Card Design: Two Challenges -- One Card...DS4J & Doodle Pantry November

Once again I've decided to combine challenges with one creation.  I've used the stamp that I got in the DigiStamps4Joy progressive challenge and also a freebie from Doodle Pantry.

This card also makes another one for the Christmas card pot!  It is getting close to the true time of panic.  Hopefully, I will end up with enough to get me through!  

Christmas Card Count to date: 27

 I was a bit stumped on how to incorporate the tags into my card at first.  Then I did a Google image search for 'tags on cards' and found a great example that you can check out HERE if you'd like.  Unfortunately, there is no watermark on that card, and to be honest, I'm not exactly sure how the site where I found it works, so I don't know who the original artist is which means I wasn't able to thank them for the inspiration.  Just another important reason to make sure you add watermarks to all your projects. 


FRONT

First up--DS4J...

Here is the great DS4J set we got to work with this month:

These tags are definitely versatile and could be used to add the perfect touch to a present you are handing out this coming holiday.

Digital Image Details: 

• Christmas Tags:  If you aren't part of the progressive challenge and would like to purchase it so that you can join in, click HERE or on the watermark above to find it in the DS4J store.
• I decided to triplicate the snowflake tag only as I wanted to keep the wintry-snow theme running throughout.  I used chalk to add some colour to the snowflakes. 

Don't forget that if you are interested in joining the DS4J progressive Christmas card challenge you will need to contact Desíre (her details are at the bottom of the DS4J link up post). I've linked the DS4J badge above, to take you to that post. 

Next up--Doodle Pantry...

It was high time for me to get back into the Doodle Pantry challenges and with the great set up for grabs this month, I definitely couldn't resist.  Remember, Doodle Pantry challenges are unique.  If you use a Doodle Pantry image (not just a sentiment) then not only will your name be entered for a final prize coupon BUT you will also get the featured product for free.  That is pretty darn incredible!!!  Now of course, you are welcome to submit cards following the rules and theme using an image from any digital company but you will only be entered into the draw for the final prize coupon.

Check out the amazing featured product up for grabs in this month's challenge, for those who do enter using a Doodle Pantry image... 

Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!  Seriously, there is no way I could NOT enter and get this fabulous set.

Here is the great kit I worked with for this month.  Check it out...

Digital Image Details: 

• Snowman Pile-Up:  I received this adorable set for taking part in a previous challenge.  I used the pre-coloured image. To purchase it, click HERE or on the watermark above to head its location in the store.
  

Digital Paper Details:

•  The paper used on the front and inside is also from the Snowman Pile-Up set.

Other Details and Credit Information for the front...

Digital Sentiment Details: 

• This amazing sentiment is part of a set of Primitive Christmas blocks that I picked up over at Create with TLC.  Amazingly, this set is still available for free.  Click HERE to go and grab them but make sure that you leave Paulette some love if you do.  For other great finds, be sure to click HERE to go to Paulette's blog and HERE to go to the store.

Embellishments:

• The sheer dotted ribbon across the front and the cord used in the buttons are Crafts brand and were purchased at Dollarama. 
• The buttons were picked up at the Dollar Tree.

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment Details: 

• This wonderful sentiment that went perfectly with the front of my card is also from Create with TLC.  It is a freebie I picked up recently.
  

OVERALL 
Paper Products:

• Card, image and sentiment base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.

Challenges I am entering:

• http://digistamps4joy-sa.blogspot.ca/2014/11/monthly-christmas-challenge-november.html -- Progressive Christmas Challenge
• http://doodlepantryblog.blogspot.ca/2014/11/doodle-pantry-digital-challenge-52.html  -- Monthly Challenge

Other Challenges I am hoping to enter...

• http://www.wordartwednesday.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://craftyhazelnutschristmaschallenge2.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Anything Goes:  Christmas
• http://christmasstampin.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes
• http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.ca/-- Anything Goes with Patterned Papers
• http://lovetoscrapchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Say It In Colour: Must have sentiment in a colour other than black and white (also must have stamping) (as you can see the sentiment on the front is in white/pink/brown and it is a digital stamp)
• http://treasuredtimesrubberstampschallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Anything Goes 
• http://crimbo-crackers.blogspot.ca/ -- Buttons
• http://christmasatsweetstampinchallengeblog.blogspot.co.uk/ -- Snow People 
• http://christmasblogchallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Let's Get Sentimental
  

Well guys, that is it for this post.  Thank you so much for taking the time to come and visit me!  Now it is time to get started on my other two progressive cards plus some DT work.  Then of course there is also the paper I need to create for the US Thanksgiving freebie, plus some behind the scenes stuff to prepare for The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up blog and then I also need to work on some new paper sets.  Man, it is going to be a busy week ahead!  I hope that you all have a great one! 

Until next time,

Final Lady Anne Progressive Christmas Challenge

I have just enough time left to post my final creation for the Lady Anne Progressive Christmas Challenge.  For the last year I have had the opportunity to be involved in this wonderful progressive Christmas Challenge where we got two images each month to play with.  As long as we submitted a card with at least one of them, we were eligible to receive two more the next month.  This has been a wonderful opportunity to build my bank of Christmas images from many different companies and it also gave me the incentive that I needed to create Christmas cards on a consistent basis.  Sadly, Lady Anne has decided to close this particular challenge.  I'm not sure how I will fare next year without deadlines for keeping on track.  I almost thought about starting my own progressive Christmas challenge and hand out Christmas papers and goodies to work with but given everything else I am doing right now I realized that it would be adding just too much additional work and then I probably wouldn't get the chance to create any cards of my own for it because I'd be so busy with the admin of it.  It is still something I'd like to do in the future.  Maybe I'll make it a two year goal.  

Anyways, I would like to thank Lady Anne and Laurian for creating and allowing us the opportunity to participate in the progressive Christmas challenge.  I would also like to thank the team for the amazing creative inspiration that they have provided us throughout this past year.  I wish everyone involved with this challenge, much success in your future endeavours and hope to see you out and about in the blogiverse.

So here it is, my final LAPCC creation...

General Information:

• I created a strictly digital creation for now.  However I do have plans to turn it into a physical card.

Digital Images: 

• Snowman:  This cute snowman image is of course from this month's sponsor, Oak Pond Creations. 
  • The image was coloured digitally in PSE5.  Parts of the image were altered using layer styles from Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com. 

• The background scene is from George Hodan, a photographer with PublicDomainPictures.net. 

 Digital Embellishments:

• The frame is a shape also from Shelby Kate Schmitz.  It has been altered using one of her layer styles as well.
• The digital snowflakes are from the Brisk kit designed by Jeanine Baechtold a designer with ComputerScrapbook.com, available as a freebie.

Challenges I am entering:

• Lady Anne's Challenges -- Progressive Christmas Card Challenge #11

Other challenges I might get it into...

• http://digitallysweetchallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Frosty the Snowman
• http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.ca/ -- Snowflakes
• http://lexiscreations.blogspot.ca/ (2E)-- Snow
• http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Snowflakes
• http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Snowy Scene Within Image
• http://thegloryofchristmaschallenge.blogspot.de/ -- Snow
• http://www.lunagirlmoonbeams.com/ -- Blue Christmas

So there you go, no more progressive Christmas challenges--at least until I can find another or create my own.  Okay, moving on to another possible creation and post.  Now sure if I'll achieve my goal though, given the time.  Wish me luck!
 

Card Design: Doodle Pantry Digital Challenge #41

Just eight cards, seven more projects and six million other things to complete by Saturday.  Something tells me I have no chance in you know where of getting it all done on time.  However, it is the season of miracles so I am praying reeeeaaallly hard.  

At least I crossed number nine off the card list, late last night (okay, well technically early this morning).  This particular card is for one of best friend's (Naomi) son.  He has had his fair share of difficulties this past fall what with having to have surgery on both feet and all.  However, I have been told he loves to receive cards and while the holiday card to their family has already been sent, I thought that it would be nice to send him one, just for him alone.

Thankfully, one of the kits I already had from Doodle Pantry was just perfect for creating Michael's card.  I just came across the Doodle Pantry challenges last month and I am hooked.  Not only is Doodle Pantry extremely generous when it comes to their freebies--as they are not just single images but folders full of goodies--they are also extremely generous when it comes to entering their challenges.  If you use a Doodle Pantry image (not just a sentiment) then not only will your name be entered for a final prize coupon BUT you will also get the featured product for free.  That is pretty darn incredible!!!  Now of course, you are welcome to submit cards following the rules and theme using an image from any digital company but you will only be entered into the draw for the final prize coupon.

Check out the amazing featured product up for grabs in this month's challenge, for those who do enter using a Doodle Pantry image...

Look at all those goodies!!!  Talk about versatile--there are several sentiments all covering different themes from belated birthday to best friends.  You know me, the more ideas I can get from a single image or set, the better!   Also, look at how cute those geese are.  I mean, come on, you can't help but smile.

Now I don't know about you, but for me that it is darn good incentive to create a card and enter the challenge.  Everyone is a winner AND unlike progressive challenges where if you miss a challenge you lose the opportunity to play in future ones, the challenge at Doodle Pantry is set so that ANYONE can enter at ANY time, and still have the opportunity to earn the freebie package (following the rules of course). 

Oh, and I've also been informed from someone who has been playing along this past year, that the theme is ALWAYS Any Digi Goes. That gives me the opportunity to play with a variety of ideas.  Another bonus as far as I'm concerned. 

Here is the cute set I worked with for this month.  It is actually the set I received last month for entering.  Check it out...

Snowman Pile-Up:  How cute are these images and look at all the incredible items included in this particular kit.  With just one set, the card possibilities are endless!  I've linked up the watermark to the set's location in the store.

FRONT

Digital Image: 

• Snowman Pile-up Coloured:  Oh my goodness, I can see just how much trouble these three could get into if left unsupervised for too long.  I chose once again to use a pre-coloured image to help save me a little bit of time. 

Digital Sentiment:

• The 'Let it Snow' sentiment is one I picked up as a freebie a long time ago over at Scribbles By Sandy.  If you are interested, it is currently available in the Scribbles Designs Store.  Clicking on the watermark below will take you to its location in the store.  It is only $1.00--you can't beat that kind of price for a great ticket shaped sentiment!

Embellishments:

• The little white snowflakes are Crafts brand purchased at Dollarama.

INSIDE 

Digital Sentiment:

• For the inside of my card, I went with one of the sentiments from the Doodle Pantry set.

OVERALL

Paper Products:

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.

Digital Paper Products: 

• I used three different digital papers from this set. 

Other Notes: 

• I'm really enjoying doing digital layouts for some of my cards.  Except for the addition of the snowflakes on the front of the card, everything was laid out digitally and then printed off as a one layer card that technically has 7 different digital layers. 
• With using these digital layers to achieve a bit of depth, the card doesn't really appear like it is flat.  Using a layer style from Shelby Kate Schmitz of graphicssoft.about.com, to create a backdrop for the sentiment on the front and on the inside, helps to give it a little more dimension as well.  All in all I'm really pleased with how it turned out. 
• Since all the depth is achieved digitally, it is a bonus as it doesn't create any extra bulk or weight, keeping the mailing cost down!

Challenges I am entering:

• Doodle Pantry -- Challenge #41--Any Digi Goes
• http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.ca/ -- Snowflakes
• http://lexiscreations.blogspot.ca/ (2E)-- Snow
• http://allsortschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Snowflakes
• http://digitallysweetchallenges.blogspot.ca/ -- Frosty the Snowman
• http://pattiescreationschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Snowy Scene Within Image
• http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.ca/ -- Christmas--non-traditional colours
• http://sentimentalsundays.blogspot.ca/ --  Christmas--non-traditional colours
• http://thegloryofchristmaschallenge.blogspot.de/ -- Snow
• http://totallypapercrafts.blogspot.ca/  --  Christmas--non-traditional colours
  

Well guys, that is it for this post.  I'm off to complete the next thing on my 'to do' list.  Wish me luck!!!

Until next time,

Card Design: Lady Anne's Progressive Christmas Challenge #8-Second Card

Here is my second card for the Lady Anne's Progressive Christmas Challenge.  If you want to see all the preamble from the previous post related to this challenge and the sponsor, you can go HERE.

Here is my card and details.  I hope I don't forget anything...
 
General Information:

• I was going to wait and post tomorrow afternoon when I got re-settled on the computer but since it is so close to the end of the challenge and there is that pesky time difference I have to deal with, I've decided to go ahead and do it now before heading to bed.  The blog says that the challenge ends on Saturday which of course makes sense because it is the right week of the month, but the link up states there is still 30 days to go so this month I can't count on the countdown to make sure I get it in on time.  So, instead of leaving it to the last minute, here I am with my second card.

 FRONT

Digital Image:

• As mentioned in the first post, the images we get to play with this month are from QKR Stampede.  
• I coloured it with Copic Markers:  YG61, YG63, YG67 (pine needles); E21, E23, E25 (all wood); W1, W3 (tag); BG70, BG72 (anything snow related); R20 (cheeks); C3, C5, C7 (nose); R20, R22, R24 (hat).

Digital Sentiment:

• The circular sentiment is from San's Design.  It is from the same set that I used in my card yesterday and also last month.  It is from a freebie set obtained some time ago.

Embellishments:

•  The dotted ribbon is Crafts brand from Dollarama.
• The metallic sheen snowflakes are from a stash I got from my momma.

INSIDE 

Digital Sentiment:

• Once again, I kept the inside very CAS.  I used another of the sentiments I created for last year's Holiday Handouts.  Click on Holiday Handout in the label section to locate the 22 holiday season related freebies if you haven't picked them up yet.   Edit:  As soon as I hit the publish button I realized that the sentiment was not one of the holiday handouts but actually a Follower Freebie from back at the end of November.  If you are interested in it, you can find it HERE.

OVERALL
Paper Products:

• Designer Papers (DP):  
• The dotted paper I used on the front is from Recollection's Bright Christmas Paper Pad. 
• The striped paper is haute couture at its finest:  It is from a tissue box.  Yup, that is right, I even recycle the nicer tissue boxes.  I've finally found the right card for this design in particular.   You would never know from looking at it that is was from a tissue box, would you?
• Solid dark blue (front and matting front and inside) --Michael's open stock scrapbook paper.

Challenges I am entering:

• Lady Anne's Challenges -- Progressive Christmas Card Challenge #8

Well that is it for this month's Christmas cards for the LAPCC.  See you tomorrow for the next Saturday Showcase.

 Until next time,

Card Design: A Christmas Card using San's Design

Hello my dear peeps.  I hope that you are all well on this fine Wednesday morning.  It is time to showcase another card using one of San's great images.  

 

Part of this card you have seen before, as the front was entered into the last Lady Anne's Progressive Christmas Challenge.  On the front of that card, I used a freebie sentiment that I picked up quite awhile back as part of a set of Christmas sentiments.  Here is a refresher as to what the front of that card looked like...

 

Digital Image:

•  As mentioned in the original post, the image of the santa and tree is from Nana Vic Digitals. It was coloured with Copic Markers and I used glitter glue to highlight certain areas.

Digital Sentiment:

•  As mentioned earlier, the sentiment is from San.  I love this circular sentiment.  The snowflake is really cool and the stitching around the edge of the circle adds a nice touch to the overall design.  I also like how the snowflake extends past the inner circle.  I used chalk to colour up the snowflake; although, it is a bit faint in the picture.
• I used my Cricut machine to cut a snowflake shape to sit in behind the sentiment. 

Embellishments:

•  The large half 'pearls' are Crafts brand from Dollarama.

INSIDE

Digital Image:

• This funky little snowman is a recent release over at San's Design.  It was part of the 'Christmas in July' release from just last month.  I love this cute little snowman and was glad to get a chance to use him on my card.  It was coloured with Copic Markers.  Snow/snowman/flakes: Colourless Blender, BG 70, BG 72.  I used the palette method to soften the difference between the colours.  Stick arms:  E31, E33, E39.  Birds:  R20, R22, R24, W3.  Lantern:  B21, B24, Y 21, Y23.
• If you are interested in purchasing this image, please click on the watermark below and it will take you to its location in the store.

Digital Sentiment:

• One I created for the holidays last Christmas.  You can find it HERE if you'd like to grab it.  It comes in two different styles and four different colours for each of the styles.

Embellishments:

• The metallic snowflakes are from a stash I got from my momma so I'm afraid I don't know where they came from.

 

OVERALL

Paper Products:

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, white.
• Designer Paper: Christmas paper and dotted paper (front & inside)-- Recollection's All Seasons Paper Pad.
• Shimmery white cardstock (matting behind dotted paper, front & inside) along with the red paper used as matting in behind images/sentiments (front & inside)--Michael's open stock scrapbook paper.

Cricut Cartridge:

• I used Elegant Edges to create the snowflake backdrop used in behind the sentiment on the front of the card.

I hope that you have liked these fabulous images from San.  She really does have some wonderful digis and if you haven't been by the blog or shop in awhile, now is a great time to visit.  You never know what little gems you may find.

Your place to go for amazing digital designs and card inspiration! You can also find San's Design on Facebook.  Click HERE 

to go there now. 

 

 

Well that is it for this post.  I'm so glad you had a chance to stop by. 

 May your day be filled with sparkles and sunshine!

 

Until next time,

 

Card Design: San's Design New Release Preview Christmas In July

Hello Everyone!  In just a few more days we'll be celebrating Christmas in July over at Sans Design.

If you have been following me, you know that I have been diligently trying to create some Christmas cards early this year in an effort to avoid the Christmas Card Panic.  Well, my work with the Lady Anne's Progressive Christmas Challenge which I am actually combining with today's new release preview, have helped start a nice little bundle.  Nowhere near the amount I need to send out, but certainly more that I had handmade last year.

For this card I got to play with a fabulous new circular frame AND a wonderful new sentiment label.  Here is what they look like...
 

SN00199-Snowflake Frame

SN00196--Season Greetings Label

Here are the card and details.  I hope that I haven't forgotten anything...

• It was fortuitous that once again the images I got to work with from both San's Designs and the remaining image I had to use from the Lady Anne Progressive Christmas challenge that I am part of, complimented each other so well. 
• I love the versatility of both the frame and the labels.  They make it very easy to combine with other images and sentiments, which you know I just love to be able to do.  So you'll definitely be seeing these images on more cards very soon.

 FRONT

 Sketch:

• I used a sketch from Sweet Sketch Wednesday.

 Digital Images:

• Snowflake Frame:  I coloured this image with two different mediums.  First I went with Copics using YG61, YG63, YG67 for the greenery; and R22, R24, R29 and the colourless blender for the berries.  I also used chalk around the edges of the frame where the snowflakes are.
• Snowman & Candle:  The image sitting front and centre is my second image I got to play with in the Lady Anne Progressive Christmas Challenge.  It is from DigiStamps4Joy.
• I coloured this image mostly with Copics BG70, BG72, BG75, BG78 for the snowman and his hat; R20, R22, R24 for the candle; Y17. YR04, YR07 for the flames; Y21, Y23 for the scarf and hat band.  The same colours as listed in the bullet above were used for the holly and berries.  I also used yellow chalk around the image to help ground it.

Embellishments:

• Both the ribbon and snowflakes I used are Crafts brand from Dollarama.

INSIDE

Digital Sentiment:

• Seasons Greetings Label:  I love all three renditions of this label.  In fact I've got a card coming out on Monday that will showcase the blank one. 
• The image was fussy cut and then I inked the edges in black.
• I chalked up the snowflakes as I had done on the front for some consitency. 
• The area for my message was also chalked up around the edges to help make it blend with the label but also stand out from the background without having to cut another piece for the shadow.  The edges were also inked in black.

OVERALL 
Paper Products:

• Card base: Michael's Recollection's Cardstock, Pastel collection.
• Designer Paper:  Both papers used in this project are from the Recollection's Bright Christmas paper pad.  

Challenges I hope to enter include:

• 613 Avenue Create -- Anything Goes/Optional Twist 
• Word Art Wednesday -- Anything Goes 
• Lady Anne's Progressive Christmas Challenge  -- Progressive Christmas Card Challenge #6
• Always Playing with Paper -- Anything Goes Christmas Challenge

Some more challenges may be added to this list later this week and/or month.

The watermarked image I used in my project from San's Designs will be available on Saturday when the new releases come out. 

I am so glad you have had the chance to stop by and check out my latest creation.  Please join me Saturday to find out the other Christmas goodies you'll be able to stock up on.  SAN-ta Claus is coming to town--early.  You don't want to miss it. 
 

Your place to go for amazing digital designs and card inspiration!

You can also check San's Design out on Facebook.  Click HERE to go there now.