It's a New Year -- Celebrate!

     I'm celebrating the New Year with one of my newest images from AuroraWings (Santa brought it to me via a gift certificate. :-D )

     The image is colored with a combination of ProMarkers and Copics, with glitter added to her clothing, wand and wings, and gold paint used on the bell in her left hand.  She's die cut with one of my 'vintage' framing dies from Spellbinders, then mounted onto CS from SU.  I used just a bit of Stickles "Diamond" on the frame and added a small rhinestone swirl for "fireworks," then did the "Celebrate" sentiment by hand.  Very CAS but totally vintage looking.

     Challenges:
613 Avenue Create
A Vintage Journey
Fairytale Stampers
Glitter n Sparkle
Graph'It
Outlawz Greeting Cards
Outlawz CAS
Robyn's Fetish
ShowCASe Your Style
Sweet Stampin'
That Craft Place

     A quick post but something to keep you coming back each day this week while the real me is rather scarce.  Please have a very safe New Year's Eve and no drinking and driving.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Who Prayed for Snow?

     Somebody foolishly prayed for snow and now it's just barely above freezing here in central California!  Hey, weatherman, don't you know it doesn't freeze except in the mountains out here?  Anyway, we have a new challenge starting today at Through the Craft Room Door and our "Anything Goes" theme is sponsored by The Stamping Boutique.  They generously provided the DT with images and I used "Bring It On Snowman," a brand new image.

I used the sketch from The Outlawz,

turned one quarter turn.

     Isn't he adorable with his little bird friend perched on the snowman's hat, complete with his own 'bird-sized' snow shovel?  I colored with ProMarkers and sparkle gel ink (which just doesn't show in the photo), then die cut the image and matted it with a die cut circle of "Winter Magic" dp.  I've had this particular stack of dp for more than 3 years so it might be discontinued by now.  I still love it!  All the sparkly blue snowflakes were in my stash.  The sentiment is printed with a computer font and die cut with a die from Spellbinders.

     Challenges:
A Creative Need
C.R.A.F.T.
Creative Card Crew
Friends of Speedy TV
Graph'It
Mema's
MilkCoffee
Loves Rubber Stamps
Oddball Art Stamps
Sparkles Forum

     That's it for today.  I hope you're going to come and play along this week.  If you don't visit here again before New Year's, have a marvelously Happy New Year.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Ice Fishing

     Today's post is one of the saddest I've had to write but I have to report that Deedee's Digis is closing its doors, yet another American victim of the new VAT laws in the European Union which seem designed to drive out of business those small internet companies dealing in digital products.  Deedee's will close it's sales to European addresses on December 31, 2014 and will close it doors to all sales on January 31, 2015.   -- Edited to add:  Great news!  Deedee's has found a work around which is going to allow her to keep the shop open and we're so excited about that!  There will be a February DOM set and a challenge in February so be sure to play along this month.  :-D  NC

     The card I did for today is the last of the Digi of the Month Progressive Challenge sets designed by Deedee.  However, this time the January challenge will run through January 25, 2015.  The "Ice Fishing" set is being offered for free in the shop.  There will be no February DOM set to "earn."  Instead, all of you who participate during January will receive a $10 gift code to the shop, and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a $50 gift code. Fans may play as many times as they like, but must share a different project each time.  You'll get a $10 gift code for each submission, plus additional entries into the big drawing.  Deedee will announce the big winner on the challenge blog on Monday, January 26. 

     BTW, there's also a 75% off sale going on throughout January so grab up those sets you've had on your wish list before they're gone forever.  Those of you in Europe have only a day or two to take advantage of that sale!

     This image brings back some of my fondest childhood memories.  I loved going fishing with my dad; it was always special father/daughter time and I never grew tired of it.  But one especially cold winter, we took the weekend after Christmas and drove up to one of our mountain lakes for some ice fishing, a completely new experience for me.  It just had never occurred to me that fish were alive and swimming around under the ice, waiting for someone to come along and offer them a winter meal on a fishhook.  :-D

     We were with a group of 6 or 8 others and the whole thing turned into a wonderful party!  Doesn't this image look like a party in the making?  Someone even brought the 'icecubes.'  lol  Anyway, you can imagine how much I adore this digi set.

     I used one of the pre-colored images and one of the sentiments from the set, die cut it with a Spellbinders die, and layered it onto "Winter Magic" dp (DCWV), then added the bow and some stitching around the edges.  Fast (less than 10 minutes) and easy, a classic CAS design even though the die cut makes it look more complex than it is.

     Here's a photo of the whole set.



      Challenges:
A Creative Need
A Little Bit Crafty
Animal Friends
Catch the Bug (ribbon/snow/sewing)
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards
C.R.A.F.T.
Creative Moments
Die Cut Divas
Dream It Up
Frosted Designs
House That Stamps Built
Inky Impressions
Scrapy Land
ShowCASe Your Style
Simon Says Stamp
Speed Craft
Sweet 7
Sweet Stampin'

     I hope you'll come and play along in our last challenge.  It would be a wonderful way to say goodbye to a terrific artist and great team of ladies who love working with Deedee's images.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

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Need a Snow Cat?

     Hmmmm, I think there may different interpretations of "snow cat."  My dear SIL thinks a snowcat is a plow for removing huge drifts of snow or some big transport machine used in Antarctica.  Too much work for me!  Here's my interpretation --

I used the sketch from Sweet Sketch Weds. 2

turned a quarter turn to better fit the shape of my image piece.

     The image is from Rick St. Dennis and I colored it with ProMarkers.  I added sparkle to the snow and the snowflake embellies with a bit of Stickles glitter but it just doesn't show in the photo.  The CS is Recollections and the polka dot dp is from Paper Studio.  The lace has been hoarded in my stash since last spring for fear I'd use it all up.  I only have another 2 yards!  lol

     Challenges:
A Creative Need
Artbymiran
C.R.A.F.T.
Crafty Creations
Digistamp 4 Joy
Divas by Design
DRS Designs
Fussy and Fancy
House That Stamps Built
I {heart} ProMarkers
Inky Impressions
Inspiration Destinations
Paper Shelter
Penny's Paper-Crafty
Scrapper's Delights
Simon Says Stamp
Sweet 7
Whimsy Inspirations
WordArt Wednesday

     I'll be scarce again until after the New Year but I have my DT posts pre-scheduled for the week and there are several of those.  I hope you'll enjoy them.  May you and yours have a prosperous and Happy New Year.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

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Snowman Birthday

     I hope you all had wonderful Christmas celebrations this year and are looking forward to a safe and sane New Year.  It's Friday and that means another new challenge at QKR Stampede.  Our theme this week is "Snowmen or Santa."  I opted for a fabulous snowman (Digi 21201) and made a birthday card with him.  The sentiment is also from QKR and can be found here (Digi 11503.)

     I used Copic markers to color the image, then die cut it and the sentiment.  The blue die cut is part of a corner die from Cheery Lynn.  The full corner piece was too big for the design of this card, but cutting it down gave me a piece the right size.  Doesn't it look like a swirl of winter wind?

     Everything is mounted onto a deep blue card front which contrasts nicely with the white CS.

     Challenges:
Cheery Lynn
Corrosive Challenge
Crafty Creations
Crazy Challenge
Digi Sketch
Get Creative
Love to Create
MarkerPOP
Not Just Cards
Scribble & Scrap

     That's it for today.  I sure hope you'll come and play with us this week.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

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Sing in the New Year

     MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL !

    If it's still dark and you're up watching and waiting for Santa Claus, GO TO BED!  He'll never show up while you're awake.  :-D  

      If it's late in the day on Christmas and you've celebrated with gifts and food, and the love of family and friends, welcome to the post and a new challenge from The Outlawz Twisted Thursday.  This week, we're celebrating with an "Anything Goes" theme and an "Anything Goes" twist, and my mind is moving toward the New Year.

     These adorable singing snowmen were drawn by Anne Fenton (Anne's Digital Art) and I thought they'd make a great choir for singing in the New Year.  I know, they could be singing Christmas carols but I thought they'd be great as a New Year choir, too.  :-D

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut into the same shape as the card.  The edges of the image are embossed, then it's matted with CS.  I added the gem swirls and the bow with the pearl for lots of bling and shine.

     Challenges:

A Gem of a Challenge

Creative Craft Cottage

Die Cut Divas

Di's Digi Designs

Inkspirational

Jellypark Friends

Kreativeinkauf

Ladybug Crafts

Little Claire's

Oddball Art Stamps

One Stitch at a Time

Treasured Times

     Have a wonderful week and I'll see you when I get back after the holidays.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

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Railroad Memories

     I have a dear family member who absolutely loves trains and who worked for the railroad until he retired a few years back.  He especially loves the old locomotives so when I saw this set from Doodle Pantry called "Railroad Memories," I just knew it would make a perfect card for him.  I'll add a photo of the entire set to the bottom of this post.  Although I used this for a Christmas card, the image is general enough that it could be for Father's Day, a birthday, even a completely non-occasion day.  :-D

     This is a really simple card.  I used a pre-colored image, although the set also has the outline images so you can color your own.  I added my own sentiment after I had die cut the train image.  The set also has some wonderful sentiments.  The background is dp from DCWV's "Linen Closet" but there are some fabulous digital papers in the set if you want to use them, and the only embellishment is the golden sheer ribbon from Really Reasonable Ribbon.  Not bad for a simple, masculine card that looks more complex than it is.  Nine minutes from start to finish!  :-D

     Challenges:
A Little Bit Crafty
Craft-Dee BowZ
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper
Creative Craft Cottage
Digitally Sweet
Paper Nest Dolls
Sisters of Craft
Sparkles Forum
Speed Craft
Stempelsonnen

     I hope you're all ready for Christmas.  Santa will be here tonight!   Happy Stamping and Merry Christmas.  NanaConnie



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Last Minute Christmas

    I've been seeing these sock snowmen everywhere on the internet this year and finally decided that I just had to do one.  Someone in my family collects snowmen and displays them all over the house at Christmas.  I usually make a snowman each year and give it to her but this year I just hadn't done that in the face of too many other things to do.  Last weekend, I regretted my decision not to make one so scrambled around and got the necessary items (white sock, rice, ribbon, buttons, etc.)  Here's the end result.

     There are instructions available on several different internet sites.  I just did a search using "Sock Snowman," chose one and followed the steps.  It took me about 45 minutes, including letting the glue dry on the buttons and the embellishment on his hat.  He stands about 8 inches high.

     Challenges:
613 Avenue Create
ABC Christmas
A Creative Need
Allsorts
Corrosive Challenge
Crafting for all Seasons
Cutie Pie
Di's Digi Designs
Divas by Design
Hiding in My Craft Room
Inky Impressions
Inspiration Destination
Miriam's Crafting
Open-Minded Crafting Fun 
Pile It On
Simon Says Stamp
Sweet 7
That Craft Place
Treasured Times
Vandicrafts Artistry
We Do Doobadoo

    Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas and Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Florida Santa

     Another Friday and by this time next week, Christmas will be behind us and we'll be munching on leftovers and dreading taking down the tree and all the decorations and telling ourselves it's perfectly OK to leave everything up until the New Year.  That's one of the advantages growing older brings -- one can go visit all the kids for the holidays and the decorating and un-decorating is left to them.  :-D

     We have a new challenge starting today at QKR Stampede with a theme of "Lots of Layers."  I chose this silly gator image (Digi 9002 Santa Gator) which I thought would make a perfect Christmas card for a friend in Florida.  Do you remember your childhood Christmases being filled with images of Santa bearing a huge sack of presents?  OK, so you probably weren't thinking of a Gator Santa but all those toys and packages bring back a bit of nostalgia, don't they?

     I used a combination of Copics and ProMarkers to color the image, then fussy cut it for an out-of-the-box look, using dies from a set by QuicKutz to cut the rest of the image and the mat.  The striped dp is from DCWV and is both embossed and sparkly.  The final layer is the green CS which is adhered to the card front.  I added three brads to the corner and one to the center of the bow.  For all of the layers, it's still pretty CAS in design given the minimal embellishments.

     Challenges:
A Girl Who Crafts
Animal Friends
Country View Crafts
Craft Garden
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Extra
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper
Emerald Faeries
Ladybug Crafts
Mema's
Oddball Art Stamps
Sisters of Craft
Stamp and Create

     Don't forget that while it's not necesary to use a QKR Stampede image to enter our challenge, we do put the QKR image cards into a separate drawing and that really increases your chances of winning.  We also draw from all the other entries and have a winner from those.  I hope we're going to see you playing along this week, despite the fact that you are running out of time to get everything done before the holiday, and that crafting has to take a back seat, and that you barely have time to keep taking breaths.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

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Waiting for Mail

     Good morning, friends and followers.  Another day closer to Christmas and I can hardly wait.  For some reason this year, I feel like a child on Christmas Eve, peeking out the windows watching for Santa.  :-D

     We have another fun challenge at The Outlawz Twisted Thursday and our theme this week is "First Day of Winter," which officially arrives in the Northern Hemisphere on Sunday.  Many of you may not believe it's still autumn since you've already been buried under several feet of snow a couple of times this month but it's true.  Winter hasn't even started yet !  :-D

     Anne Fenton (Anne's Digital Art) is our sponsor and I used her wonderful mailbox digi (a favorite of mine) to make this card celebrating both winter and waiting.

     This card is full of scraps; even the image was printed on a large scrap piece of white CS.  I colored it using ProMarkers and glitter gel ink, then die cut it with a die from Spellbinders, and the red mat is also cut from a piece of scrap.  The snowflakes were die cut (Spellbinders) and glittered and the background dp is a scrap left over from another project.  I think that's from DCWV's "Linen Closet" 12x12 stack.

     Challenges:
Addicted to Stamps
Artistic Inspirations
Card Mania
Corrosive Challenge
Craft a Scene
Crafty Boots
Dream Valley
Glitter n Sparkle
Hiding in My Craft Room
House That Stamps Built
Incy Wincy
My Time to Craft
One Stitch at a Time
Pile It On
Scrapy Land

     I'm going to be scarce around here other than my pre-scheduled DT posts so if I'm MIA on visiting your blog and leaving you some comment love, my apologies right now.  Family and holiday functions take priority with me this time of year and I'm going to go be with them.  Christmas Blessings to each of you and I'll be back in my normal stride right after the New Year.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Jingle Ants for Christmas

     I love this digital image set from Doodle Pantry called "Jingle Ants" and decided it just HAD to be used!   You can see a photo of the entire set (images, papers and sentiments) at the bottom of this post.

I took my colors from the challenge at Creative Colors;

Deep Red, White, Vintage Green + add glitter.  

Hard as it is to see, the Vintage Green is in the glitter 

and in the word "Jingle" in the sentiment.

     All the dies are from Spellbinders, including the lattice background.  I was so good when making this card -- I dug things out of my stash which I haven't used in ages.  The deep red CS was purchased more than a year ago and the glitter has been in my supplies at least four Christmas seasons!  I was doing a clean up mission this week, finding things I have forgotten, and decided that I really needed to clear out the stash by using some of those things.  Even the bow, one of those I make, has been in the stash for a long while.

     Challenges:
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards
Clear It Out
Crafts 4 Eternity
Crafty Catz
Jo's Scrap Shack
One Stitch at a Time
Open Minded Crafting Fun
Pile It On
Ribbon Girl
Scribble n Scrap
Send a Smile 4 Kids
Sister Act
Speedy Fox & Friends
Wags n Whiskers

     Short post but there will be another one in a few hours so hang in there.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

"Santa Day"

     Another new challenge at Through the Craft Room Door starts today and we have a fantastic sponsor, Frantic Stamper.  They carry many different brands of dies along with other crafting supplies.  Be sure to check them out.  Our theme for the challenge is, as usual, "Anything Goes" and I've used an image from Rick St. Dennis called "Santa."  "Here Comes Santa Claus" was the favorite Christmas song of one grandson so it's a favortie of mine, too.  We sang it together in the car whenever possible.

I did my best to follow the sketch from Cheerful Sketches.  :-D

     I colored him with a combination of Copics and then die cut the image (Spellbinders - this brand is carried by Frantic Stampers.)  The red and green CS pieces behind the image, which look like they have been border punched, are actually scraps left over from die cutting mat pieces for other projects.  I decided to use them instead of throwing them away.  Now I get to reward myself by buying something else, right?  The sparkle is glitter applied to dots of dimensional glue.  Sheer ribbon is from Really Reasonable Ribbon.

     Challenges:
A Crafty Mess
A Gem of a Challenge
A Vintage Journey
As You Like It
Brown Sugar
Come and Get It
Craft for the Craic
Crafts 4 Eternity
Di's Digi Designs
DL.ART
Dragonfly Dreams
It's All abut the Vintage
Lunagirl Moonbeams
Sentimental Sundays

     9 days 'til Christmas, my friends.  Time to either get it in gear or just sit and panic.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

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Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge

     This will be my first entry into the Outlawz Progressive Freebie Challenge.  I signed up for it and was sent this cute image.  By entering this card, I'll be eligible for the next freebie in January and when I enter a card made with that image, I'll get the next one as a freebie, etc.  I love Progressive Challenges and I love freebies so how can I possibly lose?  :-D  This one is by Simply B Stamps.

I took my traditional Christmas colors from the inspriation photo at {Pin}spirational.

     I used ProMarkers (my favorites!) to color the image, added a bit of gold glitter to the star on her head, then used a die from a set by Spellbinders to cut out the image.  I matted that with another die cut, also Spellbinders.  The 'ribbon' is white raffia, spread open and tied, then cut and the ends are spread open into a fan shape.  I added felt poinsettia petals and a glittered snowflake which I had punched.  I also punched holly leaves, covered in Glossy Accents.  I added little gems to both the snowflake and the holly leaves.  Making my own embelishments for this one was kind of fun.  :-D

     Challenges:
Aud Sentiments (die cuts/ digi/ bling)
Brown Sugar
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards
City Crafter
Craft for the Craic
Crafty Creations
Cuttlebug Mania
Divas by Design
Inspiration Destination
Passion for ProMarkers
Scrapy Land
Whimsy Inspiration

     My weekend is flying by and I still have more things on my To Do list than I can possibly complete today.  Hopefully, later this evening I'll find some time to get a card made for a post tomorrow.  If not, then you'll just have to wait until Tuesday when I have a DT post scheduled.  The days are getting busier so there may not be much other than DT work between now and Christmas, maybe even until New Year's Day.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Vintage Christmas Hat

     I love this new image by Rick St. Dennis!  It's called "Christmas Hat" and I got it by playing in their Progressive Challenge.  I saw so many really gorgeous color combos from others who were also entering or giving us inspiration that it took me a few days to decide what I was going to use. Ultimately, I decided to stay with the traditional red and green but used shades of those colors which we don't normally associate with Christmas.

I based my card design on the sketch at 

Sweet Sketch Wednesday 2.

     I used my ProMarkers to color the image and then cut it out using a die from Spellbinders.  The sentiment was printed and cut by hand.  I added the doodles and inked the edges of the card front to mimic the outside borders of the sketch.  Finally, I did three little pearls in two corners, but reversed from the sketch.

     One of the gals in my family will get this card but I can't say which because too many of them read my blog and peek at all the Christmas cards before the day arrives.  Yes, I mean you and you know who you are!!  Shame on you!  :-D

     Challenges:
ABC Christmas
ArtbyMiran
A Vintage Journey
Crafter's Cafe
Crafty Creations
Cuttin' and Stampin'
Cuttlebug Mania
Digistamps 4 Joy  (new digi)
Dragonfly Dreams
Fitztown
It's All About the Vintage
Scrapy Land

     It's a fine Saturday morning.  Are you on your way out the door for more Christmas shopping?  Or are you staying home to finish decorating for the holidays?  Whatever you have on your list to accomplish this weekend, I hope you find some time for rest and relaxation.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Giraffe Wishes and Joy to the World

     I know those two things in my post title don't make a lot of sense when linked together but I'm posting my last two cards for the Catch the Bug "Christmas Chaos" because entries end tonight.

     Here's the first one, using a wonderful and fun image from Bugaboo Stamps which will fit into the "Critters" challenge for Thursday at Catch the Bug.  I have a dear friend who adores giraffes and I use them on cards for her at every opportunity.  Finding giraffes for Christmas takes some imagination.  :-D

I pulled colors from the challenge at 

Color My Heart.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, and then cut with a plain square die.  I matted it with both red and green CS for a more Christmas-y feel, and did the same with the sentiment.  The Christmas embellishments have been in my stash for longer than I care to admit.  But at least they're being used now.

     Challenges for this card:
A Crafty Mess
Chocolate, Coffee & Cards
Crafts 4 Eternity
Graph'It
Pattie's Creations
Sister Act
STAMPlorations (Sept.)
Wags n Whiskers


     Here's my second card, done for Catch the Bug's CAS challenge on Friday.  The image here is from Lacy Sunshine.

     This image is also colored with ProMarkers but sparkle gel ink was used on the snowflakes, the musical notes, and her scarf.  The sentiment was printed using a computer font, then cut out and distressed on the edges with ink.

     I decided she had to be singing "Joy to the World" since it's my favorite Christmas song.  That's because it was the first one I ever learned.  I must have been about 5 and my mother was the choir director of both the regular and the children's choirs at church.  She drafted me and I was the youngest member of her children's choir that year.  What great memories.  :-D

     I also added distress ink to the image piece before mounting it onto the card front.  The only embellishment here is the baker's twine.

     Challenges for this card:
ArtbyMiran
As you Like It
Crafty Cardmakers
Crafty Catz
Delightful Challenge
Divas by Design
DRS Designs
Not Just Cards
Vintage Stamping

     OK, that finishes all seven challenges in the "Christmas Chaos" festivities and I can hardly believe I got one done for each day!  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie  

Ham It Up for Christmas

     Friday and Christmas is less than 2 weeks away!  Another challenge starts today at QKR Stampede and this week our theme is "Trim the Tree."  I found this fabulous barn yard (or in the barn) image from QKR Stampede (Digi 9609 Christmas Pig) and paired it up with the perfect sentiment (Digi 9806 Ham It Up.)  I just love the fact that he has clearly trimmed his own Christmas tree and is now snuggled inside, out of the snow and ice.  :-D

     I admit to having waaay too much fun coloring this image (ProMarkers) and fussy cutting it before matting it with dark brown CS.  The sentiment is also fussy cut but I matted it with a punched piece for a star look.  The glittery star on the top of the tree is also a punched piece.

     Even knowing that this card was going to be a guy card, I thought the bright red bow and the pearl swirl were still appropriate for a Christmas card.  It's amazing what we can do on masculine cards when they're for a holiday like Christmas.  :-D

     Challenges:
Animal Friends
Cardz for Guys
Catch the Bug
Come and Get It
Crafts Galore Encore
Crazy Challenge
Creative Craft Cottage
Emerald Faeries
Going Grey with Scrap-Creations
I {heart} ProMarkers
Kreativeinkauf
Ladybug Crafts
Loves Rubber Stamps
Melonheadz Friends 
Mema's
Passion for ProMarkers (Ribbon, gems, punches)
Pile It On
Sisters of Craft

     I love the silly humor on this card and I think the recipient will love it, too.  Short post but I have a ton of things to do today, starting in about 15 minutes.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Kitten Comes Home for Christmas

     Before I share the back story behind this card, I have to tell you that this is a second post today because I'm trying to do a card for each day of the Catch the Bug "Christmas Chaos" week-long challenges and I still have two more to go after this one.  Since their challenges all close tomorrow evening, I have to get going.  And since I also have DT posts both today and tomorrow, I'll have to double up on the posts if I'm going to enter for each day.  :-D

     OK, now the back story -- Once upon a time, there was a kitten who left home because he just knew that there were great adventures awaiting him out there in the big, wide world.  Unfortunately, his travels only resulted in an empty tummy most days, sleeping in some cold and wet places (like under bridges and park benches), and a few big dogs who barked and chased him up trees.  By Thanksgiving, he was thinking a lot about how warm and cozy it had been back home with Mama and his humans.

     So, he went to the local UPS store and begged to be shipped home in time for Christmas.  A kindly lady (who was really just a crazy cat lady at heart) took pity on him and found a suitable box, with breathing holes and a spare blanket, wrapped him up, marked him "Fragile - This Side Up,"  and sent him on his way.  All along the route, Kitten was singing to himself, "I'll be home for Christmas... ."

Colors from Catch the Bug.

Image from AuroraWings.

     I colored the image with ProMarkers, including the metallic gold on the box, and added tiny touches of white gel ink.  I used a die from QuicKutz to cut it out.  The ribbon was in my stash and the pink CS is from a recycled card.  The sentiment was printed, hand cut, edges inked, and adhered to the card front.  I wanted it very CAS so no embellishments other than the ribbon and bow.

     Challenges:
A Song in Your He(ART)
Crafter's Cafe
Craft Your Passion
Crafty Boots
Crafty Creations
Creative Moments
Inspiration Destination
Party Time Tuesdays
Scrapper's Delights
Vintage Stamping/Flonz
Word Art Wednesday

     In the wee hours of tomorrow morning, I'll also have another DT post for the new challenge at QKR Stampede and it's worth seeing, I think.  :-D  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Fun in the Snow

     Good Thursday Morning to you!  Time for another challenge over at The Outlawz Twisted Thursday  challenge.  We always have an "Anything Goes" theme but we also add a twist if you wish to use it.  Using the twist allows you to enter a second time.  Without the twist, only one entry per person.  This week, our twist is 'Fun in the Snow.'  How can you miss out on that one with all the winter and Christmas themes out there?

     I used a sweet snowman image from our month-long sponsor, Anne's Designs (Anne Fenton.)

     Image is colored with ProMarkers, and glitter has been added to the snow, then it was die cut and framed with another die cut from Spellbinders.  I want you to know I have only 2 sheets of that green CS left and I adore it for Christmas or winter projects.  I can't remember the manufacturer so I hoard this for fear it will be gone forever.  I trim the pieces to be die cut to a minimum before cutting them just to preserve what I have.  :-D  

      I added the little bow which is one of those I make by the dozens and keep in my stash for use as needed.  This bow was made from white ribbon and I used one of my ProMarkers to 'dye' it just the color I wanted.

     Challenges:

613 Avenue Create

Artistic Inspirations

Come and Get It

Corrosive Challenge

Craft-Dee BowZ

Craft Hoarders Anonymous

Crafty Boots

Eureka Stamps

Get Creative

Glitter n Sparkle

Incy Wincy

Monday Morning

Pile It On

Red Carpet Studio

Ribbon Girl

     That's it for me today.  I have a very busy day ahead of me and will be tending to feeding family over the weekend.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Apology for Word Verification Application

    This morning I discovered that Google has applied a new type of Word Verification, called "reCAPTCHA," to the comments section of my blog.  I didn't ask for it, I don't want it, and I'm trying to figure out how to get rid of it.

     Please don't get discouraged about leaving a comment while I'm trying to sort this out.  I would miss your comments so much if this stupid new reCAPTCHA kept you from commenting.

     I also suggest that you check your own blog (click open the comments section on your own blog and scroll down to the bottom to see if there's a Word Verification box with numbers in it) to see if it's been applied to your blog without your permission or interest in having it.

     If anyone else has already found a remedy and a way to remove it, please be kind enough to leave a comment here and let me know.  It will save me a ton of time researching it.  :-D

     NanaConnie

EDITED TO ADD:

Per Jackie's comment and the same info from others, selecting Embedded from the options available in Design/Setting/Comments and Posts will eliminate the Verification block from being on your Comment section.

If, like me, you love the "pop-up" window because it allows people to see your photos while they leave a comment (without having to scroll up and down between comment box and your posted photos), you can continue to leave a comment and simply ignore the Verification thing.  Apparently, it will post the comment even if the Verification info isn't entered.  Several of the gals from one of my DTs have been doing that all day and it's working.

Keep in mind, that's true for now but it may change without notice.  The other potential problem is that many folks who visit from other Challenge DTs may not know they can ignore the Verification and may just click off as soon as they see the Verification box at the bottom of your comment section.

Maybe if we keep passing the word on (especially to members of all our DTs), everyone will learn to ignore the Verification until (and if) that changes.    Please just ignore the Verification.  You can write and post your comment without entering anything in the box (at least until Blogger decides to change that, too.)  Thank you.

NanaConnie

Christmas Cactus

     If you're looking for one of the huge two-armed giants from Arizona, decorated with strings of lights, you're going to be disappointed.  This is actually a plant commonly called the Christmas Cactus and it usually has red flowers and blooms in December.  But if you get this wonderful "Christmas Cactus" set from Doodle Pantry, it has pre-colored images in purple (my favorite), orange, red, and also plain outline drawings so that you can make them any color you choose.  :-D

     The dp and the sentiment are from the same set.  Although I forgot to photograph the inside, it has a simple "Merry Christmas" sentiment.

     Challenges:
613 Avenue Create
Catch the Bug (1 imge, 2 bows, 3 brads)
Craft Your Passion
Crafty Sentiments Designs
Crazy Challenge
Cuttin' & Stampin'
Fitztown
Glitter n Sparkle
Loves Rubber Stamps
Open-Minded Crafting Fun
Paper Nest Dolls
Robyn's Fetish
Stamp and Create

     Don't forget there's a challenge up at Doodle Pantry and all you have to do is use any digital image.  If you have time, we'd love to see you playing along.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Fancy SunBonnet's Christmas

     I had all my Christmas cards done (although I haven't posted all of them because some are for upcoming DT work) and then Catch the Bug had to run a week-long Christmas Chaos with seven separate challenges.  I'm going to try to get something done for each one but my time is getting short and schedule is getting fuller by the hour.

     I finished this one just a little bit ago and am posting it even though I've already done a post for today.  The image is from Bugaboo Stamps and the papers were in my Christmas stash.  I colored it with Copics this time.

This one  is for the sketch challenge at Catch the Bug.

     Challenges:

Card Mania

Crafty Cardmakers

Digi Sketch

Di's Digi Designs

Marker POP

Not Just Cards

Showcase Your Style

Suzy B's Bloomin'

We Do Doobadoo

     OK, I think that's it for this card.  I need to get it posted and then head for my bed.  It's been a long day and I really need some sleep.  :-D  Happy Stamping, and remember you can ignore the Verification thingy -- your comment will still post.  NanaConnie

Christmas Love is in the Mail

     One of the things I love about making cards is getting to put a little bit of Christmas love in the mailbox for family and friends who are too far away for personal delivery.  When I saw this delightful image from The Stampin' Boutique, our sponsor for this week's challenge at Tuesday Throwdown, it brought back such wonderful memories of sending and getting real Christmas cards in the mailbox, not just an e-greeting online.  :-D

    Our theme this week is "Family Christmas."

Colors came from Inspired by Stamping, 

pretty simple since it's really just two colors -- the others are two neutrals.

     The image is colored with ProMarkers, then die cut.  I added a larger doily die cut (both from dies by Spellbinders) and cut the sentiment by hand, adding it to the bottom of the larger die cut.  The lace is from Beverly's Crafts and I added the last of my small red pearls which I've been hoarding away.  I also added a few white pearls to the red mat and the lace.

     Challenges:

ABC Challenge

A Crafty Mess

A Gem of a Challenge

A Girl Who Crafts

Crafts Galore Encore

Country View

Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas

Die Cut Divas

Dies R Us

DL.ART

Fussy and Fancy

Graph'It

Little Miss Muffet

Sister Act

Treasured Times

     This is a bittersweet post for me because it's the last one I'll be doing for Tuesday Throwdown after serving on the DT there for more than 3 1/2 years.  I've loved every minute of serving there and all the wonderful friends and followers I've met there.  I hope you'll come and play this week and help me celebrate my last challenge with Tuesday Throwdown.  Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie

Please just ignore the Verification.  You can write and post your comment without entering anything in the box (at least until Blogger decides to change that, too.)  Thank you.

Meow-ry Christmas

     In my home, no Christmas celebration would be complete if it didn't include the fur babies.  This sweet little image from The East Wind is purrfect!

I used the sketch from CAS on Sunday.

     This time I colored the image with Copics and added a bit of shine to the ornament with glitter gel ink (hard to see in the photo.)  The image is fussy cut and layered to a scrap piece of dp from my Christmas stash.  I rounded the corners with a punch.  All of that is adhered to the front of a white card, and I distressed the edges with ink.  Very CAS design but how could I cover up those gorgeous, embossed-gold snowflakes with anything else?

     Challenges:
A Gem of a Challenge
Allsorts
Animal Friends
Catch the Bug
CMD 
Craft Garden
Crafting Musketeers
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas
Crafty Hazelnut's Christmas Extra
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Paper
Creative Craft Cottage
Di's Digi Designs
Emerald Faeries
Hiding in My Craft Room
Kit and Clowder
Lia Stampz
Oddball Art Stamps
Paper Creator's Crafts
Seemacrafts
Send a Smile 4 Kids
Sisters of Craft
Vandicrafts Artistry

     Have a wonderful week and just stop counting the days left before Christmas.  You'll either get everything done or you won't, and nobody will blame you in the midst of the spirit of Christmas.  :-D  Enjoy, life's short!   Happy Stamping.  NanaConnie