Joy to the World

There's a new biweekly challenge at Try Stampin' on Tuesday #535. Our challenge is usually based on a required sketch with an optional twist but with this challenge, you are free to use only the sketch or only the theme or combine both. Below is the challenge board showing the sketch plus the theme of "Keep It Off-Center". This challenge runs through Sunday evening, December 12, 2021.

I also added my card to Creative Creases Challenge #20, which uses an "Anything Goes with a Fun Fold" theme. This challenge ends on Thursday, December 9, 2021, at 6:00 pm, Eastern time.

I saw an off-center Angled Trifold card and decided to adapt the sketch to the fun fold. The link for a card tutorial can be found HERE. After cutting the panels of cardstock and patterned paper to size, I die-cut some greenery, decorating the front and the inside. The pine cones were layer-stamped and added with foam tape. The sentiment was stamped and die-cut with a circle.

 

I thought about making a belly band for the card but instead, I die cut a zigzag-edged circle, added the circle with the sentiment adhering it with foam tape, and placed it so the top card flap could be tucked underneath the edge. Wink of Stella was added to the pine cones and greenery and glitter enamel dots were added. I also had an extra pinecone so placed it inside the card.

The Design Team invites you to visit the TSOT535 challenge blog and play along with our challenges. Be sure to visit the Creative Creases Challenge Blog, too.

Materials

Stamps: Stampin' Up! "Itty Bitty Christmas" (sentiment) & "Christmas Season" (pinecones)

Inks: SU! Pretty Peacock, Soft Suede & Early Espresso

Cardstock: SU! Basic White, Cherry Cobbler, Soft Sky, Baked Brown Sugar & Mossy Meadow

Paper: Photo Play "Winter Dwellers" (both sides)

Dies: SU! Seasonal Labels (pinecones), Spellbinders (circles), Lawn Fawn (zigzag circles) & Sizzix #661597 (greenery)

Misc: SU! Glitter Enamel Dots & foam tape

Christmas Cheer

It's time for our last fifth Monday challenge of 2021 at Double Trouble's Something, Anything, Everything Challenge. Challenge #98 runs for only one week so will be closing on Sunday evening, December 5, 2021. The three "Things" are:

Thing 1 (required): Troublemaker says it's time for an Anything Goes theme so enjoy! You will be awarded one chance for our random draw.

Thing 2 (optional): Double Dare hopes you will link your card with at least one of our previous partners. There is a list on the challenge blog HERE. I linked my card to Crafting Happiness Challenge #117, an Anything Goes challenge. An additional chance will be awarded for the random draw for each previous partner. Be sure to include it in your own blog post.

Thing 3 (optional): Take a look at Twisted Sister's card (see below). She is hoping you will use her card as inspiration by using at least one element from her card - a color, an image, twine, dry embossing, etc. I love the French macarons but did not have an image for them. I used her card as a sketch to develop the layout for my own design. An additional chance will be awarded for the random draw if you take on the twist.

 

Twisted Sister's twist:

French macarons (not to be confused with coconut macaroons) are so delicious! I first enjoyed them when I was in Paris in 2005.

I split a packet of pretty holiday paper with a crafty friend so used it for this challenge. I added a panel of red cardstock to a white card base, followed by a panel of patterned paper. Although I only needed to copy one item from Twisted Sister I also added a gold-edged ribbon in place of twine and instead of the sweet macarons, I die-cut this cute image of the deer from coordinating patterned paper. Taking more of the same paper collection, I created the banner. Finally, a few gems were added.

We hope to see you at our DTC98 Blog and Crafting Happiness #117 for the challenge!

Materials

Stamp: Stampin' Up! Itty Bitty Christmas

Ink: SU! Pretty Peacock

Cardstock: SU! Basic White, Real Red & Pretty Peacock

Patterned Paper: CTMH "Holly & Ivy" Collection

Dies: Hero Arts Infinity Dies (ovals)

Punches: SU! (Modern Label & Word Window)

Misc.: SU! Glitter Enamel Dots (red), gold-edged ribbon & foam tape from stash

To My Friend

Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge #471 is open! This biweekly color challenge runs through Thursday, December 2, 2021. Here is the color board for the challenge:

The image was stamped with black ink and the flowers were colored with Copic markers. I selected bright pink as my color of choice. I added a panel of gray cardstock to a pink card base, followed by a panel of white with a torn edge. The cardstock with the colored image was matted in pink then added with foam tape. The inside of the card was lined with white cardstock and decorated with a flower and leaves, stamped and colored to coordinate with the front of the card. The word "Friend" was stamped and adhered. A few gems were added as well.

We hope you'll join us at Color My Heart Color Dare #471. A new challenge begins every Friday and runs for two weeks so there is always an active challenge.

Materials

Stamp set: Stampin' Up! "Forever Blossoms"

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black & Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: SU! Basic White, Basic Gray & Strawberry Slush

Punch: SU! (sentiment)

Misc.: SU! Rhinestones & foam tape from stash 

Coffee Makes Life Mer-mazing

Just one more day and the 2021 Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop will be finished! And then we will know which participants have won the random draws for the wonderful gifts from the sponsors. This is my seventh card in seven days (entry #861) and I still need to submit one more on the final day, which is tomorrow, Friday, November 19, 2021. 

I've had this stamp set in my stash for a while but have only used one of the stamps a few years ago. I decided to select a different stamp from the set - the cheerful mermaid in a to-go cup is so cute. I stamped the image, colored it, and then fussy-cut it. (There are dies but I don't have them.)

I selected a panel in green cardstock and added it to a white card base. On a panel of white cardstock, I stenciled dots in different sizes and colors, then die-cut the panel with a pretty border and adhered it to the green panel. I backed the mermaid-in-a-cup image with foam tape and added it to the center of the stenciled panel then stamped the sentiment and added it to the card. As usual, I decorated the inside of the card.

Be sure to check out the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop! You may be one of the lucky winners.

Materials

Stamp set: Pink and Main "Mermazing Coffee"

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black; Copic Alcohol Markers; Stampin' Up! Flirty Flamingo, Pool Party & Granny Apple Green

Cardstock: SU! Basic White & unknown green

Die: Gina Marie Designs

Misc.: Enamel dots & foam tape from stash

Happy Coffee!

Thank you for visiting my blog!

I have another card for the Coffee Lovers Fall/Winter Blog Hop. Today is the seventh day of the challenge and I was surprised to learn that I won a prize on Wednesday from Stamplorations. Yay! Thanks to the sponsors of this Blog Hop.

I am such a fan of colors in the green to blue-green family and enjoy mixing an unexpected color with them. I die-cut a large oval in soft lavender and backed it with white cardstock then added it directly to the green panel and the white card base. Then I die-cut a smaller oval in white, backed it with thin foam tape, adhering it to the lavender oval. The image of the coffee cup was stamped, colored, and fussy-cut then added with thin foam tape. A few enamel dots were added.

If you haven't been playing along, it's not too late because the Blog Hop runs through Friday, November 19, 2021. (My card is entry #847.)

Materials

Stamp: Impression Obsession "Happy Coffee"

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black and Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Just Jade & Wisteria Wonder

Dies: Pinkfresh "Braided Ovals"

Misc.: SU! Enamel Dots & foam tape from stash

The Way I Look at Coffee

It's the fifth day of the 2021 Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop and I am truly astonished that I've made it this far. A friend gave me this A2-sized coffee cup in white cardstock. It was cut from her Cricut along with the sleeve and lid. Using patterned paper and glittered cardstock, I decorated the cup and chose to use it as a shaped card that stands on its own (like a tent card). My card is entry #551.

In addition, I die-cut the ovals, stamping the sentiment and adhering to the cup with foam tape. The inside of the shaped card was decorated with coordinating paper.

I hope you're having as much fun creating your projects as I am. Click HERE to return to the Blog Hop.

Materials

Stamps: Stampendous "Coffee Frame" (sentiment)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: CTMH White Daisy, Stampin' Up! Glimmer (silver) & WRMK Glitter (pink)

Paper: Apple Blossom "Fireworks Flowers"

Dies: Jeanine's mini-ovals 

Coffee - Sloffee Break

A sloth is such a unique animal! The sloth on my coffee card has the right idea. He's deep in the forest where he makes a home in a tree. He has emerged from his sleep to peek out from his hiding place. 

Inspired by Double Trouble Challenge #97-B in partnership with Try Stampin' on Tuesday Sketch Challenge #533, I decided to add a coffee element with this cute sloth image and enter my card at the 2021 Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. My card is entry #461.

Panels of cardstock and paper were trimmed to size and layered using double-stacked foam tape. The image was stamped and colored with Copic markers. After fussy cutting the image, it was added to the card with thin foam tape. In keeping with the sketch, I added two thin strips to the left side of the "circle" and instead of a bow, I added two leaves. The inside was lined with a panel of white cardstock and decorated with a few die-cut leaves.

The Double Trouble Challenge #97-B is a biweekly challenge, ending on Sunday evening, November 28, 2021. Try Stampin' on Tuesday #533 is also a biweekly challenge and closes on the same date. Because I used a "coffee stamp" this card was entered at the 2021 Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. The Blog Hop will close on Friday, November 19, 2021. Click on the highlighted challenge names to visit the blogs and review their specific guidelines. 

Materials

Stamp: Art Impressions "Sloth-Some"

Inks: Memento Tuxedo Black & Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Cajun Craze, Garden Green & Hello Honey

Paper: SU! DSP "In Good Taste" & "Botanical Garden"

Dies: Whimsy (Wavy Frames) & Spellbinders (leaves)

Misc.: Foam tape - regular and thin

Coffee - Stay Grounded

It's Sunday and the third day to play along with the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop. The theme is, of course, coffee! 

The image was stamped with gray ink and then colored with alcohol markers. Using an oval die, I cut the image at an angle so it would fit on the gray A2 card base. I added a few shapes for color and interest, then adhered the image to the card. A few enamel dots finished it off. I decorated the inside with coordinating cardstock and paper.

This card was also submitted to Coffee Loving Cardmakers for the Caffeine-Fueled Paper Play Challenge.

Be sure to visit the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop - you could win a prize! My card is entry #304.

Materials

Stamp set: Stampendous "Coffee Frame"

Inks: Stampin' Up! Smoky Slate & Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: SU! Basic White, Smoky Slate,

Dies: Hero Arts (infinity ovals), RCD (scalloped rectangles), Rubbernecker (dotted squares)

Misc.: Enamel dots & foam tape

Coffee Is My Spirit Animal

Welcome to Stitches and Smudges! 

Playing along with the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop is a new experience for me. I have crafty friends who have been encouraging me to play along since the beginning. This is my second card (entry #215) for this blog hop and it's been fun to develop ideas when not having a big supply of coffee stamps. This Blog Hop runs from Friday, November 12, through Friday, November 19, 2021. Here is my entry for Saturday, November 13.

I have also submitted this card to Coffee Loving Cardmakers for the Caffeine-Fueled Paper Play Challenge.

I went through my paper stash and found this paper with a few cute images of girls. This girl appeared to be meditating and I had a coffee stamp that suited the image. I cut a few panels of cardstock based on colors from the image and layered them onto a black card base. The sentiment was stamped in two parts and added with foam tape for dimension. I also stamped the coffee mug directly to the image. The inside was lined with a die-cut scalloped rectangle.

I look forward to continuing throughout the week with the Coffee Lovers Blog Hop!

Materials

Stamp set: Altenew "Coffee Talk" (sentiment) & Newton's Nook "Newton Loves Coffee" (black mug)

Ink: Memento Tuxedo Black

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Basic Black & Just Jade

Patterned Paper: Making Cards Magazine

Dies: Jeanine's (oval mini-frames), Waffle Flower (scalloped rectangles) & Frantic Stamper (deckle edge rectangles)

Misc.: Foam tape and enamel heart

Deja Brew

It's time for another "special" challenge at Double Trouble #97-A. Here are the usual "Three Things" that we include in each challenge:

Thing 1 (required): Trouble Maker's theme is "Deja Brew." Create a project that includes a coffee, tea, or cocoa item.

Thing 2 (optional): Double Dare is hoping you'll play along at the 2021 Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers Blog Hop from Friday, November 12, through Friday, November 19, 2021. (My card is entry #76.)

Thing 3 (optional): Twisted Sister would like to see the following sketch used as inspiration for your project. Try Stampin' on Tuesday #532 runs through Sunday, November 21, 2021.

 

Here is what makes this challenge "special": 

We are including two partners rather than only one and the dates have been adjusted for this challenge only.

AND

We have Double Trouble Perks! In addition to our usual randomly drawn prize, Things 1, 2, and 3 have each added "Blog Candy" to their individual blogs. 

Thing 2 (Double Dare - Melanie) - If you enjoy winning "Blog Candy", leave your comment below and your name will be entered for a randomly drawn prize.

Simply comment on the blogs below if you wish to submit your name for their Blog Candy drawings.

Click HERE for Thing 1: Trouble Maker (Suzanne)

Click HERE for Thing 3: Twisted Sister (Tracey)

First, I stamped the cat image and colored it with Copic markers. I fussy cut and added the image to a small pink panel embossed with coffee beans. Using the sketch for TSOT532, I cut panels of cardstock and patterned paper to size, and layered them all onto the gray card base. A greeting was not indicated on the sketch but I added one. The coffee-themed sentiment was stamped with gray ink, die-cut, and added with foam tape. The inside was stamped with the words, "Coffee is always a good idea." A few pink enamel hearts were also added. 

I also submitted my card to the challenge at Coffee Loving Cardmakers.

 

Be sure to visit these Blogs for guidelines to participate: DTC97A, TSOT532, Coffee Loving & 2021 Fall/Winter Coffee Lovers.

Materials

Stamps: Newton's Nook "Newton Loves Coffee"

Inks: Stampin' Up! Basic Gray & Copic Alcohol Markers

Cardstock: SU! Basic White, Basic Gray, Smoky Slate & Strawberry Slush

Paper: SU! DSP "Playful Pets"

Die: Whimsy (stitched circles)

Misc.: Darice Embossing Folder (coffee beans), enamel hearts, foam tape

Hearts and a Flourish - Happy Birthday

You're invited to play along at the Color My Heart Color Dare Challenge! This is Challenge #469, a biweekly color challenge that runs through Thursday evening, November 18, 2021. Here is the color board:

You must use at least three of the colors. Colors not on the board may not be used. Black, white, gray, and silver may be added as neutrals. I elected to use four colors - Wisteria, Ballerina, Lemonade & Sage plus neutrals of white, gray & silver. (The silver photographed as black.)

I cut the various shapes using dies and my trimmer and layered them onto a silver panel. The sentiment was stamped and added with foam tape. The card front was added to a white card base and the inside was decorated with coordinating patterned paper.

Please visit our Color Dare #469 Blog for inspiration from the Design Team and to see our guidelines. We hope you'll join our challenge!

Materials

Stamp: Sizzix #662347 (Circle Sentiments)

Ink: Stampin' Up! Basic Gray

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Mint Macaron (for Sage), (for Ballerina) & Silver foiled cardstock

Paper: CTMH Mix-In for prints in Wisteria and Lemonade

Dies: Whimsy (stitched circle), Gina Marie (pink panel & white trim), Sizzix #662347 (scalloped circle); MFT (flourish)

Misc.: Gems and foam tape

Hello with a Modern Vibe

Join us for another biweekly sketch challenge at Try Stampin' on Tuesday Challenge #531. The required sketch is posted below. There is also an optional element to create your project using either a vintage or modern design. I selected modern.

I tilted the sketch to create a landscape orientation rather than a portrait simply by changing the placement of the band and the circle. The images were stamped onto Kraft cardstock, then the band was added. The stamped sentiment was added with a die-cut stitched circle shape and foam tape. The decorated Kraft panel was added to a white card base. The inside was decorated by stamping a few images but leaving space for a personal message. I believe this card is suitable for any gender.

For inspiration and guidelines, please visit our TSOT 531 Blog. This challenge will end on Sunday, November 14, 2021. Our biweekly challenges begin every Tuesday morning so there is always an active challenge ongoing.

Materials

Stamp Set: Altenew "Dot Art"

Inks: Distress Oxide in Walnut Stain, Carved Pumpkin & Blueprint Sketch

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Basic White, Crumb Cake, Night of Navy & Pumpkin Pie

Die: Whimsy (stitched circles)

Misc.: Enamel dots & foam tape

Thankful for You

There's another challenge underway at Double Trouble! This fun Challenge #96 is biweekly and will close on Sunday evening, November 14, 2021.

As usual, we have three "Things":

Thing 1 (required): Troublemaker thinks it's time for a Tall card that includes at least one die-cut, machine-cut or punched shape. 

Thing 2 (optional): Double Dare hopes you will link your project and play along with Ellibelle's Crafty November Challenge.

Thing 3 (optional): Twisted Sister says she is dancing her way through the alphabet so is asking you to include the letter "T" in your sentiment or card design. You may elect to use an item that begins with the letter "T". I created a Tall card, selected a Thanksgiving Theme, used the word Thankful, and included papers with Tree branches and autumn droppings (acorns and leaves).

The card I made is a Super Slimline Lapel fun fold. It's skinnier than a standard Slimline and it has lapels. The finished card folds to 3" x 8". Click HERE for a tutorial. This is not a difficult fun fold as long as you don't mind precise measuring. I followed the tutorial electing to use two patterned papers although more patterned papers could be used.

Card interior:

The sentiment was stamped on vanilla cardstock and die-cut into an oval then matted with a larger oval. A few gold crystals were added to the sentiment. I placed a slim panel of vanilla for a future sentiment or personal message to be added when I am ready to send the card. In the photo above, you can see the panel. I purposely placed it so the green patterned paper is visible at the top when the card is closed.

I also added my fun fold card to a unique "Anything Goes with a Fun Fold" challenge at Creative Creases # 18.  Be sure to visit the Blog and play along. This challenge is open through Thursday evening, November 11, 2021.

We invite you to view the Design Team's projects and our guidelines at our challenge blogs - DTC96 and Ellibelle's November Challenge.

Materials

Stamp: Carta Bella "Gather Together"

Ink: Stampin' Up! Cajun Craze

Cardstock: Stampin' Up! Chocolate Chip & Very Vanilla

Paper: SU! DSP "Gilded Autumn" 

Dies: Jeanine's (Oval Mini-Frames) & Elizabeth Craft (Dashing Rectangles)

Misc.: Gold Crystals