Music

When I saw the challenge at Sheepski Designs, I knew I had to join in and I also knew which image that I wanted to use.  My favourite thing is listening to music.  I love listening to my daughter play the flute although I haven't heard her play in a while.

I would like to enter:
Sheepski Designs - My Favourite Things
https://sheepski-designs-challenges.blogspot.com/2019/12/challenge-33-your-favourite-things.html
Sweet Sketch Wednesday - Sketch
http://sweetsketchwednesday2.blogspot.com/2019/12/two-for-december.html
CHNC Patterned Paper- December
http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.com/2019/12/craftyhazelnuts-patterned-paper.html
Creative Sketchy Girls - Anything Goes
http://creativesketchygirls.blogspot.com/2019/12/challenge-43.html

I have used a music sheet patterned paper from a paper pad by Kaisercraft.  The image is from Sheepski Designs.  Colouring is with copic markers.  Matting is purple cardstock.  I also added a pre-made bow along with some bling.

I followed one of the sketches at Sweet Sketch Wednesday:

Merry Christmas

I have decided to go through my box of digital papers that I had printed out and for one reason or another hadn't used.  I found three that actually matched, although not all of them were full pieces.  The smaller pieces I used as elements to fit the sketch.

I would like to enter:
Di's Digi Downloads - Winter Holidays
http://disdigidesignschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/12/winter-holidays-challenge.html
Cheerful Sketches - Sketch
http://cheerfulsketcheschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/12/december-challenge.html
CRAFT Challenge - Christmas
https://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2019/12/challenge-539-19th-of-december.html
CHNC Patterned Paper - December
http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.com/2019/12/craftyhazelnuts-patterned-paper.html

I have used three digital papers from Trimgym.  The image is from Di's Digi Downloads.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  Matting is red cardstock.

I followed the sketch at Cheerful Sketches.

Warm Winter Wishes

For this last challenge of 2019, we are having a theme of Any Christmas or New Year card at CHNC. 

I have used two digital papers plus an image/sentiment from Bugaboo Stamps.  Colouring is withcpic markers.  I also added some green vintage looking lace.

I followed the sketch at Cheerful Sketches.

I would like to enter:
Cheerful Sketches - Sketch
http://cheerfulsketcheschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/12/december-challenge.html
CRAFT Challenge - Christmas
https://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2019/12/challenge-539-19th-of-december.html
CHNC Patterned Paper - December
http://craftyhazelnutspatternedpaper.blogspot.com/2019/12/craftyhazelnuts-patterned-paper.html

Happy Holidays

This is the second of the Christmas cards that I am posting today.  This one is back to a wintry scene .

I would like to enter;
Ching-Chou Kuik - Happy Christmas
http://cck-digitalstamps-challenge.blogspot.com/2019/12/ching-chou-kuik-digital-stamps.html

I have used a paper from a Christmas paper pad.  The image is from Ching-Chou Kuik.  I'm not sure of the source of the digital sentiment.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  I matted with some two-toned paper that sort of matches her hair colour.  I added a few pink gems to finish.

Santa Claus is Coming To Town

I  have another couple of Christmas cards to share today.   This first one has a Christmas theme more suitable to the climate here in New Zealand (we are in the midst of summer).

I would like to enter:
Creative Knockouts - Anything Goes
http://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/2019/12/329-anything-goes-dr-digis-house-of.html

I have used a striped paper from a Christmas paper pad.  The image is from Dr Digi's House Of Stamps and the sentiment is from Dr Digi's House Of Stamps.  Colouring is with copic markers and Wink Of Stella.  I added some Kiwiana embellishments.

Presents under the Tree

Well it is Christmas Eve here and I'm not sure that I will have time to upload Ron's antics from Day 24 when it is the 24th everywhere else!  So, I'm sharing his photo today.

I went around to my Mum's and helped her put the presents under the tree.  Ron was helping too - at least I think he was as there was a bit of shaking of presents to be heard!  Can't trust an elf to simply help with the tasks.

I would like to link to:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Another Christmas Card

I haven't quite finished with Christmas cards this year.  Here is another one - but it probably won't be the last for 2019.

I would like to enter:
The Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge - December
http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/freebie-progressive-challenge/forum/topics/progressive-freebie-challenge-december-2019
Cheerful Sketches - December
http://cheerfulsketcheschallenge.blogspot.com/2019/12/december-challenge.html
A Bit More Time To Craft - Anything Goes
http://abitmoretimetocraft.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-bit-more-time-to-craft-challenge-106.html

I have used two digital papers from Lozzy.  The image is from LeAnn's World.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  Matting is green cardstock.  I also used some washi tape.


I followed the sketch at Cheerful Sketches, although I changed it from a square to an A5.

Aw Shucks - I forgot your birthday

I haven't made many non-Christmas cards recently.   I used a sentiment that I thought was perfect for this cat image (he looks like he is hiding in the sweater).  I also managed to try out one of my new cat dies.

I would like to enter:
The Outlawz Wednesday Challenge - Sketch
http://outlawzchallenges.ning.com/group/wednesday-sketch/forum/topics/wednesday-sketch-challenge-december-11-through-december-24-2019
Show Us Your Pussies - Furrything Goes
https://showusyourpussies.blogspot.com/2019/12/show-us-your-pussycats-challenge-49.html

I have used a paper from a paper pad.  The image is from Knitty Kitty  The sentiment is from Create With TLC.  The dies used to cut the image and sentiment are from Memory Box.  The cat die is also from Memory Box.

Christmas Cake

Ron went back around to my Mum's place today as that is where we will be having our Christmas lunch.  He helped me buy the Christmas cake which we took around to Mum.  Ron is hoping to get a nice big piece of cake!

I would like to link to
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Red Gladioli

We are getting closer to Christmas and Ron, Jassin and Eldrin are getting excited.  I haven't seen much of Jassin and Eldrin this year although they did pop in to help Ron decorate.

Today, I went back to the Berry Farm that sells strawberries, asparagus, blueberries, new potatoes, ice-creams and also flowers. The ice-creams they sell are cone ones and the ice-cream is flavoured with real strawberries.

Ron spotted these lovely flowers for sale:

I would like to link to:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Let It Snow

This month, we are having a series of Christmas Inspiration Posts.    My inspiration is my favourite Christmas colour combination.  I was inspired by my favourite Christmas colour combination of blue, silver and white.  I think these colours complement each other well.  My favourite digital paper reflects these colours perfectly.

The digital paper is from Décosse's Dynamite Doodles.  The image is from Scribbles Designs and is called Piper Holiday.  I also used a sentiment from Scribbles Designs called Let It Snow.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  Matting is silver cardstock.


We've got something special planned from Dec. 15th to Dec. 25th to help celebrate the holiday season. Be sure to join us over on the Scribbles Designs Challenge Blog to find out all the details for participating. Join us for your chance to win some fun images and other prizes!

If you'd like the chance to win the main image shown on my own creation above, find my project over on the Challenge Blog (posted today as well) and follow the instructions! You can find all our Christmas Inspiration posts by clicking HERE and scrolling down. Good luck and have fun!

Card Swap December

This month's theme at our NZ Card Swap Group was to use stitching - real or faux - with an option of Christmas themed.  This was a great opportunity to used some stitch dies that I had bought recently.

Here is the outside of the card, with the belly band holding it closed:

The front of the card without the belly band:

And the inside of the card. 

I have followed a tutorial for a Criss-Cross which can be found here at Beccy's Place.

The image that I used is the December challenge image from Beccy's Place.  I used dies from Memory Box for the edging and the stitched circles.  Colouring is with copic markers.  I added some gold stars and an ornament sticker to the outside plus a sentiment and a vellum ornament to the inside.  The papers are all from paper pads.

I would like to enter:
Beccy's Place - December Challenge
https://beccysplace.blogspot.com/2019/12/december-challenge.html

Christmas Shopping

Today we went Christmas Shopping in a mall.  They had a gorgeous tree decorated in gold and red.   Ron wanted a rest as he was getting worn out - actually I just think he wanted a photo in front of the tree!  Although, he does look happy to have the chance to catch his breath.  It was really hard to take this photo without having people in the background!

I would like to link to:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Merry Christmas

The optional theme at CHNC this week is "Use the word Christmas". 

I have used an image and sentiment from Bugaboo Stamps.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz  I also added red glitter ribbon and some red polka dot washi tape.

I followed the sketch at Stella Says Sketch.

I would like to enter:
Stella Says Sketch - Sketch
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/stella-says-sketch-challenge-721-last.html
Classic Design Team Open Challenge - December
https://classicdesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/2019/12/classic-dt-open-challenge-december.html

Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Three

I completed the six cards for the week but still had the "Anything But A Card" to complete.  Once the cards were all completed I had the time to focus on this one.  Every year I have a struggle finding addresses for people that the only written communication is at Christmas time.  I decided to decorate a notebook, write the addresses in it and keep it with my Christmas card stash box.  That way I can find it next year.

For Day Three, this was our prompt:

I have used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called Christmas Teddy Present.

I also used a purple notebook.  The background is created using a Gelli Plate and some acrylic paints.  I used a brayer with a pattern on it to move the paints around the Gelli Plate and that has given the background a bit more interest.  I also managed to leave some of the purple of the notebook showing through but not pressing as hard in some areas.  Colouring of the image is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  I die-cut the lettering using glitter cardstock and alphabet dies from Memory Box.

I would like to enter:
Catch The Bug - Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Three
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/holiday-critter-chaos-day-3.html

Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Five

I have been progressively working on the week long Holiday Critter Chaos at Catch The Bug.  I am finishing off my cards today so they should all be uploaded by the end of the day.  The Anything But A Card might not be uploaded for a day or two though!

For Day Five, this was our prompt:

 

I have used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called Crabby Cat Christmas.

I also used a digital paper from a set called Frosty from Bugaboo Stamps (this set appears to have been retired which is a shame as it is really lovely).  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  I also used some red/white twine and some washi tape. 

I have followed the sketch at Stella Says Sketch.

I would like to enter:
Catch The Bug - Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Five
https://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/holiday-critter-chaos-day-5.html
Stella Says Sketch - Sketch
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/stella-says-sketch-challenge-721-last.html
Show Us Your Pussies - Furrything Goes
https://showusyourpussies.blogspot.com/2019/12/show-us-your-pussycats-challenge-49.html

Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Six

I have been progressively working on the week long Holiday Critter Chaos at Catch The Bug.  I am finishing off my cards today so they should all be uploaded by the end of the day.  The Anything But A Card might not be uploaded for a day or two though!

For Day Six, this was our prompt:

 

I have used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called Chibi Reindeer.  The sentiment is also from Bugaboo Stamps.

I also used digital papers from a set called Purple/Blue Winter from Bugaboo Stamps.  Colouring is with copic markers and Wink Of Stella.  I also used some gold glitter ribbon and some washi tape. 

I followed the sketch at Stella Says Sketch

I would like to enter:
Catch The Bug - Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Six
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/holiday-critter-chaos-day-6.html
Stella Says Sketch - Sketch
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/stella-says-sketch-challenge-721-last.html

Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Seven

I have been progressively working on the week long Holiday Critter Chaos at Catch The Bug.  I am finishing off my cards today so they should all be uploaded by the end of the day.  The Anything But A Card might not be uploaded for a day or two though!

For Day Seven, this was our prompt:

 

I have used this week's Friday freebie image from Bugaboo Stamps called Poppi Xmas Present.  The sentiment is also from Bugaboo Stamps.

I also used digital papers from a set called Frosty from Bugaboo Stamps (this set appears to have been retired which is a shame as it is really lovely).  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  I inked the edges of the image and sentiment with Distress Ink - Weathered Wood.  I also used some gold-edged blue ribbon.


I would like to enter:
Catch The Bug - Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Seven
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/holiday-critter-chaos-day-7.html
Stella Says Sketch - Sketch
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/stella-says-sketch-challenge-721-last.html

Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Four

I have been progressively working on the week long Holiday Critter Chaos at Catch The Bug.  I am finishing off my cards today so they should all be uploaded by the end of the day.  The Anything But A Card might not be uploaded for a day or two though!

For Day Four, this was our prompt:

I have used the bottom row - tree, critter, kraft

I have used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called Christmas Teddy Tree.  The sentiment is also from Bugaboo Stamps.

I also used a paper from a paper pack of patterned papers from Daiso.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  Matting is blue cardstock.   I also used two different washi tapes from a pack of Kraft Washi Tapes.


I would like to enter:
Catch The Bug - Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Four
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/holiday-critter-chaos-day-4.html
Stella Says Sketch - Sketch
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/stella-says-sketch-challenge-721-last.html

Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Two

I have been progressively working on the week long Holiday Critter Chaos at Catch The Bug.  I am finishing off my cards today so they should all be uploaded by the end of the day.  The Anything But A Card might not be uploaded for a day or two though!

For Day Two, this was our prompt:

I have used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called Christmas Bear Trio.

I also used digital papers from a set called Frosty from Bugaboo Stamps (this set appears to have been retired which is a shame as it is really lovely).  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  Matting is blue cardstock. 

I would like to enter:
Catch The Bug - Holiday Critter Chaos - Day Two
https://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/holiday-critter-chaos-day-2.html

Holiday Critter Chaos - Day One

I have been progressively working on the week long Holiday Critter Chaos at Catch The Bug.  I am finishing off my cards today so they should all be uploaded by the end of the day.  The Anything But A Card might not be uploaded for a day or two though!

For Day One, this was our prompt:

I have used an image from Bugaboo Stamps called WINBird Scarf (may be retired as I couldn't find it in the store).

I also used a digital paper from a set called Frosty from Bugaboo Stamps (this set appears to have been retired which is a shame as it is really lovely).  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  The edges have been inked with Distress Ink - Weathered Wood. 

I followed the sketch at Stella Says Sketch.

I would like to enter:
Catch The Bug - Holiday Critter Chaos - Day One
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/holiday-critter-chaos-day-1.html
Stella Says Sketch - Sketch
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/stella-says-sketch-challenge-721-last.html

My Friend Paddington Bear

Ron made another friend when he went to visit my Mum's place. 

I would like to link to:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Wreath Gift Card

I'm on my last minute christmas makes - which are far more last minute than previous years!

I would like to enter:
QKR Stampede - Anything Goes
http://qkrstampede.blogspot.com/2019/12/qkr-stampede-challenge-376.html


I have used up some more of my scraps from Christmas cards made in November.   The image is from QKR Stampede.  Colouring is with copic markers and Wink Of Stella.  I also added some red gems to the corners.

Christmas Decorating

I hadn't got around to decorating for Christmas - it has just been one of those years where I am constantly behind!  Ron's friends Jassin and Eldrin came to help him with the decorating.  They pulled out the banner that somehow seems to go up every year!

Here is a photo from last year, taken when it was up on the wall:

In case you can't read it, it says "The Elf Rules".  Guess who made that?

I would like to enter:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Morning Tea with a friend

Ron went visiting today.  He found a giant rabbit friend to share some morning tea with.  They are ready with their serviettes.......but where is the morning tea?  I hope that they don't have too long to wait for it!

I would like to link to:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Pohutukawa Shopping Bag

I had no internet for much of yesterday, so I am a bit late posting Ron's antics from Day 17.

Today I went around to my Mum's to take her grocery shopping.  We take re-usable bags to the supermarket as plastic bags are no longer allowed to be used.  She had her bag ready - and someone to decided it was a good place to hide!

The flower on the outside of the bag is a pohutukawa flower.  Among many New Zealanders it is considered the NZ Christmas Flower as it flowers around December.

I would like to link to:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Peace

We are now at the midway point of the Anything Positive Challenge with an optional twist of Peace at Path Of Positivity.  For the month of December, we are sponsored by Pattie's Creations and Scribbles Designs.

I have used an image from Scribbles Designs called Snowheads1 and a free sentiment from Scribbles Designs called Peace.

I also used a paper from a christmas paper pad.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  The edges of the image and sentiment have been inked with Distress Ink.  I added three blue bling.

The card fold is an Over The Top Card Fold from Beccy's Place.

I would like to enter:
PINspirational Challenge - Photo Inspiration (Christmas)
http://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/2019/12/pinspirational-challenge-253-favs-of.html

Lotto

I had to take my Mum shopping today.  While she was getting her Lotto tickets checked, Ron decided to sit on the tinsel.  It wasn't as comfortable as it looked, so he didn't stay there long!

I would like to link to:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Happy

This fortnight, our challenge at Incy Wincy Designs has a theme of Happiness.  We are sponsored by Limited Runs.

I have used an image from Limited Runs.  Swimming is definitely my happy place - both teaching swimming and doing my own swimming.

I also used a paper from a paper pad by Kaisercraft.  Colouring is with copic markers.  I added some sentiments and a pair of jandals from an embellishment pack.  To finish, I added various clear drops that make me think of water droplets.

Open for Ice-cream

It was quite a hot day today so I stopped off at an ice-cream shop on the way home.  I knew that Ron was with me - but couldn't find where he went while I was ordering the ice-cream.

I found him.......

Ron, what are you doing up there?


I would like to enter:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Snowman and Winnie Angel

We are at the start of the last Anything Goes Challenge for 2019.  The sponsor for the challenge is Polka Doodles.

I have used an image from Polka Doodles called Snowman - Winnie Angel.  I also used a digital paper from Polka Doodles.

Colouring is with copic markers, Wink Of Stella and Kindy Glitz.  I also added some snowflake patterned washi tape and some fabric embellishments.  I added some half pearls to the holes in the lighter green tree.

What a huge tree

Actually it isn't that big - but compared to Ron it is.  I needed to go to the supermarket again today  and of course Ron tagged along too.  He liked the look of this tree and had his photo taken in front of it.

I would like to link to:
DL Art - 7th Annual Elf Antics
https://dianamlarson.blogspot.com/2019/11/dlart-7th-annual-elf-antics-linky.html

Merry Christmas

This week at CHNC our optional theme is Use The Word Merry.

I have used no patterned paper this time (not often that I do that!).  The image is from Bugaboo Stamps.  Colouring is with copic markers and Kindy Glitz.  I also used some red glitter ribbon, some bauble patterned ribbon and a glitter foam Santa Hat embellishment.

I followed the sketch at Stella Says Sketch - I changed the Sentiment to an embellishment as a sentiment was a major part of the image that I used.

I would like to enter:
Stella Says Sketch - Sketch
http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.com/2019/12/stella-says-sketch-challenge-721-last.html