Kimono Kayuki

     I adore this sweet little geisha girl in her fancy kimono!  She's called "Kimono Kayuki" and she's from Conie Fong.  Don't forget, we have 2 separate challenges at Conie Fong each month; 1 for just hand-colored images and the second for finished projects.

Colored w ProMarkers & gel pens

Cut w Spellbinders die

Sentiment cut w Spellbinders die

Silver metallic ribbon strips

Black gems

  

     Challenges:

Cardz TV

Colouring in Scrapland

Colour Crazy

Crafty Sentiments

Creative Fingers

Digi Choosday

Di's Digi Designs (blue/digi/sentiment)

Incy Wincy

Polkadoodles

    We'd love to see you playing along with us.  Since we're so close to the end  of the month, you might prefer to wait until Monday when our newest challenges begin but there is still the weekend so if you have a Conie Fong image already colored up and ready, why not enter it?

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season. 

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Sweeping for Spring

      Good morning and welcome to my next DT post for Creative Knockouts!   Our theme this week is "Die Cuts or Punches" and we're being sponsored by SheepSki Designs.  I absolutely adore gnomes and the ones drawn by Andrea at SheepSki are some of my favorites so I jumped at the chance to use "Sno' Worries" as soon as I saw it.  :-D

     If you look closely at my card, you'll see that he's sweeping away the snow, all the way down to bare ground, hoping perhaps to encourage Spring to arrive.  After all, when you're as small as a gnome and you live in the forest without benefit of a heating system, winter can be your least favorite season!

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut & embossed w Spellbinders die

Paper from DCWV "Winter" stack

Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die

     Challenges:

Crafty Gals Corner

Creative Inspirations

House Stamps Built

I {heart} ProMarkers

Mod Squad

Papercraft

Penny's Paper-Crafty

SheepSki Designs

Simon Says Stamp

Star Stampz

     Come play with us this week.  We love being inspired by you!

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season. 

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Crafty Chefs for February

      Last week I shared with you my card for the January Recipe at Crafty Chefs and now it's my turn to create the recipe for February.  I know it's not February yet but consider this a gift in case you want to join us at Crafty Chefs.  It's open to any who care to join (free) and there's never a deadline for completing any project.  You're free to use and share any of the monthly recipes whenever you like.  We are just a group of crafters who are trying to get out of our own personal comfort zones now and again and try some things we may not have done before by following someone else's recipe.  Also fun is finding a recipe which exactly fits your own style or the things in your craft stash and whipping up something to share with the rest of us for inspiration.

     Since I just did a recipe in December, some of the other gals who play over there gave me some help on the recipe for February.  Appreciation to Margaret for suggesting "Stamp - rubber or digi," "Pink & Purple," plus "pattern dp."  Karen, our Master Chef from January, gave me "Fun Fold" (the previous chef always gives the next chef one MUST DO item.)  So, here's the February recipe:

MUST DO: Image + Purple/Pink combo + Pattern paper + Fun Fold

CAN DO: Embossing Folder OR Doily OR Flowers

Offset Gate Fold card

Image from A Day from Daisies

Colored w ProMarkers & gel pens

Cut w Quickutz die

Doily sprayed w inks

Pink dp from scrap basket

Sentiment unknown rubber stamp

    (cut w Avery Elle die)

     Challenges:

Colour Crazy

Creations in Pink

Double D

I {heart} ProMarkers

Outlawz Twisted Thurs

Paper Funday

Polkadoodles

Scrapping4Fun

Uniko

Word Art Weds

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season. 

     Come visit us at Crafty Chefs.  Join us if you'd like.  You can even sign up be a Master Chef and pick a month this year to create the recipe for all of us to follow.  Check out all the recipes in the respective monthly albums and try a few. It's fun!  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Floating in a Hot Air Balloon

      It's another Monday and that means anther challenge starting over at Pammie's Inky Pinkies, where our theme is always Anything Goes (except on a 5th Monday.)  Our sponsor this week is CAS-ual Friday Stamps and they were generous enough to provide stamps for each of us.  I used "Floating," the hot air balloon made from flowers plus one of the sentiments in the set.  These are clear, polymer stamps.

Stamped on scrap CS w Shaded Lilac ink pad

Colored w ProMarkers

Pink background put together w dp scraps

Used scraps for ribbon & bow 

     Challenges:

Allsorts

Art Impressions

Chocolate Baroque

C.R.A.F.T.

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

I {heart} ProMarkers

Pixie's Snippets

Scrapping4Fun

TaylorMadeCards4U

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season. 

     Come play in our challenge this week and Happy Crafting!  NanaConnie

Ice Fishing

      My dad loved fishing, any day of the week, and time of the year, and that included winter time in the mountains.  Although we didn't live in snow country when I was growing up, my grandfather had a cabin up in the mountains and if we stayed there for a long weekend in the winter months, ice fishing was something he was going to do while we were there.  I used to tease him that all the fish must have gone south for the winter because  I don't remember that he ever caught anything.  lol

     Anyway, when I was looking for a Bugaboo Stamps image to use for their color combo over at the Catch the Bug Challenge this week, I saw this Ice Fishing image.  The colors immediately reminded me of my dad's ratty, old, fishing jacket that was stained and had a few patched holes in it but he loved it and always wore it when sitting out on the ice.  He called the color "rusty mustard."  lol  So, even though they aren't winter colors, I chose this Ice Fishing image in honor of my dad.  :-D

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season. 

Catch the Bug colors.                       Stella Says Sketch (reversed)

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Sizzix die

Sentiment printed & hand cut (scrap)

Sentiment mounted on Spellbinders die cut (scrap)

Orange polka dot washi tape (scraps)

Black satin & sheer ribbon (scrap)

Background made from dp scraps

     Challenges:

Crafty Sentiments

Cutie Pie

Cuttlebug Mania

Digi Choosday

Lemon Shortbread

Lil Patch of Crafty...

Passion for ProMarkers

TTCRD

     Wishing you warmth in the middle of winter or cooling breezes if you're south of the equator in a heat wave.  :-D  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Valentine for You

      One of my favorite Progressive Challenges is at LeAnn's World and this month we're using this adorable "Susie" image.  Doesn't she make a perfect Valentine?  I took inspiration from her heart shaped pockets.  

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season. 

Colored w ProMarkers & gel pens

Cut w Unbranded die

Metallic ribbon

Red signature bow w pearl, hand sewn

Sentiment cut w QuicKutz die

     Challenges:

Angie's Digitals

Aud Sentiments

Color Dare (Color = Red/ Metallic = ribbon/ Neutral = hair)

Colour Crazy

Crafter's Castle

Dare 2B Artzy

Get Creative

Outlawz Festive Fri

Scrapping4Fun

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Crafty Chefs January Recipe

      I can't believe how long it took me to get to the January recipe for Crafty Chefs but my time since Christmas seems to have rushed by at three times normal speed so here it is January 21 and I'm just now getting my card posted.

     In case you don't know about Crafty Chefs, it's a group of crafters who want to try things which may be outside their comfort zone.  Each month, one member makes a card or other project using a recipe which they have put together themselves, and they post the recipe for everyone else to use.  I've been doing that for about a year now and it's fun.  You get to choose whether or not you want to use any given recipe and there are no deadlines for when or how soon you must enter your project.  If you want to skip a recipe, you can.  There are no prizes, no sponsors, no obligations - just good fun and the opportunity to try something new with lots of encouragement from others who are trying the same thing.  Come check us out and join in.  All it takes is a Facebook account.  :-D

     The recipe this month was - MUST USE: Stencil Paste (I didn't have any so the Master Chef suggested I try embossing powder instead), Glitz or Sparkle, Slimline design, Use at least 1 die.  The CAN USE (Optional) items were: Stencil, Fun Fold, Acetate.  

     I made my first ever stencil by using a border punch on acetate!  So, a brand new technique added to my crafty options and I didn't violate my commitment to using only things already in my stash. See the paragraph at the end of this post for a full understanding of that. :-D

3 layers of sparkly black, double thick EP

     (first layer: embossing ink applied thru stencil;

      that was thick enough that I could swipe the ink

      for the next 2 layers across the top, 

      then apply more double thick EP and heat)

Stencil hand-made w Fiskars punches

Memory Box die for sentiment

Glitter paper background

Slimline card design

     Challenges:

Allsorts

Art Impressions

Cardz TV

Crafter's Castle

Incy Wincy

Outlawz Festive Fri

Penny's Paper-Crafty

Uniko Studio

Word Art Weds

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season. 

     Come see us at Crafty Chefs.  You never know what you might find there that will intrigue and challenge you.  You might even decide to join us!  :-D  Happy Crafting  NanaConnie

Flaky Friends

      Growing up as I did in southern California, I had little chance to see snow much less make snowmen.  We would sometimes visit my grandfather's vacation cabin up in the mountains during the winter and I always did my best to make a snowman, even if it was only a small one.  When I accomplished that, I would then refer to it as my "flaky friend!"  To this day, I adore snowmen and I use them on winter cards whenever possible.  I'd use them on summer cards, too, but they might melt.  lol

      Here's one for the BINGO challenge at Catch the Bug this week.  I actually did two of the BINGO columns - a diagonal (Snowflakes/ Bugaboo Image/ Ribbon) and also the 3rd column (3 layers/ die or punch - I used both/ Ribbon.)

Colored w ProMarkers

Image & 2 circles cut w Sizzix dies

Blue dp from scrap stash

Snowflakes cut w AI dies

Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die

Signature bow w pearl

Sheer, striped ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon

Bottom card corners rounded w Fiskars punch

     Challenges:

Cutie Pie

Cuttlebug Mania

Di's Digi Designs

Dragonfly Dreams

Dream Valley

House that Stamps Built

Paper Funday

Passion for ProMarkers

Penny's Paper-Crafty

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash! 

     Have a wonderful creative day and Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Valentine Wreath

      I'm so happy with this CAS style card which I'm using to remind you that the January challenge at Jan's Digi Stamps is still going for another 2 weeks, until Sunday, January 31st.

     This image is the Flower Wreath from Jan's new "Valentine Wishes" set which has delightful images and sentiments, and it's on sale for the rest of this month, too!  Be sure to check out today's post on the Jan's Digi Stamps Challenge blog to see other images from this set which have been used by some of the DT gals.

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w QuicKutz die

Ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon

Double bow tied using bow maker

     Challenges:

Angie's Digitals

Crafty Catz

Crafty Creations

Creative Fingers

Dare 2B Artzy

Gem of a Challenge

Ike's World

Lil Patch of ...

Polkadoodles

Word Art Weds

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash! 

     Come play with us in this fun "Anything Goes" challenge.  We love seeing your creations.  Hapy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Cross Stitch Love

     Nothing cuter than House Mousies and these three are totally adorable!  I tried something new on this card.  Since I was lucky enough to win one of the House Mouse challenges and wouldn't have to spend any money (thereby keeping with the "Just Stash January" commitment - see paragraph below), I ordered a set of their 3D card kits which I've never used before.  

     It takes the old fashioned fussy cutting and layering of images to get a great card with lots of layers and dimension, so very time consuming but wonderful fun!   Here's a perfect Valentine card.

     I'm following a great "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash! 

Bottom layer of image cut with Tutti Designs die

All other layers cut w scissors

     2 layers of cross stitch and stitching mouse

     1 additional layer of 2 other mice

     2 layers of scissors

     3 layers of embroidery threads

Sentiment cut w scissors

All layers put onto red card base

     Challenges:

Aud Sentiments

C.R.A.F.T.

Creative Inspirations

House that Stamps Built

Incy Wincy

Lil Patch of ...

Outlawz PAM

Scrapping4Fun

Simon Says Stamp

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Welcome, Baby!

     Good Saturday morning, my friends!  I'm so excited to share with you my next DT card for Conie Fong   It's a card for a new baby and we're going to have one of those in our family this summer.  :-D  I'm so excited!!  The image is called "Baby Ellie."

I also want to tell you about a fun "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link and find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash. 

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Unbranded die

Card front embossed w "Linen" EF

Gingham bow - hand-tied

Sentiment printed & cut w Avery Elle die

     Challenges:

A Gem of a Challenge

Allsorts

Aud Sentiments

Cardz TV

Colour Crazy

C.R.A.F.T.

Crafty Catz

Creative Fingers

Cute Card Thurs

Outlawz PAM

     Come play with us this month.  There are always 2 challenges at Conie Fong's every month; one for just coloring one of her images and the other for finished projects with a Conie Fong image. Hope to ee you there.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Seeking Snowman

    Here we are in the middle of the month and it's time to start a new challenge over at QKR Stampede.  As usual, our theme is "Anything Goes" and you have two ways to win; if you use an image from QKR (or their sister company, Eureka Stamps), your entry is put into a separate draw from all other entries and that increases your chances of winning by a huge amount!

     For my DT card today, I used a cute image called "Seeking Snowman" which I reversed before printing.  Think of it as something we've all thought more than once during this ridiculously long pandemic.  :-D   Despite that, I'm using it as a birthday card for a gal who's looking for all those years already behind her.  

     I did this in my favorite winter color combo of blues.  That combo always makes me think cold & icy which is perfect for a winter card.

I used the colors from My Favorite Things.

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w CUTplorations die

Mat cut w Spellbinders die

Grosgrain bow

Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die

Card front hand-embossed w stylus

      Challenges:

As You Like It

Aud Sentiments

Cardz TV

Colour Crazy

C.R.A.F.T.

Crafty Catz

MFT Birthday

Outlawz Festive Fri

Scrapping4Fun

     I have a second card to share today and this image is called "Sleepy Owl" but why he's sleepy when the moon is out is beyond me.  I think the sentiment expresses everything that needs to be said.  lol

Colors from CMH Color Dare (Lemonade, Lagoon, Peacock, brown & black)

Colored w ProMarkers & water colors

Cut w Dare 2B Artsy die

'Linen Closet' dp

Sheer blue ribbon

Black satin bow

Gems from CTMH

     Challenges:

Angie's Digitals

Colour Crazy

Crafty Calendar

Creative Fingers

Dare 2B Artsy

Lil Patch of ...

Pattie's Creations

Polkadoodles

Stamping Sensations

     Once again, I'm following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash! 

     I hope we're going to see you playing along with us this fortnight.  Remember, it's Anything Goes and you can use any image from any company.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Absolute Pear-fection!

      I'm tickled to be posting my first DT card for Creative Knockouts and our theme this time is "Something to Say" (use a sentiment.)   The challenge is sponsored by Jan's Digi Stamps (another of the DTs I serve :-D) and the prize is  $10 (US) gift certificate for a shopping spree at their store.

     I chose an image & sentiment from the "Fall Pear-fection" set.  I thought it made a lovely 'Friendship' card. 

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash! 

Tuesday Morning sketch (flipped & turned)

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Spellbinders die

Plaid dp scrap from Your Next Stamp

Satin-edge, sheer ribbon for bow

Sentiment cut w Memory Box die

     Challenges:

Cookin' Up

Crafty Sentiments

Ike's World

Lemon Shortbread

Paper Shelter

Passion for ProMarkers

Simon Says Stamp

TTCRD

     Come play in our fun challenges at Creative Knockouts.  We always have fun themes and great sponsors, plus we love being inspired by your fab creations!  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Fairy & Unicorn

      Here we are at the mid-week point and I have a darling little fairy and unicorn to share with you.  One of my granddaughters adores unicorns and I try to make her at least one unicorn card each year, though it usually turns into three or four.  :-D  This image is from Polkadoodles and I won it in a challenge.

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came not only from the stash but from the scrap stash! 

Colors from The Outlawz + "F" for Fairy

Colored w ProMarkers & gel pens

Cut w Sizzix scalloped die

Papers are all from the scrap basket

Sentiment printed and hand cut

Lace scraps from basket

     Challenges:

Colour Crazy

Creative Fingers

Digi Choosday

House that Stamps Built

I {heart} ProMarkers

Lemon Shortbread

Paper Funday

Penny's Paper-Crafty

Polkadoodles

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Winter Mittens

      It's a Monday, & a January Monday at that, so it's time for a new challenge at Pammie's Inky Pinkies and our wonderful sponsor this week is The Cutting Cafe.  They have generously supplied the DT with lovely files for cutting shaped cards and I chose this adorable "Mitten shaped card."

     Because I don't have an electronic cutting machine, I printed the mitten shape, first adjusting it for the size I wanted, then cut it by hand.  That's one of the great things about Cutting Cafe files - they can be cut by hand or by machine.

Paper pieced with scrap dp (DCWV "Stonewashed" stack)

Snowflakes cut from scraps w Art Impressions dies

Sentiment (unknown maker) stamped & underlined

     I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came not only from the stash but from the scrap stash! 

     Challenges:

Dare 2B Artsy

Digi Choosday

Di's Digi Designs

Dream Valley

Get Creative

Outlawz PAM

Penny's Paper-Crafty

Pixie's Snippets

     Come play with us this week.  Our theme is always "Anything Goes" except on the rare 5th Monday in a month.  We'd love to see what you create.   Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

A Birthday Starts a New Year

      I've never figured out why we celebrate only one New Year each year.  I mean, think about it - each time you have a birthday, you are starting a new year of your life.  Every school child starts a new year when s/he moves from one grade level to the next.  Anyone who changes jobs or gets a promotion starts a new year in that position.  So, this card is my salute to a new birthday year.  :-D

     This House Mouse stamp is also new but I spent no money to get it.  I was lucky enough to win one of the House Mouse challenges and I chose this as my prize!  I'm still following the "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link above to find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash. 

     I want you to know that these cute little mice looked everywhere, trying to find a 'cupcake' for the birthday cake but all they could find was a box of stale donuts so this has to do as a substitute for the cupcake.

Colored w ProMarkers & gel pens

Cut w Gina Marie die

Background dp from Your Next Stamp

Sentiment printed & hand cut

Scraps of lace from my stash

Gems from stash

     Challenges:

Crafty Creations

Creative Inspirations

Double D

Double Trouble (all 3) w Color Dare

   

House Stamps Built

I {heart} ProMarkers

Penny's Paper-Crafty

Simon Says Stamp

SSS&S

Your Next Stamp

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie 

Magical Christmas Birthday

      My sweet daughter-in-law has one of those birthdays which tends to get wrapped in with Christmas but I do make separate birthday and Christmas cards for her each year.  This was her birthday card for 2020 but I couldn't post it until now in case she was watching the blog.  Now that she's had more than enough time to get both her birthday and Christmas cards in the mail, I'll post it.

     It also serves as my first DT card for Conie Fong in 2021!  The image is called "Snowman and Birdie Friends" and I think it's adorable enough to use all winter (but for the Christmas tree decoration.)

     I used an old technique I dearly love: Cutting the image with a fancy die and using nothing but the image piece on the card front.  It's a design with no embellishments but it looks very complex despite actually being very CAS.  Nice and flat for mailing.

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Spellbinders die

Very old CAS technique 

     I also want to tell you about a fun "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link and find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash. 

 

     Challenges:

Cardz TV

Crafty Calendar

Crafty Hazelnut's

Lil Patch of ...

MFT Birthday

Outlawz Festive Fri

Paper Funday

Word Art Weds.

     Have yourself a Crafty Day!  NanaConnie

Swallow a Fly

      Time for the challenge at Beccy's Place this month and this sweet little frog is one of my favorite Beccy's images.  It's amazing how happy you can look when you can eat what "bugs" you!  :-D

     I also want to tell you about a fun "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link and find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash including the Spellbinders' die used on the dark green mat which I've had for 3 months but have never used before (another of those "just have to have" things which then languish unused!)

     This is not only a card with everything coming from the stash, but it's made entirely from scrap pieces of CS, including the piece with the image.  The dark green piece is cut from 2 different scraps taped together down the length for cutting.

Colored w ProMarkers

Image cut & embossed w Spellbinders

Dark green mat cut w Spellbinders

   (not new but never used before!)

Card front embossed w EF

     Challenges:

Colouring in Scrapland

Creative Inspirations

Get Creative

House Stamps Built

I {heart} ProMarkers

Outlawz PAM

Simon Says

Stamping Sensations

TTCRD

     Have a wonderful, crafty day!  NanaConnie

Snowman Mug

      Limited Runs was one of my favorite progressive challenges but they have now ended it.  However, they still have a Facebook page and I'm going to share this card over there.  Isn't this an adorable Snowman Mug?

     I also want to tell you about a fun "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link and find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash!

Colored w ProMarkers

Image is Fussy Cut

Doily behind the image cut w QuicKutz die

Background dp from DCWV

Sentiment cut w Avery Elle die

Twine bow hand tied

     Challenges:

A Bit More Time...Extra
A Perfect Time to...

Arty Divas

Crafts Galore Encore

Crafty Hazelnut's

Do Al(l) Creatives

LeAnn's World

Let's Craft & Create

Morgan's ArtWorld

Your Scrapbook Place

     Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie

Getting Well Quickly

      This is the Monday when the new challenge starts at Jan's Digi Stamps!   As usual, our theme is Anything Goes.  You are not required to use a JDS stamp but if you do, your entry will go into a separate draw only for entries using one of Jan's digistamps.  That increases your chance of winning by a huge amount!  

     My DT card today was done as a Get Well card for my granddaughter after her car accident in early December.  She fine - no worry!  She did spend a few days in the hospital under observation because she had some very severe bruises, including one to her liver, several to her ribs and collarbone, and she had a small laceration to her spleen.  They kept her under observation, hoping surgery would not be necessary and it turned out it wasn't.  She still has a ways to go for a complete recovery (maybe even a few months), but she's home.  

     Her car will have to be replaced since it was totaled by the insurance company.  That breaks my heart because her car had been my car before she bought it from me, and it was her first car.  She worked 3 different jobs during her high school years and saved every penny of her paychecks, intending to buy her first car without any help from family.  When I  decided that I was ready to sell mine, she had saved enough to be able to make an offer and we did the deal.  She loved that little car as much as I did.  :-D

     This fun image is from the Jan's Digi Stamps set called "Get Well Friends."

Colored w ProMarkers

Cut w Spellbinders die

Sentiment printed & hand cut

CAS design

I also want to tell you about a fun "challenge-yourself" idea being promoted by my blogging buddy, V.  It's called "Just Stash January" and it involves using nothing but things already in your stash throughout the entire month of January!  There are a few reasonable exceptions (all of which mean that no money has come out of your pocket) and you can read about those on her post.  Just click on the link and find out all about it, then start counting those coins and bills you'll be 'stashing' in your pocket this month instead of crying about even more charges on the credit cards after the holiday season.  :-D  Everything on this card came from the stash!

     Challenges:

Cardz TV

Cute Card Thurs

Die Cut Divas

Incy Wincy

Mod Squad

Outlawz Festive Fri

Pattie's Creations

Polkadoodles

Word Art Weds

     Come play with us this month!  We love being inspired by you and we look forward to what you enter.  Happy Crafting.  NanaConnie