Sunday, December 2, 2012

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...


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

13 comments:

Jeanne Streiff said...

How cute are these! I especially love that little snowman!

KelliJo said...

These are SO cute Kelly!!!! I used to have that little SU Set... I'm horrible about getting rid of stuff if it's old! Then I see it used and miss it! lol

That nesitie cut out center on #2 is freaking SMART... using the negative!!! Hmmm... note to self! ;)

Kate said...

Love all of the texture on the first tag & need to remember your lil trick on the second one.

SweetMissDaisy (Anna Wight) said...

Your tags are AWESOME, and of course I love the country homespun twist you always put on things! ♥♥♥ And thank you for the sweet words. I love you, too! :)

Lydia Fiedler said...

Oh my GOSH - first of all, that little snowman is my fave snowman EVER and I bought him the same year you did - I am glad I'm not the only one who hangs on so long :). Wonderful tags, and I'm so happy you're a chick!!

Kara said...

Aweosme tags! Sounds like a fun group!!

Karin Åkesdotter said...

How fun! Your tags are absolutely WONDERFUL! Hugs, Karin

diane zechman said...

Awwww...CUTE TAGS! I love the jingle bell on there!

Renee said...

They're fabulous!!
Love that star button and of course...
the jingle!!
And that 2nd tag with fabby bloom and that gorgeous background...
die!! :)
I cheat on tags...
quick, simple, easy because I know what my kiddos will do to them! :)

Tenia Nelson said...

Awesome creations Miss Kelly!!

Life Full of Sunflowers said...

These are adorable.

Kim Heggins said...

Kelly, these tags are just so precious. Love the rustic little snowman, just too cute and flower has that same rustic elegance to it. Love them both!

Sharron said...

Adorable, Kelly--these are so sweet. Love the homespun look! That is such a darling snowman and tree and I adore the stitched poinsettia.