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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
 |  Posted: 1/11/2013 10:43:08 PM
Happy New Year stamp peas!
I would like to propose a new monthly challenge: make at least a few Christmas cards every month!
Every year I say to myself, "I am not going to wait until December to make my Christmas cards!" And guess what? This year the ink was barely dry as I was handing off cards to my husband to sign, yes, just days before Christmas. Last year they didn't even get mailed until after Christmas.  Well, this year is going to be different!  I hope you will join me so we can encourage each other. Imagine, if we make even 5 cards each month, we could have 60 cards by Christmas!
I'll go first. I know I need more than 60 cards ( I have a long list, and lots of relatives) so my goal will be to make 10 cards each month. Multiples are fine, to be expected actually, unless that doesn't float your boat. This is a very unstructured challenge.
If you would like to state your goal, put it in writing, then please do! If you prefer to keep it private, no problem. There will be no punishment for not making your goal and no RAK for meeting it, just the satisfaction of knowing you are ahead of the game, no matter how many cards you make.
As a bonus, if we put our cards in the gallery and link them here, we can inspire each other. Maybe we'll see a layout we like, or a color combo. Maybe you'll want to use the other challenges on the stamping forum to jump start your card, for example the HA challenge, a sketch, color combo, etc.
Each month, I may or may not suggest something, such as a technique, for your cards. But it will be totally optional. Just a prompt in case you need one.
January's prompt (remember, completely optional) is to use a Christmas stamp you haven't used yet.
So, who's in?
Cindi (iring) : goal 10 cards per month
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Christinmay
BucketHead
PeaNut 534,355
December 2011
Posts: 924
Layouts: 48
Loc: Sydney, Australia
 | Posted: 1/11/2013 11:25:06 PM
Great idea, Cindi! I like the idea of having an optional prompt - that would certainly inspire me.
I don't actually make or send Christmas cards (shock horror!), but I know most people do so this will no doubt be a very popular challenge!
BTW, I hope you meet your goal - imagine how relaxing December will be if you do! |
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howdyheidi
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 540,243
January 2012
Posts: 2,561
Layouts: 166
Loc: PA
| Posted: 1/12/2013 7:58:10 AM
I'm in for 5 cards a month
I also really like the idea of the optional prompt. That will be helpful to get me moving!
I actually was working on a few Christmas cards last night and was losing motivation, so this is perfect timing. Such a great idea, thanks for taking the initiative!
PS, are you planning on using this thread all year or are you going to make a new thread each month. Doesn't make a difference, just wondering. |
~~Heidi~~
"Find Joy in the Unexpected..."
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lovepug2
PeaAddict
PeaNut 356,430
January 2008
Posts: 1,193
Layouts: 53
Loc: TN
 | Posted: 1/12/2013 10:46:44 AM
Cindi, what a great idea!
I'm in but I am gonna set my goal for only 3 this month.
Thanks for proposing this challenge! This will be a great way to get ideas and new techniques for Christmas cards. |
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looser
The Craft Curmudgeon
PeaNut 256,594
April 2006
Posts: 10,836
Layouts: 254
 |  Posted: 1/12/2013 11:06:37 AM
LOL, Cindi. When I read your thread's title my first reaction was "ARRRGH"!
But WTG! Like Christin I don't do Christmas cards, but really like the idea of these ongoing monthly Challenges/Swaps--like yours & Pug's 'tag'. What's especially nice is players don't have to committ to doing every month.
Having said I don't 'do' Xmas cards, it doesn't mean that I wouldn't--'specially if you do a 'prompt' that catches my eye. Great idea! |
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shari1121
PeaNut
PeaNut 533,725
December 2011
Posts: 126
Layouts: 0
| Posted: 1/12/2013 4:23:34 PM
Great idea I would like to do at least 2 or 3 and I like the technique suggestion. Going to find a stamp I haven't used and start a few tonight! | |
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sparkipea
PeaAddict
PeaNut 153,649
June 2004
Posts: 1,088
Layouts: 58
Loc: arkansas
| Posted: 1/12/2013 4:29:08 PM
hello again, I have been away for a while. I started reading posts again a couple days ago. missed the peas!
I love this idea. I ended up modifying pre-made cards this year. it was very unsatisfying.
I don't send out as many cards as you do, so my goal will be much more modest. I will go for 3 cards this month.
thanks, sandi | |
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stampwilly
PeaAddict
PeaNut 249,470
February 2006
Posts: 1,699
Layouts: 119
Loc: South Carolina
| Posted: 1/12/2013 5:37:12 PM
I really need to do this challenge. Doing Christmas card challenges last year helped me so much! So I will try to do 3-5 each month. Yes, I would also welcome a prompt each month to keep me going.
Stampwilly | |
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/12/2013 8:56:38 PM
Thanks for the words of encouragement Christin! Yes! Wouldn't it be nice to have the cards ready to send shortly after Thanksgiving and then have time for other Christmas crafts?
Heidi, I think I will probably start a new thread each month. I might include links to previous threads for anyone who wants to go back and look.
Daniel! Hopefully this will prevent the "arrrgh" feeling in December and allow me more time to enjoy making Christmas cards! I hope you'll join me once in awhile!
Hey Sandi! Welcome back!
It's sounding like prompts would be popular, so I'll try to offer a prompt each month!
Thanks for all of your support! So happy to see so many eager participants! I'm afraid I was a little ambitious in my goal Yours sound more reasonable!
Merry Christmas! Please link up any Christmas cards you make this month! |
Cindi
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/12/2013 8:58:52 PM
Woah! Just reread my post. Guess I must be really excited at the response I got, because almost every sentence ended with a "!" |
Cindi
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
 | Posted: 1/13/2013 11:53:19 AM
Sandi, welcome back! It's good to see you here.
Cindi, I'm in. This is a great idea! It's fun to make Christmas cards, but it's not so much fun when the pressure is on in November and December. I think this challenge will be the catalyst that gets me going so that I'll be producing more this year, and not just Christmas cards.
I'll set my goal at five per month. I like the way you've set this up so that I won't feel badly if I make just one, and I'll feel fantastic if I make ten!
I'm going to add a personal goal to make the inserts as I go. I tend to have to make them just before mailing them, and that's a real drag.
Thanks for the challenge.
Daria | |
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howdyheidi
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 540,243
January 2012
Posts: 2,561
Layouts: 166
Loc: PA
| Posted: 1/13/2013 1:00:01 PM
Daria, what do you mean by inserts?
I completed two cards today. I used stamps that I had purchased just after Christmas on clearance, and one of the paper pads was also a clearance item! I love that I can start using these right away because of this challenge!
I also took the opportunity to use some of Kimber's Card Sketches that I hadn't had time to do during the holidays.
Noel Red and Black
Snowy Season's Greetings
2 down, 3 to go! |
~~Heidi~~
"Find Joy in the Unexpected..."
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stampwilly
PeaAddict
PeaNut 249,470
February 2006
Posts: 1,699
Layouts: 119
Loc: South Carolina
| Posted: 1/13/2013 3:37:01 PM
Heidi, both your cards are wonderful! I made 3 today. That is my goal 3-5, we'll see if I do 2 more later! LOL! I believe what Daria means about inserts is the saying inside the cards.
Stampwilly
My cards | |
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 1/13/2013 6:32:24 PM
Daria, what do you mean by inserts?
Heidi, I'm talking about the greeting that goes inside. I trim a piece of parchment paper or linen paper to fit the inside of the card. That's where I stamp a greeting and/or write a note. Sometimes the greeting has a bit of an image, and I'll color that. Sometimes I'll use a paper punch to punch an image, a corner, or a border. Sometimes, I'll ink the edges.
Daria | |
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/13/2013 7:18:42 PM
Wow Heidi and Stampwilly! I'm impressed! You jumped right in. I'm glad you didn't have to wait all year to use your new stamps and paper. I really like what you created!
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Cindi
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/13/2013 7:19:07 PM
Wow Heidi and Stampwilly! I'm impressed! You jumped right in. I'm glad you didn't have to wait all year to use your new stamps and paper. I really like what you created!
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Cindi
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gardencat
PeaAddict
PeaNut 495,307
January 2011
Posts: 1,409
Layouts: 135
 | Posted: 1/13/2013 9:24:24 PM
I love this idea. Christmas cards are my favourite ones to make and I wouldn't even mind making more than I need and then either selling them or donating them to some worthy organization.
I'm still waiting to get going properly on my space reorganization...so many other things going on and I'm such a procrastinator, so I won't commit to any particular number per month, but I am glad you started this thread and I hope to come back often to see what everyone else is doing and to post some of my own efforts. | |
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creativenikki
PeaWee
PeaNut 577,025
January 2013
Posts: 6
Layouts: 25
Loc: Canada
| Posted: 1/13/2013 10:26:25 PM
Great Idea!
I always leave my Christmas card making till last minute...eeek!!! So, I will definitely be in! I'll challenge myself to make at least 2 to 5 a month. And, plus, I just got a bunch of Christmas products that were on sale so I stocked up | |
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/13/2013 10:42:45 PM
Super! Happy to have you Gardencat and Creativenikki!
I had the same thought Gardencat. If I don't make my goal each month, fine, it will still be a jump on Christmas, and better than last year! If I have extra, I like to donate to Operation Write Home, and they need their cards early . |
Cindi
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eagertoretire
PeaAddict
PeaNut 314,651
May 2007
Posts: 1,939
Layouts: 482
Loc: Great Northwest
 | Posted: 1/14/2013 3:23:36 PM
Oh Cindi what a spendid idea! I was so glad to see this thread! Each and every year near the holidays I struggle to do all that I want to do. Cards, baking, gift crafting etc. and vowed once again to start now. Wellll, I did! I'll commit to 4 cards a month. Here's my first four... 2013 Christmas cards - January This new stamp made it so easy, I just couldn't wait to stamp with it!  I can't wait to see what everyone else is doing too! |
| The Artist is nothing without the gift, but the gift is nothing without the work. | |
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lovepug2
PeaAddict
PeaNut 356,430
January 2008
Posts: 1,193
Layouts: 53
Loc: TN
| Posted: 1/14/2013 4:06:06 PM
I was able to knock out 4 cards yesterday, and have more in the works!!!
Thank you Cindi for organizing this, I had fun making all of these and it will be nice to have cards already made for Christmas. I think if I get a chance I may try to make some extra to donate to our local nursing home.
Here's my cards:
Penguin Ornament card
Peguin washi card
Brrr Penguin card
Let it snow Penguins |
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 1/14/2013 8:29:18 PM
OK. I can see this might not be such a great idea! I'm adding to my shopping list as I look. I hope I can find that Stampendous Poinsettia on sale somewhere. I'm in love with your cards, Marshia!
Leigh Ann, your penguin cards are so darn cute! Those sparkly ear muffs cracked me up!
I have some cards started--all the same. Hopefully, I'll post in a couple of days.
Daria | |
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yellowcherrios
PeaAddict
PeaNut 541,181
January 2012
Posts: 1,990
Layouts: 97
Loc: West Texas
| Posted: 1/14/2013 9:36:01 PM
I am enjoying seeing the cards!
I just cannot get myself to commit to a number for Christmas card!! But that doesn't mean I won't be participating with y'all! I know this month I may only get ONE done---already got an almost full stovetop-----not sure I have an open burner to put things "on the back burner"----oh not sure my analogy is workin' here--so moving on.....
So for now: ONE! |
| Melissa | |
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 1/15/2013 11:07:52 AM
Cindi, may we include Hanukkah and Kwanzaa cards?
Daria | |
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prospurring
Prospurring Pea
PeaNut 379,335
June 2008
Posts: 5,283
Layouts: 327
Loc: North Carolina
 | Posted: 1/15/2013 11:09:15 AM
Hi, Cindi! This sounds like a fun idea! I'm not big on holiday cards, but I do wish that I had more friendship cards and thank you cards ready to use year-round. Would you mind if I played, but switched up the theme to be not holiday but friendship/thank you? |
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love5523
PeaAddict
PeaNut 58,325
December 2002
Posts: 1,298
Layouts: 216
Loc: Clarksburg, Maryland
 |  Posted: 1/15/2013 11:13:08 AM
This is a great idea! Typically, all my cards are the same, but I am going to apply this concept to all those Christmas and winter home decor projects that I intended to create in July but never got around to this year. |
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stampwilly
PeaAddict
PeaNut 249,470
February 2006
Posts: 1,699
Layouts: 119
Loc: South Carolina
| Posted: 1/15/2013 1:21:12 PM
Leigh Ann, your cards are adorable! I have that stamp set. What a fun way to use it. I have uploaded 2 more cards I made. This is the last new stamp I bought after Christmas. I have met my goal for the month! YEAH!
Stampwilly
My Cards | |
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 1/15/2013 7:36:43 PM
April, congratulations on making your goal. Those are beautiful cards. I know how gorgeous that Mica Gloss Ink is; it's too bad it doesn't show up in the scan. Love the image!
Daria | |
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yellowcherrios
PeaAddict
PeaNut 541,181
January 2012
Posts: 1,990
Layouts: 97
Loc: West Texas
| Posted: 1/15/2013 8:22:36 PM
Reposting LeighAnn's ornament card she made b/c the link above takes you to her Penguin card instead:
Penguin Ornament Card
So cute! |
| Melissa | |
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lovepug2
PeaAddict
PeaNut 356,430
January 2008
Posts: 1,193
Layouts: 53
Loc: TN
| Posted: 1/16/2013 12:50:59 PM
Oh thank you for fixing that Melissa! That was my favorite card I made! |
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/17/2013 8:04:28 AM
Sorry, just catching up with the posts!
Quick answer to Daria,
Yes definitely, start on Hanukkah and Kwanzaa too if they are what you need!
Back to reading and looking at more posts. |
Cindi
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/17/2013 8:42:04 AM
Anne and Love5523,
Of course I hope you play! Adapt this challenge to projects or thank you's or any project you don't get done and stress over when you need it!
Melissa,
One is better than none! You'll be glad you have it, come Christmas time!
Applause, applause April, for meeting your goal! Any one else? I'm not keeping track of goal/versus accomplished for each of you, so please let us know if you meet your goal!
The cards that have been posted are wonderful! I've left comments.
I about panicked when I saw the chat post titled something like "January is half over". Yikes! I haven't started my own challenge. You are all so inspiring that I can't wait to start! |
Cindi
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Christinmay
BucketHead
PeaNut 534,355
December 2011
Posts: 924
Layouts: 48
Loc: Sydney, Australia
| Posted: 1/17/2013 11:04:16 PM
This thread is actually inspiring me to want to make Christmas cards when I don't usually! This has been one FANTASTIC idea, Cindi! |
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/19/2013 11:21:13 AM
Super Christinmay! I hope you'll jump in! I posted the challenge with the support of Daria, bounced the idea off of her first |
Cindi
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 1/21/2013 11:41:25 AM
Mine are almost done. Stuff is drying. I'll post later today.
Daria | |
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 1/21/2013 5:11:45 PM
I posted my cards, but after submitting them when they give you a option of viewing the project, I clicked on view the project. I got an ERROR notice. Now I can't see my post in the Stamping gallery or in my gallery. I thought I'd wait and see if it showed up, but so far no luck.
Daria | |
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 1/21/2013 5:12:12 PM
I posted my cards, but after submitting them when they give you a option of viewing the project, I clicked on view the project. I got an ERROR notice. Now I can't see my post in the Stamping gallery or in my gallery. I thought I'd wait and see if it showed up, but so far no luck.
Daria
ETA: My post showed up! Here it is. | |
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prospurring
Prospurring Pea
PeaNut 379,335
June 2008
Posts: 5,283
Layouts: 327
Loc: North Carolina
| Posted: 1/23/2013 12:44:01 PM
Hi, Cindi! Thanks for allowing me to adapt the challenge!
I also love that this is a monthly challenge - if it were a weekly one, I don't think I'd be as likely to participate.
I am going to try 2 friendship, 2 thank yous, and 1 birthday card a month - or 5 cards a month. Although I might not get January's quota done until Winterfest! So I'm hoping to average 5 cards a month!
Goal: 5 cards a month.
I think I'm going to update my siggie to show my goal to help remind me!
Oh! And bookmark this thread, too! |
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howdyheidi
StuckOnPeas
PeaNut 540,243
January 2012
Posts: 2,561
Layouts: 166
Loc: PA
| Posted: 1/25/2013 2:05:07 PM
I completed my last two cards today. YAY! 5 out of 5 all done!!!
The Christmas tree stamp was one I just got on clearance, but the other card was made with supplies I already had. Except that snowflake punch I did also get on clearance.
2 more cards!
I am loving this challenge. I like the idea of putting the goal in my siggy. |
~~Heidi~~
"Find Joy in the Unexpected..."
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stampwilly
PeaAddict
PeaNut 249,470
February 2006
Posts: 1,699
Layouts: 119
Loc: South Carolina
| Posted: 1/25/2013 9:48:24 PM
Congrats on reaching your goal, Heidi! Pretty cards!
Stampwilly | |
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sparkipea
PeaAddict
PeaNut 153,649
June 2004
Posts: 1,088
Layouts: 58
Loc: arkansas
| Posted: 1/31/2013 4:13:34 PM
I made three cards. I will try to post this w/e. I have a new computer with windows eight and I am having quite a learning curve with it. | |
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lovepug2
PeaAddict
PeaNut 356,430
January 2008
Posts: 1,193
Layouts: 53
Loc: TN
| Posted: 1/31/2013 6:30:26 PM
I made this card a couple weeks ago and completely forgot about it!
I used a stamp set gifted to me in a SS swap from Eagertoretire/Marshia and the flakes are from the Jan Tag swap I did with Looser/Daniel.
Thanks agian for this challenge, Cindi! I'm really enjoying it so far!
Sorry for the bad pic, I had to use my phone since my camera has decided to act up and put a halo on every pic
Season's greetings card |
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 1/31/2013 10:05:14 PM
I'm so glad we have so many players! The cards have been so well made and fun to look through. Congratulations, you are well on your way to a peaceful Christmas (Kwanza, Hanukkah, celebration)!
I finally made a few cards tonight! Nothing like the last minute, huh? At least it's not Christmas Eve . I didn't take my own suggestion to use a new stamp. Instead I started with a background technique I learned in an art journalling class and went from there. Turns out some really old stamps seemed to fit best. I used Ultra Thick embossing powder. I haven't used it in forever, but my stamps had bold lines and I think it worked well. I finished 3 cards, better than none. I think I may need to revise my goal already! I'll start another thread tomorrow for February.
Sparkipea, good luck with your new Windows 8. Can't believe there's another version of Windows so soon.
Feel free to post cards to this thread even this weekend if they are toward January's goal.
Keep up the good work!
ETA : Oh yeah, my cards.  |
Cindi
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 2/1/2013 7:37:35 AM
Cindi, I love your cards. I remember watching a demo once (years and years ago) where the demonstrator was using a credit card-type card to swipe paints across cardstock to create a background. I loved the look she got and started saving old cards (not credit cards!), but I couldn't quite get the look I was going for. I have a little box full of those cards now, but no backgrounds.
After seeing your cards, I think I'll give it another go.
Daria | |
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iring
AncestralPea
PeaNut 153,026
June 2004
Posts: 5,054
Layouts: 318
Loc: South Florida
| Posted: 2/1/2013 9:08:19 AM
Actually, I used a fake credit card you get in the mail all the time. It was kind of cardboard-y and I wouldn't use it again. I think I'm going for one of those store rewards program cards next, because I have the little key chain size to keep. Or, save your hotel keys.
I said I used a credit card, because that's what i should have used. Didn't want everyone messing with the fake ones. You could buy one of those scraper tools if you really want to be fancy! |
Cindi
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 2/1/2013 10:18:31 AM
Yeah, Cindi, mine mostly came from junk mail (I only kept the plastic ones) and used-up gift cards.
Daria | |
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lovepug2
PeaAddict
PeaNut 356,430
January 2008
Posts: 1,193
Layouts: 53
Loc: TN
| Posted: 2/1/2013 2:28:42 PM
What a cool technique Cindi!
Daria asked about the texture on my trees. I stamped them with a Colorbox pigment ink in frost white. This ink is extremely liquidity and messy! I just loaded up my stamp real well with it and lightly stamped the cs. Once it was dry it had a bumpy texture to it.I added some clear glitter glue to the trees for a little sparkle and texture. |
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djc
Olympian Pea
PeaNut 108,705
September 2003
Posts: 26,077
Layouts: 479
| Posted: 2/1/2013 4:16:26 PM
LeighAnn, thanks for the response. I really like the look you got!
Daria | |
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