SC99 challenge cards

I often participate in some of the weekly challenges offered at one of the two forums I frequent regularly, Splitcoaststampers.com. Each day there is a different type of challenge to stretch your creativity -- you can learn a new technique on Monday, take the color challenge on Tuesday, come up with different ways to use familiar materials on Thursday and -- my favorite -- try your hand at different layouts on Wednesday.

When I saw last weeks sketch challenge (SC99) I knew I would absolutely love it when I finally got around to playing with it. I had no idea just how much so! I've been working on personal Christmas cards over the past week, and have amassed a pile of scraps that are long and narrow, but too large to toss without guilt. I was sure I could find a use for them once I put my mind to it, but wasn't overly concerned about it at the moment.

Turns out this sketch is perfect for my leftovers. They are just the right width and require only a little pruning off the ends. I'm thinking I can get 20-30 more cards out of the residual bits -- something I will work on once my own Christmas cards are finished. It will be a good start to next year's troop cards. *big grin*

The sets used here are Reindeer Print and Holiday Tag Team. Accessories include star brads and "be merry" ribbon bought on clearance last December 26. One never knows when that crafty sort of stuff will come in handy, and what could be better than buying it 75% off?




Feeling good about finding a use for some of those scraps, I next went on to creating a birthday card for a family member celebrating this week. I chose this sketch once more, going for a more autumnal look befitting the season. I used three different stamp sets in this one: Fantastic Folliage, Lovely as a Tree and Botanicals -- three of my favorites. The "birthday wishes" stamp is a non-SU purchase made by Savvy Stamps. I wrapped sheer ribbon over it, then added another bit to the upper corner.




As for the past week...I did get L's cards finished before Thanksgiving and mailed them off to her Saturday. She received them today already! The USPS really outdid themselves on that delivery! I can't wait to post it, but will wait until she's had a chance to get them sent out, seeing as we've a few mutual acquaintances who happen by from time to time. Wouldn't want to ruin the surprise. *grin*

Thanksgiving with Younger Sis and BIL went surprisingly well. Yup, his relatives actually behaved -- once they finally got there. Sis and I had most of the food prepared by the time folks decided to show up, the exceptions being the mashed potatoes, ham and rolls being brought by others. Because people arrived so late, they ended up staying late, which meant getting back home -- you guessed it -- late. I don't think I was home an hour before bed beckoned me.

Worked on Christmas cards and Kat's Christmas present in between errands and laundry over the weekend. I also managed to get my front window decorated...window clings and a string of colored lights...and got my little 3-foot tree up, lights and garland on it, but no ornaments as yet. I'll work on that a bit during the week and will have it done before The Bug comes up Sunday afternoon for the Christmas Pageant at the Capitol. I haven't been in years, and look forward to it myself!