Happy Holidays!....and TWO Challenges

WHEW! Can you believe we've made it through Christmas? I hope you had a wonderful, fabulous day and spent it with those you love. Of course the holidays are not over, but once Christmas is behind us, it's a bit quieter and more relaxing....at least for me! You see, I've been working retail this past season....and even though retail-wise, it wasn't the best year, I still needed to put in some hours. Then, of course, preparing for Christmas......and yesterday, I had most of my family over. We had 23 in all! Now, I don't have a very large house....far from it! So, it was quite chaotic......but, it was the first Christmas my Mom spent with all of us in a long, long time! She loved it!

Last year I never had the opportunity to send out my Christmas cards, so I had them left for this year....but was short about 25. OK....that was doable! So, last Sunday, I came up with this little card. BUT, I really have to admit that the stamps are not SU. I found them discounted recently when I stopped in to my local stamp/scrapbook store...."local" is 35 minutes away. They are by Penny Black; and this card was inspired by one the store had on display.....I fell in love with it and time was at a premium! The papers and accessories ARE all SU!

Stamps: Joyous (Penny Black)

Inks: Chalk Inks (retired from SU line)

CS: Very Vanilla, Kraft, Old Olive

Misc: Real Red Narrow Grosgrain, Corner Rounder (retired), Perfect Impressions Texturz Plate, Big Shot

This second sample is for MaryJo's Challenge from last Monday! I just haven't had the time to participate in so long and really wanted to play with this new set, which I think is just perfect for this sketch! The set is called Vintage Vogue and will be available for purchase on January 5.....AND you can purchase it on either wooden blocks like always.....OR unmounted so you can use it with acrylic blocks and save tons of storage room! How great is that?!! Silly me, I forgot that when I ordered the set and purchased it in the traditional wooden block form....but you can bet that I'll definitely be purchasing some unmounted sets as well! As for MJ's sketch, you can see it here; and you'll also see that I've taken some liberties with the sketch. But, I like the way it worked out.....AND I just LOVE this set! It's a little like one of my other favorite sets, Charming!*

Stamps: Vintage Vogue

Inks: Melon Mambo, Basic Gray

CS: Whisper White, Melon Mambo, Basic Gray

Misc: Basic Gray Taffeta Ribbon, Dimensionals, Mini Glue Dots, Scallop Trim Border Punch (SAB....available for YOU to earn, January 5-March 31, 2010)

Please note: ALL materials used to create this sample are from SU!

*GREAT NEWS: Charming, which has been featured in the Holiday Mini, will continue to be available until the end of April....I think it will work nicely with this new set, don't you?!!

Thanks for stopping by today.....and enjoy the remainder of your holiday season. Be safe.....be happy!