Thursday, December 31, 2020

The 12 Days of Christmas Quest: Day Seven

 
 
Hello and happy New Year's Eve everyone! Just one more sleep until a brand new year! And boy, most of the world is certainly looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020!

It is the seventh day of Christmas and it is time to continue the quest. If you missed day one click HERE to start from the beginning and read all the details. 
 
Day two: click HERE
Day three: click HERE 
Day four: click HERE
Day five: click HERE
Day six: click HERE

As a quick refresher, each day during the 12 Days of Christmas (Dec. 25th to Jan. 5th), you're going to be given a task to follow. I'll be asking you questions to find out how the pandemic has impacted your life over the last year--how it has affected you, what things you've had to do differently, how you've had to adjust your life--that kind of idea. You will be able to leave your daily answer in a comment on the post for each respective day. If you follow the instructions for each day, you'll earn a free digital paper.

Since this is a busy time of year for most people, you will have plenty of time to complete the quest. It is completely up to you as to when you submit your answers (daily, all at once at the end, or otherwise). AS LONG AS ALL your TASKS are submitted, no later than January 12th, 2021, then you will qualify to receive the paper(s) for whichever day(s) you participate.

Here is the paper up for grabs today... 
 
 
This paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. Credits include: Paw Studio (via Creative Fabrica), Janet Scott and Sheila Reid (both via Pixel Scrapper). In the zip folder that will be emailed should you successfully complete the quest, you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.
 
Play along each of the 12 days and you'll earn yourself the full set! So, how about we get started with today's task?!!

On the seventh day of Christmas,
it is time to earn paper number seven.
Keep up the good work and before you know it,
you'll soon work your way up to number eleven!!!


Task:
Between shutdowns and reductions in some supply chains, people had a harder time getting in certain items. Have you had any difficulties getting craft supplies during the pandemic? Have you had to rely on more online shopping or have you been able to pick them up at your usual brick and mortar stores?

For myself, I haven't purchased a single physical item this past year. It isn't because I haven't been able to get anything, it is just that with not being able to do any actual crafting, I haven't needed to purchase anything. For my design work that I do for the freebies I offer up, the kits I offer for sale and the papers I make for my Christmas Card blog (The 12 Months of Christmas), I rely on purchasing digital items; so, there hasn't been any problem getting what I need to work with due to the pandemic on that front at least.

When you come up with a response for today's task, simply leave your response in a comment on THIS POST. Now for many of you, especially those who have played in previous years, the odds are that I should have your e-mail address in order to send out the free paper you earn. If you are new to the quest or are not sure whether I might have your email address, please be sure to also leave your email address in your comment. If you would prefer to keep your address private, then check out the bottom paragraph from Day 1 for how to send it to me.

Hope this New Year's Eve is a festive one! See you all tomorrow for day number eight!!!

Cheers!

Wednesday, December 30, 2020

The 12 Days of Christmas Quest: Day Six

 
 
Hello and happy Wednesday to you! Just two more sleeps until a brand new year!

It is the sixth day of Christmas and it is time to continue the quest. If you missed day one click HERE to start from the beginning and read all the details. 
 
Day two: click HERE
Day three: click HERE 
Day four: click HERE
Day five: click HERE

As a quick refresher, each day during the 12 Days of Christmas (Dec. 25th to Jan. 5th), you're going to be given a task to follow. I'll be asking you questions to find out how the pandemic has impacted your life over the last year--how it has affected you, what things you've had to do differently, how you've had to adjust your life--that kind of idea. You will be able to leave your daily answer in a comment on the post for each respective day. If you follow the instructions for each day, you'll earn a free digital paper.

Since this is a busy time of year for most people, you will have plenty of time to complete the quest. It is completely up to you as to when you submit your answers (daily, all at once at the end, or otherwise). AS LONG AS ALL your TASKS are submitted, no later than January 12th, 2021, then you will qualify to receive the paper(s) for whichever day(s) you participate.

Here is the paper up for grabs today... 
 
 
This paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. Credits include: Guppic the duck (via Creative Fabrica) and Julie Campbell Designs (via DesignBundles). In the zip folder that will be emailed should you successfully complete the quest, you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.
 
Play along each of the 12 days and you'll earn yourself the full set! So, how about we get started with today's task?!!

On the sixth day of Christmas,
it is time to earn paper number six.
Play along today and you'll get to add
another free digital paper to the mix!!!


Task:
The positive in any situation can be found if you look deep enough. What three positive things have you learned about yourself during this past year? OR, What are three positive things that have come out of the last year for you?
 
For myself, I'm choosing three positive things I've learned:
  1. I have learned that I am more resilient than I thought. I can easily become anxious and this past year has certainly caused a lot of anxiety. However, I have survived it and have realized I'm a bit stronger than I thought. 
  2. With production lines being greatly reduced, I am learning to make do without certain items or learning how to substitute. Again, something that I might stress about in the past, I am learning to accept.
  3. I am learning that I am one person and only capable of doing so much. I used to stress greatly if I was running behind or people were relying on me for certain things by a certain date. While it still bothers me if I'm running late, I'm learning to not be so hard on myself. I just have to do the best I can and accept it.
 
When you come up with a response for today's task, simply leave your response in a comment on THIS POST. Now for many of you, especially those who have played in previous years, the odds are that I should have your e-mail address in order to send out the free paper you earn. If you are new to the quest or are not sure whether I might have your email address, please be sure to also leave your email address in your comment. If you would prefer to keep your address private, then check out the bottom paragraph from Day 1 for how to send it to me.

Hope this Wednesday brings you peace & joy! See you all tomorrow for day number seven!!!

Cheers!

Tuesday, December 29, 2020

The 12 Days of Christmas Quest: Day Five

 
 
Hello and happy Tuesday to you! Just three more sleeps until a brand new year!

It is the fifth day of Christmas and it is time to continue the quest. If you missed day one click HERE to start from the beginning and read all the details. Then for day two click HERE, for day three click HERE and for day four click HERE.

As a quick refresher, each day during the 12 Days of Christmas (Dec. 25th to Jan. 5th), you're going to be given a task to follow. I'll be asking you questions to find out how the pandemic has impacted your life over the last year--how it has affected you, what things you've had to do differently, how you've had to adjust your life--that kind of idea. You will be able to leave your daily answer in a comment on the post for each respective day. If you follow the instructions for each day, you'll earn a free digital paper.

Since this is a busy time of year for most people, you will have plenty of time to complete the quest. It is completely up to you as to when you submit your answers (daily, all at once at the end, or otherwise). AS LONG AS ALL your TASKS are submitted, no later than January 12th, 2021, then you will qualify to receive the paper(s) for whichever day(s) you participate.

Here is the paper up for grabs today... 
 
This paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. Credits include: Artsy Pantsy (via Creative Fabrica) and Julie Campbell Designs (via DesignBundles). In the zip folder that will be emailed should you successfully complete the quest, you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.

Play along each of the 12 days and you'll earn yourself the full set! So, how about we get started with today's task?!!

On the fifth day of Christmas,
it is time to earn paper number five.
Just a few precious minutes of your time,
and you'll get to keep the quest alive!!!


Task:
Due to lockdowns and shutdowns many people found themselves with extra time on their hands. Did you find yourself doing MORE or LESS crafting this past year or the same as you typically would do? If you found yourself doing more or less, what was the reason in your particular situation?
 
For myself, the on-going lockdowns and shut downs didn't affect my time. As I don't work and my hubby's job was considered essential, we didn't find ourselves with any extra time. Unfortunately, it was another crazy busy year and I didn't find myself with time to actually get any crafting done. I'm still looking for ways to pare down my hours on the computer each day but for now, it is what it is. 

When you come up with a response for today's task, simply leave your response in a comment on THIS POST. Now for many of you, especially those who have played in previous years, the odds are that I should have your e-mail address in order to send out the free paper you earn. If you are new to the quest or are not sure whether I might have your email address, please be sure to also leave your email address in your comment. If you would prefer to keep your address private, then check out the bottom paragraph from Day 1 for how to send it to me.

Hope this last Tuesday of the year finds you in a seasonal mood! See you all tomorrow for day number six!!!

Cheers!

Monday, December 28, 2020

The 12 Days of Christmas Quest: Day Four

 
 
 
It is the fourth day of Christmas and it is time to continue the quest. If you missed day one click HERE to start from the beginning and read all the details. Then for day two, click HERE and for day three click HERE.

As a quick refresher, each day during the 12 Days of Christmas (Dec. 25th to Jan. 5th), you're going to be given a task to follow. I'll be asking you questions to find out how the pandemic has impacted your life over the last year--how it has affected you, what things you've had to do differently, how you've had to adjust your life--that kind of idea. You will be able to leave your daily answer in a comment on the post for each respective day. If you follow the instructions for each day, you'll earn a free digital paper.

Since this is a busy time of year for most people, you will have plenty of time to complete the quest. It is completely up to you as to when you submit your answers (daily, all at once at the end, or otherwise). AS LONG AS ALL your TASKS are submitted, no later than January 12th, 2021, then you will qualify to receive the paper(s) for whichever day(s) you participate.

Here is the paper up for grabs today...
 

This paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. Credits include: Alex Green Art (via DesignBundles) and Janet Scott (Pixel Scrapper). In the zip folder that will be emailed should you successfully complete the quest, you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.

Play along each of the 12 days and you'll earn yourself the full set! So, how about we get started with today's clue!!!

On the fourth day of Christmas,
it is time to earn paper number four.
Continue to follow the quest each day,
and you'll get to earn several more!!!


Task:
This past year has been difficult for many. Quite a number of people lost their jobs during shut downs, lockdowns or otherwise. Were you in a position to lend a helping hand to family or some strangers in need this past year OR did someone help you out in some capacity?

For myself and my hubby, we were quite lucky. Hubby only works from Feb. to end of April each year and as a tax specialist his job was considered essential so while so many businesses were shut down in March for almost three months, he was able to work and bring home a pay cheque. In fact, as this year the government extended tax season by a month, we were able to bring in a little extra. While we didn't help anyone we knew we did spend some extra money on food for the food bank since there were so many families in need.

When you come up with a response for today's task, simply leave your response in a comment on THIS POST. Now for many of you, especially those who have played in previous years, the odds are that I should have your e-mail address in order to send out the free paper you earn. If you are new to the quest or are not sure whether I might have your email address, please be sure to also leave your email address in your comment. If you would prefer to keep your address private, then check out the bottom paragraph from Day 1 for how to send it to me.

Hope this last Monday of the year finds you in a glorious mood! See you all tomorrow for day number five!!!

Cheers!

Sunday, December 27, 2020

The 12 Days of Christmas Quest: Day Three

 
 
It is the third day of Christmas and it is time to continue the quest. If you missed day one click HERE to start from the beginning and read all the details. Then for day two, click HERE.

As a quick refresher, each day during the 12 Days of Christmas (Dec. 25th to Jan. 5th), you're going to be given a task to follow. I'll be asking you questions to find out how the pandemic has impacted your life over the last year--how it has affected you, what things you've had to do differently, how you've had to adjust your life--that kind of idea. You will be able to leave your daily answer in a comment on the post for each respective day. If you follow the instructions for each day, you'll earn a free digital paper.

Since this is a busy time of year for most people, you will have plenty of time to complete the quest. It is completely up to you as to when you submit your answers (daily, all at once at the end, or otherwise). AS LONG AS ALL your TASKS are submitted, no later than January 12th, 2021, then you will qualify to receive the paper(s) for whichever day(s) you participate.

Here is the paper up for grabs today...
 

This paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. Credits include: Serbanescu Mihaela (for font) and Red Ink (both via Creative Fabrica). In the zip folder that will be emailed should you successfully complete the quest, you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.

Play along each of the 12 days and you'll earn yourself the full set! So, how about we get started with today's clue!!!
 
On the third day of Christmas,
it is time to earn paper number three.
If you care to share some more with me,
you'll earn another paper for free!!!


Task:
Family is everything. What ways have you been employing to reach out to your loved ones during the pandemic? Have you done anything creative to let them know you care?

For myself, I've been reaching out with the reliable phone and email. Haven't exactly been creative in any unique ways. We don't have a camera for our computer so I haven't been making any zoom calls. I'm just thankful that the phone remains a reliable means of communication!

When you come up with a response for today's task, simply leave your response in a comment on THIS POST. Now for many of you, especially those who have played in previous years, the odds are that I should have your e-mail address in order to send out the free paper you earn. If you are new to the quest or are not sure whether I might have your email address, please be sure to also leave your email address in your comment. If you would prefer to keep your address private, then check out the bottom paragraph from Day 1 for how to send it to me.

Hope this third day after Christmas finds you still thinking merry thoughts! See you all tomorrow for day number four!!!

Cheers!

Saturday, December 26, 2020

The 12 Days of Christmas Quest: Day Two

 
Happy Boxing Day!!!

It is the second day of Christmas and it is time to continue the quest. If you missed day one click HERE to start from the beginning and read all the details.

As a quick refresher, each day during the 12 Days of Christmas (Dec. 25th to Jan. 5th), you're going to be given a task to follow. I'll be asking you questions to find out how the pandemic has impacted your life over the last year--how it has affected you, what things you've had to do differently, how you've had to adjust your life--that kind of idea. You will be able to leave your daily answer in a comment on the post for each respective day. If you follow the instructions for each day, you'll earn a free digital paper.

Since this is a busy time of year for most people, you will have plenty of time to complete the quest. It is completely up to you as to when you submit your answers (daily, all at once at the end, or otherwise). AS LONG AS ALL your TASKS are submitted, no later than January 12th, 2021, then you will qualify to receive the paper(s) for whichever day(s) you participate.

Here is the paper up for grabs today... 
 
 
This paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. Credits include: Creative Fabrica Crafts (via Creative Fabrica) and Pixaroma (via DealJumbo). In the zip folder that will be emailed should you successfully complete the quest, you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.

Play along each of the 12 days and you'll earn yourself the full set! So, how about we get started with today's clue!!!

On the second day of Christmas,
it is time to earn paper number two.
So, follow the steps, leave me your answer,
and I'll get the next paper off to you!!!


Task: 
They say that laughter is is the best medicine. How have you managed to keep yourself laughing during the last year?
 
For myself, I have definitely been affected by all the sadness around me, especially during the first few months of the pandemic and again lately as the numbers in my province have increased dramatically. In fact, we're under a province wide lock down again as of today. When this all started, I almost felt like my empathy was on overload and it became very difficult to stay positive. I'm sure that was the case for a number of people. One of things that helped was just being extra silly and goofy and singing out loud. My hubby went out of his way to be silly and goofy in order to put a smile on my face. I also found myself watching more comedies that I typically would. Laughter really does help and I hope that each of you were able to enjoy some laughs to keep your own spirits raised. In that vein, I hope that today's paper helps to put a smile on your face as well.

When you come up with a response for today's task, simply leave your response in a comment on THIS POST. Now for many of you, especially those who have played in previous years, the odds are that I should have your e-mail address in order to send out the free paper you earn. If you are new to the quest or are not sure whether I might have your email address, please be sure to also leave your email address in your comment. If you would prefer to keep your address private, then check out the bottom paragraph from Day 1 for how to send it to me.

Hope this Boxing Day finds you happy and healthy! See you all tomorrow for day number three!!!

Cheers!

Friday, December 25, 2020

The 12 Days of Christmas Quest for 2020 Begins Today!

 
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate! Happy Chanukkah to all my Jewish friends! Feliz Navidad, Kwanzaa Blessings and Happy Holidays to everyone else!

Today marks the official start of the 12 Days of Christmas for 2020 and it is time for the 12 Days of Christmas Quest to begin!

This has been quite the year hasn't it?! A year like nothing else we've seen in our lifetimes up to this point unless one of you happens to be over 100! We have seen some of the worst that mankind can offer and we've seen some of the best that mankind can offer. It is certainly a year that we will never forget.
 
That is why this year, your tasks are going to be rather different. Each day over the next 12 days, I'll be asking you questions to find out what the impact of the last year has been on your life--how it has affected you, what things you've had to do differently, how you've had to adjust your life--that kind of idea. You will be able to leave your daily answer in a comment on the post for each respective day. If you follow the instructions for each day, you'll earn a free digital paper.

I know that this is a crazy busy time of year and hopefully the majority of you are off-line and spending quality time with the people within your household (and further extended if you are in an area doing well for the moment); so, be rest assured, that you will have plenty of time to complete each task. AS LONG AS all your TASKS are submitted, no later than January 12th, 2021, then you will qualify to receive the paper(s) for whichever day(s) you participate.

Here is the paper up for grabs today...
 

This paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. Credits include: Tiana Geo (via Creative Fabrica) and Pixaroma (DealJumbo). In the zip folder that will be emailed should you successfully complete the quest, you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.

Play along each of the 12 days and you'll earn yourself the full set! So, how about we get started with today's task?!!


On the first day of Christmas,
it is time to earn paper number one,
So, I hope that you will all join in
and have yourself a little bit of fun!!!
 
Task:
Most of us have Christmas traditions that we incorporate into our lives each year. This year Christmas is very different for many people in the world unless you happen to be living in New Zealand or Australia or other countries that are doing so much better.

Are there any specific holiday traditions that you are relying on to help make this Christmas a special one? Obviously this is a different year in light of Covid-19, so are you creating any new traditions in light of the situation we find ourselves in? 
 
For myself, it is generally just hubby and me for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. We call my parents and hubby calls some of his siblings but for the most part we just spend a quiet day with each other. Covid hasn't changed that for us. We have a tradition of cooking specific food items for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and we'll take comfort in those same traditions.

When you come up with a response for today's task, simply leave your response in a comment on THIS POST. Now for many of you, especially those who have played in previous years, the odds are that I should have your e-mail address in order to send out the free paper you earn. If you are new to the quest or are not sure whether I might have your email address, please be sure to also leave your email address in your comment.  Now if you are afraid of being spammed, you can write your address by adding {at} and {dot} in their respective spots (see sample below) so that robot spammers won't grab it from the comments when they are published. If you would prefer that no one else see your email address, then you can send it to me in an email to decossesdynamitedoodles {at} yahoo {dot} ca (be sure to replace 'at' and 'dot' with the appropriate symbols) or by clicking HERE to bring up my address in your email program, with the subject heading, "12 DoC 2020: Email Addy for DP Mail Out".

This is a busy time of year for me too and I also want to spend some time with my hubby as well; so, I ask that you please be patient with me. I generally wait until the entire quest is over so that way if someone has participated in all 12 Days, I can just save time and send out the full set at once. So I'll make a list (and check it twice 😉) throughout the 12 Days of Christmas Quest keeping track of who has participated and then work on sending out papers once the event has wrapped up. If someone has participated each day over the next 12 days and has managed to get all their answers in by Jan. 5th, then I'll start mailing as of then. If not, I'll be waiting until the 12th when the deadline is over.

Merry Christmas, my wonderful friends, followers and readers! See you all tomorrow for day number two!!!

Cheers!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to you all! I know that most of us are not having the Christmas that we are normally used to but even in these strange circumstances I truly hope you have (or have had, depending on your location in the world) a wonderful day with the people in your household, and if you're in a location that is doing well, time with close family and/or friends.

It is my firm belief that everyone should get at least one present on this day. So here is my Christmas gift to you...
 
  https://app.box.com/s/rnhbt2clnjcul4kl91bq
 
This digital paper is 3600 x 3600 pixels, in jpg format and published at 300 dpi. Credits include: My Paper Things (via Design Bundles). To grab it, click the download button to be taken to a download location. In the zip folder you will find a copy of the paper, its preview sheet, the credit information and my terms of use which are standard to all my folders.

Stay tuned as later this evening I have something special planned. I am going to do my best to bring you the seventh annual edition of The 12 Days of Christmas. Each day for 12 days, you can earn a free holiday themed digi paper by doing a simple task or answering a question. So, I'll see you all again soon!

Happy holidays all!

Friday, December 04, 2020

Card Design: Pattie's Creations Challenge #177…Winter Fun

http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.ca

Hello there folks! I hope that each of you is continuing to stay healthy in your own little corner of this world as we continue our battle with Covid-19. It has been quite the year, hasn't it?! Let us all hope that we get through the winter ahead with as little loss as possible! It isn't the holiday season we'd have wished for but it is more important to keep our distance and keep people healthy. I wish you all the best in coming up with a safe, healthy and happy way to spend the holidays!

I'm popping in today to announce the next challenge over at Pattie's Creations Design Challenge. This time around for Challenge #177, the theme is Winter Fun. For those of us living in the Northern Hemisphere, it isn't a far stretch to imagine winter which officially arrives Dec. 21st; especially those of us in the north who're already experiencing the biting cold and snow of winter!


General Project Info:
  • This card has been created 100% digitally and then layered in a Mock Up (courtesy of Frisk Shop). It will be printed out and assembled prior to dissemination.


FRONT

Digital Image Details:
  • Pearl The Penguin: You can find this image in Pattie's Etsy shop by clicking on the image name. This image has been coloured digitally and digitally 'paper' pieced in one section as well. Credits include:
 
Digital Sentiment Details: 
 
 
INSIDE 

Digital Sentiment Details: 
  • One I created for the purpose of this card.
 
Digital Embellishments:
  • The snowflakes are from a set created by Pixaroma that I purchased in an expired bundle (Via Deal Jumbo).




OVERALL 
 
Digital Paper Products:
 
 
Digital Embellishments:
  • I have used basic shapes in Photoshop to create the border on the front and the matting in behind the sentiment on the inside.
  • I have applied shadow layer styles to give certain elements some depth. These styles were designed by Sheila Reid, Pixel Scrapper.


Challenges I am hoping to enter...

You have until December 31st to enter our challenge which should give you lots of time to get a creation done. Remember the theme is Winter Fun. I really hope that you will be able to join us. You can enter three times per challenge and of course MUST follow all the challenge requirements that are posted (please click HERE to become familiar with all the rules).

Pop over to the challenge blog and check out what my fabulous teammates have offered up for inspiration. Oh and don't forget…Pattie offers up a new freebie the first Friday of the month and it will remain up for approximately two weeks; so, be sure to pop over and check it out as well!

Well guys, that is it for this one. Have the best December you can!!!
 
Until next time,