Monday, October 31, 2011

Hello Friend....


For The Craft's Meow  
Final Preview,



It has been new release preview week forEVER here
at The Open Window and today's starts the
preview for the new stamp sets from 

 I am so excited to see what all of our 'sweet tooth' girls
have cooked up for you today!
If you have come here by way of Sweet Stamp Shop
then you are right where you need to be.
If not, it's just one stop back to get you started on a
path to win these new releases this week!  More on that shortly.


Little critters are all on trend right now and this guy
from the 'Furry Friends' set is just perfect!
There are many little friends he has to play with in the set,
but I thought I would just showcase him today.
I pulled out my favorite cloud dies from Lil' Inker Designs
and using the papers from MME, I think he has just the
right colors surrounding him.

How would you like an opportunity to win this
sweet little set?
There is a giveaway going on for each of the new
sets previewed this week!!
All the instructions for how you can win are over on the
but to get started, make sure you leave a comment here
before you leave so we know you stopped by. There are a  
few other ways you can increase your chances of winning
that are all covered over on the Sweet Stamp Shop blog.
I am so happy you came by...make sure you let me
know you were here and I will keep my fingers crossed throughout
these preview days that YOU might win one of the fun sets!
Here is a list of the designers on the hop,
just in case you get lost or a little 'chink' gets in the system:

  




Hello Friend Project Recipe:
Designer Paper: Stella & Rose My Mind's Eye
Stamps: Furry Friends from Sweet Stamp Shop
Tools: Clouds dies from Lil' Inker Designs
Embellishments: Gems by Recollections

It's a Banner Birthday!



It's the final day of previews of the brand new releases from
The Craft's Meow


It's time for a little birthday fun...


 This is another fun and fab owl from the collection
by Jenny called 'Whoo's Birthday'
I couldn't wait to grab for my papers from Bella Blvd
because I thought it was the perfect match.
I used both sides of the designer paper using my
lacey circles die and topped it all off with
a banner from vintage Making Memories.
By the way, his blow-tickler will feel nice and warm
when it reaches out using denim & maraschino
bakers twine from The Twinery.

Tomorrow, Nov 1st will be a fun big blog hop
with all of the TCM Designers when the sets
officially go on sale and you will not want to miss out!

Make sure you stop over at the
because there's a great giveaway going on
for both of these sets.
Leave a comment here and
let me know
'whoo's birthday' would you create a
card for with this set?

Ornament for You Project Recipe:
Designer Paper: Wall of Fame by Bella Blvd
Cardstock: Bazzill Dotted Swiss
Stamps: Whoo's Birthday from The Craft's Meow
Ink: Tuxedo Black by Memento from A Muse Studio
Embellishments: Gems by Recollections
Bakers Twine in Denim & Maraschino from The Twinery
 


 

Sunday, October 30, 2011

Warm Winter Wishes for You



It's Day Three of previews of the brand new releases from


Are you ready for more beauty designed
by Nina Brackett??!!



This beautiful set is called 'Vintage Ornaments'
and is so very versatile.
The lighting in my photo does not do the colors justice,
but you hopefully get the idea.
I stamped the repeat pattern in 'lichen' ink and the
center image in 'ocean' ink, both from A Muse Studio.
As you probably know, A Muse Studio inks are my
absolute favorite when it comes to silky beautiful colors
and can be ordered directly from
my webstore here!

It was then just a matter of my tiny gemstone 'hanger'.


Another beautiful set from NinaB Designs is
'Vintage Snowflakes'
Again, the lighting and photo editing was difficult
when it came to this card.
I used a cream cardstock and A Muse Studio inks
in 'shell' & 'sky'.  The sentiment was stamped in 'slate'.


I love these big snowflake embellishments from 
Paper Studio and used a lot of them last holiday season.
It was the perfect match with these fab images.

I am happy to say that after the issues I had photographing
this specific card, my husband treated me to a light tent
for a belated birthday gift.  So NOW, it's a matter
of getting adjusted to working with it!

I am so glad you stopped by once again!

We have seen six of the seven new sets so far.
Just one more to go
before the official release
blog hop with the TCM team!

Make sure you stop over at the
because there's a great giveaway going on
for both of these sets.
Leave a comment here and
let me know
which of today's 'sneak peek' sets is your 
favorite so far!


Ornament for You Project Recipe:
Stamps: Vintage Ornaments from The Craft's Meow
Ink: Ocean & Lichen by A Muse Studio
Embellishments: Gems by Recollections

Winter Wishes Project Recipe: 
Stamps: Vintage Snowflakes from The Craft's Meow
Ink: Shell, Sky & Slate by A Muse Studio
Embellishments: Pearl & Gem Snowflake by Recollections

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Santa's Little Helper Says Seasons Greetings!



It's Day Two of previews of the brand new releases from


Today we share two more wonderful sets with you
and the first is from the most talented Maree Truelove.



This sweet set is called 'Santa's Little Helper'
and has some pretty fun elements.
I pulled out my Copics and got to work.
I love the glittered letters from KI Memories
and they were the perfect fit for this card.


Many thanks to my husband Paul, who worked
for several years in my stamp store and knew
a thing or two about card making.  He felt
that there was something 'missing' and then
suggested that I make the elf's tights sparkly
too, so out came the Stickles!

The next preview is from one of two new
sets from my friend Nina of NinaB Designs.



'Seasons Greetings' is a beautiful collection
with a vintage feel.
When I edited my photos, my white balancing took
out a bit too much of the green shading just behind
the sentiment (at least on my end).


The beautiful designer paper is older from Foo-fa-la,
but I love how it goes so well with this design.
I grabbed some of my favorite hand-dyed seam binding
from my friend Nancy at Sugar Lump Studios.

I am so glad you popped by today....
We have SEVEN...SEVEN
brand new sets coming your way!

Make sure you stop over at the
because there's a great giveaway going on
for both of these sets.
Leave a comment here and
let me know
which of today's 'sneak peek' sets is your 
favorite so far!


Ho Ho HO Project Recipe:
Designer Paper: Eskimo Kisses from BasicGrey
Stamps: Santa's Little Helper from The Craft's Meow
Embellishments: Glitter Stickers by KI Memories, Copics
Stickles in Stardust, Pearls by Recollections

Yuletide Blessings Project Recipe:

Designer Paper: Foo-fa-la
Stamps: Season Greetings from The Craft's Meow
Ink: Cranberry by A Muse Studio
Tools:  Arches border punch by EK Success, Fiskars Corner Rounder
Embellishments: Seam binding from Sugar Lump Studios,
Pearls by Recollections

Friday, October 28, 2011

Holiday Fun Coming Your Way



It's finally here!

The start of preview week for the new releases from


This is going to be an awesome week of
previews as we have
  SEVEN BRAND NEW SETS
and each is unique and fabulous and
ready to bring you in to the holidays!

I made these fun little gift tags using a fun & fresh
set from Kaitlyn Ord called 'Merry Best'.


I used the beautiful new collection called
'Christmas Eve Chowder' from Jillibean Soup
to create the tags and the paper-pieced gifts.
Of course, bakers twine from The Twinery is the
perfect way to attach these tags to your packages.

This next stamp set can really make you smile!

 
Owls are so very popular this year and what a fun way
to incorporate them in to your holiday cards.
This set is called 'Happy Hoo-lidays' by
TCM designer, Jenny Suchin.


I decided to make this a very sparkly card and
break out some Martha Stewart glitter glue.
His 'fluffy' hat was created using Flower Soft, which
is a great product for the holidays.

I am so glad you popped by today....
As I said earlier, we have SEVEN...
 SEVEN
brand new sets coming your way!

Make sure you stop over at the
because there's a great giveaway going on
for both of these sets.
Leave a comment here and
let me know
which of these 'sneak peek' sets is your 
favorite so far!

I'll see you again at Midnight PST TONIGHT
with TWO MORE PREVIEWS!


Gift Tags Project Recipe:
Designer Paper: Christmas Eve Chowder from Jillibean Soup
Stamps: Merry Best from The Craft's Meow
Tools:  Large Labels die from Spellbinders, Big Shot
Embellishments: Bakers Twine in Cappuccino & Blossom from The Twinery
Jewel brads from Making Memories


Happy Hoo-lidays Project Recipe:
Designer Paper: Foo-fa-la
Stamps: Happy Hoo-lidays from The Craft's Meow
Embellishments: Glitter Glue from Martha Stewart Crafts,
Flower Soft in Polar White, Copics

Sending Hugs



It's 'clean and simple' day here at The Open Window
because it's time for a new challenge at


The very talented Laura Davis has provided a
sketch for all of us this week over at 


This is probably one of
THE MOST
CAS cards I've ever done!
I love this set from Lawn Fawn stamps
called 'On the Mend'.
Lawn Fawn is this week's challenge sponsor.


The creative 'Girl Fridays' have worked their
magic once again and have a beautiful
line-up of inspiring cards to share over at
CAS-ual Fridays, so head on over, check out
their fabby creations and play along with us!

So very glad you stopped by!
I hope you'll take a moment and say hello.


Project Recipe: 
Stamps: On the Mend from Lawn Fawn
Tools:  Lacey Circles die from Spellbinders, Big Shot,
Scalloped Border punch from Fiskars 

Monday, October 24, 2011

Hello Fall! The Twinery Meets LYB!!



Happy Monday All!

I am really excited to share today with you as it is
the beginning of one creative week over at
The Twinery as several of our designers join
with the designers of Little Yellow Bicycle!
 I can't wait for you to see all the fall inspiration using
LYB's 'Hello Fall' collection and unique and fun ways
to use bakers twine from The Twinery.


I adore the acetate cut-outs from LYB and layering them
on this card really added to the texture of the embossed
background which was created using the 'Plants' EF
from QuicKuts.
The journal spot is connected in a fun way using
mini-brads and of course it's all tied together
with Mandarin & Cappuccino bakers twine.


Speaking of textures, this card is loaded with them.
I used our Buttercream bakers twine to 
outline the centers of the pear.


The focus of this card uses the 'Pear Vine' EF
and the gigantic pear Bigz die both from Sizzix/BasicGrey.
The beautiful designer paper from LYB is a perfect match
to the PTI 'Orange Zest' cardstock.
Top it off with LYB's Fabric Faves ribbon and you have
a sweet treat indeed.

Last but not least....


I for one cannot have too many owls this season
and this adorable guy is irresistable.


He & the banner he is perched on are also from
the 'Hello Fall' Fabric Faves.
What I love about this collection too is that the beautiful
die cut tree you see here, comes in a variety of sizes.
You'll find it on the 12 x 12 cardstocks for layouts
down to the small embellishments like you see here.

For this card, I intertwined The Twinery's
'Honeydew' & 'Cappuccino bakers twine and gave the
tree dimension.
I can always count on my Martha 'Icicle' punch to
create great grass, and I did that using cardstock 
and LYB's 'Delicious Autumn Text' DP.

All of these cards are PERFECT for the
CARDS Challenge, so I hope Paige likes them
and I will share them for the FALL CHALLENGE over at
Little Red Wagon.

Well...this is just a taste of what you will see 
each day this week over both 

You also have a wonderful opportunity to win prizes
from both companies and it's pretty easy to do.
There are only 3-4 blogs you need to visit each day.
When you do, make sure you leave a comment
and you'll be entered to win.
There are additional ways to have more opportunities
to win, so make sure you check that out on

Hope you enjoyed your visit!
I look forward to seeing you again soon!


Signs of Fall Project Recipe:
Tools:  Plants EF by QuicKutz, Big Shot
Fiskars Corner Rounder
Embellishments: Bakers Twine in Cappuccino & Mandarin from The Twinery
Journal Spot, Acetate Shapes, Banner sticker from Hello Fall Collection
all by Little Yellow Bicycle 

Sweet Pear Project Recipe: 
Cardstock: Orange Zest from PTI
Designer Paper:  Ivory Text, Delicious Autumn Text,
Harvest Rings, Sweater Weather from 'Happy Fall' Collection
all by Little Yellow Bicycle
Tools:  Pear Vine EF & Pear BIGZ die by Sizzix/BasicGrey, 
Big Shot, Fiskars Corner Rounder
Embellishments: Bakers Twine in Buttercream from The Twinery
Fabric Faves sticker from Hello Fall Collection
by Little Yellow Bicycle

Owl Happy Day Project Recipe: 
Cardstock: American Crafts
Tools:  Icicle border punch from Martha Stewart, Fiskars Corner Rounder
Embellishments: Bakers Twine in Cappuccino & Honeydew from The Twinery
Fabric Faves, Chipboard, Gems from Hello Fall Collection 
all by Little Yellow Bicycle

 

Friday, October 21, 2011

Thinking of You...


For the
CAS-ual Fridays Challenge



Hi everyone...I am back again with another fun
blog hop and as you might guess from the photo,
I am coming to you from The Twinery!

 

We are teaming up with the fun & fab girls of
If you've come here directly from The Twinery blog,
then you are on the right track.  If not, it's just
one blog back to get started on the hop!

There are some pretty amazing prizes up for grabs
to two lucky people, so make sure you leave a
comment on each of the blogs on the hop to be
eligible to win.  I'll share the prizes with you
in just a sec....


This is 'Blush Bonnie' from TGF...talk about FAB!
I colored her with Copics, dressed her up
with a little Pink Sorbet bakers twine
and she is ready for the dance!

The additional textures on this card were created
using Honeydew bakers twine, the notebook edge punch
from EK Success, my go-to EF 'Swiss Dots'
from Cuttlebug and the new
'Leaves & Swirls' EF from Sizzix.

So let's talk prizes!

One winner is going to get...


The Colorful Bunch Sampler from The Twinery

and one winner is going to get...


The entire November Release from TGF!

Make sure stop by each designer's blog,
and I'll cross my fingers for you!

In case you get lost, here is the list of
designers who are participating on the hop:

Julie Ranae <---you are here


Project Recipe: 
Designer Paper: Quite Contrary from My Mind's Eye
Stamps:  Blush Bonnie by The Greeting Farm  
Tools:  Swiss Dots EF by Cuttlebug, Leaves & Swirls EF by Sizzix, 
Big Shot, Copics
Embellishments: Bakers Twine in Pink Sorbet & Honeydew from The Twinery

You Color My World



Are you ready for a little somethin' Clean & Simple?


It's time to 'just add color' to your projects
and enter the new challenge at CAS-ual Fridays!


We are sponsored this week by Clear & Simple stamps
and I had a great time playing with the set called
'Craft Room'.  There were so many fab images to
choose from, but I couldn't resist the simple idea
of having spools of my favorite bakers twine
from The Twinery stacked up and ready to go.


As I said, we are sponsored by


and there are some exciting details over on
the CAS-ual Fridays blog, so make sure you pop
on by, see all the fab inspiration from our
Girl Fridays and play along.
When you check out the information there, you will
find there is a mobile phone app available
and each of our designers now have projects
featured there, exclusive to this week's challenge.

So glad you came by and I hope you have
been inspired to 'just add color'!


Project Recipe: 
Stamps:  Craft Room by Clear & Simple Stamps  
Tools:  Swiss Dots EF Cuttlebug/Provo Craft, Big Sho, Copics
Embellishments: Bakers Twine in Pink Sorbet, Denim & Lilac from The Twinery