For everyone that follows my blog I would like to wish you all a very Happy Christmas.  I hope you get to enjoy time with your family or loved ones but I do know this can be a difficult time for many people around the world.

Here is a picture of our decorated Christmas cake.  The cake was made by my hubby last year but we didn't use it so over the year it has been soaked with alcohol so should be very nice.  No young children to help me decorate the cake so I has to do it myself.

 

This is the Christmas card I have made for my youngest son.  I have used a pre-coloured image from The Paper Shelter called "Santa's Family Selfie".  I thought this image was perfect as most children of today have always got their phones on them!!

The backing papers I have used are from The Works.

I have finished the card off with a stamped sentiment and some Papermania Glitterations (two white and the other other two were white but I coloured them with a red Promarker).

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

The Paper Shelter - Anything goes

613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option of zentangle art or doodling

Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper December Challenge - Anything goes

Aud Sentiments - Christmas/winter and sentiment
The Creative Crafters - Anything goes

Word Art Wednesday - Anything goes

This is the card I made for my husband.  He has to share his home with my son, myself and 100+ fur babies!!

For my card I have used some decoupage that I got in a Debbi Moore Inspiration Magazine.  I have also used some backing paper from the magazine and a sentiment.

I have finished the card off with a stamped sentiment and some Papermania Glitterations.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option of zentangle art or doodling

Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper December Challenge - Anything goes

Aud Sentiments - Christmas/winter and sentiment
The Creative Crafters - Anything goes
Penny's Paper - Anything goes

Word Art Wednesday - Anything goes

 Here are three Father Christmas cards I have made using my Debbi Moore Santa Claus II Papercrafting CD.  I love this Father Christmas as he is what I call a "proper" Father Christmas if you know what I mean.
 I have used design sheets, backing papers and inserts from the CD.  I have also used some backing papers from The Works.

Sorry for the blurriness of this photo.  It was taken at night.
I have finished all the cards off quite simply as two needed to be posted and the middle card was for a group of men.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Make my Monday - Anything goes

The Corrosive Challenge - Anything goes
The Cutie Pie Challenge - Christmas cuties
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option of zentangle art or doodling
Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper December Challenge - Anything goes
Let's Craft and Create - Anything goes with the option of let it snow

Crafty Creations - Anything goes
Ally's Angels - Anything goes
Aud Sentiments - Christmas/winter and sentiment
Always Fun - Santa Claus
A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything goes
Creatalicious Challenge - Anything goes with the option of a Christmas reindeer
The Creative Crafters - Anything goes
Cute Card Thursday - Anything goes

 Here is my weekly inspiration post for the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Monthly Challenge Blog.

Before I do I'd like to remind you that our challenge this month is "HAPPY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY BIRTHDAY".

Here is my inspiration post with that theme. 

Face/skin - Saffron, Spice and Oatmeal 

Hair - Cinnamon, Vanilla and Caramel

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything goes

Creatalicious Challenge - Anything goes with the option of a Christmas reindeer

The Creative Crafters - Anything goes

Digi Choosday - Anything goes

Creative Fingers - Anything goes
A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything goes
I Love Promarkers - Anything goes with the option of circles
Lemon Shortbread - Anything goes
Tuesday Throwdown - Anything goes
Penny's Paper - Anything goes
Cute Card Thursday - Anything goes
QKR Stampede - Anything goes

Here is a card I have made for a special friend for Christmas.  I have used this gorgeous image of a unicorn that I bought from CraftsUPrint.  The image came in a kit called "The Christmas Unicorn" by Gillian Hutchinson where you get a large topper, smaller toppers, gift card, pillow box and insert.

I have used some papers from Bearlymine (sadly no longer available).

I have decoupage some of the poinsettias from the image sheets but I have also die-cut some poinsettias, inking around the edges for a distressed feeling.

I have finished the card off with some sparkly wavy ribbon, pearls and Viva pearl drops.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Make my Monday - Anything goes

The Corrosive Challenge - Anything goes
The Cutie Pie Challenge - Christmas cuties
Crafts Galore Encore - Anything goes
Crafty Creations - Anything goes

Ally's Angels - Anything goes

Aud Sentiments - Christmas/winter and sentiment

Cute Card Thursday - Anything goes

QKR Stampede - Anything goes
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of a blue Christmas
A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes
Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything goes
Creatalicious Challenge - Anything goes with the option of a Christmas reindeer
The Creative Crafters - Anything goes
Penny's Paper - Anything goes

  There is the arrival of a set of a new image in the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Etsy Store:

 This image is called "Winter Snowflake".

In this set you will get a black-and-white image and a partially coloured image by Ching-Chou Kuik herself.

 This image is available at a special introductory price of $2.00 (original price of $4.00).

Hurry as this offer ends on 22 December 2019.

  Here is my weekly inspiration post for the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Monthly Challenge Blog.

Before I do I'd like to remind you that our challenge this month is "HAPPY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY BIRTHDAY".

Here is my inspiration post with that theme. 

For my Christmas card I have used the Ching-Chou Kuik image called "Winter Fellows". I have coloured the image in with Promarkers and added Stickles glitter glue to the fur on her shoes and coat.

The backing papers are from my Polkadoodles CD called "Here Comes Christmas".

I have finished the card off with some Nuvo pearl drops, snowflake ribbon and a LOTV digital sentiment.

The Promarkers that I have used are:

Face/skin - Saffron, Spice and Oatmeal
Hair - Cocoa, Cinnamon and Caramel
Coat/Gloves/Shoes/Stockings - Cool Aqua, Duck Egg, Turquoise and Cobalt Blue
Deer/Birds - Pastel Beige, Cocoa, Cinnamon and Caramel
Trees/Greenery - Bright Green, Cocoa and Caramel.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Sparkles Christmas - Winter Wonderland
2 Crafty Critters - Anything goes with critters
CCC Digi Creation - Christmas

Morgan's Artworld - Anything goes

Cute as a Button - Anything goes

Lemon Shortbread - Anything goes

I Love Promarkers - Anything goes
Creative Inspirations - Festive Fun

Cardz 4 Galz - Cute Christmas
More Mixed Media - Anything goes with the option of white
Through the Purple Haze - Let it Snow
Make my Monday - Anything Christmas
The Corrosive Challenge - Anything goes
The Cutie Pie Challenge - Christmas cuties
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
Passion for Promarkers - Anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes
Fab n Funky - Winter clothing
Aud Sentiments - Christmas/winter and sentiment
Cute Card Thursday - Anything goes
QKR Stampede - Anything goes
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of a blue Christmas
Polkadoodles - Anything goes

Here is a card that I have made for my niece's birthday today.  Not sure what she will think of it but I am hoping she likes it as it took quite a long time to make.

For my card I have used the Pink Ink Designs stamp set called "Giraffe".  I have used the main stamps along with two different leaves and the flower stamp - and of course the designer glasses for the giraffe!!!!  For the giraffe I have stamped her onto some printed paper from my stash.

I have used a large card die for the actual card shape and the different layers, putting one layer through a Crafter's Companion dotty 8x8 embossing folder.

I didn't want to detract from the image, leaves and flowers so I have just finished the card off with a stamped sentiment.

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

Crafts Galore Encore - Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option of zentangle art or doodling
Creatalicious - Anything goes with the option of winter
Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper December Challenge - Anything goes
Morgan's Artworld - Anything goes
Cute as a Button - Anything goes
Stamping Sensations - Anything goes
Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything goes
Crafting by Designs - Anything goes
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper December Challenge - Anything goes
Creative Fingers - Anything goes
Penny's Paper - Anything goes
Word Art Wednesday - Anything goes
The Paper Funday - Anything goes with the option of Christmas holiday
Let's Craft and Create - Anything goes with the option of let it snow
More Mixed Media - Anything goes with the option of white
Cute Card Thursday - Anything goes
Polkadoodles - Anything goes
QKR Stampede - Anything goes
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the optional twist of last minute Christmas
Brown Sugar - Anything goes

 Here is my weekly inspiration post for the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Monthly Challenge Blog.

Before I do I'd like to remind you that our challenge this month is "HAPPY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY BIRTHDAY".

Here is my inspiration post with that theme.

For my Christmas card I have used my Ching-Chou Kuik image called "Calling for Snow". I have coloured the image in with Promarkers.

The backing papers are from my Polkadoodles "Here Comes Christmas" CD.

I have finished the card with two different green sparkly ribbons, LOTV digital sentiment, Stickles glitter glue, Nuvo pearl drops and some sequins.

The Promarkers that I have used are:

Face/skin - Saffron, Spice and Oatmeal
Hair - Cinnamon, Caramel and Cocoa
Dress - Lemon, Yellow, Canary, Orange, Burnt Sienna, Cocoa, Henna,Bright Green and Forest Green
Unicorn - Ice Grey 1, Ice Grey 2, Ice Grey 3, Lemon, Yellow, Canary and Orange
Grass/Trees - Forest Green, Bright Green and Cocoa
Background - Powder Blue and Pastel Blue.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

2 Crafty Critters - Anything goes with critters
We Love to Create - Anything goes
Creatalicious - Anything goes with the option of winter
Crafty Friends - Anything goes

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything goes

Morgan's Artworld - Anything goes

Cute as a Button - Anything goes

Simon Says - Let's sparkle

CCC Digi Creations - Christmas
Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes
Passion for Promarkers - Christmas critters
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
Crafting by Designs - Anything goes
Creative Inspirations - Festive Fun
I Love Promarkers - Anything goes
Tuesday Throwdown - Anything goes
Penny's Paper - Anything goes
The Paper Funday - Anything goes with the option of Christmas holiday
Let's Craft and Create - Anything goes with the option of let it snow
Cardz 4 Galz - Cute Christmas
More Mixed Media - Anything goes with the option of white
Through the Purple Haze - Let it Snow
Cute Card Thursday - Anything goes
Polkadoodles - Anything goes
QKR Stampede - Anything goes
Brown Sugar - Anything goes
Winter Wonderland - Anything goes Christmas
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of last minute Christmas

 There is the arrival of a set of a new image in the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Etsy Store:

This image is called "Holy Venice Night - Greyscale".

You will get a greyscale image.

This image is available at a special introductory price of $2.00 (original price of $3.50).

Hurry as this offer ends on 12 December 2019.

Here is another Christmas card I have made using my Holly Owl stamp from Woodware.  I have coloured the image in with Promarkers and added glossy accents to the eyes and Pinflair Pearl Wand for the berries highlighting the centre when dry with my white Posca pen.

The backing papers I have used are from Hobbycraft.

I have finished the card off with some wood embossing on some gold mirri card, stamped poinsettias, Marianne Designs holly sprigs and sentiment from a Bearlymine backing paper (sadly no longer available).

The Promarkers that I have used are:

Owl - Red, Berry Red, Cardinal Red, Walnut, Burnt Sienna, Bright Green, Lush Green, Vanilla, Pastel Yellow and Mustard

Holly - Lush Green and Pine.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

Aud Sentiments - Christmas or winter sentiment

Crafts Galore Encore - Anything goes

613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option of zentangle art or doodling

A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes

Crafty Friends - Anything goes

Lil Patch of Crafty Friends - Anything goes

Tuesday Throwdown - Anything goes

Lemon Shortbread - Anything goes

Stamping Sensations - Anything goes
I Love Promarkers - Anything goes
Crafting by Designs - Anything goes
Creative Inspirations - Festive Fun

Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes
Penny's Paper - Anything goes
Word Art Wednesday - Anything goes
The Paper Funday - Anything goes with the option of Christmas holiday
Simon Says - Traditional Christmas (red, green and gold for me is traditional Christmas colours)

 Today is the start of the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Facebook Group Monthly Challenge.

The topic for the Facebook December challenge is 
"HAPPY CHRISTMAS/HAPPY BIRTHDAY".

Here is my inspiration post with this theme.  

Here is a Christmas card I have made using the Ching-Chou Kuik image "Poinsettia Fairy - Greyscale". I have coloured the image in with Promarkers.

The backing papers are from Hobbycraft. I used a piece of red Crafter's Companion Centura Pearl and put it through a poinsettia embossing folder and sanded back a bit to reveal the white core.

I have kept the embellishments to a minimum to help with postage and I have added some gems, LOTV digital sentiment, satin ribbon and a spotty organza ribbon.

The Promarkers that I have used are:

Face/skin - Saffron, Spice and Oatmeal
Hair - Putty, Sandstone and Saffron
Dress/Greenery - Moss, Olive Green and Marsh Green
Poinsettias - Red, Berry Red and Crimson.

I am entering this card into the following challenges:

World Wide Open Design Team November Challenge - Anything goes
Passion for Promarkers - 3 or more layers
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
Crafty Creations - Anything goes
I Love Promarkers - Anything goes with the option of circles
Through the Craft Room Door - Anything goes
Simon Says - Anything goes
Fab n Funky - Christmas
Creative Moments - Anything goes with the option of ribbon and/or bows
QKR Stampede - Anything goes
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of clean and simple
Polkadoodles - Anything goes
613 Avenue Create - Anything goes with the option of zentangle art or doodling
A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything goes
We Love to Create - Anything goes
Creative Fingers - Anything goes
A Perfect Time to Craft - Anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut Patterned Paper December Challenge - Anything goes
Crafty Hazelnut Christmas - Anything goes Christmas with the option of things with wings
Aud Sentiments - Christmas or winter sentiment

 It is time for another challenge over at the Colour Crazy Challenge Blog.

The topic this week is "anything goes".

 This week we are lucky to be sponsored by The Paper Shelter.

 For my card I have used The Paper Shelter image called "Christmas Shopping".  When you purchase this image you will get a black-and-white image, a coloured image, a background and a background with the coloured image on it so that is fabulous value.

For my card I have used the black-and-white image and the backing paper.  I have coloured the image in with Promarkers and then fussy cut the image out.

The backing papers are from Summertime Designs and the green grid paper is from my friend Lozzy.

I have finished the card off with sequins on the tree and a LOTV digital sentiment stamp.

The Promarkers that I have used are: 

Face/skin - Saffron, Spice and Oatmeal 
Hair - Buttercup, Vanilla and Pastel Beige

Dress/coat/shoes - Lime Green, Pear Green, Lime Zest, Pastel Yellow and Mustard

Present - Grass, Bright Green, Canary and Sunflower

Holly/berries - Berry Red, Leaf Green and Bright Green.

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

Creatalicious Challenge - Anything goes with the option of stitching - real or faux

 Here is my weekly inspiration post for the Ching-Chou Kuik Digital Stamps Monthly Challenge Blog.

Before I do I'd like to remind you that our challenge this month is "REMEMBRANCE/THANKSGIVING/THINKING OF YOU".

This week the Design Team were challenged with "CHRISTMAS".

Here is my inspiration post with that theme.

Face/skin - Saffron, Spice and Oatmeal 

Hair/Antlers/Ears - Cinnamon, Caramel and Cocoa

I am entering this card into the following challenges: 

Ally's Angels - Anything goes

I Love Promarkers - Anything goes with the option of stitching - real or faux

This image is called "Poinsettia in December".

In this set you will get a black-and-white image and a partially coloured image by Ching-Chou Kuik herself.

This set is available at a special introductory price of $2.80 (original price of $4.00).

Hurry as this offer ends on 25 November 2019.

I recently bought the Simply Cards and Papercraft magazine when I went on holiday.  With the magazine was an embossing folder, dies and stamps.
 For my selection of Christmas cards I went with the red, gold and green traditional colour scheme for Christmas.  I used various backing papers from my stash and put them through the wreath embossing folder.  I then used a gold Pan pastel to highlight the embossing of the wreath.
 Next came the long saga of die-cutting.  I could not realise how my robin bodies were not the same in the picture until I eventually realised I have to remove a die from the shape of the robin.  Needless to say that this was hard to do with wire cutters and it left sharp edges so I had to be very careful to not catch my fingers on them (well I did it once and paid the price and had to wash, clean and cover my cut with a plaster).  As this part was intended never to be used inside the body of the robin it should have been added to the main fused dies rather than needing to be cut off and not everyone has wire cutters and the metal was far too tough to cut with scissors.

Once the robin pieces were cut I then inked with brown VersaMagic ink pad.  I then added googly eyes.

The poinsettias I stamped and then cut out of red paper.  I did one full layer with just adding some green for the leaves and then cut these bits off on the second layer so I could decoupage the poinsettias.

For the greenery I have cut from various green and gold papers and I have used the die from the magazine along with some from Marianne Designs and Crafter's Companion.  As some of the die-cuts were too big for these 5 inch cards I cut them down to fit.
Here is a photo of all the 10 cards together.

I am entering these cards into the following challenges:

Crafty Sentiments - Anything goes
Digi Choosday - Anything goes
Crafty Creations - Anything goes
Cute Card Thursday - Festive
QKR Stampede - Anything goes
Crafty Friends - Christmas
Allsorts - Christmas flowers (poinsettias)
Crafty Hazelnut Christmas - Anything goes with the option of glitter
Crafty Catz - Anything goes with the option of birthday
Polkadoodles - Anything goes