More Midnight Madness Fun - MMSC83

OH MY GOSH ... I WAS CONFUSED ... YOU CAN USE ANY OF THE THREE (SIX) LAYOUTS STARTING TODAY ... but when you upload, place MMSC82, MMSC83 or MMSC84 next to your name.  Make sure you pop over to the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge to check out ALL THE FUN!!

I just happen to have a card made using the MMSC83 FANCY sketch ... here it is:

I believe (where allowed), I can add this image to those same challenge blogs used for my MMSC82 creation.  Have a great day everyone!

I'm also entering this creation into the following challenges:

Scrappy Frogs Challenge - Christmas

Christmas Stampin' - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - Christmas
Sew Many Cards Challenge - Red & Green
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Christmas
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Red & Green
Hodge Podge Shop Challenge - Anything Goes
Stampin' B's DT Challenges - Holiday Card
Fresh Brewed Blog - Winter/Christmas Theme

Darlene for

Midnight MADNESS Sketch Challenge ...

Did you notice I capitalized MADNESS in my title??  That's because if you haven't already noticed ... there is MADNESS going on over at the MMSC because they have given us a SNEAK PEEK at the next THREE challenge sketches!  THAT'S JUST MAD!!  But a heck of a lot of FUN!!

Today's sketches look like this . . .  CAS sketch on the left and the FANCY sketch on the right.  Today I'm going with the CAS layout.  It's been a very busy holiday weekend for me ... hubby's home on vacation ... and we've been trying to get the outside Christmas decorating done while the weather is still 'decent'.

I have once again used one of Priscilla's awesome digi images.  This set is called "Christmas Bells" and you can find them HERE.  I have used Prismacolor markers for my coloring along with Silver Stickles for added sparkle.  This set is just perfect for my holiday cards and with the addition of all the amazing sketches offered at MMSC ... how could I go wrong!!

I'm also entering this creation into the following challenges:

Scrappy Frogs Challenge - Christmas
Ellephantastic Challenges - Red & Green
Christmas Stampin' - Anything Goes
Crafty Catz Weekly Challenge - Christmas
Sew Many Cards Challenge - Red & Green
Crafty Sentiments Designs - Christmas
Digi Doodle Shop's Best - Red & Green
Hodge Podge Shop Challenge - Anything Goes
Stampin' B's DT Challenges - Holiday Card
Fresh Brewed Blog - Winter/Christmas Theme

Thanks for poppin' in today!  Hope you have a wonderful day!

Darlene for

SQUIGGLEFLY CHALLENGE TIME . . .

Happy Monday Everyone!

I hope you had a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving weekend!

I know I did + we celebrated our 16th Wedding Anniversary yesterday!  

Oh where has the time gone??

Now onto my Squigglefly Challenge creation!  Today Kim has us creating a Christmas Tag in Non-Christmas Colors!  Now I must admit, this was a definite challenge for me but then I decided on pink & purple.  This adorable Inger Harding image is called Old Fashioned Christmas Girl and can be found HERE if you'd like to have your own!

(click image to enlarge)

The designer paper is from the Basic Grey "Jovial" 8x8 paper pack and I have used Offray purple organza ribbon (although in the photo it looks black).  The back of the tag simply states:  To: and From:


Please pop over to the Challenge Blog to see the wonderful inspirational pieces created by my team mates.  Don't forget to pop on over to the STORE and check out the new releases too.

*Wink *Wink Ink RELEASE

Well the BLACK FRIDAY shopping is over and that means the holiday shopping season has officially begun!!  I DID NOT go out with the crazies today ... but I DID do a little Black Friday shopping online!  Easier that way for me!!  Speaking of holiday shopping . . .

This evening I'd like to share a few cards I made with a NEW RELEASE stamp set from *Wink *Wink Ink called Just for You.  I just LOVE this image and had so much fun creating with it!!

*Wink *Wink Ink now has an awesome WINTER BUNDLE of all of the stamps released since October, including the brand new JUST FOR YOU set!  A $26.50 Value for just $20!  This deal is good through December 26.

Time goes by so quickly and you might end up needing more last minute Christmas cards and that's where this WINTER BUNDLE is going to make your life easier!    Our stamps come in a pre-colored version as well as black and white which makes it so fast & easy to be successful in completing those last 20 cards!  So if you are running short on time ... this set is for YOU.  Just print, cut, and create ... OR use them to embellish all kinds of projects in no time at all!

Would you like to see a few more samples with this adorable JUST FOR YOU set?

Be sure to pop over to the *Wink *Wink Ink blog for all the details ... then treat yourself to this awesome BUNDLE!  Have a great weekend!

Delicious Doodle Fun & an Award

Thanks to everyone who joined in our our Delicious Doodles Blog Hop!  We were thrilled with the participation and hope you will continue to support our challenge blog with your creations.  The GRAND PRIZE winner has been announced over on the Delicious Doodles Challenge Blog and now's it MY turn to announce the winner of this awesome 'Christmas Cardinal' image.

AND the winner (chosen by my granddaughter after our Thanksgiving dinner) is:

PRIYANKA

 Congratulations Priyanka ... please email me, Darlene (email address in my sidebar) and I will RUSH this beautiful image to you.

PLEASE don't forget ... another Delicious Doodles Challenge begins TODAY.  Jump right over, check it out and play along!  Today TEAM A is showcasing our challenge sample creations and you'll want to take a peek and be inspired!  I, of course, just couldn't help but play along ... here's my creation for today's challenge:

Isn't this little bunny adorable!  And perfect for this 1st Birthday creation!!  You can find this image and many, many more amazing images at the Delicious Doodles Shop. 

* * * * *

NOW ... onto that AWARD I mentioned!  I was HONORED to receive this award from Lelia (Green Goddess Creations)!  And I'm thrilled that she thought of me!

By accepting this award I must complete the following tasks:

1) Thank and link back to the person who awarded me. THANKS SO MUCH Lelia!  I'm really enjoying working with you and getting to know you ... your upbeat attitude & support always helps put a smile on my face!  YOU ROCK!

2) Share 8 things about myself.

I LOVE chips & dip (sounds like a good dinner to me)
I am a certified floral designer
I drove semi-tractor trailer for awhile (in my younger days)
It took me 3 marriages to find THE RIGHT man for me.
I do ALL the outside work around the house (another one of my LOVES)
I am retired ... leaving me LOTS of time to craft
I am an ex-tap dancer (even have a trophy)
I have a fear of heights

3) Pay it forward to 8 bloggers that I have recently discovered.

Anita

Crystal
Alanna
Allison
Courtney
Kim
LisaB
Jackie

4) Contact bloggers to let them know about the award….

HAPPY BLACK FRIDAY!

Darlene 

Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge

Today on Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenge Blog we have a Photo Inspiration Challenge for you!  I think this is the first time we've had an 'inspiration' challenge and it really made me think a bit!!  I like that!!
In keeping with the thought of trying to get enough ahead on Christmas cards that I can sell some and still have enough for ME to send, I decided to make another Christmas card for today's challenge.  The image I've used is from a local (Ohio, USA) artist called Stacy Stamps.  I purchased this stamp a couple of years ago and think this is only the 2nd time I've inked it up!  MY BAD!!  So, here we go!

(click on image to enlarge)

I have used Prismacolor markers for the coloring on the sleigh then cut it out with a Fiskar's swivel craft knife.  The designer paper is Graphic45 'Christmas Past'.  After stamping the 'gifts' with Versamark and embossing with gold ep, I made a slit in the sleigh to make it look like the gifts were sitting on the seat ready to be delivered!   I also decided to add the Spellbinder die cut tree that I had laying on my worktable (for weeks) to the sleigh  . . . now it's ready for 'take off'!

Here's a closer view of the sleigh filled with it's goodies.  I used designer paper to die cut my tree ... then decorated it a bit with Stickles.  What do you think?

We would LOVE to have you come join us!  Today we are being sponsored by Di's Digi Downloads.  Be sure to pop on over to our Challenge Blog for all the winning details!  I can't wait to see what you create using our inspirational photo!  Have fun!


I, of course, won't be around tomorrow.  We are traveling to our daughter's house for Thanksgiving Dinner, then some R&R.  Enjoy your day everyone!  


Darlene

Challenge Fun before Turkey Day

I will more than likely be busy for the next couple of days in preparation for Thanksgiving so I have a couple of challenge creations to share with you in this combined post.

Anita Be Stampin' is a new challenge blog and it would be great if you could come play and show her support!  Here's a peek at today's Challenge #2 sketch and . . .

here's what I've come up with 

(click image to enlarge)

I have made an A-6 size card and flipped it horizontally.  This is one of Anita's digi images called 'Tallulah' ... isn't she cute!!  I'm still in need of more holiday cards so that's my 'theme' today.  

Here's the recipe for this creation:
Papers: White cs, Graphic45 dp, DCWV dp, Basic Black cs, Kiwi green cs
Inks:  Versafine black
Accessories:  Prismacolor markers, Fiskars swivel craft knife, Nestabilities classic & scallop circles & ovals, Michael's holiday ribbon, pop dots, SU scallop border punch

 * * * * * * *
Another weekly challenge I love being a part of is the Crafty Secrets Challenge over on the forum at SCS.  Today Marcy is our hostess and she has asked us to "Shape it Up".  That means using that punches, diecuts, stencils, templates ... anything that creates a Shape ... of course and use it along with your Crafty Secrets / Heartwarming Vintage products for your creation.  Here's what I created using my new Sizzix Mittens & Snowflake die.

(click image to enlarge)

I have also used Martha Stewart icicle border punch & snowflake punch.  Other products used in this creation are:

Papers:  Graphic45 dp, Christmas green & red cs, baby blue cs
Image:  Crafty Secrets Christmas Booklet
Accessories:  Offray red satin ribbon, Stickles, 

Thanks so much for stopping by and we (Mark & I) wish you each a wonderful Thanksgiving!

MMSC81

  
Time again for another Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge!  Today's sketch is PERFECT to showcase this "Christmas Stocking" digi image by Priscilla!  You can purchase this image and many more at the "priscillastyles" Store.  Such wonderful images to use on your holiday cards for family & friends!! 

(click on image to enlarge)

I have used Prismacolor markers for coloring as well as Liquid Applique for texture on the berries & stocking top.  My designer paper is from a K&Co. 12x12 pack and an RAK from my friend Terri!  (Thanks girlie!!)  Other items used in the creation of this card are: a white gel pen for the faux stitching, Kaiser red half pearls purchased at Joan's Gardens as well as the Martha Stewart 'pron' punch.

Please be sure to pop on over to the MMSC blog to see all the amazingly inspirational creations designed by the MMSC DT as well as creations by the 'priscillastyles' Store DT.  THEN ... play along  ... I can't wait to see your creation!

Darlene for

*Wink *Wink Ink TIME . . .

Happy Monday Everyone!!  

Have you been over to *Wink *Wink Ink lately??  If not, you are missing out on a  FUN contest going on right now and you'll want to be sure and get involved!!  It's a "TRIM A TREE" contest and Melanie is providing the TREE!  How cool is that!  Here's a bit of inspiration for you . . .

 This adorable Christmas Hat is also one of Melanie's images and is only $1.50 at the *Wink *Wink Ink Shop.  It is SO MUCH FUN to play with as you will see in my future posts!  Need MORE inspiration?  Here ya go . . .

How about a close up of the decorations?  This card was created using Basic Grey Jovial dp, red satin ribbon, bow easy and Nestabilities Labels 14.  The tree decorations consist of various colors of Stickles and worked quite well once they dried!

How about ONE MORE?  And if you've been over to the *Wink *Wink Ink blog, you might recognize it as the card Melanie chose to display as my DT card.

I was very happy with the outcome of this creation.  The background dp is from Graphic45 and I have used a 100 weight gold metallic for my matting.  The star was cut using a Creative Memories star punch and the lower border is a Martha Stewart Punch.  

The decorating on this tree was created using gold Stickles and Stampendous diamond dots of various colors.  

Now it's YOUR turn!  Be sure to jump right over and get your TREES ... decorate them in YOUR style then come back to the *Wink *Wink Ink blog and share it with us!  I can't wait to see what you create!  What fun!!

Before I go ... I wanted to give you a sneak peek of a new stamp set being released the end of the week!  You'll definitely want this set for your collection!  And wait until you see the amazing samples for your inspiration!  WOWZA!!

Thanks so much for stopping by and I hope you have a wonderful day!

 

Sharing some challenge fun . . .

WOW are you as busy as I am???  Well, I guess it must be THAT time of the year.  Anyways, I still wanted to play in a few challenges and I'm here to share those creations with you!

First is a fun challenge over at Squigglefly using ONLY A SQUIGGLEFLY SENTIMENT as the focus.  What a great idea and one I usually forget to use!!  For some reason I think I need a cute 'picture' on the front of my cards!!!  Obviously I don't!  How cute & meaningful is this card!

  Please do pop over to Squigglefly and check out all the NEW RELEASES and ARTISTS.  I'm sure you'll find just that 'right image' you've been looking for to complete your holiday creations!

* * * * * * *

Secondly is another fun challenge over at the Anita Be Stampin' Challenge Blog.  Today is a sketch challenge and we all LOVE sketches ... right!!  So there's your excuse to check it out and PLAY ALONG!!!  Here's what I've created an A-6 size card using Anita's SKETCH and DIGI IMAGE called "Missy". 

  Isn't she adorable?  And all decked out for the holidays!! 

I hope you will take a moment and stop by these two challenge blogs and hopefully join in the fun!  I'll be back LATER or maybe TOMORROW (hee! hee!) to share with you the EXCITEMENT going on over on the *Wink *Wink Ink Blog ... you don't want to miss out on the fun!  Here's a clue ... TREES ... HATS ... PRIZES!

Hope to see you there!  Happy Day Everyone!  
Darlene

Introducing the NEW Delicious Doodles Challenge Blog ... with a HOP

Happy Friday everyone!!  

 Here we go with the very first ever

Delicious Doodles Challenge,

and what an easy one we have to start the ball rolling!!

We are having a celebratory Blog Hop, which is sooooo easy to do, no weird phrases to collect or sentences to make up. No!

All you need to do is take a trip round our blogs,

leave some love, pop back to the challenge blog

and enter your project via the Inlinkz Blue Froggy.

AND we have PRIZES GALORE!!

Each of us will be giving away, that's right - GIVING AWAY - the image that we have used to make our creations! So, if you want to win these digi-images, all you need do is leave a comment on the DT members blog. At the end of the week on Thursday 25th each DT member will announce who their winner is.

AND if THAT isn't enough to get you all excited,

Teri (Delicious Doodles Artist) is going to

GIVE AWAY TEN DIGI IMAGES

 on the Challenge Blog,

in celebration of our very first Challenge.

The winner will get to choose 10 digi's from

the Delicious Doodles Shop!!

BUT to qualify for this awesome prize there is a small catch!

You must comment on ALL of the DT Blogs,

AND make a 'something' to enter on the Challenge Blog

with the Blue Froggy.

Our theme is: 'Anything Goes'

OK, so here is the Blog Hop order in case you get lost - yes I know there are a few of us!  Grab your coffee and donuts ... it will be worth it!

(START) Delicious Doodles Challenge Blog

Keryn

Anita

Pascale
Saskia

Ildiko

Lyn

Anne

Terri

Maria

Amy
Claire
Alex
Darlene (you are HERE)
Allison
Ruthie
Grace

Teri (Store Owner)

and then back to the

Delicious Doodles Challenge Blog (FINISH LINE)

to enter your creation for your chance to win the fabby

TEN digi-images of your choice!!

Phew! Hope you got all that!

The Challenge and Blog Hop will finish on Thursday 25th November at 6pm GMT (UK time)

Each winner for the individual digi's will be announced on the DT members Blogs, so be sure to follow them if you want to know who their winners are!

The Grand Prize winner will be announced on the Challenge Blog on the morning of Friday 26th November before the next Challenge goes live later that day.

If you've come from ALEX's blog ... you are in the right place!!  For my creation I have used the Delicious Doodles image called "Christmas Cardinal" .  This image will be MY GIVE AWAY to one lucky winner at the end of the hop.  So please be sure to leave a comment to qualify!

Don't forget to stop by each blog and leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE image from ANY of my teammates!!  How cool is that!!

I'll not keep you any longer ... be sure to leave me a comment then hop on over to Allison's Blog to continue in the HOP!  Good Luck and thanks so much for joining us!!  

Darlene

Thanksgiving . . .

Can you believe that Thanksgiving 2010 is only ONE week away!  Where's the year gone??

Today the challenge at the SCS Crafty Secrets Forum is to use LEAVES on our creations along with Crafty Secrets/Heartwarming Vintage products.

(click image to enlarge)

This creation also qualifies for the Joan's Garden's Challenge to use the following:

• Thanksgiving theme
• Something "fallish" such as leaves, pumpkins, indian corn, etc.
• The color Green
• Some kind of Swirl or Vine

Please be sure to pop over to Joan's Gardens and check out what's to come for her 25th challenge ... BIG PRIZE ( total value of $284.86 ).  You won't want to miss out on the fun!!  I know I'll be there!!

* * * * *

REMINDER:  Big Debut of Delicious Doodles Challenge Blog will be TOMORROW with a Blog Hop ... please join us!  

Also . . .

*Wink *Wink Ink has something "up their sleeve" and it will be revealed TOMORROW ... be sure to check it out HERE.

The Sisterhood Challenge

This week's challenge at The Sisterhood is hosted by Teri and our theme this week is "Things To Be Thankful For".   How appropriate with our upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. 

 I have chosen an image from the Crafty Secrets Seasonal Booklet for today's card.  I would consider this creation a CAS (clean & simple) card.  Besides border punching the edge of the card front and a white panel for the front the only other additions are photo corners and a touch of glitter for some sparkle.

I hope you'll come join in our challenge.  Just to give you a heads up, The Sisterhood will NOT be doing a challenge next week.  The Sisters are taking a break and spending the time with their families during the Thanksgiving Day weekend.

Darlene

30% OFF SALE

JUST A REMINDER!

ONE DAY ONLY!!

Wednesday, November 17th

30% OFF SALE 

at

STAMP-BY-STEP

 

Please be sure to pop over and check it out!!  Cheryl has EVERYTHING you'll need to fill those Christmas Stockings this year!  And at wonderful prices too!!  Hurry!!  You don't want to miss out on this sale!!  Remember ... ONE DAY ONLY!!

Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge #80

Today's Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge is yet another fun, unique sketch and I have chosen one of "priscillastyles" digi images to use on today's sketch.  This particular image is called "Man With" and is a 5 piece set!  You can find it HERE at the "priscillastyles" Store.

(click on image to enlarge)

I colored this image using Prismacolor Markers a while back so that is what I drew my color scheme from for today's card.  The background panel is also embossed using the Herringbone EF from Cuttlebug.  The metal brads were in my stash ... I don't know the exact maker but I believe I purchased them at JoAnn's.

Hope you enjoyed this creation and I appreciate you're visit today!  If you enjoy a creative sketch challenge ... THIS IS THE ONE!!!

Darlene