Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays!

Welcome, Friends!

This'll be my last pre-Christmas post, so I want to take the opportunity to wish all the best wishes, merriest of merry, fun, food and many great blessings!  You guys keep me going, spur me on to grow and offer me your unbending friendship, and for that, I am VERY blessed!  Thank you!

I come today bearing Christmas tags, some for work, but most for family.  They come in sets, you'll see what I mean ~

These cuties came together pretty easily, considering I die cut, stamp and color!  They're from a favorite new stamp, one that I'll use often.  If you squint just right, you might see the metallic accents on the elves, they each have either silver or gold pen added for a flashy finish!  Oh and those adorable mini jingle bells!

Supplies:

   MFT - Christmas sElfies (I'm stuck on these cuties)

   RC - Topped Off Tags

These tags also came together pretty quickly, stamped & colored, then cut out with the initial tag die, then tied together with a larger tag die to add a little interest.  If you jump on one foot and stick out your tongue, you'll see the two on the left also have added detail - one with gold brilliance stars and the other with VersaMark snowflakes, dusted with white Perfect Pearls (love the simple shimmer).

Supplies:

   AI - Holly Jolly

   MFT - Tasty Greetings, Cool Day & Winter Songbird

   JD - Warm Wishes (sentiment)

   PTI - Tag Sale #5

   RC - Stitched Tag

Last but not least...

No calisthenics to see these, just put your specs on if you need them.  I did go back and put bells on these as well.  This was an NBUS stamp set, and while not particularly Christmas-y, the recipient will get the context!  Also, no sentiment on these, but I did put their name on it as they'll go in their stockings with a small gift.

Supplies:

   MFT - Crafty Companions (NBUS)

   PTI - Tag Sale #5

   RC - Stitched Tag

Thank you for coming by, and please have a SAFE, fantastic Christmas!  Blessings to all of you!

Hugs,

TK

An Iris for A Birthday?

 Hello!

Another quick post, actually this one is even pre-scheduled as I still seem to be flying by the seat of my pants!  Ugh!!!

This card's for my MIL, who turns 90 today!  Happy Birthday, Bunny!!!  We were able to celebrate earlier this summer while we were in Colorado, but driving that distance in the winter has proven to be sketchy in the past so we'll just wish her HB from here today.

I used a gift from a sweet friend (Lisa) to make the backdrop panel and placed it over some royal purple c/s.  The stamp, which is an outline and an inner stamp for color, was stamped and re-stamped with the colors doing some selective inking to give some depth.  I also added a bit of color with markers to add even more to the darker areas.  It was then fussy-cut and popped up, with a heat embossed sentiment on vellum.  If you look closely, I'm not sure where, but my black ink ended up picked up some sparkle...  Here's a close-up ~

Supplies:

   PTI - Lace Impressions

   SSS - Sketched Iris

   CTMH - Happy Birthday

Eight days and counting!  Are you ready for Christmas?  I hope so, because I'd like to think that not everyone is as panicked as I am...  Have a great day!

Hugs,

TK

A Lovely Day...

 Hello again, Friends!  Thanks for stopping by -- I have quick post for today so I can get onto something else that I'm behind in!  This one is for Hubbs' Birthday today ~

Another new-to-me stamp that I've been waiting to use for him.  While Mr Catt-o is relaxing in the hammock, this is a pipe dream for Hubbs currently -- too many projects!  However it extends my best wishes just perfectly.  A closer look ~

I ink blended, using a mask, yellow skylight fading to blue sky, and his hammock is perched in the soft green grasses.  I stamped and colored the image, then fussy-cut and popped it up.  Unfortunately a photo in the basement, at night, and it doesn't show the colors well.

That's it for me, and again, THANK YOU for your visit!  I promise I'll be around soon to see all of your beauties!

Supplies:

   CCC - Recharge, Wishing Happiness and Birthday Wishes

Hugs,

TK

Christmas Cheer

 Hello again!

While I don't think this stamp was originally for Christmas, I do think a fawn counts as winter/Christmas material, am I right?  Plus I had this new-to-me, NBUS stamp set just sitting there beckoning to be used, so I had to!

It all started with the other half of the snippet from the last card, only I ink blended over the stars on this one.  The adorable critters were stamped, colored and cut out, and the sentiment added.  And another close-up ~

This will go to Christmas Kickstart #57 and NBUS #33. 

Well, another card down -- YIKES -- Must Get To Mailing!

 

Supplies:

   MB - Starry Night stencil, shimmer paste

   MFT - A Very Sweet Somebunny (NBUS)

   CTMH - Very Merry Christmas sentiment

Well I'm on the run this weekend, between finishing up the decorations (yup, late there too), addressing & mailing, making cards for the locals, plus the dreaded shopping -- why oh why do I wait so long?!?!  Well if you're on schedule and everything is peachy in your neck of the woods, please keep us lunatics in your prayers!

Hugs,

TK

Frosty the SnowFriends

 Howdy!

A quick post to get this over to IB198...  I haven't gotten to play there very much, so it'll be fun!  Here's the inspiration:

And here's my VERY layered card ~

It all started with a snippet (from days gone by-lol) of shimmery paste through a stencil.  Then matted with 3 layers of coordinating dp, then the fog c/s.  I also stamped the 3 snowmen, who are usually in a box, but fussy cut them out so I could pop them up.  The three circles were inspiration from another challenge that I missed, but I still like the effect.  And a close-up to see the shine ~

Well, that's it for me, Folks!  Thanks for the visit, and I'll be hopping around to see everyone soon!

Supplies:

   MB - Starry Night stencil

   CB - Designer paper (forgot the name, sorry)

   MFT - Christmas sElfies

Take care and keep calm during the holiday rush!

Hugs,
TK

Shimmery Poinsettias

 Hello, Friends!

A quick trip out of town for my FIL's 90th Birthday, and back to it!  We had a good time and my FIL really enjoyed getting to know is great-grandson.  It was a long day, lots of good talking and enjoying the visit, then the trip home.

Before I left, I made this card, but it has long since missed its challenge, I believe a MFT sketch.  However, since the die is new, I get to play along with at NBUS #33.

I used the die on a variety packet of shimmer c/s that I've had FOREVER!  I love the packet, but some colors just don't get used as much as others.  As I tossed the put-together poinsettias on my desk, they  linked by themselves, it reminded me of the sketch and I ran with it.  I moved them onto the kraft c/s and added the sentiment.  Pretty EZ!  A closer look at the shimmer ~

Supplies:
   WF - Layered Poinsettia die (NBUS)

   TE - Inside & Out Christmas (sentiment)

ETA - Argh!  I totally forgot about the Flower Challenge #63

 

Are your cards done?  Shhh...  not mine, but I'm close.  Thanks for the visit, and don't panic, if your cards aren't done...

Hugs,

TK

Tis the Season & A Very Merry Christmas

Hello!

Can you hear that? I think Christmas is sneaking up on me!  I have a couple of cards tonight to post.  Enjoy!

Quite a CAS card, but then again, it fits the challenge!  Stamped and Copic colored, this card was pretty fast.  I'll enter this over at Time Out #301 (it does say "simplicity" in the quote), and NBUS #32 since the stamp set is new to me!

This next card missed its challenge (MFT Wednesday sketch, CTD colors), but I wanted to post it because it's using acetate as the card front -- yup!  Look closely!  I've never done that before so I wanted to try something different.  Next time (and there will be another attempt), I won't use the red c/s as a mat because it used up too much of the acetate.  However, I didn't plan far enough into the future to cut the 3 sections at the same time as I cut a blank white to fit the back and cover up the blue.  I also had to mat the inside since I chose such a dark c/s. 

Two down and ..... to go!  Nope, don't want to count my cards yet and get disappointed, so I'll just keep going!  😉

Card #1 supplies:

  MFT - Winter Songbird

   TE - In & Out Christmas (sentiment)

Card #2 supplies:

   CASual Fri:  Starlequin

   LI - Stitched Rectangle die

   MFT - Toast Greetings (sentiment)

 

Tomorrow's December 1st -- are you ready?

Hugs,

TK

Joy in Silver & Gold

 Hello, Friends!

I hope you are surviving any weather of late.  We've had more rain than usual this Fall but we are slated to maybe have more snow than usual, as well.  Thus far, the snow remains in the mountains, even though the elevation seems to be dropping more quickly of late.  We've even had our main mountain pass from east to west closed, in both directions already!  I don't remember that happening before.

Anyway, onto the card that you came here for, right?  This one came by inspiration from Color Hues #30 - Silver & Gold.  I also used a die set that has sat for far too long, so it'll also visit NBUS #32.  You'd think at this pace I'd get caught up and make Darnell proud, but nope -- just got some more delivered! 🤦🤦🤦

I used a cover plate for the pretty background, and die cut the mistletoe from gold, and the berries and bow from silver.  EZ PZ but I love the subtle elegance of this one!

For the sentiment, it's actually the Joy word, on a line that usually extends across the paper from side to side, forcing it to sit to the right.  I chose to do a little snipping, so I could have it centered under the mistletoe bunch.

 

Suppliesd:

   MB - Pinpoint Leaf CP

   MB - Mistletoe Bundle

   PTI - One Liner (Love, Peace, Joy)

Have a blessed weekend, and stay safe if you're one those that participate in a Black Friday excursion!

Hugs,
TK

Noel Wreath

 Welcome!

Are you done with your cards?  I must say I'm still clicking along, but I don't have far to go at all.  I took inspiration for this one from the photo at Inspired By 196C - Christmas Splendor, and what a glorious photo it is!

This set has never been used, so it will also visit NBUS #32.  It was great to get it out. While this card pales in comparison to the photo at IB196C, I love the card.  A close-up of detail, which shows more of the glitter effect of the DCWV glitter stack ~

And since I had the set out, why not make two cards?!

I did struggle with the Nuvo drops on this one.  In fact, I painstakingly cut the original dots off with a craft knife and re-did them.  I'm not sure why, but they wanted to flatten out A LOT.  After careful surgery, I put two colors of drops back only and happily left the card and my craft room.  What do you suppose happened when I returned?  Yep!  A few flattened dots!  Ugh.  I'm not sure if this card'll get mailed, but here it is in what little glory it has...

Supplies:

   HB - Joy/Noel Wreath

   CB - D'Vine Swirl e/f

   DCWV glitter c/s, Nuva drops in silver & gold, silver tape, and a snippet of candy cane strip dp

 

Before I bid you adieu, I want to mention one thing.  Today is my 6th Blogiversary!  OK I get it, you have been doing this blogging thing a whole lot longer, and a LOT of amazing cards from all of you, but it is something that I did not see myself getting to!  I mean, when I started this blog, Hubbs and I had just been catapulted into a whole new life, and things were a lot different.  We were going through a lot and I started by following several lovely ladies (yes, you know who you are) and commenting for a few months prior.  Then I started my blog on a whim following some gracious comments back some of you.  Shortly following that, I started with one part-time job, then a second part-time job around the first one, and finally my current full-time job, which carries overtime at a drop of a hat.  So, I wanted to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart -- I absolutely LOVE the friends I've made through this blog.  You are all a gem and a blessing to me!

Hugs,

TK

Sending Thanksgiving Blessings

 Hey, Friends!

I'm so glad you could stop by because these wishes are for you!  I  realize I'm a couple days early, but things are hectic for all of us so I thought I'd send mine a bit early.

I used a sketch at FMS #512 because I needed a couple more cards that will be passed out on Thanksgiving day, and it fit the bill.  This card is quite EZ-PZ, but I love the shine and colors and the layout was a great help ~

Three strips of complimentary pp for my stripes, and I used the stamp a little different.  The three images are all a part of one strip, but I stamped individually, heat embossed in metallics, and then fussy cut them, to pop them up.  Then a short and sweet sentiment was placed in chocolate ink.

Supplies:

   PrintWorks - Autumn Trio

   HB - Autumn pp

That's it for me today.  A quick post so I can get this entered over at the challenge.  Again, I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving, filled with love and blessings.

Hugs,

TK

The Fondest Memories

Wow!  Has anyone seen my days?  I mean, I can't seem to find them lately -- haha!  Helping Hubbs on a house project on weekends, and of course the cooking and cleaning -- I feel like a superheroe sometimes!  I'm playing hookie tomorrow though to go on a motorcycle ride -- woot woot!  

Ok then, onto the card!  

A "new to me" technique, that I found quite fun, inspired by the challenge at

 CAS Mix Up - Stencil Monoprint.

I used Forest Moss, Peeled Paint, Red Barn and Wild Honey DIs.  I'm not sure why but I think my indoor lighting changed the greens to brownish...  While I didn't sufficiently spritz the inks, I didn't want to oversoak my inks either.  The result is a crackled finish in places, and I actually love it.  Maybe I'm just ecstatic that I didn't have a total failure!  Either way, I think this'll go to Hubbs.

Supplies:

   SSS - Autumn Splendor stencil

   TE - Thanksgiving Blessings (sentiment)

   MFT - Wonky Stitched Rectangles

Well I'm off to another load of laundry!  Thanks for the visit, Friends.  I'll be seeing you soon hopefully.

Hugs,

TK

Elf in Christmas Cheer

Well hello there!  Glad to see you today.

I think I've hit the jackpot!  I was looking for more Christmas inspiration, when lo and behold I found it at Christmas Kickstart #56, and Di from Pixie's Crafty Workshop and the Snippets Playground Challenge is Guest Designer!  So thrilled!  Then my plan all came together when I saw the layout at MFT WSC566.

I rooted through my snippets stash and indeed, I found some Christmas snippets!  Since the sketch only called for a small amount of snippets - bingo!  Then I recalled another of my MFT Christmas sElfies that I'd colored, and the rest is history..

My candy cane snippets are the perfect accent to my fun elf!  And a close-up to show his cute face, his winked pom pom, and glossied pom pom and ornament.

I'll be entering Mr Elf at

 

Supplies:

   MFT - Christmas sElfies

   CTMH - an OLD set for the sentiment, possibly one of my first purchases when I thought I might want to start stamping

Well thank you again, Friends!  Your friendship, comments and support are mean more to me than you'll ever know!

Hugs,
TK

Fall - HB2U

 Hello!

Today's card is one with a really different spin for me.  I had an idea in my head but knew it was way out of my comfort zone but you have to at least try, right?!  It's already zipping its way to the recipient, and hopefully received!  Hope you all like it!  Happy Birthday, Michele ~

I die cut my orange leftover piece with some alpha dies and attached it flat to the woodgrain c/s.  I had the two leaves in my bin of snippets, but  I ink-blended them to stay in the right colors.  I decided to die cut the two leaves into the brown leftover panel making it a negative, popped it up and inlaid the snippet leaves in the panel.  Three snippets used, two more made -- are you keeping count?  Just so you know, the two new ones were placed inside the card -- back to zero!  From a kraft snippet, I cut the acorn and tag, ink-blended on the acorn, then heat embossed the sentiment.  This next photo shows the inlaid dies.

Well that's all for me folks, except the challenges this'll go to Color Hues #29, Pixie's Snippets #415 and NBUS #32 ~

Supplies:

   Alt. - Linear Pathway Alpha (NBUS)

   PTI - Smooth Numbers

   LF - Stitched Leaves

   W+9 - Woodland Basics

   ME - True Friends (selective stamping of sentiment)

   CCC - Bday Wishing (inside sentiment)

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hugs,
TK

Tis the Season - FMS#510

 Welcome!

Another card from the "coloring" session while camping last month -- I figure if I spread these babies out, you might not get too bored  😉

I used the wonderful sketch over at FMS #510 -- so perfect for a simple image, CAS Christmas theme - Critters, and NBUS #32.

I used a new cover plate die (NBUS) and cut it a little larger than half, cut down the colored image and popped it up over some irridescent vellum, pretty easy peasy!  The vellum is odd because IRL it's more silvery but maybe that's the indoor light, which makes the left portion look almost golden.

Well, zipping this off to get it in the challenges.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead, we're scheduled for rain.  We need it, I just don't wish for the wind that's supposed to accompany it.

Supplies:

   MFT - Christmas sElfies

   SSS - Detail Ringlet cover plate

   MB - Christmas Botanicals (sentiment)

Hugs,

TK