Christmas Kickstart Challenge #45 - If It's Christmassy, Link it Up!

Well, we've finally reached the last Christmas Kickstart Challenge of 2020! This really has been one of the strangest and most difficult years that many of us will ever have lived through. I don't know about you but during this time I've been so glad to have the love of my family and friends, plus this crazy cardmaking hobby to keep me going!

We've a new elf on board for this challenge. I don't always introduce our elf here on my blog but this time things are a little different as this elf doesn't have her own blog or Instagram account.  For Challenge #45 I'm delighted to welcome Alice, or as I like to call her, Mom!

After much persuasion my mom has finally agreed to join the fun and inspire us with her beautiful cards at Christmas Kickstart.

Our theme is:

Christmas Kickstart Challenge #45 - If it's Christmassy, Link it Up!

We'd like to see your final Christmas cards of the year or your first cards of 2021 - the choice is yours!

Here's what my mom made:

As you can see she loves to die cut and has combined dies from Creative Expressions The Holly and the Ivy  with others from the Sue Wilson Range.

And here's her second card featuring beautiful die cuts from Creative Expressions All is Calm and a sweet edger die (also from Sue Wilson) that I'm having trouble tracking down to include a link!

Here's what I made. 

Don't you just LOVE that little gnome from Jane's Doodles? I gknow I do! 

I was very lucky to win a voucher for Jane's shop during Janis W's Cat Lovers Hop (thanks, Janis) and couldn't resist this gorgeous, fun set. A little leftover paper and an embossing folder and the card was finished.

Here's Rudolph with his final Random Raffle prize of 2020. He's chosen a gorgeous die cut Santa from Creative Expressions.

Mom and I both hope you'll come and join this fun challenge. 

Keep safe and keep crafting, everyone. 

The Sisterhood of Snarky Stampers - L is for Lewd

As you can see Edna is preparing for the festive season in her own special way! And so, of course, are the Sisterhood as we play L is for Lewd!

My offering is as always rather on the tame side, but hopefully it'll make the recipient smile! I always love working with Art Impressions images.

The wording is a steal from Carmen's Veranda, which I adapted for Christmas and printed out on my PC. If you love a snarky, fun sentiment that's the place to go!

We have a fabulous Queen with us today and I know you'll love all the cards on display if you enjoy naughty and snarky in equal measure.

Let's Squash It! Challenge #3 - Use ANY Embossing Folder and Dies or Fussy Cutting

 

Hi there, it's time for another fun challenge over at Let's Squash It! 

This is a challenge that will really help you stretch those embossing folders.

Challenge #3 - Use ANY Embossing Folder and Dies or Fussy Cutting

Yes, we'd like you to use an embossing folder of your choice and pair it with the techniques of die cuttings or fussy cutting.  You can use an emboss-and-cut folder, a die cut with a matching folder, cut up something you've embossed, emboss a die cut shape, or simply add a die cut or fussy cut shape to your embossed background.  If you're not sure what to do then please take a look at Gail's excellent Inspiration Post for some great ideas.

Here's what I made for the challenge. Sadly, I needed a sympathy card for a friend who had just lost her lovely dad to Covid.

I used a beautiful embossing folder Darice's Bold Daisy for this card. It proved really difficult to photograph, and does look so much better IRL. I cut two embossed panels and fussy cut the centre of the second panel so that I could place it over the first panel. A couple of pop dots added to the dimension. I coloured with Distress Inks. 

In addition to cards by Gail and me we also have a guest designer/squasher. Intrigued by who could be joining us? Come on over and find out!