The Four Seasons Challenge - Winter

Hello Friends and Happy December!  It's hard to believe we are approaching 2023, I hope you have a good start on your holiday baking, crafting and decorating.  Me?  I'm getting there, the Tree is up and the lights have been hung.

Today begins the 1st Winter themed challenge at The Four Seasons Challenge Blog.  The inspiration photo this round is so pretty and I went CAS this time, which is something I find very difficult to pull off.

 

I was inspired by the snow, so fluffy and white and I was excited to use my new set from the Simon Says Stamp Stamptember festivities, it's the Gina K. Designs Sparkling Season Stamp Set.

I've stamped and heat embossed the baubles and sentiment using fine detail gold embossing powder.  My focal panel measures 3.75" x 5" and you can see how large the image is.  

I've backed the panel with gold mirror card and I just couldn't resist not adding bells and whistles so yes, you guessed it, there have been gold gems from Kat Scrappiness added. 

Please join us at The Four Seasons Challenge Blog.  We hope to inspire you with our makes and look forward to seeing your Winter themed projects.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered

C.R.A.F.T Challenge - Christmas Baubles 

Krafty Chicks

Outlawz Twisted Thursday

Lil Red Wagon

SSS Wed Challenge

SSS Mon Challenge

Lost Coast Portal to Creativity

PIN-spirational - used Gold from 5 Golden Rings

Moving Along with the Times

Merry Little Christmas

A Very Vintage Christmas

Crafty Friends

Crafting Happiness

Classic Design Challenge

 

Gnome Festive Fun

Hello and Happy Tuesday!  I have a fun share for you featuring a couple of adorable little characters.  The image is the Gnome Festive Fun digital stamp from Polkadoodles. 

I've been working hard at getting all my Christmas Cards completed.  This happens to me every year and why do I not prepare...like Christmas in July?  I have no excuse..I'm just a slacker LOL!

This is such an adorable image, Polkadoodles is one of my favorite designers and I especially like the Snowmen and Gnome images.  I've colored this pair using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers and the papers are from the "Winter Wonderland" 6x6 paper pad by Doodlebug Design.

I've used more of that Cricut Glitter tape that has been in my stash for at least 4 years...and I have loads of it.  The focal panel was cut using a Nesting Stitched Rectangle Die from Kat Scrappiness and purple gems were added as an accent.  

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

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Digi Choosday

Everybody Art

Outlawz Tuesday Color

TIOT

The Holly and Ivy

TTCRD

SSS Mon Challenge

Double Trouble

Dream Valley

CD Sunday

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Send A Smile 4 Kids

Beautiful Holiday Moments

Hello Crafty Friends and Happy Sunday!  Today's share features another set purchased during the Simon Says Stamp Stamptember 2022 Event.  This set is the collab with Memory Box and the set is Beautiful Moments.

This stamp set isn't necesarily a holiday set; there are no holiday sentiments included, however the florals are so versatile I created a holiday card using the colors I like at Christmas time, along with a Christmas sentiment.

The florals have been watercolored using Gansai Tambi watercolors and die cut with the coordinating dies.  The background panel along with the gold strip have been embossed with a very old Snowflake folder from Darice; I wish the background embossing showed better in the photo.

The sentiment is from an old Christmas Joy stamp set from Cardz TV and I've splattered the pieces with gold watercolor paint.  The focal and sentiment have been popped on craft foam and gold sequins added for that final bit of bling (it is Christmas afterall and the more Bling the better IMHO)

Thanks for visiting me today!  Until next time, Happy Crafting.

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Stamping Sensations

We Love Stamping

Corrosive Challenge

A Very Vintage Christmas

Beyond the Blue

Let's Squash It

CYHTP

Happy Little Stampers Watercolor Challenge

QKR Stampede

Crafter's Cafe

Christmas Wishes Poinsettia

Happy Saturday Friends. Today I have a quick post sharing a sweet and simple Christmas card where the patterned paper made creating this project easy.

I was searching for some holiday patterned paper in my stash and came across the Ornamental Christmas 12x12 paper pad from The Paper Studio. The baubles make a great background so I die cut a poinsettia using a die set from Alina Craft and cut the sentiment from a set by Kat Scrappiness.

The poinsettia petals and leaves were looking a little too flat and boring so I embossed the pieces using the Crystal Distortion 3-D embossing folder from Simon Says Stamp and added a bit of  Aged Maghoney Distress Ink around the edges.  The word dies were cut from white glitter card; this set comes with a shadow die but I decided against using it.

The only bells and whistles added were a clear gem to the "i" in Christmas, for the center of the flower and Wink of Stella over the entire flower and leaves.  If you have paper with a large pattern, it makes creating a background quick and easy.

Thanks for stopping by today.  In the States, it's Small Business Saturday so if you're holiday shopping today, please try and support a small business in your community.  Unti next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

Di's Digi Design

A Very Vintage Christmas

C.R.A.F.T Challenge

Krafty Chicks

The Sisterhood of Crafters

Word Art Wednesday

Penny's Challenges

TTCRD

Peace on Earth

Happy Little Stampers Die Challenge

QKR Stampede

Crafters Cafe

Sparkles Monthly

Warm Winter Wishes Snow Bird

Hello and Happy Friday!  Are you taking advantage of the Black Friday Sales today?  Me? I plan on doing a bit of online shopping later.  I no longer fight the crowds; the older I get, the less patient I am.  I hope all my fellow American Friends had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday.

After dinner and lounging around all afternoon, I had a burst of energy last night and created some cards.  I've enjoyed using the sets I purchased from the Simon Says Stamp Stamptember Event this year.  This card features the collab with Honey Bee Stamps, it's the Snow Birds Set and these little birdies are precious.

Oh My, I cannot get enough of these plump birds and I've colored this little fella using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers, the papers are from the Time for Tea Designs "Joyful Winter" 6x6 paper pad.

The buffalo plaid scalloped oval was created using the Buffalo Plaid stamp from Honey Bee Stamps. I stamped with black but this plaid stamp is so versatile and can be used for any season, using any color.  The sentiments are from the Snow Birds set and the Snowflake Die cut was gifted to me in a card swap.

The Birdie was die cut using a coordinating die and popped on craft foam for dimesion.  Lastly, the silver glitter accent is Glitter Tape from Cricut; which I've had in my stash for at least 4 years...and it's still sticky!

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

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

My Time to Craft Christmas

Outlawz Festive Fridays

Pattie's Creations Challenge

Stay Crafty with Hero Arts

Krafty Chicks

Tic Tac Toe Challenge - Cannot save challenge graphic..it's in a WEBP format - Chose Bottom Row

AYLI - I don't think there are any non-traditional holiday animals but I love Birds in Christmas designs

Fab n Funky

Make the Cards

Penny's Challenges

Send A Smile 4 Kids

Scraps of Life by Scrappymo

Creative Moments

Double Trouble

 

 

Jan's Digi Stamps Mid Month Inspiration - Free Ornaments 2022

Hi, thanks for visiting me this Monday!  I hope your weekend was great and your day is off to a good start.  

Today is the mid-month inspiration post at the Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge Blog and my project today features the FREE Ornaments 2022 image.  This image is a FREEBIE for everyone and will be available for download through Christmas Day.  You can get yours HERE.

The card measures 5.5" square and I've colored the image using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers.  The patterned papers are what's left of the American Crafts "Holiday" 6x6 paper pad, the focal and mat have been die cut using the Diagonal Stitched Square Nesting Dies from My Favorite Things.

There are no gems on this card however I did use Crystal Stickles Glitter Glue on the ornament tops and the heart.  I love Stickles on Holiday projects, and it may be the only time I use them each year.

The team from Jan's will be taking a break for the month of December.  There will not be a challenge in December but we will return 02 January 2023 with a new challenge and new digital stamp set releases.

Please stop by the challenge blog and see what my teamies have created for this months' inspiration post.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Dragonfly Dreams

Beccy's Month of Holiday Cards

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas

All Sorts

Gem of a Challenge

There's a Stamp for That

Corrosive Challenge

Ally's Angels

QKR Stampede

WWO DT Challenge

 

Inspiration Station Challenge #42 - Bountiful Harvest / Let's Eat!

Hello and Happy Monday!  Today begins a new bi-weekly challenge round at The Inspiration Station Challenge and our inspiration photo features a lovely array of some very delicious foods!

Naturally, I was inspired by all the food on the table.  I could have created a Thanksgiving Holiday card but I've finished all my Autumn/Thanksgiving cards and have moved on to Christmas, however I love sending uplifting cards, and I love Newton's Nook, so this is what I've created.

 

It's Newton, head first in a Picnic Basket!  The image and sentiments are from the Newton's Picnic Basket stamp set and I've colored using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers.

I've kept the design sweet and simple, allowing the image to take center stage.  I've used just one snippet of patterned paper from the Bo Bunny "Kiss the Cook" 6x6 paper pad.  I dug out the old skool corner punches for the focal panel, backed with black card and popped on craft foam for dimension.  

To finish the card, I've added clear gems, after all, it just wouldn't be one of MY cards without those gems!  Please join us at The Inspiration Station Challenge, we love seeing how the inspiration photo inspires your projects.

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Cutie Pie Challenge

Path of Positivity

Critter Crazy

Gem of a Challenge

Stay Crafty with Hero Arts

Crafty Animals

WWO DT Challenge

Pammie's Inky Pinkies - Me and My Snowman

Happy Monday Friends!  It's a busy Monday of challenges and inspiration posts so let's get started.  Today begins a new challenge week at Pammie's Inky Pinkies and our sponsor is the sweet Star Stampz.  My DT project today features the adorable Me and My Snowman digital image, provided by our generous sponsor.  

This is such a sweet image and I love snowmen, this little girl is precious too!  I've created a 5.5" square card, colored the image using Spectrum Noir Illustrator Alcohol Markers and the patterned papers are from the Time for Tea Designs "Joyful Winter" 6x6 paper pad.

The panel and layer have been die cut using the Diagonal Stitched Square Nesting Dies from My Favorite Things. The sentiment was computer generated and added to the image prior to printing.  Lastly, I've used Crystal Stickles Glitter Glue on her Hat Brim and Pom Pom.  

Please join us at the Pammie's Inky Pinkies Challenge, we would love to see what you've created.  Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Dream Valley

Outlawz Monday Greetings

Use Your Stuff

Path of Positivity

CD Sunday

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends

Outlawz Songs & Rhymes

Peace on Earth

Dragonfly Dreams

We Love Stamping

Stamping Sensations

Corrosive Challenge

Beccy's Month of Holiday Cards

Creative Moments

Send a Smile 4 Kids

Double Trouble

Holiday Magic

Happy Friday Friends!  We've made it to the weekend and I've a busy weekend planned with shopping in preparation for our upcoming Thanksgiving Day Holiday.  I did manage to get the Turkey yesterday, and I'm glad I went out because they were selling fast!  

I have a simple yet festive card to share today.  I've colored the Poinsettia image from the Holiday Magic Stamp set by Dare 2B Artsy with alcohol markers and the patterned papers are from the Echo Park "My Favorite Christmas" 6x6 paper pad.

This set appeals to me because I like how the images are drawn in a sketchy way.  The lines are thick and bold which I also like.  The sentiment is part of the stamp set as well.

The layered banner die is from Alina Craft and the red gems are from Kat Scrappiness.  I've fussy cut the floral and popped it, along with the sentiment, on craft foam for dimension.  

My Christmas cards for this year are almost complete.  I've tried to slim down my mailing list due to the rising cost of postage, which is sad, however I will probably end up sending more than I have on my list.  I can't help myself, I love sending Happy Mail and especially love sending Christmas Cards!

Until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Crafty Catz

Jingle Belles Rock - I was inspired by the red color and the Poinsettias

Outlawz Festive Friday

Pattie's Creations

Craft Rocket

Lil Red Wagon

Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper

Happy Little Stampers Die Challenge

Sweet Stampers

Sparkles

Beccy's Month of Holiday Cards

Warm & Toasty Wishes

Hello and Happy Wednesday!  I have a quick share for you today featuring an adorable Marshmallow cutie with a sweet wish.

I've finally gotten around to using some of the sets I've purchased from the Simon Says Stamp Stamptember Event for 2022.  For my card today, I've used the "Snow-One Like You" collab set from Pink & Main.

I've colored the image using alcohol markers and my green marker was going dry, I was worried I wouldn't have enough ink to finish the Mug.  I'm not happy with the coloring there but it is what it is...I couldn't stop, I was in the Zone!

I've followed a sketch from Mojo Monday, even though this challenge has closed, you can still access the past challenge sketches.  The patterned papers are from the Echo Park "A Gingerbread Christmas" 6x6 paper pad.  I've doodled white dots to mimic snow and added white gems from Kat Scrappiness to finish it off.

A cup of Hot Cocoa sounds so yummy!  We are expecting a cold snap here in Florida starting tomorrow and this excites me very much.  I get to wear a sweater and leggings while relaxing with my cup of Cocoa...YAY.  It's the little things in life that are the sweetest.  Have a great day and until next time, Happy Crafting!

Donna

**Challenges Entered:

Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

Penny's Challenges

Word Art Wednesday

Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesday

Outlawz Festive Fridays

Digi Choosday

The Holly and the Ivy

TTCRD

Unicorn Challenge

Use Your Stuff

Beccy's Place A Month of Holiday Cards

Dragonfly Dreams

Creative Moments