First of all, please excuse the dark lighting in these photos. Tonight, three of the four bulbs in my overhead light decided to go out. Argh! And I was just at the store this afternoon, too! Had I known this was going to happen, I would have picked up some more bulbs. Such luck!
ANYWAY..... Crafty Secrets has a few new products and stamp sets releasing at CHA (the Crafty and Hobby Association summer convention). I was so excited the design team members were receiving this set early so we could create some samples for the big Crafty Secrets CHA booth! The set I used to create this card is called Mouse Party, and is full of adorable little vintage mouse images, sentiments, and accessories.
I love the detail of the Crafty Secrets stamps. The stamped images never disappoint! While I've read many times that using solvent inks (like StazOn) isn't recommended with clear stamps, I still do it. I know, I'm terrible. But I haven't had any issues with it, so I continue to do it. I almost always use black StazOn (or Timber Brown) and always get a clean, crisp image that I can watercolor. This little guy is so cute in his polka dot outfit. I decided to make it look like he is RACING to catch the balloons. Maybe they got away from him. Like birthdays. They tend to do that.
With channeled inspiration from my friend Denise, I decided to decorate the inside of this card. I rarely do this. But the front of the card was SO heavy, it really felt off balance. Adding the additional layers inside really helped even things out. And now it can actually stand up, and STAY up! Before I added the paper layers to the inside, the card would just slowly slump down to lay flat on the table. And cards are cute with decorated insides. Denise's technique is all the rage with stampers... for good reason! *grin*
Absolutely adorable. I have a thing for Crafty Secrets anyway. Can't wait to see the new releases!
Posted by: Lisa Hjulberg | June 21, 2009 at 01:07 PM
This is so cute! Love that coloring!!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | June 20, 2009 at 04:07 PM
Adorable mouse!
Posted by: Carol Dee | June 20, 2009 at 02:33 PM
Adorable mouse and fabulous card, Anna! Hey, when you replace those light bulbs -- do one every few days ... then maybe they won't all go out at once next time! ;-)
Posted by: Sharon Harnist | June 20, 2009 at 05:24 AM
Love your watercoloring, those escaping balloons, and the 'eek! eek!' How cute! Love the background paper with that gingham ribbon too!
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | June 19, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Your card is just too cute!
Posted by: Erika M | June 19, 2009 at 05:49 PM
Oh my - this is the cutest. Love seeing your stuff Anna!
Posted by: Carla | June 19, 2009 at 04:19 PM
¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤~~ SOOOoooooooooooooooooooooooo cute Anna ~~¤¤¤¤¤¤¤¤
I adore the old-fashioned feel this image has, along with your gifted and stunning watercolouring.
And I always appreciate seeing how the inside of a card is finished ... sometimes that is the hardest part for me, as I pour all my creativity in to the front :)
Posted by: Robb_eeie | June 19, 2009 at 02:05 PM
This is to die for. Absolutely love what you have done with this image
Posted by: Justine | June 19, 2009 at 12:35 PM
Oh my he is really adorable!!! Your card is just gorgeous!
HUGS
MichelleO
Posted by: MichelleO | June 19, 2009 at 11:06 AM
Oh how sweet! I love "vintage" stamps and what an adorable mouse. You've done this image proud.
Posted by: Ida | June 19, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Adorable card, as usual. You have such a great eye for watercoloring...fabulous!
Posted by: Tricia | June 19, 2009 at 09:53 AM
OH he is so cute and love how youve set him on the card with the balloons etc...
Posted by: Myra | June 19, 2009 at 09:06 AM
Anna, I just love your style, and especially your watercoloring. You always know just where to leave the right amount of white space.
Posted by: Jessica Canham | June 19, 2009 at 08:28 AM
Adorable!! Sweet images and your coloring is fabulous!
Posted by: Cindy H. | June 19, 2009 at 08:22 AM
Anna,
How adorable! I really dig the way the top balloon floats beyond the border.
Love the way you watercolor!! I have to go read your tutorial again and practice some more!! :o)
Take care and STAY POSITIVE!!
Posted by: Trena in Naperville | June 19, 2009 at 08:10 AM
this card is so stinkin sweet Anna. The image, the card layout, the colors. It would make a skunk swoon!!!
LOVE IT!!!
Posted by: Erika Taylor | June 19, 2009 at 08:06 AM
AAAAAACCCCKKKKK!!! This is adorable! I adore your vintage watercoloring on the ground and grass. Your vintage look is incredibly realistic. I think the "dust" from this "old" card is even making my nose tickle. Yup, it's settled, you just sold me on this Crafty Secrets mouse set!
Posted by: Gabriela (Gabi With An Eye) | June 19, 2009 at 06:05 AM
Beautiful card!!! Love the coloring and the little balloon off the side is cute!
Posted by: Kim Howard | June 19, 2009 at 06:01 AM
He's so sweet! I love the balloon floating off the top edge! Adorable :)
Posted by: Dotty | June 19, 2009 at 05:47 AM