Sunday 24 December 2017

Your Challenge Cards




My Challenge cards 
Good Morning Ladies,.                                                                                                                   I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas Eve, I expect you will all be busy cooking and doing those last minute preparations.                                                             How are you all spending your Christmas Day?, I am delighted that I have all my babies home for Christmas Day, nothing makes me happier I have to admit .             Well you all pulled out all the stops to start cards made for this week's Embossing Folder Challenge, this one is always popular.  You have made some absolutely amazing cards, so I will let you get on and enjoy them.......





 Brenda
A pretty card from Brenda, using a John Lockwood Embossing Folder, Brenda has highlighted the embossed area with some ink, the beautifully coloured roses and ribbon compliment the ink perfectly.
XXX

Pat 

Pat has used the Snowflake Lattice embossing folder to create the background for bauble card, I love that Fir Branch die you have used. Such a lovely card.
XXX


Lynda

Lynda has used the beautiful All Occasion Embossing Folder that we all love to create this amazing card, I love how you have coloured the flowers, embellished beautifully with the pretty flowers you have used. 
XXX

Michele



Michele used a selection of All-Occasion Embossing Folders to create the set of 4 Christmas cards in the first photo, the second card is STUNNING, (Michele you work well under stress)! I absolutely love how you have used 'the' Embossing Folder on this card, I love it ! 
XXX

Margaret

Margaret has also used the All-Occasion Embossing Folder create her challenge card, I love the colours you have used Margaret and the touch of sparkle in the background! A beautiful birthday card.
 XXX

Val

Oh Val I love this Christmas card that you have made for Lynn and Paul, it's so unique and cute and I love everything about it, including your embossed background!
XXX

Janet



Janet has had a super busy week in her craft room, she has made to beautifully embossed foil birthday cards using Crafter's Companion 3D Embossing Folders, simply embellished with butterflies and flowers, the amount of detail in the background means the card needs very little embellishing! The third card Janet made for Gracie-Leigh's second birthday, the pretty embossed background is subtle enough that it lets the cute cheeky monkey and the giraffe take all the limelight, I just know that Gracie-Leigh's face will light up when she opens this card, could we possibly have a little update photo of her Janet?
XXX

Maria


Maria made these two lovely Christmas cards for her neighbours, the first one Maria embossed the background with a snow fall embossing folder, she has then embossed each of the little panels to create the 'checkerboard' pattern, finishing the card with the 'Merry Christmas' die cut.                                                                                                      The second card Maria has made by stamping a beautiful framed winter scene inside a delicate embossed frame, I'm not sure who's Embossing Folder it is but I love it!      I also love the pine cone and fir branch embellishment! 
XXX

Lilian

OMG Lilian, I love the effect you have created by adding colour over the stunning embossed background, can I please ask what 'medium' you used to add the colour, it looks like wax or maybe Mica Powders, either way it has worked beautifully!
XXX

Karen

Karen, I just love this Christmas card that you have designed for this week's Challenge, it is a simple design but every element works. A beautiful embossed background that doubles as the greeting, two pieces of foil edged ribbon with a stunning poinsettia, die cut from Pink Frog Red Velvet card and topped with a perfectly matched Brad, the Tattered Lace Beaded Flourishes add just the right amount of 'fancy' ! 
XXX

I have kept the descriptions brief this week to save a few minutes but I wanted to let you all know how immensely grateful I am to each and every one of you, for making time in your busy lives to take part in these challenges every week.  Receiving the emails or messenger messages containing your cards each week brings such joy to my life, it's so nice to receive 'Happy Mail'!  I am happy to continue the Monday challenges into the New year if you all want to continue continue taking part, I don't ever want to make you feel forced into doing it, though I have to say I made so many Christmas cards throughout the year for the challenges that I only had a few to make to finish my list, so there are other benefits to taking part other than making me smile.  We all need a push to sit down and create sometimes, we are pleased when we have done it though, so I like to think that although I am being a pain, I am keeping your creativity going too! 😉.                                                                                                       
I feel so blessed to have so many lovely hugely talented friends, I love you all dearly.  

I want to wish you all the very Happiest Christmas ! 

Love and hugs 

Sandra
xxxxxx





29 comments:

  1. Wonderful cards Sandra.
    Merry Christmas to you, xxxx

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  2. Christmas Eve Blessings to one and all,

    Yet another wonderful array of challenge cards, you never fail to amaze me with your interpretations. What is doubly amazing is that not one is ever the same.

    Busy today dropping presents and cards to dear friends.

    Love 7 hugs
    Cheryl xxx

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    1. Hi Cheryl
      It's remarkable isn't it that no 2 are the same. Have a very Happy Christmas with all your family.

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  3. Morning Everyone
    WOW what a bumper bundle of gorgeousness for this week's Challenge.
    PAUL has had to get the extra display boards out of storage.
    I too am always amazed that whatever the Challenge is we never get two cards the same and that just gives so much inspiration.

    A HUGE THANK YOU SANDRA for setting the Challenges each week and yes please more for next year.

    Well it's wet and very windy here this morning so at the moment it's a very dull start for SANTA.
    If anyone is interested and wants to follow him around the world today log on to 'NORAD' and you will have an exciting journey.

    The CAFE is OPEN and if anyone has the time mince pies and Christmas Cake is on the counter for all to share.
    HUGS are winging their way to you all. Happy Christmas Eve. xxxx

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    Replies
    1. Hi Janet
      Love the embossing folder you gave used on your challenge cards. Great 2nd birthday card as well. It's quite dull here also and a bit drizzly.
      Wishing you and Jim a very Happy Christmas.

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  4. I love the Music bday challenges So keep ‘em coming Lije you I made far more Christmas cards earlier in the year using the challenges that I do have less of a panic to get things done
    Your cards are amazing ladies I love to see everyone’s different take on the challenges I’d like to know what medium LILIAN LYNDA and MARGARET used
    I’m on cooking duty today I have two large gammons to cook and cauliflower cheese to make We are spending the day at daughter’s house along with her partner’s family There’ll be 9 adults and young Oscar Her house is quite tiny So we all prepare/ cook part of the meal and take it with us -hence the cooking for me today We sit around a large pasting table!
    I hope you all have a very happy Christmas
    Don’t get me wrong I do enjoy Christmas especially now Oscar is here but it is also a sad time remembering those that are no longer with us to share it Take care ladies xx

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    Replies
    1. What on earth is “Music bday!” I have no idea I think it should have read “Monday”

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    2. Hi Karen I used water coloured pencils with a water brush taking the colour from the pencil
      Enjoy yourself with family Hug's Lynda xx

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    3. I have 10 around my table too Karen, will be a tight squeeze but at least we are all family. Enjoy your day.x

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    4. Hi Karen
      Great card today. Thanks for sharing.
      I think I'm having 14 to dinner on the 28th, Karen's birthday. 13 for certain but I'm not to sure if Amy's boyfriend is coming. I'm hoping 1 of the girls will be making a cake, probably Livvy or Amy. I have a big table but it's still a squeeze.
      Enjoy tomorrow with Oscar and the family.

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  5. Morning everyone.
    Well you've done it again ladies, a wonderful selection of beautiful cards. What talented group of ladies.
    All the veg and trimmings are being prepared today and the turkey cooked tonight, the tomorr ow it's all put on and the pork cooked whilst we're opening our presents after a hopefully lovely sunny walk with Gracie along the promenade stopping of course for a coffee and croissant. Well fit in skyping Barrie and my brother and ringing a few friends. After dinner which we have around 3 I intend getting into my pj's and slouching in front of the tele for the rest of the day, occasionally having a mince pie or a bowl of trifle of course. Hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas whatever you have planned.
    MICHELE hope your husband is ok.xx
    LILIAN sorry it wasn't a satisfactory visit to the Cardiologist. Have a safe journey to visit your family.xx
    See you tomorrow Love Valxxx

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    Replies
    1. Hi Val
      Love the card you made for Lynn and Paul. I've never seen that style of card before. Made he laugh at the vision of your pliwing through a bowl of trifle. I made two huge ones for Karen's birthday and Craig Pete's son always says ( well this ones mine ). Have a lovely Christmas.

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  6. Morning Ladies

    What a fantastic collection of challenge cards. It never ceases to amaze me how lovely they all are & so different when we all use the same challenge.

    I wanted to make more cards yesterday but I got myself in a real state worrying about something silly so was a wreck all day. I think this is the after effects from recent months at work. I’m going to try & be positive over the ne t 3 days so I can enjoy them.

    I’m off to see my crazy friend this afternoon to deliver her Christmas presents. I’ve used an old advent calendar I made with 25 boxes in & added a small gift or a gift tag in each box. The gift tag has a message on which matches a gift on a lucky dip box. It was quite a bit of work to create but it kept me busy which was a good thing!

    Michele

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    Replies
    1. Hi Michele
      Sounds like a fabulous present for your crazy friend. Have a lovely rest over the best couple of days.
      Glad that hubby has no more pains, didn't want to be in hospital over Christmas.

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  7. Me again
    Sandra -just to say a huge Thank You for arranging the challenges every week and I’d love them to continue.

    Hubby hasn’t had any more pain so fingers crossed!

    Michele

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  8. Good morning Sandra & festive ladies
    Wow Wow such beautiful challenge cards this morning all stunning.
    Well I hope my comment stays put today not like yesterday it went backwards!!!!
    SANDRA I would love to continue with the challenge cards as you say it helps with next year's Christmas cards.
    I would also like to thank SANDRA FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK YOU PUT INTO YOUR LOVELY BLOG.THAAAAANK YOU SOOOOO VERRRRY MUCCH
    MY LOVELY 🤗🤗🤗🤗XXXXX
    I am getting ready packing all the prezzys up for taking to Lisa later.
    We wish you all a very HAPPY CHRISTMAS MY LOVELY FRIENDS
    LOVE CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS & ME & thank you all for my lovely Christmas cards they are all gorgeous must dash
    Love Lynda xxx

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    Replies
    1. I so agree with your sentiment LYNDA and thank you for the heads up re colouring the embossing

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  9. Hi Sandra and all in the Café today.
    What fantastic challenge cards greet us today. I love seeing how everyone uses the sketch in so many different ways each week. Thank you my lovely for always making the time on a Sunday to set the challenge, which I am going to be joining in with each week next year. I'm not one for making resolutions but I will be setting aside Mondays as my craft day so along with whatever we do when we meet on a Tuesday I will actually get ahead 😊
    Thank you to everyone for my wonderful cards. Once again there are no two alike, just full of talent 😊
    Wishing you a lovely Christmas Eve, if you have to get those last minute bits and bobs may the shops not be too busy. It wasn't too bad at all in Witney late afternoon yesterday.
    Sending love and hugs to you all with extras for Lilian and all in need. Take care xx

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  10. I should have said a huge THANK YOU to SANDRA and you girlies for a terrific blog Xxxx
    Karen

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  11. Hi Sandra and ladies. Wow, what a wonderful selection of cards today. Never even thought of the challenge Sandra when I sent you a few cards. I have a few more sat under the television in the dining room which I could gave sent. Have already got a head start on next years cards though. Must now start thinking of birthdays.
    THANK YOU SANDRA FOR ALL THE HARD WORK YOU PUT INTO YOUR BLOG. LOVE SEEING THE CHALLENGE CARDS EACH WEEK. THANKS TO MICHELE FOR HER MAGAZINE REVIEWS AND HELPING YOU OUT WHEN REQUIRED WITH THE CHALLENGES.

    MERRY CHRISTMAS ABD A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL THE LADIES WHO VISIT THE BLOG, PLUS CAPTAIN UNDERPANTS.

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  12. I'm trying to convince Pete to go to Cricket St Thomas on the 2nd Jan as they have an Abba Tribute band on. Only for 3 days but it would be a break from hospitals. He has appointments for the next 3 weeks from the 29th Dec.

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    1. Hi Pat hope you get Pete to go to The Abba concert it will do you both good. Have a lovely Christmas day tomorrow with family & friends
      Love Lynda xx

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  13. Hello All from Barnes,
    Had a good journey up, not much traffic about, and what there was were driving sensibly.
    What a lovely display of cards, I used all sorts of mediums on mine, I’m determined to use all of the sprays and paints that I’ve bought in the past that have been sitting in my craft cupboard, I think the blues and greens are treasure gold wax.

    Sandra really love the challenge, because when I’m feeling low, which has been often this year, it makes me go into craft room. I also did quite a few Christmas cards, hoping to get more done next year. So THANKS For all you do.

    Tomorrow here with our daughter and son-in-law, then we all go over to Surbiton to see our son and his partner and Oscar and Amelia.

    I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and thanks once again for my lovely cards, hugs to all Lilian

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    1. Hi Lilian Hope you have a good Christmas Day & enjoy yourself.
      I love your cc today it's stunning.
      Hug's xx

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  14. Hi Lilian
    Stunning card today and I love the colours you've used. Have a lovely time visiting your family. Wishing you a better 2018.

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  15. MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU ALL !!
    Wonderful cards on show , love them ! A massive thank you Sandra for having the time each week for coming up with something for us to do for a CC. Like to see them again in the new year.
    I hope you all had a nice day and all your preps have gone well for tomorrow. Have a fabulous day with family and friends !
    I have been busy since 8 this morning with one thing or other. Having a break in the kitchen making some coffee and serving up pudding, a bit late for that but was too full for it earlier Lol We will be 12 tomorrow at one of my sister-in-laws daughter and really looking forward to no cooking for the next two days. Bamse hugs to you all, Maria xxx

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  16. Hi Sandra & all in cafe,
    Sandra thank you for showing all the lovely Challenge Cards. Please we all love the challenge each week, thank you for all your hard work you put into the challenges & the blog, I have made so many lovely friends through it, all thanks to going to the shows with Sandra, Paul,Pat & Sue. I was not going to make cards, Sue & Maria said that "we'll see" & look where I am now.I love it. Thank you Sandra for all your help. Hope you have a lovely Christmas at least you are starting 2018 with Paul in work & hopefully a house.xxx
    Karen I used Promarkers to colour the flowers & then went over with glitter brush. Have a lovely Christmas with Oscar.xxx
    Wishing you all a lovely Christmas.
    Sending hugs to all who need them love Margaret.xxx

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  17. For YOU SANDRA HIP HIP HOORAY 🌲 HAVE A LOVELY DAY TOMORROW ENJOY ALL YOUR BEAUTIFUL CHILDREN & FUTURE S- I - L . & OF CAUSE PAUL
    LOTS OF LOVE & HUG'S LYNDA xxxx

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