiffel tower motif is just under 3.5 inches tall by approximately 2 inches wide. All images and stamp designs are Copyright © 2012 Waltzingmouse Stamps, Claire Brennan.
Nordic Spring
Set size – 6 × 8 inches

A companion set to the hugely popular Nordic Winter, Nordic Spring features an array of knitted style Spring images. Each individual stitch is separately drawn to give as 'true' an image as possible. This folk themed set is designed on the same scale as Nordic Winter and so will combine easily with elements from that set.There are 4 border patterns, 6 images and a group of 5 stamps that can be combined to create beautiful floral motifs. With the extra long border stamps you have come to expect from Waltzingmouse Stamps it is easy to stamp a full length border on a standard (US 4.25x5.5inch) card without having to repeat. The heart image co-ordinates with the Spellbinders classic hearts dies here and also the scalloped version here. The butterfly measures approx 3.25 inches by 2 inches at the widest points. The single bird is approximately 1 inch square. All images and stamp designs are Copyright © 2012 Waltzingmouse Stamps, Claire Brennan.
Compact Sentiments
Set size – 6 × 4 inches

One dozen everyday sentiments set in a gorgeous contemporary font and designed to be compact enough to fit in many of the label shapes we have released to match the various Spellbinder dies. These sentiments ma be neat but the choice of font ensures that they will make a visual statement on your cards. Sweet Birthday wishes is approximately 1.75 inches by 1 inch, the 'thanks a bunch' stamp is approx 1 and 5/8 by 3/4 inches. All images and stamp designs are Copyright © 2012 Waltzingmouse Stamps, Claire Brennan.

Chicken Wire
Set size – 6 × 4 inches

Chicken wire in two sizes, perfect for creating rustic backgrounds everywhere. The large chicken wire stamp is approximately 5.75 inches by 2.25 inches, the smaller chicken wire stamp is approx 5.75 by 1.25 inches. All images and stamp designs are Copyright © 2012 Waltzingmouse Stamps, Claire Brennan.

Make your Mark
Set size – 6 × 4 inches

Sixteen stamps jam packed into this little set. A variety of signature stamps for use on all your hand stamped and handmade projects. A mixture of styles, these stamps will fit in with a huge variety of projects. Several of the stamps feature the Waltzingmouse image or name, great for when you want to fly the WMS flag, but there are a further 5 signature stamps which are suitable for those projects where you have combined product to the point where a branded stamp would be inappropriate. A feature of this set is a nifty Recycling request stamp - a tactful and fun way to remind your recipient that it's ok to return cards etc for recycling, but not ok to just toss your labor of love in the trash! A selection of currency signs, great for pricing up craft fair items finished the set. The circular 'work of Heart' stamp is approximately 1 and 1/8 of an inch in diameter. The 'return for recycling' basket image and sentiment measures 1.75 inches tall by just under 1.5 inches wide. All images and stamp designs are Copyright © 2012 Waltzingmouse Stamps, Claire Brennan.
Cotton Lace
Also new for February we have a little cotton lace -  I have 4 designs in two colours white or natural - you will need to specify when you order, there will be a drop down menu that you can use to choose.
I have just begun with small quantities of these to see if they are popular enough to carry long term. These are sold by the m, or just over 39 inch lengths and will be cut to suit your order, so if you order 3m of lace you will get one piece, 3m long. I do stress that quantities are limited and until I can assess how popular these are, I will not be enabling backorders for these lace items.

In the pics below you can see the lace draped over a standard US size greetings card 4.25 by 5.5 inches. These are cotton lace, in a crochet style, perfect for adding texture to may projects. On the thinner white laces I have been able to add colour successfully with copic markers, I know some folks have used re-inkers to colour lace also, but I have not tried that.

 above - 18mm Lace (approx 0.7 inch)

 above - 30mm Lace (approx 1.2 inch)


above - 45mm Lace (approx 1.75 inch)

 above - 100mm Lace (approx 4 inch)

Hope it tickles!!

....Biggie Winners

Thank you to everyone who entered our Biggie Comp, I love reading about what sets you guys really like! So often with a new release I try to work out in my head what is going to be popular and sometimes I'm right and sometimes it's a total surprise! Fairly safe to say that Nordic Winter was a popular choice!!

Ok, The Biggie Winner Grand prize of NINE new stamp sets, plus a few other goodies, goes to:

Emily who said... 
My favorite stamps set is the vintage labels 4, I love using it for cards, it is so versatile and I love playing around with it!

Ashley Nguyen Newell said... I love L'il Buddies! I love babies! :D

Beverly said...
Claire, After seeing your designs used so often on the Splitcoaststampers site, I fell in love instantly and I believe it was Joanne [Angelnorth] that gave me the link to your site. I've been "oohing" and "ahhhing" over so many of your sets. My Wish List changes each time I come to visit. I haven't yet purchased a set as I learned that new sets were soon to be revealed. While I am crazy mad about the sets you have that fit the Nestabilities Labels, I love the "Say It Loud" set. That was the first set to catch my eye. I love the bold font of the greetings and the fact that you can use the smaller font words to change what you want to express. Can't wait to see the new offerings! Thanks so much! Beverly

Huguenot Girl said... My favourite set is Frame-It - love the concept (it works well with so many different sets) and that cupcake is so cute. I regularly use the greetings - they are just the right size and the combo of font styles is perfect! 


Lavandula said... 154  My sentimental favourite is "Back in the saddle". I gave my dad -a long time fan of Westerns- a card featuring John Wayne's quote about courage and he framed it and has it by his computer. :) 

Mandy P. said... Say it Loud is my favorite! It is beautiful and easy to use. My cards come together so easily using this set. 

Anonymous said... I just came over from Cropchocolate.com to see what your site is all about. What beautiful stamps you have! I did some stamping years ago before I started scrapbooking and card making and just recently started stamping again, so I'm sure I'll be back!! The first stamp I'll buy, and thus my favorite is the Daintly Doilies - large set. It is gorgeous!! I can see using it for both scrapbooking and card making and I love doilies - yours reminds me of the intricate doilies my Aunt Bea used to make when I was growing up. Also, thanks for the opportunity to win in your giveaways!
Joyce Slatern (aka Juliet)

Could ALL winners please email me at claire.brennan1@ntlworld.com - PLEASE put Biggie Winner in your subject line, or you may get lost in the slew of emails I'm going to have later today!!!! Put your name address and choice of set in your email and I will get it out to you as soon as poss! NB - If you have won a set and wish to place an order also - please put a note on your order with your choice of set INSTEAD of sending an email! Cheers!!!

....today's schedule

Just a quick, 'what's-on-when' for folks regarding today's release of 9 new photopolymer stamp sets! Please note these are the UK times that are local to me. I have a little note below of equivalent times in other places.

6:00PM - the Biggie competition closes.
6:00PM - the Store will close to allow final adjustments
6:30PM - the winner of the Biggie competition and the spot prize winners will be announced here on the blog
7:00PM - the New Stamps for February post will go live on this blog and there will be more              fabulous samples from the DT in our February release Blog Waltz. Don't forget also that we run a little random giveaway from the DT blog waltz, another chance to win goodies!
7:15PM - the Store will re-open.

Just in case you are new to us, we are releasing nine new stamp sets today - I design and produce clear photopolymer stamps. Scroll back through the most recent posts to see examples of what is coming later today. And if you are not in need of new stamps just now I invite you to come back this evening at 7:00pm anyhow for the DT Blog Waltz, loads of eye candy and inspiration!!

7:00pm my time today is approximately equal to:

Australia,Queensland  - 5:00am Thursday March 1st (ouch, sorry ladies!)
Brazil, Rio de Janeiro - 4:00pm Today
Canada, Ontario - 2:00pm Today
Germany - 8:00pm Today
Japan - 4:00am Thursday March 1st (ouch, sorry ladies!)
Netherlands - 8:00pm Today
Russia, Moscow - 11:00pm Today
South Africa - 9:00pm Today
USA - 2:00pm Today

Tuesday, 28 February 2012

...Announcing Green Room Designs


Yep, the news is already out (- My blog post for this morning was delayed, due to technical issues on the store, but you don't want to hear about that!) Our big news today is the official launch of Green Room Designs at Waltzingmouse Stamps.

Anya Schrier is the illustrator behind Green Room Designs and the first set of the line - today's preview set, Heirloom Patterns. I am honored to have been in the privileged position of being able to help Anya launch a dream of hers, to see her designs become reality. I wish Anya every success with her line, and I am really looking forward to see what the future brings for Green Room Designs! Anya's new set will make up one of the nine that we are releasing here on the blog tomorrow!! I invite everyone, if you haven't already, to pop over to Anya's blog and wish her well!!

Anya's impeccable stamping style has been showcasing WMS stamps nearly since we began and I just knew her first set would feature clean crisp graphics, I am delighted to (finally) show you my samples today.

Just in case you haven't visited the ladies yet here re the DT links:



The first card features the diamond pattern, the scale is just perfect and I love how easy it is to line up!

I stamped a diamond pattern and then trimmed it out with a Spellbinders Grand labels 23 die template, I wanted a distressed effect in my diamonds and so I stamped 'badly'. I quite often do this when I want a different look. In order to get that patch distressed look, I inked my stamp up by roughly bouncing the ink pad up the length of the stamp. and then I kissed the stamp to the card without applying an even pressure. That way I can get an alternative look from any stamp.

I mounted the diamond panel on a kraft card base that I had first stamped with a doodad from the Florentine frippery set. Then I made the sentiment panel.

I used a Very vintage labels 4 stamp with white ink (PTI) and trimmed it out with the corresponding die from the Spellbinders labels 4 set. Then I added my sentiment from the new Compact Sentiments set - Ideal for the smaller labels.

I added some white die cuts made with the Holly Accents die set, also Spellbinders, and some tiny adhesive pearls. A couple of strips of ribbon and I had to set it down, lol, I could have kept going...


My second card also used the diamonds but in a completely different way - I stamped a diamond pattern 3/4 of the way across the piece of card, then I overlaid some slightly darker diamonds on top, about a quarter of the way across, almost like an argyle pattern. I liked how the colour progresses across the card front. I did a little sponging, because quite honestly I feel naked without it..


For my focal point I used the butterfly (again....lol, it's a bit of a favorite...) I trimmed out a butterfly shape first with my Craft Robo and then stamped the butterfly. I then decided that I wanted a ginger coloured mat for my ginger butterfly and so I whipped up a mat that echoed the shape of the butterfly and extended a little to the right in a rectangular shape so that I had somewhere to stamp a sentiment. A flower and some fabby velvet ribbons to finish...ooh and a little stitching...love stitching...

hope it tickles!!!

I'll be back tomorrow with a little schedule for the big release tomorrow night!!!!

...Day 3 February release links

Girls I am caught up in last moment technicalities and so I will have to leave you with a list of links to the DT, I hope to be back later on today, but I also have to get these issues settled by tomorrow!!! lol.

Here are the lovely DT ladies:

Chat soon!

Monday, 27 February 2012

...Introducing Nordic Spring, New for February


Good morning and welcome to day 2 of the samples for the upcoming February release, scroll back to this post for the info if you are new to us, and don't forget to enter the Biggie, our release competition here.

This mornings card is the first of my previews of the Nordic Spring set. We released Nordic Winter last October and the response to that set was so phenomenal that we had to follow it up with a Spring set, and there is at least one more in this series upcoming.


If you are not familiar with the Nordic Winter concept, it's a set based on traditional Nordic knitting patterns. Perfect for winter we have extended the scope of the concept to take in Spring and I am delighted with the result!

Nordic Spring is a large set, 8x6 inches, with 15 stamps designed to the same scale as Nordic Winter -  this means you can mix and match the stamps from both sets to create inexhaustible combinations of patterns and designs.

There are 4 border patterns, 6 images and a group of 5 stamps that can be combined to create beautiful floral motifs.

I have used only one image from this set on today's card, and I hope to come back later today with some of the other images, but you might like to visit the ladies as they are previewing this set with me today. The ladies are also previewing another new set - Florentine Frippery, I'll chat about that one later also.


In my card this morning I snuck in a wee sentiment and a backgrounder stamp, both from new sets being featured tomorrow.

My butterfly was stamped in Versacolour inks and clear embossed before I coloured the vacant spaces with a pale pink copic marker. You can see the lovely texture and shine this gives in the close up pic. I used a cut file to trim out my butterfly shape before stamping it and I have to say I found it extremely easy to line up.

Hope it tickles, chat to you later!

...The Biggie...February Release competition post!

 ED - this competition is now closed, cheers for entering! winners will be posted in an hour!

Ladies a quick post to invite you to enter the biggie!!

This is it girls, the competition to win the entire February release - NINE stamp sets, plus....

Yep, we should have a few more products launching on Wednesday also - it's a race against time to get them uploaded to the store, but there should be some extra goodies this month, so lets have your entries on this post.

What I want you to do is this: Simply name your favourite WMS stamp set that has already been released so far - do not include the stamp sets we are previewing right now! Pick something that has already been released and that is in the store already, and tell me why you like it, easy!

You have until Wednesday just before the release at 7:00pm my time, so spread the word ladies, tell all your friends to come and comment, because as well as the biggie, there will be an extra spot prize of one new release set per every 50 folks who play along!! The way it will work is this, I will pick one commenter from the first 50 commenters to win a spot prize, I will pick one commenter from the next 50 commenters to win a spot prize and so on, so if we get 200 comments there will be 4 spots, you follow?

Just remember to leave one comment per person please, I will have to delete duplicates before I make the draw!!

The biggie winner will be drawn at random from the total number of commenters last thing before the release opens!!

Good luck!!

Sunday, 26 February 2012

...Feb release, Day 1, second post


 Good morning all over again. You might want to scroll down to the previous post - we have all the DT links there for the gorgeous samples previewing by the ladies today. This is my second post today because the light here was not fabby and my first set of pics were awful! A very cold light here recently...roll on spring...

Today I'm showing French Country and Make your Mark - some of the ladies have also shown Chicken wire, a new background set.

On this card I used the large border from french Country. I could have used memento inks and just coloured it, BUT, I chose to do what I nearly always do - I used Tsukineko Versa Colour ink in o. 173 Neptune, followed immediately with clear embossing powder, heat set. I love how solid the Versa colour inks stamp. I get terrific results with these inks every time, they are my go-to ink. The addition of a clear embossing powder means that I can then go in with copics, water colours, whatever. This is my very fave combination of products to stamp with and you'll see it on over 70% of things I make.

I used a combination of copics and a water pen with Not quite Navy SU ink to colour the detail. The design is hand drawn, and I love the rustic feel that you get through that. I picked the yellow and blues that I particularly associate with french Provençal fabric for my pattern. I adore that combination. I love the sumptuous scrolling border and I like detail. I'm in heaven with this set!!

A simple little note shaped sentiment panel to finish it off, accented in red. The sentiment is Bonne Fête - a nice little sentiment which has a dual purpose. In France (according to my sources), it is what folks wish each other on the feast day of their Patron Saint, but it may also be used to say Happy birthday and I hear this is what is commonly said in Quebec. Just in case you are not sure, this set also has the more recognisable Bon Anniversaire.

The smaller second border is used to create the pattern at the top of the card, I liked how it made the panel look like a swatch of fabric.


Also today you will see a few folks using the Make your mark set. It is a signature set for the reverse of your cards and gifts etc and while I have shown a stamp here which proclaims WMS there are many stamps in the set that you can use on your non wms projects also. I didn't want to limit the set to wms exclusive images as I imagine that most folks make cards with product from more than just one company. The Make your mark set also features a handy little sentiment - we previewed it earlier in the week - encouraging folks to return their cards for recycling. More on that in another post, but that stamp alone is one I have wanted for a long time.


My second set of samples showcases how easy it is to prep a gift set with the French Country set with minimal stamping. The detail in that broad border means that simple one color stamping will achieve gorgeous results. I used SU inks for these 3 little soaps that I wrapped in plain card. I stamped the detailed fabric border, simply in a colour to match the card and wrapped it around the soap. Little piece of twine and a one inch circle label stamped with a co-ordinating flower bud image completed each soap. The card could not have been simpler but I loved it. Chic I  thought, even if I do say so myself!! lol.

The dainty little Sentiment here is 'Souhaits Sincères' which translates as 'Sincere Wishes' and is one of those eminently useful little phrases that is going to be good for everything from gift cards to sympathy cards.


 I'll be back tomorrow with more samples, hopefully - later tonight I will post details of the Biggie - the grand competition in which somebody will win it all, all 9 sets, plus....yep there are other things coming!!

In the meantime, hope it tickles, and don't forget to scroll down to the previous post for today's first project and the DT link list!!

...Good Morning!


Good morning! The light here is awful and I'm re-taking some of the shots I took yesterday when the light was even worse, my apologies for the delay.

Today we begin the sample previews of our 9 sets releasing on Wednesday 29th, leap day!
If you are new to us, we produce clear photopoloymer stamps, we're just kicking off a new release and you might like to scroll back to see peeks of what's coming, or you might like to jump over to the DT blogs listed below to see what the ladies have made, today we show little samples of 3 sets: French Country, Chicken Wire and Make your Mark.

I will be back later today with more samples, but in the meantime, a quick look at French Country.
French style is legend, I don't remember a time when I wasn't drawn to the wealth of pattern and ornament that seems to permeate French culture. Having once been an interior designer, I have a particular love for French fabric and have spent many, many hours on ebay tracking down little bits of that irresistible cloth for use in quilts etc. I wanted to translate a little of that into a stamp set. I wanted to capture the easy feeling of French Country in particular, the laid back shabby chic look that I love and so I drew up French Country.

French Country is a large stamp set, 8x6 inches with 21 stamps. A large feature border which is hand-drawn and styled on the hugely popular fabrics of Provence and a smaller pattern border will enable you to create stunning backgrounds with little effort. The huge detailed border, may be simply stamped or coloured as you prefer. Four floral image stamps, all inspired by the patterns found in Provençal fabrics are super as little motifs or pattern builders. There is a simple, hand drawn label shape which will co-ordinate with the newly released labels dies from Spellbinders. A further five image stamps, of Iconic French themes such as the rooster and the Fleur de Lys and seven sentiment stamps, mostly in French complete the set.


My first samples here show the large rooster - I have heat embossed him in white onto a small galvanised bucket that I am using as an egg holder, these would make neat Easter morning sets. We don't do anything too fussy for Easter breakfast, but this set took moments to create and could be used again and again. A simple place card - I used the Phrase Good Morning - from French Country, but you could add a name or other phrase.

Simple styling, nothing too strenuous, because to me, French style never looks strained, they just seem to do it naturally, am I right? all you French girls??

I'll be back later with more samples, chat soon,

ooh a quick peeky at how that egg is sitting in that wee bucket - for the purpose of photography, and ONLY with a hard boiled egg, lol, I simply punched a circle of card, roughly the same size as the opening at the top of the bucket, and then punched a smaller hole within that circle, this gave me a little cuff that sat nicely at the top of my bucket. It worked great for the pics and it is something i would use with chocolate eggs if I was giving these little buckets as a gift. I would take a moment to apply a little glue to the edge of the card though. For real eggs, this method is really for show, if you exepected your folks to actually use the bucket as an egg cup, you might want to set the egg on a mound of shredded paper inside the bucket, the card circle would be too flimsy. Super for chocolate eggs tho.

...February 2012 samples!!!

Good morning! I'm a fraction late, be back in a half hour with my samples, but in the meantime, here are the links to the ladies!!

Saturday, 25 February 2012

...we have a winner!! and last peeks before sample time!


We have a winner - our random commenter was:




Holly Saveur said... 141


Mine is;
clean-vintage style.
Congratulations Holly, pop me your addy via email and I'll get your goodies ready!!!
Well folks, you have all been most patient, our last peeks are now up, samples begin on the morrow, I sure hope you see some inspiring things over the next couple of days! I'll be back in the morning-ish with my samples and links to all the ladies - cannot wait to see what these ladies have done with this months new sets!!!

Friday, 24 February 2012

...peeky number 7 and competition!

ED - this comp is now closed!!

And you know these are going to match my favorite dies...don't you??

ED- I'll pick one random commenter tomorrow night! Please only post once! :)

OK ladies, I think it's time for a random giveaway - this one will run until tomorrow, Saturday night and it's for 2 free sets from the upcoming release. (I will also be running a grand competition during the release, deets for that once the samples begin on Sunday).

What I want to know is....what type of stamper are you? - you can choose from this list, or pick your own word, but please use only one word to describe yourself - this is agony I know, and I like to think I have more than one string to my bow, but for my word I will pick...'Clean'

Here are some suggestions, pick one or use your own and post your definition of your fave stamping style here!

Clean
Vintage
Shabby-chic
(see how I turned that into one word by using the hyphen?)
Contemporary
Magpie
Fussy
Experimental
Cute


Thursday, 23 February 2012

...peeky number 6

 ED - Yep Sandy, I do believe it is!!

I know of at least one person who has been waiting for this set forever!!!!

Wednesday, 22 February 2012

...sneaky number 5

...from our new designer.....

The Big Cheese of the Week

Hi there - I hope you've been enjoying the time leading up to the next Waltzingmouse release.. what have you thought of the sneak peeks so far?

I am here to bring this week's Big Cheese winner to you. Lots of wonderful projects were uploaded last week. This week's winner is Cassie K, with her creative and delightful use of Twas the Night Before Christmas:

Cassie transformed the window image into a lovely, soft spring scene. I love the shutters flung open and the butterfly flitting by - I can almost imagine a fresh breeze!

Congratulations, Cassie! Your project will be added to the Big Cheese highlight album in the WMS Gallery. Please send me an email and I will provide you with a discount code for $10 off your next Waltzingmouse Stamps purchase.

Next up with more spring goodness is Laurie Jones. This card was just too fantastic to not be shared here!

I can't even imagine the amount of time and patience that Laurie put into this card. The popped-up, cut out, colored row of daffodils? Just gorgeous! I have never tried making an easel card, but after this stellar example, I might have to.

And finishing us off today with another springy creation is Nerina.

Shaped cards are always so much fun. This butterfly version is cute and delicate, perfect for a sweet little girl. The patterned papers combine beautiful shades of pink and teal and the stitched heart is the perfect addition.

Great job this week! Thank you all so much for sharing these projects with us. I can't wait to see what you have for us this week.

Would you like the opportunity to be chosen for the Big Cheese? Add your direct links for your newly uploaded projects here in the WMS Forum, a new thread starts every Monday!

Have a great day!
Anya

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

...Free Template


Scroll down to see today's other post with a sneak peek!

My Spring box from the Blog party the other day!! I have a free template for you - Click Here it's for the box assembly only - you will also need to cut yourself two squares approx 3.5 x 3.5 inches. One is the base and one is the lid. For my sample here I used Spellbinder Label 16 die cuts.

This box is slightly out of the ordinary because the lid slopes down towards the front. I think it would make a neat treat box or desk tidy, I'm currently keeping paperclips in mine.


For my sample I layered several Labels 16 shapes together for the lid. In the top die cut I also die cut a butterfly from this Spellbinder die set.

For my sample, I also chose to sandwich the hinge flap - this is a piece on the template - between my label 16 shapes so that I wouldn't see it when I opened the box. To do this, be prepared to trim away a little of the bottom of the Labels 16 shape so that the box will close - I kept the trim off, and stuck it into the box right under the lid, I thought it just finished things off nicely. - That's it in the pic, below the flower, you can see it's just stuck on top of the pink paper that i lined the box with.

To line your box, you could print out the template at 98% onto pattern paper and cut it out, minus the adhesive flaps, it should then slot nicely into the box, a little glue to hold the base down at least and some on the sides if you feel it necessary.

Easy to construct, once you have trimmed out and folded the box you will see that it is simple to just stick it onto the label 16 die cut which acts as a base.

I scored the heck out of my hinge flap so that it would fold easily, if you don't so this, the lid has a tendency to want to come up, and so you might wish to use magnetic closures, I hear they are good, but I usually try to make the thing just work, so extra heavy scoring on the hinge flap should suffice.

Click on the image of the template to download it from our freebie section at the store, It will also be available in the freebie section of our store.



Have fun!!

...peeky number 4

ok, there's no way you will guess from this so I'll tell you, It's a frippery set!!

Monday, 20 February 2012

...peeky number 3

No clues here, this one is rather obvious!!

Folks here for the Mojo Monday sketch hi-jack in honour of Julee, it's right here, post just before this one!

...Mojo Monday


Good morning/Afternoon ladies, we interrupt our regular schedule to bring a surprise to one Ms Julee Tilman!! Hugs to you missy!

If you are looking for our blog party round up, please scroll down to the post before this one, or you might like to stay and wish Julee well!

If you are following the Mojo Monday trail you will have arrived here from Taylor Van Bruggen's blog. If you have just dropped in at random, and very welcome you are, you might like to start here at Julee's blog  or here at Teresa's Blog so's you can catch up and see all of the Mojo Monday inspiration cards.

 I'm sure you already know that Julee is the owner of Verve stamps (one of my absolute fave places to shop, because Julee is one of my absolute favourite folks) and Teresa has hi-jacked the Mojo Monday Sketch challenge to invite us all to send warm wishes and hearty congratulations to Julee and her DH Mark who are expecting a rather special delivery!

Any moment now twins are expected in the Verve household and I think that's pretty much the best reason in the world to celebrate, so let's raise our tea cups, coffee mugs, soda glasses, and champagne flutes if you have them to say a huge Congratulations to Julee and Mark may all our very best wishes be with you both as you await the wee folk!

So Julee, Teresa assured me that it would be ok if I offered you the benefit of my considerable advice, being the perfect mother and all...and if I could remember any of it, I would, but since the arrival of my firstborn just over 12 years ago the one abiding piece of wisdom that still echoes in my empty, sleep deprived brain is this - When folks utter those golden words "Is there anything I can do?..." you say YES! Let's practice...Say it with me....Y...Ye...YES!!!

Yep, everyone will want to hold the babies and do all the cute stuff, and tie the wee bibs on and feed them with those cute wee dinky bottles, but no. You need the dishes washed, the laundry folded and the dinner made, and don't be afraid to say so. "Yes Aunt Marjorie, be a dear and scrub those filthy potatoes for me and if you could just peel those carrots ooh and the stock cubes are in the drawer and 220 degrees ought to do it ...and I'll be upstairs having a doze..."

Oh how different life will be Julee....but take the good of it - snuggle up beside them when they snooze, forget about the house, it'll still be standing 18 years from now when you are waving them off to college. Take all the help you can so that you can enjoy every second of their tiny lives. I hear that, with the right training, even men can be drafted in to handle such tasks as diaper application. I didn't get to see it in my time, but we've come a long way since then and new studies have suggested that the male of the species has finally evolved enough...

So, a simple formula to sum it up: Julee and Mark = Babies, Everyone Else = Everything else.

Simple.

And since 9 to 12 months will go by in a flash, the formula for toddlerhood is as follows: Small boys = smiling dirt and Disney dvds are not evil.

Congratulations guys and Yes, Everything IS going to be OK!!


For my card today I pulled out an Irish Blessing from the Blessings stamp set that felt appropriate and mixed it with some purty paper that had dinky wee pears on it..geddit? pears? pairs...twins? lol. I liked it anyhow. And since ginger goes so well with pears (well it does in my house, ginger and pear crumble..no?) I used some ginger coloured card and toning inks in browns and distress tea stain. Alittle stitching and some nice ginger velvet ribbon to finish, a fabby sketch from Mary Fish.

I believe I am the last stop on the trail today and so I will send you back to Julee's blog after I show you the Mojo Monday Sketch.


Have fun playing along and don't forget to stop by and wish Julee and Mark all the very best!!!

Blog Party “Spring” Recap

ED- I owe you guys a template for my spring box, hope to have it up later today!!!

Greetings.  Today we are highlighting some of the amazing projects from those who joined the festivities for the February 2012 Blog Party.  Everyone’s projects were wonderful and so full if springtime inspiration.  If you haven’t seen them all yet, their links can be found here.  Below are a few that really made our jaw drop.  I’m sure you will agree that they are all pretty fabulous.   If you are unfamiliar with the Waltzingmouse Stamps monthly Blog Party, we invite you to check out this page – it contains ALL the general details.
In Claire’s post last Friday she invited everyone to create Waltzingmouse Stamps projects depicting their interpretation of “Spring”, and from the looks of the projects shared, we are all anxious for winter to exit and spring to begin. 
Now on with some great WMS inspiration from our customers.
blossomwindow1
JJ Bolton created this card that contains images from the Asian Gardens set.  Living just outside of Washington DC, she equates spring with cherry blossoms; signaling spring has officially arrived. The creative way she framed her image makes one think they are sitting inside looking through the window onto the spring season unfolding before our eyes.  It’s a great card JJ…thanks for sharing it with us!
Cathy Weber reminds us that spring also means that Easter is fast approaching. Cathy uses many sets from WMS including Li'l Buddies, Bountiful Basket Additions, Pic-nic Patterns and Bitty Banners to create this wonderful scrapbook page decorating her wall at home; capturing moments of Easter as well as so many spring iconic image.  This is a wonderful piece of wall art, Cathy!
And lastly, Deirdre’s CAS creation illustrates how simple, and yet complex, spring is.  A simple bloom created by a complex combination of longer days, warmer weather and a smattering of rain brings forth a bounty of color that brings such simple joy.  Deirdre used images from the Frame it and Free Spirit Boy Set, popping up a few of the blooms to give the image even more depth and dimension.  Beautiful simplicity – that pretty much sums up springtime.
As promised, we randomly selected one lucky participant to received her choice of stamps set from Waltzingmouse Stamps.  The lucky winner for February is:
Congratulations, Tracey.  Please send Claire an e-mail at Claire.brennan1@ntlworld.com with your stamp set selection, and mailing address details.  We appreciate your (and everyone's) participation and support of the “Blog Party”.
Everyone did an amazing job with their projects for this Blog Party. Thanks for taking part of this fun event, and be sure to check back on March 1st, when we will announce the theme for the March 17th “party”.