House Mouse Challenge - Spring

I've been a fan of House Mouse for a good 20 years, so it seemed appropriate to join in the House Mouse and Friends Monday Challenge. I've had a few HM stamps in my stash for a while now, but they are so detailed, that I was absolutely intimidated by them. With a set of watercolor pencils, this stamp came alive for me. Now I wonder why I ever waited so long to try!

Materials Used:

• Neenah Solar White Cardstock
• Distress Oxides for background
• Strathmore Watercolor cold press 140 lb. paper
• Norberg & Linden Watercolor Pencils
• House Mouse "Crocus Droplet" by Stampendous
• Embellishments: Dew Drops

"Crocus Droplet" is the first cling rubber stamp I ever used on a card. It came in a kit of the month that I had gotten when I first started seriously stamping. I was elated to get a House Mouse stamp but was intimidated at the same time. It sat in a box until this challenge got me motivated to finally try creating something with it. 

The first thing I did was stamped my image on Neenah cardstock and then colored/water colored the image. I like using the watercolor pencils for both control and shading. They get into small spots without going outside the lines, allowing me to get the look of watercolors in small areas without having to mask or using the embossing or resist methods. I also like being able to easily layer and shade. 

Next was the background. I used Distress Oxides for the background. I blended Worn Violet, Faded Jeans, and Mowed Lawn, added a few drops of water and then dabbed off with a baby wipe for a more distressed and rainy day look. After putting my card together, dew drop embellishments were added for the water drop look.

"Crocus Droplet" features sweet little Monica. I don't know if it's still available any longer.

If you have a House Mouse stamp that is begging to be used, come join in the fun and try the House Mouse and Friends Challenge!