myasperations 12-30-24

   I created this card for the “Use a Die” challenge at Simon Says.  The front sentiment, “Merry (x4)” was made with a retired die from Stampin’ Up!  This is from the first die set that I ever owned, and this time I opted to use it to make a Clean and Simple card (which is NOT my norm but I really might have to try this more often!) I added a few holly leaves, fussy-cut from paper scraps, then added a bit of bling because... well... it's the holidays!   

Supplies: 

·   Front Sentiment “Merry”- Stampin Up Thinlits Expressions Dies (retired set)

·   Front Sentiment “Christmas”- Computer-generated

·   Inside Sentiment ”Merry Christmas And A Happy New Year”- from Lili of the Valley digi set (Christmas Wishes)

·   Inside Embellishments- Holly Stickers from Hobby Lobby

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   Red rhinestones, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge- Use Craft Dies   

The Paper Shelter- #622 Anything Goes  

Outlawz Twisted Thursday Challenge- Anything Goes 

     The sponsor for the December Outlawz Progressive Challenge is Anne’s Digital Art, and I enjoyed creating with her wonderful holly digi, contrasting the brightly colored foliage with a monochrome colored plaid background. I also sketched the plaid pattern onto the large bow, attempting to copy the background pattern. Black photo corners and a sentiment strip finish off the front of the card. The inside sentiment, embellished with sparkly holly stickers and a backing of monochrome plaid paper pulls the card together.

Supplies: 

·   Digi- Anne’s Holly Image (Freebie for Outlaws Dec 2024 Progressive Challenge)

·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen

·   Front Sentiment- Strip of holiday sentiments are from my scrapbook stash

·   Inside Sentiment- “Spreading Holiday Cheer to You and Yours” (Computer Generated)

·   Pioneer Black Photo corners- available from several sources

·   Sparkly Holly Stickers- Hobby Lobby

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   All other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

We Love Stamping- December-Winter (optional AG)  

Outlawz Challenge- Progressive Challenge (Dec) by Anne's Digital Art  

Outlawz Challenge- Festive Friday (Christmas) 

Outlawz Challenge-Dec 2024 Linky

     I’ve had this digi in my collection for many years, and its sweet whimsy always gives me joy! I added some bling by adhering mini star confetti sequins to the sky, to create a halo around baby Jesus’ head, and to dot the “I” on the inside sentiment. I also did a little paper piecing to try to create Mary a tunic that had the look of a hand-woven tunic. (I was inspired to do this after a bit of web research which produced a video from the curator at the Museum of the Bible who shared the process of using a simple loom to weave wool and linen into clothing. (You can find it HERE if desired.)  

     An added note- I'm not sure why Mary's head scarf is such a neon green color, I'm pretty sure that is not typical for women at that time! The scarf is actually a nice shade of sage green. 

     I’m entering this card into several challenges including Outlawz Sunday Challenge: Songs and Rhymes: All Things Bright and Beautiful (this card reflects all the verses in the poem, but the last few resonate with me “He gave us eyes to see them, and lips that we might tell, how great is God Almighty, who has made all things well.”), ABC Christmas Challenge: Z is for Zoo Animals (the sweet animals in this scene would fit beautifully in any Petting Zoo), and Path Of Positivity Challenge: Faith/Hope (my card is inspired by this Helen Keller quote-“Faith is the strength by which a shattered world shall emerge into the light.” Mary experienced serious and life-changing situations in her young life. Yet, even when her world was turned upside down… her faith in God's promises sustained her!)

Supplies: 

·   Background photo- upcycled from an old calendar

·   Digi- Dis Digis (Izzy’s Nativity) Retired (but you can find other Christmas digis at Di’s Etsy shop HERE)

·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen

·   Sparkly Stars- Pretty Pink Posh Silver Mini Star Confetti Sequins (I purchased them from Simon Says Stamps HERE)

·   Nuvo Glitter Drops- White Blizzard (used to attach the mini confetti sequins)

·   Front Sentiment “Shhhh”- handwritten within a simply sketched speech bubble with a permanent fine-line black Sharpie marker

·   Inside Sentiment – “Christ the Savior is Born” freebie from Papercrafts Magazine (no longer available)  

·   Sookwang double-sided tape- Available from several sources on the web.

·   All other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:  

Di’s Digi Stamps-Winter Holidays 

Word Art Wednesday Challenge- 5th Annual Blog Hop & Anything Goes-Weeks #679-680   Outlawz Sunday Challenge: Songs and Rhymes- All Things Bright and Beautiful     

Path Of Positivity Challenge- Challenge #126 (Faith/Hope) 

  ABC Christmas Challenge- 'Z is for Zoo Animals'