Marbly, Sparkly Thanks....Serendipity Stamps Blog Hop and Half-Way Challenge Reminder (Sparkle)

Hello,

I'm counting down the hours in ecstatic glee (which I'm trying to curb somewhat so as not to drive everyone around me crazy) for the arrival of Christmas break (Friday, noon!) and with it, a trip north to see my family!
Thank heavens for this marvelous hobby to keep me busy (and quiet-ish *grin*) over the next couple of days.

Let's dash right in, shall we, to the Serendipity Stamps December Blog Hop and Reminder, where this month's theme is Thanks; perfect timing to express our gratitude for the various gifts - be they of the gift-wrapped or time-spent variety - coming our way.

The DT have composed a lovely array of thank you-themed cards, which also feature this month's challenge technique: sparkle. When you hop along with us (you should have arrived here from wonderfully talented Miriam's blog)  you'll experience the uoy of seeing marvelous inspiration AND the opportunity to win a $20 gift certificate to one commenter randomly selected from all the blogs. You can leave comments through to midnight Dec. 25th; the winner will be announced on Mary's blog on December 26st. Christmas gift opportunity! Here's the hop order:

Mary's Blog

Miriam Napier

Carol Mayne

Vickie Zimmer

Jeanne Jachna 

Julie Warner

Karen Amidon

Marybeth Lopez

Did you know that Serendipity Stamps carries a wide range of pretty, detailed background stamps? I didn't, however, a wander through the shop brought me to this marvelous Marble Cells Background that I *had* to have!  Recently, several designers in the community have been using background images - like the one you'll see here - in all make-and-manner of fashion: simply inked; inked and copic-coloured; embossed and water-coloured...and so on.  I opted for white embossing with distress ink sponging (Picked Raspberry, Worn Lipstick, Festive Berries), to create a canvas for my sparkly silver paper Thanks die cut.

Two views of the same card in an effort to catch the shimmer of the paper (and minimize the bend-wendie of the embossed panel. I need heavier cardstock for embossing...or a hotter heat gun. Hmmm...think I'll stick with opting for heavier paper. Seems a tad 'safer', given how clumsy I can be!).  Hopefully, you can overlook the slight warp and focus on the marbleized details. I wonder what the effect would be if I used zigs to colour the cells? On my 'do' list, for sure!

Before you head off hopping, a trio of important items:

• Sale Alert! From now through Dec. 25th, you'll receive 40% off the highest priced item in your cart. Use code " 40fromhigh1216". Happy Shopping!
• Have you played in our current challenge yet? We're inviting you to join us at Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog #62 with projects that include at least on Serendipity Stamp image AND *sparkle*!

• A reminder of  December's 50% off stamp-of-the-month: the lovely, tranquil Winter Doe scene.

Also sharing at:

Stamp Ink Paper Challenge #79~Anything BUT Christmas

Wishing you all the joys of this festive season and a most MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Thank you for sharing part of your day with me; your visit brings me joy!