Inkspirational #356 - Stencils - Optional Twist of Snowflakes

 Here's my card for the newest Inkspirational Challenge - #356 Stencils -  optional twist -Snowflakes!

I used the Optional Twist with snowflake PP and a snowflake stencil!

I used a 'new to me' technique called Stenciling over Patterned Paper - that I saw on FB - there are several tutorials on YouTube if you'd like to see more examples.

This is a pic of the patterned paper I used on the left - the snowflake stencil placed over the patterned paper and inked with Stormy Sky Distress Ink on the right

Here is a photo of the stencil removed - and the snowflake pattern revealed.

I used a light enough ink that the pattern of the paper showed through the sponging as well as under the area of the stencil.    

I die cut the sentiment twice and adhered it to the middle of the card,  I die cut the edge with a frame die and added 3 sequin snowflakes.

We hope you will join us over at Inkspirational - and show us how you use stencils on your card design! 

This challenge ends Dec 19th.

Also sending my card to:

NBUS

1st time using this stencil that went with a Make it Market Kit from PTI I bought over 10 years ago! I had the box up on a shelf! I used other things from the kit - but never the stencils and, of course forgot what was in the box!

Stencil Fun 

optional winter related

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Christmas Kickstart

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Paper:  white - Papertrey Ink, DP - The Magic of Winter 6x6 paper pad - Echo Park.

Ink:  Ranger Distress Stormy Sky

Other Supplies:  Let It Snow Die - Christmas Cheer Die Collection - Papertrey Ink (retired), Nested Stitched Scallop Rectangle Frame die - Amazon, Snow Flake Sequins - This Calls for Confetti, blender brush.

November 2025 Card Chain Challenge Reveal

 Today is the day we see all of the cards exchanged for the November Card Chain Challenge.  This month I sent my card to Gundi in Germany and received a card from Arlene in California.

Options for card design and theme are given each month, but you only have to use one of the options. 

 This month I (sort of) used the colors  (in my DP) and the theme of Friendship!

Here's my card:

 

The window and curtain pieces are all from the Window With Curtains Die set  from Amy Design.  I used two recently purchased 6x6 Paper Pads - Mix and Match Neutrals and Colonial Americana - both from Whimsy Stamps.  The stamp is from an older set by Wendy Vecchi/Stampers Anonymous.

Have you been wanting to try out this fun card exchange challenge?  It's easy to sign up each month -  you'll find all the instructions here to sign up for the December Challenge.

Sign up for Dec ends 12/6

Also sending my card to:

NBUS

New papers and Die set used

Stamps: Busy Making Art - Wendy Vecchi/Stampers Anonymous.
Ink: Nocturne - Versafine Clair
Paper: White, True Black - Papertrey Ink, DP Mix N Match Neutrals,  Colonial Americana 6 x 6 pads - Whimsy Stamps.

Other Supplies:  Window With Curtains Die - Amy Design, twine - Papertrey Ink, Acrylic heart and dots - Altenew, foam dots.

Inkspirational #355 - Christmas Tag Moodboard

 There's a new challenge up at Inkspirational - #355 is a Mood Board!

I was inspired by tag idea and the Christmas Tree.  My card isn't a tag, but the top oval with the die cut tree on it  could be considered a tag!?! (if I had added a loop of twine to the top of it!) 

I used 4 different patterns on my layers.  The layered die cut tree and the die cut oval behind it are both up on foam dots.

We'd love to see what you create inspired by our Mood Board!  Please check out the lovely inspiration from the rest of the team - and link up your inspired creation - over at Inkspirational!  

This challenge ends 12/5!

Also sending my card to:

Just Us Girls

Inspired by the pine, stars and mocha color

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Inspired by

the tree  ends 11/26

Love Those Pretty Papers

4 layers of pretty papers  ends 11/30

optional forest critters - there are 2 deer on my largest oval!

Paper: Festive Farm House - Rubbernecker (Now Brass and Bliss), White - Papertrey Ink.
Other Supplies: Snow Covered Stacker Tree Die - Dees Distinctively (retired), Love to Layer Scalloped Ovals - Papertrey Ink, Nested Rectangle with Square Holes Die - Rubbernecker (now Brass and Bliss), Subsentiment Strips: Christmas Tree - Waffle Flower, foam dots, Enamel heart and dots - Altenew.

Colors for a Merry Christmas

 I'm on a roll, playing with another Color Hues Challenge today!

I usually have trouble if someone tells me to use certain colors - but having just two colors seems to work easier for me?!?

First time using this lovely Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Better Press Plate. (it's on sale!)

I used Tropical Teal card stock and Silver Pigment ink.

Usually I use Better Press paper when I use a Better Press Plate - so I was happy to see it would work with regular card stock.  It may not be as deeply "PRESSED" since the card stock is not as thick but it works for me!

I added 3 teal enamel dots on this first one. 

And 3 silver crystals on my second one.

I made four cards while I was at it -  so four more for the Christmas Box! 

I may even have leftovers for next year?!

The Color Hues Challenge

ends 11/29

NBUS 

first time using this Better Press Plate

Just Us Girls

ends 11/19

Paper: Tropical Teal - Papertrey Ink
Ink: Silver Pigment Ink - Color Box
Other Supplies: Merry Christmas and Happy New Year Better Press Plate - Spellbinders, Letter Press Better Press - Spellbinders, Teal acrylic dots - This Calls for Confetti, Crystal Gems - Papertrey Ink.

Deer of Peace

 I wanted to play along with the Color Hues Challenge and suddenly realized it's tonight or never as it ends tomorrow!

This fun little deer is Be A Reindeer Die from Waffle Flower (retired).

Here's what I stamped on the inside - it cracks me up and goes perfectly with deer on my cards!  It's Christmas Oh Deer from Unity.(it's on sale too!)

I was inspired by my blogging friend, Michele's card, who used these unexpected colors on her Christmas card for the color challenge. 

Color Hues

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Christmas Crafts All Year Round

Run Run Rudolph

I used a reindeer on my card

 

Peace on Earth Christmas

Inspired by The reindeer ornaments

Stamps: Inside - Unity

Ink:  Ranger Distress Dried Marigold and Brushed Corduroy (sponged on edges of cardstock)

Paper:  Orange Zest, Cocoa Bean, True Black - Papertrey Ink, DP Spooktacular - Waffleflower

Other Supplies: Be A Reindeer Die - Waffle Flower (retired), Sentiments Christmas Tree Die Cuts - Waffle Flower, Enamel Dots - This Calls for Confetti.

Inkspirational Challenge #354 - Word Prompt Knit

 There's a new challenge up over at Inkspirational:

I pulled out a sweater die from The Greetery and a Sweater 3D embossing folder by Eileen Hull/Sizzix for my card. (It's a vertical cable stitch - not sure if you can see it? It flattened a bit when I die cut the framing after embossing Ugh.)  

I cut the sweater pieces out of watercolor paper and colored them with Copics.  I die cut the leaf and acorn out of colored card stock.

I die cut the leaf and acorn using Autumn Side Kick Die by Tim Holtz/Alterations. The Nordic circle die is from The Greetery and the back panel is die cut with a Nested Rectangle with Square Holes die from Rubbernecker - now Brass and Bliss.  The sentiment is from Sending Warm Fuzzies from Unity. The enamel dots are from Altenew.

So please join in with us at Inkspirational - and create a card inspired by Knit/Knitted!

You'll find lots of inspiration from the rest of the Design Team as well as Mr. Linky over at Inkspirational!

This challenge ends November 21!

Also sending my card to:

NBUS

1st time using the Side Kick Dies (acorn and leaf)

Inspired by Challenge

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Just Us Girls

This card would work for Thanksgiving or Birthday 

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Shopping Our Stash

These are a few of my favorite crafty things -  die cuts, embossing folders, enamel dots.

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Stamps:  Sending Warm Fuzzies - Unity.

Ink:  Portobello - Versafine Clair, Ranger Distress Old Paper.

Paper:  Water Color Paper - Canson Cold Press, White, Rustic Cream, Pure Poppy, Dark Chocolate, Cocoa Bean, Summer Sunrise - PaperTrey Ink.

Other Supplies:  Hearts at Home Sweater Die, Nordic Circles Die - The Greetery, Autumn Side Kick Dies (acorn and leaf) - Tim Holtz/Alterations, Nested Rectangle With Square Holes Die - Brass and Bliss, Sweater 3D Embossing Folder - Eileen Hull/Sizzix, Copics E19, YR09, Blender Brush, enamel dots and star - Altenew, foam dots.

October 2025 Card Chain Challenge Reveal

 Today's the day for the October Card Chain Challenge Reveal - when we see all the cards exchanged around the world for the October challenge.  I sent my card to Lucille in New Jersey and I received a card from Linda W in Minnesota - both in the US this month!  26 cards were exchanged world wide in October!

I used a mix of the suggested colors (Pumpkin, Chocolate and Cherry), and theme option of Trees, sort of (one of my rub-ons is a tree!)

My die cut base is Postage Collage Die from Waffle Flower and the images are rub-ons from Taperlogy.  I used images with a mix of the three challenge colors!

You can check out all of the cards sent and received for October over at The Card Chain Challenge.   You can also sign up to send and receive a card for November here - where you will find all the instructions on how to play along!

Deadline to sign up for November is 11/6!

Also sending my card to:

Time Out Challenges

ends 11/5

Shopping Our Stash

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

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Stamps: Autumn Abundance - Papertrey Ink (retired).

Paper:  Rustic Cream, Orange Zest - Papertrey Ink.

Ink:  Portabello - Versafine Clair.

Other Supplies:  Postage Collage Die - Waffle Flower, Rustic Fall Rub-ons - Taperlogy, enamel dots - Altenew and This Calls for Confetti.