Vintage a la Tim Holtz

Happy New Year!
This has little to do with the New Year, but I just now had a chance to try this vintage look.  The Vintage Journey challenge is Ring Out the Old, Ring in the New.  My take is to use some very old items, such as the floral strip - not sure what to call it.  I got a bunch of strips of felt like fabric at a yard sale, and forget to find a use for them.  The lattice metallic strip is also old.  For me, ring in the new is to really make an attempt at the Tim Holt style - with sponging, a muted earth tone color scheme, and a vintage style image. 
For the Top Tip Tuesday challenge I made my own bg paper, with heat embossed image - from SU Stippled Stencil.  My tip:  to stop the fabric from fraying - I adhered scotch tape to the back, and trimmed it as I cut the banner edge.  I think it is working!  The image - SU Provencal.  Sponging - with Ranger Tattered Rose distress ink.  I also sponged several inks on the card base.  (FYI - the black is for contrast on the photo - not a part of the card.)
Sketch:  http://joannamunster.com/2014/12/15/ibsic-89/
Vintage:  http://lauralcraft.weebly.com/dragonfly-dreams-challenge

Ring out old, ring in new (see above):  http://www.vintagejourney.com/
Old and new (see above):  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
A bow:  http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Choice of technique - Nov. stamps and layers:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-challenge-stamps-designers-choice.html
Make your own (BG paper) & tip:  http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/
          http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/

Spring Preview

I am not really rushing spring - just using papers I  happen to have!  I saw the sketch (see below) and thought it a good opportunity to use some paper I received as a gift - the kind with a corner image.  Let me know if you think it works!  The paper is Craft n Craftin.  I also used a bit of gingham from AMuse.  The oval frame was cut from my neglected Spellbinders Majestic Elements ovals. The Happy Birthday is from Sizzix.   ETA:  The black border is not a part of the card - for contrast only.
Sketch:  http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Colors/Gingham:  http://joannamunster.com/2014/12/15/ibsic-89/
Festive:  http://wedodoobadoo.blogspot.co.uk/
Festive (5 ch. max):  http://www.tando-creative-challenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://stampedblessings.com/amusing-challenge/

A little birdie

I need to replenish my stash of "cards on hand".  This image is by CraftSmart, the sentiment Stampin' Up.  The Dp is a piece from DCWV that has been around a long time, and I think it has the colors in the challenge below.  The  punch is Martha Stewart.
Sketch:  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/
Colors:   http://www.blogquickquotes.com/search?updated-max=2014-12-12T00:30:00-08:00&max-results=10
Spring inspired:   http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.ca/
Any/cute:  http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/  
Any - previous challenge:  August - die cuts:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-challenge-stamps-designers-choice.html
Any:  http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
          http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/12/dlart-december-linky-challenge.html 
          http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
          http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com.au/
         
         

Second HB today

The image is ODB Birthday.  For inspiration I used the card created by Linda, one of the ODB designers who is leaving after this challenge.  All of the DT at ODB are so very talented.  Thank you  And thanks to the design team members at all challenges - every one of you is very talented - and how wonderful of you to share this talent and your time with all of us.  I used some new cs - from a Teresa Collins pad.  I colored with Twinking H20 and Brilliance inks to give some shimmer.
Sketch:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
Ribbon:  http://jellyparkchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ 
New beginnings (brand new pad of cs):  http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/12/dlart-december-linky-challenge.html
Any/ hand colored image:   http://arandomfandt.blogspot.com/
 Any:  http://www.craftysentiments.blogspot.com/
           http://notjustcardschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ 
           http://divasbydesignchallenge.blogspot.com/ 

Happy Birthday case

Stamps by ODB:  image is Faith, and sentiment is Happy Birthday set.  This challenge is the last for two of the designer team members at ODB, and I decided to use their cards as inspiration.  Cheryl fussy cut this image, so I decided to try the same.  Her results are infinitely better, but I did try!  I also paper pieced three of the butterflies - though because of the pattern on the stamp the DP did not show up a lot. Those 3 butterflies (lighter colored) have fluttering wings.  I used sparkly inks (Memento and Twinkling H20 ) plus glitter on the butterflies to give some sparkle.  The heart charm is a prize from Iva Nova Chest - brand new.

Sketch:  http://www.ourdailybreaddesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/Shining%20the%20Light%20Challenge
 Any / fave challenge - Spots:   http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/
Any w/ glitter:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Any w/ hand colored image:  http://arandomfandt.blogspot.com/
Any/fave for 2014: http://deepoceanchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.ttcrd.blogspot.com/ 
           http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/ 
           http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com.au/ 
        

 

6x6 One Sheet wonder #4

This is the last in a series - see earlier posts for more details.  Sentiment is SU; EF is Vines by Lifestyle Crafts.
Sketch #4:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
New - trying one sheet wonder:  http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com/
          http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
          http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
          http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
           http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/

6x6 One sheet wonder - #3

This is the third in a series for the monthly challenge at Verve.  We were given the layout to cut pieces to create 4 cards - I am really liking this technique, and will include it as one of my favorites for the year.  I did not have the best double sided pattern to use - but I fixed that (for the next one!) when I went to Michael's and snared a couple of 6x6 pads (double sided) on clearance!  See previous posts for more details.
Sketch #3:   http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Favorite in 2014:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/
Embossing:   http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/2014/12/embossing-for-fun.html
Any, with circle die cut:  http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/ 
Any:  http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/
          http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
          http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/12/dlart-december-linky-challenge.html

6x6 One sheet wonder #2

This is sketch #2 for the Verve one sheet wonder challenge in December.  See the previous post for more of the details.  I used the last of this double sided cs for the pieces.  The bg is much more of what I call a true red - not a shiny burgundy as it appears on the screen!
Sketch #2 - from 6x6 one sheet wonder:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/#

Verve Dec. #1

The December challenge at Verve is a one sheet wonder using a 6x6 piece of cs.  I was limited in my selection but I think I am making it work.  I hope I kept the integrity of the sketch.
CS - Crate Paper; SU Quick and Cute stamp, Cuttlebug Swiss Dots - enhanced by swiping the Brilliance red ink pad over the embossed cs.  I also swiped the ink pad along the edges of the floral piece and the circle.  (I discovered something - I had embossed the circle, using a very narrow circle die - when I swiped it kind of kept the ink from spreading a lot - giving a narrow red edge I wanted.)
Sketch:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/p/link-list.html
Embossing:  http://craftingbydesigns.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
           http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/12/dlart-december-linky-challenge.html
           http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
           http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
           http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
           http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
           http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/
           http://kraftinkimmiestamps.blogspot.ca/2014/12/december-krafty-previewsday-three.html
          

B & W for Will

I do enjoy making Christmas cards, but after about 30 of them I am more than ready to try others.  This will go to a brother-in-law with an early January birthday.  These trees (SU) look pretty wintry to me!  The sentiment is also Stampin' Up. Washi tape adds a bit of color.  To make the delicate pine branch, I adhered the tape to a strip of white cs, then did the die cut. The houndstooth paper, ribbon, and stamp have been in my stash for a few years!
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Layers:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Use a die (circles):  http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/
Not Christmas:  http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/
Nature:   http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/ltscb-44-when-nature-calls.html
Black and white w/ a splash of color:  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/
          http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Any/Fave challenge - black and white:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Happy Birthday, Hal

This has to be in the mail today - I got behind - with Christmas cards, family visits, etc.  Actually it will be pretty quiet for us now as we had an early Christmas celebration.  Hal, our grandson tok a photography course last semester, so I looked for an image - could not locate a digi but found this in clip art - and it bears a striking resemblance!  The papers are DCWV Heritage, and the sticker is by Dazzles.  I actually stamped the HB!  Lia's challenge is to choose "my style".  I think my style is that I do not have one...  But dry embossing and sentiments are pretty much requisites for me.  I forget to use .this stitching EF (Cuttlebug).

DT Members - thank you for all the time and talent you share.  I hope you are enjoying Christmas and not fretting about getting comments made on time!
Sketch:  http://yournextstamp.com/blog/category/challenge/
Inspiration (esp. green and white):  http://papersweeties.com/category/blog/
Family: http://www.frosteddesigns.blogspot.ca/
Style:   http://liastampz.blogspot.com/
Layers:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Any:   http://blog.docerelashop.com/2014/12/design-team-post-challenge-75-anything.html#comment-form
          http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
          http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/

Happy Anniversary #2

This is the same image but a different setting for our December anniversaries.  I used varied papers from the DCWV Heritage stack.  The crossword puzzle had a bit that works well for an anniversary.  As a bonus, I could print in the two names!  Stamp by Stampendous, coloring with markers and gel pens.  I could not help mysef - I added a pine branch (Cheery Lynn) as that corner looked too bare to me.  The edges are distressed, and I added chalk to the numbers in the upper corner. The collage/vintage look was inspired by Tim Holtz style.
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
 Celebrate/Vintage: http://www.vintagejourney.com/2014/12/challenge-21-lets-celebrate.html
Dies:  http://craftycreationschallenges.blogspot.com/
Showing a bit of God's creation, with chalk:  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/
Layers: http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Special occasion:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://ema-ginationstation.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2014-10-30T00:00:00-05:00&max-results=1
Any:   http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/2014/11/december-2014-challenge-links.html
Any, with Cheery Lynn die: :  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/

Happy Anniversary

We have had a great visit with family the past few days, and now I am ready to stamp again!  By the way, they all liked the easel cards you may have seen in recent posts.   This does not say Happy Anniversary, but the congratulations is for that occasion - BIL and his wife.  The DP is from a pack of double sided cs (Costco) - it is a kind of never ending supply that has been in my stash for several years!  The gems and stamp have also been around a while - the aubergine cs is pretty new.  Image - Stampendous;  Sentiment - SU; coloring with markers (lt burgundy, lt green) and gel pens.
Sketch:  http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Inspiration (dark green evergreen, aubergine bg and flowers):  http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.ca/
Anniversary:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Any (twist of love - stated in inside verse): http://www.addictedtostamps-challenge.blogspot.com.au/ 
My choice - markers:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/2014/12/december-challenge-stamps-designers-choice.html
Any - see above for stash:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/

Merry Christmas to you

I know that I will not "see" many of you again this week - or maybe this year - Thanks to all the DT members and others who visit my blog.  I am not very good at getting back to you, but you are so appreciated.  May you have a most blessed holiday season, whatever it is you celebrate.  I am especially thankful for the assurance that the Christ child came to sacrifice Himself for us.
This is one more card for me - I heard the other day that someone being visited by a member of our church visitation team needed to have his mail picked up.  When that was done, all he received in a week's worth of mail was a couple of pieces of junk.  I am sending something so he does get mail.  He does not see well, so I printed a greeting inside in super large font.
Snowflakes - CB folder plus glitter;  Stamp - no name;  Chevron washi tape;  Cheery Lynn Blessings die; shimmery aubergine cs for bg.
Sketch:  http://yournextstamp.com/blog/
 Snow/Christmas:   http://die-cut-divas.blogspot.com/2014/12/decembers-challenge-is-snow-and.html
                                http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
Special occasions:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
Shimmer/glitter/sparkle:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
                   http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Uplifting:  http://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://chocolatecoffeecards.blogspot.com/
Non-traditional Christmas colors:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
Christmas with a twist - non traditional colors with glitter and snow:  http://suzysmarty1.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Any:   http://livelaughstamp.blogspot.com/search/label/challenge%20at%20MCM
           http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/2014/11/december-2014-challenge-links.html

One more sparkly Christmas card

Today I will take this to Bible Class so others can sign - it will be sent to former members.  Phyllis recently stopped chemo treatment - she is feeling better now but we know that she is in need of support.  (It is 4,75 x 6.5).  Stamp: Santa Rosa; computer sentiment; NestabilitiesMajestic Element circle; Recollections snowflake punches; ribbon, CB snowflake EF; lots of glitter (that is probably not visible).
Sketch (enlarged to make room for signatures):  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Glitter:  http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (white cupcakes=embossed snow):  http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
                   http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/
Christmas Carol:  http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
White:   http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/
Snowflakes and ribbon:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://www.ribbongirls.blogspot.co.uk/

Another easel card - closed view

I will have 9 easel cards for family members this year.  I hope to make it a tradition.  This year there is some variety - now the trick is to remember which card goes where.  I am wondering ijust do nof I should follow the same color scheme for each person next year - or make sure it is different?  Or not worry about it...?  For this one I used the aubergine shimmery cs as a base - it is white backed to that works well.  I have a whole drawer full of colored ink and do not use it often, but this time I stamped in SU Eggplant Envy.  The DP is Paper Studio (Faith collection).  When I sponged with Eggplant chalk it did not look right, so I added some soft gold - IRL it looks good against the DP.  One more experiment for me...  The edges of the Stampabilites verse are distressed.  The image is Stampendous.  Not visitble - some punched shiny gold stars to support the easel, and above that a Cuttlebug border die cut.  
Sketch (turned):  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/
Vintage (10CH) :  http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/p/our-challenge-roolz.html
                   http://cagichallenge.blogspot.ca/
                  http://freshbreweddesigns.blogspot.com/
Song - We Three Kings of Orient are...:  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/
Unusual Christmas colors:  http://alohafridaychallenges.blogspot.ca/

Green and white with a bit of red - Easel card

Another easel card.  Top view is the outside; lower view the inside.  The image by stampendous and sentiment by StaLmpabilities.  The embossed bg is Vines by Lifestyle; branch is a Cheery Lynn die, the inside scroll is DieNamics.  I added a few half pearls for a stop when the card is open.  A bit of glittery ribbon completes the card.

Sketch (top view):  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Special occasion - that would be Christmas: http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://cuttinandstampinchallenges.blogspot.com/
More than one fold:  http://scor-pal.blogspot.com/
Nature:   http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/ltscb-44-when-nature-calls.html
Any:  http://stampotiquedesignerschallenge.blogspot.com/
            http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/

Christmas 2014 - nearly done

Am I the only one still working on Christmas cards?  Some of you who comment on a lot o-  is the year of the wise men!  I like the stamp - great with no coloring as a time saver - but it is long and narrow so harder to fit some sketches.  I elongated this sketch but otherwise stayed true... I used a scalloped rectangle (Nestabilites) but cut three edges, then repositioned in the die to cut the 4th edge - to result in a more narrow rectangle to fit the image.
BG - shiny augergine cs; stamp - Stampendous; Sentiment - Stampouri; ric rac - very old metallic gold; gold stars; unknown EF.  The use of chalk is sort of hidden but I like the result.  I have a bag of metallic chipboard (adhesive backed) stars that are just a bit too shiny.  I rubbed in a bit of glue and then some powdered chalk.  Voila - a subdued shine much more to my liking.
Sketch:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Chalk:  http://chalk-ah-lot.blogspot.com/ 
Bingo - center: punch/die cut, stap, bling; sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/ 
Christmas:  http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
             http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Any, w/ non-traditional Christmas colors:  http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/:

Easel #6 - open view

glit

One of these days I will learn how to do photos!  Please use your imagination... The easel part rests on the stems of the branches (at the top) - this one, to me, looks much better IRL, in the easel position.  Glitter added to the snowflakes.  The image is by Santa Rosa, and the Rejoice by Stampabilities.  The branches are Cheery Lynn dies.  The silvery tabs are a metallic loopy ribbon, and the glittery silver star is from a packet of embellishments.
Sketch:  http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Glitter:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
 More than one fold:  http://scor-pal.blogspot.com/
Frosty:   http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.ca/2014/12/challenge-149-feeling-frosty-challenge.html
 Any:  http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
Bling:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Song:   (Vintage)    http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Easel #5

This is another in a series of easel cards I am making for family - similar, but not identical.  Hard to see but I used the shimmery aubergine cs for the base and mat glittered the snowflake embossing and punches that are the "stops" for the open easel.  There are bits of white lace for the tabs at the left of the image - looks like they are not visible here (See sketch).   Stamp by Stampendous.
Sketch: http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Holiday:  http://doubleclickconnections.blogspot.com/
                http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Celebration:  http://thepapershelter.blogspot.com/
Bling:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Sing it to me:   (We Three Kings):  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com/
         http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/ 

 I chose this as my favorite for 2014 - it is really hard to select one, but I made several of the easel cards for family - now I have their reactions and the cards were a hit!  Actually, I think they are a bit impressed that their old grandma can come up with such a thing! LOL!  I did admit that I had a lot of help on line...!!!   Challenge here:  http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/\   
     
Favorite:  http://artisticinspirationschallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ Non traditional colors:  http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/

Recycled Christmas

Each year I plan to use cards received in previous years as a recycling project - probably to give to a nursing home, etc.  And each year I put it off.  I did try one today - maybe I will be inspired to start in January!  The "spotlight".
Recipe:  Nestie with embossed edge sponged in Platinum ink; sheer silver ribbon (used for strips on sketch); snowflake brad with added glitter; computer sentiment.
Sketch; Diagonal Bingo - brad, emboss, glitter :  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://cuttinandstampinchallenges.blogspot.com/
Inspired by the Wise Men:  http://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.ca/Sparkle:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
Non traditional colors:  http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
transport - camels:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Festive Christmas:  http://wedodoobadoo.blogspot.co.uk/

Another easel - closed view

I am making several easel cards - they are similar but usually follow different sketches.  This is a closed view - the row of punched branches (Cheery Lynn) serves as a "stop" for the open card. I added a strip of Washi tape at the bottom of the inside layer. The inside is stamped with a Rejoice stamp - it can be seen in previous posts.   The top layer is bordered in black, and has a layer of Distressed Stripes embossing.  The main image is called a Far Voyage by Stampendous; the sentiment is by SU - not sure what set.
Sketch:  http://joannamunster.com/2014/11/15/ibsic-88/
Free Sketch (any - see line above):   http://feeling-sketchy.blogspot.com.au/
Festive:  http://wedodoobadoo.blogspot.co.uk/
Transport (they are riding camels):  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Die cut with no red or green:  http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Merry Christmas :  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.ca/
          http://thepapernestdollschallenge.blogspot.com/

Easel #4 - Open

I will be making at least 6 easel cards - similar but not quite the same.  They are for our grandchildren.  (you can see others in previous posts).  The chevron Washi tape marks the top of the inside, and the row of glittery snowflakes provides the "stop" for propping the card open.  Top - Stampabilities;  Kraft cs (mat):  Snowflake EF;  Circle, scallop and flower dies, white lace.
Sketch:  http://yournextstamp.com/blog/
Wings:  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
              http://justinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Modern Christmas colors (no red/green):  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
               http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Snow:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Loose glitter:  http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/
White on white, with Kraft:   http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Chevrons:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
More than one fold (easel):  http://scor-pal.blogspot.com/
 Christmas song:  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Make embellishments (glitter snowflakes):   http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Easel #3

This is an easel card - at the very bottom inside are punched, glittery snowflakes - a double row that provides a bit of a "shelf" to hold the open card.  I am pretty new at easel cards so I keep experimenting.  Each grandchild will get one - I am hoping they will keep them to use as decorations.  A side note - our 24 year  old grandson just told me that he has a stack of previous cards from us - he knows how to make Grandma feel good!
Stamp - Stampabilites; Scroll - DieNamics; Metallic gold mesh; Snowflake embossing and punches; glitter, Paper Studio DP
About my favorite color - it seems to be whatever I am using.  Black and cream has become a favorite card making combination.
Sketch:  http://seemsalittlesketchy.blogspot.com/
Song (the words - a shining star):  http://asonginyourart.blogspot.com/
Fav color:  http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/
Snow:  http://inkyimpressionschallenges.blogspot.com/
Let it snow:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
"Chunky" snow (embossed and punched):  http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/
Non traditional colors:   http://milkcoffeechallenge.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
                   http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/

Christmas with sparkle

Products used:  Kolette Hall stamp;  Paper Studio DP; snowflake punch, red cs; gift bag for gold to bak image and red dp (it does not look gold here!);  very old gold rick-rack; snowflake punch - clear glitter added; gold gel pen for star; gold glitter on star and sentiment layer; Nestabilities ovals (CB to cut)
Sketch:  http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/
Glitter/sparkle:  http://delightfulsketches.blogspot.com/
                http://drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/%E2%97%8B%20Challenges
              http://sassystudiodesigns.blogspot.com/
             http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/
 Dazzle:  http://www.addalittledazzle.com/dazzling-diva-challenge-54/
Bingo (middle row):   http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Snow and a die cut:   http://cuttlebugmania.blogspot.co.uk/
Bright colors:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/
Traditional colors:  http://a-crafty-mess.blogspot.co.uk/
                                  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/

Housewarming for John & Rita

This is for friends who recently moved to a new home.  A move like that for a couple who are in their (very young) 80's - this is an event worthy of a celebration!  I wanted to use this image (The Alley Way - digi) but I changed it a bit to fit our southwestern locale.  This is my version of paper piecing.  I cut the branches, trunk, house and roof separately.  The trunk is embossed with an EF called linear (LifeStyle) - the triangle bits look a little like the trunk of a palm tree - with chalk.  I slit the branches to look a bit like a palm tree - colored the base image as well.  I embossed the house with "Woven" (LifeStyle), then chalked it to look like stucco.  I colored the roof with a Prisma - then decided it needed to be shiny, so I used a TwinklingH20 over that.  (Usually my computer ink runs when I use anything with water - maybe I sealed it with the Prismas!)  The windows are colored with a metallic gold.  The papers are Paper Studio; Blessings is Cheery Lynn, and there are a couple of gold sticker strips.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Celebration:  http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (The touch of red):  http://beinspiredchallenge.blogspot.com/
Chalk:  http://chalknstock.blogspot.com/ 
Cute:  http://www.dreamweaverstencils.blogspot.com/
Any, with embossing:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
          http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/12/dlart-december-linky-challenge.html

Shabby Aubergine and Cream

I distressed the edges of the sentiment tag directly from the ink pad - it distressed a bit more than I intended - true to my style, I will do almost anything rather than discard pieces!  So I distressed the other edges, and rolled the top of the tag to make it look a bit like an ancient scroll.  The rest:  strip - Spellbinder die; stars - punch; sentiment - Kolette Hall; DP - Faith by Paper Studio.
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Sentiment is focal point:  http://craftspotbykimberly.blogspot.com/
Christmas - non traditional colors:  http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
Christmas:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
 Layers and a sentiment:  http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.com/
God's gift to us (presents):  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
Embossing:  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/

Cream and Aubergine

I nearly forgot I have quite a few sheets of DP left in a stack called "Faith", by Paper Studio.  The colors will work well with this Aubergine cs - I have a good supply of that as .  The stamp is by Stampendous.  I distressed the edges - the white does not show well here but it provides contrast and dimension.  From my stash:  the dp, the geometric EF, Cheery Lynn pine branch die, and the set of Ribbon Buckle dies by Spellbinder. 
Sketch: http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Presents (from the Wise Men):  http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/
(Christmas) celebration:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
 Christmas:   http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
                     http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
Distress:     http://craftycardmakers.blogspot.com/2014_11_01_archive.html
Inspired by the Nativity (wise men) and earthtones:  http://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/12/dlart-december-linky-challenge.html
          http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Another blue Christmas

We have had a fun couple of days visiting with our oldest grandson, his new wife, and his younger brother.  It is the first time they have visited us in our AZ home.  Now back to crafting!  I really simplified this layout - added LifeStyle crafts die cuts for the corner pieces, and some ivory half pearls in the corners.  I need a different embossing folder for Christmas - here are the snowflakes again!
Sketch:  http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Non traditional Christmas colors:  http://deliciousdoodleschallenge.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://www.throughthepurplehazechallenges.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (blue, cream):  http://cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/Freestyle:  http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
Any:  http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
         http://craftcreatoins.blogspot.com/p/new-challenge.html
         http://avenue613.blogspot.com/

Christmas 2014 in blue

Since I do use the same image for most of our cards for the year, I am tiring a bit of the same look!  I did change out the colors here - thanks to the inspiration of this card:  http://www.rosemary-reflections.blogspot.com/2014/12/mojo-monday-374.html    It is one of the DT cards at Mojo Monday.  I added glitter to the snowflakes, and a bit of a metallic sticker strip between the DP panels.  The image is Stampendous, and the sentiment computer generated.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
"s" for snow, star:  http://suzysmarty1.blogspot.co.uk/
Snowflakes & glitter:  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
Present - brought by the Magi:  http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Dec. holiday:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2014/11/dlart-thankful-thursday-145-any-winter.html
Traditional - the scene:  http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
Tis the season:  http://craftingforallseasons.blogspot.com/
Anything uplifting:  http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/http:
No red or green:  http://inkspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/ 
Freestyle:   http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/

Easel card #1 - inside

In hindsight, I should have posted this first - meant to get it on right away but was interrupted by lunch - had a gentle reminder LOL!  The row of pearls supports the open easel.  See previous post for details.  Thanks!

Easel gift #1

 December 1 and time to get serious about the rest of the cards.  A couple of grandsons are visiting this week so there will be a break in card making.  This is the outside of an easel card - only the second I have made.  I plan to make one for each of our grandchildren - to give them a bit of a memento from each Christmas - so they will be quite similar, with different layouts.  Since I do not have the photography mastered, these will be posted in two different posts.  The stamp is Stampendous, and the sentiment is inside the easel.  I used three different embossing folders - snowflake, leaves, and a geometric pattern.  I added some gold metallic mesh for one of the layers, as well as gold ribbon and a gold star.  Inside (next photo) there is the sentiment by Stampabilities, Cheery Lynn pine branch die cuts, half pearls and glitter on the branches.
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Seasonal sentiment:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/Sparkle:  http://thestampingboutiquechallengeblog.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://pennyblackatallsorts.blogspot.com/
Tree (branches added inside):   http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
Tis the season:  http://cheerylynndesigns.blogspot.ca/
Easel:  http://inkychicks.blogspot.co.uk/
Pine (branches):  http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Winter:  http://justinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/