The Challenge #53 A Non-Traditional Christmas

Making a NON-traditional Christmas card seems like second-nature to me ... you know I cannot resist a chance to use grey, right?

Here, I'm pairing it with pink ... how can a girl go wrong?

I'm also the girl who buys all those Non-Peppermint candy-canes!

There were so many cards in The Challenge gallery last week that fit this Non-Traditional category, I just know you will all be up to the task this week ... and I can't wait to see them!

Thanks for stopping by!

=]  Michele

12 Kits of Occasions: Have a Holly Jolly Christmas & Festive Fall!

Yes, it's 12 Kits time again!  Can you believe it?  Was November the quickest month ever?  I think so! 

 

The darling Kim Heggins of Cupcakes, cards, and Kim is our hostess this month ... she certainly does have a way with putting together one cute kit!  Take a little peek at these lovely supplies:

 

 

There are few things in the paper crafting world that make me smile bigger than polka dots!!!  Okay ... maybe those little MFT critters?  Here are a few of the cards I created with Kim's adorable kit:

 

 

Wplus9 provided me with the perfect sentiment for this guy!

 

A snippet of a favorite hounds-tooth from a favorite friend - I adore this solemn little guy.

 

I am totally late to the party this month ... Kim it was ever so much fun to play with your kit - thank you so very much! 

 

So I do hope I haven't kept you too long... I'm running right back to the 12 Kits of Occasions blog to see every darling thing my team-mates have created - won't you join me?

 

=]  Michele





Waiting for the sunrise with Winnie & Walter!

I had a first play with some of the fabulous Winnie & Walter goodies I recently won ... somehow life just intrudes itself into my craft room on occasion!  =]  This morning, I could barely wait for the sunrise to take a few photos.

It was LOve at first sight with the True Multifaceted Star Cutaway.  I just had to find a use for all the left-over sparkly bits!!  Tumbling wishes?  I think so!

Funny isn't it, that I usually use W&W words, but this time found the wishes I needed from Technique Tuesday's December Garden Society set. 

But that W&W star?  Definitely the Star of the Show! 

I hope some of those shaker-wishes tumble right over by you!

My 'galaxy' paper is from Kaisercraft's Shine Bright collection of papers. 

My second card today, uses Happy Christmas and the fabulous Mini Scenery Multi Grain - they could NOT have known how much I LOve wood-grain ... or could they?  hmmm...

Wood-grain panel heat embossed with Platinum;

poinsettia and wreath have been heat-embossed, then water-colored.

I'm very grateful for the wonderful products I received from Winnie & Walter's generous prize package!  Bless you, Julie and Shay, for your darling, generous hearts!!! 

Thank you, to all those who never fail to bring a smile to my face with each and every visit!

=]  Michele

The Challenge #52 Theme Challenge: Make a Christmas Card!

We're coming into my favorite card making time of year!  The Challenge's Theme inspiration photo is of a beautiful banister all decked out for the season ...

... you'd think I'd get all feminine and fancy - but no, I've been inspired to use a favorite paper, and go a bit graphic today:

 

The snowflakes were a given, considering my view through my Two Acre Wood today!  Yes, folks, it is Wintery today!

 

 

What part of our Theme photo will inspire you all this week?  I look forward to seeing your cards - definitely more than this white stuff! 

 

=]  Michele



CAS[E] this Sketch #150

I've nearly missed this fantastic event ... can you believe 150 sketches?  I am so honored to be a part of this fantastic challenge!  Congrats to Chrissy for keeping us all on our toes!

Speaking of  ... I've run away for a few days and, though I did bring a lot of fun things to play with, I didn't have the means to post!  So yikes, I'm late!

Without further ado:

... and my simple, quick, cute little head-of-the-line Reindeer!



Hope you love it!  WE love seeing YOU all in the gallery!  Do you know you will have two weeks to create those masterpieces?  Yes, CAS[E] this sketch 150 is a two week challenge!

=]  Michele

{you'll forgive my photo?  It is 11:30 p.m. EST!}

The Challenge - Inspiration - #51

And OH what an inspiration photo we have for you this week - Lesley, you really know how to choose them!!!

I have been so inspired by the cups, and macarons!  SO I have two cards for you today - yes, built in Second Helpings!  How could I resist?

I may have recreated a little card I love to do for The Coffee Lover's bloghop ... with this fabulous color scheme as my inspiration - I give you card one:

Lifestyle Crafts embossing folder; Concord & 9th Love You - Mean it! stamps;

Avery Elle Bonjour circa 2012 - but I LOve it!  Stamped in SU Crumb Cake;

AND a fun-foam 'marshmallow'!!

 

For Second Helpings, I wanted to have it be all about the thanks - in this case?  Merci Beaucoup!

 

Incorporating a few snippets of that blue, a bit of kraft, and Teresa Collins enamel dots:

Ooh La La, indeed!

 

So there you have it ... I love to see how my team-mates are inspired - don't you?  Of course, we love to see YOU in The Challenge gallery, too!  Won't you join us?  Please, and thank you!

 

=]  Michele



 

A Washi Christmas tree!

I so LOve and admire the darling washi taped cards I find around this fabulous card-making community!  I only have a few rolls .. I know, under the rock again!  I did pick up a cute little tube of them from Teresa Collins after Christmas last year, however.  When I saw the colors in the Colour Me challenge, I decided it was high time I tried a little washi card of my own!

Here is the fabulous inspiration photo for Colour Me - Striking CCMC #97:

 

How I resisted those poppies, one will never know - maybe tomorrow?  Here's my go at it:

 

 

I love this little Hero Arts sentiment .. and will NEVER stop believing in Santa - or at least the idea of him!  How about you?

 

=]  Michele



CASology: Week 172: Give

Happy Saturday!  I'm playing along with CASology - Give this morning ... I've so much to GIVE thanks for.  You, my friends, are nearly always at the top of my list!

All supplies from the SSS November card kit.

I just couldn't put those leaves away without another little showing, and before Christmas completely takes over my craft-room!  =]

Thank you, thank you, a million and one thanks, for stopping by today - and any day!

=]  Michele



25 Tags of Christmas Paper Smooches flavor!

A few weeks ago, while posting a Muse ChristmasVisions card, I mentioned I didn't have a snowman stamp!  GUESS what I found in my Christmas stash?  Yep.  You guessed it!

I have a darling little set of Paper Smooches Swanky Snowdudes snowmen that never gets old!  Here is my little tag - where I've used the P.S. Bookmarks die for my tag, and patriotic non-traditional Christmas colors:

Also P.S. Scalloped Circles dies, a few snippets, and Authentique Seaside collection of papers.

 

Tracey asked if we like to add sparkle to our tags?  Guess what I received from my friend this week?  Wink Of Stella, that's what!!!  My very first!!  I know ... I may live under a rock... here's a close-up:

 

 

I was inspired by Tracey's snowman tag, and all those in the 25 Tags P.S. gallery, to check out even more snowmen from Paper Smooches ... more shopping?  'Tis the season!

 

Thanks Tracey, and all the Paper Smooches designers ... Kim is such a generous person - thanks Kim, for supporting Tracey's wonderful Christmas tag party!

 

=]  Michele



CAS[E] this Sketch #149 with Second [and third] Helpings!

I really hope this is okay with you, but I could not stop playing with the sketch this week ... take a look:

At first glance, it appears Chrissy is looking for a 'one-layered' card, right?  Is it even possible to imagine me making a OLC?  Don't go there ...  go here to see the fabulous Dawn from Wplus9's design, and video to see my inspiration for:

Attempt one:

I almost made it, right?  Except that cute little pinecone did not want to accept color, so I stamped it again in brushed corduroy... there goes that one layer card.

Attempt two:

This one was going really well and then I discovered the panel was a bit small, and OH look it really looks wonderful with the new MFT Green Eyed Monster cardstock I just received ... another OLC down the tubes.

Attempt three doesn't even come close to a one layered card ... not even in the same neighborhood. 

But you know what?  I decided I loved them all ... there are no mistakes when it comes to creating.  [And I was able to incorporate my new wonky layer technique!  Me!  layers!]

Thanks, Chrissy for the beautiful sketch, and for helping me add to my stash of cards this week!

Thanks to all of you who've stopped by today ... hope you find a bit of time to play cards with us this week at CAS[E] this Sketch!!

=]  Michele

Supplies:
    Wplus9 Holiday Boughs, Doodle Buds, Christmas Greetings
    Distress inks:  Pine Needles, Brushed corduroy, and Iced spruce.
   



25 Days of Christmas Tags - a Shaker Tag!

 

Tracey McNeely does this fabulous gig with tags that, I am ashamed to admit, I have not made a tag for ... until today!!!

 

I was inspired by a gorgeous, sparkly, shaker tag by Suzanne of Simon Says Stamp ... see what I mean:

 

 

I've been playing around with a fabulous New York skyline die from MFT ... no I don't own it, but I have a friend in Jersey who is my supplier!  I have done so many things with it, but today I used the leftovers from this card to make a shaker ... a very flat, mail-able, shiny , full of snowflakes from another sweet friend- shaker tag!

 

My color may be different, and I used gold instead of silver - but the glam?  All there!

 

Just in case you can't see it, it is made from acetate!

 

... and just as beautiful on the back side!  The trick?  Tombow Clear liquid adhesive!!

 

Thank you Tracey, for hosting this fabulous event each year!  I'll be back with another tomorrow ... a bit of a Paper Smooch, hint, hint!

=]  Michele

 

Supplies:  Recollections Winter Frost 6x6" pad; Teresa Collins Studio Gold paper; MFT Hand-lettered Collection. Delicata Gold ink.



 

 

 



CASEing Genius Challenge

CASEing one of Kelly's Geniuses was difficult ... after all, these ladies are exactly that: geniuses!  But I did want to join in the fun at Kelly's challenge, and do as Kelly does: spread the LOve!  There just happens to be one of them that shared a card for her Genius post that has haunted me ... until today. 

amy Tsuruta!  This one's for you, my genius friend!  Here is amy's gorgeous card:

... and here is my Christmas version of it:

... and a little close-up for a hidden bit of Joy!

Barb G. another one from the stash! 

MFT Hand-lettered Holiday sentiments

The purple paper is from the envelope of one of my birthday cards - repurposing is amy's thing, too!

 

Happy anniversary, Kelly!  Thanks for shining your light on so many of us!  Now ... you asked for a nominee?  I can't think of anyone who deserves the spotlight more than Lisa Elton of My Paper Tales!  Talented, sweet, generous, and have I mentioned her design skills?

 

[Why look at that!  Purple ... heading over to Time Out, too for their Christmas with purple/pink twist challenge 43!]

 

=]  Michele

Time Out Challenge #43 with a twist - Purple Christmas!

Purple, you ask?  Why not?  I found the most wonderful purple wood-grain paper in one of my [barely used] 12 x 12" pads ... see if you can see it ... it was a bugger to photograph!

Pure and simple purple with gold heat-embossed sentiment and embellishments ... these beauties [excluding the beads] come from Wplus9 ... more of those boughs on Thursday at CTS!

It doesn't get more purple than this, Time Out!  Hope you like it!

=]  Michele

Muse Card Club #141

I am so happy to be your Muse this week!  I'm coming down from a very happy birthday yesterday!  Thanks are going out to all who sent me wishes, paper or virtual! ... this one's for each and every one of you, with a big hug included!  =]

I tried something new this week:  I did a wonky cut from a
4 x 5.25" panel, intending to use a colored card base... see how that worked out?  Tricky, huh?

SSS Scribble Flowers-turned balloons; Winnie & Walter Thank you from Winter Woodland.

Distress Inks: Milled Lavender, Iced Spruce, and Bundled Sage.

Delicata Gold ink., Heidi Swapp gold spritz.

 

SO!  Without further ado, here is your assignment this week:

• Water coloring
• Heat embossed image - any color
• Dry embossing
• Thank You card

That's it!!!  May I just thank you in advance? and for the fabulous cards we see each and every week in the gallery?  THANKS SO MUCH for playing cards with us at Muse!!

 

=]  Michele

The Challenge #50 - A Colour Challenge

I don't think anyone will be unhappy about the color combination for this week's Challenge ... take looky-loo at this beauty:

Ohhhh!  You can't know how much I want that pillow!  This goes right beside my obsession with linens.  A card based on its beauty will have to do:

A snippet of patterned kraft, just the right bit of red in the right spot on the perfect [hand made] Poinsettia! Peace is cut from the most wonderful silver foiled cardstock from 2014 - I sure hope they [Recollections] have repeated it this year.

 

I'm also hoping that you'll be inspired by our colour palette this week - see you in the gallery!  We're happy to have Joanne James is guesting this week - yay!

 

=]  Michele



Muse ChristmasVisions 27

Kimberly Wiener, you've done it again!  Your Cah-UTE little Muse ChristmasVisions inspiration card made me smile from ear-to-ear!

 

Hope my card has the same affect on you!!!

 

October Afternoon: Silent Night Rubber Stamp set ST-1206 - circa 2013!

A little Ellen Hutson bonus ribbon - love that little bundle of love with each order!

Winnie & Walter sentiment

 

Short and sweet ... I've got some partying to do!!!

 

=]  Michele

 

Edited to add:

 

  



Merry Monday Christmas Challenge #178 - Red & Gold! CASology, and Freshly Made Sketches & Hero Arts Holidays

Wow.  I don't often do this but, hope you are ready, I've got a trio of cards for you this morning!

First up:  Merry Monday Christmas - Red & Gold!  My FIRST time ever playing along ... why?  I don't have a reason, but it is the Season!!! 

I have this fabulous New York skyline that was just screaming for attention once again [thank you Barb G.] what do you think of this color combo?  Yes.  That certainly is brown cardstock!  and gold foil, and a blended red sky!  Yay!  I blended!!

Edited to add this honor given on 11/9/15 =] Thank you!



Next:  CASology Week 171: Vehicle


This is the day to be thankful for my friends!  Hazel sent me this darling set of Vintage Auto stamps  'just because.'  [thanks Hazel] This card is for my FIL who has a birthday coming in December ... he doesn't drive anymore, but loves to 'help' my MIL with hers =]

One more! for Freshly Made Sketches #211 ... I adore this sketch by Karren, and was the perfect place to use a few of my favorite Hero Arts supplies in a festive, holiday way:

 



Okay!  That's it for me ... quite enough you'd probably say!

Have a fabulous weekend, my friends!  Thanks for spending a few minutes of it with me!!!

=]  Michele

Colour Me .... ! Monochromatic: Neutrals

There couldn't be anyone who stops by for a visit that wouldn't know how much I LOve neutrals ... I live for the opportunity to try yet another neutral card!

Enter Colour Me #96's GASPingly gorgeous inspiration photo!! Kept me dreaming all night last night ... take a look:



I only hope I've done it justice ... seriously. 

 

 



You had to know I'd reach for my Paper Studios embossing folder - again!  I LOve it - it was a bit tricky to match up the wood-grain, but worth the effort to try.  To those of you who use Recollections papers ... this was made from the cardboard from a 12x12" package of paper.  Gorgeous color, yes?  Plus a bit of PTI Smokey Shadow, and Soft Stone. 

Edited to gratefully add:

 
The old saying goes:  third time's a charm ... so off this goes to Virginia's View: Texture... I think it is my favorite of your challenges so far, Virginia!  =]



If this is your second stop over today ... thank you from the bottom of my heart!

=]  Michele