The Signs and Smells of Christmas

It's almost Christmas.  Can you believe it?  You can see the shoppers scurrying about, view the beautiful lights and decorations everywhere, and at my house, you can smell Christmas in the air because I've been doing some Christmas baking.  What a fun time for family and friends.

I created this card for several challenges this week.  I will mention them all, add a link so that YOU can join in the fun as well, and explain a little bit about each one.  I am so blessed by all the fun blogs and creative bloggers out there.  Here's to hoping that you all have a very Merry Christmas.

Well, my week just wouldn't be the same if I didn't take a whack at the Simon Says Stamp Challenge.  This week, the challenge is based on a sketch.  It's a cute sketch, and their DT gave some great inspiration.  You can check it out and enter by clicking on this link:
http://simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/2011/12/simon-says-sketch-time.html - Sketch Time

The next is a blog that is always sure to excite you and get you inspired.  The challenge over at The Shabby Tea Room calls for "stockings" to be hung.  I used my Papertrey Ink stamps for this.  Here is the link for their challenge:
http://theshabbytearoom.blogspot.com/2011/12/week-92-stocking-were-hung-by-chimney.html - Challenge #92 - The Stockings Were Hung By the Chimney With Care

Have you ever been over to Paper Sundaes?  Each week, they have a fun new challenge, and this week is no exception.  Their theme this week is "Anything Christmas".  My card is most definitely ready for that challenge.  Here is the link for their amazing blog and fun challenge:
http://papersundaes.blogspot.com/2011/12/paper-sundaes-challenge-99-anything.html - #99 Anything Christmas

I found Joanna Sheen Challenge Blog through my blog friend, Hazel.  What a generously amazing store they have as well.  Free shipping and handling - all the way from the United Kingdom.  My jaw about dropped.  How generous is that?  You can read all about their fun blog and challenge here:
http://joannasheenchallenge.blogspot.com/2011/12/its-beginning-to-look-lot-like.html - It's Beginning To Look a Lot Like Christmas

Another great challenge blog is Aud Sentiments.  They have a great DT to inspire you.  Check out their inspiration, and find out about their current "Winter Holiday Sentiments" Challenge here:
http://audsentimentschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2011/12/challenge-43-and-winner-of-42.html - #43 Winter Holiday Sentiments

This next challenge is one that I already entered once, but since it's a whole lot of fun over at Party Time Tuesday- I've decided to post another entry.  I'm working on giving myself a Christmas gift (though the generosity of somebody's challenge I HOPE), so here is the link to their Red & Green challenge:
http://partytimetuesdays.blogspot.com/2011/12/winner-ptt44-ptt46-challenge-red-green.html - Red & Green Challenge

I've also linked up at Jingle Belles Challenges where they're on a mission to help you all year long to get your Christmas cards finished (without that last-minute stress).  Their challenge this time is "Wrap it Up".  Since I used the baker's twine to hang my stockings, and "wrapped up the stockings" in the hopes of getting those gifts wrapped and in the stockings, I dedcided to play along.  Here's the link:
http://jinglebellesrock.blogspot.com/2011/12/wrapping-it-up.html - Wrapping It Up

OK, for the next challenge, I need to post another photo.  Let me say first that this was not my original idea.  I will never take creative credit for an idea that is not mine.  We should always give a shout-out when someone comes up with an idea, and we should always get permission from them before "lifting" their idea or posting it anywhere.  Michele graciously allowed me to share her idea with you.

This spoon project is an idea I got from a wonderfully talented blogger named Michelle.  You can see her tutorial on how to make these spoons by clicking on this helpful link:
http://chelemom.blogspot.com/2011/10/altered-wooden-spoon-tutorial.html  The base of the spoon holds several photos.  You simply make an "accordian fold" and attach them to seam binding to adhere them to your spoon.  Michele explains it all in the tutorial.

I am entering this little project in the challenge over at TOP TIP TUESDAY.  They not only have fun challenges, but they encourage you to share your crafting tips with others.  You can read all about their current "A Gift" Challenge by clicking on this link to their blog:
http://toptiptuesday.blogspot.com/2011/12/challenge-64-gift.html - #64 - A Gift

TOP TIP:  To make these wooden spoons, you can save LOADS of money by purchasing your spoons at your local Thrift Store or Goodwill.  I picked up my spoons at Goodwill for only $0.25 each.  You simply take them home and paint them to cover the signs of age and imperfection.  You will save money this way.  Many times, you will find other crafty surprises at your local Thrift Store.  I once picked up a HUGE bag of vintage buttons for $4.  This is a valuable TOP TIP - CHECK OUT YOUR LOCAL THRIFT STORES.  There are bargains to be found, and they are a valuable resource in your community, not to mention you are supporting a worthy charity by purchasing goods there.

I am super excited about EACH and EVERY one of these awesome challenges.  I am crossing my fingers cuz. . . .guess what?  I need a Christmas gift, too.  Winning one of these amazing challenges would be the Christmas gift I'm looking for.  Well, that and a new digital camera.  (Just being honest).

Thanks for stopping by, and I do appreciate your comments.  I will always take time to visit your blog and will always follow those who follow me on my blog.  I wish you all a very blessed week.

Hugs,

Karen