Mo's Challenge # 114

Punches and Dies

 We were to use punches, dies, or a combination of both on our cards and projects this week. It wasn't a problem for me as I have tons of both!

 

 This card uses Mo's "Snow Day"which was offered as a rare free image, and is now in her shop! Isn't she adorable?!

  

Images: "Snow Day" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Digital sentiment

Tools: Copics, MS Snowflake and Drippy Goo punches,  Cuttlebug with Nesties, Mounting tape, Dimensionals

Papers: SU! Cool Caribbean, Razzleberry,  Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Fabric trim, Stickles, Pearl Dew Drops

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I love these images! I merged the image of the three carolers with the lamp post.  I think they make the perfect Christmas card. This card is larger than my usual cards....about 8 1/2" x 5 1/2".  Don't look too closely at my doodling! LOL!

Images: "Carolers Three" and "Christmas Lamp Post" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Digital sentiment

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, White gel pen, Thin black marker, Cuttlebug with Parisian dies and embossing folder

Papers: SU! Real Red and Garden Green, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Large pearl brad, Grosgrain ribbon,  Wide silk ribbon

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I paper-pieced Mo's image of this sweet little Victorian girl and used Flower Soft on her muff.

Images: "Winifred" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Cuttlebug with Nesties, Tacky tape

Papers: SU! River Rock and Always Artichoke, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Grosgrain ribbon, Lace, Metal corners, Flower Soft, Ornate button with shank removed

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I sent this to my younger sister, who is always  naughty! Don't you love the sentiment?!

Images: " Little Present" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Digital sentiment

Tools: Copics, White gel pen, Cuttlebug with Marianne swirl die and MFT border die

Papers: SU! Real Red and Glorious Green, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Satin ribbon, Poinsettia
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So, those were the last of my Christmas cards for this year. I hope you liked them.
Now it's your turn to take some time for yourself and make something using one of Mo's great images and dies, punches, or both, and enter Mo's Challenge for a chance to win!

Mo's Challenge # 112

It's a Banner Week!

That's the theme chosen by Pat  for Mo's Challenge this week. It's "Tags and Banners" to be more precise! I've been wanting to make a card with banners, as I've seen so many cute cards using them., so this was the perfect opportunity!

I've used Mo's great new "Ragged Santa" for my card. I just love this happy, down-on-his luck St. Nick! The poinsettias were made using Nellie Snellen and Martha Stewart leaf punches, and both were embossed using the N.S. leaf embossing tool. I was tickled to find that I could emboss other smaller leaves beside the N.S. leaves with it. The banners were cut from scraps of DP using a pattern I made and then doubled over and glued to the baker's twine.

Inside: Looks like even Santa's been affected by the economy, but he's still smiling! 
Wishing you a  Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
'

Images: "Ragged Santa" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Sheet music from Graphics Fairy, Digital sentiment

Tools: Copics, White gel pen, Prismacolor  pencil, Nellie Snellen embossing leaf punch set,  MS leaf punch, Distressing tool, Dauber

Papers: SU! Real Red and Garden Green, Basic Grey DP, Neenah smooth white, Stationery (for sheet music)

Embellishments: Seed beads, Baker's twine

We hope to see you join us in the challenge this week, so make a card or project using one of Mo's wonderful images and either tags or banners to be entered in the drawing for an image of your choice!

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 And Now For Something Completely Different......

I love Monty Python, don't you!?

I've been on a real Christmas card kick recently, so I have a few more cards to show you.

I got this cute image free from Dilly Bean, although it may be in her shop now.  It's so very quick and easy to color up that I'll probably make one or two more in other color schemes!

88888888888888888888888888888888888888

The following use images from Rick St. Dennis' "Little Bits of Christmas" which also includes a tree, angel, snowman, and many more images for one low price of $7.50!

 Spinner cards are so much fun! I had to turn the candy cane this little elf was holding into a wand, because it kept getting caught in the slot when he twirled around!

This next one holds a giant Hershey bar. I'll be making several of these as an unusual way to give our grandchildren their Christmas money this year. My fellow DP2 DT member, Debbie, had one on her blog. You can get the instructions on the ScorPal site. Be sure to measure your candy bar! I had to change all the dimensions for mine.

Here it is open.

Well, that's it for now! I have more to show you later!

Thanks for looking!

Elaine

Mo's Challenge #110

Elves, Fairies, Santa, or Snowmen!

 Happy Thanksgiving! My husband and I are having twenty family members and friends for dinner! We always have so much fun whenever we get together! It's a pretty relaxing day, too, even with all the cooking. We've been doing it for so many years that we don't stress over it. I'm responsible for six or seven pies (which I make ahead of time and freeze, unbaked, then cook early on Thanksgiving  morning), the stuffing, and gravy. My husband does most of the rest with a little help from me. He doesn't like to have anyone bring anything, either...guess he wants to make sure everything is to his liking. LOL!

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 Pat has given us a lot to choose from for Mo's Challenge this week, and Mo has several images in every one of those categories...all of them adorable!

This is one of Mo's teen-aged fairies, and I think they are the sweetest little fairies ever!

I made the pink poinsettia using punched and embossed leaves and seed beads. The hat pin was made with a pearl-headed pin from WOC and various beads and jewelry findings. It's all held together with super glue.

Images: "Teen Fairy Pia" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Stamped sentiment from SU! set "Short and Sweet"

Tools: Copics, White gel pen, Spica pens in gold and clear, Cuttlebug with Marianne swirl die and Nesties, MS Branch punch, Nellie Snellen embossing leaf punch set, Tacky tape, Mounting tape

Papers: SU! Pirouette Pink, Gable Green, and Glorious Green, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Hat pin, Seed Beads, Satin ribbon, Pearl cabochons, Jewelry findings, Ruffled lace trim

So, take some time after the big dinner and Black Friday sales and make a card or project using one of Mo's sweet images. You might even be chosen to win another one!  There are tons more that you want, aren't there?  LOL!

So good of you to visit!
Elaine

Mo's Challenge #109

Winter's on Its Way!

Pat, our hostess for this month, has chosen a "Winter" theme for Mo's Challenge this week. I love it because I really need to get some Christmas cards done. In fact, I'll be making Christmas cards for all the upcoming challenges when it's appropriate!

I love this image.....well, actually, I love all of Mo's work! This little guy is adorable, though. I love that look of innocence!

Image: "Who, Me?" from Mo's Digital Pencil

Tools: Copics, White gel pen, Cuttlebug with Embossing folder and Snowflake dies, Snowflace punches, Dazzling Diamonds glitter, Mounting tape, Glue dots

Papers: SU! Taken With Teal, Neenah smooth white

Embellishments: Satin ribbon, Beads, Star charm

Now it's your turn to grab one of Mo's wintery images and make a card or project for Mo's Challenge for a chance to win! We'll be waiting!

And the Winner Is........

My husband picked a number out of a cup!

It's # 5 fairysparkle!

Congratulations! 

Thanks for dropping by!
Elaine

Mo's Challenge #89

What the Dickens?!

Cathy is our hostess for this week, and her challenge is for us to make a card or project inspired by a book or story.

Our family just loves the Dickens classic "A Christmas Carol"....we watch at least one of the  many different films every holiday season! We especially like the Muppet version...Michael Caine is perfect as Scrooge, and the song that's sung when he first makes an appearance is wonderful!

On to the card! I love it when a holiday  image can be used for another purpose. Here, I've use old Ebenezer on a retirement card. I love the expression on his face! Aren't we all a bit nervous about what faces us when we retire?

Inside: "Goodbye tension. Hello pension!"

Images: "Scrooge" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Canvas BG stamp from SU!, Computer-generated sentiment (Black Adder font)

Tools: Copics, Sewing machine, Old Olive ink pad

Papers: SU! Soft Sage, Barely Banana, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey DP

Embellishments: Clock charm, Metal disc, Acrylic dome sticker, Satin leaves, Baker's twine

Now it's your turn!  I think this should be a real fun challenge! Can't what to see what you'll come up with!

It's always good to have you visit!

Elaine

Merry Christmas!

My Very Last Christmas Card for 2010!

I realized that I had one more card to make this year. I had made pouch boxes to put money gifts in, but came up one short. I had this adorable little bear all colored up, so I've used him instead of making another pouch.

This is one of Rick Dennis's wonderful little bears. He has such a sweet face and so much personality. Rick does adorable bunnies and other animals, too. You'll see more of them in the spring! 

Rick is looking for more members for his design team. (I'm already a member.)  It's a six month commitment with only one project required per month. Check out his blog for more information if you're interested. Also check out his Etsy shop to see more of his images.

Images: Bear by Rick St Dennis, Holly branches for DZ Doodles , 

Sentiment from Ladybug and Friends

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, Cuttlebug with Nesties, MS Branch and Snowflake punches, Nellie Snellen Embossing leaf punch set, Crystal Effects, Line tape, Glue dots

Papers: SU! Real Red and Confetti CS, Neenah smooth white, Green gingham DP, Doily, Gold metallic CS

Embellishments: Red pearl cabochons, Red roses from Wild Orchid Crafts

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Happy New Year!

Elaine

Mo's Challenge # 59

My Head's in a Swirl!

I'm so late getting this post up that it's almost time for the next one! Thanksgiving Day just seemed to consume me this year. We had fifteen  people here on Wednesday night to have pizza and make our traditional 'apple turkeys'. This is something that started when our 36 year old son made them at school when he was in second grade. They are made out of a Red Delicious apple, cranberries, raisins, and marshmallows, all held together with toothpicks. They're really cute and some are used to decorate the table on the holiday. The kids have fun trying to outdo each other with their masterpieces!

We had a crowd of fourteen on the day itself. It was a wonderful time filled with laughter and too much food.  We had two turkeys, one roasted and one fried, all the usual trimmings, and I made seven homemade pies to top off the meal!

The challenge this week was to use swirls or flourishes on our projects

I don't do 'fancy' well, so this was a real challenge for me.

I always seem to go a bit overboard, and things never look quite right to me.

After I had photographed this card, I removed the star charm, and wished that I hadn't put a bow on it. I think it's a bit 'busy' for my taste, although it has grown on me. I think things always look better when some time has passed, and you can look at it more objectively.

This is one of my favorites of all of Mo's Christmas images. It's called "Boughs for the Wreath". I cut the oval using the "out-of-the-box" technique so that the little guy would be the focus. I love the way he's looking back over his shoulder, don't you?

Images: "Bringing Home the Boughs" From Mo's Digital Pencil, Digital Sentiment from Ladybug and Friends.

Tools: Copic Markers, Prismacolor pencil, White gel pen, Quickcutz Swirl die, Cuttlebug with Nestabilities, SU! Oval punch.

Papers:  SU! Soft Sage and Riding Hood Red, Neenah smooth white, Metallic gold CS, Basic Grey DP.

Embellishments: Grosgrain ribbon, Natural cotton lace, Star charm,  Frosted Lace Stickles.

I hope you'll join us  week and use a bit of flourish or swirl on your project!

Here's another Christmas card using Mo's "Not Even a Mouse" .  Isn't this the sweetest image?
 I've had it for over a year, and this is the first time I've gotten around to coloring it.

I used the Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page Snowflake punches under the image panel. The sizes they recommend just didn't work for this card, so I started out with the 5" square, punched it out,  then cut and over-lapped it, covering the joint with satin ribbon. I love using the little punched out snowflakes as embellishments.

I also love making these poinsettias with the embossing leaf punch set from Nellie Snellen. They are quick and inexpensive to make and really add a lot to a card. I just punch a tiny circle and glue the leaves down on it, over-lapping some, then glue some green leaves in back. I finish them off by either punching a small hole and threading the stems of paper stamens through to the back, or using a small punched flower and pearl or gold cabochon for the centers, as I did with these.

Thanks for visiting!

Elaine

Mo's Challenge #58

  

Punch it!

The challenge this week is to use three punches on your creation. This wasn't a difficult one for me...I think I have at least a gazillion punches! I really am obsessed with them!

I'm sorry if this picture's a bit washed out. I didn't get this card done until after sundown tonight and had to use a flash instead of the natural light that I prefer. 

 I used "Employee # 3355" from Mo's set of two adorable little Christmas elves. I had to have this set as soon as I saw it (but then,  I 'have to have' all of Mo's images!). They have such personality and are such fun to color!

I used Nellie Snellen's  embossing leaf set to make the poinsettias. The leaves were glued on to a small circle of CS and finished with paper stamens

Images: "Employee # 3355" from Mo's Digital Pencil , Digital  "Merry Christmas" (unknown)

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, White gel pen, MS Branch and Snowflake punches, Nellie Snellen embossing leaf punch set, Glue Dots

Papers: SU! Real Red, Garden Green, Green Galore, and Certainly Celery CS, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey "Jovial" DP

Embellishments: Gold and Pearl cabochons, Paper stamens, Natural cotton lace

The Three Bears at Christmas

Here's another card using the same poinsettias. The sweet bears are a free digital from Cuddly Buddly. They were easy to color. I think multiples of this card would be a snap to make, although I only make a card once.  Mass-producing would bore me to death!

Images: Bears from Cuddly Buddly,  Free digital sentiment from Zany Not Crazy

Tools: Copics, White gel pen , Gold metallic pen, Nellie Snellen Leaf set

Paper: SU! Real Red, Glorious Green, Garden Green CS, Neenah smooth white, Paper Pizazz  DP

Embellishments: Red pearl cabochons, Paper stamens

Let's see how well you can punch! We want to be "knocked out" by your beautiful creations using three punches and one of Mo's  great images!

Thanks for visiting!
Elaine

More Christmas Cards!

Never Enough!

All my Christmas cards are one-of-a-kind, so it takes me forever to get enough done to send to distant family and friends. Add to that the fact that my DIL has asked for some to sell in her store, and I don't think I'll ever be finished!

A Memorable Visit with Santa!

I think a lot of us with small children or grand-kids can relate to this scene! Most kids love the idea of visiting Santa, until they are face to face....then the crying begins!

I love this adorable image. It certainly tells a story!  It was so much fun to color, too,  but a bit time consuming with all the little details.

Images: "And I want a..." from Mo's Digital Pencil, Sentiment from Ladybug and Friends

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, White gel pen, Circle punches, MS Snowflake chain punch,  Frosted Lace Stickles

Paper: SU!Real Red, Creamy Caramel, Bazzill textured brown, Neenah smooth white, Basic Grey "Jovial" DP

Embellishments: Recycled  Red satin bow (My three grandchildren saved the bows that were on big lollipops they got because, "Mimi can use them on her cards.")

Red Poinsettia

This pretty flower and greeting are two of several digital Christmas images and sentiments offered free from Ladybug.
It was a joy to color, and I love the way it turned out.
Black isn't a color I would usually use for Christmas, but the new Basic Grey "Jovial" collection is 
so beautiful! In fact, the design with the black ground is my favorite!

Images: Image and Sentiment from Ladybug and Friends

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, MS Zig-Zag border punch, Quickcutz swirl die


Papers: SU! Basic Black, Ruby Red, Old Olive CS,  Metallic gold CS, Basic Grey "Jovial" DP

Embellishments: Rhinestones, Stitched grosgrain ribbon

Glad you stopped by!
Elaine

Mo's Challenge #50

Bling's the Thing!

The challenge Paola has for us this week is to use anything that sparkles and shines! This is a stretch for me as I'm not one that goes for glitz and glitter. I don't even wear a wedding band! 

 It's just so messy, too! By the time I'm done, I sparkle more than the card!

I need more Christmas cards, so I used Mo's "Sika & Shiya" image and some non-traditional colors taken from the Basic Grey paper. I used some of the snowflakes that were punched out of the border design as decoration. The image was cut out using my favorite 'Out-of-the-Box' technique and raised up with mounting tape. I applied a bit of glitter along the label edges.

I've had this image for over a year, and I think this may be the first time I've used it! I think I'll make another card but do it in the usual reds and greens for a completely different look. 

Images: "Sika & Shiya" from Mo's Digital Pencil, SU! Sentiment (a very old set called "Great Greetings")

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencil, White gel pen, Martha Stewart Punch Around the Page Snowflake set, Cuttlebug with Nestie label, Mounting tape, Glue Dots, VersaMark ink, Silver EP, Heat gun

Paper: SU! Rose Red, Cool Caribbean, Neena smooth white, Basic Grey Eskimo Kisses DP

Embellishments: Glitter, Silver ribbon, Tiny rhinestones, Rhinestone brad

So get out your glitziest stash and join us in Mo's Challenge this week for a chance to win a wonderful image from Mo! We're waiting!

Elaine

Mo's Challenge #49

Bright White

Paola's challenge for us this week is a bright white card with a colored image. I chose to use "Clara", Mo's image of the little girl from the Nutcracker ballet. I think it will make a lovely Christmas card.
 

Images: "Clara" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Sentiment from SU! Warm Words set

Papers: PTI and Neena white, Gold metalic

Tools: Cuttlebug with embossing folders and Nestie Snowflakes die, Martha Stewart Snowflake and Snowflake Border punches, SU! small oval punch, Mounting tape, Glue Dots, VersaMark ink, Gold embosssing powder

Embellishments: Lace from Wild Orchid Crafts, Satin Ribbon, Tiny pearl cabochons, Satin ribbon


Now it's your turn! Show us your white card or project and enter Mo's Challenge for a chance to win a great image from Mo!

Mo's Challenge #43

Things with Wings

Peggy has hostess duties this week, and she has asked us to use any of Mo's images that depict wings. This should be an easy one for everyone, as Mo has so many great images in her store that would work for this challenge! I have three very different cards for you this week.

Water Nymph

I love this image called "Summer Fairy Minna". I've had it for a while and don't know why I've never colored her before! I especially love coloring fairy wings. I use pastel Copics in every color of the rainbow then blend them all with a pale aqua. Trimmed with a silver Spica pen and covered with Stickles they have a very ethereal, gauzy look to them.
I think this DP has a very dreamy feel to it. I love it with this pretty little fairy.

Image: "Summer Fairy Minna from Mo's Digital Pencil

Paper: SU!'s Soft Sage, Wild Wasabi, Mauve Mist, PTI white, Basic Grey's Capella and other assorted Basic Grey DP

Tools: Copics, Spica Pen, Stickles, White gel pen, Nellie Snellen embossing flower punch sets in two sizes, her Embossing leaf punch set, Mounting tape, Glue dots

Embellishments: Brads, Ribbon, Pearl cabochons


Christmas Angel

For this card I used "Sending Peace". It's such a graceful image and, since I'm still in a holiday mood from last week's challenge, I've made it as a Christmas card. It would also be wonderful to express sympathy.

Image: "Sending Peace" from Mo's Digital Pencil, Computer-generated word.

Paper: PTI White, Metallic gold from the California Paper Company

Tools: Copics, Spica gold and silver pens, Cuttlebug with Nesties and embossing folders, Mounting tape

Embellishments: Pearl cabochons

Splashin'

 Get your sunglasses! This is one bright card! When I bought this Cosmo Cricket paper on line I didn't realize just how vivid the colors were.  I do think it works for this image, though. Mo made me this Caucasian version of this image as a special favor.

Image: "Duck Day" by Mo's Digital Pencil

Paper: SU! Tempting Turquoise, Yo-yo Yellow, Pink Passion, Green Galore, PTI white, Cosmo Cricket DP

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor Pencils, Martha Stewart Leaf  Lattice Border, and Hydrangea punches,  Cuttlebug with Embossing folder, Creative Memories circle-cutting system, Mounting tape, Glue dots

Embellishments: Tiny rhinestones, Hand made flowers

This week we'll be doing something special!  The winner of our usual random drawing will win a $20.00 gift certificate from Mo's store! In addition, the Design Team will be voting for the card we like the best out of this week's entries. The winner we choose will have a one month guest spot on the Challenge team!

We'd love to see your winged creations, so get busy!

Thanks for stopping by!

Elaine

Mo's Challenge # 42

Christmas in July!

 I had originally planned a sewing challenge for this, my last week as hostess for Mo's Challenge. Then Mo drew some wonderful new Christmas images that I couldn't wait to color, so I  changed the theme to Christmas in July! Besides, I think we could all use a reason to get an early start on our Christmas cards.

          

      This sweet image is called Pammy's Stocking", and she's available at Mo's Store.

I really enjoyed coloring her in  traditional holiday  colors.  I did make a mistake while coloring  her, though. I  noticed, while coloring her hair, that I had colored her head band, too. 

While fixing my error, the red marker left little spots on the gold shading on the left of the image.  Aaaargh!   The blender ink lightened it a bit, but also smeared it. I figure there's a way to fix almost everything, so I took a red Prismacolor pencil and went over the smudge and the gold shading. I don't like it as well, but did manage to salvage the card. 

  Images: Pammy's Stocking from Mo's Digital Pencil, Holly Leaves and Berries from D Z Doodles

Papers: SU! Riding Hood Red, Garden Green, PTI white

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, White gel pen, Gold Spica pen, Cuttlebug with embossing folder mounting tape

Embellishments: Red pearl cabochons, Gingham ribbon, Joy charm 

 Baby's Christmas Quilt

  

 

 I love quilts so I thought I'd make one using up my ever-growing stash of scraps.  I cut 1 and 1/4" squares of mostly Basic Grey DP and glued them down on a 4 and 1/2" x 6 and 1/2" piece of vanilla CS. I left a gap just wide enough to finish off with the ribbon. To make it look even more like a quilt I 'tacked' it using a needle and red embroidery floss. I also added 'stitching' with a white gel pen. I mounted this on to a 6 and 3/4" by 4 and 3/4" piece of Real Red then onto a 5" x 7" vanilla card base. I think it would be a perfect card for a baby's first Christmas.

Images: "I Love It" from Mo Manning's Digital Pencil Too, Sentiment from SU!'s "Warm Words"

Papers: PTI Vanilla, SU!'s Real Red, Scraps of Basic Grey and SU!

Tools: Copics, Cuttlebug with Nesties, Mounting tape, SU! oval punch, White gel pen, Needle, Floss

Embellishments: Satin Ribbon, SU! Vintage Hardware

Isn't this the greatest image!? I just love the look on his face. I used the plaid from the new Basic Grey "Oliver" 6x6 pad as my color inspiration. I would never have put these colors together on my own, but I love the combination on this card. The tiny snowflakes are the punch-outs from the Martha Stewart Snowflake border punch.

Images: "Who, Me?" from Mo's Digital Pencil Too, Holly Sprig from DZ Doodles

Papers: SU! Blue Bayou, Riding Hood Red, and Whisper White, Basic Grey "Oliver" DP

Tools: Copics, Prismacolor pencils, Cuttlebug with Embossing folder, MS Snowflake punch,and Snowflake border punch, Mounting tape

Embellishments: Red pearl cabochons, Rhinestone brads, Ice Stickles glitter

We'd love to see your Christmas cards using Mo's images! 

Enter Mo's Challenge this week for a chance to win one of her sweet images.

Thanks for stopping by!

Elaine