O' Christmas Tree ~ CHNCE; LIM #146; MM #84; SSS Monday

Hello All!

I'm sorry I've been quiet for a few days.  I've had a bit of an under-the-weather congestion situation and a thumb injury, all quite minor, but it seems to have brought on a case of Nojo.  So I just let Nojo sulk in the Playhouse, and Mister deal with a hot water heater that went belly up, and I spent a couple of inspiring days catching up on most of your blogs, which I enjoyed immensely.

 

To be honest, I think Mr. Nojo dropped in primarily because I've worn the poor hamster out.  The poor dear has been frazzlepated by the rapid back-and-forth that I'm subjecting him to ~ one hour I need a Thanksgiving card idea and the next hour, we're onto Christmas card ideas, then back to Thanksg ... oh, and don't forget people still have birthdays or need a pick-me-up card this time of year, too!  It is a rather splitzophrenic few weeks of the year for card makers, for sure for card makers living in places where Thanksgiving is celebrated and held in high regard.

 

Today, we turned our attention to Christmas cards and these delightful challenges which caught our attention.  Great, now I'm talking like me and the hamster are two separate people.  Medic!

• Crafty Hazelnut's Challenge Extra for November, where "Anything Goes" every month;
• Less is More, where Chrissie and Jen desire that we use designer paper in a CAS (clean and simple) way; and
• Merry Monday, where Lesley wants us to put trees with bling on our Christmas cards.
• Simon Says Stamp Monday Challenge "It's a Mystery."

There are so many fun Christmas (and other) challenges this time of year!  I hope to see you playing in them, too.  You can click on the links for details and prize and sponsor information.

 

Here is my card:

What's the mystery?  The mystery is how I did it.  At first glance, because of the shadow on the tree and the back of the card front, it looks as if the tree die cut was made in the face of the card and that you are looking through the aperture to the designer patterned paper on the inside.  Not. 

I die cut a very ancient piece of designer paper from GKW with my PTI Christmas tree die.  Then I ran another die cut using brown sugar paper for a shadow.  Then I glued the two pieces together, offset, so the brown paper made a shadow, and applied it to the card base.  And then I thought it need a trunk.  And words on the trunk.  And a shadow on the trunk.  And, well, perhaps the day is lengthening such that there is a tree shadow, too.  You know how one thing leads to another.

 

For bling I added a tiny half-pearl and I used my glitter pen to add drops of sparkle all along the trees inside my tree, which you'll have to for my word take. 

It's a different card, huh?  I think this is one of those cards you're either gonna like a lot or not like at all.  Some cards evoke strong reactions like that. 

 

That reminds me, did you hear that the word "huh" is the only word that is spoken the same in every single language?  So now when you ask your teenager (or your husband), "Whadda you mean, 'huh'?", you can picture other parents (or wives) all over the world asking the same question!

 

~~~

 

Next, I'm gonna need you to don a party hat from over there behind Fran, help yourself to some champagnah, and get comfy while I happily introduce you to a some amazingly talented new friends!  Wah Hoo!!  Please meet:

 

Pat of Colourful Card Creations.  Pat is brand, brand spanking new and extremely gifted.  You know how I like you to especially welcome the new crafters to the Land of Blog.  It can be an intimidating place when you're new.  You won't be sorry you stopped in to see Pat!



Barb Ghig of Barb's Studio Creations.  A lot of you might be familiar with Barb as she has been a supportive commenter on other artist's blogs for quite some time.  Barb started her blog last month to showcase her own wonderful card art and I know she, too, would love to meet you, if you haven't already had the privilege.

 

Trisha Klowak of Crafty Paws by Trisha.  Trisha has had her blog for a number of years, but has only really gotten active this year.  I'm sure you will thoroughly enjoy what you find on her blog and that she, too, would love your encouragement.  If you can tear your eyes off that smoochable pooch!

 

Patti J. of Cherish Each Precious Day.  Patti started her blog in 2008!  That's right!  If you need inspiration, tutorials, advice, or just an enjoyable time, Patti is your experienced blogger and card artist!

 

Thank you, ladies, and welcome!  I'm very appreciative of your support and encouragement of me and my Playhouse shenanigans!

 

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Short and sweet for me.  I know you all have lots to do!  Whatever it is, enjoy your day!  No, seriously, enjoy.  LITS*  

As always, thank you for coming by to visit the Playhouse and special thanks to you if you take the time to leave a comment and/or join as a follower!  Please let me know you came by, so I can be sure and return the flavor! 

  

 

*Life Is Too Short! 

 

Paper:  PTI vintage cream; SU! brown sugar;

  and unknown designer paper

Stamps: SU!  I think.  It might be Hero Arts

Ink:  SU! brown sugar pad/marker; Marvy

  sage marker; Sakura "Clear Star" pen