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!
Well, for challenging yourself you did a fantastic job! This card is stunning, I love the sewing on the card and the colors of it.
Hello, Rockstar 🙂
This is amazing and so you! I miss those old days so much. It just isn’t the same now. I, like you, have a tough time getting to the challenges at all 🙁
Hugs!!
Holly
OK, Sherry you’ve opened yourself up for a barrage of invitations to the many fun challenges out there! I’m still new to the blogging and challenges world, but I have a blast each week with my team over at the Midnight Madness Sketch Challenge! I’d love to see you and all of your friends come over and join us. 🙂 Here is the link:
http://priscillastyles.blogspot.com/ Please come play with us!!! 🙂 Michelle
Oh, Sherry! I LOVE THIS CARD!
I so miss the old days!! Thanks for a great card! I too am trying to get back into doing the challenges. I am hit and miss but they sure are fun!
When I read you lead into your card, I couldn’t help wondering if what i wrote yesterday brought you back to those days when we chased the challenges and ruffled a few feathers.
Great card today Sherry. As always, I toast you.
Love it Sherry- very vintage Christmas! I need to do more sketch challenges too- I seem to get stuck on the same layouts.
Fantastic Sherry,
Yes, I do mean you! You’re fantastic and this card is fantastic. I love everything about it.
Wendy
Well now, you’re going to start something here you know getting all of us CC’s to start doing those challenges again. Love the card Sherry.
GREAT card Sherry! Love it!!!
Ahhhhhhhh!! Those were the days, huh?! LOL! I actually had thought to do the sketch this week too! (yeah, shocking, I know!) but then of course life got in the way and I ended up having to work! (wassup with that?!!)
I love your take on this (and the non-traditional Christmas look)….hmmmm……maybe I’ll have to see what I can do with this tomorrow (DANG that work thing…still getting in my way of having FUN!)
so cool, like the turned up sides and distressing, neat stitching too. I always forget to look for a sketch to try I just find a stamp I want to use then figure out later how to put it on the card, I need to get my list of saved sketch’s out and try doing it that way!
I remember those days so fondly. 6am, diet pepsi in hand, typing and refreshing the page frantically between trying to get all the kiddos ready for school. I can’t even begin to tell you how much I miss those days and the friends I made there. Waaaaaaaa I want the stalker thread back!!!!
Enough of my drama, love your card and hope to see you back playing the challenges more.
As always….I love the card.
Aaahh….. the good old days of the daily challenges!! Gorgeous card Sherry, love all the sponging, distressing and stitching!!
Another great card – like always. Wish I could get cards to ‘come together’ as easy as you do.
I do have a question: Does it cost extra in the US to mail out cards with embellishments as on this one – making the envelope thicker.
joanne
Wow, gorgeous work…glad you decided to challenge yourself :)!
Inky Hugs,
Catherine
http://www.mystampinggrounds.blogspot.com
this is wonderful! I need to get my stitching into my cards!
Sandra
Hi Sherry, I didn’t know you back “in the good old days” but I really LOVE the new you! I know it’s very good to challenge yourself, but I love your new “out of the box” look. You probably needed that time of sketches to find YOUR way, but I think your creative self has taken over. Nothing wrong with looking back….but keep moving forward!
e
What a gorgeous card Sherry!! Love the plaid papers and that image is just gorgeous!! 🙂
I never did have time to spend on the challenge threads, but I sure enjoyed looking at the cards. There’s so many to go through now, it’s a daunting task and I can’t even begin. Sherry, I just had to pop in and say your last several cards are stunning and exciting! This is Sherry at her finest… the Sherry that always made me stop and stare during those earlier days on Splitcoast. I’m so thrilled to see these gorgeous cards!
Your snowflakes are gorgeous! Love the sparkles!!!!!!