Thanksgiving Gratitude

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Wednesday!  I have a quick share for you today featuring an Autumn theme.  In the States, tomorrow is our Thanksgiving Day holiday and we will be spending it with family and friends.  It's been a tough year for us as a family and I've had fleeting thoughts of foregoing Thanksgiving and Christmas, but that would not be honoring our son Dylan, as the holiday season was his absolute favorite time of year.  

We are spending the holiday with my brother and my sister-in-law's family, and I needed to make a thank you card to go along with the hostess gift.  I thought these tattered and distressed leaf die cuts were perfect for the card.

I've went with a square card measuring 6", I've cut the leaves from various colors of cardstock and inked the edges with distress inks. The sentiment was die cut a few times for dimension and the background panel was embossed with the "Texture" EF from Penny Black.  The patterned paper strip is from my box of scrap.

To finish off the card, I've sprayed with Shimmer Spray for a glittery effect.  If you're celebrating Thanksgiving, please have a blessed day and I hope you are surrounded with family. friends and love.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Simon Says Stamp Wed Challenge

Color Throwdown

Double D Challenge

Word Art Wednesday

Penny's Challenges

The Sisterhood of Crafters

Art Nudge - 1125B

Make My Monday

A Cut Above

613 Avenue Create

 

Give Us a Kiss by Penny Black

Happy Monday!  It's the start of another week, inching closer to Thanksgiving here in the States, and the Christmas Holidays.  As usual, I'm behind the 8-ball with Christmas Cards so I sat at the craft table off and on all weekend and created several.

Today I'm sharing the "Give Us a Kiss" wood block stamp from Penny Black.  This one dates back to 2010, and I'd forgotten I had this one.  It always surprises me what I find when I dig deep.

Nothing stamps quite like a wood block stamp, and Penny Black images are timeless. I've colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers and the patterned papers are snippets from Echo Park 6x6 Christmas themed pads. The papers were already cut into triangle shapes from another project, and it's a shame to waste them.

No bells or whistles have been added, only a Baker's Twine Bow to give the design a finishing touch.  The focal image had been matted and popped on foam pads for dimension.

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

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Dream Valley

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

A Place to Start

Crafty Animals

Critter Crazy

613 Avenue Create

Stamping Sensations

We Love Stamping

Neglected Stuff

Pammie's Inky Pinkies

Beautiful Blossoms Challenge #33 - Sep/Oct 2025

Hello and Welcome Friends.  Today is September 15th, and that marks a new challenge month at The Beautiful Blossoms Challenge Blog.  Our optional inspiration photo offers lots of warm Autumn colors and I took inspiration from this photo for my DT project:

Using the Spring Bouquets Stamp Set from Simon Says Stamp, I created an Autumn themed card using colors from the photo.  Just because the stamp set is named Spring Bouquets, doesn't mean it has to be saved for Spring cards, it's actually very versatile.

I've colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers, and fussy cut along the top edge to create a half panel.  I've used foam pads for elevation before adhering to a vintage polka dot patterned paper mat.  The sentiment is from the Autumn is Calling sentiment set from Penny Black.

Lastly I've added crackled gold embellishments from Close to My Heart and covered the florals with Wink of Stella for that extra Autumn sparkle!

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

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Dream Valley

A Place to Start

Crafter's Cafe

Creative Crafters

Avenue 613

We love Stamping

Stamping Sensations

All Sorts

Crafts Galore Encore

Simon Says Stamp Flicker Challenge

You're Special on Your Birthday

Happy Sunday Funday!  I hope your weekend has been great and you've enjoyed some Spring-like weather.  The pollen in the air certainly has my allergies acting up, and I'm getting a sore throat...hope it's not a cold. 

Today, I have a quick share featuring 2 birthday party goers, actually 3 but one is more mischievous than the others.  The images are from the Birthday Party Stamp Set by Penny Black. 

I've colored using alcohol markers, and masked off the edges of the panel, then blended with light lilac ink to create a soft frame.  The sentiment and die cut word are part of a Combo set from Crafter's Companion.

This is such a sweet image, as all Penny Black images are, and this card was a quick and easy make.  That's all I have for today.  I wish you a great week ahead and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Stamping Sensations

We Love Stamping

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

Gem of a Challenge

Polkadoodles

Digi Choosday

Creative Fingers

Pattie's Creations

Make a Wish!

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Tuesday!  I hope it's been a terrific Tuesday for you.  Before I turn off the computer for the evening, I wanted to quickly share a cute birthday card I've created using the adorable Birthday Party Stamp Set from Penny Black.

Aren't these kitties precious?  There's some very easy coloring here using my alcohol markers.  I've inked around the image, creating a frame and tore the edges for a bit of texture and interest.  The patterned paper is from a pack of various patterns and designs, purchased at the Dollar Tree.

The focal panel has been popped on craft foam for dimension, the sentiment is from the same stamp set and the patterned paper has been cut using a Scalloped Nesting Infinity Die from Hero Arts.  Lastly, I've added sequins from the stash for a bit of sparkle and shine.

I hope you have a great rest of the week and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Passion for Markers

SUYP Challenge

Outlawz Monday Greetings

Little Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

Send a Smile 4 Kids

Pattie's Creations

Creative Knockouts

Critter Crazy

Crafty Animals

Snowball Fight

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday! I hope your week went well and you have some time to be crafty this weekend.  It's turned a bit colder again, so it seems Winter isn't done with us yet.  With the colder weather in mind, I have a quick share for you today featuring a darling Pig with her Snowballs from Last Minute Manda.

I've colored the using alcohol markers, the patterned papers are from Time for Tea Designs.  I've cut the focal panel using a stitched rectangular nesting die and popped on foam pads.  The sentiment is from Penny Black and has also been popped on foam pads.

To finish the design, I've added sequins from my stash.  That's all I have for today, so until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Polkadoodles

Gem of a Challenge

Crafty Catz

Creative Moments

Pattie's Creations

Creative Inspiration

Simon Says Stamp Wed Challenge

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges

Polkadoodles Digi Choosday

Crafty Gals Corner

The Sisterhood of Crafters

Double Trouble

Classic Design Challenge #01-2025

Hi 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 month is SheepSki Designs and our Optional Twist is Winter Fun.

I've used the "Snow Happy" Digital image to create my card, and this snowman is definitely having a bit of Winter Fun creating Snow Angels!

There's not much coloring needed for a Snowman, just a few pops of color and a bit of shading to help him appear more round.  It's hard to see in the photo but I've highlighted the snow and "motion lines" with Crystal Stickles, so there would be glistening snow in the scene.

I almost added a few sequins but they just didn't look right, so I've left them off.  The patterned paper is from a 12x12 paper pad from Color Blok, which I've had in my stash for at least 10 years (I have so much designer paper, I forgot I had this pad..for shame, for shame!).  The sentiment is from the "Snowflake Season" Stamp Set by Penny Black.

  

That's all I have for today.  The team and I hope you'll visit us at The Classic Design Challenge, where the theme is Always Anything Goes with Optional Twists.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Pammie's Inky Pinkies

2 Sisters on a Blog

If You Give a Crafter a Cookie

Scrapping 4 Fun

The Four Seasons Challenge

A Perfect Time to Craft

Cards Galore Encore

Conjurer of Dreams

The Paper Shelter

Polkadoodles

Love & Magic

Hi Crafty Friends and Happy Sunday!  This day has almost gotten away from me, and I wanted to make certain to share another Christmas Card with you.  This one features the Love & Magic Stamp Set by Penny Black #30-923.  I've treated myself to several festive Penny Black sets this year and I've made use of each of them.  This one contains a darling image that I've colored with alcohol markers.

After stamping and coloring, I've die cut the focal image using a stitched nesting rectangular die from Kat Scrappiness.  The patterned papers are from the "Holiday" 6x6 paper pad by American Crafts.   The sentiment is included in the stamp set, and the strip has been popped on foam pads for dimension.

To finish off the design, I've added my trusty Crystal Stickles to the furry hat band, Pom Pom and Holly Berries, along with red sequins from my stash.  That's all for today my friends, so until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Girlz Creative Christmas

Little Patch of Crafty Friends

Peace on Earth Christmas

613 Avenue Create

Dragonfly Dreams

Stamping Sensations

All Sorts

Sweet Stampin'

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge

Lil Red Wagon

Penny Black Saturday Challenges

Love Those Pretty Papers

Happy Snowman

Hello and Happy Thursday to you! It's a gloomy, overcast day here in Florida so what better way to spend the day than to wrap Christmas Prezzies, drink Hot Cocoa and do a bit of cardmaking?  I have a quick share for you today featuring the Happy Snowman Stamp Set from Penny Black #30-503.  I went with a CAS design on this one.

He's truly a Happy Guy, especially since it's snowing.  I've colored him with alcohol markers, and it's very hard to see in the photo but I've splattered the panel with Dr. Ph. Martin's White Ink and spritzed with Shimmer Mist.

The sentiment is included in the stamp set, and this image is so versatile.  You can use to make a holiday or winter card, I've went with a holiday theme, my Merry Christmas message is inside.  That's all I have for today, I hope you have a fantastic day and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Krafty Chicks

Inspired By... the Christmas Vibes in the Photo

Cardz 4 Galz

Digi Choosday

Polkadoodles

Pink Gem Challenge

Sweet Stampin'

Penny's Paper Crafty Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

The Male Room

Passion for Markers

Cutie Pie Challenge

 

Christmas Arrangement

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Wednesday!  One week until the Big Day, are you ready?  I'm almost there, I have a few gifts left to wrap, 2 Christmas luncheons to attend and grocery shopping for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day dinners.  

I have a quick share today featuring the Christmas Arrangement Stamp Set by Penny Black, No. 40-646. I've colored with alcohol markers and splattered with Dr. Ph. Martin's White Ink.

This is a lovely image and it's quite large.  My panel measures 3.75" x 5", so that gives you an idea of the stamp size.  I kept the design to a minimum of 2 layers and embellishments; only adding 3 gold sequins.  The sentiment strip is from a package of pre-made sentiment by Simon Says Stamp, and it's been popped on craft foam for dimension.

I hope you are almost ready for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day...or at least more than half way there.  That's all I have for today, so until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna 

**Challenges Entered:

Lil Red Wagon

The Sisterhood of Crafters

Word Art Wednesday

Crafty Gals Corner

Passion for Markers

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge

Pin-spirational Challenge

Pearly Sparkles

12 Months of Christmas Challenge

The Crafting Challenge

Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge

613 Avenue Create

The Star

Happy Wednesday!  I hope your week has gone well thus far and you've made progress with your Christmas preparations.  Today I have plans to wrap gifts and get them under the tree...we shall see how that goes.  But for now, I have a quick share featuring the Penny Black Stamp Set titled The Star #31-082.

Isn't she just the sweetest?  I've colored her using alcohol markers and cut out the focal image, along with the sentiment and mat using nesting circle dies from Kat Scrappiness.

The patterned paper is from "Miss Mary Christmas" 6x6 paper pad by Hobby Lobby and the sentiment is from a holiday set by Memory Box. Before cutting out the focal image, I've splattered it with Dr. Ph. Martin's Pen White ink to give the illusion of snow.  Lastly, I've added a green twine bow and Crystal Stickles to the Star.

I hope you have a great day!  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Polkadoodles Digi Choosday

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

The Holly and Ivy Challenge

Outlawz Tuesday Color Challenge

Star Stampz

Double Trouble

Jingle Belles

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

A Place to Start

613 Avenue Create

Cutie Pie Challenge

Joyful Journey

Hello Friends and Happy Saturday!  I hope your week was awesome and you're getting into the Christmas Spirit.  Today, I have a quick share featuring an adorable sledding Squirrel.  The stamp set is the Penny Black Joyful Journey #30-761.  There is a coordinating die set, which I've used to cut out the images for my card.

I've colored the images using alcohol markers and created a snowy hill by hand trimming a piece of white card.  I've stamped the sentiment and then embossed the "hill" with a snowflake embossing folder from Darice.

The background paper is from a holiday paper pack by Alina Crafts, and the images have been popped on foam pads for dimension.  Lastly, I've added my trusty Crystal Stickles to the holiday packages.  I hope the packages and parcels are strapped on the sled as I think they may be going faster downhill that it appears.

Have a fantastic weekend and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna 

**Challenges Entered:

All Sorts

Di's Digi Designs

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

Sweet Stampin'

Crafty Calendar

Gem of a Challenge

Polkadoodles

Critter Crazy

Crafty Catz

Krafty Chicks

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge

Word Art Wednesday

Fab 'n Funky

A Place to Start

Christmas Bells are Ringing

Hello Friends and Happy Wednesday, I hope your day is going to be a good one.  Here in the States, we are gearing up for Thanksgiving, and I today I'm getting a head start on the feast by baking Pies, cutting up veggies and making deviled eggs. 

I have a quick share for you featuring the lovely Ringing Stamp Set by Penny Black #40-937.  I've colored the image using alcohol markers and kept the design CAS.

The sentiment is from a set of holiday wishes by Memory Box.  I've added a red mat and a few silver gems from Kat Scrappiness.  That's all I felt I needed to complete this holiday card.

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

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Passion for Markers

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge

Try It on Tuesday

Rudolph Days Challenge

Beccy's Month of Holiday Cards

Aud Sentiments

AAA Cards

Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge

Kindness & Joy

Hello Friends and Happy Sunday!  I hope your weekend has been lovely thus far, we're having a "cold snap" here in Central Florida and it's been nice to wear leggings and long sleeved tops, and have the windows open to air out the house.  Temperatures will soon be back to their seasonal norms, I hope the cooler weather returns, at least for Christmas.

Today, I have a quick share featuring the Kindness & Joy Stamp Set from Penny Black #30-778. I collect Snowmen so I fell in love with this adorable image, it's perfect for holiday and winter cards.

 

I've colored the image using alcohol markers, the patterned papers are from the "Winter Wonderland" 6x6 paper pad by Doodlebug Design.  I've cut the focal image and mat using scalloped stitched oval nesting dies from Alina Craft.  

The sentiment is pre-made and from a package of holiday sentiments by Scrapbook.com, and I've popped it on foam pads for dimension.  To finish off the design, I've added shiny sequins from my stash and Crystal Stickles have been added to the Snowman hat band and mistletoe.  

Thanks all I have to share today, I hope you have a fabulous week.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Polkadoodles

Polkadoodles Gem of a Challenge

Send a Smile 4 Kids

Crafty Catz

Outlawz Festive Friday

Beccy's Month of Holiday Cards Challenge

C.R.A.F.T Challenge

Craft Rocket

Word Art Wednesday

Fab 'n Funky

Santa's Sweets

Hi Friends and Happy Thursday!  I hope your day has been enjoyable thus far, it's a beautiful day here in Central Florida.  It's sunny, breezy and the temperature is only 64 degrees F, which is so nice that I have my windows open, enjoying the fresh air.

I'm in full swing with Christmas cards and today I'm sharing the Santa's Sweets Stamp Set #31-083 from Penny Black.  This set has a matching die, I do own it but I didn't use it here, instead I've used a Wavy Nesting Die from Kat Scrappiness to cut out the focal image.

I've colored the image using alcohol markers and the patterned papers are from the "A Gingerbread Christmas" 6x6 paper pad from Echo Park.

The focal image has been popped on foam pads for dimension, I've added a few sequins from my stash and of course....Crystal Stickles on Santa's hat brim, suit trim and hat pom pom.

When my children were small, on Christmas Eve we put out cookies and milk for Santa and sprinkled Magical Reindeer food around the house.  Santa AKA my husband loved his midnight snack.  And if you've never heard of Reindeer Food, you can find the "recipe" HERE. 

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

C.R.A.F.T Challenge

Craft Rocket

Digi Choosday

Word Art Wednesday

Crafty Gals Corner

I Spy with My Little Eye

Holly and Ivy Challenge

Aud Sentiments

Beccy's Month of Holiday Cards

Merry Little Christmas Challenge

Daisy Chain Challenge

Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge

Jingle Friends

Happy Tuesday Crafty Friends!  Here in the States, we are on the Countdown to the Thanksgiving holiday and it's our family's tradition to put up the Christmas Tree and decorations the weekend after the holiday.  My husband is already grouching about hanging outside lights...but I digress...I have a cute Christmas card for you featuring the Jingle Friends Stamp Set from Penny Black, No. 30-739.

I've colored the images using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers, the patterned paper is from the "My Favorite Christmas" 6x6 paper pad by Echo Park. I've die cut the focal panel using a nesting stitched rectangle die from Catherine Pooler.

Since it's a Christmas card, I've brought out the Crystal Stickles and applied to the white fur on Santa's hat and Pom Pom, as well as Rudolph's nose.  The sentiment is from the same set and I've accented with silver gems from Kat Scrappiness.

My Christmas card creating is now in full swing, I just need to coax the Grinch out of my dear husband so I'll have twinkling lights around the house this year!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge

Unicorn Challenge

Aud Sentiments

Peace on Earth Christmas Challenge

We Love Stamping

Inkspirational Challenge

Polkadoodles

Polkadoodles Gem of a Challenge

Send a Smile 4 Kids

Christmas Crafts All Year 'Round

Crafty Animals

Critter Crazy Challenge

Beccy's Month of Holiday Cards

Pumpkin Blooms by Penny Black

Happy Saturday Crafturday Friends!  Are you planning on crafting something today?  Me, yes and I have a quick share today featuring the new Pumpkin Blooms Die set from Penny Black.  

I've die cut the pieces from the die set using Tim Holtz watercolor card and painted the pieces using Gansai Tambi watercolor paints.  To give the pieces some depth and shading, I've inked using Ranger Distress inks in coordinating colors.

In my continued effort to use as much from my stash as possible, I took a snippet of patterned paper and a cut apart tag from the "Welcome Fall" 6x6 paper pad and coordinating ephemera pack to decorate the front.  I've also embossed the white panel using the "Texture" embossing folder from Penny Black, and placed bronze gems in the blossom centers.  The card base is "Cajun Craze" from Stampin' Up.

I hope you find time for a but of crafty fun today, until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Penny Black Saturday Challenge

Crafty Calendar

Crafty Catz

Cut It Up Challenge

Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge

Let's Craft and Create

Creative Inspiration

Outlawz Twisted Thursday - Growing the Big One with Shannen Doherty on Hallmark Channel 

Word Art Wednesday

A Place to Start

613 Avenue Create

A Cut Above

Pumpkin Blessings by Penny Black

Hello Friends, I hope you're doing well and enjoying the Autumn Season.  I have a quick share for you featuring the lovely Autumn Splendor Stamp Set #30-372 from Penny Black.  I've featured 3 cards created from this set recently, and I can't get enough of the pretty artist drawings.

To start, I've stamped the image on Tim Holtz Watercolor card, using the textured side, and painted using Gansai Tambi watercolor paints.  A tip I like to use, and one I picked up from watching Micheline Jourdain videos on You Tube, (she's fantastic with painting and creating scenes using Penny Black sets) is to leave the stamp in my Misti stamp positioning tool, and after the painting has dried, re-stamp the image for to darken up the lines.  

I've taped off a 1/2" border around the image, using Mint Tape from Scrapbook.com and blended Vintage Photo Distress ink to create a "frame", then splattered using Dr. Ph. Martin Pen White ink. Once the splattering was dry, I've stamped the sentiment from the Autumn is Calling Set #30-863 from Penny Black, and this card was complete.

That's all for today, until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Krafty Chicks

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday Challenge

Double D Challenges

Fab 'n Funky

Word Art Wednesday