Monday, November 23, 2009

FIRST POST AS A HOUSE MOUSE DESIGN TEAM MEMBER!

Hey All!  Hope you all had a great weekend! 

I'm so excited about today's post!  My very first "official" House Mouse Monday Challenge Post as a design team member.  It seems I've waited an eternity for this day, and it is finally here!

This two week challenge #57 is to use a House Mouse image on a double pocket bag that you have to make!  I've never made one of these until this challenge, but I can see unlimited possibilities for their use and for every occasion and holiday (you can find the tutorial HERE).  Since Christmas is right around the corner, I decided to make mine Christmas oriented.  Here it is:



I had never seen one of these and for those of you who haven't either, the finished project looks like a mini shopping bag with two pockets.  And super easy to make too.  Since my House Mouse image was mice with candy canes, I decided to use it to hold candy canes.  I've already got another one in mind for holding ingredients for a cup of hot chocolate.  These are also perfect for holding gift cards too.  As you can see from the above picture, I added some tissue paper to really give it the "shopping bag look".  Here is a view so you can see the side better:



Those are full size candy canes, so you can get a better idea of the size.  Here are some more close ups:








As you can see from above, I made a border across the top of the bag with punched out gold pine branches and glittery sticker berries.  I also added these glittery berries on the corners of the image panel and added a scalloped red background to it.  I also attached the image to the bag with dimensional foam squares.  The ribbon handles coordinate with the whole theme, sporting fun candy canes on them as well.

So, there you have it!  But I have a SURPRISE for all of you!  In celebration of my very first House Mouse Monday Challenge post, I'M GIVING AWAY THIS STAMP!!!!  I found that I mistakenly ordered this one twice not realizing I already had it in a previous shipment.  So I thought it would be fun to give it away to one of you.  So, here's the deal. . . .all you have to do is twirl around 3 times, say I love House Mouse stamps as you twirl. . . .just kidding LOL  I can just see a few of you starting to twirl!  LOL  Just leave me a comment like you always do and I'll select someone next Monday at Noon Eastern time.  The winner will be announced on the December 2 Wednesday Evening Post.

Hope you liked this project enough to try one.  They are so cute after they are done.  Please be sure that you go take a look at the other design team member's projects HERE.  Everyone on the team is so talented!

Thanks again for all of your support and incredible comments.  Honestly, I don't think anyone has better readers than I do.  I love you guys!

See you on Wednesday!

Best,

Curt

"God, please help me be the person that my dogs think I am."
at

70 comments:

  1. MandiNovember 23, 2009 at 8:23 AM

    Aww what a fabulous bag Curt..LOVE it
    Loving you in your official capacity too flower!

    I pushed my chair up, about to twirl hehe

    Have a good day

    xx

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  2. magic boxesNovember 23, 2009 at 8:59 AM

    Curt

    This is absolutely gorgeous!

    What a FAB first challenge - no one would guess it was your first!!!!

    I LOVE it and will be having a go.

    You're bad too - I twirled at least twice AND I'm supposed to be working but when I saw the thumbnail I had to come straight over. Glad I did.

    Elaine X

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  3. magic boxesNovember 23, 2009 at 9:09 AM

    PS

    Your 'Shadows of Us' is wonderful!

    X

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  4. Lorraine ANovember 23, 2009 at 9:25 AM

    Gorgeous gift bag Curt ! :-) I love this ,, what a fab idea for christmas gifts ! ;-)
    Congratulations on your first DT creation :-) brilliant ! :-)

    Luv
    Lols x x
    p.s I would give these little mice a lovely home :-)

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  5. PercyNovember 23, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    Curt,
    What a beautiful bag...it is beautiful, those mice are soooo stinking cute!!!! I want them all as pets.....
    Thanks for sharing your beautiful creation, and for the chance to have the cute stamp as well!!! You are so generous!
    Happy Thanksgiving!
    Percy

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  6. ~MudpieMouseNovember 23, 2009 at 10:57 AM

    Wow! This is fabulous, Curt. I love the candy canes ribbon you used and nice pictures, so we can really see your creation. Your coloring is spot on! Great embellies too! Keep on stampin' on!

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  7. Patricia RoseNovember 23, 2009 at 10:57 AM

    Morning Curt, Awesome job with your double gift bag... Love the cute HM image.. wonderful idea to fill it full of candy canes... It was the first time I made this style of bag as well - it was fun to make and as you say - tones of possibles as to what to put in them and you can use them for any occassion. Congrats on your first HM DT challenge - you rocked it...
    Hugs... Patricia Rose

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  8. RosanneNovember 23, 2009 at 11:59 AM

    Curt--always a pleasure to visit your blog. I love your HM project, and plan on trying to do one of these pocket bags myself.

    I look forward to seeing more of your HM projects!

    Take care--Rosanne

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  9. SueNovember 23, 2009 at 1:12 PM

    oh ive twired n twirled till im dizzy!!! lol. Gorgeous bag curt, i will have a go at making one, luv the hm image great idea with the candy canes, fantastic creation for your first DT project.all the best, sue.x

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  10. AnonymousNovember 23, 2009 at 2:01 PM

    I did the twirl to Curt ;0)

    I love your bag, so great, and your coloring is beautiful!
    Good luck as a DT member ;0)

    Hugs, Janneke X

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  11. Kimberly SNovember 23, 2009 at 2:29 PM

    Such a cute idea, and as always your project is simply gorgeous. Thanks so much for sharing the tutorial link, that is such a huge help! Congrats once again on doing such a fabulous job and earning a spot on the House Mouse DT. :)

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  12. lesley517November 23, 2009 at 2:38 PM

    Your bag is too cute. I would love to try making this....Congrats!

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  13. Carmen O.November 23, 2009 at 3:17 PM

    Curt, this bag turned out fabulously! I love that the handles match so perfectly. You really have a knack for these mousies, bunnies and bears. I'm gonna have to give one a try!

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  14. HeideNovember 23, 2009 at 3:37 PM

    Super duper work on your first HM challenge! I just love the candy cane ribbon, it is just perfect with the image!
    Your bag in fantastic!

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  15. ChristineNovember 23, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    Hi Curt WOW your colouring is awesome fab image great bold colour combo..& YES I twirled round 3 times only to find you were kidding..LOL fab 1st project teamie..

    Hugs Christine xx

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  16. DianeNovember 23, 2009 at 3:53 PM

    This is a fantastic project!!! I have never made one of these either...but have to do one now!!! I love the image and how you added those candy cames to the "bag".....and your coloring is as awesome as usual!! I didn't twirl too much...heck I get dizzy on a swing... but I do LOVE House Mouse!!

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  17. mycardzNovember 23, 2009 at 5:21 PM

    Wow! I love your DSB!! Awesome details and they all coordinate soooooo well! I especially love your coloring of the two little guys - their rosey cheeks are soooo perfect. Great first challenge - glad to have you on the team! hugz, Mary

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  18. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 5:36 PM

    Curt! this is stunning!!! you've really done them proud! Pat on the back that man!!!

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  19. UnknownNovember 23, 2009 at 6:30 PM

    What a great bag Curt and the little mice are so cute eating the candy canes! I did the twirls do I win??

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  20. Stacie (craft-princess)November 23, 2009 at 7:35 PM

    Super cute bag and I would love to win this image!

    Thanks for a chance!
    -Stacie

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  21. Patti JNovember 23, 2009 at 7:40 PM

    Okay, Sir Curt!!! You know that I would follow you anywhere, but YIKES! This is one tough challenge! First of all, I'm so stinkin' dizzy, I probably won't be able to stay in the lines when I try to color! Next, that bag looks HARD!!! I'm hyperventilating thinking about it! Lol.... young man, your project is absolutely cuteness at it's best! LOVE it love it love it big guy!!! Great job on your first House Mouse project!

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  22. Patti JNovember 23, 2009 at 7:41 PM

    P.S. - I'm dizzy because you had me twirling around, not because I'm blonde...well gray now, but I WAS blonde!!

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  23. LeslieNovember 23, 2009 at 7:53 PM

    Curt, your card is darling. I think I will try that bag. I just found out I have to have 4 secret Santa gifts and this might be perfect. Of course, the stamp to go with it would be even more perfect. Do you know I have never owned a rubber stamp? I only have acrylic stamps from Close to my Heart. I would be willing to twirl for a stamp. - grins -

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  24. The Rubber MaidNovember 23, 2009 at 8:00 PM

    Choose me choose me !!! Just teasing but believe it or not I do not own one HM stamp and this is a cutie so I would love to win. Great job on your adorable bag and those little meeces are just too cute! Pat

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  25. LINDANovember 23, 2009 at 8:30 PM

    WOW!! What a fantastic gift bag.. Your coloring is just wonderful.. Very lovely work..
    Hugs, Linda

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  26. stampinganjaNovember 23, 2009 at 9:26 PM

    Great gift bag, somebody is gonna be very lucky to get it!
    Thanks for a change to win a HM stamp, I had to chuckle when you said that you ordered it twice,
    you know when you have too many......
    no don't worry, I am not gonna say it, I have done it too.
    I really enjoy visiting your blog, thanks for sharing your creativity with all of us, take care, Anja

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  27. berg4November 23, 2009 at 9:35 PM

    Fabulous project Curt - looking at all the pictues I can almost taste the candy canes! Lovely job. TFS

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  28. Angela S.November 23, 2009 at 9:42 PM

    Curt, This is a great Christmas gift bag!! I love the looks on the 2 little mices faces!! Just too cute and your coloring really brought them to life. Congrats, on your first DT Challenge!!
    Angela

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  29. Christina HicksNovember 23, 2009 at 10:57 PM

    Okay I am dizzy from twirling, lol. This is so adorable. And I love making minibooks and this fits right in, I cannot wait to make it, thanks so much.

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  30. mudmavenNovember 24, 2009 at 12:15 AM

    I am already way too dizzy a dame to be doing much twirling - lol! Stunning dt debut Curt! Love those mice and that bag is gorgeous! Congrats again and you will be such an asset to this team I'm sure. ~chris

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  31. Serendipity StampingNovember 24, 2009 at 12:18 AM

    Ditzy or dizzy that is the question. Curt you sure have a knack for gathering all the special details for your projects. Love you first design! I thought I had a House Mouse stamps AND then discovered it was really a Penny Black, sooo, it would be special to receive your offer of these cute little mice.

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  32. IlaNovember 24, 2009 at 12:19 AM

    Oh Wow!! ..this is a Fabulous project...your coloring and this HM stamp is Gorgeous!!...Off to check out that link...Thanks for sharing!!...Hugs, Ila

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  33. scrapperjuliaNovember 24, 2009 at 2:39 AM

    Hi Curt! What an awesome job on you first House Mouse Design Team post! I love all the little details on your cute little bag and how you colored that cute image, of course! Thanks for the opportunity to win it also!

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  34. HeatherNovember 24, 2009 at 3:25 AM

    Hi Curt, fabulous 1st DT card - love it .........fantastic colouring of that adorable image (I want it!!) and sensational ribbon and details. (On second thoughts I'll settle for a candy cane).
    Glad I gave you a laugh about my 'hairy' thread - what would you call it I might ask? At least you didn't laugh about my saying I do an intro when I reached 38 coz I might be a bit more interesting then.
    hugs to you and Jay and Shotsy and Gunther of course xxxx

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  35. CelesteNovember 24, 2009 at 5:31 AM

    Great project and so cute too! I love how you colored the image. I enjoyed the pictures you put on your blog, especially your dogs. They are so adorable.

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  36. CelesteNovember 24, 2009 at 5:32 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  37. Joan FrickerNovember 24, 2009 at 6:21 AM

    Curt,
    Congratulations again on being chosen for the design team. Your bag is absolutely adorable. Everything about it is just perfect.

    Joan

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  38. A Consuming PassionNovember 24, 2009 at 6:59 AM

    Yeah what a star!!!! Love your first post for Mouse House Stamps!!!! Your gift bag is great and just what I'm looking for so over to check the link shortly.
    I spent ages looking through the mouse house stamps last night and got totally confused there are so many great stamps - not too sure where to start!
    Looking forward to your next post take care and thanks for the inspiration.

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  39. MaryAnn GroveNovember 24, 2009 at 8:01 AM

    you have done it again, made all of your fans so proud. The "House Mouse" people should be over the top. A great job with a fabulous stamp. Keep them coming. Because of you, I gathered all my HM stamps and will use then every other week for the friends and family cards I send each week. thanks for such great inspiration. MaryAnn

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  40. AnonymousNovember 24, 2009 at 8:05 AM

    Curt what a super sweet stamp, I can see why you ordered it twice!!! Love the bag, I wouldn't want to part with it!
    Hugs

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  41. SunshineNovember 24, 2009 at 8:33 AM

    OMGosh! I can smell the peppermint on those candy canes! The bag is beautiful Curt!! Your colouring is spectacular! Hugz, Sunshine:^D

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  42. lisa808November 24, 2009 at 8:33 AM

    Congratulations on your first HM DT post!

    Your double pocket bag is adorable. The coloring of that cute image is fabulous (as always!). I love the whole candy cane theme, image, ribbon, and candy! The gold and red along the top adds a very elegant touch to the bag.

    Thanks for sharing your great bag and for the chance to win the cute stamp.

    See you next week!

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  43. SelmaNovember 24, 2009 at 9:33 AM

    Congratulations Curt. Your first project is fantastic. I have always loved HM stamps. This one is so cute and perfect for the candy canes. Thanks for the link to the tutorial. I'm going to have to make one now.

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  44. Gina WronaNovember 24, 2009 at 10:52 AM

    Awesome bag my friend!

    There's no place like house mouse, there's no place like house mouse, there's no place like house mouse!
    I love house mouse
    I love house mouse
    I love house mouse
    I even clicked my purple shoes 3 times as I said it and twirled!

    Happy Thanksgiving my friend!
    Hugs,
    Gina

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  45. christina dNovember 24, 2009 at 11:31 AM

    Your first design for the DT is outstanding. It's just right for a small gift. These mousies are the best. They're so bright and colorful, an I wouldn't mind winning them either.

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  46. Deanna CNovember 24, 2009 at 3:45 PM

    What an absolutely adorable project! I am completely in love with the House Mouse stamps! I am definitely an animal lover and have had pet rats when the kids were younger. They really are great pets! This stamp is precious. I love the candy canes and the bag you did is awesome. Would definitely love to win this stamp. Thanks Curt!

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  47. DanielleNovember 24, 2009 at 3:51 PM

    This project just proves why you're on the HM DT Curt! Wow - it's gorgeous!! Your colouring is super and I just love the tote bag - so adorable! And thanks for the fabulous chance of winning this gorgeous stamp - you are just so kind!
    Hugs, Danielle

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  48. AnonymousNovember 24, 2009 at 4:54 PM

    I LOOKED AT THEIR SITE, AND YOURS IS THE BEST, BY FAR..............I WANT A CANDY CANE. LOVE YA MOM

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  49. NillaNovember 24, 2009 at 6:58 PM

    Congrats on you first contribution as a DT for HM! And what an entry it is, gorgeous work, Curt! Please do not count me in the draw!! Hugs Nilla

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  50. Sue from OregonNovember 24, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    Now he is talking shipments (and forgetting what he ordered)...you have it bad Curt LOL! What a great project...I am so excited for you!
    Wonderful details...and I love your Mom's comment!

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  51. ChrisNovember 24, 2009 at 8:40 PM

    Way to go Curt! it's a great card and it's so inspiring to see someone so happy with something they are doing.

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  52. Scossie JaneNovember 24, 2009 at 8:51 PM

    I'm dizzy from all this twirling, how many did you say???!!!

    Congrats on your first official post on DT - your project is great, love the wee bag, and the HM image is adorable, you have done the company proud - as I knew you would xx

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  53. SYLVIA-ANNENovember 25, 2009 at 4:36 AM

    Hi Curt
    Thank you so much for your kind comment on my blog - that is what brought me over here to yours, and I have really enjoyed looking at your beautiful projects and photographs. I love this little bag and the way you have decorated it. The stamp is adorable!
    Have a lovely day, Sylvia x

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  54. DianeNovember 25, 2009 at 9:30 AM

    Hey Curt...its "me" again...I have a post scheduled for Friday...check it out...I used your tutorial and did this card using Crayola pencils and OMS...not anywhere near as good as yours, but its my "first" one!!
    Happy Thanksgiving!!

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  55. Erin MorleyNovember 25, 2009 at 12:36 PM

    now that I am dizzy and can't see straight from twirling I won't be able to know if I'm typing properly. And I love what you do with the House Mouse stamps. Great job!

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  56. JanineNovember 25, 2009 at 5:26 PM

    Hey there Curt!! WOW!! Just think how far you have come!!
    Fabulous card!! Love it and I am so happy for you!
    What are you doing for Thanksgiving??

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  57. TaniaNovember 26, 2009 at 2:40 AM

    Wow fabulous start to the House Mouse Design Team job! In honour of this I have a little surprise for you over on my blog hope that it brightens your day-hugsTania

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  58. Scossie JaneNovember 26, 2009 at 7:08 AM

    Me again Curt, your project is so adorable I had to have a go myself, have posted it on my blog and at HM - thanks for your inspiration xx

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  59. Sharli SchaitbergerNovember 26, 2009 at 1:48 PM

    Hi Curt, Happy Thanksgiving!! While my turkey is roasting, I thought I'd check out the blog scene. I saw Scossie Jane's bag and she referenced your post so here I am! I LOVE your little mice with their candy canes! After your tutorial about coloring, I'm not afraid of trying it any longer - so I will shamelessly hope that I win your stamp!

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  60. AnonymousNovember 26, 2009 at 10:35 PM

    This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

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  61. theneonNovember 27, 2009 at 1:27 AM

    Curt! Much congratulations on your House Mouse Design Team post! You were a perfect choice evidenced by the fabulous candy cane project you have done for your first posting for HM DT. Perfect in every little detail. (and I twirled, and twirled, and could almost taste the peppermint on your delightful HM surprise give-away) How very nice.

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  62. The Rubber RoomNovember 27, 2009 at 8:16 AM

    Hi Curt
    This is soooo cute! Congrats on your first DT post - what a grand entrance you have made! I love this bag! The fact that it have 2 pockets is fantastic (one for a gift card, one for some treats) It's just perfect. The colouring as always is great on those adorable little house mouse. Great job, Curt.

    Cathy xxx

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  63. LorraineNovember 27, 2009 at 3:17 PM

    Wow Curt love the candy cane bag, fabulous darling must make one.

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  64. 6 wacky womenNovember 28, 2009 at 12:39 AM

    Wow!! Curt, your first DT creation is awesome. I just love this image, perfectly coloured as always. Fabulous work!

    Karen x

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  65. DeeDeeNovember 28, 2009 at 10:21 AM

    Hey Curt! Just for the record...I was already twirling around 3 times and repeating "I love HM Stamps" when I noticed you were just kidding! LOL! That is an adorable stamp and OMG! look at your project! WOW, you so ROCK dude! I love it! GREAT job on your very first official HM post! YAY! TFS your wonderful talent with us! HUGS!

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  66. Helen F.November 29, 2009 at 10:17 AM

    Hey Curt! Congrats on your first DT post~love your oh-so-adorable bag. This is a fab idea for gift cards. Think I will try to get it done for the HM Challenge!
    Thanks for the chance to win this fun HM stamp --- 'm twirling, anyway-just cause it's fun :)

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  67. Gina LindsayNovember 29, 2009 at 8:37 PM

    I love your bag! House Mouse images are quickly becoming a favorite of mine. I love peppermint and candy canes so this one is just perfect! Love the gold branches too.

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  68. Sharon CaudleNovember 30, 2009 at 11:41 AM

    Yay!! Your first official HM project! And what a fabulous one too!! Those little meeses (smile) chomping on those candy canes are just too cute! Fabulous job my friend! I'm just sooo happy for you!! Big hugs!

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  69. NinaDecember 2, 2009 at 9:58 AM

    Curt super cute project for your first posting for House Mouse, I don't know what you think, but I think those 2 little mice might just have tummy aches a little later! hehehe... just beautiful as alway!!

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  70. ShirleyDecember 13, 2009 at 9:53 PM

    Of course it's all been said, but what a beautiful gorgeous way to give a gift. It's a gift too! What a keeper as always!

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Thanks so much for taking the time to make a comment. It means a lot to me! Thank you!