Sunday, September 20, 2026

The Pick 3 Challenge #9 - Sep/Oct 2026

Hello Friends and Happy Sunday!  It's also the 20th of the month and that signals a new challenge at The Pick 3 Challenge Blog.  The premise of the challenge is to pick at least 3 elements from the elements list and create using your choices.  The element list this month is:

I've chosen Halloween, Leaves, Brown and the extra elements of Vintage and Checks for my team project.  I've used the "Halloween Pumpkin" Stamp and coordinating Die Set from Memory Box and colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers.


After coloring and heat embossing the sentiment, both have been die cut and the edges inked with Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  The distressed patterned paper has also been inked around the edges for a vintage, Autumn vibe.  


The pumpkin image is quite large, my card base measures 5.5" square so that gives you an idea of it's size.  To finish everything off, I've added black gems and Wink of Stella to the small leaves and acorns.  

We hope to see you at the Challenge this month, we love seeing how creative everyone gets with their chosen elements.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna



Tuesday, September 15, 2026

The Classic Design Challenge - Sep/Oct 2026

Hello Crafty Friends and Welcome Back!  Today begins a new challenge month at The Classic Design Challenge and we have 2 sponsors this month, which means 2 winners!  We have Alex Syberia Designs and Goha Digital Stamps, and I've used the Autumn Leaves Wreath image from Alex Syberia Designs for my team project.  


I've searched the Alex Syberia site for this digital image and could not find it (it may be retired) but she has many digital images that are just as pretty.  I've colored the leaves using Copic Alcohol Markers and the papers are from the "It's Autumn" 6x6 Mega paper pad by Carta Bella.


I've went with a 5.5" square card base this time as I wanted to keep the wreath large.  The sentiment is from the "Autumn is Calling" stamp set by Penny Black.  The enamel dots are part of the Carta Bella "It's Autumn" coordinating set of papers and embellishments.

The team and I invite you to join us at the Challenge this month and share your Anything Goes projects.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge - Sep/Oct 2026

Hello Friends and Happy Wednesday!  It's the 15th of the month and that means a new challenge has started at The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge Blog.  We have a colorful optional inspiration photo this month and I was inspired by a few of the colors in the Bouquet.


Using the Gina K. Designs Sketched Flowers Stamp and Die Set, I've created a birthday card that's somewhat CAS and a bit vintage.


The background panel was embossed using the Altenew Garden Harmony 3-D Embossing Folder and lightly inked around the edges using Vintage Photo Distress Ink.  The flowers and sentiment were stamped using Catherine Pooler Inks.


The flower heads and sentiment were popped on foam pads, gold sequins and thread were added for additional interest.  

The team and I invite you to join us this month at the Challenge and share your Floral Focused projects.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

It's Sweater Weather!

Happy Wednesday Crafty Friends!  I hope your day has been a good one.  I have a quick share today using patterned paper scraps, and if you're like me, you have enough to make many of this type of card.


To start, I've cut 3/4" strips of leftover papers from the "Fall Fun" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella and arranged in a fun pattern on a mat.  After I got the arrangement the way I wanted, I started adhering the strips, many of them hung over the sides, which I trimmed with scissors when finished.


I've cut 2 stitched nesting circles and stamped the sentiment, which is from a Fall Sampler Pack by Scrapbook.com, using Dark Brown ink from Catherine Pooler.  Everything has been matted with dark chocolate brown card.  Lastly, gold sequins added for shine.  

This pattern reminds me of a cozy quilt, and one I would love to make if I could actually Quilt/Sew.  That's all I have for today so until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Monday, September 7, 2026

inspiration Station Challenge #89 - Sep 2026

Hello and Happy Monday or, here in the States, Happy Labor Day!  I hope your weekend was fabulous and you enjoy your day.  Today begins a new monthly challenge at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog and our theme has those Autumn vibes.  Who's ready for Autumn?  The inspiration photo is:


For my team project, I've used the Crafters Companion Scattered Leaves Die set (no longer available) to create a wreath of gorgeous Autumn leaves.  I've die cut all the leaves from white cardstock and colored using various colors of Distress Inks.


The patterned paper base is from the "Feels Like Fall" 6x6 paper pad by Echo Park. After adhering the leaves to the patterned mat, I die cut a stitched circle and stamped a sentiment from the "Autumn Splendor" Stamp Set by Brass & Bliss, and popped on foam pads.


To finish off the design, I've adhered a brushed gold die cut Bow from the Put a Bow on It" die set by Simon Says Stamp and added Gold Dazzles.  I'm pleased with the end result and love all the pretty Autumn colors of the leaves.

We hope you'll join us this month at the Challenge and share your inspired makes.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:



Sunday, September 6, 2026

Golden Sunflowers

Hello and Happy Sunday!  I hope your weekend is going well and you've found time to do something you love.  The heat and humidity is still oppressive here in Florida so today I stayed indoors and had a play.  

For my birthday, I received a Free Stamp Set from Simon Says Stamp (make sure your birthdate is added to your profile); I purchased the matching die set, and I've used both to create this quick and easy Autumn themed birthday card.


I've colored the image using Copic Markers and popped on foam pads along with the sentiments.  The patterned paper is from the "Sunflower Summer" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella.  I followed Sketch #98 from Cardz TV


Lastly, I've added Gold Dazzles for that essential birthday sparkle and shine.  That's all from me today.  I hope you have a wonderful week ahead, and if you're in the States, you celebrate Labor Day with good friends, family and something fun.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:



Wednesday, September 2, 2026

The Paper Funday Challenge for Sep 2026

Hello and Happy September!  Wow, where has this year gone?  Dare I say there's only 114 days left till Christmas? YIKES!  Today begins a new challenge month at The Paper Funday Challenge Blog and we have 2 amazing sponsors:  Brass & Bliss Craft Co. and Lawn Fawn.  The optional twist is a Sketch:

For my team project I was inspired by the optional sketch and used it loosely, along with the Build-An-Owl and Halloween Add-On Die Sets from Brass & Bliss Craft Co.


I've die cut all the pieces for the owl and his vampire costume from colored cardstock, and highlighted using distress inks for depth and dimension.  After piecing him together, foam pads have been added. I've used tiny citron colored gems for his eyes.


The patterned papers are from the "Spooky" 6x6 paper pad by Echo Park.  The sentiments are a combination of a cut apart from the paper pad and a sentiment strip from a Halloween sentiment pack by Simon Says Stamp.  To Finish off, I've added Green Dazzles and Wink of Stella for a bit of spooky sparkle.

The team and I hope you'll play along in the Challenge this month.  We love visiting everyone and seeing your creative designs, not to mention it's the perfect opportunity to share your Autumn inspired makes.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:


Saturday, August 29, 2026

Let the Good Times Roll!

Happy Saturday Friends, I hope your weekend is going well.  Today I'm not in the mood for anything other than crafting!  Luckily, I'm dedicated to my housework through the week and laundry day is Friday so...that gives me the opportunity to have a play on Saturday!

My quick share today features another Stash item that's never been used before today.  It's the You're Dynamite Stamp and Die Set from Hero Arts - CM705.  It's no longer available as a Bundle. 

I've colored these Retro Skates using Copic Alcohol Markers and added foam pads to them.  The Laces have been adhered to the skates flat.  The sentiment is part of this set and it has been die cut and popped on foam pads as well.


The patterned paper is from the Rainbow Dreams Slimline paper pack by Kat Scrappiness.  To finish off my design, I've added Purple Dazzles randomly and Wink of Stella to the purple accents on the skates.  This card goes to my Birthday stash, and I will stamp a birthday greeting inside when it's needed.

That's all for today, I hope you enjoy the remainder of your weekend.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Wednesday, August 26, 2026

Sunflower Blooms

Hello and Happy Wednesday!  I hope your week is going great thus far.   Yesterday we were shocked to hear the sweet Dolly Pardon has passed away, a national treasure loved the world over.  R.I.P Dolly, I know you had a wonderful homegoing yesterday and Carl was waiting for you with open arms.  I will always love you.

I have a quick share featuring one of my favorite flowers for the Autumn Season.  I've used the Sunflower Blooms and Hand Tied Frame Die Sets from Simon Says Stamp for my card today.  The sentiment is from the Autumn is Calling Stamp Set from Penny Black.


Flower pieces were cut using colored cardstock and given dimension using Distress Inks.  The patterned papers are from Craft Consortium and Echo Park.  The sentiment was stamped using Catherine Pooler Coffee Time ink and cut using a nesting circle die from Kat Scrappiness.  Lastly, Gold Dazzles have been added along with Wink of Stella on the flower centers.


I hope you have a wonderful day, until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Sunday, August 23, 2026

Cownt Your Blessings

Happy Sunday Friends!  I hope your weekend is going well and you've had time for fun.  We are off to meet my younger brother and his bride for lunch at the lake.  My SIL has recently returned from a Girl's trip to Greece and Italy so I'm looking forward to hearing all about it.

I have a quick share for you today featuring another stamp set that was resting in my stash, never been used and I have no explanation why.  It's the "Cownt Your Blessings" Stamp Set from Artful Angel.  


I've colored this sweet Highland Cow using Copic Alcohol Markers, fussy cut and popped on foam pads.  The patterned papers are from a "Basics" paper pad by Recollections.  The sentiment is included in the stamp set and has been heat embossed.


I've used "torn spiral paper" dies from Globeland for 2 of the mats and Red Dazzles added for sparkle and shine.  I rarely create a card without using Dazzles. Gems or Enamel Dots.  I suppose that's my "thing"  What's your "Go-to" embellishment?

That's all for today.  Have a blessed Sunday and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Thursday, August 20, 2026

The Pick 3 Challenge - #8 Aug/Sep 2026

Hello Crafty Friends!  I hope you're staying cool in the pool, at the beach or in your craft space. We've been under extreme heat warning for several days so I go to Aqua Fitness Class in the morning and stay indoors the remainder of the day.

Today begins a new challenge month at The Pick 3 Challenge Blog.  The premise of the challenge is to choose at least 3 of the 6 provided elements and create using your choices.  The elements list for this month is:


 For my project, I've used the Insect, Stamping and Orange elements to create a card with a fun Caterpillar (or worm).  I've used the "Chompy" Stamp and coordinating die set from Your Next Stamp and colored this adorable insect using Copic Alcohol Markers. 


Unfortunately, Your Next Stamp closed shop in June 2024 and I'm embarrassed to admit this is the 1st time I've inked this stamp up.  It's amazing what one will find while digging through the stash!

The patterned paper are snippets from my scrap box, the image and sentiment are on foam pads and I've added black Dazzles to complete the design.


The team and I invite you to stop by the Challenge and play along.  Please help us spread the word about our challenge, we would love to see lots of creative entries this month.  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:
  1. Tic-Tac-Toe - Insect, Gems, Free
  2. Creative Inspiration
  3. Ellibelle's Garden Party
  4. Word Art Wednesday
  5. Digi Choosday
  6. TIOT - Song: Fuzzy Little Caterpillar Nursery Song
  7. Cupcake Inspirations
  8. Dream Valley
  9. Pammie's Inky Pinkies
  10. Creative Knockouts - Fav embellies are Dazzles and Wink of Stella!




Sunday, August 16, 2026

Beach More, Worry Less!

Hello Friends and Happy Sunday!  I've been staying indoors, away from the dangerous heatwave we've been experiencing, and creating cards so I have a quick share for you today. 

I've colored up the "Look Out Beaches" vintage Bathing Beauty image from Unity Stamps using Copic Alcohol Markers.  The background was ink blended using a cloud stencil from A Colorful Life Designs.


The patterned paper is from a summer themed paper pad by Echo Park, and I only have snippets of it left.  The focal image has been die cut using a distressed edge nesting arch die from Globeland.


I've kept everything flat for mailing purposes as she's making her way to England, and postal rates have risen so drastically that I'm forced to stay away from my beloved foam pads for overseas happy mail!  Lastly, I've added pink Dazzles because...why not?

Have a fabulous week and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Saturday, August 15, 2026

The Classic Design Challenge for Aug/Sep 2026

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday!  It's time for a new challenge month at The Classic Design Challenge Blog, where the theme is Always Anything Goes with an optional Twist.  The Twist this month is: Use Die Cuts.  We also have 2 sponsors - Sheepski Designs and Fred, She Said.

For my design team project, I've colored the Tea Cup Pansies digital stamp from Fred, She Said using Copic Alcohol Markers.


I've die cut the focal image, mat and sentiment using distressed edge nesting label dies.  A die cut bow from Simon Says Stamp was added, the plaid and gold sparkle paper are from 6x6 paper pads by Recollections.  The sentiment is from a oldie but goodie stamp set by The Scrapbooking Queen. 


The team and I invite you to pop over to the Challenge and play along.  We love seeing everyone's creative shares and hope to inspire you with ours.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

 

The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge for Aug/Sep 2026

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy August 15th!  It's time for a new challenge month at The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge Blog. The theme is Always Anything Florals Goes with an Optional Inspiration Photo:

For my team project, I was directly inspired by the photo and used the Altenew Paint-A-Flower Himalayan Poppy Stamp Set and colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers.  The card base measures 5.5" square and the patterned papers are from a 12" paper stack by Recollections.


The focal image and sentiment were cut using distressed edge nesting oval dies and popped on foam pads. Altenew's Gold Thread was added along with gold dazzles for additional interest and sparkle, along with white ink splatters.


The team and I invite you to join us at the Challenge this month and share your floral focused projects. Please stop by to see the amazing projects my teamies have created, you will be inspired by their beautiful designs. 

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna  

**Challenges Entered:
AYLI Challenge - Alcohol Markers are my fav because I feel I have more control with them



Wednesday, August 5, 2026

The Paper Funday Challenge #90 for August 2026

Hello Friends and Happy Wednesday!  Today begins a new challenge month at The Paper Funday Challenge Blog and our optional Twist is Fancy (Fun) Folds.  Our generous sponsors are Altenew and Whimsy Stamps.  

For my team project, I've colored up an image from the Happy Elephants Stamp Set by Whimsy Stamps and created a fun birthday card.  This set seems to be retired, but I did find on an independent site.


I've colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers and cut out using nesting hexagon dies from Hero Arts.  The papers are from the "All Occasions" 6x6 paper pad by Recollections.  The sentiment is included in the set, and I think it's a hoot!


The focal and sentiment have been popped on foam pads and gold dazzles have been added for a bit of bling.  I may save this card for the hubby's birthday in September.  He'll appreciate the punny sentiment as he will turn 70 years young and we are both on a journey to eat healthier, exercise more and lose weight.  

The team and I hope you'll pop in and join us at the Challenge this month.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:
Passion for Markers - love adding dazzles!


Monday, August 3, 2026

Inspiration Station Challenge #88 - August 2026

Hello Crafty Friends and Welcome to August!  Wow, we are quickly sneaking up on Christmas (I know, I didn't need to mention that).  It's also time for a new challenge month at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog.  Our inspiration photo gives me Autumn feels, and I'm certain there are many in the Northern Hemisphere that are excited for Autumn, the heat waves have been unrelenting this summer.

Out inspiration photo for August is:


I adore Sunflowers in the Summer, but especially in the Autumn.  I have a gorgeous Sunflower Stamp Set from Fun Stampers Journey named "Hello Sunflower" that is perfect for this challenge, as I was completely inspired by the flowers.


I've colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers and cut out the focal image using a stitched nesting die set from Catherine Pooler.  The patterned papers are from the "Sunflower Market" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella.  


The sentiment is included in the stamp set and has been hand cut into a banner, then popped on foam pads.  Lastly, I've added golden faux gems for that extra sparkle and shine.  

The Team and I invite you to join us this month at the Challenge Blog and share your inspired projects.  Are you ready for Autumn crafting?  I definitely am!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:


 

Wednesday, July 29, 2026

Hula Dancing Gnome

Hello Friends and Happy Wednesday!  I have a quick share today featuring an adorable Hula Dancing Gnome from Stamping Bella. I couldn't resist this digital image, and though I'm not one who uses Gnome images frequently, this guy is cute and I'm happy I have him.


After coloring him with Copic Alcohol Markers, I fussy cut him and added foam pads for dimension.  The patterned papers are from the "Summer" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella, which I've had in the stash for a couple of years.  The sentiment is included in the digital set and I've cut it using a stitched nesting die from Kat Scrappiness.  It has been mounted on foam pads as well.


Lastly, I've added Gold Dazzles to highlight the sentiment.  He was a fun and quick color; I can't get over his middle aged "spare tire".  My husband commented this could be him in a grass skirt.  At least he said it, and not me!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:
Lil Red Wagon - 1 image and 1 sentiment
Gem of a Challenge