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:

1. Try It On Tuesday
   
2. Crafter's Cafe
   
3. Creative Crafters
   
4. Creative Moments
   
5. Dream Factory
   
6. Papercraft Challenges
   
7. Dream Valley
   
8. CD Sunday +
   
9. Little Patch of Crafty Friends
   
10. We Love Stamping
    

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:

1. Word Art Wednesday
   
2. Creative Inspirations
   
3. A Place to Start - The song Coat of Many Colors by Dolly Pardon
   
4. Love Those Pretty Papers
   
5. Pin-spirational
   
6. Paper Rocks Scissors
   
7. Love to Craft Challenge
   
8. Love to Scrap Challenge
   
9. 613 Avenue Create
   
10. Pammie's Inky Pinkies
    

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:

1. Little Patch of Crafty Friends
   
2. 613 Avenue Create
   
3. Let's Craft and Create
   
4. Sweet Stampin' Challenge
   
5. Love Those Pretty Papers
   
6. Creative Fingers
   
7. Pattie's Creations
   
8. Krafty Chicks
   
9. Ellibelle's Garden Party
   
10. Simon Says Stamp Wed. Challenge
    
11. Word Art Wednesday
    
12. Creative Inspirations
    

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:

Triple B Challenge

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

We Love Stamping

All Sorts

Creative Fingers

Krafty Chicks

Simon Says Stamp Wed. Challenge

Lil Red Wagon

Word Art Wednesday

 

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

Simon Says Stamp Wed. Challenge

Digi Choosday

Cardz 4 Guyz

Dream Valley Challenge

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

All Sorts

Polkadoodles

Gem of a Challenge

The Pick 3 Challenge #7 for Jul/Aug 2026

Hello Friends and Happy Monday!  Wow, it's the 20th of July already and that means a new challenge month at The Pick 3 Challenge Blog.  The premise of the challenge is to pick at least 3 of the 6 provided elements and create using your choices.  The element list this month is:

I've chosen Fruit, Purple, Tropical and an extra element of sequins for my team project this month.  I found the adorable Squidgies Tropical Digital Stamp Set from Stamping Bella and couldn't resist coloring them up for this months' challenge.

Using Copic Alcohol Markers, I've colored the little coconut and pineapple Squidgies and cut them out using a nesting circle die from Kat Scrappiness. The patterned papers are from the "Beach Town" Mega 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella.  

The sentiment is included in the digital set and I've popped it on foam pads.  Lastly, I've added Blue Dazzles for sparkle and shine.  These 2 tropical Squidgies are adorable and they were so fun to color.

The team and I hope you'll pop over to The Pick 3 Challenge and share your creativity with us.  We enjoy seeing how everyone uses their chosen elements and are inspired by all the lovely designs.  

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

We Love 2 Create

We Love Stamping

Love Those Pretty Papers

Polkadoodles

Gem of a Challenge

Moving Along with the Times

The Four Seasons Challenge

The NEW Pick 3 Challenge - Jan/Feb 2026

Hello Friends and Happy Tuesday!  There's a new challenge in Blogland and it's The Pick 3 Challenge.  The premise of the challenge is to pick at least 3 elements out of the 6 given and create using them.  Challenge are monthly, always starting on the 20th of the month.  Today is the 1st challenge and the element board contains some fun ideas:

 

For my team project, I've used Fun Fold, Stencil and Layers for my elements to create a Valentine's card for dear hubby.  The stencil is "Swirling Hearts" from Creative Expressions, the fun fold is the Double Gatefold and I've followed instructions by Eva Deitz, and the layers are from patterned paper panels, a layered sentiment and card folds.

To make the card a bit more masculine, I went with a black, white and red color palette.  I've inked around the stenciled panel with Black Soot Distress Ink and the patterned papers are snippets from a Carta Bella pad.

The sentiment is a die cut with shadow from Kat Scrappiness.  I used a vellum shadow so the sentiment wouldn't blend into the background.  Lastly, I've added 3 red sequins and Wink of Stella on the sentiment.  I thought adding a bit of sparkle to hubby's Valentine's card wasn't too feminine.  He probably won't even notice!

The team and I hope you'll pop over to the Pick 3 Challenge and join us.  You have a month to join in, and you can enter 6 original designs.  Any craft is welcome, as long as it contains at least 3 of the 6 elements provided.  We hope to see you there!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

1. Stencil Fun Challenge
2. Art Nudge - hearts from 0126D
3. Pammie's Inky Pinkies
4. Aud Sentiments
5. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
6. All Sorts
7. Crafty Catz
8. Creative Fingers
9. Creative Creases Challenge
10. Crafter's Cafe

FaLaLa and Snowflakes

Hello Friends and Happy Wednesday, does anyone say Happy Hump Day anymore?  I have a quick share featuring a large sentiment die and stenciled snowflakes.  This card was a fast make, the longest part was waiting for the ink to dry.

You've probably guessed by now that I've went shopping in my stash and used the Bundle Up Snow Stencil from Carta Bella and the FaLaLa die from Simon Says Stamp to create a simple yet festive Christmas Card.  I've used the sentiment die last year, however this year is the first for using this stencil.

I've used Unicorn White Ink from Hero Arts for the stenciling, and I've die cut stitched stars from silver mirror card to use as embellishments.  Lastly, everything has been popped on foam pads for dimension, and this card is complete and now in the post!

Have a fabulous day, until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Little Red Wagon

Simon Says Stamp Wed. Challenge

Stencil Fun

Word Power

Word Art Wednesday

Art Nudge - 1225A

Christmas Kickstart

A Cut Above

A Place to Start

613 Avenue Create

A Pilgrim and a Turkey!

Happy Tuesday Friends!  Wow, it's turned Artic Cold here in Florida, we woke to 36F and that's too cold for us beach bums.  It's Veteran's Day here in the States, and we honor all those who serve in our military, both enlisted and the families who support them. 

I've got a quick share for you today featuring 2 comical characters dressed up for the Thanksgiving Day Feast.

These two are from the "Talk Turkey" Stamp Set by Newton's Nook, which was a Stamptember Collaboration with Simon Says Stamp a couple years ago.  Would you believe this is the 1st time inking them up?  I should be ashamed!

I've colored them using Copic Alcohol Markers and fussy cut.  The patterned paper is from the "It's Autumn" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella, the focal panel was cut using nesting Hexagon Dies from Hero Arts and the sentiment is from the same stamp set.

I've popped the characters on foam pads, along with the sentiment.  Lastly, I've added enamel dots to accent the sentiment.  In true Cat Style, Newton doesn't appear too pleased to be wearing this fancy headdress!  On the other hand, his Pup Friend doesn't seem to be bothered.

That's all from me today and I wish you a fabulous day.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Art Nudge - 1125B

Crafty Animals

Critter Crazy

Di's Digi Designs

Crafty Catz
Newton's Inky Paws Challenge

Pammie's Inky Pinkies

Give a Crafter a Cookie

The Four Seasons

Mirtillamente

Pumpkin Hedgehogs

Hi Friends and Happy Thursday!  I'm still making Autumn themed cards and I have a quick share today featuring 2 adorable hedgehogs from Di's Digi Stamps.  They're the Pumpkin Hedgehogs and they can be found HERE, and at the time of this post, the image is 50% off regular price!

I've colored the image using Copic Markers and the patterned papers are from the "Fall Fun" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella.  I've followed a sketch found on Pinterest; I like using sketches when I don't want to think too hard about a design layout.

The focal image has been cut using a Nesting Circle Die from Kat Scrappiness, and the sentiment is a pre-made strip from Simon Says Stamp.  Both the focal image and sentiment strip have been popped on foam pads.  Lastly, I've added Wink of Stella to the Pumpkins and the Pumpkin cap, unfortunately I can never get Wink to show in photos.

That's all from me today, so until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Cardz 4 Galz

Creative Inspiration

Let's Craft and Create

Simon Says Stamp Wed Challenge

Digi Choosday

Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge

CD Sunday +

613 Avenue Create

All Sorts
Polkadoodles

The Four Seasons Challenge

Talk Turkey to Me

Happy Sunday Funday Everyone!  I have a quick share featuring the cutest Turkey I've ever see!  He's part of the Turkey Digital Bundle by Conie Fong and he's ready for Thanksgiving Dinner - not as the main course but as a Guest at the Table.

I've colored him using Copic Alcohol Markers and die cut the panel using a scalloped edge nesting die.  The patterned papers are from the "Welcome Fall" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella, and the glitter paper is from a 6x6 glitter pad from Recollections.

The Sentiment is from the "Talk Turkey" Stamp set by Newton's Nook, and was a Stamptember 2023 collaboration with Simon Says Stamp.  I've used a hexagon nesting die to cut out the sentiment.

I hope you have an amazing day and week ahead.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

CD Sunday +

613 Avenue Create

All Sorts

Love Those Pretty Papers

Polkadoodles

Mirtillamente

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Crafty Animals

Critter Crazy

Crafts Galore Encore

Classic Design Challenge Nov/Dec 2024

Hi Friends, I'm back with my second post for this Friday, as it's a new challenge month at The Classic Design Challenge Blog.  Our generous sponsor this month is Mirtillamente and I've used one of the holiday icons from the Svario About Christmas No. 1 digital set.  This set includes 6 Christmas icons that are cute and easy to color.  I've chosen the Penguin 1 for my Christmas design.

Isn't this little fella adorable?  I love Penguins and especially in Holiday cards, which I've chosen to create here.  I've colored this little guy with alcohol markers and fussy cut him, then popped him on foam pads for dimension.

The patterned papers are from the "Winter Time" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella, the blue tones give it that Frosty feel.  I used a cut apart as a panel for him to land on, I liked the small tree on the bottom left.  The Joy die cut and shadow are from Paper Roses Studio.  I cut the word from blue glitter card, and the polka dot ribbon is from my stash.  Lastly, silver gems from Kat Scrappiness were added for additional interest.

Please stop by the challenge and join in the fun!  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

The Outlawz Festive Fridays

Pattie's Creations

Creative Friday

Krafty Chicks

AYLI - I love festive ribbon on Christmas cards, just adds an extra bit of fancy and whimsy

Craft Rocket

Lil Red Wagon

Digi Choosday

Creative Inspirations

Beccy's Month of Holiday Cards - "J" is for Joy

Ghouls OWL-ways Want to Have Fun!

Happy Sunday Everyone, it's Sunday Eve here and time to put this weekend in the books.  In the run up to Halloween, I have a few more cards to share.  This one was created with the Darcie's Heart and Home set titled Owl You Doin'.

The patterned papers are from the "Happy Halloween" 6x6 paper pad from Carta Bella.  I've watercolored the image using Gansai Tambi watercolors onto Tim Holtz Watercolor card.  The focal image and mat have been die cut using nesting circle dies from Kat Scrappiness, as well as the sentiment, which has been heat embossed also.

To finish the design, I've added extra large orange sequins from my stash.  It will soon be Halloween Night, do you get Trick or Treaters?  We don't have as many as we used to, all the kids in the neighborhood have grown up, moved away and now have children of their own.  It's amazing how time flies.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

All Sorts

Gem of a Challenge

Sweet Stampin'

Polkadoodles

Love Those Pretty Papers

Send a Smile 4 Kids

Krafty Chicks

Creative Knockouts

Digi Choosday

Classic Design Challenge - Monique

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Saturday!  I'm a bit late sharing my design team project for The Classic Design Challenge, which started on the 15th...better late than never eh?

Our sponsors this month are the Paper Nest Dolls and The Paper Shelter.  I've colored up the sweet Monique from The Paper Shelter, using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers. 

I've given her an Autumn color palette, the patterned papers are from the "Welcome Fall" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella.  The sentiment is pre-cut and foiled, from Pink Fresh Studio and they are handy to have on hand. 

I've inked around the focal image using Vintage Photo Distress ink, I didn't like the stark white and needed to knock it back a bit.  I've also trimmed the corners with a punch.  The sentiment die cut has been popped on foam pads and brown sequins added to finish the design.

Please stop by and join in the challenge this month.  The optional twist is Anything But a Card.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

Gem of a Challenge

Polkadoodles

Crafty Calendar

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

Outlawz Festive Fridays

Pattie's Creations

Just Us Girls

Craft Rocket

Digi Choosday

Penny's Challenges

Paper Funday October 2024 Challenge

Happy Wednesday Crafty Friends!  It's a new monthly challenge at The Paper Funday Challenge Blog, the theme is Anything Goes with an Optional Twist of Autumn Colors.  For my card, I've went with the Twist theme, as Autumn is my favorite season.

I've used a Reverse Confetti Stamp and Coordinating die set, that was part of the Simon Says Stamp Stamptember Collaboration a couple years ago.  The image was stamped on Tim Holtz watercolor paper and painted using Gansai Tambi watercolors.  The focal image was cut using the coordinating die and popped on foam for dimension.

The patterned papers are from the "Welcome Fall" 6x6 paper pad by Carta Bella.  The sentiment is a cut apart from the same paper pad, and some linen thread has been added for texture.  We hope you'll join us at the challenge this month, please stop by and see what the team has created.  You may be inspired to get creating for Autumn.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Word Art Wednesday

Penny's Challenges

Creative Inspirations

Crafty Gals Corner

Try it on Tuesday

Moving Along with the Times

Scrapping 4 Fun

The Four Seasons

The Crafting Challenge

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday

 

Black Kitty and Friends

Happy Saturday Crafty Friends!  It's been a crafty day here and I have a quick share for you this evening.  I've been busy getting my Halloween Happy Mail completed so I can post them by October 1st.  Today's card features another set of images from the Gina K. Designs Haunts and Harvest Stamp and Coordinating Die Sets.

This A2 sized card was a quick and easy project as no coloring involved, just stamping with Versafine Onyx Black Ink and die cutting the images.  The papers are from the Happy Halloween 6x6 paper pad from Carta Bella.  The patterned papers have a Retro vibe which makes them extra cool.

The Sentiment is from a Halloween set of premade strips from Simon Says Stamp. The Kitty and sentiment have been popped on foam pads for dimension and no extra bling added this time.

Thanks for stopping in today.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

Critter Crazy

Colorful Options

Two Old Bats

Halloween Crafts All Year Round

World Wide Crafters and Colorists

My Time to Craft

Crazy for Cats

Most Magical Time of the Year

Outlawz Festive Friday

Countdown to Christmas #6 - Gifts

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Saturday!  I'm back with Card # 6 in my Countdown to Christmas Series, where I'm focusing on quick and easy cards that can be massed produced.

For this card, all that you need are 3 snippets of patterned paper and a bit of ribbon to create a stack of Christmas Gifts.

To start, I've embossed a panel with a snowflake embossing folder.  I have only scrap pieces left from the Carta Bella Christmas Market 6x6 paper pad so I cut 3 squares of varying sizes.  I cut thin strips to act as "lids" for the boxes (this is apparent on the bottom gift).  

I have loads of Christmas ribbon in my stash so I trimmed a piece and adhered flat, then tied a bow and adhered with a glue dot.  TIP:  I like to use Fray Check on the ends of ribbon.  This keeps it from fraying.

I had a few pieces of ephemera left from the collection so I added a banner tag.  After adhering the panel to the card base, I spritzed it with Shimmer Spray for lots of sparkly goodness.

I thought the sentiment was such a great match to the card theme.  The sentiment is from the Memory Box Yuletide Moments Stamp Set.

That's all I have for today.  Make a mental note of this design for next year, however this would also be a great Birthday card design too!  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

CYHTP

CAS on Friday

Your Next Stamp

Crafting Happiness

Country View Challenges

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas

Friendship Challenge

Moving Along with the Times

Use Your Stuff

A Place to Start