Away in a Manger

     I've been on a Deedee's Digis kick all weekend and have used several different sets to make Christmas cards and tags.  Just as I was thinking that I was pretty well caught up on the number of cards I need this year, I got another commission for eight cards.  Then my neighbor, who loves all my cards and has ordered several from me over the last year, wants ten MORE Christmas cards!  So now I'm hopping like a bunny to get everything done.

     I also want to let you know that Deedee's Digis is having a year end sale of 75% off all sets in the store!!  Nothing over $.88!  Can you believe those prices?  

     Since Deedee has so many pre-colored images, and since those make cards go really quickly, I printed out 4 images for tags, and another 4 for cards.  Here's the first one I finished from the "Away in a Manger" set.  Both the image and the sentiment are from that set.

     I used my newest scalloped dies (Memory Box) and I love the stitching on them.  The background embossing is done with a folder from Darice used on red CS which has stars on it.  The sentiment is also cut with one of the stitched dies.  The bow is tied with my bow maker.

     Challenges:
Christmas Card
Crafting by Designs
Crafty Gals Corner
Creative Moments
Dream Valley
Fab n Funky
Inky Impressions
Lemon Shortbread
Our Daily Bread
Paper Shelter

     That's it for me today but I'll be posting cards and tags all week long so that I can share what I've done with all the things I printed (and colored on many of them.)  Less than 4 weeks to Christmas now and I have even more to do than I did before the Thanksgiving holiday.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Silent Night for Whimsy Inspirations

     In the midst of everything else going on in my life (sorting, packing, moving), I was invited to be a Guest Designer for Whimsy Inspiration's challenge this week.  It goes live today at noon Eastern time so my post is a couple hours early but this was when I could get it linked up so... I guess you get a quick preview of the theme.

     I've played in their challenges so often over the last year or two that I just couldn't say "No."  :-D  The theme is "Shabby Chic/Vintage" and I immediately thought of that lacy die cut frame when I saw this image in the Whimsy Stamps store.   It's called "Silent Night," perfect for a Christmas card and lovely with a vintage-y look.  I know vintage is usually piled with flowers, lace, and glittery embellies but I didn't want to cover up the stamp.  I thought the frame was enough and I just did my best to balance CAS and Vintage.

I based this on a sketch from Sketchbook Saturday adapted for a square card.

     I know there's a bit of an angle to the photo but I used gold, metallic CS to mat the image and sentiment and it gives off a terrific glare in a straight-on shot.  The image is colored with ProMarkers and sparkle gel ink on the star and on her wings, although it's hard to see because of the angle.  I die cut both the image and the sentiment with frame dies from Spellbinders.  The bow is one of those I make by the dozens (hand sewn) and the star embellies are metal and enamel brads.  The blue background dp is from DCWV's Juniper Berry stack.

     Challenges:
Addicted to Stamps -- Create a scene
A Gem of a Challenge -- Use black (the wolf)
Challenges 4 Everybody -- Anything goes
Christmas Card Challenges -- Anything Christmas goes
Crazy 4 Challenges -- Use a bow
Di's Digi Designs -- Show your coloring skills
Drunken Stampers -- Die cuts
Glitter n Sparkle -- Something metallic (CS & brads)
Outlawz CAS Sunday -- Baby related (Birth of the Christ child)
Sweet Stampin' -- Things w/ wings

     I think this one may be my favorite Christmas card so far this year.  I know it has to go to someone really special but haven't decided which of the family members will get it.  I do have a friend who just loves wolves so maybe it'll end up in his mailbox instead.  We'll just have to wait and see.  I don't know how many other posts I'll have this week but since yesterday had 3 posts, I know there'll be lots for you to see.  In the mean time, Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie