Challenges!

Well.....it's a CHALLENGE just trying to keep up with the Blog Challenges these days! Sorry, that I didn't post last week's edition....it actually has been done for over a week. I simply didn't have time to scan and post! Life has gotten in the way as it often does.....I've been shopping (almost done with my holiday shopping), wrapping (almost done with this as well), decorating (finally done!), packaging up those extra gifts, baking, finally finished up 75 custom Thank You cards (see this post below), and this is all in addition to all the normal stuff that needs to be done on a daily basis......you know, working (2 P-T jobs), cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. Whew! I'm exhausted!! BUT, finally I have lots to share!!!!

For starters, I have last week's and this week's Challenges.......

Last week's Challenge was Watercoloring. This simple card features a layout that I've never used before. Fun! Simple and very easy, really. (Sorry, I can't find the source for the layout.) This card features a double background (Canvas with Print Pattern stamped over top) and the fabulous Mega Square Scallop Punch by Marvy (NOT SU!). This little tree is just the cutest, it almost looks like it's dancing! Lot of sparkle has been added.
Stamps: Print Pattern, Canvas, Jolliest Time of Year
Inks: Jet Black StazOn, Garden Green
CS: Very Vanilla, Real Red, Garden Green
Misc: Wide Real Red Grosgrain, 2-Way Glue, Dazzling Diamonds, Mega Square Scallop Punch, Sparkly Stick-ons by Stampendous, Aqua Brush, Watercolor Crayons

And now on a more somber note, the Challenge this week was to design a Sympathy card. Unfortunately, most of us need this type of card at one time or another and they are always difficult to make and to send. So, maybe having a couple on hand for when the need arises isn't such a bad idea! This is what I've come up with.....

My new Sweet Sampler set was sitting out on my desk top since I've been busy packinging things up, and thought, "well, why not?!!" The motif in the background of the greeting works perfectly! The Cuttlebug was also pulled out for this one.....I used the Textile Texture Embossing Folder and then gently whiped my Whisper White Craft pad directly over the raised surfaces. The greeting is from a retired set, Warmest Regards.....just can't part with it!

Stamps: Sweet Sampler, Warmest Regards

Inks: Whisper White Craft, Almost Amethyst, Basic Gray

CS: Very Vanilla, Basic Gray, Elegant Eggplant

Misc: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, 1" Circle Punch

Thanks for stopping by and visiting. For now, I'm going to take a bit of a break from these Challenges....until after the holidays. Although I love participating in them and sharing with all of you, there simply isn't enough time in the day to keep up with everything right now! BUT, hopefully, you will check back as I will share some of the gift projects that I've made! In the meantime, please stop by and visit the other Bloggers who participate. You KNOW they always have the most awsome projects posted!