myasperations: myasperations 11-24-25

I had time this past weekend to make three coffee-themed cards for this month’s Coffee Loving Paper Crafters/Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge. Each of the cards, although created with the same coffee mug-shaped base, has its own Christmas vibe. (Note- the Coffee cup template was made with a compilation of designs I’ve collected over the years. I plan to make a template in the near future and will post it here. So…. stop back in a few weeks!)

My first card features an adorable digi from Whimsie Doodles named “Holiday Mug.” I had fun coloring the cute penguin and covering the mug-shaped base with patterned paper in rich, yummy colors (chocolate and gingerbread inspired).

Sadly, the Whimsie Doodles shop has closed. (However, their blog is still posted and offers excellent tutorials that I have found helpful, especially on coloring hair and eyes with alcohol inks. You can find them HERE. Tuesday Tutorials are listed in the right panel on this link.)

Supplies:

· Digi and inside sentiment “Can’t wait to see your mug this holiday” is from Whimsie Doodles (Shop closed)

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

· Patterned Paper and Circle Sentiments are from a 6x6 paper pack purchased at Michaels Crafts (Recollections-Gingerbread Forest)

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

· Ribbon strips, solid papers, misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:

Coffee Loving Paper Crafters/Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge: #47 Nov

The Paper Shelter- #660 AG (opt-Sketch)

Classic Design Challenge: Anything Goes #11-2025 Nov/Dec (Optional twist- Hug in a Mug)

Passion for Markers Challenge- Week #815: Christmas

Park Hopping-My Happy Place (Nov) Penguin Trek (Orlando Seaworld)

I’ve been spending several hours every week decluttering and organizing. In the process, I have found lots of wonderful “treasures” that I’ve collected (ummm… hoarded?) for many years. The beautiful poinsettia with a swirly frame was upcycled from an old Christmas card years ago. The gold snowflakes scattered across the pine-patterned paper and fussy-cut to create embellishments, add some bling. The final touch is a few scraps of vellum trimmed into wispy plumes of steam to crown the cuppa with a warm and cozy bit of whimsy!

Supplies:

· Framed poinsettia image is upcycled from an old card

· Pine and gold snowflake-patterned paper from JoAnnes Crafts (sadly now closed)

· Front Sentiment “Bean thinking about you” from an Imagine That! Digi set (Sadly no longer in business)

· Inside Sentiment “Have A Warm And Cozy Holiday” from a Beccy’s Place Digi set that is no longer available. (Business recently changed to clear stamps/wholesale only)

· Vellum, strip of green plaid ribbon, other misc. items and tools from my stash.

Entered into:

Via Pinterest Coffee Loving Paper Crafters/Caffeinated Christmas Card Challenge: #47 Nov

Beccy’s Place 13th Annual Month of Holiday Cards Challenge- Day 9- H is for Hot Coffee

Word Art Wednesday Challenge- Weeks #726-727 AG/Family Friendly

Outlawz Challenge- Festive Friday: Nov (Christmas)

Outlawz Challenge-Nov 2025 Linky

Papercraft Challenges- Challenge #124 Theme- Cozy & Warm

This final card features a sweet snowman digi (which is one of my favorite freebies), two circles of snowflake embossed vellum, computer-generated sentiments, and assorted papers from my stash. I made this card for one of my favorite coffee date friends, and I plan to add a gift card for our favorite coffee shop.

So, I used the same coffee cup template, but this time I created a “wrap” for the card front by tracing the front of the mug from patterned paper, adding an extra ½-1 inch of paper on each side. After trimming this paper, I wrapped it across the card front, first adhering it with double-stick tape to the back of the card along the fold. Then, I used a pencil to sketch around the strip behind the handle and trimmed out the two small pieces that would allow for the paper to be folded and taped on the backside of the card. (The photo of the back of this card might provide clarity of this step.)

I traced the front of the card again, this time on white cardstock, then trimmed it down so that it could be slid in and out of the coffee mug. Because I didn’t want the white strip to slide out of the bottom of the card, I added a thin strip of double-stick tape just inside the bottom of the mug and pressed it in place, sealing the bottom. Lastly, I decorated the card front and the slider with digis, sentiments, embossed vellum, and two little hearts, adding “pull” and an arrow to one of them, then adhering them on the top of the slider. When finished, adhere the gift card to the back of the slider, share the card, and brighten someone's day!