Thursday, December 15, 2011

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

24 comments:

  1. Hello Karen. WOW, what a beautiful card. So much colour and fabulous detail. I love the papers, but the centrepiece is absolutely beautiful. I love it.
    Then, what a great idea you came across in blogland with the Spoons, now that is brilliant, and what a lovely stocking filler to give someone special. I love seeing your creativity, evething is made just perfect.
    Happy crafting sweetie. Take care .
    Love Sandra xxx

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  2. Such a beautiful card, Karen, and I love this spoon idea! Thanks for the link to the tutorial.
    Hope your Christmas preparations are moving ahead smoothly... I love the baking, but still have a couple tags to make. Have a wonderful day!
    Hugs!

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  3. What a great idea Karen! LOVE the spoon such fun and your Tip is a fabby one! shame we don't have thrift stores in the UK like that!

    Thanks for adding your Tip and also leaving a comment at Top Tip Tuesaday! I HAVE added (TIP) next to your name on the link as you forgot! theheheheee!! I think you were so excited to enter and had you Tip here and the comment too! tehhehee!! but its there now!

    Thanks for coming to join us at Top Tip Tuesday this time, I hope you can come play again soon, hugs Samantha :0)

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  4. Love love love all of the beautifully traditional elements of this design. Very well done!!!

    Shelby

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  5. FABULOUS projects--as usual! :) That spoon is awesome--and I LOVE thrifting, as well, so I totally agree with your awesome tip! :)

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  6. Благодаря Ви за отделеното време да посетите моя блог .Аз много харесвам това което изработвате -те са чудесни,прекрасни..

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  7. FABULOUS project and card! Your tip is perfect. I volunteer at a Thrift Store in town and you wouldn't believe (or obviously you do) what people get rid of. Some people's trash REALLY is other people's treasures. :)
    Thank you so much for playing along with us at Top Tip Tuesday!
    Lisa xx
    Come by and visit us next week. We'd love to see you again!

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  8. Oh my goodness Karen...you have been busy! I love the red garland! That is TRUE garland!!! Your creations are gorgeous and it is SO neat how you wrote up your blog describing each entry spot. Very honoring of each. Your card is multi layered with beauty...very inventive and artistically designed. ty for your generous comment Karen. Spirited Love to you and your fam for the season. Samara xox

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  9. Your card is just gorgeous Karen!! And I just love that spoon! Beautiful work as always!!


    Thank you very much for joining us this week at The Shabby Tea Room and the Simon Says Stamp Challenge Blog!

    Happy Holidays!

    Hugs...
    Melissa

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  10. this is adorable, Merry Christmas and thank you for joining us at Aud Sentiments

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  11. thank you for your comment on my blog too! :) LOL
    As for what I've found in the Thrift Store...close to everything! My antique claw foot kitchen table for $20 and an antique sewing table with metal on top, antique hutch for $15 and a desk with cubbies and nooks for $10. I think my very favorite though is little vintage drawers that I store different stamping items in. :) You can pretty much convert something into something else. Let me know if you're looking for anything in particular. I'll keep my eye out and I can get it 1/2 off the original price.
    Have a wonderful holiday and Merry Christmas!
    hugs,
    Lisa xx

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  12. Fab card, thanks so much for joining us at CCC xx Jan

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  13. I simply love this card, Karen! So festive, and you did sooo well on the detail... I think the spoon idea is really cute at well. You are one creative, talented and sweet lady, I'm glad we are friends.

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  14. Lovely card.
    Thanks for joining as at SimonSaysStamp!

    Hugs
    Domi

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  15. Karen - what a beautiful card!! The details are fantastic and very eye-catching! You certainly have a natural talent for this! :)

    Holiday Wishes,

    -pamela
    FreeVintageDigiStamps.com

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  16. Both of your projects are gorgeous Karen - I just LOVE the wooden spoon gift, I think I will have to look out for some spoons to alter ready for next Christmas (OMGness, am I really planning NEXT Christmas already!)

    Great Top Tip too - thanks. I love to visit the charity shops we have here in the UK - but ours seem to have more clothes than anything..... although great for sewing projects ;)

    Thanks for joining us over at Top Tip Tuesday this week for our 'Gift' challenge. Hope to see you again next week :)

    Carol x

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  17. Great collection of layers for a wonderful card and that spoon is very cool! Thanks for sharing with us at THE SHABBY TEA ROOM ;-)

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  18. Great SPOON! You are awesome for sharing your source:0) I too like looking for crafting goodies at my local thrift shop.

    Thanks for joining us at Top Tip Tuesday and for sharing your TIP!

    Hugs;
    Janette
    Psst...I have candy on my blog if you would like to take a peek:0)
    LaJanette.blogspot.com

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  19. Oooh I love those stockings!!! The holly looks great too!!

    Thanks so much for entering the Simon Says Stamp Challenge!!!
    -Sarah

    For More Opportunities:
    *Follow Simon Says Stamp on Twitter
    *Like Simon Says Stamp on Facebook
    *Subscribe to Simon Says Stamp on YouTube

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  20. Thanks for playing along with Aud Sentiments this challenge!!

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  21. Fabulous card and I love what you've done with the spoon what a neat idea for a christmas decoration. Thank you so much for joining us over at The Joanna Sheen Challenge this month with your adorable creation. Good luck in the draw.
    Merry Christmas
    Suzi x

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  22. what a lovely holiday card! i adore the collage of beautiful elements! totally FAB! ♥

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  23. Gorgeous traditional card, thanks for joining us at Aud Sentiments this time. Carol DT x

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