Tuesday, December 08, 2015

DT Call...Are you up for the challenge?


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***We interrupt this post to bring you
the following news bulletin***

The Winner Announcement post for Challenge #11, which would normally be out today, is going to be a few days late due to a miscommunication hiccup with our team.  Apologies to those of you who entered the last challenge and are waiting to find out the results.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program...

It is incredible to think that The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up Challenge Blog is a little over one year old!  The Link Up officially came on line in its new home here (its first year was on my personal blog) back in October of 2014.  At that time we ran a DT Call and then proceeded to introduce you all to our sponsors, and then our team who joined us in December.  The first actual Link Up began in January so this month marks the first full year of challenges!

It has been a wonderful year thanks to our team members, our generous sponsors, and of course, YOU our players!  We appreciate those of you who have been with us from the start, those of you who play when you can, and those of you who are brand new to us this month!  Without all of you, this Link Up couldn't exist.

It also cannot exist without a team to inspire you all each month.  Sadly, December marks the final month for Edwina, Moni, Kemly and Julie.  Each of these ladies has been an incredible asset to the team and I hope that you will join me in wishing them a fond farewell as they move on to new adventures in their lives.

That being said, it is time to add to the ranks once again.

The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up has turned one and we are looking for a few more people to join our dynamic Design Team.

  1. Do you currently have an active blog?
  2. Do you love to create Christmas and other holiday cards?
  3. Are you comfortable working with digital images, digital sentiments and digital papers?
  4. Do you love to have fun and hang out with like-minded crafters (i.e., people who are easy-going, friendly, caring, open minded, supportive, etc.)?
  5. Do you love to create for the sake of creating and to help inspire others?
  6. Can you take good clean/clear pictures of your work?
  7. Can you meet a deadline?
 If you answered yes to the above questions, then you should keep reading to find out what else you need to do in order to apply for a spot on The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up Design Team


We’re looking for a few enthusiastic, dedicated, dependable, team-oriented, designers to join us.

Prior Design Team experience not required.


What do you need to do? 
First of all, you must have a blog that you keep current. 

 
Next, send us an email to serve as your DT Application.  It must include the following information:
  1. Your name and blog address.
  2. Why you think you’d be a good fit with The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.
  3.  Let us know what your experience is working within a design team.  If you don’t have any DT experience, that is okay too!
  4. Please attach three (3) different Christmas cards showcasing your talent (don’t worry, it doesn’t matter how new you are to card making).  These projects can be pre-existing cards.  However, we’d like one (1) of those cards to showcase you using digital papers since you will be using digital papers on ALL the cards you create as part of this team.  Additionally, at least one of the cards you choose to share with us needs to feature a digital image that you have coloured in yourself since you will be colouring in sponsor's images each month as well.  If you don't have any digi papers but want to give it a shot then you can grab a freebie HERE.  Additionally, you can find four other holiday themed papers HERE.  Please note that you can use digital papers the same way you use digital images--you can easily resize the paper and then print it out and cut it out to attach to your card base.  Using digital papers does not mean that we are expecting a digital card--although digital cards are welcome--in fact the majority of the cards the team makes are traditional type cards.
  5. Any other relevant information you’d like to share.

What do you get?
We are NOT looking for people who are into design teams just to grab every digi they can; or, for people whose sole mission is to promote themselves.  If that is you, then I’m afraid you just won’t be a good fit with us.  HOWEVER, if you love to have fun, enjoy colouring digital images, are willing to work with digital papers, and want to help inspire your fellow Design Team members along with our readers, then this is the place for you!  And of course, each month you'll have the opportunity to work with sponsor's images and be given a selection of digital papers to work with.  Plus, you might receive some other goodies along the way...you just never know!


Other Details…
  1. Terms are for six months long (with an option to extend if mutually agreeable).  Your first official card and post will be due in February .
  2. You will be assigned to one of two teams--the Sleigh Belles, whose cards are showcased at the start of the challenge, or the Merry Maidens whose cards are showcased during the midway.  On average you will need to create 1 project a month. 
  3. You may be asked to participate in special events, i.e. blog hops, etc. but these will be planned and discussed well in advance.
  4. All group communication and file uploading will take place on a special blog for DT Members so you will need to become comfortable working within the Blogger environment.  It is a private group and only The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up DT members will have access to it. 

So, are you up for the challenge?  

If you are seriously interested in becoming a member of our team AND can meet the obligations outlined above, please send us an email to the_12_moc_linkup {at} outlook {dot} com (or by clicking HERE to bring the address up in your email program).  Please put "12 MoC DT Application" in the subject line.  Please submit your application by January 15th.  This will allow us time to get new members set up on the DT blog and them set up for their first official challenge in February.

For more information regarding how the link up began, please check out the Introductions tab at the top of the page.  To find out more details on how the link up works, please check out the Challenge Details tab.


Interested in earning a FREE digital paper?

If any of you, would like to advertise the DT call for us on your own individual blog we would sincerely appreciate the shout out and there is a free digital paper up for grabs if you do.  Add our DT Call Badge to your sidebar (you can either grab the badge at the top of the page which is 450 px wide or this smaller one below that it is 250 px wide) and then make sure that you come back and let us know by leaving a link to your blog in a comment on this post.


If you create an actual post letting your readers know about our DT Call, your name will be put into a draw for a Christmas Themed mini paper set.  If your name is drawn, you will get to choose one set from a selection of 12 choices (these choices are based on all the sets of mini papers offered as one of the prizes so far this year).  One set will be given out for every five people who create a post on their blog announcing the DT Call.  Those are pretty good odds for winning, wouldn't you say?!  If you do this, please be sure to leave a comment with the link to your post.

In closing, both Monica and I would just like to say, thank you so much for your interest in applying for our design team!  We look forward to hearing from you and seeing all of your creations! We can’t wait to see who will be joining our incredible group!


the_12_moc_linkup@outlook.com

Tuesday, December 01, 2015

Challenge #12: Optional Theme--Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Hello and welcome to The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.   Last month's challenge saw us with an amazing 154 entries.  Wowee!  That is triple what we usually get in a typical  month!  With 24 days left before we reach the big day, let's see how many last minute Christmas cards get linked up in this final challenge of the year.

Oh and heads up! December marks our one year anniversary and some of our DT are moving on so we need to add some new faces to our ranks. Unfortunately, today's post marks Moni's last card with the Sleigh Belles.  Moni has created some of the most beautiful cards I have ever seen and it will be a true shame to lose her.  She has been an absolute blessing to have with us here on The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up.  Please join me in wishing Moni the best as she moves forward in life's adventures!

Would you be a good fit with The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up?  Joining the team would allow you to get a great start working on your Christmas card stash for 2016 and if you like playing with digital papers you can add a minimum of six to your collection each month you are with us, plus at least one digi image each month from our fabulous sponsors.  At the end of a six month term you'd amass a minimum of 36 digi papers and six + images.  Stay a year and you earn double that--72 Christmas themed digi papers and 12 + images.  How's that for incentive?!   If you are interested, stay tuned for our DT Call being announced some time in the next week!

And on that note, it is time to get December's challenge under way!


The Basics

While you can find out ALL the information you need to know in order to participate in the challenge by checking out the 'Challenge Details' tab at the top of the page (or by clicking HERE), here is a refresher of the basics.
  • Anyone can link up as many Christmas and/or December holiday themed cards (including Happy New Year's cards) throughout the month with an ANYTHING GOES theme.
  • Every person who has linked up a MINIMUM of two (2) cards will be eligible to receive a specially designed Christmas themed digital paper.
  • Each month there will be an OPTIONAL theme to follow.  Anyone who submits a card adhering to the monthly theme, will have the chance to win a prize from that month's guest sponsor.
  • Every holiday card you submit to the link up, earns you one chance to win a special digital Christmas kit that will be offered up after the year is complete.
Now that the basics are out of the way, how about we get on with the details of Challenge #12.


Challenge #12

Optional Theme:  Santa Claus is Coming to Town

Santa will soon be here. Are you ready for him yet? To ensure you are not on the naughty list you should probably get all those last minute Christmas cards created and sent out. Since you have to make them anyway, why not create one according to our optional theme this month for your chance to win yourself some extra presents this Christmas.

In order to have a chance to win the prize from our wonderful guest sponsor this month, we want to see a Santa image somewhere on your card. Now we are looking to see the big old jolly guy himself, no Santa substitutes please (i.e. no Santa frogs, Santa mice, Santa children, etc).   If you do follow the optional theme, be sure to add FT after your name so that we include you in the draw for the prize.
 
Remember, you don't need to follow the theme to link up your cards and earn a free paper each month, and have your name thrown into the year end draw for some extra digital goodies.  You only need to follow the theme if you want a chance to win this month's sponsored prize of 3 digital images from Rick st. Dennis.

Talking about Rick st. Dennis, how about we get to know him a little bit better...

Rick St. dennis MFA has been an artist, designer, stage designer and instructor for over 45 years, you can find his full Bio here. His digital stamp images can be found on Zibbet or Etsy . Inspiration projects from the Rick St.dennis Elite Design Team can be found on the Sparkle and Glitter blog, or for the darker images on the Airless Chambers blog.
Rick also has a personal blog and on Facebook there is the Rick St.dennis Digi fans and friends group, showcase your cards and other projects using RSD images there to be eligible to win prizes.
Main Blog: http://rickstdennis.blogspot.com Stores: https://www.zibbet.com/Rick1949 and https://www.etsy.com/shop/RickStdennis
Check out the incredible images that the team worked with this month for the start of the challenge. Clicking on any of the image watermarks will take you to their page in the Zibbet store where each of these images can be found.

Skating Santa


Santa


Isabella Last Minute Gifts


Starry Night Santa

While team members had the option of working with any of my Décosse's Dynamite Doodles papers, I did create a special set called Santa Claus is Coming to Town, based on the theme for this challenge. Check out the preview...


Everyone who links up a minimum of two cards during the month of December will earn ONE of the digital papers from this set. The specific paper up for grabs will be shown during the winner announcement post. Additionally, one random winner will earn the full set of papers.

Have your say in determining which paper will be offered to those who link up a minimum of two cards this month by completing the poll in the sidebar on the top right hand side.


Now check out what the Sleigh Belles came up with to inspire you.  Susan had the opportunity to create two cards!  Clicking on the names will take you to the individual blogs where you can check out the details for all these wonderful cards...


http://moni-myway.blogspot.com/


http://www.molliemooscraftyplace.blogspot.com/


http://craftinghelen.blogspot.co.uk/


http://bubblegumpaper.blogspot.com/


http://susanrenshaw0404.blogspot.com/



So what are you waiting for?  It is time to link up your Christmas and other holiday cards for December!  Whether you choose to link up two Anything Goes themed cards simply to earn your free paper this month, or you choose to also follow the optional theme to have a chance at the sponsor's prize, it is completely up to you!

If you are new to this unique challenge, you can find out the impetus behind why I started it under the 'Introductions' tab and all the details you need to know in order to participate, in the 'Challenge Details' tab (both tabs located at the top of the blog).

We have a packed month as usual; so, Monica and I hope to see you back with us soon!
  • DT Call coming up later this week!
  • Join us on December 8th,when we'll publish the names of the people who earned the free paper for November along with the winners and top picks from Challenge #11.  
  • Next, be sure to join us on December 15th, for our midway post where you'll get to see cards created by the Merry Maidens!
  • Then on December 23rd, Monica will be back to share the final holiday tradition of the year with you all.
  • Other special posts may be published throughout the month.  Be sure to sign up to have our posts delivered by email or follow us through Bloglovin' so you don't miss a thing!

CHALLENGE DETAILS SUMMARY
Each month we'll include a summary of details for the particular challenge taking place.  If you are new, please be sure to familiarize yourself with all the details and rules in the 'Challenge Details' tab at the top of the page.  Please note that dates and times listed below are for this particular challenge only:
  • Cards for this challenge will be accepted from 6:00 p.m. (18:00 hrs), December 1st - 11:55 p.m. (23:55 hrs), December 31st, 2015.  
  • You need to link up a minimum of two (2) Christmas or holiday themed cards each month in order to qualify to receive that month's digital paper.
  • This is NOT a progressive challenge.  You can jump in at any time.
  • You can link up as many holiday themed cards as you want as long as each entry is with a new project.  No backlinking.  HOWEVER, if you decide to follow the optional theme of  Santa Claus is Coming to Town (see specific details above), only a maximum of three (3) entries will qualify for the draw for this month's prize of  a 3 images to the Rick st. Dennis. store.  You must add 'FT' after you name so we know which cards to add to the random draw for the sponsor's prize.
  • Make sure when entering your project that you mention The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up in your post with a link back to this blog.
  • Please remember to link directly to your blog post where we can see your creation, and not just the generic link to your blog. Generic blog links will be disabled or deleted. 
  • The winners and top picks for this challenge (#12) will be announced on January 8th in a special post.
the_12_moc_linkup@outlook.com

We look forward to seeing you participate!

Link Up Below:

Monday, November 23, 2015

Holiday Traditions: Fruitcake



There are some traditions I am sure we would like to forget about. The ones that we keep doing even though if we stopped, no one would miss. This is for me, the dreaded fruitcake. I have never made a fruitcake, and while it is not my favorite, it became a family tradition that my mother in law had continued through the years.

Before we open presents on Christmas morning, my mother in law and I would get the coffee going and set out some sweets. These sweets typically consisted of some breads, banana, pumpkin and of course fruitcake.

During the 16th century, it was discovered that fruit could be preserved by soaking it in great concentrations of sugar. Because fruit now was able to be preserved, unavailable fruits were soon being imported in candied form from other parts of the world. This increased the supply of these fruit and the need to dispose of them, thus came the invention of fruitcake.

We don't see the younger generation baking up these fruitcakes. These usually come from Grandmother's as gifts to their children or Grandchildren.  I have personally never baked a fruitcake or bought one. But this year may be my first.

Last Christmas was my mother in laws last Christmas, as she passed away this year. She had been fighting cancer for the last four years and lost the battle this year. We celebrated Christmas last year at her house and while we all had no idea this would be the last one with her, I am so glad that we spent her last one there. Her son Marc made it in form England, and the entire family was together.

This year I will be hosting Christmas at my house. Christmas was a special time for her and I as we would get together in December and work on Christmas Cards as well as bake holiday goods.  This year, I will be making the holiday cookies by myself and I will be preparing the holiday meal on my own.  There will be many traditions that I will not be able to continue until I have a daughter in law of my own, (but I am in no rush for that.) But one thing I can continue, is to set out the fruitcake. It won't be homemade, but it will remind us of Grandma.

So this year when your your Grandmother brings over her famous fruitcake, remember, this may be the last one. Take time to sit and chat with her over a cup of coffee and some fruitcake, and embrace these family traditions remembering it is not about the fruitcake, it is about the memories you are creating.




References:
Robert Sietsema. (2002). A short history of fruitcake. Available: http://www.villagevoice.com/restaurants/a-short-history-of-fruitcake-6429393. Last accessed 11/23/2015.
Image:
Reprinted with permission from

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Challenge #11 Midway: Optional Theme...Sparkle, Sparkle, Everywhere

Hello everyone!  We have reached the midway point of Challenge #11.  It is time to see what the Merry Maidens have been up to with their images from Sparkle N Sprinkle, our guest sponsor this month!

SNS Blinkie

Check out the beautiful images that the Merry Maidens got to work with this month for the mid point of the challenge.  Clicking on any of the image watermarks will take you to their page in the Sparkle N Sprinkle store where each of these images can be found.


 Let it Snow
Let It Snow - Digital Stamp Set 707L


 Southern Santa
Southern Santa - Digital Stamp Set


 Christmas Doves
Christmas Doves - Digital Stamp Set 649


 Toyland Bear
Toyland Bear - Digital Stamp Set 674


Brighten the Holidays
Brighten the Holidays - Digital Stamp Set 663


Darien
Darien - Digital Stamp Set 567


 A Winter Wonderland
A Winter Wonderland - Digital Stamp


Southern Santa
Southern Santa - Digital Stamp Set


Season's Greetings
Season Greetings - Digital Stamp Set 752


While team members had the option of working with any of my Décosse's Dynamite Doodles papers, I did create a special set called Glitteratti Set 1, based on the theme for this challenge. Check out the preview...


Everyone who links up a minimum of two cards during the month of November will earn ONE of the digital papers from this set. The specific paper up for grabs will be shown during the winner announcement post. Additionally, one random winner will earn the full set of papers.

Have your say in determining which paper will be offered to those who link up a minimum of two cards this month by completing the poll in the sidebar on the top right hand side.


Now check out what the Merry Maidens came up with to inspire you.   Edwina managed to create two cards again as well!  Clicking on the names will take you to the individual blogs where you can check out the details for all these wonderful cards.




http://edwinascreations.blogspot.com/






http://patacakespages.blogspot.ca/


http://www.fstampaholic.blogspot.com/




http://helenscraftyshed.blogspot.co.uk/




So if you haven't entered already, what are you waiting for?   It is time to link up your Christmas and other holiday cards for November.  Whether you choose to link up two Anything Goes themed cards simply to earn your free paper this month, or you choose to also follow the optional theme to have a chance at the sponsor's prize, it is completely up to you! 

Here is a refresher of the details for this challenge...

Please remember that this is a CARDS ONLY link up.  While we've had some lovely tag entries in the past, we've sadly had to disqualify them.

Optional Theme:  Sparkle, Sparkle, Everywhere
Twinkling lights, garland, and tinsel oh my! Christmas is quickly approaching and as we start to get ready for the festivities we'll be noticing that our surroundings will soon be rather bright and sparkly. Whether it is part of the decorations that we put up or the special sparkle in the eyes of the people around us, there is a certain glimmer about. Just like our surroundings, it is time to give our cards that same kind of glitzy look. This challenge is going to be so bright, you're gonna need shades just to check out everyone's work!

In order to have a chance to win the prize from our wonderful guest sponsor this month, we want to see a Christmas or other holiday card that has lots of sparkle and shine on it. Here is your chance to grab your glitter, sparkles and other forms of bling and get to it! If you do follow the optional theme, be sure to add FT after your name so that we include you in the draw for the prize.
 
Remember, you don't need to follow the theme to link up your cards and earn a free paper each month, and have your name thrown into the year end draw for some extra digital goodies. You only need to follow the theme if you want a chance to win this month's sponsored prize of a $15 gift certificate to the Sparkle N Sprinkle store.


If you are new to this unique challenge, you can find out the impetus behind why I started it under the 'Introductions' tab.  As this is a unique kind of link up where we have both an anything goes Christmas option and an optional theme to follow, be sure to read all the details and rules you need to know in order to participate, by checking out the 'Challenge Details' tab (both tabs located at the top of the blog).

You can find the Challenge Details Summary along with the link up for Challenge #11 by clicking HERE.

 Don't Forget...

  • Be sure to join us on November 23rd, when Monica will be back to share another holiday tradition with you all.
  • Next up it will be time for our new challenge to start on December 1st.
  • Then, the winners from Challenge #11 will be posted on December 8th.
  • Other special posts may be published throughout the month.  Be sure to sign up to have our posts delivered by email or follow us through Bloglovin' so you don't miss a thing!
the_12_moc_linkup@outlook.com

We look forward to seeing you participate!