AiFactory DT CALL and Challenge #17 ~ Last Minute Gifts

Happy Tuesday everyone! I cannot believe that Christmas is only 3 days away! I am almost ready, I just need to get something for my mom and dad! I cannot think of anything to buy. Hopefully, I come up with something soon LOL.

It is time for another AiFactory Challenge and this week the DT is featuring the clipart set Season Greetings. We've all experienced that last minute need for a gift for friends who stop by during the holidays or that special someone we overlooked. So are challenge for you ~ Show us those gifts or cards that can be created quickly and given to practically anyone. You do not have to use AiFactory images but if you have them we would love to see them! Also, there are FREEBIES available in the store for you to use!

This week I decided to use one of the great templates available from Papertrey Ink. This one is called the Cash or Charge Collection and it includes three different templates for creating gift card holders. I printed the template on to Pure Poppy cs and the dsp is from Martha Stewart. I used circle and scallop nestabilities to cut out the gingerbread man from the Season Greeting set.

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by Monday Jan 4th (yep that's 2 weeks) at Midnight EST. What are you playing for...a free clipart set of your choice. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF017. For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Carole * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,

Merry Christmas w/Remy Reindeer (TCC)

Thank goodness it's Friday! Today is my DD's Christmas party at school and their last day of school for Christmas break. I am almost ready for the party, just gotta run out to pick up a few things that I forgot.

Today, I have another Christmas card to share with you. I used the adorable Remy Reindeer from The Character Cafe and the dsp is Cosmo Cricket's Jolly by Golly. I made this card for a few challenges:

C.R.A.F.T #30 ~ Free for All
Kraftin' Kimmie #10 ~ Sparkle Baby
Crafty Pad #50 ~ Simply a Christmas Card
The Pink Elephant 45 ~ Winter and/or Christmas
i {heart} 2 stamp ~ SFYTT #30
Dare U 2 Digistamp #28 ~ Last Minute Christmas

The winner of my image (The Serenade) for the 12 Hops of Christmas is De (please send an email to kendra@thecharactercafe.com to get your prize). You can find the Blog Candy winner and the winners for all the images here.

Thanks for stopping by,

Paper Maniac Inspirations ~ Last Minute Teacher Gifts

Happy Wednesday everyone! I hope this post finds you happy and healthy. I plan on spending the day wrapping presents, I am determined to get them all (or at least the kids) before their vacation starts on Friday!

Now that my son has moved up to middle school and has seven teachers, I needed to find a quick and easy gift to make by Friday. So I made these "mini" pizza boxes and filled them with Ghiradelli Peppermint Bark. These pizza boxes are smaller than the regular version and will perfectly hold 3 Ghiradelli candy bars.

Here are the measurements and directions:

Piece of Cardstock or Patterned Paper: 4 1/4" x 7 1/2"

Score Long Side: 1", 3 1/4", 4 1/4", 6 1/2"

Score Short Side: 1" from each side

Use a bone folder and fold at all score lines, then cut scores (four per side) on the long sides just to where the score lines intersect. Fold it all up and use double-sided sticky tape to put it all together!

For my sentiments I used the JustRite Something Sweet Borders and Centers. Be sure and head over to the Paper Maniac Blog for daily inspiration for the holidays. The DT has been coming up with some amazing creations that you will not want to miss!

Make sure you take advantage of the great sales in the the store this week plus 15% off anything and everything you need, including items already on sale. The only exception is the Copic Coloring Club Kits which are already at the lowest price possible (coupon code MERRY15)

Thanks for stopping by,

TCC ~ Izzy Elf

TGIF!! I have to apologize for posting this so late today. My mojo has gone MIA today and I just could not get anything to look right!

I finally decided to use Izzy Elf on my card and I just love the pink and green color combo for Christmas. I couldn't wait to use this beautiful glitter DSP and rubons I found at target. It is made by KI Memories and is called Good Tidings. The sentiment is from the Unity Store Kit ~ Wonderful You.

I am entering this card in several challenges:

Pile It On ~ Use Glitter
Cooking It Up w/Katie ~ Xmas Theme, Ribbon and any current sketch
Kaboodle Doodles ~ Use Snowflakes
The Pink Elephant 44 ~ Favorite Christmas Color Combo
Mercy's Tuesday Sketch

Also, there is still another week to participate in The Character Cafe 12 Hops of Christmas Blog Hop. You can win all 12 images released this month along with the amazing Blog Candy being offered by Kendra & Kelly! You can find my post here or start at the beginning here.

Be sure and check out Feature Friday at the Character Cafe Blog. The challenge this week is a Freebie Challenge!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Paper Maniac Inspirations: Altered Paint Can

Hello everyone! It is a cold, windy day in Ohio! I am so glad I went shopping yesterday, I would not want to be out and about today. Got pretty much all my shopping done (yeah!) just need to pick up a few gift cards and I will be finished!

The Paper Maniac DT is continuing to provide daily posts on the Paper Maniac Blog filled with tons of holiday decor and gift ideas. Today, I am sharing an altered paint can filled with yummy Lindor Truffles that I made for my DD's teacher. I have been hoarding these paint cans for quite awhile but I believe I bought them at local wholesaler. The DP around the bottom is from the Christmas Past paper pack by Graphic 45 and the ribbon is from the Autumn Make It Yours Kit
I used the JustRite Something Sweet Borders and Centers for my sentiment and cut it out with circle and scallop nestabilities.

Here are some updates on all the happenings going on at the store:

~ Unity singles: We have broken up the remaining retail store kits and will be selling the stamps as singles or pairs. Now is the time to grab the Ferris wheel from August or the lamp from September if you didn't get the whole kit. There are very short quantities on some of these.
~ Many of last weeks sale items can still be had...these will gradually go back to regular price so grab them while you can.
~ 15% off anything and everything you need, including items already on sale. The only exception is the Copic Coloring Club Kits which are already at the lowest price possible (coupon code in Newsletter
~ December Unity Store Kit ~ Sweet Affections is now available.

Also, don't forget to check out this weeks Paper Maniac Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by,

AiFactory #15 ~ Tag Your It!

Good morning everyone! It is very cold in Ohio today and I would really like to stay indoors by the fire today, but I really have to go out and do some Christmas shopping. I am almost done with everyone so hopefully I can finish up today!

It is Tuesday and that means it is time for another AiFactory Challenge. This week we are challenging you to Make a Tag. You don't have to use AiFactory images, but if you have some we would love to see them. There are also a few FREEBIES available in the store for you to use! This week I used one of the Chic Frames to make my Christmas Tag. I added the text in Photoshop before I printed it out and colored the tag with PrismaColor Markers. I added some ribbon, gold paint, poinsettias and a little bling to finish it off.

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by next Monday at Midnight EST. What are you playing for...a set of Digi Papers. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF015. For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Carole * De * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,

AiFactory #13 ~ Go Challenge Crazy

Hi all! I hope you all are doing well. I'm crazy busy around here. Fortunately, we are going to my grandma's for Thanksgiving so I don't have to worry about cooking! My husband's family is coming in from out of state and will be staying with us for a few days so I am trying to get ready for that and most importantly I am trying to map out my Black Friday plan of attack...LOL!

It is Tuesday and that means it is time for another AiFactory Challenge. This week we are challenging you to GO Challenge Crazy ~ Use an AiFactory image and any other challenge(s) to complete your project. Don't own any AiFactory Images? Then be sure and check out the Freebies section. This week the Design Team is using "Singing Choir" image by Werner Designs. I cropped my image with the oval nestabilities and used PrismaColor Markers and Stickles to color it. Here is the list of Challenges I used for this card....

~ Allsorts 28 (Be Inspired by a Christmas Carol)
~ Kaboodle Doodles 18 (Buttons, Bows & Bling)
~ Sweet Sunday Sketch 45

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by next Monday at Midnight EST. What are you playing for...One FREE month of Kit Club. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF013. For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Carole * De * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,


{Singing Christmas Carols Supplies}

Image: Singing Choir (AiFactory)

Paper: Pure Poppy CS (PTI), Jolly by Golly DSP (Cosmo Cricket)

Accessories: Pure Poppy Satin Ribbon and White Vintage Buttons (PTI), Nestabilities, Snowflake Punch

Multi-Challenge Card with Pax Penguin

TGIF! It has been a long week and I am so ready for the weekend. We are going to see New Moon tonight and I can't wait. Thought about going to the midnight showing but decided to wait...not real big on crowded movie theaters. It will probably be just as crowded tonight but I am keeping my fingers crossed in hopes that it won't be as bad.

Today, I decided to use one of the new November digi releases from The Character Cafe. This is Pax Penguin ~ Isn't he just too cute? I printed him out on Select White CS and colored him with PrismaColor Markers and added a little bit of stickles to the snow and ice. I wanted to add a sentiment to the bottom right but couldn't find any I liked so I left it off til later.

I am entering this card in a few different challenges.....
- Friday Sketchers 79
- DU2DS Challenge 26 (Glitter)
- Cupcake Craft Challenge 66 (Digital Image)

Be sure and check out Feature Friday at the Character Cafe Blog. The challenge this week is a sketch challenge and the DT has some awesome inspiration to share with you.

Thanks for stopping by,


{Pax Penguin Supplies}

Digital Image: Pax Penguin (TCC)

Paper: New Leaf, Enchanted Evening and Select White CS (PTI), Jolly by Golly DSP (Cosmo Cricket)

Accesories: New Leaf Satin Ribbon, Bling, Felt Snowflake, Stickles

Paper Maniac ~ Vintage Drop Ornament

Happy Wednesday everyone! Hope you are having a great week so far. This week at Paper Maniac we are continuing with our daily Holiday inspiration.

When I saw this Drop Ornament template by Kelleigh Ratzlaff Designs, I knew it would be perfect for the Graphic 45 vintage papers available in the store. This is super easy to make ~ just print the template directly on the back of your designer paper then cut, score and fold! I decided to keep mine simple with just paper and satin ribbon, but this could be easily be embellished for any style.

In case you missed the newsletter here is quick update on this weeks happenings:

~ 15% off Wood Mounted Stamps
~ 15% off Basic Gray Card Kit (CARDS15)
~ Mark your calendars for a HUGE Black Friday Sale (11/24)


Also, don't forget to check out this weeks Paper Maniac Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by,

AiFactory #12 ~ Chipboard

Hi everyone! Hope everyone is doing well. It is time for another awesome challenge from AiFactory. This week the challenge is Chipboard ~ make anything you want as long as you use chipboard on it somewhere.

For my card, I am using one of the new Christmas images from Softpencil ~ Michu into Santa´s Bag. I printed the image on Select White CS and colored it with PrismaColor Markers. I used Metallic Gold on the bag and stars. I added stickles to the poinsettia and white puffed paint to the hat. The letters and star are chipboard thickers colored with a Metallic Gold PrismaColor Marker.

To play along and be eligible for this weeks prize please upload your card or project to Mr. Linky on the AiFactory Blog by next Monday at Midnight EST. You are not required to use AiFactory images but we do have quite a few freebies if you'd like to give them a try! What are you playing for...One FREE month of Kit Club. If you upload to an online gallery please use AIF012.

If you haven't already, be sure and check out the new AIF Kit Club! You can get all the details here! For more inspiration, be sure and visit the rest of the fabulous Design Team:

Mia (Owner) * Carole * De * Erin * Kerry * Lola * Fink

Thanks for stopping by,


{Joy Supplies}

Image: Michu Into Santa's Bag (AiFactory)

Paper: Select White and Pure Poppy CS (PTI)

Accessories: Pure Poppy Satin Ribbon, Chipboard Letters, Stickles, Puffed Paint, Embossing Folder

Paper Maniac ~ Holiday Decor and More...

Hi everyone! Hope this post finds you healthy and happy! We are in our second week of Paper Maniac's Decoration a Day Inspiration for the month of November and the DT has been coming up with some amazing ornaments, holiday decor and gift ideas. If you haven't already, you definitely want to head over to the Paper Maniac blog to check it all out.

Today, I am sharing a Luminaria I made using the adorable Tweet Winter Wishes from Our Craft Lounge. You can get the tutorial for the Luminaria on Splitcoast.

I used Aqua Mist (PTI) cardstock as my base and stamped this with white snowflakes. I stamped all the images separately and used them to build a scene. This was rather easy and really fun to make and I will definitely be making a few more to add to my holiday decorations around the house.

Just in case you missed the Newsletter this week - Here are the current specials going on in the store:

- 12% off items in the So ThankFALL section(can be paired with Newsletter coupon)
- 10% off Entire purchase til Nov. 16th ~ excludes Copic Coloring Club Sets (coupon in newsletter)
- Don't forget to check out this weeks Paper Maniac Challenge.

Thanks for stopping by,

The Character Cafe November Release Blog Hop

Hello everyone and welcome to the Character Cafe November Release Blog Hop! If you came to me from Meredith's Blog then you are on the right track! If not, go to The Character Cafe Store to start from the beginning so you don't miss all the awesome new releases and giveaways!!

I was so excited to work with this new stamp called Tobogganing Twosome ~ Sooo Cute!! I printed it out on Select White and colored the image with PrismaColor Markers and added a touch of crystal ultrafine glitter to the snowman and snow.

The Character Cafe Blog Hop Specials:

**40% off all sales starting from Friday Nov. 6th until Friday Nov 13th with coupon code Remember
**I will draw one winning name from my comments on Nov. 11th to win a copy of Tobogganing Twosome!!
**Kendra & Kelly will draw one name on Nov. 11th from the comments at the Cafe Blog for the Grand Prize of all the new releases!! (make sure you comment on all the blogs and become a follower at the Cafe Blog)

In honor of Veteran's Day (Remembrance Day), Kelly & Kendra our offering a beautiful free blog badge. Just right click the image below and save it to your computer!


Now head on over to see what Piali has created for you!!

Thanks for stopping by,

Paper Maniac Decoration a Day ~ Holiday Ornament

Hi everyone!! This month at Paper Maniac we are providing you with daily Holiday Inspiration. Today, I am showing you these great gift card/money ornaments. I buy a ton of gift cards during the holidays and I usually end up placing the envelopes on the tree until I see the recipients. These little ornaments will look so much better decorating the tree and the recipients will have a nice keepsake for their own tree.




I used Nestabilities to cut all the Scallops and Circles for this ornament. I cut the red cardstock with a large scallop and used a large circle for the Eskimo Kisses (Basic Grey) DSP. I stamped the image using JustRite Something Sweet Borders & Centers Round 2-3/8 and used a medium circle to cut it out. I mounted that on green cardstock cut with a medium scallop. and centered this on the the larger scallop. I cut another large scallop and cut that in half, used score tape along the edge and put that on the back to hold the gift card or money.

Just in case you missed the Newsletter this week - Here are the current specials going on in the store:

- 20% off item JustRite Stamps (no coupon needed)
- 20% off Spellbinders Dies and Impressabilities (coupon in newsletter)
- Don't forget to check out this weeks Paper Maniac Challenge.

Be sure to check out Paper Maniac's Decoration a Day blog inspiration.

Thanks for stopping by,

Welcome to The Character Cafe Blog Hop

Hello everyone and welcome to the Character Cafe Blog Hop! If you came to me from Rachel's Blog then you are on the right track! If not, go to The Character Cafe DT Page to start from the beginning so you don't miss all the awesome new releases and giveaways!!

I was so excited to work with this new stamp called Christmas Scamp ~ Isn't he just adorable?! I printed him out on Select White and colored him with PrismaColor Markers and added a touch of stickles to all the lights!!

The Character Cafe Blog Hop Specials:

**30% off all sales starting from Friday Oct. 2nd until Friday Oct. 9th with coupon code OctBlogHop
**I will draw one winning name from my comments to win a copy of Christmas Scamp!!
**There will be a freebie at the end of the hop on the Cafe Blog.
**Kendra & Kelly will draw one name from the comments at the Cafe Blog for the Grand Prize of all the new releases!!

Now head on over to see what Donna has created for you!! Thanks for stopping by,