The Classic Design Challenge #01-2026 - Jan/Feb '26

Hello Friends and Welcome Back.  It's time for a new challenge month at The Classic Design Challenge Blog and our generous sponsor this month is Pattie's Creations and the optional Twist this month is: Use Circles. For my team project, I've went with a Valentine's Day theme, and colored the Hearts and Flowers Digital Stamp from Pattie's.

I've colored the image using Copic Alcohol Markers, the patterned paper is from the "Blush and Mint" 6x6 paper pad by Recollections, the sentiment is from the "Friendship Greetings" Stamp Set by Kat Scrappiness.

I've die cut the focal image using a nesting circle die from Kat Scrappiness. Lastly, I've added flat backed holographic sequins from Pretty Pink Posh and added Wink of Stella to the pink hearts.  The sentiment has been heat embossed and popped on foam pads, as well as the focal image.

I hope you'll pop over to the challenge and see what my teamies have created using images so generously provided by Pattie's Creations, and we hope you'll play along too!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna  

**Challenges Entered:

C.R.A.F.T Challenge

Pattie's Creations

Dragonfly Dreams

We Love Stamping

Polkadoodles

The Dream Factory

Sisterhood of Crafters

Digi Choosday

Passion for Markers

A Place to Start

The Inspiration Station Challenge #72 - April 2025

Hello Friends and Happy Monday!  Today is the 1st Monday of the month and that signals a new challenge at The Inspiration Station Challenge Blog.  We have a lovely inspiration photo for you this round, and it can be interpreted in so many ways:

For my design team project, I've created a card that could be used for Mother's Day.  I've left the inside sentiment blank until I decide what I'll use the card for.  My mother passed away in 2014 and my mother-in-law in 2010, so I may give this card to my granddaughter, so she can give it to my daughter for Mother's Day.

I've used the "Elephant Friends" Stamp set from Pretty Pink Posh and colored the 2 sweet elephants using Copic Alcohol Markers, the sentiment is from the same stamp set.

Using 2 sizes of the nesting Hexagon Dies from Hero Arts, I've cut panels and mats for the focal images and sentiment.  I've fussy cut the adorable critters and popped on foam pads, as well as the sentiment.  To give the critters a place to "sit", I've used 2 mirrored peel off strips from Love from Lizi.  

To add texture and interest to an otherwise flat white panel, I've embossed the panel behind the elephants with the Floral Fantasy embossing folder from Cuttlebug (an oldie but goodie!).  The designer paper is from Recollections and the finishing touches are silver sequins from my stash.  

The team and I hope you'll stop by the challenge this month and share your inspired projects.  We're always amazed at the creativity everyone shares with us, and we hope to inspire you with our projects.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Animals

Park Hopping My Happy Place - Dumbo Ride at Disney

A Place to Start

A Cut Above

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

Dragonfly Dreams

Stamping Sensations

Polkadoodles

Gem of a Challenge

Critter Crazy

Word Art Wednesday

Santa Knows!

Happy Tuesday Friends!  I have a quick share for you today featuring a die cut Santa Claus from Spellbinders.  I picked this set up during their clearance sale a few months ago and couldn't wait to put him on a Christmas Card.

After die cutting and adhering Santa together, I've added bits of shading with a cool gray colored pencil to give him a bit of dimension.

The patterned papers are from a Holiday paper pad by Recollections, the sentiment is from a pre-made sentiment pack by Simon Says Stamp and has been popped on foam pads.  

I've used a card sketch from Cardz TV and embossed the background with a wintery scene folder from Darice.  Santa's hat is glittery and I've added small red gems to complete the design. 

That's all for today friends.  Remember - he knows if you've been bad or good.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna 

**Challenges Entered:

Polkadoodles Digi Choosday

Holly and Ivy Christmas

Unicorn Challenge

A Place to Start

Cutie Pie Challenge

Christmas Bingo - Top Line straight across

Merry Little Christmas Challenge

Scrapping 4 Fun

Challenge Up Your Life

Peace On Earth

Die Cut Divas

Beccy's Month of Holiday Cards - "S" is for Santa

Fun Times Instagram Hop - Varada Sharma Designs

Hi Friends and Happy Wednesday!  Today, the team from Varada Sharma Designs is celebrating the Fun Times Release for October 2022 with an Instagram Hop.  There are (3) $10 Gift Vouchers up for Grabs.  You can find the 1st Hop Stop HERE starting at 10 AM CST (11 AM EST).

My project today features the Water Lilies Digital Image, which is part of the larger Fun Times Release.  I've chosen to create a Card of Encouragement however this lovely floral image is perfect for any occasion.  

Water Lilies belong to a family of approximately 60 species of freshwater flowering water plants. They thrive in the temperate and tropical parts of the world.  We have them growing in the Lake by our home and they are soft pink with yellow centers so I've colored mine the same. 

I've colored the florals with Prismacolor Pencils and blended using Gamsol.  The focal panel was cut using a fancy edged rectangle die from Alina Craft, the patterned paper is from the Secret Gardenia 4.5" x 7" pad by Recollections.  

I used my distressing tool from Tim Holtz to give the edges a tattered look and inked around the panel with Victorian Velvet Distress Ink.  The sentiment is from the Feathered Lilies Stamp Set from Altenew and the pink gems are from Kat Scrappiness.

Please join us and Hop along for your chance to win a gift voucher to the Varada Sharma Designs online Shop.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Word Art Wednesday

Penny's Challenges

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday

Outlawz Tuesday Colors

TTCRD

Crafty Friends

Crafts Galore Encore

Time Out Challenges

Cardz 4 Galz

Addicted to Stamps and More

 

   

 

Colour Crazy Challenge - Polkadoodles

Hello Crafty Friends and Welcome to Friday!  YAY...today begins a new bi-weekly challenge round at The Colour Crazy Challenge and our sponsor is the ever popular Polkadoodles!

For my design team project, I've created a card featuring the sweet Honeypie Just Lovely Digital Stamp. 

I've colored the image using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Markers, the papers are from the Recollections Blush and Mint 6x6 paper pad and the die cut sentiment is from Creative Expressions.

Honeypie has been fussy cut and popped on craft foam for dimension.  The focal panel was die cut with a fancy scalloped die from Creative Expressions and adhered flat to the mat.  Lastly, sequins were added for additional interest and shine.

Join us over at The Colour Crazy Challenge Blog!  We'd love to have you.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

*Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

Krafty Chicks

AYLI :  I wouldn't say I have a favorite layout but I do use sketches quite frequently

Cardz 4 Galz

Simon Says Stamp Wed Challenge

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Digi Choosday

Passion for Markers

The Four Seasons Challenge #2

Hello Friends and Happy October!  Today begins a new challenge month at The Four Seasons Challenge and we're continuing with the Autumn/Fall theme.  My card features some not so spooky Halloween images from a Recollections Cling Stamp Set.

The inspiration prompt for the month of October is:

When tidying up my craft room recently, I came across these cling stamps from Recollections that I've had for a few years.  I'd forgotten just how cute they are.

I've colored the images with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, created a tag and mats using papers from the Echo Park Trick or Treat 6x6 paper pad and Recollections Seasonal Solids 12x12 paper pack.

I've used stitched dies from Kat Scrappiness and My Favorite Things for the tag, banner sentiment and small mats.  The only bells and whistles added was Wink of Stella on the Pumpkins; which is always hard to capture in photos.  

Please join us at The Four Seasons Challenge this month.  We hope to inspire you with our designs and always love to see what you create.

Until Next Time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

QKR Stampede

A Perfect Time to Craft

Mirtillamente

Your Scrapbook Place

Crafty Catz

Polkadoodles

Uniko

Pattie's Creations

Crafty Hazelnuts Patterned Paper

Simon Says Stamp Wed. Challenge

Die Cut Divas

Pearly Sparkles

Two Old Bats Halloween Challenge

Lil Witchy Poo

Hi Friends and Happy Fri-YAY!  Today I'm sharing another cute Halloween Card featuring an adorable little Witch from Recollections.

The images are part of a cling stamp set from Recollections that I purchased through FB Marketplace a few years ago.  It was new in package and this card is the fist time using these images.  I'm constantly amazing myself at the things I'm finding when digging deep into the stash!

I've colored the images with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and the designer papers are from the Echo Park "Trick or Treat" 6x6 paper pad.  I went a bit "Old Skool" with design elements such as a corner punch and Crop-a-Dile Corner Rounder, Distressing Edger, Ribbon and Nuvo Drops.  The sentiment is a cut out from the paper pad.

This card style may not be Trendy but I still like to create this way from time to time.  Have a Great Weekend and Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Polkadoodles

Cardz TV

Outlawz Festive Fridays

Scrapping 4 Fun

Krafty Chicks

Cute Card Thursday

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

Lil Vampire and Friend

Hello Crafty Friends!  We are quickly approaching Autumn and I love creating Autumn projects; it's my favorite crafting time of the year.  Today I'm sharing my 1st Halloween card for 2021 and this Lil Vampire is not too spooky.

This cling stamp set is an older one from Recollections that I purchased through FB Marketplace a few years ago.  It was new in package and I've never used prior to this card.  Funny the things you find in your craft space when tidying up!

The image has been colored with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, the designer papers are from the DCWV "Witches Brew" 6x6 mat stack and the embellishements are the Plum Pearl Mix from Kat Scrappiness.  I've added doodling to the images with Black and White Gelly Roll Pens by Sakura.

Thanks for visiting today and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

Affiliate Link:

Plum Pearl Mix by Kat Scrappiness - New Release
from: Kat Scrappiness, Inc

Challenges Entered:

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Corrosive Challenge

Dare 2 B Artsy

Stamping Sensations

Di's Digi Designs:  Plum Pearls and Die Cut Banners, Mats

Gem of a Challenge

Fairy and Unicorn

Crafty Calendar

Two Old Bats Halloween Challenge

Polkadoodles

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

Dandelion Day

Hello and Happy Tuesday!  Today's post is a short one featuring an adorable image from Sherry West Art.  I've colored the image using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and the designer papers are from the new Carta Bella "Summer" 6x6 paper pad.

Isn't she adorable waving her Dandelion Wand?  I die cut the focal, tag and sentiment with dies from Kat Scrappiness, mounted on foam pads and added golden twine for detail.  The sentiment is from a very old Recollections set but I love the font and the set has so many wonderful sentiments.

Lastly, I used a Silver Wink of Stella pen to enhance the Stars on her headband and scattered enamel dots.

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

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Sentiments

Digi Choosday

Passion for Markers

Lemon Shortbread

Ike's World

Always Fun

Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge

Avenue 613

Corrosive Challenge

Dies R Us

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

QKR Stampede

Color It, Create It, Show It Off

Classic Design Challenge

Creative Fingers

Fancy Umbrella

Happy Friday - The weekend is here and today is Friday Freebie at Bugaboo Stamps Catch the Bug Challenge Blog.  Today's Freebie is the Fancy Umbrella #7 image.

My project today is an A2 sized card, the image colored with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, designer papers from the Recollections "Patisserie" 6x6 paper pad and sequins from my stash.  I used dies to cut out the focal panel and sentiment.  I popped up the focal image with foam pads and the sentiment is from a Cardz TV stamp set.  Sequins were added as a final touch.

Stop by the blog today for your freebie and please join in the challenges.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Gem of a Challenge

Send a Smile 4 Kids

Outlawz Sunday Challenges

Avenue 613

Angie's Digital Stamps

Dare 2 B Artsy

Incy Wincy

Creations in Pink

World Wide Open DT Challenge

Paper Funday Challenge - February 2021

 Hello and Happy Wednesday!  Today starts a new monthly challenge at The Paper Funday Challenges.  The theme this month is Anything Goes with Optional Twist of:  Love is in the Air and we have two wonderful sponsors:  Sherri Baldy's Besties and Hetty Clare.

For my design team project, I created a Valentine's Day card for a swap partner using a new Fluffy Besties image that I thought was perfect for such an occasion.

I've colored the image using Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, designer papers from the Recollections "Love and Devotion" 12x12 paper pad and sentiment from the Cardz TV "Mini Messages" stamp set.  I followed Sketch #30 from Cardz TV Free Sketches and popped up the small left panel and focal image using foam pads.  Finally, the only bells and whistles used was  a bit of Wink of Stella on the hair band, the chocolate box ribbon, her lips and earrings.

Please join us this month for the challenge at The Paper Funday.  We hope to inspire you with our team projects and cannot wait to see what you've created using the Anything Goes with Optional Twist theme.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Sentiments

Digi Choosday

TTCRD

Lemon Shortbread

Paper Shelter

Double D Challenges

Penny's Challenges

The Card Concept

Crafty Creations

Creatalicious

Crafter's Cafe

QKR Stampede

Simon Says Stamp

Crafting Happiness

Besties Challenge

Bugaboo Saturday Challenge - Valentine's Jar

Hello and Happy Saturday!  I hope your past week was great and your weekend is better!  Today begins a new Saturday Weekly challenge at Bugaboo's Catch the Bug blog.  The theme for this week is Recipe:  1 Ribbon, 2 Buttons and 3 Layers.  For my design team project, I created an Aperture card featuring the Valentine Jar digital stamp (**this image is the Friday Freebie this week!). 

I colored the image using my Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers and to create the aperture, I die cut an oval opening in the front of the card base and the layer.  I also die cut the focal image using the same oval die so it would be a perfect fit and adhered to the inside of the card, lining up with the aperture opening.  The designer papers are from the Recollections "Love and Devotion" 12x12 paper pad and were used for the front and inner panels.  

For the Recipe Theme, I used 1 pink ribbon, 3 red pieces of card candy as I did not have small, red buttons and there are 3 layers.  The sentiment is from the Cardz TV "Mini Messages" stamp set and for a finishing touch, loads of Wink of Stella over the focal image (it's a shame the shimmer and sparkle doesn't show in the photos).

Please stop by Catch the Bug Challenge Blog and enter your make using the Recipe Theme, we would love to see what you create.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Gem of a Challenge

Outlawz PAM

Crafty Catz

Polkadoodles

Cardz TV #133

Creative Fingers

Outlawz Festive Fridays

Creative Knockouts

Aud Sentiments

Scrapping4Fun

Bugaboo's 11th Annual Birthday Bash - Day 1

Hello and Happy Saturday!  Today starts a week of celebration for Bugaboo Stamps 11th Birthday.  It's a Birthday Bash with Daily Themed Challenges, Prizes, Freebies and New Releases.  To start things off, the theme for today is "Birthday" using a Woodland Critter.

For my design team project, I used the Garden Bunny digital image to create a cute Birthday Card.  I colored the image with Spectrum Noir Alcohol Markers, the designer papers are from the 4.5" x 7" "Secret Gardenia" paper pad by Recollections and I added Wink of Stella here and there for a bit of Sparkle.  

I cut the focal panel with a pair of Decorative Edge Scissors...a blast from the past those scissors are...does anyone still have those?  Do you use them?  It's funny what I find when I go to digging in my stash..I found them and had to use them.

Please join us from 09 January through 15 January for Bugaboo's 11th Annual Birthday Bash!  We're Partying this week and would love for you to come!

Until Next Time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

CCC Digi Creations

Let's Craft and Create

Creative Craft Challenge

Creative Moments

All Sorts

A Gem of a Challenge

Outlawz PAM

Crafty Calendar

Cardz TV #131

Creative Fingers

2 Crafty Critter Crazies

Creative Knockouts

Octavia's Frosted Winter Family

 Hello and Happy Sunday!  I hope your 1st Sunday of the New Year has been pleasant.  My make and share today features a Digital Stamp and flower from the Polkadoodles' Octavia's Frosted Winter Collection.

I created a Diamond Easel card using designer papers from the "Northern Lights" 12x12 paper pad by Recollections.  I chose to use the pre-colored images for my card today, adding some glitter to resemble falling snow. I fussy cut one of the embellishments that's included in the set to use as a stopper for the top panel.   This card measures 6" square when folded flat and makes for easy posting.

Thanks for visiting me today, until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

International Art & Soul

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

613 Avenue Create

All Sorts

Gem of a Craft Challenge

Outlawz PAM

Polkadoodles

Cardz TV

Pattie's Creations

Cute Card Thursday

Outlawz Twisted Thursday