~Christmas Greetings~

It feels like this week has crept up so quickly! It could have something to do with the fact that there is almost no snow on the ground, or the fact that the temperature has stayed at an unusually pleasant level...Or it could be because this year was so busy that I haven't had much of a chance to catch up with time...

Whatever it may be, I am glad that the Season's festivities are upon us!

I am looking forward to the family time, the yummy food, and a little break.

It will be just what the doc prescribed :) 

I have several projects to show you today, so bear with me!

First up, I have some cards and a decorated box created with Webster's Pages products!

I know these are unusual colors for the holidays, but every once in a while, I really like to switch it up! 

Besides, with a few birthdays that linger around this time of year, I have a feeling that these wintery, all-occasion cards & box will come in handy!

I've used a combination of Western Romance and Country Estate.

I say it time and time again, and I really do love just how well all of Webster's papers coordinate so nicely together! If you are anything like me, you probably have a pile of papers (that go waaaaay back) and although the prospect of yummy new designs can derail you from you using these old beauties, it is always nice to go back and use up some of that 'stash! I love that Webster's inspires me to do this. Every time I look at one of their new papers, I always think of how lovely they will look with a paper from one of their previous collections! And it never seems to fail :)

For the cards I've used this paper, the gorgeous Western Romance journalling cards, fabric tickets, sparklers, and beautiful snowflake dies by MFT Stamps! 

The lovely roses on the cards and on the little box, as well as the shiny little pearls, are both by Prima. 

Next up, I have a couple of decorated tins I wanted to show you! I got my inspiration from one of my favourite artists, Melissa Phillips. If you know her work, you will know that it is truly one of a kind. 

I wanted to use up some old Christmas tins I had, but wanted to give them a new life, so I took a page from Melissa's book and decided to spray paint them. 

Originally, they were to be used to package up treats for my sweet friends, however, I realized after packing one up, that the smell of spray paint doesn't seem to ease up over time...So all of the goodies ended up smelling like chemically-laden baked goods... 

So I opted for plan B - and forgot to photograph, of course - but I think my second option was a much better solution for the little gifts. 

I still wanted to show you the tins, which will hopefully get their fair share of Christmas action - I plan to stuff them with non-edible gifts :)

Thank you for bearing with my long post today. I won't be back until after the holidays, so I wish you all the very Merriest Christmas and a joyous holiday season with all of your loved ones!

Many Season's Greetings,

*Ivana*

~Once Upon a Sketch~

Back again at OUAS, showing off another beautiful sketch! I loved working with this sketch design!
So here's what I've come up with! 

Another card, using some lovely papers and a few other toppings. I've stamped a few images like the beautiful sentiment from this Dylusions set, and a the lovely doilies from this MME stamp.

The stringed beads and little cherub are a craft store find. The beautiful note paper and blue flower are by Prima.

You can visit the Once Upon a Sketch blog for a picture of the sketch, more fabulous ideas from the extremely talented Design Team, and how you can play along!!!

It's already the 18th! Can you believe it!?
Are you counting down the days until Christmas?
I know I am! :)

*Ivana*

~Tags with Webster's!~

Stopping in quickly tonight to share a tag created with the lovely free Webster's Pages tags you can find and  download on the Webster's Pages website right now!
You can also visit the Webster's Pages blog, where we feature fantastic projects each day to showcase many ways of how to use your fave WP products.

The tag I've created today is a combination of a few of my fave Webster's items!

I've added to the tag a few Storyteller Alphas, along with a few beautiful sparklers! I love working with both of these beautiful treasures because they are so easily altered. 

I added liquid pearls to the sparklers and throughout the tag...

And some white paint (to unify all the letters that started out with slightly different colors) and a pinch of glitter!

This tag came together so quickly and it is a perfect addition to any present!

Find more lovely inspiration on the Webster's Pages blog :)

*Ivana*

~Dusty Attic and Webster's Pages Swap!~
(**Please scroll down a couple of posts for the TCM blog hop**)

Hi Ladies (& any gents that might be visiting)! 

Stopping in today quickly to post something that is long overdue!

You know life is getting away from you when you are posting projects weeks after their debut! lol 

This is a creation I did a while back using a lovely combination of products from Dusty Attic and from Webster's Pages.  I love doing product swaps :) Most of my projects are created from a collection of goodies, and it is nice to swap with purpose and get to do so for DT layouts!

Also, this is a picture of my niece and myself, taken in the autumn,and I had been wanting to scrap it for some time now. The beautiful laser cut chipboard from Dusty Attic had me in LOVE with all the possibilities and I felt inspired to create a layout. I thought of this picture instantly!

Although not my colors, I decided to give the palette a whirl...What do you think?

It could have been worse, right? Just kidding!

I figure there is still enough white, lace and florals to make me smile :)

Here is a close up of all the layers...

I used a Maya Road mini wood ruler (and I added some white paint to lighten the surface slightly).
The Dusty Attic chipboard piece was painted with a lovely shade of green from a Jenni Bowlin paint dabber
and the beautiful doily die cut is form this gorgeous set, made by My Favorite Things. Their die collection is fantastic...So many cute designs to choose from!

The stamped floral images are from this Glitz stamp set, and the stamped numbers are from a 7 Gypsies set that I adore! It is all about numbers..How cute!

All other items on this page are from Webster's Pages. I mixed in several collections including Winter Fairy Tales, Botanical Christmas, and Western Romance.
I've added in some Sparklers, Storyteller Alphas, and lovely Fabric Trim.

Today I am feeling a bit under the weather...But that can't stop me from doing all that I have planned.
I've got the perfect batch of sugar cookies (a dear friend's recipe!) waiting in the fridge, many cards and Christmas projects to make, and some last minute Christmas shopping to do.

I hope you all have a lovely (and crafty!) day,

*Ivana*

~Webster's Pages C&S DT Call!!!~
(and a chance to win some TCM stamps!)

*If you are here for the TCM Blog Hop, please scroll down to the next post!*

I know for all of you Webster's enthusiasts like me, you have probably been waiting ALL year for this announcement...and now the time is here!!!
I encourage anyone who loves Webster's Pages and the beautiful product line to apply today and join THE most amazing DT group (if I might say so myself :) in the paper crafting industry!

As you all know, this past year, I had the opportunity to be on the Webster's design team and it has been an incredible experience! 

From the exemplary leadership to the support, encouragement and unmatched inspiration of all the girls and especially Brandin...This team was a pure joy to be a part of!

If this sounds like something you might be interested in, then I urge you to give it a shot!!!

Here are all the details and you can learn more on the Webster's Pages Blog!  

What we’re looking for:

Scrapbookers, papercrafters and card makers who 1. LOVE Webster’s Pages 2. Will help promote Webster’s Pages through their work, as well as through social media including a personal blog, InspireMe, Facebook & Twitter. 3. Love to share their ideas to help inspire others to create beautiful and simple projects.

International designers are welcome to apply.

Specific requirements and compensation details are provided upon invitation to the team.  However we would like to mention that regular creation of projects and online participation are requirements for this team, and compensation is provided through a generous amount of product as well as monetary compensation for hard copy published items and trade show/advertising assignments. The term will be until the end of 2012.

Please note that Webster’s Pages Design Team members will be limited to being on no more than 3 paper manufacturing teams total.

To apply send an email to wpdt@websterspages.com with the following information:

• Provide a one or two paragraph biographical statement telling us a little bit about you and your scrapbook experience including any publication history, design team experience, teaching experience (in stores and/or online), etc.
• Explain in one paragraph why you would be a great addition to the Webster’s Pages design team.
• Include a link to any online galleries you participate on (please include your user name and make sure that online galleries do not have a login requirement) and your blog (if you have one).
• Attach a scan or photograph of 3 layouts or projects that you feel best represent your style. Images must be no larger than 600x600 px. Using Webster’s Pages is always welcome but not required.
• Please include your name, address, phone number and email address. Confirmation emails will NOT be sent. Notifications will be made by email or telephone in January.
• Applications must be received by December 31st.

At Webster’s Pages, we value our Design Team. They are an extension of our family, and we have a very harmonious group. We continue to grow and expand and we’d love to share our excitement with you. If you have any questions on applying, please send an email to wpdt@websterspages.com with subject QUESTION.

We can’t wait to see what you come up with! Good luck and Happy Creating! 

Good luck to everyone applying!!! 

And before I go, I also have some fun news to share! Today, over at Moxie Fab World, there is a very special feature....With TCM stamps!!! Head over there right now for your chance to win some beautiful stamp sets!!!

*Ivana*

~TCM Blog Hop!~

Welcome to our blog hop! If you've just arrived from Debbie's blog, then you are in the right place!

If not, you can simply start at the TCM blog and join us right from the beginning! 

There is a complete list of links on the TCM blog so you can easily find your way :)

We have so many beautiful creations to share with you - and I am sure that you've already seen some wonderful inspiration from the girls...

Before we get started (and before I show you my card), I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to stop by my lil blog for a visit and leave such wonderfully kind comments :) 

I appreciate you all so very dearly!

Without further ado, here's the card I created using one of my fave stamps from this release!

(I have to apologize for my dreadful pics - I only had time to photograph after work today, and for anyone that lives around this part of the world - you know that by the time I get home - it's already dark!...But I really hope you get the picture of what it's supposed to look like:)

If you visit my blog often, you will notice that I like to pick a color palette and play with it in different ways for several cards at a time. It is especially nice to do this if I decide to give away any of my cards as sets...They match so perfectly and allow me to use up any scraps I might have.

For this card, I used the Winterland collection once again, and a few other little items from my stash...

I had an old chipboard heart (that was a veeeeery bright pink color) which I painted white and distressed. I stumbled across some cute pink flowers while cleaning up my scrappy space a while back and thought they worked perfectly on this card!

Of course the star of the show is the lovely stamp which is from the 'Sent with Love' stamp set :)

That's it for me today, but before I go,
I thought you might like to see some of the beautiful artwork of our new stamps, so here it is!

Of course, these are just a part of the release, and to see all the sets, you can visit the TCM blog!

Be sure to leave us comments for your chance to win all of these sets!!!

Before you head back to the TCM blog, you might want to continue on with the blog hop and the next stop on the hop is  Iwona's blog! 

Thank you so much for joining me today :) 

*Ivana*

~Warm Winter Wishes~

Just when I think I could not fall more in love with TCM stamps, another darling set finds its way into my heart!
'Warm Winter Wishes' is our feature stamp set today and it is every bit as adorable and wonderful as it sounds!

Here's my card

I don't know what's cuter - the adorable little mittens, or the steamy, hearty cup...Or how about the heartfelt sentiments, snowflakes, scarves and hats...Ahhh it is all just too sweet for words!

I've used very few other items on this card...I loved playing with the stamps way too much!

Just a bit of paper from FP's Winterland collection, and a whole lot of stamping!

There are tons more beautiful creations waiting for you at the TCM blog, and if you leave a comment today, you could win this awesome stamp set!

Tomorrow is our blog hop...Yes, this means we will be revealing all the stamp artwork!!! Not to mention the incredible chances to win and all the inspiration from the talented DT!

Hope you'll join us!

*Ivana*

~All You Need is Love~

Welcome to Day Three of the TCM stamp previews! 

Oh what a lovely set we have for you today :)

 Packed with sweet words and images...I am so excited to add this to my stamp collection!

 I think you will be too :)

Here's my card with just a little peek of all the beauty that this stamp features!

Soft, subtle tones of this Fancy Pants collection, work perfectly with the love-y sentiments and hearts in this set.

I used this Martha Stewart punch and a handmade crinkled ribbon bow...

The key I used was coated in a crackle paint...I just love the instant age it adds!

For more inspiration using the 'All You Need Is Love' stamp set, check out the TCM blog and also leave a comment - you could win this stamp set by doing so!

Join me back here tomorrow for our final day of previews!

*Ivana*

~A New Year~

Hi Everyone! I am here to share my creation for Day Two of The Craft's Meow stamp previews!

Today's featured set is entitled "Happy New Year" and is a wonderful collection of images and sentiments. 

Here's the card I've created using the fantastic stamps

I love making New Years cards...I always have a tough time finding stamps and papers for this holiday that is so lovingly celebrated by my family back home...Every now and then, I like to send a card, and this one will be perfect! And given that it is only the beg. of December...It might even reach my Nona in time!

I've used a few more of the lovely Fancy Pants Winterland papers....A beautiful mini vintage ornament star, and a few other embellies like the perfect lil button (also by Fancy Pants) and teensy little silver stars.

For more beautiful creations, check out the TCM blog for all the links and be sure to leave a comment for a chance to win this set!

See you tomorrow!

*Ivana*

~Sending Smiles~

Hi everyone! I want to show off two cards I've just created using my new Craft's Meow stamps!

We've held off the previews a little bit this time around, so today we are officially starting to show sneaks of the upcoming stamp artwork! The first card I have for you was created with one of my fave releases to date...A stamp set called 'Lovely Labels'. It is so versatile and fun to use! I think you will love it!

Here is a close up of the stamped images I have layered on this card...

On this card, I've used Fancy Pants Winterland paper, a heart resin embellishment and a Prima flower.

It's not your typical card, in that it does not flip open...Instead, I've created a pocket at the back to stuff with lovely little tags and messages...

For the second card, I've used the 'Sent With Love' stamp set from The Craft's Meow.

Along with more pretty Fancy Pants paper.

I love the sentiments in this set...So sweet and thoughtful!

Don't you just adore that font? This set is packed with other yummy sayings like this one!

I have a busy day of designing and Christmas shopping today. Are you all ready for the holidays?
My goal is to have everything done by the 10th...Only a week away.
I guess I better get going if I want to stick to my plan!

Hope you'll join me tomorrow for day two of the previews!

*Ivana*