Merry Christmas!

Vote for December's Free Digi Paper + A Quick Reminder for Challenge #48!

Hey folks. It is the middle of the month and that means there are still two weeks left in our current Link Up. Since the team has December off and there is no sponsor, there is no need to have a traditional midway post. Therefore I figured I'd just remind you about our current challenge when having you vote on this month's paper pack.

Thankfully, I finally managed to get this month's set done. In fact, I also got January's set done so now I'm ahead of the game...sort of. I actually still have October's set to complete...sigh...but I'm getting there slowly but surely!

December's set is called A Touch of Christmas: Glitz & Gloss. 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.

If you would like a say in determining which one of these papers will be offered to those who link up a minimum of two cards this month, be sure to vote in our poll below. If there is a tie or no votes are cast, an executive decision will be made as to which paper is offered.


DIGI PAPER POLL
Please click "like" to choose the ONE paper that you would like offered up to participants who link up a minimum of two cards during the month of December. Poll will be open until December 31st, 11:59 p.m. EST. Please note that you can get a better idea of what the actual paper looks like by bringing the preview ABOVE up in the lightbox.

Don't forget, there are still two weeks to join our link up!

You can find the Challenge Details Summary along with the link up for
 Challenge #48 by clicking HERE.

Hope to see you there!

Challenge #48: Anything Goes Christmas

Happy Saturday Crafters! Can you believe it? In less than 24 days, it will be Christmas. This has been a difficult year for me and mine so in some respects I am looking forward to ushering in a new year soon, hoping it will be a much better one. However, at the same time, when I reflect back, it is amazing to think just how quickly it seems to have all gone by.

As it is the first day of December, it is time for our final link up of 2018 to get under way! Given how little time is left until the BIG DAY itself is here, it is imperative to get all those last minute Christmas and other December Holiday cards completed before we run out of time! To provide you with some extra incentive to get your cards completed, we have some lovely prizes available! So, why not join us for your chance to win?!

It is now time to get down to the business of our latest challenge. Here is what you need to know...

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.
• ALL entries adhering to our basic rules will have the chance to win a special prize and also have the opportunity to win a mini pack of digi papers as well.

Now that the basics are out of the way, how about we get on with the details of Challenge #48.

Challenge #48: Anything Goes

We're doing things a little bit different this month. The Sleigh Belles and Merry Maidens have been working hard all year to get their Christmas cards created and as such, Pat and I have decided to give them a much deserved break from having to post this month. Thus, there will be no DT makes for you to check out.

Normally, we'd also generally have a Guest Sponsor offering up a prize. However, this month, since the team isn't creating any cards for the link up, there was no need to have a sponsor but don't worry, there is still going to be a prize. This month, a random winner will win a copy of EITHER my Holiday Hoopla Mini Digital Kit OR Five different Mini Kits from the Christmas and/or Winter section of my Preview page (if you'd like to see previews of these sets, you can find them on my personal blog HERE).

As far as the theme goes, we're leaving that wide open this month. Lots of people are working diligently to finish off all their Christmas cards so we have decided to capitalize on this and have opted to do an ANYTHING GOES theme BUT don't forget that your card still has to be suitable for CHRISTMAS!

So what are you waiting for? It is time to link up your Christmas and other holiday cards for December!

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).


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 until 11:59 p.m. (23:59 hrs), December 31st, 2018.  All times listed are in EST (Eastern Standard Time).
  
• If you wish to receive the free digi paper being offered up for this month, you need to link up a minimum of two (2) Christmas or holiday themed cards. 
• If you receive a free digi paper, you are not obliged to use it in any future link up; though, if you do create something, be sure to let me know as I'd love to see it.
• This is NOT a progressive challenge. You can jump in at any time.
• You are allowed to enter as many Anything Goes cards as you'd like. HOWEVER, please note that if you enter more than 10 cards, it is possible that you may not receive comments on entries after this number of link ups. We appreciate your understanding in this matter.
  
• 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.

We look forward to seeing you participate!

Link Up Below:
If you have any problems linking up, please be sure to leave a comment.

The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up Challenge #48
Please link up your Anything Goes Christmas and/or December holiday themed CARDS below. Please see above for all the rules and details.

Members of the EU Please Note: 

• By entering your Personal Information (i.e. name, blogpost address, email address) into any type of link up on this blog, you are giving your consent to having your name and blogpost link visible to everyone who visits this site. While we also request that you submit your email address when adding a card to any link up, this particular piece of Personal Information is kept private. It is only visible to me, Lisa Décosse, the owner of this blog or my designate (see more on how your email address is used below).
• By commenting on any post on this blog, you are also giving your consent to having your name and blogpost link visible to everyone who visits this site (unless of course, you have left a comment by remaining anonymous). 
• If you are a winner or top pick in an event that you have entered, a copy of your entry information will be published in a separate winners announcement post. This entry information may include the following: 
• your name and/or possibly your blog name
• the blogpost address of the card that you linked up
• a copy of the image that you originally linked up
• Should you qualify to receive a free digi paper by linking up two or more cards, or possibly win the full set of Digi Papers for any particular month and have linked up two or more cards, we will use the email address provided to send out your prize.

Your continued use of this blog and any services it may provide will constitute your acknowledgement and acceptance of this notice.A full Privacy Policy is being created and when completed will be added to a separate page on this blog.

Challenge #47 Midway: Optional Theme...All TIED UP for Christmas

Welcome back folks. It is the 15th of the month and time for our midway.

As we are halfway through the month of November already, it is time to see what the Merry Maidens have been up to with the following sweet images from Limited Runs, our guest sponsor this month!

 Kitty in Stocking Coloured (Category: Seasonal-Christmas; Section: 61-70)

Winter Fox (Category: Seasonal-Christmas; Section: 31-40)

  

 

Juggling Snowman (Category: Snowman; Section: 1-10)

Puppy in Stocking (Category: Seasonal-Christmas; Section: 61-70)

 

Thank you so much to this month's generous sponsor for providing such amazing designs for the team to work with! Please pop over and pay Limited Runs a visit when you have the chance! You are sure to find something to add to your wish list while you are there!

Now check out what the Merry Maidens came up with to inspire you. Julie, one of our Sleigh Belles, wasn't able to join us during the start so she is joining us for the midway. Clicking on the names will take you to the individual blogs where you can check out the details for all these wonderful cards.

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 ANY type of Christmas or holiday card you've made for a chance to win this month's Paper Kit, or link up two of them 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.

Challenge #47

Optional Theme:

All TIED UP for Christmas

Christmas presents are a beautiful thing aren't they? And, I am not just talking about what you might find waiting for you once it is unwrapped. There is also the outside to consider. All those pretty wrapping papers that are beautifully embellished with so many wonderful items. Thankfully, we can design our Christmas cards to emulate the gifts all tied up waiting for us beneath the tree.
 

That is why this month, in order to have a chance to win the prize from our guest sponsor, be sure to use ribbon, string, twine and/or lace featured prominently on your card. 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.

Keep in mind though, that you don't need to follow the theme to link up your cards and earn a free paper each month or for a chance to win the featured paper set. You only need to follow the theme if you want a chance to win this month's sponsored prize of a $10.00 gift certificate from Limited Runs.

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 different kind of link up where we have both an Anything Goes Christmas or other December Holiday 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 #47 by clicking HERE.

Don't Forget, if everything goes according to plan...

• I plan to post two winner announcements as soon as I can manage. 
• Our new challenge will start on December 1st.
• 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!

 

We look forward to seeing you participate!

Vote for November's Free Digi Paper!

Hey folks. It is the 15th of the month and that means there are still two weeks left in our current Link Up. I actually managed to finish the set for this month's prize (though yikes, I still haven't done last month's but we'll deal with that when the time comes).

In keeping with the title of our theme, November's set is called All Tied Up for Christmas. 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.

If you would like a say in determining which one of these papers will be offered to those who link up a minimum of two cards this month, be sure to vote in our poll below. If there is a tie or no votes are cast, an executive decision will be made as to which paper is offered.


DIGI PAPER POLL
Please click "like" to choose the ONE paper that you would like offered up to participants who link up a minimum of two cards during the month of November. Poll will be open until November 30th, 11:59 p.m. EST. Please note that you can get a better idea of what the actual paper looks like by bringing the preview ABOVE up in the lightbox.

Don't forget, there are still two weeks to join our link up!

You can find the Challenge Details Summary along with the link up for Challenge #47 by clicking HERE.

Hope to see you there!

 

Challenge #47: Optional Theme...All TIED UP for Christmas

Happy Thursday Crafters! The big day is getting closer and closer. With just 1 month and 24 days until it arrives, there isn't much time left. So, whether you are just getting started or are almost finished with your stack, it is a great time to continue with your quest and complete any Christmas and other December Holiday cards you will need for year end! To provide you with some extra incentive to get your cards completed, we have some lovely prizes available! So, why not join us for your chance to win?!

It is now time to get down to the business of our latest challenge. Here is what you need to know...

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.
• ALL entries adhering to our basic rules also have the opportunity to win a mini pack of digi papers each month as well.

Now that the basics are out of the way, how about we get on with the details of Challenge #47.

Challenge #47

Optional Theme:
All TIED UP for Christmas

Christmas presents are a beautiful thing aren't they? And, I am not just talking about what you might find waiting for you once it is unwrapped. There is also the outside to consider. All those pretty wrapping papers that are beautifully embellished with so many wonderful items. Thankfully, we can design our Christmas cards to emulate the gifts all tied up waiting for us beneath the tree.
 

That is why this month, in order to have a chance to win the prize from our guest sponsor, be sure to use ribbon, string, twine and/or lace featured prominently on your card. 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.

Keep in mind though, that you don't need to follow the theme to link up your cards and earn a free paper each month or for a chance to win the featured paper set. You only need to follow the theme if you want a chance to win this month's sponsored prize of a $10.00 gift certificate from Limited Runs.

Talking about Limited Runs, it is time to refresh ourselves with the details of this returning sponsor…

Limited Runs is a great little shop for all your digital needs we have tons to play with and even better they are all set up for those on a budget with almost all images for only $2.00 and lots of hidden sets and deals in the shop to save you money !!! Who doesn't like to save $$$. We have a huge Collection for the Holidays and also lots of other cuties and not so cute images. We also have cupcakes, coffee, and for those that like the darker side monsters and even a eyeball cupcake.

Limited Runs is now on Facebook too with a Freebie for every 50 Followers (find it HERE ). We also have a Monthly Progressive Challenge Running too. You can find the details HERE. While the challenge itself is on FB, don't worry if you don't have Facebook. You can email me a link to your site showcasing your project using the image and I will add you into the challenge so you can win too. The Progressive challenge works in 3 rounds. So there is a freebie available every 1st round just email me if you want to play.

Store:  http://limitedrunsstamps.blogspot.ca

Check out the incredible images that the team worked with this month for the start of the challenge. Click on the image preview to head to the page in the Limited Runs store where it can be found.

Christmas Carolers
(Category: Seasonal-Christmas; Section: 31-40) 

   

Poinsettia Cupcake
(Category: Seasonal-Christmas; Section: 61-70)

   

Girl with Bunny Slippers 
 (Category: Girls; Section 21-30)

Santa's Stuck
(Category: Seasonal-Christmas; Section: 1-10)

You'll get to see more amazing projects using images from our sponsor during our midway so be sure to come back again at that time!

Now check out what the Sleigh Belles came up with to inspire you. Julie will be posting with the Merry Maidens at the midway, so Pat is joining us for the start! Clicking on the names will take you to the individual blogs where you can check out the details for all these wonderful cards...

So what are you waiting for? It is time to link up your Christmas and other holiday cards for November!

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, Pat and I and the rest of the gang hope to see you back with us soon!

• The winner announcement for Challenge #43 will posted as soon as I can manage.
• Then, be sure to join us again on November 15th, for our midway post where you'll get to see cards created by the Merry Maidens! 
• Pat will hopefully be here towards the end of the month with something special to share!
• 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), November 1st until 11:59 p.m. (23:59 hrs), November 30th, 2018.  All times listed are in EST (Eastern Standard Time).
  
• If you wish to receive the free digi paper being offered up for this month, you need to link up a minimum of two (2) Christmas or holiday themed cards. You are not obliged to use the paper in any future link up; though, if you do create something, be sure to let me know as I'd love to see it.
• This is NOT a progressive challenge. You can jump in at any time.
• You are allowed to enter as many Anything Goes cards as you'd like. HOWEVER, please note that if you follow the optional theme for the chance to win this month's prize of a $10 gift certificate to the Limited Runs store, only a maximum of three (3) entries will qualify for the sponsored draw.
• 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.
• 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.

We look forward to seeing you participate!

Link Up Below:
If you have any problems linking up, please be sure to leave a comment.

The 12 Months of Christmas Link Up Challenge #47
Please link up your Anything Goes Christmas and/or December holiday themed CARDS with the optional theme of All TIED UP for Christmas below. Don't forget that 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. Please see above for all the rules and details.

Members of the EU Please Note:  

• By entering your Personal Information (i.e. name, blogpost address, email address) into any type of link up on this blog, you are giving your consent to having your name and blogpost link visible to everyone who visits this site. While we also request that you submit your email address when adding a card to any link up, this particular piece of Personal Information is kept private. It is only visible to me, Lisa Décosse, the owner of this blog or my designate (see more on how your email address is used below).
• By commenting on any post on this blog, you are also giving your consent to having your name and blogpost link visible to everyone who visits this site (unless of course, you have left a comment by remaining anonymous). 
• If you are a winner or top pick in an event that you have entered, a copy of your entry information will be published in a separate winners announcement post. This entry information may include the following: 
• your name and/or possibly your blog name
• the blogpost address of the card that you linked up
• a copy of the image that you originally linked up
• Should you qualify to receive a free digi paper by linking up two or more cards, or possibly win the full set of Digi Papers for any particular month and have linked up two or more cards, we will use the email address provided to send out your prize.

Your continued use of this blog and any services it may provide will constitute your acknowledgement and acceptance of this notice.A full Privacy Policy is being created and when completed will be added to a separate page on this blog.

ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS CORNER: DIY Craft Supplies

Homemade Christmas Supplies

Sometimes what we want and what we can afford are two very different things.  I often reach for an embellishment or basic crafting supply and come up empty!  That’s when it pays to know how to make your own materials.  Here are eight items that are easy to make and will save you money:

1- Christmas Butterflies – Who says butterflies aren’t for winter? Everyone

should maintain a bit of summer even in the depths of winter. I’ve made my own butterflies by taking some small red and/or green feathers, black chenille sticks, a bit of wire and a glue gun!  Find two sets of 2 feathers the same size. Arrange them like the wings of a butterfly, with the larger two one on each side on the top, and the smaller two one on each side below the.  Cut a short piece of chenille stick and adhere in the middle where the feathers touch. Cut a small piece of black wire and bend in half, then shape the ends in a flat spiral.  Attach with the glue gun at the top of your butterfly body. You can embellish the wings by using a black marker to make whatever designs you like. The photo shown is somewhat like the ones I make, but mine are solid colored and I use chenille sticks for the bodies. Photo credit:   http://www.makeiteasycrafts.com/2012/12/peacock-feather-butterfly-ornament.html


2- Buttons – Need a button to match your page?  All you need is cardstock, a

circle punch, a Crop-a-Dile, some Liquid/Glossy Glass, a glue stick and your choice of holiday patterned paper. Punch five circles from cardstock and one from your chosen patterned paper. Use a glue stick to adhere them in a stack, gluing the patterned paper on top. Use your Crop-a-Dile to punch 2 holes in the center.  Cover the top and sides with Liquid Glass and let dry on wax paper.  You can also paint or ink the top layer of cardstock for a solid colored button or use a shaped punch, like a heart, to make shaped buttons. Here's a tutorial to show you how this is done: https://www.inkingitupwithcathy.com/2011/10/technique-tuesday-buttons-from-stampin.html

   
3- Distressed flowers –

These flowers are simple.  Just tear (don’t cut) pieces of coordinating holiday papers into three or four circles, each one just a little smaller than the last. Distress the edges by rubbing them to curl them up.  Layer largest on the bottom to smallest on top.  Attach with a brad. This site has not only a tutorial for these flowers, but for 4 more paper flowers!   https://www.craftsy.com/paper-crafts/article/easy-paper-flowers/

  
4- Patterned Paper – Need a piece of patterned paper in a specific theme or color.  Make it yourself!  Get out your ink pads and holiday stamps. Starting with the largest images, stamp a few times in a random way.  Stamp from largest to smallest images.  Need shine? Use Stickles or metallic gel pens. Need texture? Use embossing powder, microbeads and fun fur. Too much white space? Spritz with Glimmer Mist!

5- Pinwheels – All you need is holiday-themed, double-sided paper, cut into

squares, a pair of scissors and a brad. The size of your paper squares is determined by how big you want your pinwheels. From each corner, cut toward the very center of your square, almost but not quite to the center (otherwise you would have four triangles!). Now bring each corner of your square toward the center, overlapping the ends.  When all four corners are gathered in the center, use a piercing needle to make a hole and then hold the pinwheel together with your brad. You can check out the tutorial at: http://itrydiy.me/2014/02/mini-pinwheel-bouquet/

6- Faux Snow –

I love to give my cards dimension and texture, but I don’t have the money all the time to go out and buy 14 different colors of FlowerSoft.  I found that if you rub a couple of Styrofoam balls together, the resulting “dust” can be used just like white Flower Soft, so your winter cards can really POP with the look and texture of snow! 


So, did I miss something?  Got a secret DIY project that will save us all money?  Tell us what YOU do to make your own supplies!