Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas

As probably the whole world knows (as he had 3000 comments after his first tag) Tim Holtz is doing his 12 Tags of Christmas again this year.

I tried doing Day 1 and it was a disaster. But yesterday's tag was much easier. So here is Tim's Tag for Day 2 and above is my version.

Wednesday Stamper

The challenge today at Wednesday Stamper is "Santa Claus."

My Santa Claus collage stamp is from Oxford Impressions's new stamp set. I just love this set for quick and easy Christmas cards. You can see it here.

Tag Tuesday Challenge #28

Our "Colors of Christmas" series continues with this challenge and our color scheme was suggested by Athena. She liked the idea of purple, green and silver. I like it, too! You can use whatever shades of purple or green you like on your tag.

For my tag I used green in my music note background and to frame my Christmas inchies. It's very subtle. These great inchie stamps are by Inkadinkado.

Tag Tuesday Challenge Sampler #27

I just couldn't help myself -- Santa is bringing us the Sampler for last week's challenge.

Thanks to all who participated. It's fun to see how everyone incorporated the colors into their tags.

Tomorrow we'll have another "Colors of Christmas" challenge, so check back!

(I know you'll all be checking out Tim's 12 Tags of Christmas which starts tomorrow as well -- so I guess we'll have a bit of competition for the next week or two:)

Christmas Ornaments and Happy Mail

I found these odd shaped chipboard pieces as part of a children's game in a thrift shop. Yesterday I thought I'd turn some of them into ornaments as I was putting up the Christmas decorations.
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Yesterday's mail brought this lovely Christmas hanging from Lynn. I was one of the lucky winners at her amazing Blogaversary give-away. This came just in time to add to my Christmas decorations.

Gothic Arch Challenge

It took a bit of time to finish the Gothic Arch challenge this week which was to create a shrine. I'm ahead of the holidays here with my Valentine's Day box, but here it is anyway:) I altered the box I had to create an arch at the top.

Basic details: To create my shrine I used a book style box I had been saving for something just like this. I shaped the top of the front cover to create my arch. I applied a layer of gesso over the whole box.

Inside I pasted some book text. If you look closely, you'll see the word "disillusioned" at top which I thought went well with the theme. I then copied a vintage postcard (1915). I cut the sentiment from the postcard to use on the top of my Valentine's Box. My vintage postcard was then popped up over the text.

On the front I stamped some text and brick backgrounds. I added some German scrap roses and the pieces of my sentiment. Finally, I covered the whole box with a clear finish.

You can see all the other submissions at http://gothicarches.blogspot.com

Tag Tuesday -- Challenge #27

Today we are continuing in our "Colors of Christmas" challenge. Our color scheme was suggested by Nancy -- Red, Green and Golden Yellow. Maybe a little more traditional this week than last week's. So use your colors however you wish and let's see your Christmas tags!

I know it's a holiday for many of us this week, but feel free to take all week to play along.

My tag was created using alcohol inks on a glossy tag. I used stamps by Art Impressions (script background) and some inchie dollar stamps from Inkadinkado (flourish, sentiment and ornament.) The fabric monogram is from Making Memories.

Tag Challenge #26 Sampler -- Pink, Brown & Burgundy

If you are looking for some Christmas inspiration, the sampler below is full of it. Our submissions for this week's color challenge of pink, brown & burgundy were gorgeous.

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We had a submission by Margaret (I call her Maggie in the sampler, but I think it's Margie. She'll let us know) through Facebook which I've included, so check that out too.

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And I have to say I just adored Laura's whimsical tag this week --- so she is the recipient of an RAK this week which consists of a little bit of everything to get her Christmas cards going.

So Laura e-mail me your address!

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Even though this week many of us will be celebrating Thanksgiving we'll still have a challenge posted tomorrow. Because maybe if you are like me you are avoiding the holiday craziness at the stores this weekend and staying home and crafting!