All Wrapped Up

Well, Christmas is over and New Year's is nearly here, then.....oh, oh, just plain old winter.  While some are wishing for snow, others (like me) are waiting on spring.  I'm looking forward to longer days and sunshine...getting tired of gray skies and brown landscapes, but at least there is no snow!

Today I've done a card for the new progressive challenge at the Outlawz Challenge, with a free image from Simply Betty.  I've coloured with copics, adding yellow stickles to the star and Christmas bulbs.  Once again, I had fun using the 'out of the box' technique for cutting the image out.

Trying for something a bit different, I used a stencil on the strip behind the image, and kraft for my contrasting cardstock.  The fancy edging is made with a Cheery Lynn die - City Girl Edger.

Here's wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year.....and hopefully a short and mild winter.

Some challenges for my card:

Outlawz Progressive Challenge

Creative Fingers - #61 Anything Goes

Cute Card Thursday - #353 Anything Goes

Creative Knockouts - #69 Anything Goes    Challenge Winner

That Craft Place - Anything Goes

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge - #209 Anything Goes

One Sweet Challenge - Christmas Loves Rubber Stamps - #131 Anything Goes

There goes the diet....

Well, it won't be long now, and we'll be dressing in our Christmas outfits and eating plum pudding....no?  Hmmm maybe we are missing something.  Here I have another fun image from Dr Digi's House of Stamps, titled Christmas Chris.   He looks like he's enjoying himself!

This card is a really simple design, as it is for my Dad who is still in the hospital....22 weeks and counting.  He has Alzheimer's and is waiting for a placement in a nursing home.  I try to take him a card each visit, but I have to make sure there are no removable parts.  So, just some papers, a peel-off border, and the image which I have coloured with copics.

Hoping all is well with you and yours, and you all have a wonderful Christmas!

Some challenges for my card:

Creative Fingers - #61 Anything Goes

Loves Rubber Stamps -#131 Anything Goes

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Without Words - Christmas (Modern Look)   Top Picks

Wags 'n Whiskers - #144 Merry Christmas Stamp and Create - Anything Christmas Divas by Design - Anything Goes

Happy healthy holidays...

Well, I'm home again.  Thankfully the weather held and I got away to see my daughter and then my parents.  Both households were fighting some sort of bug, so guess who has a scratchy throat today?  I'm hoping I can hold it off, as I don't need that for Christmas! 

Today I have a nice quick card, using s sweet image from A Day for Daisies.  Just some contrasting papers and a die cut for the background, and then a sentiment, some ribbon and a couple of stars to finish it off.

Here's hoping you are all staying safe and well, as you are getting ready for Christmas.

Some challenges for my card:

A Day for Daisies - #111 Traditional Christmas   Challenge Winner

Loves Rubber Stamps - #131 Anything Goes

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Divas by Design - Anything Goes

Card Mania - #62 Christmas

Southern Girls Challenge - Christmas Cheer

Crafter's Cafe -  #95 Animal Friends

How many days....

Good morning everyone!  Here's another Christmas card...just a little bit different.  I've heat embossed the main image then sponged over it with distress ink, before cutting it out with the fancy die.  The background papers have been edged and then stamped using the same DI.  I probably should have taken pictures before I assembled, but I think you'll get the idea.

Some supplies used:
Hero Arts stamp - Collage Merry Christmas
Inkadinkado stamp - Foliage Trails
Spellbinders die - Fleur de Lis Rectangles

I'll be off and about for a couple of days.  I'm going to see my youngest grandson in a small Christmas production...should be cute, and then I'm off to see my parents.  Just hoping the weather holds out,  Please..no snow or freezing rain!!   Take care everyone and drive carefully.

Some challenges for my card:

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Anything Goes

Creative Knockouts - #67 Tis The Season

Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - #259 Last Minute Christmas

Incy Wincy Designs - Christmas Anything Goes

Dream Valley - #97 Christmas

Crafty Cardmakers - #129 Christmas

The Artistic Stamper - Anything Goes

Card and Scrap - #87 Jul eller Nytår

Wrapped Presents

Well, I've been outside to clear the snow off the walks and the car, and I even went for the mail.  That's it for me...now a sit down and a hot coffee.  I could have waited, as it looks like it might melt away, but knowing my luck it would change it's mind and freeze into a slippery mess.

Here I have another Christmas card (still not finished!) with a reminder of what is still to come...wrapping presents.  I'm thinking I might start on that this afternoon.  I've played with water colours again, and the 'out of the box' technique for the image.  

Some supplies used:

Magnolia stamp - Tilda with gifts

Martha Stewart - Crown punch around the page and Pine Branch

Spellbinders die - Labels Eighteen

Memory Box die - Frosty Border

Elizabeth Craft die - Merry Christmas

Hoping you all have a wonderful weekend, and find some time to put your feet up.   Take care.

Some challenges for my card:

Winter Wonderland  - Christmas Presents

Totally Tilda - #110 Snowflakes

Magnolia-licious Challenge - Anything Goes

Loves Rubber Stamps - #130 Winter or Christmas

Bizzy Bec's - Anything Goes

Crafty Cardmakers - #129 Christmas

Time is running out....

Well, it's definitely a snow day today.  Just what everyone's been waiting for, with Christmas coming....except me!  It does look pretty, so long as one doesn't have to go out...and today I don't.  I'm hoping it will only stay for a few days, as the weekend looks to be a bit milder.  I do want to get up to see my parents, but that's not a drive I relish if the roads aren't good.

As you can see, I'm not done with Christmas cards yet.  Some heat embossing this time for this stamp from Stampers Anonymous.  A nice simple card with a couple of papers, a bit of ribbon, a few stickers and some doodling.  Time's running out so I am trying to make a few CAS cards.

Hope you are all better organized than me!!  Take care and stay warm.

Some challenges for my card:

Crafty Cardmakers - #129 Christmas

That Craft Place - Christmas

Crafting by designs - Anything Goes for Christmas

Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Challenges - #78 Anything Goes

The Ribbon Girl - Anything Goes

One Sweet Challenge - Christmas

Loves Rubber Stamps - #130 Winter or Christmas

Card and Scrap - #87 Jul eller Nytår

The Artistic Stamper -Anything Goes

One Crazy Stamper -Anything Goes

Peace on Earth

Another Christmas card, ready to post!  A nice simple design, with just a pretty image and and bit of ribbon.  The fancy die cut edging adds a decorative touch and provides great contrast to the red.

Supplies used:
Elizabeth Bell rubber stamp - done with watercolours
Spellbinders die - Labels Eighteen
Cheery Lynn die - City Girl Edger
Ribbon from Crafty Ribbons

I managed to get some Christmas shopping done yesterday, and today I'm going to get my head around some accounting.  Our weather is not too bad, still holding around the freezing mark.  I can handle that.  Hope all is well where ever you may be.  Stay warm and snuggle up!

Some challenges for my card:

Elizabeth Bell - Christmas or Winter Wonderland   Challenge Winner

Crafting For All Seasons - #91 Tis the Season

That Craft Place - Christmas

Crafting by designs - Anything Goes for Christmas

Sparkles Christmas Challenge - #47 A Blue Blue Christmas

Whimsy Stamps Inspirations Challenges - #78 Anything Goes

Penny Black and More - Special occasions

The Artistic Stamper - Anything Goes

The Ribbon Girl - Anything Goes

One Sweet Challenge - Christmas

Lady in Pink....

I'm sure you have all heard it said, that 'Getting old isn't for sissies'?  Well, neither is winter!  So, here is the perfect image for all those snowbirds, or wannabees, that head south for the warmer climes.  This is another fun image from Dr Digi's House of Stamps, and you can find it here.

Pretty pastel colours for this feminine birthday card!  Copics for the image, pencils for the background scene, and distress inks for the embossed background.  Now I will go bundle up and enjoy a hot latte!

I always enjoy making cards that have a smile attached, don't you?  and NO....it's not a selfie, my bathing suit is not pink!  lol.  Have a wonderful weekend, and stay warm.

Some challenges for my card:

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Loves Rubber Stamps - #129 Anything Goes

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

That Craft Place - Anything Goes

Card Mania - #61 Favourite Color Combo

Creative Card Crew - #76 Birthday with a sentiment

A Little Bit Crafty - Anything goes but not Christmas

Digi Galore - Birthday Time

Party Time Tuesdays - #192 Anything Goes

Time to shop....

I thought I would switch things up a bit today, with a birthday card....all in blue.  Here, I've coloured the image with water colours, and then cut her out with the 'out of the box' technique.


Supplies used:
Magnolia stamp -  Tilda goes shopping
Papers from Paper Mania - Burleigh Blue collection
Spellbinders die - Creatopia Frame 5
Memory Box die - Precious Hearts
Cheery Lynn die - City Girl Edger
Peel-off stickers, flower and bling from my stash

Thanks stopping by today, and hoping all is well with you and yours.

Some challenges for my card:

Dream Valley - #96 True Blue

One Crazy Stamper - Anything Goes

A Little Bit Crafty - Anything goes but not Christmas

Crafting Musketeers -#20 Use Bling Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew - #76 Birthday with a sentiment

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes Loves Rubber Stamps - #129 Anything Goes Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes Magnolia-licious Challenge - Anything Goes

Hanging with Friends

Good morning all!  'Tis the weekend again, and time is passing so quickly.  I'm hoping to get a bit of shopping in today, with better luck than I had in the week, though I did finally get a new cell phone.  I really don't have any ideas for gifts this year, and seem to walk into a store and then walk out....without seeing anything that strikes my fancy.  Anybody else having this problem, or is it just me.  Well at least I'm getting there with my Christmas cards.

Here, I have used one of Sassy Cheryl's images (Hanging with Friends), and to speed things up a bit, this one was pre-coloured.  This is a first for me....I added some glossy accents to his nose and some stickles to the birds, and did a bit of fussy cutting around his boots.  A pretty backing made with a Spellbinders die, some gold peel-offs for a bit of added glam, and then a stamped sentiment to finish it off.

Thanks for stopping by, and good luck in your weekend endeavours....especially if you are out in the stores!

Now for some challenges for my card: 

Sassy Cheryl FB Challenge - Anything Goes Incy Wincy Designs - Friendship Challenge    Top Picks
DL.Art -  #145 Any Winter Holiday
Sweet Stampin Christmas - Snow People   Top Picks
Party Time Tuesdays -#191 Anything Goes
Paper Creator's Crafts - All About Christmas

Truly thankful....

Well, I must admit, I am truly thankful that the fly that was buzzing around the ceiling light has finally gone to sleep or whatever....doesn't it know that it's winter?  lol  Amazing how something so tiny can be so annoying.  Otherwise, all is well, and the snow has disappeared for a while....hopefully a long while!

Something a little different for me today, using stamps and and a stencil.  I created the background first, applying distress inks over the stencil in a graduated fashion from dark to light.  Stamping was done with black ink for contrast.  Now, that tree looks much like mine do at the moment...bare of leaves, but doesn't that white at the top suggest a promise of sunshine....?  We can only hope.

Some supplies used:
Diamonds stencil - from Clear Scraps
Silence stamp - from Local King Rubber
Everything you do stamp - from Hero Arts

My daughter is heading down in the morning, and we are going to try to accomplish some Christmas shopping.  It's less than a month away now!  Yikes!  I read that some of you are finished, or wrapping...I've only done one person so far.  Wish me luck, I'm sure I'll need it!

Some challenges for my card:

Sister Act Card Challenge - #84 Anything Goes

Dream Valley - #95 Anything Goes

That Craft Place - Anything Goes

Through the Purple Haze - #69 Anything Goes

Artistic Inspirations - #119 Anything Goes &/or Warm & Cozy

Loves Rubber Stamps - #128 Thank You Cards or Gifts  Top Picks

A Creative Romance - Something Old (stamp)

One Crazy Stamper - Anything Goes

Great Impressions Stamps - Thankful Thoughts

A Little Bit Crafty - CAS

39 again....and again...

 

There are so many theories out there, of 'what is the first to go'.  After much careful analysis, Prof Dummkopf has determined that the correct answer is.........the 'accurate reporting of one's age'.  Works for me....now if only my body could be in on it too!   Here we have another fun image from Dr Digi's House of Stamps...just look at that cheeky grin.

Hmmm, I wonder who will get this one....    Just a nice simple card, meant to bring a smile.  Some papers from my stash, some washi tape and some gold peel-offs.  I've added a bit of faux stitching and some stenciled numbers, but no ribbons or bows.....it's for a guy!

Keep smiling and try to stay warm.  Hopefully the snow is done for now....no more 'til winter..please!

Some challenges for my card:

Dream Valley - #95 Anything Goes

Party Time Tuesdays - #190 Anything Goes

Fan-tastic Tuesday - #62 Anything Goes With a Twist....Masculine

Penny's Challenges - #204 Anything Goes

Crafter's Cafe -  #91 Anything Goes

Natalie and Amy - #26 Stitch It

Creative Card Crew - #75 Stripes Sister Act Card Challenge - #84 Anything Goes Sweet Stampin - Birthdays

Xmas Puppies

My goodness but it's cold outside!  At least I have my snow tires on now....caught unprepared yesterday.  It's supposed to be a bit milder on the weekend, and I'm hoping it melts all away.  Some people may have global warming, but we just have climate change....each day's a surprise.  I dread what this winter might bring.

So let's brighten things up with a Christmas card, using a stamp from the retired Stampavie Lawrence Collection.  Once again done with water colours, I've added a bit of chalk for the background and some glamour dust for the snow.  I've also added some glossy accents for the noses and the holly leaves, while the berries are accented with stickles.

The papers are definitely oldies but goodies, and you'll see I dressed it all up with plenty of gold borders and some lovely ribbon.  The sentiment is made from glitter paper using a die from Elizabeth Craft Designs.

Hope you enjoyed your visit, and thanks for stopping by.

Some challenges for my card

Kit and Clowder - Christmas

Christmas Stampin' - #37 Anything Goes

The Artistic Stamper - Christmas is Coming

Stamping Sensations - Simply Christmas

Penny Black and More -Anything Goes

One Crazy Stamper - Anything Goes

The Ribbon Girl - Colour Red

Sister Act Card Challenge - #83 Anything Goes

That Craft Place - Anything Goes

Stamp and Create - Ribbons and/or Bows

Soon It'll Be Christmas

Brrrr, winter is definitely here....hope you are keeping warm.  Won't be long now until I'm in my hibernation mode, whereby I venture outside only when necessary.

So, in tune with the weather, my card uses some cool colours.  This is an Elizabeth Bell stamp done with watercolours, and I've added some frantage embossing for some added sparkle, and a Spellbinders die to cut it out.  Keeping it relatively simple, so that it goes in the post, with just a ribbon and a bit of greenery for embellishment.

It's hard to imagine that Christmas is just over a month away.  I guess it is time to get shopping or at least put my thinking cap on.  I'm with some of my grandchildren this weekend, perhaps I can get some ideas.  Hmmm

Thanks for stopping by, and I'm hoping you have a wonderful weekend.

Some challenges for my card:

Elizabeth Bell - Favorite Color Combo    Top Picks

Holly Jolly Christmas - (Blue, white & silver)  Challenge Winner

DL.Art -  #144 Anything Christmas

That Craft Place - Anything Goes

Party Time Tuesdays - #188 Anything Goes

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes Sparkle N Sprinkle - Anything Goes with Glitter  Honorable Mention Sister Act Card Challenge - #83 Anything Goes Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - #255 Christmas is Coming Creative Corner - Let it Sparkle

Follow the arrows...

Hello there.  Is everyone enjoying fall?  How about raking leaves?  Has anyone else noticed that there seems to be an extra abundant crop of them this year?  I'm just hoping that's not another sign of a long hard winter.  I had a very large tree cut down this week that was damaged in last winter's storm.  What a major clean up that entailed!  So, time for a break, and soon to bed!

Here we go, with a stamp from Tickled Pink done with water colours.  Had a play with some striped paper....and look what else I found in my stash....some chipboard arrows.  I've had these for ages but they were hiding on me.  A great embellishment for a male card.

Some challenges for my card:

Creative Fingers - #55 Anything Goes

613 Avenue Create - #97 Anything Goes  FB Designer of the day

That Craft Place - Anything Goes

Party Time Tuesdays - #188 Anything Goes

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Cute Card Thursday - #346 Stripes

Incy Wincy Designs - Stripes

Papertake Weekly - 2 or 4 Legs

Southern Girls Challenge - Boy Theme

Cruising....on a sunny afternoon...

Well, Santa had a fabulous vacation, but now it's time to head back home. He figures on taking the scenic route, with his new bike....let's hope he doesn't get lost!  Hmmm, better hope the snow holds off for a bit too.

This is another fun Christmas image from Dr Digi's house of Stamps, titled Harley Claus.  Something just a little bit different, and lots of fun.

The image is coloured with copics, pencils for the grounding and pan pastels for the sky.   I've cut it out with a Spellbinder's die, sponged the edges with DI, and then added some stamping to finish it off.  The papers are oldies from my stash and that little reindeer is actually a sticker from my scrapbooking days.  For a bit of glam, there is some gold paper candi, gold peel-off border and gold pen to edge the image and sentiment.

Hope you are finding time to get some Christmas cards done too....it won't be long!!!

Some challenges for my card:

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew - #74 Christmas Joy

Incy Wincy Designs - Inspired by a Song (Sunny Afternoon)

Fab 'n' Funky - #236 - 3 Different Embellishments

Crafty Cardmakers - #126 Cut It Out

Aud Sentiments - #119 Put Your Sentiment on a Tag   Top Picks QKR Stampede - #112 Let's Talk Christmas   Top Picks Through the Purple Haze - #66 Anything goes Christmas Stampin' - #36 Anything Goes Loves Rubber Stamps - #125 Anything Goes

Clean and Simple

A Thank You card today, with a clean and simple look.  The stamp is an old one from Stämpelkällan, but I don't think they are in business anymore.  Such a shame!  Coloured with copics and pencils to achieve the weathered wood look for the door.

Some challenges for my card:

613 Avenue Create - #96 Anything Goes /  Holiday Thanks

Great Impressions Stamps - Thankful Thoughts

A Little Bit Crafty - CAS

One Crazy Stamper - Anything Goes

Penny Black and More - Anything Goes Through the Purple Haze - #66 Anything goes Party Time Tuesdays - #188 Anything Goes Loves Rubber Stamps - #125 Anything Goes Addicted to Stamps and More - #118 CAS Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Time to bundle up...

Whatever happened to fall?  The furnace is going strong, we need our winter coats, and some areas have even had some flurries.  It would appear that in this part of the world, global warming means long cold winters....lets just hope Mother Nature is just playing a trick and maybe some warmer weather will re-appear.  I can dream can't I?

Here's a little guy from Meljen's Designs, and he's all ready for the cold!  I've coloured with copics, adding some glitter pen to highlight the snow.  I've used a Spellbinder's die to cut and mat the image, and a Simon Says Curvy Snowflake die for my embellishment.  The paper is an antique (ha ha) from my scrapbooking days, and as you can see, I made good use of some sparkly paper from my stash.

Looks like I'll soon be into hibernation mode, just one more garden to tear down and then I think I will stay inside until spring!  Take care everyone...happy crafting.

Some challenges for my card:

Graph'it - #44 Water/Ice & Blue/Purple   Top Picks

Delicious Doodles - #108 Baby, It's Cold Outside

Emerald Faeries Challenge - #61 Christmas Non Traditional Colours

Bearly Mine Challenges - Christmas cards

Creative Fingers - #54 Anything Goes

Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper Challenge - Anything Goes

Crafts Galore Encore - Anything goes

Sister Act Card Challenge - #81 Anything Goes

The Ribbon Girl - Christmas card

Simon Says Stamp Wednesday - Anything Goes

Wrap it Up

Well, it sure is nippy out today.  Won't be long 'til we're stuck with boots and winter gear again.   brrrrr.    I never look forward to winter, and all that it can brings.  Except maybe....Christmas, and the smiles on the little ones' faces.

Soon it will be shopping, and then the wrapping....and it's always nice if there's a personal touch.  Gift bags are fun to dress up, and can be used again and again.  Today, I've used a Bugaboo image and some full sized scrapbook paper, along with some washii tape and kraft cardstock to give it a bit more definition.

Some challenges for my project:

Crafty Little Fairies - Only One DP

Craftyhazelnut's Christmas Challenge - #200 Get a hat

Allsorts Challenge - #282 Christmas

My Craft Creations - Anything Goes

Divas by Design - Anything goes

Fab 'n' Funky - #235 Christmas

Little Claire's - #50 Christmas Theme

Party Time Tuesdays - #187 Anything Goes

Sweet Stampin - Anything but a Card

Diamond in the rough...

Today's card is using the fabulous Hole in One Hal image from Dr Digis House of Stamps.  Like most golfers I know, he's still dreaming of achieving a hole in one!   Now, I'm not a golfer myself,....can't hit the ball and with my eyesight....couldn't find it anyway. 

It won't be long now, until our Canadian snowbirds (retirees) are heading south.  One might think it is for the sun and sand, but no.....I'm betting it's for the game of golf.  Chasing that little white ball around and enjoying a few beers, sure beats shoveling snow and freezing your buns off! 

Supplies used:
Papers from Hallmark Cards - Wellington collection
Sentiment and grasses stamps from Stämpelkällan
Spellbinders die - Creatopia Frame 2
Coloured with copics, ribbon and paper candi from stash

Thanks for stopping by, and hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Some challenges for my card:

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

613 Avenue Create - #94 Anything Goes

Loves Rubber Stamps - #123 Warm Colours   Top Picks

Creative Fingers - #54 Anything Goes Sister Act Card Challenge - #80 Anything Goes Wags 'n Whiskers - #140 Stripes

Think positive...

Well, I'm back from my holiday and I'm somewhat sorted.  We had a lovely stay in Charleston....lots to see and do and the weather was fabulous.  I think the best part was the food....some amazing restaurants there.  I think I might wait a while until I step on the scales!

The temperatures have really dropped, there are leaves all over the ground and the skies are grey....so how about a card to remind us that spring is on the way!  Notice I just skipped over winter....not my favourite time of year!

Supplies used:
LOTV stamp - Love Grows - coloured with water colours
Sentiment from Verve Stamps - Blue Skies collection
Spellbinders die - Decorative Labels One
Papers, ribbon and charm from stash

Thanks for stopping by.  Enjoy the fall days....and think of spring!

Some challenges for my card:
 

LOTV - Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew - #73 Bows

Crafty Sentiments - Use a sentiment

Through the Craftroom Door - Anything Goes

Creative Fingers - #52 Anything Goes

Simon Says Stamp Monday - Anything Goes

Crafter's Cafe -  #86 Use an image with a Hat

Creative Corner - For the love of children    Challenge Winner

Catching some rays and maybe some waves

For those of you thinking that Santa stays at the North Pole all year long...think again!  He too likes his bit of sun, and its quite possible you may have seen him on the beach hiding behind his shades.  I might see him myself this week, as I'm heading south for a short vacation with my daughter.

My card today uses the Surfin' Santa image from Dr Digi's House of Stamps, coloured with copics.  Sure to bring a smile to someone this Christmas!

 The papers are some older ones from Basic Grey, and I've used the Heirloom Ornaments die from Spellbinders.

Thanks for stopping by.  I'll keep you posted if I should see Santa in my travels, and I'll let him know you have all been good!

Some challenges for my card

Papertake Weekly - Anything Goes

Creative Card Crew - #72 Black Cardstock

Deep Ocean Challenge - #88 Christmas in October

Loves Rubber Stamps - Anything Goes

Crafting from the Heart - #39 Anything Goes Addicted to Stamps and More - #116 Anything Goes C.R.A.F.T. Challenge - #280 Christmas   Challenge Winner Creative Fingers - #52 Anything Goes