Introducing the Challenge Chicks!

Hi everyone!  I was thrilled to receive an email from Diane Zechman asking me to join a little group called "The Challenge Chicks!"  Diane and I met 3 years ago at the Spring Fest stamping event in Buffalo.  I was a nervous first-timer at a big swap event.  I was literally shaking as I presented my table project to the 8 ladies seated in front of me.  I was lucky enough to be at Diane's table.  She talked me off the ledge, LOL, and I have returned to the event ever since!

Last month, Anna Wight, Jeanne Streiff, and Diane issued a challenge to each other to make some critter shaped cards.  They had so much fun (and made THE most awesome cards), that they decided to expand the group and have monthly challenges!  You can upload your creations with the monthly theme to your blogs or to Splitcoaststampers using the keyword CHXDEC12.  There is a Facebook page just for us, and you can come and "like" us here :)

This month, Diane was our hostess and she asked us to make some TAGS!  I decided to go back to my stamping roots...like WAY back!  I dug deep in the closet and found some of the first sets that got me hooked on stamping.

Up first is a set from 1994!  (That's the year I graduated from college, ha!)  I purchased it in 2002, though.  It's from Stampin Up and it's called "Happy Winter."  The tree and snowman came from the set.  In the background you will see my MOST used stamp of all time...the Linen Background, also retired Stampin Up.  I die cut a tag using Papertrey Ink's new Tag Sale #7 and added a sentiment from the "old" A Muse Artstamps (yes, that's also a found treasure from my stash :))  A rule of mine is that when you give a present at Christmas time, it should jingle!

Up next is some old paired with a NEW favorite!  The background stamping and sentiment come from the Nordic Winter stamp set from Waltzingmouse Stamps.  I stamped it over the Linen Background.  The poinsettia was made with an oldie...Stampin Up's "Sew Seasonal"!  I layered like 10 of the flower petal image and curled them back with a little skewer.

I am so excited to play along with these talented chicks!  One of my idols is on board...Anna Wight!  Her sweet designs from Whipper Snapper Designs were another reason that I got hooked on this hobby.  Her blog featuring her projects (and life on the farm!) is one of my favorite stops each week!

So join us!  Find us on Facebook and upload a tag from your blog, or post one at Splitcoaststampers!  We'll be back next month with another challenge hosted by Jeanne Streiff!

Off you go to visit some awesomely creative ladies...

Diane Zechman

Anna Wight

Jeanne Streiff

Kelli Hull

Lydia Fiedler

Vickie Gee

Supplies:
Snowman tag:
Stamps:  Happy Winter, Linen Background, retired Stampin Up, Jingle Jingle, A Muse Artstamps (retired)
Paper:  PTI Kraft, Rustic White, Scarlet Jewel
Ink:  A Muse Studio Eucalyptus, Fresh Ink in Mojito, Memento Espresso Truffle, Tim Holtz Antique Linen, PTI Vintage Cream, Copic markers
Other:  Papertrey Ink Tag Sale #7, Sizzix Snowflake embossing folder, Cuttlebug Swiss Dot embossing folder, rusty jingle bell, twine, gingham ribbon, star button

Poinsettia Tag:
Stamps:  Nordic Winter, Waltzingmouse Stamps, and Sew Seasonal, Linen Background, retired Stampin Up
Paper:  PTI Rustic Cream, Paper Studio tag
Ink:  Stampin Up Cherry Cobbler, A Muse Studio Latte and Toffee, Tim Holtz Antique Linen, Memento Espresso Truffle
Other:  Spellbinders Small Labels Nestabilities, KaiserCraft champagne gems, PTI Kraft satin ribbon, wood button, twine