The Card Concept and 25 Tags of Christmas

 

Welcome to the Card Concept Challenge!  This week we have some extra-special fun for you...The Card Concept is joining our good friend Tracey McNeely for her annual holiday challenge, The 25 Days of Christmas Tags!

For specific details, you can check out Tracey's blog...but in a nutshell, there are lots of PRIZES available from companies we all know and love just for leaving a comment on Tracey's blog here...but all of the designers for the entire 25 days are each drawing a name from their blogpost for an additional chance to win one of these great prizes...so, PLEASE leave a comment for me!

  

 

   

How do you participate?  First, take a look at the inspiration photo for the challenge:

All you have to do to participate for the Card Concept challenge is make a tag...or a card with a tag that has a snowman on it in one of the Card Concept Design styles:

Clean and Simple

Clean and Layered

Clean and Graphic

Freestyle Collage

Shabby Chic

Classy and Elegant

 I can not imagine any crafter not having at least one snowman image or die...if not, what a good excuse to go out and get one! Here's the tag I made:

I used some new dies from Top Dog Dies for my tag, lucky me that there was an adorable snowman die just released.  I used Top Dog Dies Snowman Globe Die Set as well as a brand new Top Dog Dies Gift Tag Die Set .  I especially love the cute to/from diecuts...so easy now to make a very quick and easy gift tag!

You have a lot of work to do now!

Leave a comment on my blog for a chance to win a prize.

Leave a comment on Tracey's blog for a chance to win a prize.

Leave a comment on all of the other Card Concept Design Team Members posts for yet another chance to win a prize!

Finally...get busy making your own tag with a snowman and link it up over at the Card Concept Challenge Blog...I can't wait to see all the fabulous snowmen you all create!

Thank you Tracey for including me in your annual 25 Days of Christmas Tags!

Card Concept Challenge #22: Thank "fall"

The weather is definitely changing...even in California we are having some comfortably warm days with nice, crisp nights.  It definitely is Fall...which brings me to this week's Card Concept Challenge #22.  This week's theme is Thank"fall" and wait until you see the photo we had to work with...so cozy and definitely perfect for Fall.

It's a no-brainer that the colors were beautiful this week, but it was the beautiful texture of the cream colored siding on the house that inspired my card representing the Freestyle Collage design style.

In addition to the embossing folder to mimic the siding, I used lots of coordinating bits of patterned paper to die cut my banners, leaves, acorns and hexagons.  Freestyle Collage is such a fun design style to use...there's almost nothing you can't add to your card and have it still fit that category...a great time to use up all those little pieces and extra die cuts you have lying around.

Since we've almost reached our one year anniversary for the Card Concept Challenge, I am sure you all know how to play along by now...just make a card using the theme and in one of the six different card making styles.

Clean and Simple

Clean and Layered

Clean and Graphic

Freestyle Collage

Shabby Chic

Classy and Elegant

You have two weeks to play along...the contest ends on Monday, November 10th at noon, PST.

Card Concept #20: Color Challenge

Welcome to Card Concept Challenge #20.  There have been so many fabulous cards made during the past 19 challenges,  but I am certain when you see this week's challenge theme and photo,  we are going to see a record number of "spooky" cards popping up in our gallery.

Yay!!! This week we have a color challenge, just in time for you to get busy with all of your Halloween stamps and dies, and admit it...you have a lot of them!  Right?  By now, you all are familiar with the the Card Concept challenge rules.  All you have to do is create a card using the weekly theme and based on one of the following card-making styles:

                                                       Clean and Simple (CAS)
                                                       Clean and Layered
                                                       Clean and Graphic
                                                       Freestyle Collage
                                                       Shabby Chic
                                                       Classy and Elegant

This week I used dies from Top Dog Dies.  They just released some new Shape/Border dies and one of them was just perfect for my card representing the Freestyle Collage style.

The embossed panel with the spider web is Top Dog Dies Signature Delilah.  I folded it before I cut it and made an twine wrap around closure.  That cute cat (Halloween Trio) and the mini banners are also from Top Dog Dies (Banners # 1 Die Set).

The inside of my card uses Top Dog Dies Vintage A2 Mat die and the bat is also from Top Dog Dies Halloween Trio Die Set.  I had a lot of fun piecing together sentiment stamps from a variety of stamp sets and also had to add a few spiders to my web.

There's a lot more examples of the five different card style over on the Card Concept Blog...you have two weeks to play along.   The contest closes on Monday October 13th at noon PST.  I hope to see your card in our gallery very soon!

Top Dog Dies Signature Delilah Die

To Dog Dies Halloween Trio Die Set

Top Dog Dies Vintage A2 Mat Die

Top Dog Dies Banners #1 Die Set

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Card Concept #18: Back to School

Welcome to the Card Concept Challenge #18, a theme challenge this week and very timely for the first week of September.  Back to School is our theme and as my daughter is a brand new first time teacher this year, I knew my card would be something I can give to her to cheer her on and encourage her as she begins her teaching career.  Here's the picture we had to work with along with the Back to School theme:

I loved the traditional "apples for my teacher" and overall colors in the photo.  I actually have very few stamps or dies that fit for a school theme, but I do have a Silhouette and there were a ton of cut files that fit this week's theme.  Here's my card for the very special teacher at my house:

Isn't that the cutest little pencil?  I used a large alphabet embossing folder and a clipboard cut file along with a traditional apple and paperclip.  The notebook paper is a die cut from Papertrey Ink as is the cute sentiment from Vintage Picnic.  I am going to tuck this card into her plan book she brings home every night and hope that she doesn't find it until she opens it up at work.  It makes me so proud to see her accomplish the goal she worked so hard to achieve.

Ready to make a school themed card of your own?  You have two weeks to play along with the Card Concept...the contest ends on Monday, September 18th at noon, PST.  I hope to see your card in our gallery very soon!

Card Concept #16: Use a Wedding Theme

I am so sorry my post for Card Concept #16 is a little late...I've been on vacation and had to hurry home early due to a health issue with my mom.  I did, however make a card for this challenge before everything started spinning out of control.  This week's challenge is to make a wedding card.  Here's the beautiful photograph we had to work with:

I loved the pretty roses and the beautiful blue and white combination.  Here's my card representing the Freestyle Collage style.

Since this card will likely be hand-delivered...I went with a very dimensional card with rolled flowers and an elegant doily.  I am pretty sure I will always use the PTI Propose a Toast stamp set and matching champagne flute on just about any wedding card I made from now on.  I love those glasses!

We have some new "Wild Card" members joining us this week at Card Concept.  For all the details, please check out the Card Concept Blog which is introducing our newest designers.

Card Concept Challenge #14: Colors

Hope everyone in the United States had a great 4th of July holiday and have been enjoying the beautiful warm weather.  Card Concept #14 has a fun challenge for you today...a color challenge.

I have a feeling this is going to one of our most popular challenges so far...just look at those bright, summery colors!  In addition to the colors, I picked up on the cute feathered comforter in the inspiration photo.

Here at the Card Concept challenge, I represent the Freestyle Collage style of cardmaking which includes:

                                                        Unrelated elements in a collection
                                                        Can be done in any style

I used a Blueprints Die set from My Favorite Things Stamps (Blueprints #15) and had a blast arranging and rearranging all the elements until I had just the right look.  I used Waltzingmouse Stamps Funky Feathers to stamp the bright blue pattern and an Impression Obsession Distressed Dots Cover a Card stamp for the red polka dots.  Don't those feathers look just like the ones in the inspiration photo?

If you've never played along with Card Concept challenges, all you have to do is be inspired by the photograph and create a card using one of the following six card making styles.

             Clean and Simple 
               Clean and Layered 

                                                        Clean and Graphic

                                                        Freestyle Collage

                                                        Shabby Chic

                                                        Classy and Elegant

You have two weeks to link up your card over on the Card Concept blog.  The challenge ends on Monday, July 21st at noon PST.  

Card Concept #12: Use a Nautical Theme

The Card Concept is going out to sea this week...our challenge #12 is to use a nautical theme.  I'll bet you have at least one nautical stamp or die set you can use...I am ashamed to admit I had quite a bit more than one to choose from.  What can I say...I love nautical images!  This week at Card Concept we are saying goodbye to Karen Davis who is one of our Freestyle Collage Style Design Team Members.  Karen will be greatly missed and starting this week, I am going to try to fill her very big shoes and step into the Freestyle Collage category while Lesley Croghan will be creating for the Classy and Elegant style.  So, just in case you don't know what Freestyle Collage is...here's the definition:

unrelated elements in a collection

can be done in any style

Sound like fun?  Here's the card I made using my new style:

I used a variety of die cuts and one stamp set to make this card.  If you've never heard of My Favorite Things Blueprints Dies...you SHOULD!  I got this as my first set (Blueprints #14) and think the Blueprint series is going to be my go-to dies for Freestyle Collage cards. Every one of the dies can be used in so many different combinations and I can not wait to collect them all.  I used WPlus9's Dockside to stamp and die cut the badge and sparkly anchor.  I used a Silhouette cut file for the Birthday Boy sentiment and cut a shadow in contrasting blue so it would stand out a bit more.  You have two weeks to make your card based on any of our six Card Making Styles and a nautical theme.  

                                                        Clean and Simple

                                                        Clean and Layered

                                                        Clean and Graphic

                                                        Freestyle Collage

                                                        Shabby Chic

                                                        Classy and Elegant

The Card Concept Challenge #12 ends on Monday, June 23rd at noon, PST.

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Card Concept #10: Use a Coffee Theme

Ready for a little coffee break?  

Today, Card Concept Challenge #10 is all about America's favorite wake-up beverage...Coffee!

All you  have to do is make a card based on one of six card making styles AND use a coffee theme. 

Here are the six styles.  Which one are you?

                                                        Clean and Simple

                                                        Clean and Layered

                                                        Clean and Graphic

                                                        Freestyle Collage

                                                        Shabby Chic

                                                        Classy and Elegant
                                                 

Here's the inspiration photo to start you thinking...

I represent the Classy & Elegant style and I did a lot of stamping on this one and added several elements of the "Classy & Elegant Style" such as layered textures, sophisticated sentiments and sparkling embellishments.

I used a now retired stamp set from Craft Lounge that was one of the very first stamp sets I ever bought when I first discovered the magic of clear stamps and ink.  Despite the length of time, this set is still trendy enough for today's challenge.   I loved the retro coffee makers...stamped in the colors from this week's inspirational photo and also tried to capture the contrast between the bright colors and the kraft background from the photo too.  I also got to bring out my paper crimper to make the banner look like the belly band from a Starbuck's coffee.  If you've never tried it, crimping is FUN!

Ready to make your own Coffee Themed Card?  I bet almost every stamper has at least one stamp set that is based on coffee, so get busy!  You have two weeks to play along, this challenge ends on Monday, May 26th at noon PST.  

Please be sure and stop by and visit the other Card Concept Design Team Members participating in this week's challenge:

Tracey McNeely

Geri Greening

Kerin Sylvester

Narelle Farrugia

Karen Davis

Card Concept Challenge: Monochromatic Purple

Did you know that monochromatic colors are one of the characteristics of a Classy and Elegant card?  I know I didn't realize it, although I found myself shades of one color many times on the cards I created.  This week, the challenge over at the Card Concept is to use monochromatic purple on a card... and did I ever!

 I used a variety of purple patterned papers cut into sun ray strips stitched together to create my background and a beautiful and elegant tea pot from Serendipity Stamps for my focal point.  Mary over at Serendipity really outdid herself with the design of this teapot...the gorgeous rose cut-outs and the beautiful pierced details make this officially my favorite die from Serendipity so far!

But wait...there's more!  At the risk of sounding like an informercial...I also finished the inside of the card with the companion die to the teapot...a matching tea cup and inspirational sentiment from Serendipity Stamps.    All of these products are part of the latest Serendipity Stamp release and make a Classy and Elegant card or a Clean and Simple card...the saucer can easily be snipped of and you have a beautiful tea cup all on its' own.
Have you seen all the beautiful (and purple) cards over in the Card Concept gallery?  There is still lots of time left to create your card and link it up...the challenge ends next Monday at noon PST...hope to see you there!

Card Concept #8: Use an Umbrella

Welcome to the Card Concept Challenge #8.  We have had some fabulous cards submitted for our challenges making it very difficult to choose a favorite.  Make sure you check out the favorites from Challenge #7 here.

If this is your first time joining us at the Card Concept...our challenge is very unique.  Each challenge you make a card using the theme and one of the Card Styles listed below: 

The styles are divided into 6 style themes:

Clean & Simple

Clean & Layered

Clean & Graphic

Freestyle Collage

Shabby Chic

Classy & Elegant

• 

Challenge #8 has been one of my very favorite challenge themes so far...Use An Umbrella.  

Not a lot of rain here in CA, but when I think of umbrellas, I always think of some type of shower...wedding or baby.  I recently found out that I am going to be a first time grandma...and I have hardly thought of anything else since.  I have a long time to wait, the baby is not due until the end of November, but I expect you will be seeing a lot of baby themed projects from me in the very near future.  

I am one of the designers representing the Classy & Elegant style.  The elegant umbrella from Marianne Creatables (Vintage Parasol) is the star of the show on this card.  If you look close you can see there are tiny embossed polka dots on the upper portion of the umbrella.  I turned my umbrella into a mobile using silver thread and cute little baby icons (Memory Box Baby Stuff) dangling from it.  The background dies are from Spellbinder (Filagree Delight and Floral Ovals) popped up with dimensional foam.  I added a little rhinestone bling and a very delicate sentiment die (Simon Says Stamp Baby).

So, whether you think of raindrops, sunny beaches or even baby showers, I hope you will join us at the Card Concept challenge and show us your card with an umbrella on it.  You have two weeks to play along, submissions close on Monday, April 28th at noon, PST.

Clean & Simple

Tracey McNeely 

Deanna Dean

Clean & Graphic

Ardyth Percy-Robb

Geri Greening

Clean & Layering

Kay Miller

Kerin Sylvester

Shabby Chic

Narelle Farrugia 

Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Freestyle Collage

Karen Davis 

Cindy Lovell 

Card Concept #7: Butterfly Theme

Have you started seeing butterflies around your home yet?  If not, be prepared to see a lot of them in the next two weeks here on the Card Concept Challenge...our theme for Challenge #7 is to use a Butterfly somewhere on your card!   

I hope you have been playing along with our fun, new challenge...for Challenge #6, we had 116 cards submitted...seriously, 116!  Want to see who were the winners?  Here's a link to to see the favorites.

I am one of the designers who represents the Classy and Elegant style.  

Definition:

Polished

Shiny Finish

Sparkling Embellishments

Rich Color Scheme

Sophisticated Sentiments

Regal

Sweeping

Dramatic

Monochromatic

Layered Textures

Awe

Impress

I never really thought my style of card making was Classy and Elegant, but I  have found that you only have to use one or two of the descriptions for your card to be considered in that category.  You can have a CAS or Clean and Layered card and still have it be Classy and Elegant!  Here's my take on the Butterfly theme:

It always makes me happy when I see a butterfly...so I used some a cheerful, happy new die from Memory Box with cute musical notes as my background.  I also used a very elegant 6 x 6 embossing folder from Embossalicious to add that swirly background in the corners of my base.  The butterfly is a die from Serendipity Stamps...probably the most elegant die I have.  I cut it once in glittery paper and once in a teal colored vellum.  I wish you could see how pretty it is in person!  I added some really shiny stick pins and a few more little butterflies to tie in the teal color.  I am saving this card for my son and daughter-in-law who have their first anniversary in April.  

Are you ready to see some more butterfly inspiration?  Make sure you check out all the cards made by the Card Concept Design Team...there are 6 different styles, something for everyone!

Clean & Simple

Tracey McNeely 

Deanna Dean

Clean & Graphic

Ardyth Percy-Robb

Geri Greening

Clean & Layering

Kay Miller

Kerin Sylvester

Shabby Chic

Narelle Farrugia 

Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Freestyle Collage

Karen Davis 

Cindy Lovell 

Classy & Elegant

Lee Ann Barrett

*PREORDER S4-383 Spellbinders MARVELOUS SQUARES Nestabilities Dies NEW 2012	*MD1-008 Media Mixage Spellbinders SQUARES TWO Die	*s4-322 Spellbinders GROMMET TAGS Dies Shapeabilities	*Crafter's Companion Embossalicious REGAL FRAME 6 x 6 Embossing Folder 755444	*Memory Box MUSICALITY COLLAGE Craft DIE 98749
Serendipity Stamp & Die	Damask Designs

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Card Concept #6: Make a Birthday Card

Time for another Card Concept challenge...and this one is going to be something everyone will want to play along with...make a birthday card.  We all could use a few birthday cards to add to our stash...and we have a very pretty inspiration picture to give you a little head start on your birthday cards.

Isn't that a gorgeous cake?  It looks so pretty with the beautiful flowers as decorations and also is displayed on a beautiful white cake stand.  That cake and cake stand was my inspiration...and I created a fun little birthday card as seen through an open window.

Have you ever seen the cute cards made by Kitty Carracciolo of KittieKraft?  I am sure you have...I'm a big fan.  She must spend hours and hours creating realistic card scenes.  I remembered a card made by Kitty where she used strips of card stock to mimic siding on the outside of a house.  You can see Kitty's card here.   First I made my cake and then built my scene around it.  I even added a cute gray cat just like one of mine staring out the window.  All of the card ingredients are listed below...but I especially love that cake and cake stand from Memory Box.  

I'm sure that you will be needing a birthday card one day soon, here's a little more inspiration from the Design Team at Card Concept Challenge:
All you have to do is make a card using one of the six card styles listed above and link it to the Card Concept Challenge blog by Monday, March 31st.  I hope to see your card in our gallery very soon!

Clean & Simple

Tracey McNeely 

Deanna Dean

Clean & Graphic

Ardyth Percy-Robb

Geri Greening

Clean & Layering

Kay Miller

Kerin Sylvester

Shabby Chic

Narelle Farrugia 

Debbie Marcinkiewicz

Freestyle Collage

Karen Davis 

Cindy Lovell 

Classy & Elegant

Lee Ann Barrett
Lesley Croghan, Guest Designer

I am also entering this card into the Anything Goes category over at the Seize the Birthday Challenge.  There's always a ton of birthday inspiration there...check it out here!

*Memory Box GRAND MADISON WINDOW POPPY STAMPS Craft DIE 815	*Memory Box GRAND MADISON WINDOW SHUTTER POPPY STAMPS Craft DIE 832	*Memory Box GRAND FLOWER BOX POPPY STAMPS Craft DIE 821	*Memory Box SCALLOPED CAKE STAND Craft DIE 98541	*Memory Box PETITE CAKE Craft DIE 98547
*Memory Box BIRTHDAY CANDLES POPPY STAMPS Craft DIE 909	*Memory Box WILDFLOWER PATCH POPPY STAMPS Craft DIE 820	*My Favorite Things FRESH CUT GRASS Die-Namics MFT	*Memory Box LARGE SITTING CAT POPPY STAMPS Craft DIE 871	Heart 2 Heart #2
Heart 2 Heart #2 Die

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