"Do You Wanna Build a Snowman?"

Hello and Welcome!

Today begins a new challenge at Holly Jolly Christmas Challenges!

The title of my blog post should give you a bit of a hint as to our new challenge theme...and should also leave you humming that very popular song from the movie "Frozen"!  LOL

Our new challenge theme this week is...

"Snowmen"

A fun, cool and frosty idea for a Christmas card creation!

Let's begin by having a peek at my card for this challenge...

I had the pleasure of creating with a Bugaboo Stamps image called "Brats - Winter Snowman".  

This image just reminded me of our son and daughter playing in the front yard working on building a snowman together.  

I colored up the image with my Spectrum Noir markers and chose a Recollections snowflake paper from a Christmas paper pack I picked up on sale at Michaels last week to use as the background.  I then cut some snowflakes and swirl die cuts with various dies and my BigShot.  I then glittered up the two corner snowflakes with some Crystal Stickles and applied a white sequin to the centre of each.  I found a vellum sentiment among my stash that I'd had for quite some time and felt that it suited the image....kids always delight in making a snowman don't they?

For the finishing touch, I added some Aleene's Glitter Snow to the bottom of the image to give it some extra shine and texture. 

I think this would make a great card to give to a child during the holiday season along with a gift card or some cash enclosed.  

Now...how about we move along to the sponsor details for this challenge...
Please welcome ...

"Bugaboo Stamps"

along with...

"The Stamping Boutique"

Please be sure to check out the Holly Jolly Challenge Blog to see the wonderful prizes these awesome companies are offering two lucky winners!
While you're there, be sure to check out the fantastic creations the rest of the lovely and talented DT members have created.

Before I go...I quickly wanted to share with you one more Snowman project my daughter, my mom and I worked on this past Thanksgiving weekend.  We were busy finishing the sock snowmen my daughter had suggested we build for the upcoming Christmas Craft Sale I will be doing the first Saturday in November.

Here's a pic of two of them...

We had so much fun creating them.  We made 13 in total...and it was so much fun to watch as each snowman took on it's own look and personality as it was dressed and different embellishments added.  We even created a few that landed up reminding us of family members!

So...the rest is up to you!
Rummage through your digis, rubber stamps, clear stamps, collage images and find that perfect snowman to create a special Christmas card.  Then be sure to link up with us at Holly Jolly so we can see what you've created!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafting at the Weekend..."Anything Goes"
Little Claire's Designs Monthly Challenge..."Christmas Theme"
We Do Doobadoo Challenges..."Christmas"
The Crafty Bloggers Network..."Christmas"
My Craft Creations..."Anything Goes"
The Paper Nest Dolls Challenge..."Anything Goes"
613 Avenue Create Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes/CAS"
The Glory of Christmas Challenge..."Snowman"
Christmas at Sweet Stampin'..."Snowflakes"

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"

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"

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"

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"

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"

Time to go Christmas Caroling

Woot!  Woot!  It's Friday!

I just cannot believe how fast this month has gone!  I keep thinking life will slow down, and it seems that it just keeps speeding up!  We're gearing up for our camping season to begin, the kids only have 2 months of school left...and before you know it we'll be thinking about Christmas!

Well, let's start thinking about Christmas today...for a little while at least!  LOL

Today begins a new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

As always, our theme is anything Christmas goes with the twist of...

Use Ribbon as Your Only Embellishment!

See...easy!  You have time to whip up a card to join in the challenge and will still have time left to head outside and enjoy some sunshine if you're lucky enough to have some in your area!

(We've had a few gloomy days with just rain here, so I could really use a does of sun).

We have a fun sponsor today...it's Broken Box Stock!

Check out the CSAYL blog to find out what a super prize they are offering!

I was given the cute digi called "Caroling Toodles" to design with.  I decided to enlarge the digi in my Silhouette design studio, print it out and then just use a portion of the image.

Wanna see?

Don't those two gals just make you wanna run out and do some caroling?
I've colored the digi with my Spectrum Noir markers.  I've done a bunch of matting with various Christmas papers.  I really liked the "It's Christmas Time in the City" music piece and decided to use that instead of putting on a sentiment.  I've added a bow in the corner, the same ribbon behind the music "sentiment" and lastly an red and white floral and swirls ribbon to the bottom portion of the card.

I hope to see you linking up with us at CSAYL this week!  It feels so good to have a jump on getting all your Christmas cards finished before the busyness of the season!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Extra Challenge..."April Challenge" 
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."April Challenge"
Sparkles Christmas Challenges..."Inspired by a Christmas Carol/Song"  (the caroling of "Silver 
Bells - see musical line sentiment)
 

Merry & Bright

It's Friday again!  Can you believe it!  You know what that means...I'm back with another creation for the new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!  We have another great one for you this week...it's a sketch challenge.  Here's a peek at our sketch... 

              
Sketch is courtesy of Mojo Monday

I love sketch challenges as they take so much of the designing

stress out of the picture...and yet I don't use a sketch often.  

I was given a digi from our sponsor that pictured 3 bauble 

ornaments.  I knew immediately that I wanted to fussy 

cut them and use them that way in my design.  

Speaking of sponsors, our sponsor this week is...

and they are offering one lucky winner 3 digis of their choice!

Here's a look at my card for this week...

I found the perfect Christmas ornament background paper and went from there.  The sentiment card was a purchase at Michaels when they were clearing out their Christmas stock for really cheap.  I used my new Stamp'n Up punch to do the little banner flags at the top of the sentiment card!  And of course I decided to stickle a whole bunch of everything on the card.  The finishing touch was to add little bows to the digi ornaments.  It was a quick and simple make thanks to the sketch and the coordinating paper pack!

I hope you'll join us in our Christmas card creating this week.  By the time Christmas rolls around, you'll be glad you have that stash of cards already finished and ready to go!
Remember, we've made it easy for you this week...the sketch design is already ready and that's half the battle.

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Christmas At Sweet Stampin'..."Glitter" 
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."Anything Goes"
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."Anything Goes"

It's Not Hip to be Square!

Friday Again!

Spring finally seems to be slowly invading Manitoba, Canada!

The robins are out in the trees, the water run off is finally moving and the snow piles are getting smaller everyday!  Hooray!

Even though my mind is turning to summer activities, I'm here today with our new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!  

I love the feeling of getting a jump on my Christmas cards early in the game!

So...we've got a bit more of a challenging theme for you this week!

Of course it's "Anything Goes" as always...with the theme of 

No Square Card or Project

Think of all the fun you'll have thinking outside of the box this week...LOL...sorry, no pun intended!

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

This is a cutting file that I purchased over at SVG Cuts.

I fell in love with the rounded top and the adorable cardinal!

I didn't stray too far from a square card, did I?  I was browsing the various places that I purchase my cutting files from and was coming up with mostly circle cards, etc.  I wanted to do something a little different, so when I saw this file I knew it was the one.  

The card file did not come with a sentiment, so I chose to use the "Be Merry" from my collection of sentiments from the Silhouette online store.  

I had so much fun going through my Christmas paper packs finding papers that would work well together! And, for the finishing touch, I just had to add the small jingle bells to the cardinals skates!

Before I go, I guess I should share with you about our sponsor this week!

We are so excited to be sponsored by...

who is offering one lucky winner a $12 Gift Certificate to the store!

Thanks Di's Digi Stamps!

It's your turn now!  Get that crafty mojo going and create a project or card that is not square!

Get excited that it's another card to add to your Christmas collection!

Need more ideas?

Don't forget to check out the other DT members awesome creations as well

on the CSAYL blog!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
The Crafty Bloggers Network..."Die Cuts or Embossing"
The Squirrel and The Fox Challenge Blog..."All Creatures Great and Small"
A Little Bit Crafty..."The Birds and the Bees"
Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Extra Challenge..."Anything Christmas Goes"
Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge..."Anything Goes with Patterned Paper"
Emergency Crafter's..."Polkadots"
4 Crafty Chicks..."Use Polkadots"
C.R.A.F.T..."Christmas"
Die Cut Divas..."Inspiration Photo"(bird)
Crimbo Crackers..."Create a Scene" (cardinal skating in a snowfall)
Completely Christmas ..."Anything Goes"

A Simple Christmas

It's Friday!  Yay!

So glad you popped in for a visit!  

Since it's Friday, I'm back with another new challenge at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long!

I'm having such fun getting ahead of the game with my Christmas cards this year!

I hope you're joining in!

This weeks challenge is ..."Anything Goes" with...

"Die Cuts and Ribbon"

Not a hard challenge at all!

We do not have a sponsor this time round...but we are offering a great prize!

Should you take on this challenge and be the lucky winner, you get to be a Guest Designer with CSAYL in the month of May! 

How exciting is that!

For my creation this week, I decided to go very simple.  I had recently purchased the "25th and Pine" Collection by Basic Grey through Peachy Cheap, and decided it was time to crack it open and work with it!  This collection has the muted vintage tones that I just love! 

Here's my creation...

I used the die cut ornament and the die cut Merry Christmas banner from the collection.  The papers are also all from the collection.  I added a simple ribbon to the top of the ornament, a few pearls along two sides, and lastly used some Crystal Stickles to give the ornament an elegant shimmer.  

This was a super quick card as all the papers coordinated and I had the die cuts at my finger tips. 

I hope I've inspired you to get ahead in your Christmas card making.  I also hope I'll be visiting your blog this week to see your festive creation!  Who knows...maybe we'll be designing together in May should you be the lucky winner of the Guest Designer spot!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
 Alphabet Challenge..."D is for Die Cuts" 
Jingle Belles..."Spirit of Christmas Past" 
Crimbo Crackers..."Anything Goes Christmas"
Fab 'n' Funky..."Christmas"
Holly Jolly Christmas Challenge..."Bingo" (pearls, free space, more than 3 layers)

  

Santa Claus is Coming to Town...

...many days from now thankfully!  LOL

I'm so excited today as this is my 100th blog post!  I started blogging last year in April and really never thought I'd go anywhere with it!  It seemed so daunting and un nerving at the time...but look at this...I've written 100 posts and there are even a few of you who check in ever so faithfully!  Thank you!  You've been some of the most awesome encouragers along the way!

Enough rambling...and let's get down to business!

Over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long this week we are excited to be starting a new challenge.  This go round our theme is as always "Anything Goes" with the extra twist of adding some "sparkle and shine".  So, break out the glitter, Stickles, gems, rhinestones, etc. and lets see how you "sparkle and shine".

Our wonderful sponsor for this week's challenge is Bugaboo!

 

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

I had so much fun playing with the digi entitled "Chubby Santa - Candy Cane which you can find here.  

 

I colored him up using my Spectrum Noir markers and then set about to adding some sparkle.  I used red and white stickles on the candy cane, and some gold stickles on Santa's belt buckle.  The peppermint candy embelly is from the Martha Stewart line and came all glittered up.  I added some Glitter Ritz to Santa's hat, and lastly added some gem stones to various points on the card.  I wish you could see this card in person...it really does sparkle and shine with all those elements catching the light.  The sentiment is from TLC Creations, and the card base is once again a pre made base that I purchased at Michaels after the holiday season for a deep discount!

I encourage you to jump on the band wagon and get creating those Christmas cards along with us so you will have less stress during your holiday season.  Link them up at CSAYL and maybe you'll be our next lucky winner!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Holly Jolly Christmas Challenges..."Sweet Treats"
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge..."Christmas"
Christmas Card Challenges..."CAS"
Aud Sentiments Challenge Blog..."Anything Goes...with Sentiment" 
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."Anything Goes March Challenge"
Sparkles Christmas Challenge..."More than 3 Embellishments"
My Perfect Life..."Festive Challenge"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"
Crimbo Crackers..."Cute Christmas"

Christmas Cardmaking Begins Today...

...are you up to the challenge?  

This year I really wanted to get a jump on my Christmas card making for the 2014 season, as well as for the annual craft sale I participate in.  Joining up with Christmas Stampin' All Year Long will most definitely help me achieve that goal.  Today begins our first challenge for 2014 at CSAYL...and it's a nice easy one to get everyone back into the festive creative frame of mind!

"Anything Goes" based on this awesome inspiration photo!

 Photo credit
UpTownOriginals on Etsy

Isn't it a beauty!  All festive with snowmen, poinsettias, lots of ribbon and sparkle.  There is so much here to draw inspiration from.   And with the theme of "Anything Goes", there are no limits to your creativity!

Now, we do not have a sponsor for this first challenge...but have a prize offered instead!
How awesome!
One lucky winner will receive a 6x6 paper set and some ribbon...now who couldn't use that!

I have to say that I was inspired by the colors, textures, snowmen and the snowflakes nestled into the wreath in various places!

Here's a quick see at how my project came out...

I used a card base from a collection that I scored at Micheals after the last holiday season at 70% off!  I love the pretty snowflake pattern.  I then used a journaling card from a set that I once again was lucky enough to purchase at Michaels at a huge discount!  I used a Memory Box snowflake corner die on the upper corner, which was cut out of red paper and then covered using Diamond Stickles.  Both the wreath and the snowman dies are from the Tim Holtz collection.  Lastly, I die cut some snowflakes and put some on as accent pieces.  They have been decorated using Liquid Pearls.  The snowman has been popped up off the card with 3D dots so that the card has the illusion of him trying to hand you the wreath!
For being out of the swing of making a Christmas card, I was pleased with how it turned out...and hopefully you've been inspired as well!

It's up to you to accept the challenge now!  Crank those Christmas tunes, haul out those Christmas stamps and any other holiday stash you've tried to pack away because you thought you wouldn't be using them until November.  Check out the the other DT creations over at Christmas Stampin' All Year Long to get even more of the festive creative juices running through your mind.  Then get creating...we can hardly wait to see your first Christmas card of the season!

Until next time...

This card has been shared in the following challenges...
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra..."Anything Goes Christmas" 
Crafting By Designs..."Anything Goes" 
Crafty Girls..."Anything Goes"
Crafting from the Heart...Use Dies/Punches
My Perfect Life..."Christmas Challenge"
Brown Sugar Challenge..."Make it Sparkle"
LEJ Designs Challenge Blog..."Favorite Die Cuts"
Completely Christmas..."Anything Goes"