Sometimes, I...like to use Microsoft's Slide Show Program to make animations (I don't have flash and the time to learn it). It is pretty much fun, and you should show them to your mates when they come.
I use a lot of Custom Animations and Sprites, both normal and animated. Mine are hilarous, say my mates.
The features that you use are very useful (Windows XP, worser is worser).
I think you should do it and post some screen shots (print screen key)!
I would be happy to help people out, send me a personal message.
Here ya go!