52 CCT Guest Designer

I am super excited to be guest designing at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown. For this challenge round, you are able to choose any of the challenges from 2017 to base your project on. That's a LOT of choices!

I chose to use a challenge theme from October 2017: Winter Sports. I'm a by-the-fire type of adult but I have very fond memories of sledding with my kid sister as a child.

I masked a pieced of watercolor cardstock and used bright and happy shimmer powder watercolors on it. Love that sparkle!  I really wanted the background to be show up as much as possible, so once I cut the solid scalloped oval die, I fussy cut out the middle along the stitching lines. So framed, but not too framed!



The Details: Newton's Nook Winter Memories, PTI Christmas Card Kit 2017, Lindy's Magicals, Versafine Onyx Black, Copics

CAS Penguins

Hmm, could someone have been playing with new stamps again? Methinks so! I was able to use up old stash (the tree stamps were unused for well over a year) and leftovers from somewhere or another.

I'm entering this in City Crafter #440 Pick a Penguin, CAS on Friday #147 Make a Christmas Card, Simon Says Wednesday Anything Goes

The Details:  MFT SY Sweet Holiday Penguins, Stacey Yacula Studio Snowy Trees, Zig Watercolor Markers, Copics, Memento Ladybug and Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Gelli Roll Pigment Pen

The Details:  MFT SY Sweet Holiday Penguins, Pink and Main Snow Sweet, Copics, unknown igloo, Simon Says Stiched Whirl die, Copics, Memento Tuxedo Black

Mountain High

The other day I heard the song "Wanted: Dead or Alive" by Bon Jovi which made me think of the MFT cowboy set and how it could be really cute as a Christmas card. I thought about adding more red to his outfit (think cowboy Santa) but decided that's not what cowboys are about so a green vest and snowflake scarf  won the day.

I'm entering this in MFT Color Challenge #106, Allsorts #495 Inspired by a Song

The Details:  MFT Saddle Up and Celebrate, MFT Rolling Hills, Gina Marie Designs Mountain, Distress Oxides, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Copics, Copic Opaque White

TFS - Snarky Christmas

I'm on the Topflight Stamps blog today with two very different watercolored cards.

The Details:  Katzelkraft Jungle Animals, MFT Ho Ho Ho, Hero Arts Luggage Tag Alphabet, Distress Oxide Peacock Feathers, Versafine Onyx Black, Memento Tuxedo Black, Zig Watercolor Markers, Echo Park Celebrate Winterk, Pebbles Holly Jolly and Paper Studio Woodland Wonderland 6x6 Papers

The Details: Katzelkraft Jungle Animals, Katzelkraft Christmas Holiday Accessories, Simon Says Sweater Words and Appliques, Zig Watercolor Markers, Versafine Onyx Black

Believe or Else

I saw the Inkspirational Magic Challenge and wondered if I could make a holiday card with that. Why, yes I can!  I made it one layer too so I could enter Less is More. Masking the Santa hat and magician was interesting since they're red rubber. Thank goodness for my MISTI.

I'm entering this in Inkspirational #174 Magic, Less is More #385 OLC Holiday

The Details:  Katzelkraft Sherlock Holme, Katzelkraft Funny Accessories, Lil Inker Moody Santa, Zig Watercolor Markers, Versafine Onyx Black, Ranger Black Embossing Powder

Sledding Owl

I tend to color things quite realistically but thought I would at least try to make the trees funky pink. Stretching myself just a tiny bit. I plan to make an interactive card with this stamp . . . someday.

I'm entering this in Make My Monday #85 Non-Traditional Xmas Colors, Simon Says Wednesday Baby It's Cold Outside, Addicted to Stamps and More #319 CAS


The Details: MFT SY Warm and Feathered Hugs, Hero Arts Neon Ombre Ink, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Copics

Feathered Hugs

I am playing with new stuff and mixing it with the old.  Can you believe that paper's label said it was released in 1998!  I've had it maybe 3 years so that says a little something about whatever shop I bought it from. 

I'm entering this in Cardz 4 Guyz #208 Christmas Critters, Simon Says Wednesday Baby It's Cold Outside

The Details:  MFT SY Warm and Feathered Friends, Hello BlueBird Birch Die, Memento Tuxedo Black and Danube Blue, Copics

Multicolor Snowflakes

I have been obsessed with the Alcohol Lift Ink so created yet another panel using the same base panel from a few weeks ago. It's amazing how many beautiful lifts you can get! The blue panel is an example of the lift when you let it sit a longer while. I was able to pull most of the alcohol ink but obviously not all as you can see from the blue remaining over the purple.

I'm entering this in Simon Says Monday Let It Snow and Simon Says Wednesday Baby It's Cold Outside

The Details:  Ultimate Crafts Fractal Snowflakes, Stamplorations Let It Snow, Adirondack Alcohol Inks, Yupo, Tim Holtz Alcohol Lift Ink

The Joy of Fishing

I have a couple of leftover JOYs cut out so have been using them up. This one I plan to give to my nephew who is an avid fisherman. I love how this turned out and the little fishies swimming below. So cute!

I'm entering this in Watercooler Wednesday #197 Masculine Anything Goes, Fab n Funky #417 Christmas, Simon Says Wednesday Baby It's Cold Outside

The Details:  Neat and Tangled Stay Cool, Concord and 9th Joy Die, Echo Park Celebrate Winter 6x6 Paper, Copics, Distress Ink Tumbled Glass

Bigfoot Thank You

We are going over to a friend's house for Thanksgiving this year so I worked up this little thank you for her, my favorite Bigfoot lover. LOL.

The Details:  Lawn Fawn Yeti Set Go, Copics, Green Inspired Card Base

I'm also sharing pics of the pumpkin I made during a glass-blowing class. I don't want to become a full-blown (ha!) glass artist, but I certainly want to take more classes.

TFS - Bold Santa

I'm over on the Topflight Stamps blog today talking about how I created this cute and bold holiday card!

The Details:  Carabelle Studio Pere Noel, Taylored Expressions Alpha Blocks, Altenew Cozy Flannel Cover Die, Copics, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Distress Oxides

Magical Woodland Christmas

Now this card uses leftovers but I think they're from a make n take that I never got around to finishing? In any case, super cute results! I hope we get just a bit of snow this year. I love taking a walk in snow--so invigorating and peaceful.

I'm entering this in Cardz 4 Guys #208 Christmas Critters, Fab n Funky #416 With an Animal, Winter Wonderland What You Love to Do at Christmas/Winter

The Details:  Avery Elle Frosty Friends and Winter Woodland Wonders, COpics, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black

Aurora Deer

I'm using another cut from an acrylic pour panel to create a fabulous aurora sky behind these deer.  The vellum is actually gold on the right side; I used the reverse. The entire lot is spattered with Copic Opaque White. I love the kraft behind with the white border. The sentiment is embossed in white on the same kraft.

I'm entering this in Simon Says Monday Let It Snow, Watercooler Wednesday #196 All About Occasions

The Details:  Altenew Happy Holidays, Memory Box Deer Trio, Lifestyle Crafts Circle Die, Stampin Up Winter Wonderland Vellum, Copic Opaque White, Liquitex Acrylic Paint, Versamark, Ranger White Embossing Powder

Cards in Envy Santa Baby

Time for another challenge over at Cards in Envy. We'd like to see something related to Santa/Christmas on your card. Perfect timing for the holidays, right?!

I used one of my Xmas sets from last year to create an underwater holiday scene. I airbrushed the water and sand after stamping the Santa.  I didn't feel like masking so just watched where the ink went closer to him.  Turned out just fine.  The rest is colored with Copics the regular way except for the gold elements which I used Smooches on.

The Details:  Waffle Flower The Season, Gina Marie Designs Fan Coral, Taylored Expressions Build a Scene Underwater, Copics, airbrush, Ranger Multi Medium Matte, Versafine Onyx Black, Memento Tuxedo Black

Caroling Critters

I went in a totally different direction with this card after I had cut out the designer paper.  On the other side are rows of little houses which made me think of caroling but when I noticed the backside I had to go with this instead.  Love the softer colors.

I'm entering this in Freshly Made Sketches #363,  Addicted to Stamps and More #318 Holiday

The Details:  Pretty Pink Posh Caroling Critters, Carta Bella Snow Fun 6x6 Paper, Zig Watercolor Markers, Versafine Onyx Black, Distress Oxide Ground Espresso (stamped off)

SOSS #123 - H is for Home

H is for Home over at The Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers.  Come join us.  Snark optional, although we love to see it!

My idea comes from pineapples being the symbol of home/welcome back in the day. Of course, pineapples made me think of Spongebob Squarepants. So that's settled. Of course, no one really lives in a pineapple under the sea. It's a pineapple. Under the sea. And there you have the snark!

My card background is done primarily with the Copic Airbrush. There's a bit of drawing of the home to make it more like the one on the show. I used a typewriter for the sentiment. I love a vintage typewriter in concept but damn those key are stiff. Give me my soft-touch keyboard any day.

The Details:  Stampendous Tropical Pineapple, Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Border, Copics, Sakura Glaze Pens

Aurora

Sort of using leftovers by taking a piece of Yupo while doing acrylic pouring last weekend and taking advantage of spilled paint. What a glorious aurora it has made!

I'm entering this in AAA Cas #128 On the Move, Fab n Funky #416 With an Animal

The Details:  Neat and Tangled Stay Cool, Lawn Fawn Stitched Hillside Borders, Zig Watercolor Markers, Liquitex Acrylic Paints, Copic Opaque White, Versafine Onyx Black

Poinsettias - 3 Ways

I was in the mood for poinsettias so made a few versions using lots of new stuff as well as my favorite Stampenous poinsettia. Different types of cards, different coloring mediums, unique looks.

I'm entering this in The Card Concept #102 (mixed media)

The Details:  MFT Poinsettia Die and Christmas Background, Mama Elephant Tri Window Die, Recollections Gold Mirror Board, Peerless Watercolors, Zig Markers, Copic Opaque White

I'm entering this in Make My Monday #84 Winter Foliage, Daring Cardmakers Winter Flowers and Foliage

The Details:  Stampendous Poinsettia, MFT Christmas Background, Distress Inks, Stamplorations Wonky Stitched Rectangle Die, Memento Love Letter

The Details:  MFT Christmas Background, Penny Black Glorious, Pretty Pink Posh Twine and Bows, Peerless Watercolors, Zigs, Versamark, Ranger Detail White Embossing Powder

Merry and Bright Snowmen

This is a from a make n take that I worked up last year for the girls but never got around to actually bringing to one of our gatherings.  Well, I refreshed it with inspiration from ME. I love the pink.  And I was surprised at how long it actually took me to color the snowmen, in part because I had to figure out what colors to use where.

I'm entering this in Just Add Ink #434 Big Bold Sentiment, Watercooler Wednesday #196 All About Occasions

The Details:  Mama Elephant Peace on Earth and So Many Snowmen, Distress Oxide Spun Sugar and Picked Raspberry, Copics and Copic Opaque White, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versamark, Ranger Detail White Embossing Powder

TFS - Alice in Wonderland Christmas

I'm over on the Topflight Stamps blog today stretching stamps by using them in whimsical holiday cards!  Do check it out for more details.

The Details:  Visible Image Alice in Wonderland Caterpillar, Visible Image Alice in Wonderland The Cheshire Cat, Ultimate Crafts Fractal Snowflakes, CZ Design Hello You, Hero Arts Offbeat Holiday Messages, Zig Watercolor Markers, Copic Opaque White, Versafine Onyx Black, Versamark, Ranger Detail White Embossing Powder, Distress Ink Pumice Stone, Tim Holtz Alcohol Lift Ink

Rainbow Snowglobe

Yesterday I took some time to use the LF set a friend gifted me ages ago. I paired it with some leftover alcohol ink work and new paper.  I love the cheery colors!

I’m entering this in Lawn Fawnatics #40 and Fusion Wine o'clock (sketch)

The Details:  Lawn Fawn Ready, Set, Snow and Really Rainbow Christmas 6x6 paper, Copic Various Ink, Copics, Distress Oxide Weathered Wood and Black Soot, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Scor-Tape

Holiday Rabbit

I've been working on a series of Alice in Wonderland holiday cards for Topflight Stamps (be sure to check them out this coming Wednesday!) and thought of this one for this round's CAS(E) this Sketch.  I particularly love the countdown. Christmas is right around the corner!

I'm entering this in CAS(E) This Sketch #297 and Addicted to Stamps and More #317 Make Your Mark

The Details: Visible Image Alice in Wonderland White Rabbit, Mama Elephant Yeti Sentiments, Zig Watercolor Markers, Copics (pocket watch, Y15, 26, 28), Versafine Onyx Black

Pastel Deer

Oh, how I love the colors of this card. I used vellum over the designer paper for an even softer effect. Swoon.

I'm entering this in 52 Christmas Card Throwdown November Color Challenge

The Details:  MFT Delightful Deer, Lawn Fawn Frosty Fairies, Penny Black Holiday Trimmings 6x6 Paper, Hello Bluebird Gallery Frame Die 1, Ranger White Embossing Powder, Versamark

Deer Aperture

Two cards with very different results.  Both use a leftover piece of gold foil. I wonder how long I can keep up using these leftovers before I forget about them until the next time I clean my desk, a loooong time from now. LOL.

I'm entering this in Simon Says Monday Make Your Own Background

The Details: Ultimate Crafts Fractal Snowflakes, Hero Arts Deer and Ornament, MFT BB Santa's Elves, Versamark, Ranger White Embossing Powder, Tim Holtz Alcohol Lift Ink, Adirondack Alcohol Inks, Yupo, Deco Art Gold Foil, Minc Reactive Paint

I'm entering this in Less is More #384 Metallics

The Details:  Hero Arts Deer and Ornament, Merry and Bright, Scor-Tape, Versamark, Ranger Gold Embossing Powder, Deco Art Gold Foil

Sympathy Card from Leftovers

I found these leftovers in my pile and paired them to make a lovely sympathy card. I hadn't originally added the bird but it adds so much.

I'm entering this in Freshly Made Sketches #362, HLS November Anything Goes with Dies

The Details:  Clearly Besotted Thinking of You, Impression Obsession Sea Birds, Concord and 9th Paper, Hero Arts Die, Distress Oxides, Versamark, Ranger Detail Fine White Embossing Powder

Wheat or Oats

A quick Thanksgiving card this evening using a new stencil.  Love it!

I'm entering this in Color Throwdown #518, Paper Players #417 Give Thanks, Simon Says Wednesday Thanks/Thanksgiving

The Details:  Stamplorations Abstract Oats stencil, Simon Says Christmas Essentials and Stitched Circle Die, Distress Oxide Vintage Photo and Spiced Marmalade, Copic B93 and airbrush, Versafine Onyx Black

Rainbow Yeti

You know I love color on my cards so I thought I would try something a bit different with the tree background stencil. Isn't it fun? Such happy happy colors. And the perfect backdrop with the rather boring yeti--boring because of the lack of color. I'm glad this set came with a string of lights to "brighten" him up!

I'm entering this in As You Like It Rainbow or Monochrome, Fab n Funky #415 Fantasy Figures

The Details:  Hello Bluebird Yeti or Not, Newton's Nook Evergreens, Distress Oxides, Copics, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black

Boom

I'm over on the Topflight Stamps blog today with the cutest birthday card using a variety of techniques including powdered watercolors, watercolor markers, Copic airbrushing, Copic coloring, masking and stenciling.  Stop on by and check it out.

I'm entering this in Simon Says Monday Make Your Own Background

The Details:  For the Love of Stamps Dino Friends, PaperArtsy Infusions Orange County, Memento Tuxedo Black, Versafine Onyx Black, Copics, Lawn Fawn Grass Die used as mask, Zig Markers, Copic Airbrush