A few years ago, I was a Challenge Chaser.  I know some of you know what that means, but many of you probably do not.  On Splitcoaststampers there were a large group of us that did the daily challenges.  We chatted in the mornings while waiting for the challenge to be posted, getting to know each other and becoming on-line friends.  Once the challenge was posted, we scurried off to do our card, posted it, commented on everyone else’s cards and then headed our own ways.  We’d start all over the next morning!  It was great fun as well as great learning experiences.

I’ve tried to do the daily challenges over the last couple of years, but my schedule or other priorities seemed to keep me from them.  One of my favorites was Wednesday’s Sketch Challenge.  Today I decided to see what the sketch was and give my hand at it.  I don’t remember the challenges being this hard . . .  or perhaps my ways of stamping have changed . . . yes that’s it, I’m sure of it.

I struggled with this card today and as I was finishing up, tying the bow and finally getting pictures, it occurred to me that I don’t go by sketches anymore.  No wonder this was so difficult today.  I just start stamping now, not even thinking about how I’m going to assemble the card until I’m there.  It just all flows together and I when I’m finished  . . .  I get what I get!  So, the bottom line . . .  if I really want to challenge myself, I need to do more sketch challenges.

Anyhoo, here’s my card for the Splitcoaststampers Sketch Challenge.

The edges of the background papers were sponged with Old Paper Distress Ink, a Gold Paint Dabber was run along the edges and then the paper was all sewn together.  The reindeer was embossed with Queen’s Gold Embossing Powder and then die cut with a Spellbinders Square Nestabilities.  Old Paper Distress Ink was used to sponge and distress the paper.  On the inside of the card the sentiment Merry Christmas was also embossed with the Queen’s Gold.

• Stamps:  Tim Holtz Collection – Mini Holidays from Stampers Anonymous
• Paper:  My Mind’s Eye – The Merry day of Christmas; Neenah Classic Crest Solar White; SU Riding Hood Red and Certainly Celery
• Ink:  Ranger Embossing and Old Paper Distress
• Accessories:  Spellbinders S4-128 Classic Square, Large; Ranger Matte Accents, Queen’s Gold Embossing Powder; Mounting Tape; Ribbon; 7 Gypsies Paper Fasteners; Sewing Machine

I hope you’ve had a fab day so far and thanks for stopping by!