Elephant Christmas Card - TMS Anything Goes

Well... it's one week before Christmas, are you ready? If you're doing some last minute crafting we would love for you to share your project with us at Tuesday Morning Sketches! This week the challenge is anything goes, so no new sketch but you're welcome to use a past sketch (click here) if you need some inspiration for a layout. The design team has some inspiration for you and you can link your crafty creation  HERE. There are a few rules so make sure you read them before you add your link.

This Elephant Christmas Card was made for my nephew who is three. During the summer he went to the zoo and his favorite animal was the elephants. When I saw this image by Bugaboo Stamps I knew it was perfect for him. The image was colored with Copic markers and some diamond Stickles added to the white part of the elephant's hat and Christmas stockings. A piece of plaid paper by Lawn Fawn (Winter paper pad 2016) was used along with Basic Gray and Balmy Blue cardstock by Stampin' Up!. The Merry Christmas sentiment is by Hero Arts and that's pretty much it. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day.

Challenges entered:

• Allsorts: Christmas Trees
• Cards in Envy: Hang Your Stockings with Care
• Crafty Animals: Anything Goes
• Crafty Cats: Anything Goes/Do What You Like Best*
• Crafty Cardmakers: Christmas
• Use Your Stuff: Christmas/Holidays

*One of the things I like best is coloring and I love playing with patterned paper.

Bunny Christmas Card

Christmas will be here in less than two weeks! Have you mailed your cards yet? I always mail mine about ten days before Christmas, but I still have a couple of cards to make. Then I'll have to decorate and address the envelopes to get the cards in the mail on time. 🎄

This afternoon I made this Bunny Christmas Card using a digital image by Lee Holland. The image was colored with Copic markers and then the image was die cut with an Alterations square die by Tim Holtz. After cutting the snowflakes with a Cricut machine some acrylic glitter paint was painted on and some added to the snow on the image . To accent the bunny's hat some Stickles were added and a dot of stickles in the center of the snowflakes for extra sparkle. All papers are from the Holly Jolly 6 x 6 paper pad by American Crafts (2015). That's it! So glad you stopped by and enjoy the rest of your day.

Challenges entered:

• Addicted to Stamps: Make Your Mark
• City Crafter: Snowflakes
• Color Throwdown: Colors- Red, Green, Kraft & White 
• Cute N' Crafty Christmas: Anything Christmas
• Simon Says: Christmas

For those of you who have followed my blog for awhile you know I love bunnies and have several who live in my backyard. Here is a photo I took last month of one under my sage bush eating some alfalfa hay.

Cardinal Joy Card

When Newton's Nook unveiled their November release I knew I had to have the Winter Birds and Poinsettia Blooms stamp sets! So when Black Friday arrived I didn't hesitate to place my order. Then last Friday Ellen Haxelmans posted four stunning cards using the Winter Birds stamp set and I was inspired again by her designs. Tonight I made an inky background and used my new stamp sets to make this Cardinal Joy Card. The layout is from the Inky Paws Sketch #86 Challenge and patterned papers are from the Merry Merry 6 x 6 paper pad by Pebbles (2016). The sentiment was heat embossed and everything was adhered flat for easy shipping. That's it! Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks for stopping by.

Challenges entered:

• Aud Sentiments: Anything Goes + Sentiment
• Inky Paws: Sketch #86
• Simon Says: 'B' us For? (Bird)
• The Crafty Addicts: Anything Christmas
• Word Art Wednesday: Anything Goes

Sketch #86:

Warm Fuzzies Christmas Card

Good day! The Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop started last Friday and I finally had time to make a card. This Warm Fuzzies Christmas Card features the Warm Fuzzies stamp by Gerda Steiner. The image was colored with Copic markers and then fussy-cut. A die cut circle was used for the focal area and then some Tumbled Glass distress ink applied for some color. The cup and stocking patterned paper is from the Recollections Fireside 6 x 6 paper pad , Merry Christmas text paper is by The Paper Studio, the Shaded Spruce polka dots are by Stampin' Up! and the papers were matted to a piece of Shaded Spruce cardstock. To add a little sparkle three white snowflake sequins were added and that's it. So glad you stopped by.

Challenges entered:

• Coffee Lovers Winter Blog Hop
• Crafty Gals Corner: Anything Christmas
• Crimbo Crackers: Anything Christmas
• Cute Card Thursday: Anything Goes
• Moving Along With The Times: Anything Christmas

Penguin Joy Card - TMS #482

Hello and happy Tuesday! Today is the start of a new sketch challenge at Tuesday Morning Sketches and the design team has some wonderful inspiration for you. You can see all their creations and find the challenge details HERE. The sketch was designed by Melissa Craig and I thought it was perfect for some die cut snowflakes to go along with the Poppi Xmas Snowballs image by Bugaboo Stamps. We would love for you to join us this week! I hope you have time to play along.

Challenges entered:

• 2 Crafty Critter Crazies: Anything with Critters
• Cards in Envy: Spirit of Christmas
• Cupcake Inspirations: Photo Inspiration
• Dream Valley: Christmas

Sketch #482:

Photo Inspiration:

Joyful Snowman Card

This time of year can be very hectic! I started making this Joyful Snowman Card on Saturday and I just finished it this evening. It took me awhile to decide on the colors and I finally decided on non-traditional blue and purples. The patterned papers are from the Altitude Collection by Bo Bunny and the image is called Snowman and Birds by Bugaboo Stamps. A mix of Copic and Stampin' Blends markers were used to color the image. Then a stitched rectangle die was used to cut the image which was then matted to a piece of Rich Razzleberry cardstock. The snowflakes were die cut with a Cricut machine and to give them a little sparkle I painted them with sugar cube glitter paint by Martha Stewart (it dries quickly which helps speed things along). The final addition was the Joy to the World sentiment by Stampabilities which was matted to a piece of Night of Navy cardstock. That's it! So glad you stopped by and enjoy the rest of your day.

Challenges entered:

• Catch The Bug: Holiday Flurry of Chaos
• 4 Crafty Chicks: Anything Goes
• Make My Monday: Non-Traditional Christmas Colours
• Sweet Stampin': Snowmen and Snowladies
• The Paper Girls: Die Cuts

Slothy Christmas Card

Welcome! This afternoon I found a sketch at Sunday Stamps and I decided to play along. For the focal area I went with a circle to feature the sloth image from the Slothy Christmas stamp set by Newton's Nook. Copic markers were used to color the sloth (E30, E31, E43, E44, E49 and E50) and then it was die cut with the coordinating dies. To add sparkle to the sloth's hat I used some diamond Stickles. Then two die cut trees from the Forest Scene Builder set by Newton's Nook were added to give the sloth something to hang onto. The patterned paper is from the Merry Merry paper pad by Pebbles (2016). To finish off the card the sentiment was added along with three snowflake sequins. That's it! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Challenges entered:

• Cute N' Crafty Christmas: Anything Christmas
• Simon Says: Anything Goes
• Sunday Stamps: Sketch, SSC192
• Tuesday Throwdown: Photo Inspiration
• Watercooler Wednesday: All About Holidays

Sketch:

Meow to the World Card - TMS #481

This past week went by super fast and now it's time to start another new challenge at Tuesday Morning Sketches. The sketch this week was designed by Melissa Craig and it has a nice large focal area for you to play with. I decided to use a new stamp called Caroling Newton and coordinating dies by Newton's Nook. The patterned papers are from the Let It Snow paper pad by American Crafts (2015). We would love for you to join us this week! For all the challenge details and design team inspiration click HERE. You have until 8 pm (EST) on Sunday to link your creation. I hope to see your card in the gallery!

Challenges entered:

• Always Fun: Anything Goes
• Crafting From The Heart: Anything Goes
• Hiding In My Craft Room: Any Holiday!

Sketch #481:

Llama Christmas Card

Hello and happy Friday! If you live in the United States, I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. After spending time with family and traveling back home I wanted to make a card for the Inky Paws color challenge before it ends. I decided to use the Llama Delivery stamp set by Newton's Nook to make this Llama Christmas Card. The images were colored with Copic markers and then die cut with the coordinating dies. A piece of snowflake vellum was die cut with an oval die and adhered to the fun plaid paper. Two green presents and a North Pole sign (from the Santa Paws Newton stamp set) add a little more detail. The Merry Christmas sentiment is from the retired Snow Place stamp set by Stampin' Up! and some stickles was added under the Llama to add sparkle to the "snow." That's it! I have the early shift today at work so it's off to bed for me. Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a fabulous day!

Challenges entered:

• Aud Sentiments: Christmas or Winter Sentiment
• Fab 'n' Funky: Christmas
• Inky Paws: Color (red, white, green & black)
• Simon Says: Baby It's Cold Outside
• Sweet Stampin' Christmas: Anything Christmas 

Christmas Card with Penguins

Oh my! I just finished baking sugar cookies for my family Thanksgiving on Thursday and decided to share my latest card while the cookies cool. This Christmas Card with Penguins features one of my favorite images from Bugaboo Stamps called Little Penguin Decorate Tree and it was colored with Copic markers. All patterned papers are by American Crafts, Granny Apple Green cardstock by Stampin' Up! was used along with a Merry Christmas sentiment by Hero Arts. I added some twine and a snowflake charm for detail and that's about it. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Challenges entered:

• Cardz 4 Guyz: Christmas Critters
• Catch The Bug: Bingo (top row across)
• 2 Crafty Critter Crazies: Anything with Critter 
• Holly and Ivy Christmas: Anything Christmas

Candy Cane Charlie Card

Hello! I've made another Christmas card for a few Christmas in July challenges. Starting early really does help me get a good start on my Christmas cards and the challenges are a fun motivator. The layout for this Candy Cane Charlie Card is from day 2 of the Catch The Bug Christmas in July challenges. I used an image that was already printed in my stash, it's called Candy Cane Charlie by Bugaboo Stamps. The image was colored with Copic markers and die cut with a stitched circle die. Patterned papers were selected to coordinate with the image. The candy cane paper is by The Paper Studio, red polka dots from the Welcome Christmas paper pad by Pebbles and the gray stripe was a scrap from my bin. A piece of white glitter cardstock was cut for the banner detail. To finish off the card the Merry Christmas sentiment by Hero Arts was stamped with Memento black ink. That's it! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day.

Challenges entered:

• Addicted to Stamps: Make Your Mark
• Catch The Bug: Sketch
• Crafty Gals: Christmas in July
• Creative Moments: Anything Goes
• Watercooler Wednesday: All About Holidays

Season to be Freezin' Card

Good day crafty friends! It's always fun to play along with the Christmas in July challenges. Especially when the heat index has been over a hundred degrees for several days. At this point I would take a really strong cool front or an early Fall would be nice too. To help create some cooler thoughts I used the Meowy Christmas image by Bugaboo Digi Stamps along with patterned paper from the Altitude paper pad by Bo Bunny. Copic markers were used to color the kitties and then the image was die cut with a cross-stitched die by My Favorite Things. To finish off the card the 'Tis the Season to be Freezin' sentiment by Taylored Expressions was added along with two snowflakes cut with a Cricut machine. That's it! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Challenges entered:

• Aud Sentiment: Christmas in July + Sentiment
• Brown Sugar: Two Patterned Papers 
• Catch The Bug: Baby it's Cold Outside
• Dragonfly Journeys: Christmas in July

Jolly Christmas Wishes

Hope everyone is having a Jolly Christmas! I don't have a card for you today, but I wanted to share a picture of Daisy. She is the feral kitten my hubby and I rescued from our neighborhood. We decided she was our Christmas gift this year. No store bought gifts, just the gift of knowing we helped this little girl. It's funny that two days before she ended up in our yard I told a coworker the best way to get a kitten is to adopt from a shelter. I told her it was expensive to take a "free kitten" from an ad. The exam fee, shots and eventually getting the kitten fixed will cost over $500. Adoption fees are usually around $55-90 and everything is included. This is our third time to rescue a kitten/cat, so we knew the cost going in, but it had to be done. Her life was worth saving and we could never live with ourselves if we didn't step in. She has been with us for a little over three weeks now and she is adjusting very well to indoor life. Saving her life was the best gift and each day we are rewarded by the little purrs and furry cuddles.

If you want to donate to her rescue fund click HERE.

Shiny Holidays Card

Wow! It's only six days until Christmas. I'm happy to report that we did go shopping and bought a few presents yesterday, but I'm far from done. It seems with each passing year I'm less enthused about shopping. My hubby is lucky if I go to the grocery store. Now... when it comes to shopping for stamps online there seems to be no problem. If only my family wanted stamps, I could handle that.

Last month I started a part-time seasonal manager position at Yankee Candle. I made two of this Shiny Holidays Card for the Store Manager and District Manager. I thought the candle image by Unity Stamps was perfect for the recipients. Copic markers were used to color the image. Only the green patterned paper is from a Christmas collection (Christmas Emporium by Graphic 45) the others are scraps from my scrap bin. Three gold sequins add some sparkle and that's it. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

This Shiny Holidays Card is entered into the following challenges:

• C.R.A.F.T.: Christmas
• Glitter 'N' Sparkle: Traditional Xmas Colours  
• Lil Patch of Crafty Friends: Anything Goes 
• QKR Stampede: Christmas or Anything Goes
• Jo's Scrap Shack: Anything Goes

Quick Christmas Card

Hello! In case you're wondering... nope, I still haven't started my Christmas shopping. This year it's looking like I'll be a last minute shopper.

If you're new to card making and you want to make quick Christmas cards here is a recipe that could work for you. There isn't a lot of fancy tools used and no coloring (this image is digital and came colored). Instead of using a circle die cut you could cut the image into a square shape. Pick your favorite patterned papers, stamp Merry Christmas and add a few sequins and this was a Quick Christmas Card. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!


This card is entered into the following challenges:

• Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop
• The Sisterhood of Crafters: All about Christmas
• Sunny Day Crafting: X is for Xmas
• {PIN}spirational: Snowmen

Ornamental Newton Card

Hello crafty friends! This month I've been busy looking for a part-time job to help out with the end of year expenses. Thankfully I found a temporary job and I start next week. I'm excited to get out of the house and mingle with people during the holiday season. Spending too much time alone has gotten pretty boring over the last couple of months. Now that I can cross finding a job off my list hopefully I can get back to crafting.

To make this Ornamental Newton Card I used the challenge colors from Inky Paws to use Red, Green, Tan and Black. This is the first time I inked up the Ornamental Newton stamp by Newton's Nook. I bought it last year but never used it, that happens more than I should admit. Anyway it's really cute and easy to color. I used Copic markers to color the image and then used a cross stitched oval die by My Favorite Things. The plaid paper is by Lawn Fawn and I used some retired scrap black and white patterned paper by Stampin' Up!. Instead of stamping a sentiment I decided to use the Merry Christmas paper by The Paper Studio. A little twine bow and three white sequins finished off this card and that's it. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

This Ornamental Newton Card is entered into the following challenges:

• Inky Paws: Colors
• Simon Says Stamp: Furry Friends
• C.R.A.F.T.: Christmas
• Hanna and Friends: Animals
• Christmas at Sweet Stampin': Anything Christmas Goes

Cardinal Christmas Card

The Cardinal is one of my favorite backyard birds. We have several adults and juveniles that frequent our bird feeders. The males red color makes them a popular choice on Christmas cards. A couple of years ago Stampin' Up! made this stamp set called Beauty of the Season. I loved it and bought it, but this is the first time I've used it. The image was stamped with Memento black ink and then colored with Copic markers. An Avery Elle pierced oval and scalloped frame were used to cut out the image. The red patterned paper has been in my stash for awhile, it's by Pebbles from their Welcome Christmas paper pad (2012). The blue snowflakes is another older one by Recollections. Some retired Pool Party twine was added along with the Peace & Joy sentiment from the retired Good Greetings stamp set by Stampin' Up!. Three small sequins were added and a drop of glossy accents for the bird's eye. That's it! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

This Cardinal Christmas Card is entered into the following challenges:

• Moo-Mania: Birds
• Sweet Stampin' Christmas: Anything Christmas Goes
• The Sisterhood of Crafters: Anything Goes
• Watercooler Wednesday: All About Christmas
• Holly and Ivy Christmas: Anything Christmas Goes

Merry Christmas Card

The Christmas in July challenges have started and I like making Christmas cards when it's super hot outside. Since I tend to procrastinate on my holiday cards I found the July challenges really helpful.

This Merry Christmas Card features a retired quirky bird by Bugaboo Digi Stamps and some fun patterned papers. The polka dot red paper has glitter dots but it doesn't show up well in the photo. Both the plaid and candy cane papers are by The Paper Studio and I used a Merry Christmas sentiment from a retired Stampin' Up! stamp set. Three green sequins add some extra sparkle and that's it for this Christmas card.

Challenges entered:

• Catch The Bug: Make It Sparkle
• Christmas Card: Christmas Anything Goes
• Come and Get It: 2 or More Designer Papers
• Simon Says Stamp: Use Plaid
• Dragonfly Journeys: Christmas in July

Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the rest of your day!

Tic Tac Toe at Tuesday Throwdown

Hello and happy Tuesday! I know I've said this before... but it's amazing how fast two weeks goes by!!! This week is Team B's turn to inspire you to play along with our Tuesday Throwdown challenge and it's one of my favorites... Tic Tac Toe. Our sponsor this week is Sparkle N Sprinkle and I'm using an image they provided called Brighten the Holidays Penguins. It came with a colored version and that's what I used for this Cheery Penguin Christmas Card. We would love for you to play along with us this week! Click HERE for all the wonderful design team inspiration and challenge details. You have until mid-day on Monday, July 24th to link your creation. I hope to see your creation in the Gallery!

The Tic Tac Toe choices used to create this card include: Christmas, Silver and Ribbon or Twine. Since the image was Christmas that box was easy, so I decided to get a little messy for the sliver requirement. I used silver texture paste by Heidi Swapp with a diagonal striped stencil. The texture paste was applied on top of a red piece of Bazzill dot textured cardstock. At first I wasn't sure but I like the dot design and the picture doesn't do the the card justice, it looks pretty cool in person. Once the panel was dried I matted it to a piece of Cucumber Crush cardstock by Stampin' Up! and then wrapped green twine from The Twinery before adhering it to the white card base. The image was adhered with dimensionals and I adhered the sentiment flat to the card. That's it! Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!

Winter Fox Card

Happy Friday! Life has been busy lately. Last night I spent two hours making decorative pretzel rods for my hubby's coworkers. Most my days are spent sewing since I'm making several of our Christmas gifts this year. It's always my goal to avoid the big box stores this time of year. The crowds and excessive Christmas marketing drive me crazy.

Onto this Winter Fox Card, the Winter Fox and coordinating dies by Lawn Fawn were one of my Cyber Monday purchases. It's the perfect image to share at the Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. All patterned paper on this card is by Lawn Fawn and the glitter snow was created with Iridescent Ice embossing powder.The fox was colored with Copic markers, then it was die cut and adhered directly to the card. The sentiment comes with the stamp set and three snowflake sequins were added for detail. I'm also linking this card to the Snowflake Challenge at Cute Card Thursday. That's it! Thanks for stopping by and Warm Winter Wishes to you.