Challenge me a Christmas Card with Michelle Lupton - washi

Hello!

I'm so excited! A while ago my friend Michelle Lupton (one of many fabulous friends named Michelle/Michele here in blogland) threw out an invitation for people to suggest Christmas card ideas/challenges and to join her in making a Christmas card using the same idea. I put my hand up and expressed that I just LOVE a challenge and that I would take whichever idea Michelle wanted to throw my way. :-)

Well, a short time later Michelle let me know that we would be using the same washi tape to create our cards. Washi. You won't find many of my cards with washi, but I have been known to use it on occasion (I love it, I'm just not confident with it). This washi is super gorgeous and sparkly silver against a dark indigo blue (the photo really doesn't do it justice). I added some pale grey snowflakes, a cheery Christmas sentiment, and a few shiny silver sequins to finish my card.

I can't wait to see what Michelle has created with this washi. It's sure to be creative and super cool.

Thank-you for joining me. Be sure to pop over to Michelle's blog to check out her version, too.

Michelle
xxx

PS. If I can get a daytime photo of this card, I might do a quick switcheroo so that you can truly appreciate it's sparkly-ness.

Advent Calendar Extravaganza with Taheerah Atchia

Hello!

When Taheerah asked whether we were interested in an idea she had come up with for Christmas, I knew it would be something special, so I just had to answer with a great big YES! When I found out that we were going to be a big AMAZING crafting advent calendar, I was so excited and so pleased I'd let my curiosity lead the way!

Advent Calendar Extravaganza is -the- festive event of the season! This ‘hop with a twist’ was dreamed up by Taheerah Atchia and features surprise destinations each day! Joining in the fun with Taheerah are over 60 special guests - each serving up some fantastic Christmas inspiration! Just like an Advent Calendar, you’ll never know where you’re going to be visiting next until you ‘open the door’!

And that’s not all! With 25 *amazing* sponsors taking part as well, your crafty wish list is bound to get a boost with a chance to win a prize EVERY SINGLE DAY!!
Join in the fun every day at taheerah-atchia.com to see what special surprises wait behind the door!

When I found out that the sponsor on my advent calendar day was Wplus9 I was keen to use some of my Wplus9 stamps (because I love them so). I wanted to make a Christmas card, but I had no Christmas stamps (how did that happen?) and definitely not enough shipping time to get some to Australia before my day, so I used an old favourite - Fresh Cut Florals - to create a wreath. Oh, how I love that set, it's so versatile!

While I was wreath making, I made a second one using Papertrey Ink Spruce and Sprigs stamps.

It’s not a party without a prize - and with prizes every day there are several chances to win! Today’s prize is generously supplied by [sponsor’s name] so you’ll definitely want to get your hands on it! Simply leave a comment on this post to enter - then head back to taheerah-atchia.com and leave a comment there too to double your chances! Don’t forget to grab the other surprise destinations from Taheerah’s blog and head over to them to leave comments there as well to improve your odds even more! You have until 7am EST on Thursday 31st December to leave all your comments! 

Don’t forget the Advent Calendar Extravaganza runs from 1st-25th December inclusive so make sure you visit taheerah-atchia.com every day for fabulous inspiration and amazing prizes every single time! Merry Christmas!

I've so enjoyed visiting everyone along the way on this Advent Calendar adventure. It's been so much fun!

Thanks for visiting me! Have a wonderful Christmas!

Michelle 
xxx

Avery Elle September challenge and a CASE

Hello!

I was wandering through some blogs this morning and was reminded that the September challenge is still on over at Avery Elle. I have had an idea floating around in my head for a while for this one, so I decided to sit down and make it today.

I used Avery Elle Modern Leaves stamps. Ink is PTI Fresh Snow, Hawaiian Shores, Versamark, SU! Daffodil Delight, Poppy Parade, Distress Inks Tumbled Glass, Broken China, Crushed Olive. SU! White embossing powder. Twinery twine in Caribbean. Sequins are Avery Elle.

The inspiration photo had a lovely retro feel, and I tried to mimic that with my blended background. For the chairlift, I created a string of party lights by stamping white pigment ink and then overstamping with dye ink (because I don't yet have coloured pigment inks).

Before I wandered downstairs to my craft desk to make the above card, I popped over to see what the amazing Laura Bassen had made recently. I was so inspired that I CASEd her card immediately. My card isn't quite as bright, but I like this technique so much I think I may make several more using a variety of papers. Thanks for the fantastic idea, Laura!

I used Ranger Archival Ink, SU! Ornament Keepsakes die, My Minds Eye paper, PTI basic white card.

Thank-you for coming by to visit.

Michelle
xxx

Fusion #17

Hello!

I was sitting at my craft desk tonight, trying to work on a card that I HAVE to make, and having no luck... so I did what any self-respecting crafter would do, and made up the OTHER card that's been floating around my brain for a few days. ;-)  Maybe now that this card is out, I will have more luck with the other tomorrow night, fingers crossed!

I used Stampin' Up! Christmas Deer, Hero Arts Music Collage Background, and PTI Stylish Sentiments: Holiday stamps. Ink is SU! Early Espresso, Crumb Cake, Pacific Point, Poppy Parade, Daffodil Delight. Card is Early Espresso and Vanilla.

My inspiration came directly from the Fusion inspiration photo this week. That deer, the images with the background music and text, the colours. Totally irresistible.

Now I'm off to bed for a little beauty sleep before another busy day at work tomorrow.

Edited to add: I'm taking Geri's suggestion and entering into Festive Friday #16 (at the last minute! Thanks for the reminder, Geri!).

Thanks for visiting!

Michelle
xxx

Shiny stars

Hello!

I've struck a little bit of crafters block this week. In particular, I have made a number of cards for One Layer Wednesday and thrown them placed them gently into the recycling. That's what I get when I go all experimental on myself, argh! Anyway, I've been visiting blogs while avoiding my own inability to make a card, and somewhere along the line I was struck by inspiration! An idea popped fully-formed into my head. Woo hoo!

I am so happy this card turned out how I planned. :-)

I used PTI Stylish Sentiments: Holiday and Star Prints (the tiny star). I also used Perfect Pearls Gold and Delicata Golden Glitz. Ink is SU! Early Espresso.

I masked that line and smothered it in Versamark before brushing on a generous covering of Gold Perfect Pearls. The little stars are stamped in Delicata Golden Glitz. The two golds match perfectly.

In addition to One Layer Wednesday, which is over on Susan's blog this week and asks us to my a Christmas card with glitter or shimmer, I am also entering into 10 Minute Craft Dash #21. I'm definitely featuring stars, and I made this card well within 10 minutes. My time came out at 6mins 43secs. Yay!

The layout came from CAS(E) This Sketch #35, which I thought I was going to follow with the grungy splatters, but this card came to mind first. I still like the grungy splatters, so I might save it for another day. :-)

We have a glorious day here today. It's mid-Winter, the sun is blazing, I have all the windows wide open, I am wearing singlet top and shorts, and it is about 25c (77F) at 3.30pm. Really like a Spring day, definitely not feeling the Winter today! If my chest infection would just go away, the day would be PERFECT. :-)

Thanks for coming to visit.

Michelle
xxx

Dynamic Duos #27

Hello!

I was inspired by Maureen Merritt's card this week, and decided to CASE her for the Dynamic Duos Challenge #27. I used to put up the photos of the inspiration cards on my post so that you could compare directly, but I found people were pinning these from my blog, and I would rather that people's beautiful work is pinned from their own blogs and accredited correctly. So take a little journey across to Maureen's blog to take a look, and if you haven't visited her before, have a big look around, it's worth it!

This is my card.

I used Mama Elephant Basic Borders, PTI Stylish Sentiments: Holiday, PTI Christmas Friends. Colours are SU! Garden Green and Real Red. Oh, and the sentiment die is SU! Holiday Keepsakes.

The colour inspiration was this.

Thanks for coming by. I hope to be back with some more cards over the next few days.

Michelle
xxx

Is my deer overdressed for Christmas?

Hello!

A new deer came home this week, to keep Dasher company. He's named... Christmas Deer! I couldn't resist him. Apparently he can't help overdressing himself on his first outing. Way too many ornaments on this fellow tonight. This card started as something completely different, but, here it is anyway, the way it wanted to be. :-)

The stamps are SU! Christmas Deer, and PTI Stylish Sentiments: Holiday. The colours are SU! Poppy Parade, Early Espresso, and PTI Fine Linen. Pearls are SU!

I used The Play Date Cafe Challenge #150 colours.

I have to admit to something. I love Christmas. I love tinsel. I love Christmas carols. I love Santa. And when all those Christmas stamps are released, I go into a frenzy of attempting to resist, while still buying WAY TOO MANY.  Does anyone else have this problem? I love reindeer. I love snowflakes (even though Christmas is in Summer here, and it never, ever snows, EVER). I love baubles. I love Christmas trees. I love nativity scenes. Oh dear! All I can think to do to make up for this love of everything Christmas is to make hundreds of Christmas cards to make these stamp purchases worthwhile. ;-)

Michelle
xxx

Dynamic Duos #13

Hello!

I made a card for Dynamic Duos quickly tonight. I didn't want to miss out on these colours. I love browns and earthy colours. :-)

This is my card.

And a close up to show how sparkly this card is.

I used Hero Arts Collage Music Background, PTI Stylish Sentiments: Holiday. PTI Dies - Tiny Tags, Fillable Frames #10, Mat Stack #1. Colours are Crumb Cake and Early Espresso. Twine is Cappuccino from The Twinery. 

The colour scheme at Dynamic Duos #13 is monochromatic. I think monochromatic might be my favourite week... I'll probably say something different next week, LOL!

I'm a bit weary tonight. It was a busy day at work today, and tomorrow is looking busier, so I'd better get some sleep.

Thanks for coming by to visit.

Michelle
xxx

One Layer Wednesday #72 - Sentiment Only

This is my second post for today. 

For my FOR YOUR INSPIRATION post, and a little tour of Brisbane, scroll down.

Hello!

Susan at Simplicity has given us an ultra-difficult challenge this week for One Layer Wednesday. At least, it's ultra-difficult for me! The brief is to use only one sentiment stamp on a non-standard card size. That's it! Nothing else...just that one stamp...eek!  And we have to do at least two versions of the card.  Oh dear!

My cards are 4.25" x 4.25"  All are made with PTI white cardstock, and PTI Stylish Sentiments Holiday.

The first one is using SU! Real Red

The second is made with SU! Early Espresso

The third is made with glittery red embossing. The next photo is an attempt to show how sparkly it is.

I'm not sure you can see it, LOL!

I like the Real Red version best. Which do you like?

Michelle
xxx

Leaves and Christmas

Hello!

I am excited. My September Papertrey Ink order arrived after travelling to Brazil on its way to Australia. 7 weeks is a really LONG time to wait when you ordered Christmas stamps to make your cards this year!  I hope my next order doesn't take quite so long to get here...

I think Mandi and Chrissie KNEW that I had ordered lots of LEAVES and would want to try them out, because that is the theme they chose for one-layer week at Less is More Challenge #41.  Woo hoo!

I have a few things to share. Two cards are one-layer cards with leaves.

First card:

I used:
Stamps: Think Big Favorites #8, Turning a New Leaf, Harvest Berries
Ink: SU! Certainly Celery, Ruby Red, Early Espresso
Card: PTI White

Next card:

I made this card for my daughter's classroom teacher, to match the present I made her. The colours used are the same as the above card, I used Vintage Cream Card instead of white. The sentiment is from Stylish Sentiments: Holiday (I am loving this set). The leaves are Harvest Berries.

The present to match is a note book (A5 size), which I created a new front cover for:

The notebook has a hard frosted plastic cover (which I opened to take the photo). The pages inside are beautiful thick unlined paper. All stamps used here are Harvest Berries. The same colours again as above - Certainly Celery, Ruby Red, Early Espresso.

And the last card I have to show you is the card I have made for my daughter's music teachers (I made three of the same card):

I love this card. Really LOVE it. The papers are SU! Mocha Morning, and KaiserCraft Sheet Music. The stamps are Stylish Sentiments: Holiday and Tag-Its #8. The Ink is Early Espresso, Soft Suede, and Crumb Cake.

This week-end has been stunningly beautiful here in Brisbane. We've had the first hit of Summer weather this week. The temperature has been very (stinking) hot at times. This means that our family, between school swimming carnival and solo violin concert, have spent most the the last few days in the swimming pool. I'm lucky I got any card-making done at all!

I hope you enjoyed your visit. Thanks to everyone who gave me advice for my Big Shot from my previous post. I appreciate your guidance, and I'm putting it to use. Some time soon you'll see the first projects using dies, embossing folders, and impression plates.

Michelle
xxx