Love...Serendipity Stamps Challenge #63~Anything Goes

HAPPY NEW YEAR!  

Wishing everyone a most joyous 2017, filled with all things wonderful and more wonderful!

A new month, a new year AND a new challenge: Serendipity Stamps Challenge #63~Anything Goes. We also have something 'new' - andbittersweet - to announce over at Serendipity: our wonderful Jeanne Jachna has decided to leave the team. Mary's tribute to Jeanne expresses how impressive her contributions have been:

"For 5 years Jeanne has guided the Serendipity Stamps Design Team far beyond anything I ever imagined.   She’s inspired and led me toward products, designs, and programs that have helped move Serendipity from a wholesale based company to a company that can hold its own in blogland.   She’s worked tirelessly to promote Serendipity’s name and products.   She’s guided our design team to an organized system of releases and challenges on the Serendipity Stamps Challenge Blog.  I thank Jeanne with all my heart as she moves on to new endeavors!"  

Jeanne,  you will be deeply missed here BUT, we know where to find you:  A Kept Life.  Looking forward to discovering what new undertakings you'll be dazzling us with in 2017!  An extra special THANK YOU for introducing me to Mary and encouraging her to bring me on board! Dream come true...and I owe it entirely to you!

Before I get more teary eyed, let's shift gears! Today, we're inviting you to join us for Serendipity Stamps Challenge #63~Anything Goes.On the first of the month, we post a new challenge with a central theme. The design team provides samples for inspiration at the beginning and again at the half way point. You have the whole month to join us! The only 'rule': use at least one Serendipity Stamp image on your creation. The incentive: winning some goodies from Serendipity Stamps.

January 1st..and before we blink, February, will be on the horizon. And we know what that means! My sister-in-law has already requested Valentine's Day cards for my niece and nephew's teachers and, as always, I'm ready to deliver!  For this challenge, I'm featuring the Love Die and Hearts Stamp Set which were such fun (and simple!) to colour. Chameleon pens came out for a play....

One card done...and about 7 more to go. Then comes the Valentine's Day 'somethings' for my niece's 26 classmates and my nephew's 25 daycare pals.  I'm going to have love, hearts and sweetness on the brain for the next while! I love making V-Day stuff....just sayin'!

Please head over to visit my wonderful teammates' Anything Goes designs; delight guaranteed!

Julie Warner

Karen Amidon

Marybeth Lopez

Miriam Napier

Vickie Zimmer

Turning the stage over to you:

How does *Anything Goes* spark your creativity?

What Serendipity Stamp will you feature?

Looking forward to seeing your creativity in the gallery!

Be sure to link up at the challenge blog by January 31st @ 11:55pm.

To celebrate the New Year, m husband and I are commandeering my brother and sister-in-law's kitchen to make homemade pizzas for them, my niece and nephew, my mom, my sister and her husband, and my sister-in-law's parents. My niece and nephew are looking forward to Uncle Andy tossing the dough in the air (or floor, as the case may be *grin*). Pizza-palooza about to unfold!!

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

Unicorn...Inkspirational Challenge #125~Photo Inspiration

Happy New Year's Eve, my wonderful friends!

I've been at my mom's since last Friday (staying until Monday) and oh. my. stars! Having a BLAST!  All kinds of 'going, going, going' at full throttle with my niece and nephew (Aunty c isn't as 'bendable' as she once was, but getting some great exercise trying to be *grin*), engaging in shenanigans galore, and spoiled and pampered with oodles upon oodles of cuddles and giggles. Blessed? Only exponentially so!

Time for a new challenge over at Inkspirational Challenge #125, where we're inviting you to draw inspiration from this dazzling photo.  With New Year's but a few hours away, 'tis a most fitting glitzy, glamorous image, isn't it?

I don't send many (or any, come to think of it...hmmmm), New Year's cards, so I departed from the 'theme' and focused on the colours, shimmer and sparkle.  My card was designed for my husband's niece - beautiful, sweet 19-year-old Willa - who lost her mom (my husband's sister) in early November.  Willa *loves* unicorns, having quite the collection, predominately of the 'plush' variety. Instead of something 'practical' for Christmas, we decided to give her something that, hopefully, would touch her heart: a sterling silver unicorn she could wear as a pendant on a necklace or a charm on a bracelet. We won't discuss the sleuthing and nail-biting that went on behind the scenes in trying to find this for her....but I will say I received impressive above-and-beyond service from a shop here in Canmore. Incredibly helpful; incredibly 'speedy'; incredibly understanding of 'why' I 'needed' this specific gift....

Initially, a more 'traditional' Christmas card was in the works, but after seeing...and musing...about the photo inspiration, "this" just had to happen. And I'm glad it did. She was thrilled...and seeing her thrilled, melted my heart...and my husband's, too....

Here's the card and gift ensemble....

and the card on its own...

Please drop in at Inkspirational to see the dazzling delights my sweet teammates (love to all of you; so fortunate to be part of the Ink family!) have created:

Marina

Sandie

Shauna

Pia

Kim

Nonni

To all of my wonderful blog friends and visitors: thank you for your wonderful support and encouragement in 2016. May I continue to be blessed with your companionship in 2017!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

Also sharing at:

4 Crafty Chicks Challenge #331~Anything Goes

Creatalicious Challenge #106~Anything Goes

Double D Challenges~Silver and Gold

Simon Says Wednesday Challenge~Anything Goes 

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!

What Christmas Is Angel...STAMPlorations ARTplorations Stencil Blog Hop (Day 6, Dec. 19)

Hello,

I'm back with one more card for Day 6 of the STAMPlorations ARTplorations Stencil Blog Hop.

Yesterday, I shared a card featuring the Nativity portion of the  Nativity Angel stencil; today, I'm showcasing the Angel....

Simple stenciling paired with a heart-warming sentiment...another card ready to be mailed!

Have you brought your stenciling over to the Flash Linky Party yet?  If  not, you still have time; the link closes Friday, December 23, 11:55 p.m. Pacific (GMT-8).  Perhaps you can squeeze in a little bit of crafting...it's good for the spirit *grin*!

Also sharing at:

STAMPlorations Anything Goes Challenge

Cards In Envy~Celebrate the Season Card Challenge

Creatalicious Challenges #105~Anything Goes 

My Time To Craft Challenge #366~ Christmas (no traditional Christmas colours) 
 
Thank you for spending part of your day with me; your visit brings me joy!

What Christmas Is Nativity....STAMPlorations ARTplorations Stencil Blog Hop (Day 5, Dec.18)

Hello,

Welcome to Day 5 of the STAMPlorations ARTploration Stencil Blog Hop, where once again I'm joining Shery's gals for a showcase of the amazing stencils available over at her shop.

Did you see Toni's fabulous card on Day 4? The one with the lovely rainbow coloured deer?  You must go for a visit...and them come back to see how I rather 'shamelessly' cased her style using the Nativity Angel stencil.  I know that the colours are far from traditional, however, I *think* they speak to the joy of  the essence of Christmas.

NOTE: Honoured and thrilled to be selected as The Curtain Call Fa-La-La Lead! THANK YOU!

A reminder of what's in store for you if you comment

• THREE (3) winners will be randomly drawn from comments left on the designers' blogs to each win their choice of 1 standard size ARTplorations stencil.
• ONE (1) winner will be randomly drawn from comments left on this post (Day 1) to receive a $15 gift certificate to the STAMPlorations shop or her choice of 2 standard size ARTplorations stencils.

AND a reminder of what you can win if you join the party:

• We've got extra prizes for those who participate in the Flash Stencil Project Linky Party (linky opens tomorrow, December 15, and closes on December 23).

Come play along!!

Also sharing at:

Curtain Call Inspiration Challenge, drawing inspiration from the colours:

STAMPlorations ARTplorations Flash Stencil Project Linky Party

STAMPlorations Anything Goes Challenge

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

Joyful Neutrals...Inspirational Challenge #124~Neutrals Only

Hello,

Are you counting down the days to Christmas? Got your cards made and mailed? Gifts wrapped? Home decorated and baking done? Me...well, let's just say, I have a few things left to do (a lot of 'few things', actually!).  Still, no matter how busy we are, we need to find time to 'play cards', right? Right!!

Raquel, our fabulous Guest Designer is joining the Inkspirational gals - 

Sandie 

Marina

Shauna 

Pia

Kim
Yvonne

and me - for  Inkspirational Challenge #124~Neutrals Only

Set aside the reds and greens, the aquas and golds, the pinks and blues. Instead, bring out your greys, your browns, your greys....and show them some love!

My card is a revised version of one I did a while back. This time the Concord & 9th green Joys and holly, paired with a pop of red berry are transformed to shades of brown (Memento inks), a sprig of grey foliage and a creamy pearl....

Muted, but pretty in a 'neutral' sort of way....Hope you think so, too!

Turning the stage over to you!  

Looking forward to seeing your creativity in the gallery!

Also sharing at:

AAA Cards CAS Game #79~Christmas

Creatalicious Challenge #105~Anything Goes

Tuesday Throwdown Challenge #323~Anything Goes

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

Shimmer Coffee and Holly...STAMPlorations ARTploration Stencil Blog Hop (Day 3, Dec. 16)

Hello,

Welcome to the third day of the STAMPlorations ARTplorations Stencil Blog Hop and how lucky I am to have this opportunity to join Shery's team once again.

My card uses the Holly Background Mini Stencil to create a festive background for my sparkly red Coffee Cup Silhouette Die.  Nothing like traditional red-and-green for the Christmas season!

You have a whole lot of hop-hop-hopping to do, so I'll send you on your merry way.  Remember: prizes to be had for commenting, as well as for joining the Flash Stencil Project Linky Party.  Head over to the STAMPlorations site for all the wonderful details...then join the fun!

Also sharing at:

STAMPlorations Anything Goes Challenge

2016 Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

Thank you for spending part of your day with me, especially during this busy season! Your visit brings me joy!

Have A Magical Holiday Season...STAMPlorations CAS Card Challenge #12 Mid-Month Post, 2016 Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop

Hello,

Today                                           (Source)

because it's my last day of being a Guest Designer at STAMPlorations. How quickly my three month stint has passed and oh, how much fun I've had! 


Now, however, we turn to far happier things: my STAMPlorations CAS Card Challenge Reminder Post

I'm sharing a 'holly and berries' decorated cup of coffee (or cocoa, or tea, or whatever warm beverage tickles your tastebuds) to warm the cool of a wintry day and to wish you a most magical holiday season!

(using Latte Love, Christmas Reindeer, Frames and Flowers,  

Crazy Double Running Stitch Rectangle Nesting Dies)

Of course, my coffee card is joining the bursting-at-the-seams gallery over at the fabulous 2016 Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop,

Heart-felt THANK YOUs galore to Shery and the STAMPlorations CAS team for this dream-come-true opportunity to design-and-play alongside you!  You know I love x love STAMPlorations products and challenges, so you'll certainly be seeing me in the gallery!

Also sharing at:

  

STAMPlorations Anything Goes Challenge

Kylie's Twelve Days of Christmas Challenge

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

Jingle All the Way....STAMPlorations' ARTplorations Stencil Blog Hop (Day 1)

Hello,

I'm thrilled to be joining Shery and a group of gals from her various design teams for the STAMPlorations' ARTplorations Stencil Blog Hop.  Have you checked out the plethora of stencils over at her place? If not, you must head over right after you hop; dazzle guaranteed!

My stencil-of-choice for this card is Stained Glass, which I used to create a 'starry' sky for my prancing, dancing Christmas Reindeer. He is, indeed, ready to Jingle All The Way....

NOTE: Honoured and thrilled to be selected as a CUTplorations Challenge Winner! THANK YOU!

Sending you on your way to visit the other blogs, where you will see stencils used in the most incredible ways!  Be sure to leave the designers some love; in addition to incredible inspiration, you'll also be in the running for prizes!  After that, get ready to link up projects where you use stencils (any brand!) for a chance at the prizes!  All the juicy details can be found here.

Watch for more stencil-palooza in the days to come...

Also sharing at:

STAMPlorations Anything Goes Challenge

STAMPlorations CUTplorations Challenge

 Kylie's Twelve Days of Christmas Challenge 

City Crafter's Challenge #342~Christmas Things that Float or Fly

Thank you for spending part of your day with me, especially during this busy season! Your visit brings me joy!

HO HO HO...Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #266, Twelve Days of Christmas Challenge, AAA Cards Challenge #79~Christmas

Hello,

Cold weather = crafting time!  A gal's gotta do what a gal's gotta do, right? My husband is not enjoying being stuck inside, especially since rider his bike on a trainer in the basement isn't exactly a thrill. At the moment, he's vacuuming the basement...and I'm not going to disrupt him *grin*

Quick post to share my card for Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #266

I stenciled a *chimney* to represent the square in the sketch. 

Apparently it's an architectural marvel in being  a floating chimney...sighhhh...

NOTE:  Thrilled and honoured to be selected as the Queen of Clean over at Freshly Made Sketches Challenge #266!  Ho Ho Ho HAPPY! Thank you!!

The Reverse Confetti Santa and reindeer are toooo cute! And yes, Rudolph does have a shiny nose...you might even say it glows...

The frigid temperatures have addling my brain...or maybe it's just the carrying-over of joy that comes from watching the Rudolph animated classic last night. I love that show....Yukon Cornelius is awesome!

Also sharing at:

Kylie's Twelve Days of Christmas Challenge

AAA Cards Challenge #79~Christmas

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