SCS Dare to Get Dirty - Christmas for Stamping Queen JAR

The week long Dare to Get Dirty challenge at SplitCoastStampers continues.  If you are a member of the Fan Club (fee required) you may participate for fun and prizes.  The deadline is Aug. 8.  I created this Christmas card for Stamping Queen JAR's challenge.
Since I am addicted to embossing folders (try to find a week when I did not use several LOL!) I found a new technique to try.  There is a tutorial here:  foil embossing.  I covered the piece of cs with kitchen foil - cut a bit larger and tape the excess on the back.  You can ink up the folder, but I wanted the shiny result so I left it plain.  What great embossing!  Every year I  plan to look for a star folder, but, here I am, using snowflakes again!  If you know of a full page star folder, please let me know.   I added a bit of blue ribbon, some Cheery Lynn pine branches, and a star brad that I glittered up.
Sketch:    Mojo Monday
Glitter:    Allsorts
                Sparkle n Sprinkle
Christmas:   Sweet Stampin 
                      Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge
Any:   Jo's Scrapshack

SCS Dare to Get Dirty - challenge by VDutchr

I need to use every opportunity to get some Christmas cards made!
Main image - Stampabilities; starry stamp (bg)- Rubber Stampede; embossing folder - Sizzix (Tim Holtz); gold ribbon;  Cheery Lynn cloud die cuts.
Sketch #342:  Sketch Saturday
Naked Stamping:   DRS
Embossing:  Broken Fairy 
Christmas:   Cheery Lynn
                       Mod Squad
                       Sweet Stampin
Any:               Word Art Wednesday 



l

QKR Design team #198 - Christmas in July

It is time to  start thinking about Christmas, though it is hard to do when it is 110 every day!  I know, for those of you in the southern hemisphere that is usual for the holidays!  I selected the digital image "shepherd" and Merry Christmas to go with it- from the selection at QKR.  You may submit up to 3 entries by 3 p.m. July 7. 
Last week the theme at QKR Stampede was paper piecing, and I decided to go that route again.  I pieced the head piece and also the robe.  In retrospect I wish I had found a better piece of DP for the robe - it needs a bit more color.  (If you have not done paper piecing, my advice to you is to select a fairly light colored DP so it is easy to see the lines to cut.)  I also used favorite style - lots of light colored embossing.  I used a shimmery champagne colored cs (Recollections) for embossing and stamping, as well as for the card base.  I do not yet have a "star" embossing folder, so I substituted the snowflakes.  I used a gold pen to color the rays of one, and topped it with a
punched from gold glitter cs, though it does not really show on the screen.  I also used a bit of cord with a metallic thread for the head dress.
If I decide to mass produce this card for Christmas I may just leave the image uncolored.  My preference is to  use the same image for all of our cards.
CHALLENGES ENTERED: 
Sketch:  Your Next Stamp
Warm Clothing:   Christmas at Sweet Stampin
Christmas:  Christmas Card Challenges
Christmas with sentiment:  Crafty Hazelnuts Christmas Challenge
Star:  The Glory of Christmas
Holiday:   Hiding in my Craftroom
Occasion:  Crafting When we Can
Embossing:   Dragonfly Journeys
Any:   Crafty Sentiments
            Craft Your Passion 
            Jo's scrapshack   
            Lil Patch of Crafty Friends
            Love to Scrap
            Word Art Wednesday

Happy Birthday, DH

Happy 84th!  Unfortunately, this fits for hubby this year - he is recovering very slowly from recent back surgery and is getting kind of discouraged.  I hope this AI image gives him a lift!
Colored with chalk pencils; sentiment by The Rubber Cafe.  I added some twine and brads for a more masculine feel.  The blue CS is very textured.
Sketch (and some colors):   Your Next Stamp
Aging with attitude:   Art Impressions
Two or more stamps:    The House that Stamps Built
Special Man:  Sweet Stampin'
Masculine:   Love to Scrap
                      Simon Says Stamp Wednesday
Any:    Inspiration Destination

HB, Ervin

Once again it is time to send a card to hubby's twin brother.  He is a retired farmer, and wheat was one of the local crops, so I wanted this image for his card - thanks, Aastha for the supply you sent.  I used watercolor pencils and an aqua pen to create the bg.
Sketch/inspiration:   Stamplorations
For a special man:  Sweet Stampin
Sentiment:   Aud Sentiments
For a man:   DLArt
                      Aloha Friday
Watercolors:    AAA Cards  

CASEing with butterflies

I tend to be intimidated by the thought of coloring butterflies - that is why I have a lot of dies!  This is one of the Unity stamps I chose for a recent prize, and decided to try it out - I would appreciate your critique.  I colored with a combination of purple Prismas and gel pens.  The embossed strip is by Cuttlebug, and I added a strip of shiny twine.  The dark purple base cs is white core.  I have a dull cutter blade I save for distressing - it leaves a slightly rough cut.  I also added a bit of chalk to the sentiment for added distress.  I do not often mask - I need to practice positioning!
Sketch:   http://theunitystampco-challenge.blogspot.com/2015/06/unity-be-inspired-challenge-june-11.html?showComment=1435268068581#c4930166455093167071
Butterflies:  http://inkychicks.blogspot.co.uk/
Bingo (purple, emboss, distress):   http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Case (a combination of several inspiration cards):  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/search/label/June%20CASEplorations
Friendship:    http://jwscrapshack.blogspot.ca/
Any:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/

Happy 83rd, Ervin

I need several masculine cards.  This is for DH's twin who will be celebrating his 83rs birthday.  (Yup, you're right - DH will be the same age in a few days.  Of course, I am MUCH younger - well younger, maybe not so much!)  Most of the card uses Recollections shimmery silver CS, backed with black.  The image is digital, from Beccy's Place.  I added washi tape (backed with a leftover bit of the cs, for solidity; the Embossalicious HB folder, black and white twine, and a Dazzles Brother sticker - on a Nestie oval.
Sketch:          http://www.thehousethatstampsbuilt.com/
 Masculine: :  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/ 
                       http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/
Happy:           http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Any:             http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/

Showers bring flowers

I dusted off a set (Stampin up) that I have had quite a while, and seldom use -the fine print.  I added clouds and rain drops from Cheery Lynnvdies, and butterfly punches.  The DP is from a double sided piece, and I embossed the grey/blue sky with circles.
Sketch:   http://sketchsaturday.blogspot.com/
Rain:      http://www.drsdesignsblog.blogspot.com/
Drip, drip, drip:      http://frosteddesigns.blogspot.com/
Showers/flowers:   http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Die/punch:     http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Die:                http://polkadoodle.blogspot.com/
Garden:          http://die-cut-divas.blogspot.com/2015/04/in-garden.html
Spring:           http://artimpressionsstamps.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-04-03T05:00:00-04:00&max-results=10
                        http://whimsiedoodles.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-03-23T07:00:00-03:00&max-results=10
Piecing:            http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/

Throwback stamp

I have a constant goal of using up some of the previously stamped items in my stash - though this is an impossible situation as I think I could make a dozen cards a day for years and not make much of a dent!  At any rate, this front is from my stash - I have the set kind of stored away - I think it is called Never ending Joy by SU.  (Not sure where the smudges came from - not on the card.)  I just received this gorgeous Stardream Metallic Emerald cs as a prize from Classy Cards 'n Such - the color is nearly a perfect match for the leaves - though this photo does not do it justice at all!  What pretty butterflies it made.  I have nothing in the way of bunnies, etc., for Easter, so I hope this is near enough to the "Hopping" challenge!
Case:

The image by Monika that I used for inspiration for this challenge:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.com/
Easter:     http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
                http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
Stamp over a year old:  http://www.faithhopelove1cor13-13.blogspot.com/2015/03/throwback-thursday-challenge-ttc005.html

Easter Blessings

I am especially happy with how this turned out, using some DP I have had for a long time, - it seems to work well with the sketch.  I have also had the stamp for several years -it has a model number but no company name.  The Blessings sentiment is by Cheery Lynn - it goes well  with the Easter verse printed on the inside.  Most of the coloring is with a green marker.
Sketch:  http://digisketchchallenge.blogspot.com/
Easter:   http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
              http://hidinginmycraftroom.com/      
              http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2015/03/dlart-thankful-thursday-153-easter.html
              http://cutecardthursday.blogspot.com/    (I do not usually do "cute" cards for Easter - maybe the whimsy of the bg will count?)
Green on image:  http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com/

String of pearls

Supplies:  Double sided DP - My Mind's Eye; Eggplant mat;  Word Art Scripture;  Spellbinder oval dies; pearls from a string (this was an embellishment item in my mother's things - probably an antique!); sheer ribbon.  (The scalloped oval die is available at Classy cards n such.)
Sketch #3:   http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
Pearls:         http://classycardsnsuch.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2015-03-24T00:00:00-05:00
Sentiment as focus:      http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Ribbon; shabby look:  http://frillyandfunkie.blogspot.com/
Any:             http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
                     http://www.craftyourpassionchallenges.blogspot.com/

Circles and a Flourish - Get Well

Dp and medallions - Kangan Lovely in Lace collection; Spellbinder flourish and circles (To make mats behind small medallions);  Cuttlebug Get Well
Sketch:  http://thepapergirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Inspiration (circles): ///cupcakeinspirations.blogspot.com/
Spring flowers (on bg):  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Pattern Paper:  http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.co.uk/
Focal sentiment:  http://die-cut-divas.blogspot.com/
Any:  www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
          http://www.scribbleandscrapcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/ 
          http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/

Kitty HB

New- brand new roll of ribbon; metallic gel pens
Old (all have been around for a LONG time!):   Debbie Mumm DP,  High Hopes kitty, MFP sentiment, brads, Spellbinder oval dies
Sketch:  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Colors (lavender, yellow, coral, green):  http://joannamunster.com/2014/12/15/ibsic-89/
Orange (coral):  http://fattastictuesday.blogspot.com/
For a child:   http://creativecardcrew.blogspot.com/
New:  http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/
           http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Old/new:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Any, with High Hopes:  http://highhopesstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
           http://clearitoutchallenge.blogspot.com/

Pink Birthday

mo

New:  metallic gel pens (pink, yellow, green
Old:  Digital Posey from Beccy's Place; sentiment, DP, cs, ribbon
Sketch:  http://mojomonday.blogspot.com/
Pink:   http://www.hidinginmycraftroom.com/
New:  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
           http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.de/2014/12/challenge-70-new-beginning.html
Any, using Beccy's image:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/
          http://craftingfromtheheartchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
          http://lovetocreatechallenge.blogspot.com/

6x6 One Sheet wonder #4

This is the last in a series - see earlier posts for more details.  Sentiment is SU; EF is Vines by Lifestyle Crafts.
Sketch #4:  http://vlvsketches.blogspot.com/
New - trying one sheet wonder:  http://creataliciouschallenges.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://whimsyinspires.blogspot.com/
          http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
          http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.com/
          http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/wednesdaychallenge/
           http://www.trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/

B & W for Will

I do enjoy making Christmas cards, but after about 30 of them I am more than ready to try others.  This will go to a brother-in-law with an early January birthday.  These trees (SU) look pretty wintry to me!  The sentiment is also Stampin' Up. Washi tape adds a bit of color.  To make the delicate pine branch, I adhered the tape to a strip of white cs, then did the die cut. The houndstooth paper, ribbon, and stamp have been in my stash for a few years!
Sketch:  http://sketchandstashchallenge.blogspot.com/
Layers:  http://qkrstampede.blogspot.co.uk/
Use a die (circles):  http://diesruschallenge.blogspot.com/
Not Christmas:  http://paulaholifieldcrafts.blogspot.co.uk/
Nature:   http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2014/12/ltscb-44-when-nature-calls.html
Black and white w/ a splash of color:  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any:  http://thesistersofcraft.blogspot.co.uk/
          http://www.lovesrubberstampschallenges.com/
Any/Fave challenge - black and white:  http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Recycled Christmas

Each year I plan to use cards received in previous years as a recycling project - probably to give to a nursing home, etc.  And each year I put it off.  I did try one today - maybe I will be inspired to start in January!  The "spotlight".
Recipe:  Nestie with embossed edge sponged in Platinum ink; sheer silver ribbon (used for strips on sketch); snowflake brad with added glitter; computer sentiment.
Sketch; Diagonal Bingo - brad, emboss, glitter :  http://tuesdaymorningsketches.blogspot.com/
Christmas:  http://cuttinandstampinchallenges.blogspot.com/
Inspired by the Wise Men:  http://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.ca/Sparkle:  http://sweetstampsblog.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges
Non traditional colors:  http://scrappers-delights-challenge-blog.blogspot.co.uk/
transport - camels:  http://www.simonsaysstampblog.com/mondaychallenge/
Festive Christmas:  http://wedodoobadoo.blogspot.co.uk/

Easel #4 - Open

I will be making at least 6 easel cards - similar but not quite the same.  They are for our grandchildren.  (you can see others in previous posts).  The chevron Washi tape marks the top of the inside, and the row of glittery snowflakes provides the "stop" for propping the card open.  Top - Stampabilities;  Kraft cs (mat):  Snowflake EF;  Circle, scallop and flower dies, white lace.
Sketch:  http://yournextstamp.com/blog/
Wings:  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
              http://justinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.co.uk/
Modern Christmas colors (no red/green):  http://glitternsparklechallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/
               http://diecuttindivas.blogspot.com/
Snow:  http://eurekastamps.blogspot.com/
Loose glitter:  http://sparklensprinklecreativechallenges.blogspot.com/
White on white, with Kraft:   http://www.thekraftjournal.blogspot.com/
Chevrons:  http://wagsnwhiskersrubberstamps.blogspot.com/
Any:   http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/
More than one fold (easel):  http://scor-pal.blogspot.com/
 Christmas song:  http://www.flonzcraft.com/vsc/
Make embellishments (glitter snowflakes):   http://papertakeweekly.blogspot.com/

Masculine birthday

I just ordered envelopes from Clear Bags - and decided to order a few other items.  I think this cs was on clearance - I often want an eggplant cs - this is not quite as deep a color as I had hoped, and it is metallic - kind of limiting the use - the 50 sheet package will last a LONG time!  I decided to try it here.  It is white on the back - so I can run it through the printer with a verse on the (white) inside.  I used a second piece for the birthday layer - there is a touch of white that shows through after embossing - then I distressed the edge to show white for more dimension without adding a layer of white.  I had previously colored the image (with paper piecing) so I found a piece in my stash of  recycled items to use (a tissue box) that I thought would work for the circles.  I doing so I realize I created a kind of gear look - I have no gear dies but maybe this would work!  They are simply Spellbinder circles and scalloped circles.
Sketch:  http://stamplorations.blogspot.ca/2014/11/bi-weekly-sketch-challenge-24.html#
Masculine:  http://www.southerngirlschallenge.blogspot.com/
Birthday:     http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/                    http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.com/ 
                    http://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com
Any: http://crafterscafeblogchallenge.blogspot.com/
Recycle (circles are tissue box):  http://pileitonchallenge.blogspot.com/
Circles:  http://quirkycrafts.blogspot.com/ 

Pair of cards

There is a month of Christmas card challenges at Beccy's Place (see link below).  One of the challenges is to be inspired by someone' card - not hard to do!  I thought it would be fitting to use one of the previous entries for this challenge, and I selected this one:

The original is here:  http://sunflowerytale.blogspot.com/2014/11/red-and-green.html?showComment=1416487217210#c250513200047620110  Thank you, Kre.
As usual, mine are not nearly as lovely as the inspiration ones.   The image is by Stampendous, and the small sentiment is an old one from Stampourri.  Blessings is a die from Cheery Lynn.  The gold is my recycling - from a very shiny gift bag, which is embossed with snowflakes (Cuttlebug).
Inspiration #19:  http://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2014/11/a-month-of-holiday-cards.html?showComment=1414839841807#c3699530758315813145
Bright:  http://crafts4eternity.blogspot.com/
Recycle/repurpose:  http://sugarcreekhollow.blogspot.com/
Green:  http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge.blogspot.co.uk/
A pair:  http://fussyandfancychallenge.blogspot.ca/
Die & stamp (green card):  http://sweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.com/
Any Christmas:  http://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/
                           http://christmasstampin.blogspot.com/
Colored sentiment (green card):   http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/