Christmas Carols

Wow!  It's that time again: Friday!!!  Time for another challenge from Christmas Stampin' All Year Long: To DIE for.  We want to see your dies this week.  Easy, huh?  We don't have a sponsor this week, instead the winner will get to be a guest designer during the month of October.

On my card I used 3 different snowflake dies (the two smaller ones are layered together) and a rectangle die (modified a bit to fit my image better).  So, let's see those dies; I know you all have them. : )

Challenges:
Sparkles Christmas Challenge #43--snowflakes
Flat Friends--Say it with a Quote (my sentiment is a quote from the Bible)
Viva La Verve August week 3--sketch

Twisted Tuesday #83--chevrons and ribbons
Sugar Pea Designs #08--anything goes
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge #42--anything goes
Treasured Times #23--anything goes
Through the Purple Haze #54--anything goes
Loves Rubber Stamps #118--two or more patterned papers
Tuesday Throwdown #210--anything goes
Word Art Wednesday #147--anything goes with uplifting sentiment

Supplies:
Stamps: Emma Canning "Christmas Carols"; Verve "Richly Blessed"
Dies: Sweet n' Sassy "Small Snowflake" dies; spellbinders A2 Matting Basics rectangles
Papers: American Crafts

The 1920's

I LOVE the technique shared by Heather Nicols for creating your own rhinestone embellishments.  They really do look like vintage jewelry.

PTI products used: "The Sweet Life" sentiment

Regency Era

I'm not usually a gold person, but after trying Melissa Phillips' technique for "aging" gold embossed frames, I might become a convert.  I didn't have a stamp to match this frame, so I just covered it with embossing powder and gold powder.  Then I aged it with some dark brown ink.  I really love how this turned out.

PTI products used: "The Sweet Life" stamp set and dies; "Through the Trees" sentiment; lemon zest, sweet blush, berry sorbet and new leaf inks.

Faux wax seal

This is my attempt at the "faux" wax seal technique shown by Nicole.  It actually came out really neat, except one part of my letter "H" didn't get impressed very well.  I used it to make a monogrammed note card using my favorite PTI stamp set "Damask Designs" as the background.

Ancient Rome

Our second project for Stamp-a-Faire was the faux mosaics technique with Lizzie Jones.  Here are the 5 cards we made:

 This is my card:

 Papertrey products used: "Turning a New Leaf" and "Mat Stack 2" sentiment

This one is my middle girl's (she's 5):

 This is my youngest girl's (she's also 5)

This is my oldest daughter's (she's 8):

 This is my mother-in-law's:

Timer Challenge

For Stamp-a-Faire (Papertrey Ink) this year, I got my mother-in-law to come over and stamp with me and my three little girls (all under age 9).  We started off with the Timer Challenge, which, let me tell you was definitely a challenge for me since I had to help all three girls, specially the little two while also trying to make my own card.  We may have slightly gone over the time limit, but I think it was close. : )  Here are the projects we made:

 And here are some better pictures of each. You can see the color combo used and the sketch chosen after each picture.  This one is mine:

 

This is my youngest's: (she's 5) 

My middle daughter's: (she's 5)

My mother-in-law's:

 

My oldest's: (she's 8)

Stamp-a-faire 2014

Here's just a quick little post to show how we are getting ready for stamp-a-faire with Papertrey Ink.  It's my first time participating and can't wait.  My mother-in-law and my three little girls and I are going to spend some time stamping and playing along.  Here are two photos of our set up:

Tree Trimming

It's Friday and that means it is time for another challenge from Christmas Stampin' All Year Long.  This week it is a nice and easy one: Anything Goes!  Our sponsor is Meljen's Designs and the winner will get to pick out some of their adorable images.  I chose to use this cutie: 

Aren't those little bears sweet?  Now it's time to head on over to the CSAYL blog for all the details and to see the projects from the rest of the DT.

Challenges:
Milk Coffee Challenges--Add stripes
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge #190--a few of my favorite things (some of my favorites are snowflakes, dies and ribbon)
Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge #42--anything goes
Treasured Times #22--anything goes
The Paper Nest Dolls #62--anything goes
Sweet Stamps #183--anything goes
Holly Jolly--1 image, 2 of something, 3 of something else (I used 1 image, 2 patterned papers, 3 snowflakes)
Crafter's Cafe #77--square cards only
Crafty Creations #270--Dig deep: use something old (my papers are probably 4 or 5 years old and my circle dies are some of the first I ever got)
Digi Stamps 4 Joy #99--circles
The Stamping Chef #43--anything goes
Fab 'n' Funky #226--for the kids
Sweet Sketch Wednesday 2--sketch

Winter Wonderland--anything goes

Supplies:
Stamps: Meljen's Designs "Bitty Christmas Tree Bears"
Dies: Sweet 'n' Sassy snowflake dies; spellbinders classic circles and scalloped circles, large
Papers: DCWV Christmas pack

Dressed up

Happy Friday!  It's time for another challenge from Christmas Stampin' All Year Long.  This week it is a sketch challenge; here's the sketch:

Our sponsor is chi chi memories and I was given this super cute "Robot Boy" image to work with.  When I first saw it, I was a bit miffed as to how I was to use it on a Christmas project.  Then I figured I would just color parts of it in red and green and go from there.  Here's what I came up with:

 Maybe he just opened up this robot costume as a Christmas gift and had to put it right on.  Notice his red and green striped "pajamas"? : )  With that thought in mind, read the sentiment in your best robot voice.  I tried to find a robot type font to use; this was the closest I could get.  Here's a close up of the image:

I covered the large dial on the costume with a yellow droplet.  In real life it looks really awesome.  I finished the card off with some silver glitter paper to bring in more of the metal feel.
Now it's your turn!  Head on over to the CSAYL blog for all the details and to see how the rest of the DT used this sketch.

Challenges:
Cards Galore--anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge--anything goes as long as it is covered with patterned paper)
Suzy Bee's #41--anything goes
The Squirrel & the Fox #75--anything goes
{Pin}spirational Challenge #120--anything goes
Loves Rubberstamps #116--out of season (getting ready for Christmas)
The Paper Shelter #169--punches and dies
Crafty Creations #169--flower power
C.R.A.F.T. #272--Christmas

Supplies:
Stamps: chi chi memories "Robot Boy"
Dies: spellbinders classic circles, large and layered poinsettia
Papers: All from American Crafts

Country Christmas

Hello, All!  It's the middle of the month, so it is time for our mid-month inspiration for Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra.  I hope you are busy with your Christmas crafting.  I went a bit rustic and distressed with this one.  I have had this set for several months now (maybe even longer) and haven't inked it up yet.  I think I wasn't quite sure how to use it; having to color that entire image intimidated me.  But I figured out a way around that: go old-school and leave it uncolored!  Perfect!!

Challenges:
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper--anything goes as long as it is covered with patterned paper
Viva La Verve August week 2--sketch

The Squirrel And The Fox #75--anything goes
Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps #242--outdoor activities
{Pin}spirational Challenges #120--anything goes
Loves Rubberstamps #116--out of season (getting ready for Christmas)
Shopping our Stash #164--back in the day (I distressed my edges with scissors and even CUT my banner with scissors.  I used a straight edge and craft knife to cut most of the mats No dies used at all on this one!)
Word Art Wednesday #145--anything goes with uplifting sentiment
Crafting By designs--polka dots
The Stamping Chef #42--anything goes
Charisma Cardz #17--buttons & bows
C.R.A.F.T. #272--Christmas

Stamps: Flourishes "Country Time Christmas" (unfortunately, I believe they have gone out of business)
Papers: All from American Crafts

Turning 2

My little niece is turning 2 this month!  I had so much fun creating this card.  I just love those little blow fish!  Sorry for the not so good picture.  This one was supposed to be showing the shaker part in action.  I used little clear seed beads to mimic bubbles.  I had a better picture but being the computer genius that I am, I managed to replace it was another one that I was saving some changes to.  Arggghhh . . . So, this is the only one I have to work with.  It's still cute anyway.

 And here is the inside:

Challenges:

YNS Sketches #15--sketch

V's Sweet Ideas #26--anything goes

Love to Scrap Challenge #35--running ins circles

Craft Hoarders Anonymous #13--Let's Cycle . . Up Cycle that is! (the clear plastic over the shaker element was packaging that came with some dies I bought)

Word Art Wednesday #144--anything goes with uplifting sentiment

Crafter's Cafe #75--Lots of layers

Digi Stamps for Joy #98--new (the fish are from a brand new stamp set--first time I inked them up!)

Kraftin' Kimmie Stamps Wonderful Wednesday--anything goes

Delightful Challenges--anything goes

Sister Act Card Challenge #69--anything goes

Wags 'n' Whiskers #133--birthdays

Sentimental Sundays #219--decorate inside & out

Card Mania #53--Birthday Party

Supplies:

Stamps: YNS "Sea Creatures #1" and "Silly Monsters" happy birthday; PTI "Big Birthday Wishes" sentiments on front; SU! "Versatile Verses" sentiment inside

Dies: Spellbinders classic circles, large; PTI "By the Numbers"

PTI Lemon Zest cardstock and ribbon

Oh Boy!

Yeay!!!  My brother and sister-in-law just had a little boy, and he's my first nephew!!  Unfortunately, they live in Indianapolis, IN which is about 18 hours away from here. : (    But next week I'm going to visit.  Can't wait!  So, I made this little card to go along with a gift for the new little guy.  And can I say that I LOVE it!  So cute!!

Challenges:
Lacy Sunshine #39--summer  (sailboats are all about summer and this little guy was born in the summer)
Lexi's Creations #122--anniversary or other special occasion (baby being born is definitely a special occasion)
{Pin}spirational Challenge #119--inspirational photo (I was inspired by the blues and the water theme)

Loves Rubberstamps #119--anything goes with stripes
The Crafter's Cafe #75--lots of layers
Digi Stamps 4 Joy #98--new (my ribbon is new and the card is for a new baby)
C.R.A.F.T. #271--well done or congrats
DRS Designs #134--Hot trends: chevrons and arrows
Brown Sugar #106--use a banner
Crafty Catz #143--lazy days of summer (sailboats are a great way to laze away a summer day)
Verve August Diva Dare--celebrate the good times
Mojo Monday ##357--sketch


Supplies:
Stamps: Verve "Text Object" boat, "To the Moon" sentiments, and "Blue Skies" notebook page ; DRS Designs chevron stamp
Dies: Spellbinders arrow and notebook edge die

Christmas Tags

Happy Friday!  Time for another challenge from Christmas Stampin' All Year Long.  This week the challenge is to make Christmas tags.  Our sponsor is Bugaboo Stamps and the winner will receive 7 images of their choice.  Now, I have to admit that I rarely ever make tags.  I don't know why as they really are super cute.  I guess it's just because I don't really know how to attach them to a present (shhh . . . don't tell anyone!)  Anyway, I made two different tags using the same image and many of the same elements.

 Here's the stripey one by itself.  On both, I used sparkly brads to take the place of the ornaments.

 Here's a close up, so you can see the sparkle on the brads and if you look closely, the sparkly on the snowflake--I used glimmer mist  to give it just a subtle shine.

 And here is the second tag.  Simple, but really cute, I think.

Now, it's your turn.  I can't wait to see what adorable tags you come up with.  Head on over to the CSAYL blog for all the details and to see the projects from the rest of the DT.

Challenges:

Christmas @ Sweet Stamping--kraft at Christmas (kraft colored paper on the striped tag)

Treasured Times #21--anything goes

Inkspirational Challenge #62--use markers or pencils (I used markers to color my images)

Completely Christmas #25--anything goes

Suzy Bee's Bloomin' Challenge #40--anything goes

Sparkles Christmas Challenge #43--snowflakes

Christmas Cards All Year 'Round--Sparkles & shine

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge--anything goes as long as it is covered in patterned paper (striped tag)

Christmas Card Challenge #36--Embellish it

Make It Monday #175--card borders using non border dies

Eureka Stamps #101--Add a Button

Paper Nest Dolls--eyelets /brads

Loves Rubberstamps #113--anything goes with stripes

Holly Jolly--non-traditional colors

Crafter's Cafe #75--Lots of layers (striped tag)

The Stamping Chef #41--anything goes

My Favorite Things #188--sketch (used on the striped tag)

The Paper Shelter #168--make it digital (my images are digis and the paper on the striped tag is digital as well.  I did use a stamp for the sentiment, hope that is ok)

Supplies:

Stamps: Bugaboo Stamps "Christmas Mouse--Ornaments" digi; Verve "Ornamental Christmas" sentiment

Papers: Barely Mine "Festive Fun" digital papers

Dies: PTI "Fancy Flakes"

Christmas Tree

Hello, everyone!  Not only is it Friday, it's the beginning of a new month!  And that means it's time for a new challenge from Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Challenge Extra.  As always, the challenge is Anything Goes (as long as it is Christmas related).  Our sponsor is Bugaboo Stamps and the winner will receive 7 images of their choice.  Here is my card:

Challenges:
Twisted Tuesday #81--A Christmas Forest in July (use at least one tree--one in my image and a whole bunch on the patterned paper strip)
Southern Girls--Christmas is a-coming
Charisma Cardz #16--charm, ribbon and twine
Wags 'n' Whiskers #134--polka dots
Treasured Times #21--anything goes
Paper Pretties #321--red and green
The Stamping Chef #40--anything goes
Divas by Design--anything goes
Milk Coffee Challenge--use 2 or more die cuts


Supplies:
Stamps: Bugaboo Stamps "AKV Santa--tree"
Dies: Verve "Scalloped Trim Trio" border die; Spellbinders "A2 Matting Basics, rectangle

Wishing You

Hi!  It's Friday once again (it just keeps on coming doesn't it?) and time for another challenge from Christmas Stampin' All Year Long.  This week the challenge is to make a one-layer card.  Our sponsor is the fabulous Emma Canning and the prize will be some of her adorable images.  I got to work with this super cute "Deer Girl".

After I colored her up, I added a bit of ribbon, and snowflake with a button and a little sentiment.  Easy peasy.

Challenges:

Southern Girls Challenge--Christmas is a-coming

Treasured Times #21--anything goes

The Stamping Chef #40--anything goes

Divas By Design--anything goes

Supplies:

Stamp: Emma Canning, Flat Friends "Deer Girl" digi; Verve "Merry & Bright" sentiment

Die: PTI "Fancy Flakes"