A Fond Farewell...

A second posting today...WooHoo!

I'm back for the last time here with Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

I have loved working with these very talented and wonderful ladies and am sad to say goodbye!

It's been a pleasure!

This week we have a sketch challenge for you...

We do not have a sponsor for this challenge, however one lucky winner will be awarded a Guest Designer spot in the month of November with CSAYL.
How fun!

I decided that I wouldn't stray from the sketch, but would keep it pretty much as simple as it is.

Here's my take...

I sat down and decided that I wanted to make one last simple card for my craft sale tomorrow.  I hauled out some of my Christmas papers and decided that I would like to use my Heartfelt Creations Christmas paper pack.
I love the picture panel.
The only embellishing I've done is to ink all of the edges with brown ink and to use some Glitter Ritz on the star!

It's not a hard challenge this week at CSAYL.  All you have to do is plan a card resembling the sketch!  Perfect to do a quick and easy creation...that's one less that you have to make when the busy holiday season starts!
I can hardly wait to see what you create!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes - Add a Sentiment"
Jingle Belles..."Not a Creature Was Stirring"

Reminder...December is Fast Approaching!

It's Friday!  It's Friday!

And I'm extra excited because I'm headed to a weekend scrapbooking/cardmaking crop!

Nothing but crafting goodness for a whole weekend....no cooking, no cleaning....just time to be creative!  Yay!

It's crunch time to do the last minute creating for the upcoming Christmas craft sale I'm in on Novemeber 01.  I'll be busy pumping out vintage and retro style Christmas cards as those are definitely my best sellers!

But, since it's Friday, that also means a new challenge begins today at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!  December is fast approaching and we want you to be well prepared with a stack of holiday cards that have been created long before the busy season.  Don't worry, if you haven't gotten around to starting...there's no time like the present.  We have a great theme to get you going this week...

"Anything Goes - Use Your Imagination"

Not too hard...or at least I thought!  

LOL

It seems that my imagination and creative juices have been running a little low lately.

I decided to just keep my design easy and simple this week. 

Here's my creation...

I decided to go with more non traditional Christmas colors and a shaped card.  I've colored the sponsor image with my Distress Markers to give the coloring a more vintage feel.  The sentiment is from TLC Creations.  For a bit of sparkle, I added three simple rhinestones. 

This week we are sponsored by...

Please stop by the CSAYL blog to see the prize being offered to one lucky winner...and to check out the other DT creations!  It's fun to see where their imaginations have led them!

Hope you've been inspired!  Create something quick and simple...or go more elaborate...just don't forget to link up with us at CSAYL!

Until next time...

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

Aud Sentiments..."Anything Goes with a Sentiment"

DL. Art..."Anything Goes October Challenge"

Southern Girls Challenge Blog..."Get Wordy"

Thinking about Snow...

Happy Friday!

Welcome...I'm so glad you could pop in for a visit today!
Can you believe that they have been already talking about snow here in Southern Manitoba?
It seems way too early for my liking!
However, when I saw the digital stamp I had the pleasure of playing with for todays blog post, I couldn't help but think of snow and big cozy sweaters!

As you will know by now, Friday brings our new challenge over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

We have a fun challenge once again for you...

"Use This Color Combo"

Lots of color to play with there!

We are delighted to welcome back once again as our sponsor...



who is offering one lucky winner 4 digis of their choice!

 I had the privilege to work with the digital stamp "Big Sweater Kid"!
I love the way he has his nose tucked into his sweater.  I wanted to find a really great sentiment to go with this image...so I turned to Create with TLC Art Fire store.
I found exactly what I was looking for...

Here's how the card turned out...

I'm hoping I've managed to capture all of the colors from our color combo.  The pink is not represented too visibly...but it is in there among the snowflakes on the background paper, in the letters of the Merry Christmas sentiment strip, and in the striped paper behind the sentiment strip. 
The digi has been colored up with Spectrum Noir markers and the snowflakes are from a Martha Stewart punch.

I hope you've been inspired now as well!
For more inspiration and beautiful projects, be sure to check out the CSAYL blog!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."October Challenge"
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."October Challenge"
Doodle Pantry..."Any Digi Goes"
Sparkles Christmas Challenges..."For a Child"
Christmas At Sweet Stampin'... "Snowflakes" 
Alphabet Challenge Blog..."R is for Round or Rectangle"
Delicious Doodles Challenge Blog..."Christmas in October"
C.R.A.F.T Challenge..."Christmas"
Christmas Card Challenges..."Layer it Up"
Merry Monday Christmas Challenges..."Neon Colors"
Crimbo Crackers Challenge Blog..."Anything Christmas Goes"

A Little Something...

Hi Everyone!

Just popping in with a quick post today!

It should be a Christmas Stampin' All Year Long post coming at you today...however, not feeling well and life have gotten in the way this week so I have no creation for the challenge.

My apologies!

I will however share with you the theme...

"Use Lots of Snowflakes"

It will be a fun one, and I anticipate lots of participation.

Even though I haven't been able to create, I still look forward to coming to visit and seeing your creations!

Be sure to check out the CSAYL blog to see the wonderful prize being offered!

Now...I don't want to send you away empty handed, so I will show you a card I worked on awhile back and have just had time to add to my Etsy store.

It's another vintage/victorian inspired creation...you know those are my favorite kind to create!

Here goes...

This photo actually features an awesome clock and lace table cloth that I scored on a visit to our local thrift store yesterday!  Love them!

Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit today!

Hope to see you again soon!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafty Catz..."All Sentimental"
Crafting by Designs..."Anything Goes"
Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges..."Use at Least 3 Patterned Papers"
The ABC Challenge..."U is for Unique"
Christmas Cards All Year 'Round..."Embellish It"
Country View Challenges..."Sparkle and Shine"
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."October Christmas Challenge"

"Jingle all the Way"...

Hello again for the second time today!

It's not often that I have two blog posts in one day anymore!

If you're looking for my Scrapbooks by Designs post, please scroll down. 

Friday means a new challenge over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

Our last challenge of "Lots of Layers" must have been a bit harder than I thought as we didn't have many entries last week.  

I hope you'll find our new challenge a bit easier...

"Use Non Traditional Colors"

I opted to create a scene card for this weeks challenge.

I decided to use a teal color as the base...and I'm hoping you don't find teal to be a traditional Christmas color.  I know it's not usually the color I would opt for when designing a Christmas card.

I got my Silhouette Cameo humming and did some die cutting with some images I thought would suit the sponsor image I had received to use.

I'll keep you waiting no longer...

I cut out the jingle bell die cut with my Cameo as well as the sleigh scene. I cut out the sleigh scene a second time in a brown colored paper and then fussy cut the horse apart from the sleigh and popped it up over the black scene with 3D pop up dots to give the card some dimension.  I popped up the jingle bell close to the sentiment as well. 

The cabin background is a metal Memory Box die which I cut out with my BigShot.  I also cut out the pine leaves with my BigShot as well.

I added some Glitter Ritz to portions of the white background on the card to give it some shimmer and sparkle to represent freshly fallen snow. 

The "Jingle All the Way" sentiment is an image from our sponsor this week...

...and they are offering one lucky prize winner a $10 gift certificate.

So, dig through your stash of holiday papers and try to think outside of the box and find a non traditional holiday color normally used for a card!

Then link up with us at CSAYL!

You may be our next lucky winner!

Until next time...

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

ABC Christmas Challenges..."Something Festive" 
Crafting by Designs..."Christmas" 
Mod Squad Challenge Blog..."Holiday"
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge..."20 minutes or less"
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Extra Challenge..."September Challenge - Anything Christmas"

Lots of Layers...

Welcome back!

The weather has certainly cooled off and we are needing to start layering our clothes as you never know when the weather will be cool, or when the sun will come out and heat things up here in Manitoba, Canada.  

It just so happens that our new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long has ideas about layering this week as well.  

This week we want to see...

"Lots of Layers"

on your card creation.  

We do not have a sponsor this week, however we are offering a prize of papers and ribbons.

Please see the CSAYL blog for more details!

I rummaged around in my stash of pretty papers and decided to go with a color scheme that is not traditionally Christmas colors.  I decided to go teal because I had so many pretty teal papers that would work well together for a vintage style card.  Of course I inked everything brown...edges and for some of the elements even the entire paper.  

Here's how it turned out...

I decided to use reddish colored poinsettia die cuts & a pine die cut to tie in with the small piece of pine and poinsettia you see under the main sentiment panel on the bottom corner.  I added a hint of gold glitter to the center of the flowers to give the card just a bit of holiday shimmer.  

Here's a closer look at the floral grouping...

 

I also added some Kaisercraft premade ornamental die cuts to the top and bottom of the card to give it an extra touch of elegance.  

Well, that's all for me today.  

I hope you've been inspired and feel led to participate with us at CSAYL.

We'd love to have you join us!

Until next time...

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

The Sailing Pineapple Challenge Blog..."Use a Die Cut"

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."Anything Christmas"

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."September Patterned Paper Challenge"

Creatalicious Challenges..."Flower Power"

The Craft Garden..."Mood Board Picture Inspiration" (I used the colors)
ABC Christmas Challenges..."Something Festive"
Add a Little Dazzle..."Home for the Holidays"
Scrapper's Delights Challenge Blog..."Make Your Own Flowers/Anything Goes"
A Creative Romance..."Anything Goes"
Alphabet Challenge Blog..."P is for Pretty Petals" 
Crafts Galore Encore..."Make a Card"

The Weather is Getting Colder...

...So sit back, grab yourself a cup of something warm and visit for awhile!

Happy Friday!

The weather has certainly changed in our area of the world.  It's become downright chilly and the frost warnings have begun. 

The chilliness certainly has Christmas gifts on my mind lately.  

Well these "gifty" thoughts fit in perfectly with our new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

"A Non Card Project"

I've been busy trying to come up with neat little inexpensive gifts for my craft sale table and warm beverages popped into my mind!

How about a tea bag dispenser!  I knew I had a cute cut file from SVG Cuts that I'd been wanting to test out.  

I broke out the Christmas paper, got the Cameo humming and quickly did a print and cut with the sponsor image after the tea dispenser template was cut.  I colored the image with my distress markers and cut out a large snowflake using my BigShot and Memory Box die.  I adhered the image to the centre of the snowflake and popped it up off the dispenser.  

Here's how it turned out...

I think they'd make very cute gifts for a office grab bag, for a teacher gift, etc.  

But before I go...let me fill you in about our sponsor for the week!

We would love to welcome back again

They are offering one lucky winner 7 digis of their choice.
And...they have the most awesome digis...you'll have a hard time selecting if you're the lucky winner!

So dig deep into your creativity and maybe get a few Christmas gifts made and out of the way before the busy holiday season hits!
Don't forget to link up with us at CSAYL!

Until next time...

This project has been shared in the following challenges...
Dragons Lair Design Challenges..."Anything but a Card"
C.R.A.F.T. Challenges..."Christmas"

Using the Neglected...

Welcome!

Grab a cup of coffee, tea or beverage of your choice and stay awhile!

It's Friday, so it's time to relax and get ready to get into weekend mode!

Sadly, this weekend will not be a relaxing one for us as a family.  We will be moving out of our seasonal campsite and bringing the camper back home. *Insert a tear and sniffle here*
  The summer was so much fun...heading out to the lake, boating, swimming, hiking and biking...it's just so sad that it has ended so quickly!

School has begun, cooler sweater weather and changing colors in the leaves have started and routine must once again set in.

Friday also bring a new challenge with us at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long.

Last week was a popular theme as I predicted and it was awesome to visit all of your blogs and see such beautiful creations.  

This week we are challenging you to...

"Use Only One Stamp"

I was excited about this one!

I've had a stash of Wild Rose Studio holiday rubber stamps that I've been neglecting and decided this was the perfect time to dig one out.  Their images are absolutely adorable.  

So I stamped, broke out the distress markers and decided to do some water coloring!

Allow me to share...

 

I love how this little deer turned out!  

I've mounted the image with 3D dots so that the card has some dimension and pops off the page.  The background paper is a gorgeous craft color and has white pine branches and pine cones with red berries.  Perfect for a woodland creature I thought! I've used a Spellbinders oval decorative shape to add color and interest behind the image trying to make sure that it didn't draw the eye away from the precious fawn.  To one corner I've added a single snowflake with a pearl centre and opposite that corner on the bottom I've added a snowflake flurry die cut.  I've added tiny pearls there as well to give the die cut more dimension and interest.  As I contemplated a sentiment I realized that I would have to get creative as I had already used my one stamp!  LOL

A Memory Box die of the simple word "Joy" seemed to fit the look on the reindeers face so I went with it!

As the last touch, I added some white embossing enamel to the image so that it appears to be snowing lightly.  

I think this card would be great to give to a loved one, a friend or even to enclose a gift card for a child.  (And just so you know...this is available in my Etsy store).

One quick note before I go...

We are being sponsored by Di's Stamps this week over at CSAYL.

 

 One lucky prize winner will be receiving a $12 gift certificate to spend in the shop!

Fantastic!

Now it's your turn!  Dig out those neglected stamps and choose just one...will you accept our challenge?

Until next time...

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

Holly Jolly Christmas..."Use R, E, or D" (red, embossing enamel, deer, die cut)
Crafting By Designs..."Anything Goes"
DoubleClick..."Use any Animal"
Christmas Cards All Year Round..."Kraft/Cream"
Craftyhalzelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."Anything Christmas"
Incy Wincy Designs..."Cute Critters"
Christmas Card Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"

Manger Scene

WooHoo!  It's Friday!

So glad you're here today!

You know what Friday means...a new challenge with us at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

You'll love this weeks challenge...

"To Die For"

Us card makers love our dies, don't we?  

I'm guessing this week is going to bring many entries!  

I'm so very excited about the card I've created for this particular challenge.

Allow me to begin this post with a picture of it, and we'll get down to the other details such as sponsorship, prizes, etc in just a minute!

Ready????

Can you guess the company whose paper pack I've designed this one with?

It's Heartfelt Creations!  I love, love, love their paper and coordinating dies!

I chose this gorgeous manger scene card panel to begin the card with.  I love manger scene cards, because to me they bring the focus to what the Christmas holiday is all about!  I've chosen coordinating patterned papers to do all of the matting with, as well as a sentiment from the paper pack as well.  I've used the "Majestic Blooms" die from Heartfelt Creations to create the large flower with the pearl centre.  I've also used some blue distress paint and some Glitter Ritz on the edges to tie it into the color palette.  The gold poinsettias are several Memory Box dies that I just adore!  The swirl die cuts are created with my BigShot as well and are from Sizzix.  Lastly, if you peek super closely, you will also see a Spellbinders fancy edged square die cut behind the sentiment!  

I don't need to convince you that I love die cutting...do I!  LOL

Now here's the sponsorship info I promised you earlier. 

 We do not have a sponsor for this weeks challenge...however, one lucky winner will be invited to Guest Design with us in October!

Super exciting!

Now it's your turn!  Break out that collection of dies that I know you have stashed in your craft room, choose a Christmas themed one to work with, and get creating!  Then link up with us at CSAYL!  While you're there, be sure to check out some of the other DT's creations!  You won't be disappointed!

I can't wait to visit your blogs to see what you come up with!

Until next time...
Brown Sugar Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"
Jingle Bells..."Baby it's Gold Outside" (gold poinsettias, gold embossing enamel)
Polkadoodles..."Getting Organized for Christmas"
Sister Act Card Challenges..."Anything Goes"
Crafts 4 Eternity..."Tic Tac Toe" (add some paint, use color blue, use a holiday theme)
Crafty Girls Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes"
Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog..."Any Sentiment other than Birthday"
The Crafters Cafe Challenge Blog..."Use Your Punches/Dies"
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog..."Christmas"
Word Art Wednesdays..."Anything Goes"

A Sweet Christmas

Hello Again!

It's Friday, and I have a treat for you today...two blog posts!

And, this post is a "sweet" one!

There's a new challenge over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long beginning today, and you will love the theme...

"Anything Goes"

I'm guessing you'll all find this one easier than the sketch challenge that we had running last week.

We are welcoming back Meljen's Designs as our sponsor this week...

...and they are offering one lucky winner 4 uncolored digis of their choice!
They have such sweet images...it will be hard to choose!

For this challenge, I used the digi called "Sweet Candy Canes".

I found some candy cane striped glittered paper in my stash and decided to use it as the background to the card. I then came across a piece of candy patterned paper and decided that it fit the "sweet" theme of the creation.  I colored up the image with my Spectrum Noir markers and added some sequins to the image to give it some extra shine.  A doily made perfect sense to me as a layering element as it reminded me of packaging goodies and I often use doilies to make a lovely presentation plate during the holidays.  Lastly, I found a neat piece of patterned paper with different sentiments on it and decided to use it on the bottom of the card as the holiday wishes.  Add the three snowflakes with their button centres and you have a quick, but cute "sweet" greeting card to pass along to a friend or loved one at Christmas. 

I'm looking forward to visiting your blogs this week to see what you have created for this weeks challenge.  You'll be glad come the chaotic holiday season that you've taken the time to create a few cards when you're busy with the rest of the holiday preparations!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Polkadoodles..."Getting Organized for Christmas"
Winter Wonderland..."Anything Goes for Christmas"
Christmas Cards all Year Long..."Sparkle and Shine"
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."August Challenge"
Sparkles Christmas Challenge..."Snowflakes"
ABC Christmas Challenges..."Quick and Easy"
Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge..."Christmas"
Holly Jolly Christmas..."1,2, 3" (1 image, 2 patterned papers, 3 snowflakes)

Will You Tag Along...

....with us this week at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long?

It's Friday once again!  

I'm back from a great camping vacation so I've been missing in action for a bit.  

I got to get my creative juices flowing for another CSAYL challenge...which if you haven't guessed by the title is...

"Tags"

We are sponsored this week by the ever popular

 

who are offering one lucky winner 7 digis of their choice!

Thanks Bugaboo!

Now, I don't usually do tags...actually I've never created a tag before if you can believe it.  

Since I'm a passionate card maker, I usually don't see the need for a tag.

Well, the first thing I did was to find an interesting Silhouette cutting file to get the whole project rolling.  

Then I incorporated the digi I had to play with from Bugaboo and added it directly to the Silhouette program so I could print and cut it directly on the tag at the same time.

 I got to coloring with my distress markers, hauled out the Big Shot to do some die cutting, and here's where my creativity took me...

 Now I believe I'll have to create a matching card and give this away on an actual gift!

Now it's your turn to create a tag and link it up with us at CSAYL!

Until next time...

Reindeer Wishes

So glad you took the time to stop by today!

It's Friday....which means its a new challenge beginning at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

This week we are challenging you to create a...

"One Layer Card"

Now don't be intimidated!  I know one layer cards do tend to scare me a little as I don't do them often, but it can be done!

Here's the card I created for the challenge this week...

I had the most adorable reindeer digi stamp to play with from Emma Cannings...who also happens to be our wonderful sponsor this week...and is offering one lucky winner 5 digis of their choice!

I printed out the image on the sized paper I wanted to use, proceeded to color it and then doodled around the outside of the card.  The last finishing touch was the silver cord and metal snowflake charm.  I thought it actually turned out really well...and was super quick and simple.

Now it's your turn.  Don't let the one layer scare you...break out of your comfort zone and try something new.  Then, link up with us at CSAYL.  

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Until next time...

Jolly Old St. Nicholas

I'm back today with a new challenge reveal for Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

Our goal is to try to create a bulk of our seasonal cards ahead of the holiday rush...and we're challenging you to do the same.  

Our new challenge this week is to create a 

"Gift Set"

The options and creativity abound for this one...don't they?

We do not have a sponsor for this challenge...however, the prize this week is a Guest Designer spot in an upcoming month!

How awesome is that!
We would love to design with you!

Be sure to check out the CSAYL blog to see the awesome prize being offered to one lucky winner!

I found the cutest set over at My ScrapChick that I had purchased while they were running a sale.  I loved the Santa image and was very impressed that there were several matching SVG files included.  So, I got the Silhouette Cameo humming and started paper piecing!

Here's how my gift set of a card and treat box turned out...

here's a close up of the card...

...and one of the treat box

I hope someone would be so excited and tickled pink to receive these at Christmas time!

 I also hope that you've been inspired to create a gift set of your own and link it up with us at CSAYL.

Until next time...

This creation has been shared in the following challenges...
Aud Sentiments Challenge..."Christmas in July"
Creative Knockouts..."Christmas in July"
DL. Art..."Christmas in July"
Southern Girls Challenge Blog..."Christmas is a Comin'"
Little Red Wagon..."Christmas in July"
Die Cuttin' Divas..."Christmas in July"
Crafting for all Seasons..."Christmas"
Christmas at Sweet Stampin'..."Kraft Christmas"

Here Comes Santa Claus...

I'm back from vacation and I'm glad you're still here paying me a visit.

It's another new holiday challenge with us over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!
We have a Christmas recipe for you this week...

"2 Different Card Stocks, 1 Image, 1 Sentiment and 2 Embellishments"

Talk about getting the mind to work after vacation mode!  LOL
Are you ready to see what this mushy vacation mode brain came up with?



I'm hoping you'll indulge me this week, as I'm not really sure I accomplished the 2 embellishment part of the challenge...I've used the buttons and then also the Stickles on the Santa hat.  Are Stickles considered Embellishments...well, in this case we're just going to say yes!  LOL

The two different types of card stock are the pattened paper which was a premade card that I purchased on sale last Christmas at Michaels.  I added the red card
 stock which I ran through my Big Shot and then sanded the top of the dots so they stood out a little more on the card. 

The sentiment was a print and cut file from my Silhouette Cameo that I purchased at the Silhouette Online Store.  I thought the colors were perfect for a cheery holiday card, and actually designed this card around the different colors printed on it. 


Lastly, the fun Santa Claus image comes from our sponsor this week...



...and they will be awarding one lucky winner 5 digis of their choice!
Thanks Eureka Stamps!

I hope you've been inspired by what you've seen here.  I also hope you have stopped by the CSAYL blog to see what the other talented DT members have come up with.
We'd love to have you join us in creating our holiday themed cards early before the rush of the season begins!

Until next time...

Sassy Studio Designs..."Christmas in July"

Hambo Hoedown..."Christmas in July"

Inky Chicks..."Christmas in July"

Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"

Christmas Fairy

Happy Friday Morning!

And happy it is...today is the last day of school for our kiddos.  They go for an hour and 10 minutes today...can you believe they run the buses for an hour and 10 minutes of school.  I still shake my head and wonder sometimes!  LOL

However, the kids are ready to jump out of their skin and let loose on their summer vacation.

I'm back today with a new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

As usual, it's an "Anything Goes" theme with the twist of...

"Made for a Child"

I bet you have a grandchild, niece, nephew, son or daughter that you can be inspired to create for.  

Our sponsor this week is...

...be sure to check out the CSAYL blog for prize details.

Here is the small note sized card I created...

I thought it would be perfect for a tween, teen or young adult.  Being note sized, it would be perfect to slip in a gift card for that special someone to their favorite store.

Well, it's short and sweet today.
Gotta be ready for when that bus rolls onto the yard for the last time this school year, and then head out to our last day of swimming lessons.

Until next time... 

More Christmas Creations

Hi Everyone!

I'm glad you're able to join me today!  

I have to apologize that I've been MIA lately...but it would seem that there has been a nasty chest cold moving through our house and I was not immune to it this time!

My apologies again to the design teams I've let down this week!

I do however have a card to share with you today!

A new challenge is starting at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long and the theme this week is...

"One Layer"

We are sponsored this week by



and one lucky winner will be receiving a $12 gift certificate to their store.

One layer cards can tend to be a little daunting...but here is my attempt...

Be sure to check out the other wonderful DT creations on the CSAYL challenge blog. 
Lots of terrific inspiration there. 

Hopefully you've been inspired to join us in creating a holiday card...remember that's one less that you need to make during the busy holiday season.

Until next time...

Reindeer Games

Happy Friday!

It would be much happier if I still wasn't battling this sore throat, ear aches and brutal headache!

Anyhoo...on with the show...

Christmas Stampin' All Year Long is starting a new challenge this week!

As always, our theme is "Anything Goes" with the twist of ...

"Use Ribbon and Trims"

I found a cute reindeer image die cut in my stash of "vintagey" Christmas things and thought it would be fun to use him in a card.  I gathered up some fun patterned paper, ribbon and some sequins (not sure if you consider them trims but for this moment we will, LOL) and got to creating. 

Here's the card...

I die cut some snowflakes to add to the card and then colored them with my Wink of Stella pen to give them a very subtle shimmer.  I also colored the white on his Santa hat and the shadows on the ground so that they would sparkle as well.

The challenge at CSAYL does not have a sponsor this week...but one lucky winner will be able to be a Guest Designer with us in the month of July!

So get crafting...you never know...you could be our next lucky winner!

Until next time...

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...

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...

"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"