It's a Christmas Mouse!

Coffee of the Day - Creme Brulee

There is one week left of the current challenge over at ABC Christmas Challenges. we are sponsored by MelJen's and have a fun photo to inspire your projects!

I have used Ornament Mouse on my card and the wreath that is 2nd down on the right for my inspiration. Papers are from the Authentique Festive collection, which I was blessed enough to win from a great contest from The Paper Parade. I encourage you to stop by the store because not only is there a fun sale going on, but there's also a follower's candy contest going on at the blog.

I added shimmerz paint to the ornament hanger and stickles to the mouse's hat & the heart on the ornament. the glitter poinsettia is from Prima, buttons are SU!, and trim is some from my vintage stash. it's hard to see, but I did add a bit of faux stitching with a distress marker.

David and I went to several nurseries yesterday to get herbs for my garden. what was the hot pepper and tomato garden last year will be a large herb garden this year. for the past few years I have kept herbs in large pots. I'll put several types of mint in the pots this year. They are about 2 feet across, so they are pretty big pots! ;)  The peppers and tomatoes will get moved to behind our barn, as we found that the area we had them in last year just didn't give them enough sun. We'll also plant some sunflowers as a backdrop along the back of the barn. I think it will look wonderful, plus we'll have yummy treats! Everyone in our family enjoys gardening, so it's really a family affair. I hope to also plant a few lilac bushes alongside my craft room to go with the one that is already there. 

I discovered a handful of  wood violets growing beside our house when Dave & I were outside looking at everything yesterday. they have long been my absolute very favorite flower forever and ever, so that truly made my day! I'll carefully dig them up and put them into the beds in the next few days so they don't accidentally get mowed over like my peony bush the other day.... or all of my columbine a year ago..... or the day lilies several years ago.... or I could just go on and on. my guys (hubby included) all mean well, but sometimes they just get in a hurry.....

take care and enjoy the rest of your week!

Challenges:

Creative Craft - all about animals

Clear it Out - stash plus 2 or more designer papers (stash - SU! buttons are so very old)

Deep Ocean - let's sparkle (stickles, shimmerz paint, & glitter Prima)

Loves Rubber Stamps - anything goes

Paper Take Weekly - anything goes

TTCRD - anything goes

Pause Dream Enjoy - outdoor critters (I don't know about you, but I'd much rather mice stay OUTSIDE!!!)

Digi Haven - digi plus buttons

Sparkles Christmas - fave festive colors

Mel Jen's Designs - what's the point? (ornament hanger, mousie tail, mousie nose!, tip of heart)

Sassy Studios - all about the hats

Stamping Chef - animals

Stamp 'n Doodle - distressed