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:

Pattie's Creations

Passion for Markers

TIOT

Unicorn Challenge

Cupcake Inspirations

A Perfect Time to Craft

Cards Galore Encore

The Crafting Challenge

Moving Along with the Times

First Cup Challenges

 

The Classic Design Challenge - #03-2026 Mar/Apr

Hello Friends and Welcome Back!  Today begins a new challenge month at The Classic Design Challenge Blog and our optional Twist this month is: Fun/Fancy Folds.  Our generous sponsor is Dr. Digi's House of Stamps.  I couldn't resist using the Eileen's Icing Extravaganza digital image for my project this month.

I've colored the image with Copic alcohol markers and thought it would be fun to create a circular card base.  I've die cut the focal image using the Lovely Lace Circular Nesting Die from Hunkydory; the mats and base cut using nesting circle dies from Kat Scrappiness.

The sentiment is from the old and retired "Potpourri" stamp set by Cardz TV, and has been popped on foam pads.  I've added a bit of Wink of Stella to the chocolate frosting (always hard to see in photos) and called this card complete.

We hope you'll visit the challenge and play along this month.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

I Love Promarkers + Other Mediums Challenge

Digi Choosday

Word Art Wednesday

Creative Knockouts

Creative Inspiration

A Place to Start

FarmQuest Home Challenge

HeartsQuest Shaped Cards Challenge

AAA Birthday

Mix It Up Challenge

The Classic Design Challenge #11 Nov/Dec 2025

Welcome Back Crafty Friends!  It's the 15th of the month and that signals a new challenge month at The Classic Design Challenge Blog.  Our generous sponsor this round is Dr. Digi's House of Stamps and I've used the Simply Santa Digital Stamp to create a fun Christmas Card.

To start, I've embossed a background using the "Bold Snowflakes" embossing folder from Creative Expressions.  I've colored Santa using Copic Alcohol Markers and cut the focal image and sentiment using the "Stitched Rope Nesting Oval Dies" from Kat Scrappiness.

The focal panel and sentiment have been popped on foam pads, and the patterned papers are snippets from my scrap bin (I think they're from Carta Bella). Lastly, I've added Crystal Stickles to Santa's hat and cuff trim, you can't see it very well but it adds the perfect amount of sparkle.

The team and I invite you to stop by the challenge and join us by sharing your creative designs.  Hope to see you there!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Send A Smile 4 Kids

Polkadoodles

Gem of a Challenge

All Sorts

Daisy Chain Challenges

Let's Craft and Create

Park Hopping My Happy Place - Holiday World & Splashin' Safari in Santa Claus Indiana

Sparkles Christmas - There's nothing more festive to wear than a Santa Suit!

Merry Little Christmas Challenge

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenge

Classic Design Challenge 07-2025

Hello Crafty Friends!  Today begins a new challenge month at The Classic Design Challenge Blog and our Optional Twist this go-round is:  Sun, Sand, Surf.  Our generous sponsor is Dr. Digi House of Stamps and for my design team project, I've colored the Beach Bum Bob image using Copic Alcohol Markers.

The designer papers are from a variety pack by Stampin' Up and the sentiment is from a set by Whimsy Stamps.  I've popped the focal image on foam pads for dimension, and I've added no bells or whistles because I just wasn't drawn to do so for this card.

We hope you'll join us and share your card creations this month.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Cardz 4 Guyz

Art Nudge 725B

Sparkles Monthly

Creative Crafters

Dream Valley

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

We Love Stamping

Stamping Sensations

Classic Design Challenge #05-2025

Hello and Welcome Back! Today begins a new challenge at The Classic Design Challenge Blog where the theme is Always Anything Goes with an Optional Twist.  The Twist this month is Masculine and our generous sponsor is Angie Blom Digital Designs.

For my team project, I've colored the Thanks Dad digital image from Angie Blom using Copic Alcohol Markers.  This is just one of the images included in the digital set, which also includes sentiments.  I've went with a Father's Day theme, also incorporating the optional twist of Masculine.

I did not resize the image as I wanted to keep it large and tucked into the bottom right corner.  The sentiment has been popped on foam pads and is from the Mini Messages Stamp Set by Cardz TV (retired).  To complete the design, I've added a snippet of patterned paper from a My Favorite Things paper pad and a Baker's Twine Bow.

We hope you'll join us at the challenge and play along for your chance to win a prize from Angie Blom Digital Designs.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

C.R.A.F.T Challenge

Creative Inspiration

Ally's Angels

Creatalicious

Creative Inspirations

Passion for Markers - I love green and blue together

Art Nudge - 525A for the Green, 525D for the Blue Jeans

Crafts Galore Encore

Mirtillamente

Daisy Chain Challenge

Di's Digi Design

Digi Choosday

Classic Design Challenge Apr/May 2025 - Gina Cupcake

Welcome Back Friends! In my second post for today, it's time to announce a new challenge month at The Classic Design Challenge Blog.  The challenge theme is Always Anything Goes with an Optional Twist.  The twist this month is Feminine, and our generous sponsor is Moondrea Designs. I've chosen to color the sweet Gina Cupcake digital stamp for my DT project.

I've used alcohol markers to color Gina and her cupcake, the patterned papers are from Craft Consortium, the sentiment is from Cardz TV, and dies from Hero Arts have been used for the panels and sentiment.

Gina has been fussy cut and popped on foam pads, along with the sentiment, for dimension and lastly, blue sequins added to complete the design.  The team and I hope you'll link your projects this month.  We love seeing everyone's projects and always get inspiration for all the entries.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

TIOT

Unicorn Challenge

Star Stampz

All Dressed Up

Crafts Galore Encore

Mirtillamente

Colorful Options

Let's Craft and Create

Pammie's Inky Pinkies

C.R.A.F.T Challenge

The Classic Design Challenge #03 - Mar/Apr 2025

Hello Friends, I'm back with my second post for this Saturday, sharing my design team project for the new monthly Classic Design Team Challenge.  The challenges are Always Anything Goes with an Optional Twist.  This month, the twist is:  Bunnies, Blooms or Butterflies.  Our generous sponsor is the fun and talented Mirtillamente.

I've colored the Le Pine: Phoebe Rainy Days digital image using Alcohol Markers, and created a Spring Card for a Card Swap friend in the UK.  Nothing says Spring like Rain Showers for all those emerging flowers.

The patterned paper is from a 8x8 pad by Scrapbook.com, and have been cut using a Nesting Hemstitch Rectangle Die from Spellbinders.  The gems are from my stash and I've doodled polkadots on her umbrella using a white Posca Paint Pen.

The team and I hope you'll visit the challenge and join in.  We would love to see what you create, whether you use the optional twist or not.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Polkadoodles

Gem of a Challenge

Star Stampz

2 Sisters on the Blog

Crafts Galore Encore

Mirtillamente

The Crafting Challenge

As You Like It - Colorful! I'm drawn to color, even in the clothes I wear.  Color makes me Happy.

C.R.A.F.T Challenge

Craft Rocket

Classic Design Challenge #12-2024 Anything Goes with Optional: Happy Holidays

Hello Friends and Happy Monday!  The 15th of the month saw the opening of a new challenge at The Classic Design Challenge Blog.  We have 3 generous sponsors this month:  Keen Crafter Designs, Sheepski Designs and Dr. Digi House of Stamps.

For my team project, I've colored up the "On the Fence" No. 278 digital image from Sheepski Designs.  This image is versatile and can be used for Christmas or Winter cards.  I've chosen to go with a Winter theme.

I've colored the image using alcohol markers, the papers are from a 6x6 paper pack by Alina Crafts.  I've cut the focal image using a scalloped edge oval nesting die, also from Alina Crafts.

The sentiment is from the Snowflake Season stamp set from Penny Black.  I have popped the strip on foam pads for dimension. Before calling this card complete, I splattered with a white Posca pen to replicate Snow.  

The team and I hope you'll join in and share your projects with us this month, and we hope to inspire you with our projects.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

A Place to Start

613 Avenue Create

Aud Sentiments

Night Owls

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Stamping Sensations

We Love Stamping

Creative Crafters

Polkadoodles Gem of a Challenge

Polkadoodles Saturday Challenge

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

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

Classic Design Challenge - Sep/Oct with Optional: Autumn/Fall

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Monday!  Well. I'm better late than never with my team project for The Classic Design Challenge Blog.  Our new monthly challenge started yesterday the 15th and our generous sponsors this month are Polkadoodles and The Colour of Love.

For my card, I'm featuring Polkadoodles Witch Cauldron from the Gnome Trick or Treat Halloween Collection.  I love cute Halloween images, I'm not a scary nor gory Halloween girl so this Gnomie is right up my alley!

I've colored the image using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers and die cut the focal panel with a postage stamp die.  The backing patterned paper is from the Slimline Boo to You paper pack by Kat Scrappiness.  

The sentiment strip is from a pre-made package of Halloween sentiments from Waffle Flower, and I've popped the strip on craft foam for dimension.  To finish the design, I've added some black sequins from the Boo-tacular embellishment pack by Kat Scrappiness - you can also see some of what's included in the pack scattered around the card. 

We hope you'll stop by the challenge and join in the fun!  It's Always Anything Goes with an Optional Twist, the twist this month being Autumn/Fall.  I think a Halloween card meets the Autumn theme, what do you think?

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

A Place to Start

CD Sunday +

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

We Love Stamping

Ally's Angels

Sparkles Monthly

Creative Crafters

Gem of a Challenge

Polkadoodles

Send a Smile 4 Kids

Classic Design Challenge Jul/Aug 2024

Hello Friends and Welcome Back to my second post for this Monday! Today begins a new challenge at The Classic Design Challenge Blog and our generous sponsors this month are The Paper Shelter and Fred, She Said Designs.  The theme is Always Anything Goes with an Optional Twist.  The Twist this month is: Summer Holiday/Vacation.

For my team project, I've colored the Poinsettia & Holly digital image from Fred, She Said, using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.  This is officially my first Christmas Card of the 2024 holiday season!

This image comes in a set that includes a 4.25"x 5.5" card front panel, which is what I'm featuring here.  Now, this card was a comedy of errors, my green marker was going dry so I had to switch colors after the 1st leaf (see leaf to the upper right), then I wanted the stamen to be gold but after applying gold Posca Ink, they sort of got lost, so I dotted with black Posca ink - now they look like spider eyes.

The sentiment is included with the image, so no stamping a sentiment was needed.  I've covered the poinsettias and holly berries with Wink of Stella and dotted gold Posca ink around the floral clusters.  The Twist is always optional, but I thought that Christmas in July could be considered a Summer Holiday!    

We hope you'll join us this month and share your projects.  We hope to inspire you and love seeing everyone's creativity.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

The Dream Factory

Make My Monday

CD Sunday +

Dragonfly Dreams

613 Avenue Create

Stamping Sensations

Gem of a Challenge

Polkadoodles

Alphabet Challenge

Outlawz Festive Friday

Classic Design Challenge #6 - Jun/Jul 2024

Hi Friends and thanks for stopping by.  It's a busy Saturday and today begins a new monthly challenge at The Classic Design Challenge Blog. Our generous sponsors this month are Di's Digi Stamps and Mirtillamente.  The theme of our challenges is Always Anything Goes with an Optional Twist; the Twist this month is Fancy Folds.

For my DT project this month, I've colored the cute Le Pine Malley Summer digital image from Mirtillamente using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers.

I've decided to use the Twist this month as I've been on a fancy fold kick lately and this is an easy one to create; I've followed a tutorial by Tracy Bradley HERE.  I've used patterned papers from Kat Scrappiness and added die cut clouds along with a die cut Palm tree that has been colored with alcohol markers.  The inside of the card contains an additional greeting, both sentiments are from Cardz TV.  

We hope you'll join in the fun at The Classic Design Challenge this month. We love seeing everyone's designs and if you're up to it, try a fancy fold, they can be quite addicting.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Polkadoodles

Creative Creases

Cardz 4 Galz

Tic Tac Toe Challenge - Layers, Die Cut and Patterned Paper

Simon Says Stamp Wed. Challenge

Crafty Gals Corner

Polkadoodles Digi Choosday

Stamps & Fun = Creativity - Summer

Path of Positivity

Aud Sentiments

Mirtillamente

May 2024 Classic Design Challenge

Hi Friends and Happy Saturday!  I'm behind in posting and sharing my DT project for The Classic Design Challenge that started on the 15th of this month.  Our sponsors this month are Hetty Clare Art and Sheepski Designs.  My DT project features a cute Pirate from Hetty Clare Art. 

I've created a simple Fancy Fold card, the image has been colored using Prismacolor Pencils.  The patterned paper is from a paper pad by Scrapbook.com, the sentiments are from the Hello Sunshine Stamp Set by Simon Says Stamp. 

I've used a distressed edge nesting die set to cut focal panels and have added a bit of Wink of Stella to the image for a bit of sparkle.  Otherwise, I've left the card without any bells and whistles.  

Please stop by the challenge blog and join in the fun.  We love seeing all the clever and creative designs that are shared with us each month.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

Gem of a Craft Challenge

Polkadoodles

Daring Cardmakers

Crafty Catz

Creative Creases

Creative Fingers

Pattie's Creations

Classic Design Challenge #02-2024

Hello Crafty Friends, I'm back with my second post for this Thursday! Today begins a new challenge month at The Classic Design Challenge, where the theme is Always Anything Goes with an Optional Twist. The Twist this month is "I Love...". You can interpret the twist in a multitude of ways.  Our sponsors this challenge are Fred, She Said and Polkadoodles.

For my team project, I've used the "Emma in Her Cool Cap" image from Fred, She Said and colored the image using Prismacolor Pencils.  I've also incorporated the optional Twist in my design.  This is a card for one of my card swap buddies and I love my swap buddy friends!

The image was an easy color as there are not a lot of small spaces. I took the liberty to dress her up a bit by adding polkadots to her top using a white Posca Pen.  The patterned papers are from a 12x12 kit by Bo Bunny.  I only have card size snippets left so they worked perfectly for this layout.  The sketch is a freebie from Cardz TV (sketch #56). 

I've fussy cut Emma and popped her on craft foam, along with the sentiment and the green landing strip.  To complete the design, I've added complimentary blue enamel dots.

I would like to invite you to pop over to the challenge blog and enter your design.  We love seeing all the creative ways everyone uses their crafty talents.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Mirtillamente

Crafts Galore Encore

Coloring with Pencils

Allsorts

Polkadoodles

Scrapping 4 Fun

Let's Craft and Create

Creative Inspirations

Polkadoodles Digi Choosday

Dream Valley

Valentine's Day Gnome in Love - Classic Design Challenge

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Tuesday!  It's been a minute since I've posted and it feels good to get Mojo back as well as my health.  I contracted RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) and was quite sick.  Then my dear husband caught it from me, then we were both poorly together.  We are on the mend now and there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

With that being said, I was unable to complete my team project for The Classic Design Challenge start on the 15th of this month, but have now been strong enough and motivated to complete it.  The sponsors for this challenge are Goha Digital Stamps and The Colour of Love.  I've chosen a Gnome image from Goha Digital Stamps for my project.

I decided to create a Valentine's Day card for a friend and colored the image using Prismacolor Pencils. The patterned papers are snippets from my stash; papers I've used for the past few years for Valentine's Day projects.

I've added a few layers for interest, the sentiments are from the Friendship Greetings stamp set by Kat Scrappiness.

To complete the card, I've added red enamel dots around the sentiment strips, which have been popped on craft foam for dimension.  

The team and I would like to invite you to visit us at The Classic Design Challenge and play along.  There are 2 chances to win, so join us.  With that, I'll say please stay healthy and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Polkadoodles Digi Choosday

Pammie's Inky Pinkies

Dream Valley

A Place to Start

Crafting from the Heart

Cutie Pie Challenge

Creative Moments

Night Owls

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create