Waltzingmouse Sketch #71

It's Saturday...
yea!!!
And you know what every Saturday brings...
another challenge from Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge!
I love Saturdays.

And this week we have another fabulous sketch from the uber talented Kelly Schirmer...

I loved this sketch when I first saw it...
couldn't wait for this one!
I had so many ideas for it...
then I realized I should have my new stamps from the latest Waltzingmouse release and totally scrapped every idea and focused on using some of my new stamps.
Worked out colors...
ribbon...
accents...
even went and bought some Perfect Pearls just for this one too.
It was gorgeous!
Too bad you won't see it...
at least not this week.

Last week it was official that I love plaid...
and that's honestly the truth...
because I really do...
this week it's official that...
my mailman hates me.
I still don't have my new ones...
I think he's holding them for ransom.

And please tell me that I am not the only one out there who gets very dug in about an idea and sometimes just can't seem to vary that idea even though circumstances become out of your control.
My husband says it's because I'm stubborn...
I disagree.
I say it's just because I'm...
me.
*giggle*

So I gave my mailman every opportunity to get them to me before I did this card...
waited until the last possible moment in hopes that he would deliver...
but had to finally admit defeat this week and pulled this together quickly using Claire's gorgeous A Cottage Christmas.

I did want to keep it clean and simple...
one that can be pulled together in just minutes because...
well...
we've discussed this issue I have before...
December 23rd?
And what I'm usually doing that day?
I made my own little chipboard snowflake...
but it needed jingle bells...
I love jingle bells!
But for mailing they will have to disappear...
or go into a padded envie...
I'll decide when the moment arrives!
I still used my new Perfect Pearls though...
I'm so in love with them...
have you tried them...
I'm warning you now that I'll be using these a lot this Holiday season...
I bought all the colors!!



OK...
hopefully your mailman loves you and you got your new goodies...
and now you can put them to use joining us in this fabby sketch challenge this week!
Head over to Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge blog to see all the gorgeous creations my fellow Mischief Makers have got for you to feast your eyes upon...
and you could win the stamp set of your choice just for participating...
one lucky winner every week!


The Details:
Cardstock: PTI Pinefeather, Ocean Tides, Vintage Cream
Stamps: Waltzingmouse A cottage Christmas
Ink: Perfect Medium
Dies: PTI Edger's #1
Misc: Perfect Pearls, ribbon. jingle bells

It's Official...

I'm addicted.
To plaid.
OK...
I've always loved plaid...
any plaid...
blame it on my young obsession with The Bay City Rollers...

see what I mean?
Only they could mix plaid and stripes and get away with it...
right?
OK...
that and the fact that it was the 70's...
not the best fashion era.
But I love plaid...
bold...

soft...

small...

holiday...

dishes...

luggage...

the most famous plaid of all...

I love plaid...
always have...
always will.

And because it's Saturday...

http://waltzingmousesketchchallenge.blogspot.com/

and time for this weeks Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge...
this one from the fabulous Kelly Schirmer...

And since I've been seeing plaid ever since the mailman decided to be late last week...
though it could be argued that I may not have been graced with the virtue of patience...
I may have gotten carried away with playing around with making my own plaid paper...
I couldn't help it.
I was having fun!
*giggle*
And the fact that Claire makes it so easy with her incredible Off Beat Backgrounds set...
when the mailman showed up with Bountiful Baskets Additions...
I was able to use it all for this weeks sketch...

Think of all the possibilities with this...
you can stamp and customize not only your own backgrounds for cards...
scrapbooks...
but your own wallpaper...
your own fabric!
Curtains...
pillows...
linens...
I even offered to make love-of-my-life some plaid pants...
he said "no".
Fuddy dud.


But enough of my obsessions...
now it's time for you to head over to the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge blog and check out all the gorgeous cards my fellow Makers of Mischief have come up with...
we can't wait to see what you come up with!
And just for participating...
one lucky person will be drawn to receive the stamp set of their choice!
So what are you waiting for...
come on and play!


The Details:
Cardstock: PTI Vintage Cream, Terracotta Tile, Scarlett Jewel
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Off Beat Backgrounds, Bountiful Basket Additions
Ink: SU, Momento, Copics
Dies: Spellbinders, PTI Skateboard and Doily Details
Misc: PTI button and linen twine, seam binding

4 of a Kind

It's October...
and time for another 4 of a Kind with the fabby Cathy at Empty Nest Crafter, Joyce at Cards-By-the-Sea and Kim at Cupcakes, Cards and Kim.
This month Joyce was in charge of kits...
and she sent so many goodies...
I actually got 2 cards done for this one!
And goodies left over!
Yea!!
She used PTI's Up, Up and Away...
which I don't own so it was a lot of fun for me to get to use a set that I've never used before.
Now I understand why this set is so popular.
And this is where I should be showing you a shot of everything the kit contained...
the kit that I could have sworn I took a couple of photos of...
but somehow they disappeared.
We'll blame it on the kids...
they'll never know!
*giggle*
So instead I'll show you finished cards...
and hope that Joyce remembered to take a shot of the goodies!

I didn't add anything but some coloring and the card base to this one.

And just some more coloring, button and base to this one!

Each month I've gotten my kit...
it's been like Christmas Eve...
ripping into packages to see what's in there...
what set are we working with...
I've loved each one!
And next month...
it's my turn!!

Now it's time for you to hop over to Joyce, Cathy and Kim's blogs to check out the ideas they came up with  using all the kit goodies!


*Note...I'm also entering this into Jen's Paper Dolls Challenge using twine!  I'm going to get caught up eventually!

It's The Great Pumpkin...

and it's time to Waltz.
Blog Waltz that is...

Every 17th Waltzingmouse hosts it's monthly inspiring Blog Waltz...

and guess what today is?
Yup!
You guessed it!
I'm dancing today, baby...
*giggle*

Now before I show you what I came up with...
did you get everything you wanted Saturday?
Were you as awed, inspired, amazed as I was at Claire's stunningly gorgeous images...
and did the DT cause you to gasp and pass out like I did?
I think this was the best release ever...
everyone just exceeded all creative boundaries with this one!
Loved every moment...
now I'm getting geared up to start stalking the mailman!
*giggle*

And speaking of the mailman...
he was late with a package last week.
Not really...
but he didn't bring it when I felt like he should...
and we all know that he should be on my schedule and not his...
right?
And since this particular package had a set in there that I was hoping to use for today...
well...
I had to get a little creative since I knew time was short.
With the theme being Thanksgiving/Thankful...
isn't Claire the sweetest for including American Holidays...
I wanted to make a Thanksgiving card...
and there are just certain visual things that are associated with our Thanksgiving...
turkey's, pumpkins, cornucopias...
you get the idea.
Now to be quite honest...
it's not my favorite Holiday.
I love being with family...
that's my favorite part...
and I like turkey...
love a lot of the various foods...
but I'm not a big eater.
You wouldn't know it to look at me...
but I'm really more of a nibbler.
Unless it's chocolate...
and we will not discuss what kind of hurt I can put on chocolate.
Or cake.
Or pie.
Can you tell that I might possibly be an "eat dessert first" kind of person...
*giggle*


So the mailman was late and I had to get creative...
and I did this all by myself!

OK...
I lied.
The Cricut actually cut the pumpkin...
I failed scissor cutting in kindergarten.
But I stamped it all by myself!
*giggle*
I used Waltzingmouse Offbeat Patterns to create this "country pumpkin".
Love the mix of different patterns in this set...
polka dots...
checks...
grid...
and look at that plaid!
I made it just by using different colors of ink with the double line stamp that's included!
And then a little Waltzingmouse Say It Loud Winter Holiday for the sentiment...
I know...
it's speaks softly...
I tried to use that big, gorgeous Blessings stamp...
only my pumpkin was too big.
I may have gotten a little carried away with the sizing.
But I think this lends a little elegance to my "country" though...
what do you think?

I've had that green corrugated paper forever.
Seriously...
years!
Bought it for something long before I even discovered cardmaking...
and since I seem to buy almost everything in bulk...
have quite a little stash...
and have just been waiting for a chance to use it!
A little faux stitching...
by the time I realized it needed a little stitching it was already assembled and glued...
so don't look close!...
I also failed penmanship.
But a little lace and a bow...
viloa!
A Country Thanksgiving!

Now...
would you care to join me in Waltzing off to see all the other inspirational projects that I know are waiting for us to feast upon?
You can find all the details here!

OH!  And BTW...
the mailman brought my package on Friday...
after I finished my card on Thursday.


The Details:
Cardstock: PTI Vintage Cream
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Offbeat Patterns, Say it Loud Winter Holiday
Die: PTI double ended banner
Ink: Momento and SU
Misc: pumpkin SVG myscrapchick.com, seam binding, button, corrugated paper, lace, bling

Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge #69

Happy Saturday everyone!
This is going to be such a great day...
so many exciting, wonderful things going on!
By the time most of you read this...
I will be waiting to hear...
then meet...
Erin Morgenstern...
author of the highly reviewed...
much anticipated The Night Circus...

Every year...
The Women's National Book Association hosts a "Breakfast With the Author" at the Southern Festival of Books...
which takes place every October here in Nashville.
Past years have seen me meeting Elizabeth Strout...
right before she won the Pulitzer for Olive Kittredge.
And then the following year saw me meeting Katherine Stockett...
yes...
the Katherine Stockett...
of The Help.
I was sick last year and had to miss the chance to meet Audrey Niffenegger...
but some friends did take my copy of The Time Traveler's Wife to have it signed for me...
I love The Time Traveler's Wife...
one of my all time favorite books...
so it was a little disappointing to not be able to meet her.
But this is something I look forward to every year...
love my book festival!

And then...
I will have to hurry home because we know what else is happening today...
yes...
Waltzingmouse release...
YEA!!!
I can't wait!
Have you been oogling...
maybe even losing consciousness a few times...
over all the gorgeously, stunning eye candy Claire and the DT have given us this week?
EEEKKK!!!!
I die!
And don't worry if you've missed some of the action...
just head over to Claire's blog here and you'll be able to get caught up in all the excitement too!
Believe me...
this is a release you don't want to miss!

So a very exciting day!
And to kick it all off...
something that makes each Saturday exciting...
another fabby sketch challenge from the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog...
and the amazingly talented Claire...

How fun is this one?
OK...
in all honesty...
I was a little nervous at first glance...
but once I started working on it...
I had fun!
And now that I've done this one...
I actually have a few other ideas to try with it too...
so a super great challenge!
Here's what I did...

OK...
I took the sketch literally...
and I don't know if it actually shows in the photos very well...
but her hat is old...
twisted...
wrinkled...
faded...
her lace is dirty...
torn...
but with blood red jewels adorning her crown...
this is a witch with style.
A witch who knows...
you can be down and out...
the weight of the world on your shoulders...
but as long as your hair looks good...
you'll get through!
*giggle*
And I did use red with this card...
not the traditional orange of Halloween...
the paper is from Graphics 45 Alice line...
and there are little touches of red in the paper...
so hence the red ribbon...
red sentiment...
and red bling.

OK...
it's time for you to get your style on and jump over to the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog and check out what all my fellow Mischief Makers have created...
and join in the fun!
We can't wait to see what you create...
and remember...
someone will win a stamp set of their choice every week for playing along!
And make sure you check out Claire's blog for all the details on the yummy goodies releasing today...
seriously...
you don't want to miss this one!
Claire has managed to exceed all creative levels with these new sets...
they're stunning!
Such a happy, happy day...
and I'll see you there!


The Details:
Cardstock: PTI True Black, Rustic Cream
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Hocus Pocus
Patterned Paper: Graphics 45
Ink: SU, Momento
Dies: Spellbinders Classic Oval, Labels #4
Misc: bling, lace, seam binding, button

Paper Dolls Challenge...

what number is this?
*giggle*
Can you tell we've all been a little busy...
and kind'a let some challenges pass us by?
I think we've all been through a lot lately...
kids...
family...
work...
remodels...
some life altering events...
we've had some full plates the last few months.
So I'm going to try my best to get us all back on track!
The "experts" say the best way to get some creative juices flowing...
finding your mojo...
is to CASE someone...
so that's exactly what I'm going to challenge everyone to this week.
And my target...
the woman who sees the world through rainbow colored glasses...
whose talent with color combos awe and inspire...
the one...
the only...
Dawn McVey.

So the challenge is to go over to her inspiring blog...
My Favorite Things...
spend some time...
like you don't already ;) ...
and find a card of hers that delights...
inspires...
and then CASE!

Now I chose the card I did because it sold me on this set last month.
It was already on my radar...
bleep...bleep...bleep...
but this card zeroed in on the target...
and BOOM!
Mine.

http://www.dawnmcvey.typepad.com/

Why did this card sell me on the set?
Because when you are still making cards on December 23rd...
like someone who shall remain nameless...
*giggle*...
you want something...
quick...
easy...
and what is easier than this?
A CAS one layer card that can be popped into the mail and onto it's destination in minutes...
so that way at least the postmark reads that it was mailed before December 25th...
and in a particular person's world...
that means you're early!
*giggle*

So here's what I did...

I changed the colors just a bit...
because...
not including my musical tastes...
I'm a very traditional kind of girl.
Though in real life...
I'm actually a white light girl...
but white doesn't show up too well on white so...
I went with traditional colored bulbs...
red, green, orange, yellow and blue.
And then I used my fave sentiment from the set...
and in mere minutes...
viola!
That's all it took to create this.
Perfect for those annoying people...
who shall remain nameless...
that wait until the last minute to start working on their Christmas cards.

So show me your best Dawn McVey...
and then head over to the PTI Paper Dolls blog...
and link up your creation with the linky provided at the bottom of the post!


The Details:
All supplies PTI unless noted
Cardstock: Stamper's Select
Stamps: Holiday Lights
Ink: SU, Momento

See This Woman...

I am not her.
See this guy...

he wishes I was.
He loves her.
And he's convinced that he should have been born to her.
Why?
It happened over mac and cheese.
She had him from that moment on.
Apparently she doesn't serve the blue box.
And every Saturday after the revelation of mac and cheese...
we would sit down to watch Pioneer Woman...
aka Ree Drummond...
aka the woman that has stolen my son's heart...
and stomach...
on Food Network.
Seriously...
10:30 am...
we were glued to the tv...
so was love-of-my-life-man-that-I-married...
asking if I was taking notes.
Maybe I should have listened when mama said food was the way to a man's heart.
*giggle*

Now...
I have tried to convince my guy that Ree and I are not so different...
here is a list I have compiled of some of our similarities...

* both of our names start with "Ree"
* we are both redheads
* we are both married to men
* we both have 4 children...
    2 girls...
    2 boys.
* she lives on a cattle ranch...
   I grew up on a farm with cattle...
   which is where I learned I'm actually scared of them.
* we both love movies
* we both love movie quotes
* we are both geeks...
due to the fact that we can both quote Lord of the Rings movies...
which I couldn't do until my early 30's when I discovered I was a geek while trapped inside on the couch   by the heat of a Southern July while severely preggers and love-of-my-life wanted to watch said movie and    since I refused to leave the comfort of my 60 degree air conditioning and 100 mile an hour winds blowing directly onto my severely preggers body by my industrial strength fan...I was forced to watch said movie...
and that is when I realized there were hot men in said movie...
one of which is now on my future husband list...
complete with costume.
* we both love butter.
* and chocolate.
* and just food in general.
* we're both scared of snakes
* we both love our hubs...
   and our children.

Our differences...

* I am not a natural redhead
* her butt is smaller than mine
* she's taller than me
* she married a cowboy...
   I married a yankee.
* her husband has a booty...
  (I'm not really looking...but she posts it for everyone to see)
  mine requires a wallet on each side to mimic the effect of a booty
  (DON'T tell him I said that!)
 Good thing I fell for his eyes.
*she does not have the eating habits of a 3 year old...
  she allows her food to mingle...
  I demand divided plates.
* she has really cool cooking utensils
* she actually cooks
* she apparently doesn't serve her kids the "blue box"

I'm sure if I thought hard on this...
I could come up with more similarities...
and most definitely more differences...
and even though I know my guy loves me...
I also know that he has been made aware...
and will someday judge his future wife not against me...
the woman who gave him life...
fed him...
changed him...
nurtured him...
watched him grew into the man he will someday become...
but instead...
his future wife will have to answer one question...

Is it real...
or is it "blue"?

Thanks Pioneer Woman!

Catching Up With Dinky

See this guy?

I love him.
I love him so much sometimes I feel like I can't breathe because there's so much love inside that my lungs literally can't work the way they're supposed to...
that there's just not enough space.
I feel like this every time I look at any one of my kids...
that there's just not enough space inside to hold it all.
And yet...
they are my breath.
The very reason I do breathe.

Dinky almost killed me yesterday.

Literally.

My heart stopped.

I was that scared.

No...
no falls, cuts, bruises or blood...
none of that was involved.
In fact...
he was asleep when he almost killed me.
He never knew he almost woke up to his mama lying on the floor...
dead.

Why?
Because he has been told not to play with scissors...
a rule that he totally ignores if he happens upon a pair of safety scissors...
because he uses those at school...
and in his world...
there's no difference.

He's been told not to ever play with scissors...
even safety's...
not because I want him to grow up not knowing how to use them...
but because he uses them so well.
Nothing is safe if he has scissors.
Nothing.
Important papers...
homework...
and don't even get me started on my paper and ribbon...
nothing!
Sometimes my floor will look like a New York City street after a ticker tape parade when he's had scissors...
he's not smart enough to destroy the evidence yet.

But apparently he may be gaining intelligence.

Yesterday...
while grabbing a load of clothes to toss in the wash...
I turned around and saw something moving...
very rapidly...
coming straight at me.
I screamed...
very loudly.
I was pretty sure I was going to die...
that the thing rushing at me...

was a rabid mouse.

My heart stopped.

Literally.

I couldn't breathe.

And then...
it was gone...
no longer rushing me.

I looked down to discover that the rabid mouse that caused my heart to stop and I almost died was in fact actually...

a piece of ribbon.

A piece of sheer ribbon.
My Christmas ribbon.
The ribbon that Dinky has been told numerous times to leave alone because it is my Christmas ribbon (I always buy at the end of season for the following year so apparently it's been tempting the guy for months).
He had cut it...
into little pieces...
and hidden it in a laundry basket.
Where when I grabbed clothes out to toss in the wash...
a tiny sliver of thread that had become unraveled was grabbed and I trailed this ribbon through the house to the laundry room where upon tossing into the wash it apparently propelled the ribbon into light speed and when I turned I saw a rabid mouse rushing at me and I was preparing to meet my maker.

In my defense...
it was early.
I had not fully consumed enough coffee to actually have been operating a washing machine...
much less was I prepared to deal with rabid mice.

I love this guy...

And because of that...
I think I'll keep him.

But I need new Christmas ribbon.

Christmas Greetings

Yes...
you read right.
Christmas Greetings.
I know.
It's Halloweeny time!
Don't ask...
it's a song love-of-my-life-man-that-I-married came up with for the kids years ago...
and well...
I can't explain how that man's mind works so...
we'll just go with Halloweeny time...
*giggle*

But yet...
if it's Halloweeny time...
why I am doing Christmas?
Because it's Saturday...
it's a long weekend...
the kids are on break...
the weather is gorgeous...
and it's time for another Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge...
why else?
*giggle*

I loved this weeks sketch when I first saw it...
another uber fabby one from Claire...

and this is my take on it...

A classic Christmas.
Red, green and white.
I truly believe the sentiments from Compliments of the Season are my absolute fave...
the fonts Claire used on this set are stunning...
and I can just never get enough of them.
And then paired with her gorgeous Big Blooms Poinsettia...
*sigh*.
And since the room is now done...
I'm wanting to put up my Christmas tree...
and yes...
I asked...
he said "no"...
but it's going to be perfect in front of the windows and I can already see it...
and for the record I am an artificial tree person because even though I love real trees...
I can't wait till December to put one up...
mine will be up the first Saturday in November.
But love-of-my-refuses to decorate the exterior till Thanksgiving weekend...
he's the fuddy dud who always rains on my Christmas parade...
*giggle*
Seriously...
I'm ready to start bringing the decorations down...
putting on some Christmas tunes...
Elton John's "Step Into Christmas" kicks me off in the Holiday spirit every year...
and then a little Chevy Chase in "Christmas Vacation"...
Will Farrell in "Elf"...
and we can't leave Ralphie from this Norman Rockwell Christmas scene...
*giggle*
So yes...
I'm getting geared up for Christmas...
Christmas Greetings!

Now...
it's time for you to go check out all the gorgeous eye candy my fellow Makers of Mischief have for you over at the Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog...
and while you're there...
go take a peeksy at Claire's blog to see some sneaks of a special release this month...
I'm already in love...
*sigh*
And then play with us!
You could win a stamp of your choice just for playing along...
one winner each week...
so why are you just sitting there...
come on let's play!


The Details:
Cardstock: PTI Pure Poppy, Pinefeather and Rustic White
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Compliments of the Season, Big Blooms Poinsettia
Die: Spellbinders
Ink: Momento, Copics
Misc: seam binding, button and bling

Pumpkins and Pictures

It's been so long since I've been able to just sit here and talk to you without having a challenge...
and I'm not complaining...
I love the challenges...
and I have at least been able to sneak some time in for those the last few weeks...
not a lot of time for much else though...
and I've missed our chats.
But hopefully by the end of the weekend...
and since it's a long weekend...
did you forget Columbus Day...
I'm including that extra day...
my home will be somewhat cleaned and organized and I won't feel so out of whack.
But don't get me wrong...
I'm not a clean freak...
with 4 kids...
yeah...
like that would ever happen!
But I do enjoy semi organized...
clean...
a little less chaos...
it just makes me feel better.
But the room is finished...
Dish will be out tomorrow to hook up the tubeage...
and even though there are touch-ups and little things to be done...
they can wait till I've almost forgotten the smell of paint...
good winter projects...
you know...
when I'm stuck inside anyway because of cold and snow.
And once Dish leaves...
I can remove the tv from what is becoming my dining room...
rearrange the kitchen and organize what is becoming my craft/sitting room.
But before I show pics...
I did get to sneak away last week for a day with Dinky in the pumpkin patch...

See his boo boo?
I don't know how...
but he ran into the corner of our nightstand.
I was sitting right there...
saw the whole thing and still can't tell you how he did it...
he's like a foot taller than the nightstand!
I think it's just pure, unharnessed talent...
lets hope it takes him far...
*giggle*
But I was so excited that the weather was gorgeous...
the fields weren't muddy...
and the room was finished so that I could go with him on his field trip...
the kindergartners do it every year...
and this year they scheduled early enough they were able to go before fall break...
and before the pumpkins are all picked over!

Look how gorgeous this day was...

The greens...
blues...
yellows...
a truly gorgeous day for a picnic with my little guy!

And now...
the reason I've been almost absent from this blog for way too long...
the remodel...

Still a work in progress...
and hopefully love-of-my-life will be able to get Hunter's chair lift put in next week...
but can you tell my obsession by looking at these photos?
Look close...
every shelf...
has books.
The insides of the cabinets...
books.
And I still haven't moved all of them out here...
some won't move...
they're special ones...
in their own special case...
that I'm rapidly outgrowing.
See this one...

It will be joining that special case next week...
I get to meet her!!
The most anticipated book this year...
reviews off the chart...
a producer from the Harry Potter films snapped up film rights before it was even released...
and I get to meet her next Saturday!
I haven't read it yet...
but I have to read it for book club before the 24th...
I'm even hosting...
so I'll let you know if it's worth the hype!

I know...
long post...
pic heavy...
I feel like I just have so much to catch up on...
but I'll go for now!

Waltzingmouse Sketch #67

It's Saturday!
And this week is extra special because...
3/4 of my kiddies are out of school for 2 weeks on fall break...
he-llo jammie days...
I've missed you...
*giggle*
Now...Hunter will still have school so I'll still be in my car most days...
but we do give her long weekends so it's not too bad because I'll be able to grab a couple of jammie days in there.
No trips but since we're still finishing up the remodel...
and we were well over budget...
and I've got a lot still going on anyway so no biggie this year...
which I will have pics soon...
promise!

Now...
because it is Saturday...
Happy Cardmaking Day...
you know what that means...
another challenge at Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge Blog...
YEA!!
And this week we have another fabby one from the uber talented Claire...

Now this one is so fabby because there's so much room for interpretation...
ornament...
tag...
card front...
the sky's the limit with this one guys!
And when I first saw it I started working on a Christmas tag because...
well...
it's a coming!
But then this week I had a very happy mail day...
very happy...
I got new goodies!
And in that box was the new Hocus Pocus set...
so I threw everything out the window...
not really...
it's still on my table...
but saying "it's still on my table" just didn't sound as fun as "out the window"...
*giggle*...
and broke out this gorgeous set.
Seriously...
it's gorgeous!
Have you seen it?
You have to go see it for yourself...
go...
but wait until I'm done.
*giggle*
OK...
here's what I did with it...

I love that witch image!
And the inspiration for this "cracked mirror" is...
well...
how many of you have heard of The Bell Witch?
It's actually a very popular local legend...
popular enough that Hollywood did a movie a few years ago about it...
"An American Haunting...

it wasn't a very good movie so I understand if you haven't seen it...
but have you heard of her?
It's even part of the legend that it's the only American murder to have been committed by a spirit...
and one General Andrew Jackson...
who would later become President...
even has a part in this one.
You can Goggle her if you've never heard of her...
and are interested...
but I grew up surrounded by this one...
and many others that are related back to her because I grew up not too far from Adams, TN...
which is where the story actually took place...
I've even visited the original home...
but also because Montgomery Bell State Park is local for me...
part of my childhood...
swimming in the lake...
hiking...
picnics...
cruising the park for cute guys during my teens...
just hanging out.
And yes...
there are connections to the Bell Family...
and the legends abound around here because of it.
And I'm so excited that Halloween is coming because now I can share some of those old legends...
and Hocus Pocus is going to help provide a perfect backdrop for them...
so I started with the witch image in a "cracked mirror" because I wanted to introduce you to her...
and because growing up...
at slumber parties and sleep overs...
you could guarantee that one particular dare would always be given...

standing in front of a mirror at exactly midnight...

in complete darkness...

no lights allowed...

and repeating the words...

"I hate The Bell Witch"...

3 times.

Legend has it...

that a faint spot of milky light will begin to appear in the center of the mirror...

and as you're watching that eerie light...

mesmerized...

as it grows and spreads...

soon encompassing the entire mirror...
 
her hand will reach out to the person speaking...

and rake their face with her talon nails leaving deep gashes across their cheek.

And to this day...
I have never met anyone who has ever actually accomplished saying it all 3 times...
most run...
screaming...
after the 2nd "I hate The Bell Witch" is whispered while fumbling for the door handle.
Though one person swore as that 2nd "I hate The Bell Witch" was whispered...
and they tried to open the door to run...
the door...
which was unlocked...
(never lock the door in this situation...prevents an easy escape)
would not open.
And until they pounded and screamed and someone opened the door from the outside...
they were barred from leaving the room.
But I'm an adult now...
all grown up...
and I'm sure it's because I grew up so close to this legend...
but I still can't bring myself to try it.
Just gives me the wheebies thinking about it!

So tell me...
do you have any local legends?
Share!
I want to hear about them...
so write them in the comments below...
or shoot me an e-mail...
I love hearing about other places and legends that you may have grown up with...
or is part of your local history...
whether you believe them or not...
share them!
I have more to share too...
you'll have to wait though!
Because now it's time for you to head over to Waltzingmouse Sketch Challenge...
and check out all the gorgeous inspiration my fellow Mischief Makers and DT members have created for you to oogle and inspire...
and join us!
We can't wait to see what you create...
and remember...
someone will win a free set of their choice just for participating!
So come on...
what are you waiting for?


The Details:
Cardstock: PTI Rustic Cream, Kraft, True Black
Stamps: Waltzingmouse Hocus Pocus
Dies: Spellbinders Deckled Ovals, PTI Tag Sale #4
Ink: Momento
Paper: Graphic 45
Misc: resin flowers, embossing powders, lace, pearls, seam binding, button