Christmas Greetings

Another weekend is upon us!

I hope you've had a great week, and are ready for a restful weekend!

I'm showcasing another Christmas card today!

It's Friday, and you know what that means...a new challenge with us at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

And guess what?

Our theme for this week is once again...

"Anything Goes"

I know you aren't tiring of these as we've had great participation with awesome cards!

You all rock!

Can I begin by showing my creation first?

Here's what I came up with...

Isn't she most elegant?  I fell in love with this image as I usually do with all retro and vintage images!
Imagine dressing up with the family to decorate the house...having some special dainties that are only made during the holiday season.  Neatly wrapping all the gifts to place under the newly decorated tree.  Definitely NOT how we do it at our house!  LOL
There really is something about the simpler days of eras gone by.
Just to let you know, this elegant one of a kind card is being sold in my Etsy Shop should you be interested!

Be sure to check out the CSAYL blog to see what kind of creativity our "Anything Goes" challenge inspired in the rest of the DT members. 
The lucky winner of this challenge will be invited to guest design with us in the month of June!

Until next time...

This card has been entered in the following challenges...

Christmas Is A Feeling

Hi there!

So sorry I'm a little late with my posting today.  Life just seems to get in the way sometimes.  

I'm back today with a card I've created for the new challenge starting at The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog.  

Our theme for this challenge is ...

"Use Three Flowers on Your Creation"

What a great theme!  I love flowers!

I had an idea in my head from the first time I read about this challenge.  I knew that I had a new poinsettia die made by Memory Box that I was just dying to try out...so I knew I was going to go with a Christmas Card.  

Here's a photo of how it came out...

I love how the cluster of poinsettias turned out.  I was lucky enough to work with one of sponsors, Decosses Dynamites Doodles, who created a collection just for us to work with.  The beige and pink solid papers used in this card are all from her collection...as well as the patterned papers the poinsettias have been cut from.  There is also a doily image that I have incorporated into the design.  I cut the image in half and used part under the poinsettias (you can barely see part of it peeking through), and the other half is in the upper corner under the holly and berries die cuts.  I've also used an fancy oval die cut for the background under the sentiment.  After the addition of the chipboard swirls, and some stickles to the flowers and berries and I was finished.  I really like how this one turned out.  So much so, that I've added it to my new Art Fire Store.  Be sure to pay me a visit there and see if there's a purchase you'd like to make!  I've only opened it this week, and there will be more stock being added all the time.  Be sure to do me the favor of sharing with your non card making friends as well as liking my page on FaceBook!

The last bit I need to share with you today is our sponsors for the week....

as well as...

and last but not least...



Be sure to check out the Cafe to see what kinds of goodies these awesome companies are offering to a few select lucky winners.

Now it's your turn...go through your flower stash, get die cutting flowers with your machine!  This is a great challenge and I'm sure we're bound to have tons of amazing entries!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafty Creations Challenge Blog..."All about the S" (chipboard Swirls)
Fab 'n' Funky..."Christmas"
Hambo Hoedown..."Flowers"
Hobbybook..."Show us Your Flowers (use at least 3)
Whimsy Stamps Challenges..."Use 2 or More Die Cuts"
Christmas Card Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"

Howdy!

Howdy there!

So glad you could wrangle up some time in your busy schedule to visit with me!

I have such a fun card to share with you today...ready?

It's a new challenge over at {Pin}spirational Challenges this week, and wait until you see the pic that this card was inspired by...

Ok...it's like I could almost hear you all say "Awwwe"

We are happy to be sponsored once again by the following sponsors...

Meljen's Designs

 who is offering one lucky winner 4 digis

...as well as...

Oak Pond Creation

who are offering one lucky winner 3 digis

...last but not least...

 Stamping Dragon Designs

(prize not yet announced...stay tuned)

Now take another look at that adorable picture!  What {pin}spires you?  The colors, the textures, the little cowboy, the truck?  Whatever you find yourself drawn to, create around it this week and join us at {Pin}spirational Challenges.  I'm looking forward to visiting you and seeing your creation!

Until next time...

Snowflakes...Just An Unassembled Snowman

Good Morning, Afternoon or Evening depending on where you are visiting from.

As I schedule this post to go live, I'm sitting outside with my hubby enjoying our deck!  Today we have finally received some warm and sunny weather here in Manitoba, Canada and we're all ready to soak it in.  The hummingbirds have finally made an appearance at my feeders and the dog is starting to shed his fur...it has to be spring now...right?

It's another Friday already...where is the time going?  And being Friday, we have a new challenge for you at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!  

We're really taking it easy on you again this week...our theme is once again...

"Anything Goes"

I have to say that I feel like a cheated a little on this card.  I've used a Penny Black sticker as my focal point.  This is a smaller sized card...the size of a note card, and these stickers work perfectly for this size!  It's a quick card to make, assemble, add some stickles for interest and voila!

I think they are actually really cute!

(Not every card has to be hand colored, right?)

Here's a peek...

I just love that sentiment!  

That's it for me today...short and sweet!

Hope you've enjoyed what you've seen and hopefully you've been inspired to join our challenge over at CSAYL.  

Remember...join in the fun and it's one less card you have to make come the busy holiday season!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...

A Shabby Chic Collection

Welcome!

Glad you're here!

Today I want to introduce to you a new challenge over at Pile it On!
 It is...

"Shabby Chic"

I want to share with you a collection of cards I created to teach at our local craft store.
They have been created with digital collage sheets that you can find in many Etsy stores.

Here is a close up of each card...my apologies for the poor quality as I quickly snapped the photos in the cellophane envelopes with my camera phone before delivering them for display at the store...

I have to admit that Vintage/Shabby Chic cards are my most favorite to create and play around with!
I hope you've enjoyed these and have been inspired to play along with us at Pile it On this week.

We are sponsored by...

 

who are offering one lucky winner a $20 gift certificate!

So come join in on the fun!  And, don't forget to check out the other DT creations!

Until next time...

These cards have been entered in the following challenges...

Crafty Girls Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
DL Art..."Feminine"
DL Art..."May Challenge - Anything Goes"
It's All About the Vintage..."Anything Goes" 
Sister Act Card Challenge..."Anything Goes"
Card and Scrap..."Shabby Chic"
Crafts Galore Encore..."Anything Goes"
Feeling Crafty Challenges..."One for the Girls/Ladies"
Sparkles Monthly Challenge..."Mom or Special Lady"
Live and Love Crafts..."Photo Collage Inspiration"

"Didn't We Already Do Christmas"

Glad you could stop and take a peek at what I have going on here today!

I'm sure you've figured out by now already that Fridays are my Christmas -y posts!

We have a new challenge starting today at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

Once again it's...

"Anything Goes"

Isn't that challenge theme like the best EVER!

We are sponsored this week by...

...who are offering one lucky winner 5 digis of their choice!

Here's the card I came up with using "Reindeer Gift"

And a close up of the digi...

I have to admit that I was running a little low in the mojo/creative vibes this week, so I was happy to see that there was a new sketch available at Christmas Challenges (with sketches).  

I wanted to make this card a fun one as the digi just seemed so light hearted.  I colored the reindeer up with my Spectrum Noir markers, added some stickles to his nose and the bow on the gift.  I chose a colorful bunch of papers and started mixing and matching. I added a sentiment to the side of the card as outlined in the sketch and then decided to cut out a sentiment using my Cameo as well. 

 When I found this one, I thought it was just perfect for this little reindeer peeking out from behind the gift..

"Didn't we already Do Christmas?"

Love it!

Now, because I cut out the wording in such matchy matchy paper...I had to doodle around the outline  so it would stand out better.  I decided to keep the doodle theme going and put that finishing touch around the image as well.  

Nothing too complicated...just lots of layering with lots of fun colored/patterned paper!

Now it's your turn!  Remember it's "Anything Goes" again this week at CSAYL!

We'd love to see what you come up with!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...

C.R.A.F.T...."Christmas"

Crimbo Crackers..."Festive Red"

Christmas Challenges (with Sketches)..."Follow the Sketch"

Merry Monday Christmas Challenges..."Stars"

Christmas Cards All Year Long..."Something Associated with Santa"

Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"

The Glory of Christmas..."Anything Goes"
Christmas Fun..."All that Glitters"

Times of Waiting...

Happy Hump Day!  

I can't believe it's mid week already...and that the May long weekend is almost here!

We got our camper all set up at our seasonal site last weekend, and are really looking forward to spending the weekend at the lake.  Hopefully the traditionally rainy weekend will yield some sun for us instead this year!

Since today is Wednesday, it's time to announce a new challenge over at The Crafter's Cafe Challenge Blog...

"Include a Clock or Time Piece in Your Design"

Isn't that an interesting and intriguing challenge!

I have chosen a Eureka digi stamp entitled "Times of Waiting" for my creation this week.

We are excited to once again welcome them as one of our sponsors for this week. 

Here's a look at the card I created...

I'd had this clock paper sitting in my stash for several years!  It was one of those pieces of papers that just seemed a shame to cut into.  Well, for this card I took the plunge.  I've used it for the background and then matted the sentiment onto a lighter brown patterned paper and then fussy cut some of the time pieces from the original background paper to add some interest around the sentiment.  Three beige sugar dots later, the whole card was finished.  A more simple design this time.  

As mentioned above, we are sponsored this week by...

who are also joined by...



Be sure to check out The Cafe to see what prize goodies are being served up for this challenge!

Now it's your turn to shop your stash and come up with a Time Piece design....but remember the clock is ticking and you only have one week to link up with us!
Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Just Inspirational Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Through the Craft Room Door.."Anything Goes"
Challenges 4 Everybody...Anything Goes

The Colors of Nature

Hello, hello, hello!

So glad you could stop by today and visit with me!

As I schedule this blog post, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping and I'm busy packing our camper as we can move onto our seasonal site.  

The grass has finally started greening up...I've noticed there are a few perennials starting to pop up in yards and the trees are finally starting to bud!

I love spring!  I love watching the colors come alive!

I can hardly wait until my flower garden looks like our chosen picture for this weeks challenge over at {Pin}spirational Challenges.

Just look at all this color...

 

Isn't it just fabulous!

When I saw this {Pin}spiring photo, my mind quickly went to a project I had been working on for a gift for a friends daughter who was getting baptized this last Sunday!  I have just started dabbling a little more in mixed media and thought a teenage girl might like a mixed media canvas for her room.  My daughter is close friends with this young lady and was more than willing to help me pick out colors, stencils, washi tape, etc.  

We schemed and schemed...and here's what we came up with...

We based the canvas on her favorite Bible Verse...

and we paper pieced a Prima Doll stamp because wouldn't any teenage girl love this image with attitude...

...and I wanted to summarize the Bible verse in a "teen" kinda way, so I decided on a saying and cut out the lettering with my Silhouette Cameo...

My daughter and I had so much fun playing with the sprays, tissue paper, patterned papers, the texture paste and stencils and we both love how colorful the canvas turned out!

Not too shabby (we thought) for not having done much of this style of crafting.  

I do have to say that I am hooked...LOL

I had to come up with a quick craft for some of the church kiddos the other day and decided to get them into this as well....

Here's what they came up with...

(so sorry the picture isn't great quality ...only had the phone handy)

 Now, I've been so excited to share my creation with you today, that I've completely forgotten to mention our sponsors for this challenge...

Fresh Brewed Designs

 

...and...

QKR Stampede

as well as...

LEJ Designs

I hope I've encouraged you to create something special using our picture this week over at {Pin}spirational Challenges.  Be inspired by the colors, the textures, or the flowers...let your creativity lead you...and be sure to link up with us so you have a chance at some awesome prizes!

Until next time...

This creation has been shared in the following challenges...

 Craft My Life..."Anything but a Card"
Crafting From the Heart..."Anything Goes"
My Craft Spot..."Inking"
Scrapping Everyday Miracles..."New, Rebirth" (baptism)
That Craft Place Challenge..."Alter It"
Altered Eclectics..."Anything Altered Goes" (altered canvas)
Rhedd's Creative Spirit..."Anything Altered Goes" (altered canvas)
Seemacrafts..."Butterflies & Rainbows"
Simply Create Too..."Anything but a Card"
Crafting By Designs..."May Anything Goes"
Crafty Creations Challenges..."Anything but a Card"
Inklings & Yarns..."Anything Goes"
Three Muses..."Positive Affirmations"
Word Art Wednesdays..."Anything Goes"
Lia Stampz..."Anything but a Card" 
Challenges 4 Everybody...Anything Goes

Special Delivery

Happy Friday!

It's the weekend again...which means a new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

We are continuing with our theme of...

"Anything Goes"

We are sponsored this week by

Anne's Digitals



One lucky winner will have the chance to choose 5 digis of their choice!
Great Prize!

I had the pleasure of working with the digital stamp entitled "Delivering Parcels".
Here's how I decided to incorporate the digi into my card...

She just looked like she should be strolling down the sidewalk in the city, excited to deliver her special parcel to someone.

Don't you just love the "anything goes" theme?  Your creative mind can work over time and you're not bound by having to use a certain item.  I hope this encouraged you to join us this week at CSAYL!  (Don't forget to click on the link to take you to the other awesome DT creations...just in case you're needing a little more inspiration!)

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
 Crimbo Crackers..."Festive Red"
DL Art..."Anything Feminine"
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges..."2 or more patterned papers"
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Card Challenges..."Something Beginning with B"...(blue)
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."May Challenge"
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenges..."May Challenge"
Sparkles Christmas Challenges..."Baby it's Cold Outside"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes" 
Decosse's Dynamite Doodles..."Christmas Card Link Up"

A Special Card for a Special Mom

Welcome!

I'm here to share with you today a new challenge over at Unstampabelles.  

It's a simple challenge with a simple twist...

"Paper Based Creation for Someone Special...

with the twist of blogging about why 

they are special to you..."

This month we are happy to be sponsored by our very own Beth...

...who will be awarding one lucky winner a Stamp'n Up prize!
How fabulous is that!

I knew right away that I wanted to create a Mother's Day Card for my very special mom!

My mom is also one of my very best friends.  She has always been there for me and always backs me up no matter what the situation.  She is an awesome Nana to my children and dotes on them like any Grandmother should!  My mom laughs with me, cries with me and is always there for advice.  She has always been my biggest cheerleader!

My mom is one of the very few people that I have always been able to count on in life.  

I have been extremely blessed to have been given the mom I have.  

So, here's the special Mother's Day Card that I created for her...

I've used an SVG Cuts cutting file, a Heartfelt Creations floral die, and a Memory Box swirl die.  I love the different tiers to this card.  

So, think of someone special in your life...male or female, and get creating a special something for them.  Then, don't forget to blog about why they're special to you so that we can read all about it when you link up with us at Unstampabelles.  

A few quick points to keep in mind...your creation must be paper based, you are not allowed to use stamps of any sort (rubber or digi) on your creation.  Don't worry, it's easier than it sounds.

Oh, and one final thought...

"Hey mom, I know you've read this and the card won't be a surpise!  LOL

Happy Mother's Day"

You're the best!

Until next time...

This card has been entered in the following challenges...
 Inkspirational..."Pink and Green"
My Sheri Crafts..."Celebrating Moms"
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge..."Anything Goes"
Brown Sugar Challenge Blog..."Patterned Paper"
Crafty Catz Challenge..."Anything but Square"
Creative Corner Challenges..."For Mom"
Cut it Up.."Mother's Day"
Connie Can Crop..."Mums the Word"...2 types of flower mediums...patterned paper & die cuts
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenges..."May Challenge"
Dies R Us..."Anything Goes"
Mema's Crafts..."May Flowers/Mom"
DL Art..."Mother's Day"
Crafting by Designs..."Anything Goes"
Amusing Challenges..."Mothers"
The Squirrel and the Fox..."Mother's Day"
Challenges 4 Everybody..."Anything Goes"

Lessons from a Child...

Have you ever noticed that children offer so many lessons for us adults?

It's funny that when you have your own kids...you suddenly realize how you act, talk, etc.  

And, it becomes even more apparent when they start to mimic you!  LOL

They hold such wisdom in their simplistic way of thinking and seeing the world!

That's why I fell in love with the sentiment and the digi that I've used on todays sharing. 

Welcome to another new challenge beginning over at Pile it On!

It's one that is certain to bring a smile to your face...

"Child's Play"

We are so very excited to be sponsored by Digital Delights!

They are offering one lucky winner a $5 gift certificate!

I had the pleasure of playing with the digi entitled Swinging Scottie .

He's so adorable sitting on his swing with his teddy!  

Here's what I created with this little cutie...

I decided to get the Silhouette Cameo involved in this card as well.  I've used the tree and cloud die cut cutting file.  I've colored up Scottie with my distress markers, and popped him up with 3D dots so he looks like he really is swinging on the tree. A few sequins were added for some sparkle. I came across a sentiment in my Stamp'n Up collection and thought it just sounded like a child's simple wisdom...

"Life doesn't have to be perfect to be wonderful".  

We forget that, don't we!  Kids find joy even in situations that are less than perfect. 

I hope you'll take the time for some play in your craft room this week, and that you'll join us in our "Childs Play" challenge at Pile it On!

Can't wait to see what the inner child in you leads you to create!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...

Crafty Sentiments Designs..."Anything Goes"

The Crafty Bloggers Network..."Die Cuts or Embossing"

My Craft Creations..."Anything Goes"

Scrapbook Stamp Society..."Anything Goes/Sentiment"

Whoopsi Daisy..."Hand Colored Image"

613 Avenue Create..."Anything Goes"

Quirky Crafts Challenges..."Something Beginning with the letter S" (swing)
Crafty Girls Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Cute Card Thursday..."Here Comes Summer"
Delightful Challenges..."Dimension"
DL. Art Challenges..."May Linky Party - Anything Goes"
Paper Crafting Journey..."Spots and/or Stripes"
Crafts Galore Encore..."Anything Goes"
Dies R Us Challenges..."Anything Goes/Use Dies"
Doodle Pantry..."Any Digi Goes"
Stuck on U Sketches..."Die Cut Challenge...Tree"
Brown Sugar Challenge..."Patterned Paper"
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."May Challenge"
Hobbybook Designer Challenge..."Add a Sentiment" 
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
A Gem of A Challenge..."Cute and Cuddly"
Crafting at the Weekend..."Anything Goes"

An Angelic Kinda Day

Good Morning, Afternoon, or Evening...depending on where you are visiting from!

Another Friday is upon us...and it's the first Friday in May!  So hard to believe how the time is flying!

Since it's Friday, you know what that means...a new challenge over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

And, it's your favorite kinda challenge...

"Anything Goes"

Easy, peasy!

We are excited to once again be sponsored by Eureka Stamps!

Be sure to check the CSAYL blog to see what kind of prize they are offering to one lucky winner!

I had the pleasure of playing with the digi stamp "Christmas Angel". 

Here's a look at what I did with her...

I just could not refrain from getting her all sparkled up!  I've used tons of different colored Stickles!

She has been colored with my Spectrum Noirs!  I've used two different patterned papers and sealed them off with some washi tape and some bling.  The joy die cut is a Memory Box die! 

Not too detailed...but I really wanted the angel to "sparkle" and be the main attraction.  

Hope you've been inspired to created a Christmas card today...just think, that's one less that you have to do in the busy season!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."May Challenge"
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."May Challenge/Anything Goes"
DL Art..."May Challenge/Anything Goes"
Fab'n' Funky..."Christmas"
Hobbybook Designer Challenge..."Add a Sentiment"
The Sisterhood of Crafters..."Things with Wings"
Nutcrafters..."Bingo...Monochromatic, Christmas card, bling/glitter"
Christmas Fun..."All that Glitters"
Decosse's Dynamite Doodles..."Christmas Card Link Up"