Wrapping it Up for Christmas

     It was finally time to do something other then a card for Christmas so I started on my gift bags.  This is the first one but I have some others I may get done in time to share them over the weekend.  This is a re-cycled vellum bag; originally it held a birthday gift but I wanted to combine the polka dots on the bag with the polka dots in the dp I chose.  I thought the white dots looked a bit like snow and that made it perfect for a Christmas theme.

     This is a fun image from Aurora Wings (Anything but a Card) and I wanted to stay very CAS on this bag.  I colored the kitten and lights image with my ProMarkers, then cut the image into a square and added the sparkly twine before adhering it onto the dp (SU.)  That entire piece went onto the bag and it was done.  I'll make a matching tag for it before using it this year.

     Challenges:
613 Avenue Create
A Gem of a Challenge ("Deck the Halls")
CAS on Sunday
Christmas Challenge
Crafting from the Heart
Craft Your Passion
Crafty Boots
Di's Digi Designs
Fairy Tale
Love to Scrap
Not Just Cards
Paper Minutes
Passion for ProMarkers
Quirky Crafts

     Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and I'm wishing all my USA friends warm blessings and good time spent with family and friends.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Gathering Acorns

     I just noticed there's a new challenge on the FB page for AuroraWings and their theme is "Holiday Sprites."  I love this little Acorn Sprite but have never used it before so I decided on Thanksgiving as my holiday.

I chose to use the sketch from STAMPlorations

and took my colors from the Friday Coloring challenge at The Outlawz.

  

     The Acorn Sprite is colored with my ProMarkers, then die cut with a die from QuicKutz.  The papers are from my stash and the yellow paper is embossed with Swiss Dots.  The sentiment is computer printed and matted with CS.  The "Thankful" sentiment is hand-printed on woodgrain paper, mounted on chipboard, and cut with a banner die.  Finally, I added a bow, the flower (punched pieces layered together with a gem), and the three gems below the bottom sentiment.

     Challenges:
ArtbyMiran
Corrosive Challenge
Crafting from the Heart
Crafting with Friends
Craft Your Passion
Crafty Creations
Crafty Gals Corner
Creative Fingers
Creative Moments
Di's Digi Designs (top row)
DL.ART
DRS Designs
Fussy and Fancy
Inspiration Destination
Jo's Scrap Shack
Lacy Sunshine (top row)
Love to Scrap
Morgan's ArtWorld
Not Just Cards
Passion for ProMarkers
Scrapper's Delight
Stamping Boutique

     I'm getting toward the end of my Thanksgiving cards but still have a few to share.  Many of mine will have to be in the mail by mid-week if they are to arrive at their destinations on time.  I hope your crafting time isn't suffering from all the necessary holiday prep and that you're enjoying your weekend.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Dragon Babies for Mom

     Happy St. Patrick's Day!!  

     Spring is definitely creeping up on us and that makes me think of new life.  New life often means first time moms and birthdays -- and no 'birth'day is more important than the actual day you were born.  Each one after that is just a celebration on the anniversary of your birth, right?  So, today's card is dedicated to spring, new life, new moms, and milestone birthdays.  Yes, I'm celebrating mine today, too, even though it's not a milestone.  :-D

     The image comes from Aurora Wings and is called "Dragon Babies."  Aurora Wings has a fantastic FB page which you should visit for some wonderful inspiration.

I chose to use the sketch from Sketch Saturday.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut.  The mat is die cut from dp by K & Co. and the background dp is also K & Co.  The ribbon is grosgrain and was in my stash.  The bow is one of those I make by the dozens.  The glittery border is actually made using "Design Adhesives" diamonds and green glitter.  I'm still experimenting with various gitter and adhesive techniques.  I really like this one!

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge -- Mother's Day or Special lady
AuroraWings -- Anything goes
Corrosive Challenge -- Go green
Craft for the Craic -- Something green
Craftitude -- Add green
Dream Valley -- Big birthday (the day you were born!)
DRS Designs -- You're a good egg
Glitter n Sparkle -- Green
One Stitch at a Time -- Use a digi
Outlawz Alcohol Markers -- Fantasy
Paper Sweeties -- Polka dots
Ribbon Girl -- Green
Robyn's Fetish -- Green & glitter
Sentimental Sundays -- Cute & cuddly
Simon Says Stamp -- Mother's Day or Special lady
Stampin with the Dragon -- Go green
Sunflowerfield Designs -- Birthday
That Craft Place -- Mother's Day

     It's Monday and I'm sure that means we're one day closer to spring.  I hope your weekend was relaxing and productive whatever you were doing.  Now we face the start of another work week and must wait a few more days before we can anticipate the weekend.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Sleepy Kitten

     Today I want to tell you about the second artist I found this week who's not new, just new to me.  I fell in love and did a second shopping spree so now I get to share this card with you.  The company is Aurora Wings and the image is called "Sweet Dreams."  OK, so you probably knew I'd use a kitten first.  :-D

I took the sketch from Digi Sketch, turned sideways.

     I colored the image with my ProMarkers (in my favorite purples, of course), die cut it, and colored the scallops to look like a frame.  The embossing folder is one from SU, I think.  The sentiment is mine, computer printed and hand cut, with inked edges.  I added glitter to the flower centers and the butterfly on the kitten's head.  The bow and the pearls came from my stash.

     Challenges:
Creative Crafts -- New (digi and kitten)
Fan-tastic Tuesday -- Feminine
Flourishes Timeless Tuesday -- In with the new (new digi, new kitten)
Outlawz Greetings -- New Arrivals (new digi and new kitten)
Papertake Weekly -- Add a bow and use a die cut
Passion for Pro-Markers -- Ribbon, lace, or twine (ribbon bow)
Through the Purple Haze -- Favorite colors (purple)
Top Tip Tuesday -- Use a sketch

     You really need to go check out all the different digis at Aurora Wings.  She does adorable animals but she also has a large variety of other images, many of which I bought.  Sigh...who could resist?  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie