Christmas and Coffee

I was thrilled when Kris Breach, artist/owner of Imagine That Digi stamps started challenges again last month! I served on Kris’ DT before she took some time off and really enjoyed working with her. For this card, I used two of the sentiments from December's Digi-of-the-Month named Raymond’s Snowman. (I’m planning to also make a card with the cute Raymond digi that I’ll post later this month.)
I love the WINTER sentiment with little snowpeople peeking through the letters. I printed off a few extra to create a pair of snows to decorate the inside of the card. Aren’t the adorable? (Note- this digi set is available for just $3 this month HERE. If you purchase it, create a card or other project and link it up on the blog, you will receive January's DOTM FREE!)
I’m entering this card into several challenges including the Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge (I used blues, teals, and aquas in my card.)  

 

Supplies: 

·   Front & Inside sentiments- Imagine That Digi Stamp set (Raymond’s Snowman)
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
·   Snowflakes- Cheery Lynn Designs Die (C146 Snowflakes)
·   Snowflakes- Lawn Fawn LF995-Mini Snowflakes Die Set
·   Circle Dies- Little B Dies
·   White, teal and silver cardstock and background papers from my stash
Entered into: 
Imagine That Blog Progressive Challenge- December (Raymond)
Sketch N Scrap-Card Sketch #183
Outlawz Sunday Challenge- Winter
Outlawz Challenges- Tuesday Color Challenge- Use 3-5 Colors (Twist- Holidays) 
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge- Fun with Dies
Di’s Digi Stamps- Winter Holidays                                                  
Pattie's Creations Challenge- #177 Winter Fun  
 
The Paper Shelter Team is celebrating their 10^th Anniversary with lots of prizes. So… of course I had to dig out a few of their wonderful images and get busy. This is the first, a beautiful little lass, comforting doves of peace while looking in awe at the star of promise! I’m not sure if it is very apparent, but I attempted to add shadows and highlights to bathe her in the magical starlight. I’ve collected sayings since I was in high-school (so, a loooong time!!) at first in a notebook and later on my computer. Sadly, I didn’t start noting the source until the last decade or so. I’ve had this one for some time, so I have no idea of its source. If you recognize it, please let me know! I just thought it was perfect with this image. And when printed on vellum I love how the heavenly star shines through.
I’m entering this card into several challenges including Stamping Sensations- Anything with Wings (the digi includes the sweet little birds, that I colored to resemble doves.)

Supplies: 
·   Digi- The Paper Shelter Digi set (Mucha Influence Winter)
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
·   Sentiments- Computer Generated
·   Cardstock, vellum, silver sparkly paper, and background paper from my stash
·   Star template from my scrapbook stash
·   Gold photo corners available from several web sources (WXJ13 13 Sheets 13 Colors Photo Mounting Corners)
Entered into:
The Paper Shelter-  A Special Celebration (10^th Anniversary)
Spectrum Noir Community Group (FB)- Dec Blue Holidays  
Word Art Wednesday Challenge- #468-469 Anything Goes                   
Incy Wincy Designs- Christmas or Red/Green  
Outlawz Challenge- Festive Fridays    

Outlawz Challenge- Saturday Paper Ala Mode- Christmas                                                  
Outlawz Challenge- Inlinks Challenge
Crafty Hazelnut’s Christmas Challenge- #519 Anything Goes
Stamping Sensations- Anything with Wings
 
My last card for this challenge is a CAS one… or at least CAS for me! I saw this fun sentiment on Pinterest, and just had to make it into a card… with some added bling, of course! The royal purple background seemed to fit the crown… and the B&W background pulls it all together.
I’m entering this card into several challenges including Simon Says Monday Challenge- Favorite Technique (often use photo corners and/or embellies to add sparkle and shine to my cards.)            

Supplies: 

·   Sentiment- Computer generated
·   Gold Crown Sticker- Jolee’s Boutique
·   Gold photo corners- Scotch
·   Cardstock and background paper from my stash
Entered into: 
Simon Says Monday Challenge- Favorite Technique                   
Cute Card Thursday- Challenge #663 Anything Goes
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends- #147 Anything Goes
Bugaboo Stamps- Dec Anything Goes 
Crafty Hazelnut’s Patterned Paper Challenge- December     

       

Christmas Trio

I wanted to make a card for the Simon Says Wednesday Challenge that requires the use of dies. I’d seen a beautiful wreath card a while ago that features lots of foliage and snowflakes… so I used that remembered card as my guide. (Sorry but I cannot credit that inspiration card.) I dug out all of my foliage and snowflake dies, plus scraps of papers in shades of blue, teal and aqua, and got to work. I created the “door” with a woodgrain Embossing folder and started arranging the die cuts. It took a while, but I like the results. Gold photo corners and an inside sentiment die, partially cut from metallic gold paper, adds a festive sheen.  
I’m entering this card into several challenges including Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge (I used the blue, teal, and aqua shades, plus foliage like in the inspiration photo.)  

Supplies: 
·   Fancy Foliage Dies- Spellbinders Our Daily Bread Designs
·   Memory Box Die- Pinecone Corner
·   Snowflakes- Cheery Lynn Designs Die (C146 Snowflakes)
·   Snowflakes- Lawn Fawn LF995-Mini Snowflakes Die Set
·   Die- My Favorite Things (Happy Christmas)
·   Woodgrain Embossing Folder- Stampin’ Up (retired)
·   Assorted cardstock, metallic paper, and a scrap of sheer ribbon from my stash
·   Gold photo corners- Scotch
Entered into: 
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge- Fun With Dies
Pixie's Snippets-Week #392                                                                    
Do-Al[l] Kreatives #48 Winter Wonderland
Outlawz Challenges- Tuesday Color Challenge- Use 3-5 Colors (Twist- Holidays) 
Outlawz Challenge- Saturday Paper Ala Mode- Christmas      

I inherited several things from my mom including a love of coloring, fussy-cutting, and upcycling. Most of my cards include one or more of these loves. For this card, I fussy-cut this sweet mouse and Santa hat photo from an old Christmas (which just might be one  my Mom sent me years ago. She did love cute images!) To add a little depth to the card I used a simple Recessed Panel Technique. And the colorful sentiment on the inside is from the front of card from a boxed set that I picked up a few months ago at Goodwill (10 cards with envelopes for $1. Mom also taught me to never pass up a good deal!)  

 

Supplies: 
·   Upcycled card.
·   Recessed Panel Card (instructions found HERE)
·   Cardstock and Specialty Scrapbook paper from my stash.
·   Inside Sentiment from a boxed Christmas card 

·   Sparkly Holly Stickers- Hobby Lobby

Entered into: 
Double D’s Challenge- Dec. Santa Hat                                  
Cute Card Thursday- Challenge #663 Anything Goes
Outlawz Challenge- Twisted Thursday Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnut’s Christmas Challenge- #519 Anything Goes
2craftycrittercrazies Challenge- Dec 2020 #44                             
Incy Wincy Designs Challenge- Christmas or Red/Green 

This week's challenge at the wecraftcards forum was fun. Here are the instructions- “We all know when we were younger that Santa put the gifts under the tree right? Remember those days?  For this challenge make a card that represents a special gift that you received and tell us why it was special to you.” It took some thought for me to decide which gift I wanted to highlight. I remember getting much-loved Barbies, critters (parakeets, guinea pigs, hermit crabs, and other odd pets), and art supplies. But probably the most memorable gift was a mini sewing machine that I got when I was in 4th or 5th grade. I begged for one that Christmas because I wanted to learn to sew Barbie clothes like the ones my mom made (they were so amazing) and was over the moon when Santa brought it! However, I quickly learned that 1) the little machine was pretty worthless and/or 2) I was a pretty rotten seamstress! The poor thing jammed regularly and it seemed like I ripped out more seams than I put in. As an adult, I really admire people who can sew, but it is definitely not my skill set. (I did a bit of web research and found a photo of the one that Santa delivered. It surprised me that it was listed on this collector site as a "toy." Hmmm. Maybe that is why it didn't sew very well?)

Supplies: 
·   Vintage Sewing Machine Digi- The Old Design Shop on Etsy (Sewing Cards)
·   Sentiment and Embroidery Floss Holder- Sew Pretty Stamp set from Cardmaking & Papercraft magazine (no longer available)
·   Cardstock, background papers, embroidery floss, satin ribbon, and measuring tape ribbon from my stash
Entered into: 
We Craft Cards Monday Challenge- Santa is Coming to Town  
Word Art Wednesday Challenge- #468-469 Anything Goes                   
Outlawz Challenge- Festive Fridays                                                
Crafty Hazelnut’s Patterned Paper Challenge- December             
Bugaboo Stamps- Dec Anything Goes 

Winter Trio

It’s Friday and time for the Colour Crazy Challenge. This challenge is “Anything Goes” but adds one requirement- the creation needs to include coloring in “any colouring medium you like, onto any project you like, and in any colours you like.” I’ve never outgrown my love for coloring… which is why making cards is stress therapy for me!!
This week’s sponsor is Polkadoodles, and my DT card features a wonderful image from Polkadoodles named Feeding the Birds.  I used a technique called spotlighting to focus attention on sweet Winnie, then added additional color and texture with ribbon, photo corners, and a sweet little gingerbread cookie tag, fussy-cut from patterned paper. Yummy!
I’m entering this card into several challenges including Double D’s  Santa Hat (I had fun adding the furry texture to the hat and sleeves with a white gel pen. Doesn’t that fur look soft enough to pet? And the little birds are wearing Santa hats, too. So cute!)           

 

Supplies: 
·   Digi- Polkadoodles (Feeding the Birds)
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
·    Instructions for Spotlight Technique can be found HERE
·   Front Sentiment- QKR Stampede Digital Stamp (Thinking of You)
·   Inside Sentiment- Freebie from LoveSVG. [I signed up for their newsletter and get notices of freebies on a regular basis. Not sure if this is still available, but you can search HERE)
·   Cardstock and patterned paper from my stash
·   Textured ribbon- Hobby Lobby
·   Green photo corners available from several web sources (WXJ13 13 Sheets 13 Colors Photo Mounting Corners)
Entered into: 
Double D’s Challenge- Dec. Santa Hat                               
Polkadoodles Challenge-Week #49 Anything Goes                      

Lemon Shortbread Challenge- Anything Goes #134  
Word Art Wednesday Challenge- #468-469 Anything Goes                   
Jan’s Digi Stamps- November 2020 Anything Goes
Crafty Hazelnut’s Christmas Challenge- #518 Anything Goes

I had so much fun creating the first card, that I asked to create a second card with a Polkadoodles digi. This time, my card features the digi named Tweet Sounds Winnie Angel. I used scraps of patterned paper, plus a strip of the Christmas music “Angels We Have Heard on High” from a tattered choral hymnbook that belonged to my hubby’s grandmother. I know that one of my sister-in-laws, who sang in her grandma’s church choir, will cherish this card!
I’m entering this card into several challenges including The Paper Shelters 10^th Anniversary Challenge named “Special Celebration.” (10 Years really is a reason to celebrate! Congratulations to Veronica and her team!)

Supplies: 

·   Digi- Polkadoodles (Tweet Sounds Winnie Angel)
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Gold Sparkle Marker, Sakura Gelly 

    Roll white gel pen
·   Front Sentiment- on scrap of vintage music sheet
·   Inside Sentiment- Beccy’s Place Digi Set (Baby Robin)- Retired
·   Cardstock, patterned paper,  vellum and scraps of ribbon from my stash
·   Patterned Music paper- Hobby Lobby
·   Gold photo corners available from several web sources (WXJ13 13 Sheets 13 Colors Photo Mounting Corners)
Entered into: 
The Paper Shelter-  A Special Celebration (10^th Anniversary)
Crafty Hazelnut’s Patterned Paper Challenge- December             
Cute As A Button- DECEMBER: CH #63 Anything Goes 
Outlawz Challenge- Festive Fridays                                                
Outlawz Challenge- Saturday Paper Ala Mode- Vintage Christmas           
Outlawz Challenge- Inlinks Challenge

I made this final item for The Sisterhood of Crafters’ Shaped Projects. I picked up a dozen of these sweet notepad/pencil sets from Oriental Trading Company last Spring and just had to use one of them to showcase the Lawn Fawn Winter Fox digi and sentiment. I attached the pencil by slipping it down between the papers in the notepad mug handle, then tied a strip of dark blue satin ribbon around the handle to hold the pencil in place. Four small die-cut snowflakes add a touch of winter to the set.    
I’m entering this paper project  into several challenges including The Sisterhood of Crafters- Shaped Projects (I hope that it qualifies even though I didn’t make the base notepad.)   

Supplies: 
·   Digi- Lawn Fawn Clear Stamp Set (Winter Fox)
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
·   Oriental Trading Company- Marshmallow & Hot Cocoa Notepads with Pencils
·   Snowflakes- Cheery Lynn Designs Die (C146 Snowflakes)
·   Cardstock and blue satin ribbon from my stash
Entered into: 
Simon Says Wednesday Challenge- Fun With Dies
The Sisterhood of Crafters- Shaped Projects  
Cute Card Thursday- Challenge #663 Anything Goes
2craftycrittercrazies Challenge- Dec 2020 #44

2 DT Cards & an Angel

It’s the 1^st of the month so I’ve made a DT card for the challenge at QKR Stampede. Stop by the challenge, which is always “Anything Goes” and several prizes are awarded. Maybe you’ll be inspired to enter a card or two yourself?
With Christmas coming up, I’m dreaming of baking cookies… so apron anyone? This cute pattern from Pinterest, a sweet black cat digi, computer-generated sentiments, and scraps from my stash bring this card to life. So fun.

Supplies: 
·   Digi- Eureka Digital Stamp (Lg Smiling Black Cat Eyes Open) Also available in unmounted or cling mounted
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and a Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
·   Apron Template found HERE (but mine opens at the top)
·   Sentiments- Computer Generated
·   Scraps of patterned paper, ribbon and a paper doily from my stash

Entered into: 

Outlawz Challenges- Monday Greeting Challenge- Anything Goes

The Sisterhood of Crafters- Shaped Projects  

Polkadoodles Challenge-Week #48 Anything Goes    

Createful Heart Designs- Nov Challenge #26 

Crafty Hazelnut’s Patterned Paper Challenge- December            

Since it’s the first of the month, I’m also sharing my DT card for the October Sheepski Designs Challenge. This month’s theme is “Feature a Creature.” and I loved making an ornament with the sweet digi named Christmas Stocking. It holds such wonderful memories of childhood magic and wonder! The base of my card, with the circle cutout and inside JOY sentiment, is from a boxed set that I found at an after Christmas sale last year. I'm entering this card into several challenges including the Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge (My card features all the colors and the Holiday twist.) 

 

Supplies: 

·   Digi- Sheepski Designs (Christmas Stocking)
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers and Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen
·   Sentiments- from an Imagine That Digistamp set (Marleen’s Christmas Stocking)
·   Card base and snowflake patterned paper from my stash
Entered into:  

Outlawz Sunday Challenge- Winter

Outlawz Challenges- Tuesday Color Challenge- Use 3-5 Colors (Twist- Holidays) 

Crafty Catz Challenge- Anything Goes #529 (Optional twist- Baby It's Cold Outside) 

Pattie's Creations Challenge- #176 Anything Goes  

Remember making paper plate angels as a child? Then you might like this version! The little cutie is a freebie from artist Mariola Budek via her FB page. I loved this radiant little face, but after it was all colored and cut out, I discovered that the wings wouldn’t fold with feathers showing. So… I decided to make it into a Rocker Card, which is really just a circle folded in half! (I do provide a link to instructions in the supplies section below.) I clipped the wings from the digi, trimmed around her hands, and folded her gown back a bit to fit onto the rocker base. I added a strip of double-stick tape across the bottom of her gown and gently attached her to the base. I then slid the wings behind her, loosely taping them into place, then checking to make sure they were balanced. The angel listed to one side, so I repositioned the wings until she was balanced and rocked nicely, and then taped them down. I added a sentiment, slipped a sparkly star in her hands, and placed a halo of matching gold onto her curly tresses. So precious!

Supplies: 
·   Digi- Freebie from Mariola Budek Art (FB page HERE)
·   Rocker Card Instructions available HERE
·   Colored with Spectrum Noir Classique markers, Sakura Gelly Roll white gel pen and a brown ultra-fine point permanent Sharper marker (to add whispy curls around her head)
·   Sentiment- “Star of Wonder” from Beccy’s Place Digi Set (Oh Night Divine)
·   Star template from my scrapbook stash
·   Metallic gold cardstock from my stash
Entered into:  

Lemon Shortbread Challenge- Anything Goes #134 

Cute Card Thursday- Challenge #662 Silver or Gold

Outlawz Challenge- Festive Fridays 

Crafty Hazelnut’s Christmas Challenge- #518 Anything Goes

Besties Challenge- December Anything Goes