Paper crafting is works of heart

Paper crafting is works of heart!

Saturday, February 15, 2025

Loving my AA #91 DT thinking of you pink card on 15 February 2025

Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: this posting showcases my next design team project for Ally's Angels. It is an anything goes theme challenge blog. During the December holiday season, I decided that most of my 2025 DT projects for AA would be made with some new to me supplies. You'll see by the dates that these items are several years old but they were clearance purchases. It's good for me to occasionally add stuff to my stash that's different from my norm. I like to mix and match merging old with new.

when: #91 anything goes theme starts February 15 and ends March 10, 2025

what: "Oh Day!" thinking of you in pink card


notes
:

1. white cardstock base A2 size = Crafter's Square

2. bright pink cardstock panel (decorative scissors used for right side) = Recollections

3. tri-color print paper for oval panel = "Palm Springs" paper pad by My Mind's Eye 2018

4. ribbon = Crafter's Square

5. little gold foil flower die-cut = "Just Chill" sticker book by My Mind's Eye 2020 [NBUS]

6. large flower die-cut & leaves = "Horizon" by Paige Evans for Pink Paislee 2018 [NBUS]

7. 'chocolate chip' stamp pad = SU

8. bright pink "OH DAY" thickers = "Sunshine" Thickers puffy phrase stickers 2019 [NBUS] 

9. teal blue colored pencil = stash

===============================

where: Ally's Angels #91 blog post

link = https://alessandrasangels.blogspot.com/2025/02/allys-angels-91-anything-goes-challenge.html

badge = 



other places to share/link are:

a. Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesdays; current; anything goes

link = https://www.simplyellibelle.com/2025/02/ellibelles-crafty-wednesday-february.html 

b. Girlz Rebel; current; anything goes + lace, ribbon and/or twine; MY card has harvest brown ribbon used 2 ways: little tails to accent the floral/leaves die-cuts and as a side border wrap

link = https://girlzrebelchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-37-alles-mag-met-kant-lint.html

c. Daring Cardmakers; new Feb 14; theme is mainly pink and green (see badge); MY card has lots of bright pink and some soft/light pink, green stem and leaves plus green in the oval focal background paper

link = https://daringcardmakers.blogspot.com/2025/02/mainly-pink-and-green.html

badge = 


d. Creative Fingers; started Feb 7/week 2 of 2; anything goes

link = https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-294.html

e. Crafty Catz; week 2 of 2; anything goes with option twist to use a die(s); My card does have die-cut/ephemera of the flower and 2 leaves; 

link = https://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/crafty-catz-687-challenge.html

=========================

Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S




*owner/DT = Ally's Angels; Christmas [or not] Bingo Challenges; HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT; FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB; starting March 1 = Critter Crazy

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and P-R-S (new by Deanne)


Friday, February 14, 2025

My MTTCC #106 Round-Shaped Base Christmas theme Card DT on 14 Feb 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: This posting shares my/the MTTCC's next shape in a series that the DT members have taken turns suggesting a base shape for Christmas cards. Except for the red ribbon on my project, I've embraced the round/circle for all elements! Cute! MTTCC is My Time To Craft Christmas which is a crafting challenge blog offering alternating Friday morning themes with it's parent/sister blog MTTC/My Time To Craft and its general themes. 

when: MTTCC #106 round-shape based Christmas card theme starts Friday, February 14, 2025 and lasts for 13 days

what: Happy Holidays Go Round and Round card!



notes:

1. the lighter green with white dots paper = SU

2. the green and white plaid and the green linen-look print papers = Simple Stories' Simple Vintage Christmas Lodge collection

3. "Happy Holidays" die-cut ephemera = also Simple Stories but another collection

4. poinsettia image is a gift tag used as ephemera = part of a multi-design package by Crafter's Square

5. 2 jumbo green dots and red pearl gems are from different packages = also Crafter's Square products

6. black dots/doodled borders made with a black dual-tip marker = Art Skills

7. all papers' perimeters were inked = black stamp pad by Hero Arts


where: MTTCC #106

link= https://mytimetocraftchristmas.blogspot.com/2025/02/mttcc-106-theme-is-round-shaped.html

personalized DT badge:



other places to share/link are:

**Note: HQFSCAT is a new challenge blog that I own with the focus on shaped cards and shaped tags. I can't participate in my own challenge but I would love for my team-mates and readers to go over there and link up any shaped cards and shaped tags that they're making.

link =

A. Krafty Chicks; week 2 theme is Christmas; MY round shaped card is for a designated Christmas blog's DT commitment :)

link = https://kraftychickschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/krafty-chicks-challenge-755-christmas.html

B. Cardz 4 Galz; started last week/current; theme is polka dots; MY round Christmas card has a dotted paper base and also has dotted perimeter borders!

link = https://cardz4galz.blogspot.com/2025/02/243-polka-dots.html

C. Girlz Rebel; started Feb 10; theme is anything goes with ribbon, lace &/or twine;  My Christmas card has some red ribbon tied in a bow. 

link = https://girlzrebelchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-37-alles-mag-met-kant-lint.html

D. Little Red Wagon; started Feb 12; theme is "Red Alert"/need to have some red on your project; My Christmas card has several red tones (ribbon, poinsettia, red pearls and a bit on the sentiment sticker). 

link = https://lilredwagon.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-794-red-alert.html

E. Ellibelle's Crafty Wednesdays; current/since Feb 5; anything goes

link = https://www.simplyellibelle.com/2025/02/ellibelles-crafty-wednesday-february.html

============================

Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S


* owner/DT = AA, ConBC, and on March 1 = Critter Crazy Challenges; also HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT; FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB

* manager/DT = MTTCChristmas and its parent/sister blog MTTC

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and P-R-S (debuted on Feb 2nd)


~~ interesting fact:

fine arts and practical arts for me started very young! Through 4-H Club at age nine-15 or 16, I started building my skills in cooking, baking, grilling, sewing, nature crafts, flower arranging, etc.

 Before that at age six, I started piano lessons but stalled around 7.5 years old then restarted from ages 9-17! Clarinet and bass clarinet lessons in the school bands started at age 10 -18. 

Card-making started in my mid-20s to late 20s and then around age 47, I discovered a message board swap group through Paper Wishes website that morphed into blogging around 2010! 

Friday, February 7, 2025

My MTTC #553 Hearts Theme DT card for 7 February 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: This posting mentions MTTC or My Time To Craft challenge blog! I've been a design team member for a very long time. I've had a couple of short gaps from moving and a health event but enjoy that our DT members suggest topics. Another team member suggested 'hearts' to coincide with Valentine's Day that will fall midway during the time period. 

when: #553 starts February 7, 2025 and lasts for 13 days

what: Heart in LOVE card



notes: shadowing due to the depth difference with the wood "LOVE" and foam dimensional tape between the pale peachy-pink layer and white base

1. white A2 cardstock base with matching envelopes (pack) = Crafter's Closet; edges distressed

2. pale peachy-pink cardstock = Neenah

3. striped washi tape = Pen + Gear

4. paper tape with divided hearts strip = ?/received as a kindness gift

5. bright pink cardstock scrap for filling the heart space in "LOVE" = Art Skills

6. wood laser cut "LOVE" came painted red (some plain, some pink, some red in the pack) = Crafter's Square

where: MTTC #553 theme of hearts blog post

link = https://mytimetocraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/mttc-553-theme-of-hearts-starts-7.html

other places to share/link are:

a. {PIN}spirational; started Feb 1; Quilts of hearts theme; MY card has the washi strips making quilt border effect and the paper tape of divided hearts looks like an applique technique on a quilt

link = https://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/pinspirational-challenge-322-february.html

badge: 


b. If You Give A Crafter A Cookie; started Feb 1; Hearts Galore; My card has 5 hearts (4 in the paper tape and 1 in the wood "Love")

link = https://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.com/2025/02/cookie-challenge-201-february-hearts.html

badge:  


c. Passion Cartes Creatives; new; theme of love/hearts...include hearts; MY card has 5 hearts (4 in the paper tape and 1 in the wood "Love")

link = https://www.passion-cartes-creatives-magazine.com/2025/01/defi-n-880-du-jeudi-6-fevrier-2025-3.html

badge = 



d. CRAFT; new on Feb 6; theme of Love/anything goes; MY card has a wood laser cut "LOVE" with a heart for 'O' and also 4 divided/split heart shapes on the paper tape

link = https://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-748-love-anything-goes.html

e. Creative Knockouts; new; theme of Love/Valentines/ wedding/ anniversary; MY card has "LOVE", hearts and is intended for Valentine's day

link = https://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/2025/02/540-february-6-lovevalentinesanniversar.html

========================

Crafting in the USA heartland, 

Becca S


*owner/DT = AA; ConBC; HQCB, HQFCB/at TFATU, HQCOLCB and HQFSCAT; FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB

*manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and PRS (Paper-Rocks-Scissors)


~~ interesting facts from first week of February! =

*introduced almost 3 year old honorary granddaughter that we babysit on weekday afternoons to the old song "Wipeout!" by the Surfaris! She loves it! She loves to sing and dance!

*hubby and I went out for a steak dinner on Sunday night Feb 2nd for a belated #29 anniversary date! Steak, baked potatoes; Joe had corn and I had green beans; dinner rolls with cinnamon honey butter! YUM!


Sunday, February 2, 2025

Loving my PRSC blog #1 DT projects on 2 Feb 2025

Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: This post showcases the very first debut challenge for PRSC or Paper-Rock-Scissors Challenge starting February 2, 2025!!! I quickly asked to join Deanne for the design team. This is an easy creative challenge to get involved with = anything goes using paper and/or scissors!!! Clever idea! 

when: #1 starts February 2, 2025 and ends March 1, 2025

what: PROJECT #1 = girlfriend thinking of you card



notes for #1:

1. base white card; cut into 2 pieces and one-half was deckle-edged cut and lifted with foam dimensional tape = Crafter's Square

2. pink watercolor-look paper; also gray cardstock scrap = Art Skills

3. pink cardstock scrap = Neenah

4. tan cardstock scrap = Pen + Gear

5. "just a note" stamp = Art Skills

6. alcohol markers = Nuvo (Thistle; Lilac Grey)

7. alcohol marker = Arteza (Condensed Milk)

8. gal mini card = "Unique" Cards and Tags Ephemera; 2023; Fancy Pants Designs (new to me)

9. 2 flower duos + floral label/tag = "Pink Meadows" Ephemera; 2023; Fancy Pants Designs (new to me)

and

what: PROJECT #2 = series of pics to sequence Bible verse journaling:


above: January's monthly planner left side is shown with just the verses that will be used during the month. Check below for a mid-month update. 

below: my KJV Bible purchased in 2024 with which I did some Bible verse highlighting with my mother off and on during the last 5 months before she entered a long-term care facility. I decided that for January 2025, I would restart with the addition of a monthly planner to write a summary thought for each verse. In the Bible, I box the verse and use a peach crayon to highlight it and then either in the top margin or bottom margin, I will date it. 



and pic 3 below = this shows some of the additions made from the start of January until almost mid-January. Decorative snowflake tape added for a top border. An "important" text sticker added next to the January 1st box. A bottom white and silver mirror foil decorative tape was added. 



notes for #2: papers used for this project are: planner, text sticker on left side/scanned paper and Bible; scissors used for cutting the decorative tapes

21. Navigators: 2025 monthly planner was sent in the organizations' mailers; received at my mom's house and since she passed on August 31, 2024, I brought home with me to use.

22. Bible, KJV

23. assortment of black ink pens, peach crayon, decorative tapes= stash

24. Pen + Gear: planner stickers 

=========================

where: PRSC is Paper-Rocks-Scissors Challenge blog #1 anything goes using paper and/or scissors starts on February 2nd, 2025

link = https://paper-rocks-scissors.blogspot.com/2025/02/february-1-challenge.html

#1 badge = 


other places to share/link are:

a. girlfriend card: 613 Avenue Create; started Sun Feb 2; Anything Goes; opt/twist Lots of Love; mine is anything goes

link = https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2025/02/february-2025-anything-goes-w-optional.html

b. girlfriend card: Lil Patch of Crafty Friends; started Sun Feb 2; Anything Goes

link = https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2025/02/247-polkadoodles.html

c. girlfriend card: Colorful Options; started Feb 1; Color of the Month using the pinks and lavender tones 

link = https://colorfuloptions.blogspot.com/2025/02/february-2025.html

d. girlfriend card: Creations in Pink; started Jan 14; still open; must include lots of pink; MY card has lots of pink tones from very soft/light to deeper sunburn-kind of pink

link = https://creationsinpink1challenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-77-anything-goes-in-mainly.html

-----------------------------------------

e. Bible journaling: FB private group: Christian Card-Making Women's Fellowship

f. Bible journaling: FB private group: created by me; if interested in joining, please private message me; Scripturally Inspired Creativity

g. Bible journaling: FB group: Bible Journaling and Faith Art

=========================

Crafting in the USA heartland:

Becca S


* DT member = PRSC (brand new) and HAOOCAYR

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* owner/DT = HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT; also FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB; plus AA and ConBC


~~ fun fact from January 2025 = on January 14th, my hubby was getting ready to pick up our honorary granddaughter to put into her car seat and as he turned to pick her up, she hit him with a snowball!!!! She's only 34 months old!!! He was so surprised! And she giggled and giggled!!! This was the first time she had done something like this!!!


 

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Loving my HQFCB #2 DT anything goes fantasy Gnome card + focus option Leprechaun tag for 1 Feb 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity Blog!

why: This post showcases my latest design team commitment for HQFCB (the old TFATU) or Heart's Quest Fantasy challenge blog. I decided to do 2 projects. One is for our main monthly theme of 'anything goes fantasy' and then the second project is for the February fantasy focus option of Leprechaun. 

when: #2 for 2025 is published on February 1, 2025. 

what: PROJECT #1: AGF choice of Gnome--Summertime Wishes



notes for #1:

1. butternut squash orange 6" square  cardstock = Art Skills

2. summertime activities print paper = summer theme paper pack by Riley & Co.

3. gnome stamp = Riley & Co.

4. a variety of colored pencils and black dual-tip marker - stash/Art Skills

5. white cardstock scrap for stamping gnome onto = Neenah

6. black ink stamp pad for edging papers = Hero Arts

7. Aqua Screen print paper = Recollections

and

what: PROJECT #2: focus option of Leprechaun -->> on tag



notes for #2: You are my lucky clover tag!

21. green dual-tip marker for edging and filling in the shamrock/clover = Art Skills

22. butternut orange and kelly green cardstocks = Pen + Gear

23. clipart image, free for personal use; printed black and white on white paper = ClipArt Library website

24. yellow, tan, lime green and yellow alcohol markers = Arteza

25. brown and orange watercolor markers, black gel pen, blue colored pencil for eye and sky = stash items

26. three colors of cording = Crafter's Square

=====================

where: HQFCB is still using the old TFATU address for blog

link= https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/hqfcb-or-former-tfatu-2-in-2025-has-agf.html

#2 February 2025 badge = 


my DT badge = 



other places to share/link are:

a. gnome card = Crafty Catz; current; ATG with option Blue + Green; I'm sharing my summertime gnome because there are blues and greens in many places throughout the card

link - https://craftycatzweeklychallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/crafty-catz-686-atg-blue-and-green.html

b. gnome card = Time Out; current/week 1 of 2; see badge for Pick 2 options; MY gnome card is using Layer(s); Stitching/faux doodling around the gnome backdrop paper; Warm like in warm color tones of red, orange, yellow

link = https://timeoutchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-281-pick-two-stitch-layer.html

badge= 


c. gnome card = Love Those Pretty Papers; just started Feb 1; theme is same as blog name (option of red papers); MY center block featured gnome is on a fun summer theme design paper that was a new purchase for me and even though it's not summer season for us right now, I thought it would be fun to put these two together. The Aqua Screen scrap paper is from a different vendor but goes so well with the blues and greens in the summer activities design paper. There are lots of warm colors like red in this patterned paper, too. 

link = https://lovethoseprettypapers.blogspot.com/2025/02/love-those-pretty-papers-february-2025.html

---------------------------------------------

d. leprechaun tag = Krafty Chicks; week 5/anything goes;

link = https://kraftychickschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/krafty-chicks-challenge-753-anything.html

e. leprechaun tag = Creative Fingers; started Jan 24; anything goes

link = https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-293.html

f. leprechaun tag = The Outlawz Anything Goes in a Card Free Zone; started Jan 31/Feb 1; theme is same as the blog name; MY second project is a shamrock shaped tag with a leprechaun focal

link = https://theoutlawzchallenges-saturday.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-outlawz-anything-goes-in-card-free_02003369360.html


**please note: the shamrock tag could be shared at the new HQFSCAT challenge that I own (anything goes on a shaped card or shaped tag) however it is closed today. Its #2 challenge month starts on February 2nd. For my readers, please visit there. I'm including the link to #1 to help you out on finding Heart's Quest For Shaped Cards and Tags

https://heartsquestshapedcardsandtags.blogspot.com/2025/01/hqfscat-1-anything-goes-theme-on-shaped.html

===========================

Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S


* owner/DT = HQFCB, HQCB, HQCOLCB and HQFSCAT; also AA and ConBC; also FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member = HAOOCAYR and the new PRSCB starting Feb 2nd!!! (Paper Rock Scissors challenge blog)


~~fun thing we did recently: during our 3 hours each weekday of babysitting our honorary granddaughter, I try to get some music and movement time spent to help her cognitively but also with gross motor skills! Several times this week, she's asked 'Grampa' to dance and sing with her! And he did! <3

We do kids classics like If You're Happy and You Know It, Old MacDonald, B-I-N-G-O, etc. but I also introduce her to other genres and time periods like Monster Mash, Chuck Berry's Twist, ABBA's Dancing Queen, etc. Fun!

~~not so good life happenings: purchased a used Ford Focus in late fall 2024 (hub's decision) and it's needed a few things fixed but then in mid-January, the check engine light came on; got that checked and said it was the fuel sensor; $180; ok; bring it home and next morning, it won't start; $175 to have it towed back to the business that did the fuel sensor!!!! ugh....

Loving my HAOOCAYR #23 dt projects on 1 February 2025

Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: This posting highlights my design team projects for HAOOCAYR or Halloween and Other Occasions Crafts All Year Round #23. Several months ago, Deanne decided to extend her Halloween only themed challenge to add birthday as a main and then she offers 2 optional themes as well each month. So that really gives artisans several options. 

when: February 1 - 28, 2025

what: PROJECT #1 = Halloween oval-shaped card says 'ugh' or should that be 'hug'???



notes for #1:

1. I used an oval magnet for my shaped template for the mottled black paper and then decreased by 1/8" or 1/4" for each next layer; circle punch for the center paper

2. black mottled paper = old stash item

3. plaid paper = Recollections

4. purple cardstock = Pen + Gear

5. black and white print paper = recycled business envelope security print paper

6. gel jack-o-lantern + bat stickers = Halloween Creatalogy; Michael's Arts and Crafts store

7. 'ugh' black lettering stickers = old stash item; removed from packaging long ago

8. red felt heart sticker was altered with a navy watercolor marker to get a purplish-tone (had to do lots of blotting and air-dry time) = heart sticker is from Crafter's Square (multi-color and multi-sized package)

9. black dual-tip marker for outlining/edging = Art Skills

and

what: PROJECT #2 = Happy Birthday stenciled card



notes for #2: soft kraft/sand tones with pink tones and accents of peach and aqua

21. kraft 5" x 7" flat card base = 

22. pink cardstock panel cut to 4" x 6" = Neenah

23. kraft and gold metallic floral print paper = SU

24. stencil sheet for 'happy' and 'birthday' = Crafter's Square

25. reddish brown watercolor marker = stash item

26. all die-cuts/ephemera are from 2 different size packs = "Paislees and Petals" 2023 by Fancy Pants Designs

=======================

where: HAOOCAYR #23

link = https://halloweencraftsallyearround.blogspot.com/2025/02/february-1st-halloween-and-other.html

monthly badge:



new DT member badge:



other places to share/link are:

note: because I own the new HQFSCAT/Heart's Quest for Shaped Cards and Tags challenges blog, I can't share/link up my oval-shaped Halloween card...but you all can...and straight corner rectangles are the only exemption to not use.

a. Halloween = Cardz 4 Galz; still open for about 3 days; theme is anything but square; this will be my 2nd entry

link = https://cardz4galz.blogspot.com/2025/01/242-anything-but-square.html

b. Halloween = Creative Fingers; started Jan 24; anything goes

link = https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-293.html

----------------------

c. birthday = Krafty Chicks; week 5/anything goes; 

link = https://kraftychickschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/krafty-chicks-challenge-753-anything.html

d. birthday = Seize the Birthday; current; Anything Goes Birthday (option with kraft and red); I've got the kraft part but have pinks and peach/orange as the other major color

link= https://seizethebirthday.blogspot.com/2025/01/seize-birthday-298-kraft-and-red.html

badge = 


=======================

Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S


* DT member = HAOOCAYR and the new PRSCB (Paper-Rock-Scissors challenges blog)

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* owner/DT = HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT; FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB, and FQGGCB; also AA and ConBC


~~ fun fact from January 2025 = our honorary granddaughter who we've been babysitting for a min. of 3 hours on weekday afternoons for most of her 34+ months is advancing very well in her cognitive skills and other developmental domains too! It is such a delight to see her attempting 12 and 16 piece puzzles! I just have those 2 at my house right now! She needed guidance and clues when she got started about 2-3 weeks ago but during this last week of January, she's doing each board on her own!!! YEA!!! We've already bought her a dress for Valentine's Day but I think we're going to shop for a puzzle or two for another surprise! :)



 

Friday, January 31, 2025

My MTTCC #105 theme requires J shaped structured Christmas cards on 31 Jan 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: This posting is my newest DT/manager contribution for MTTCC or My Time to Craft Christmas challenge blog! #105 was suggested by me. I liked the idea that the letter J could be a Christmas stocking or symbolize J for Joy or J for Jesus. If you flip it up and over, then you get a shepherd's crook or candy cane for two other Christmas themes. [I did try a shepherd's crook/staff idea that had a section from Luke Chapter two handwritten. But I wasn't liking the look. I might work on it a bit more and show it further down...have to see how my Thursday goes] 

when: #105 for MTTCC starts January 31, 2025 and will last 13 days

what: flipped up & flipped over J-position based Christmas Candy Cane card



notes:

1. red cardstock base and the white cardstock focal layer = Pen + Gear

2. red foil striped decorative tape= ? unsure; removed from packaging and I've had it for several years; with this project, there isn't much left! 

3. same thing about the "Merry Christmas" with deer tape

4. the little snowflake foil 'dazzles' stickers = Hot Off the Press via Paper Wishes website

5. red foil little heart stickers = Hallmark

6. clear acrylic stars, silver glitter stars = Recollections

7. white pearl hearts = also Recollections

8. red pearls = Crafter's Square

9. doodled outlining with black dual-tip marker = Art Skills

where: MTTCChristmas #105 J-shaped (or reversed or flipped up and over; etc.)

link:

other places to share/link are:

a. Krafty Chicks; 5th Thursday started Jan 30; theme of Anything Goes

link = https://kraftychickschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/krafty-chicks-challenge-753-anything.html

b. Cardz 4 Galz; week 2 of 2; theme is anything but square; MY card is candy cane-shaped or flipped up and over letter J

link = https://cardz4galz.blogspot.com/2025/01/242-anything-but-square.html

c. C.R.A.F.T.; week 2 of 2; Christmas theme; MY card is candy cane sweetness

link = https://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-747-christas.html

d. ABC Christmas; started Jan 8; themes are either A for Anything Christmas or B for buildings; MY candy cane is Christmas

link = https://abcchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/abc-christmas-challenge-january-b-are.html

e. The Sisterhood of Crafters; still open for another week; theme of snowflakes; MY candy cane Letter J structured Christmas card was accented with snowflakes as well as hearts, stars and round gem/pearls

link = https://thesisterhoodofcrafters.blogspot.com/2025/01/1825-snowflakes.html

f. Jingle Belles Rock; week 2 of 2; shaped Christmas cards theme; My Christmas card base is a flipped up and over Letter J to create a candy cane looking crooked 'cane' 

link = https://jinglebellesrock.blogspot.com/2025/01/shape-up-for-holidays.html

***Note to my readers: because I own the new challenge blog HQFSCAT = Heart's Quest For Shaped Cards and Tags, I can't link up my candy cane shaped card over there. MY team-mates can but I can't. 

If you're a reader, the new #2 challenge will start on February 2 at HQFSCAT. It would be terrific to make it a Letter J shaped Christmas card and share it at MTTCC and then also at HQFSCAT. 


=======================

Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S


*manager/DT = MTTCChristmas and its sister blog MTTC

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and the new on Feb 2 = PRS or Paper-Rock-Scissors; these are two of the challenge blogs owned by Deanne

* owner/DT = HQCB, HQFCB/TFATU, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT; FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB, FQGGCB


--interesting fact from my January 2025 = after 3 days of 40+*F days, we are starting to get rain and snowflakes! Crazy weather! But as we say here in northern Illinois...'it's Illinois! The Midwest! And it's winter. You never know what it will be like one hour to the next!'

:)


Friday, January 24, 2025

My MTTC #552 masculine theme thinking of you DT card on 24 January 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: This post focuses on my newest themed DT project for My Time To Craft challenge blog. MTTC's #552 theme is masculine (make it male). Another design team member suggested this topic. It should be very popular. I decided to go colorful, geometric prints, flat and no 'frills'. 

when: MTTC's #552 starts on Friday January 24, 2025 and lasts for 13 days.

what: #552 theme is masculine = Hey! Hello! thinking of you card



notes: this will be sent to a cousin who is battling Parkinson's and needs some cheering up; he grew up about 20-25 miles where I live now; his parents are still there however he's been living the past 30 or so years about 3-4 states away. 

1. base = Wild Blueberry cardstock = CutCardStock

2. next layer up = Sandcastle cardstock = Martha Stewart through CutCardStock

3. next focal layer = Pop Tone Grape Jelly cardstock = CutCardStock

4. big letter die-cuts = (old) Jillibean Soup

5. two washi tape strips = ? /received in a kindness box

6. scrap strip of purple for the bottom border = Art Skills cardstock

7. papers were inked/edged with = Marina Mist by SU

8. focal area was outlined with black dual-tip marker = Art Skills

where: MTTC #552 blog post

link = https://mytimetocraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/mttc-552-theme-of-masculine-starts-24.html

other places to share/link are:

a. Inspired By; new on Jan 23; theme of boy's room; also a sketch; see image badge; I'm going with some of the color tones, no fuss/frills, 

link = https://theseinspiredchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/inspired-byboys-room.html

image = 


b. Krafty Chicks; new on Jan 23; this starts 4th week's theme of masculine

link = https://kraftychickschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/krafty-chicks-challenge-752-masculine.html

c. Creative Knockouts; started on Jan 16; theme of 'what to say'/use a sentiment; for MY masculine card I wanted some prints that weren't hearts and flowers and luckily in my sifting through the letters left in the pack, I had H-E-Y that repeats 'hello' tape and is an expression that I hear lots of guys use...like I don't remember your name but I recognize your face..."Hey!" or "Hey, you!".... tee-hee

link = https://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/2025/01/539-something-to-say-polkadoodles.html

d. The Male Room; started Jan 1/still current; theme of 'clean and simple' with masculine; my card is for masculine challenges plus the style was kept clean with the only embellishments of washi tape strips; there is open space in the focal area around the letters, in between the words 'hello' in the bottom tape border and then even on the purple strip bottom border, it's empty/clean

link = https://themaleroomchallengeblog.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-194-clean-and-simple.html

image badge = 


e. Try A Sketch on Tuesday; started Jan 16/still current; sketch with a side strip and 3 overlapping circles; on my card, the sketch is flipped around and then I added some perpendicular side strips/borders

link = https://trystampinontuesday.blogspot.com/2025/01/Challenge-662.html

image = 


f. Double Trouble; current/Jan 20 start;  3-2-1 recipe theme; see badge

link = https://doubletroublechallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/Challenge-183.html

image =


 

====================

Crafting in the USA heartland,

from a small rural town with a closed coal mine, a bank, a post office, 3 taverns, 2 American-Italian menu restaurants, laundromat, a food manufacturing facility, and a few more businesses,

Becca S


* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and the new on Feb 2 = PRSCB or Paper-Rock-Scissors

* owner/DT = HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB and HQFSCAT; also FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB; also AA; also ConBC


~~ fun fact for the past 2-3 weeks = lots of frequent snowstorms and/or flurries; the most was 6"; this week there was a 2-3" and then a 1.5"-2" in the past 24 hours. 

~~ the not so good fact was a few days of below zero*F temps; we got down to -25* F wind chill for 2 days in a row and then several with down to -10*F...ugh...3 pairs of socks! 

Sunday, January 19, 2025

Victorian Anniversary Card non DT project on 19 Jan 2025

Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog from the USA heartland!

why: This post showcases some new stash supplies received recently and also a chance mid-month to do something that is not for one of my own challenge blog commitments. 

when: card made and blogged on January 19, 2025 

what: Victorian Anniversary card



inside view using more CutCardStock products:



reverse/back side:



notes:

1. CutCardStock colors used and location: (new to me and 2nd time to use)

    A. Wild Blueberry 5" x 7"; folded in half for the base

    B. Ice Gold paper; cut to 5" x 7" and then trimmed/decorative edging with scissors for the folded overlay

    C. Pop Tone Grape Jelly; stencil-traced and fussy cut 2 hearts

    D. White Conversation Flat Card; trimmed about 1/8" on short sides and 1/4" on long sides = inside 

    E. Sandcastle; cut to 2" high x 4" wide = inside

    F. Sea Foam Green; cut to 1.5" high x 3.75" after decorative edging = inside

2. Everly Lane ephemera by Fancy Pants Designs 2024 = pink doily acrylic (new to me & second project to use) 

3. Heidi Swapp embellishments 2013 (new to me & first time to use) = mix print acrylic open hearts (2 sizes)

4. Perfect Plum by SU = ink stamp pad for the purple heart shapes

more notes: this is my 2nd project since receiving this order of cardstock on Friday Jan 17th

unboxing pics from CutCardStock:




==================

where to share/link:

a. FB group: Creating with CutCardStock; January Color Challenge album ends on the last day of the month; see how many colors of CutCardStock products can be used on one project ==> I've used 6.

b. Just Add Ink; current; theme is Just Add Something New; see image badge; MY card has all new products that are new to me and the Heidi Swapp mixed print open hearts are the new/first time use

link = https://just-add-ink.blogspot.com/2025/01/just-add-ink-734something-new-blog-hop.html

image = 


 

c. Dragonfly Dreams Challenge; started Jan 5; theme is to use pinks and purples; My card has purple cardstock heart shapes, pink doily acrylic and different pink tones on the acrylic open hearts

link = https://dragonflydreamschallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-challenge-use-pinks-and-purples.html

d. 613 Avenue Create; current/January; theme of anything goes or option of monochrome; MY card is for AG/too many colors

link = https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-2025-anything-goes-w-optional.html

e. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends; started Jan 19; theme of anything goes

link = https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2025/01/246-all-dressed-up.html

f. honorary link-up = I own Heart's Quest Celebrations of Love which has 5 main monthly themes that are coded as "BEWAS". A is for Anniversary. Readers: please come and share there. Valentine's Day is the January optional event theme. The other main themes are: B for birthdays, E for engagements, W for weddings and S for sympathies. 

=======================

Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S


* DT member = HAOOCAYR and new on Feb 2nd = PRSCB or Paper-Rock-Scissors challenge blog

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* owner/DT = HQCOLCB (mentioned in the links as a honorary); HQCB, HQFCB, HQFSCAT; AA; ConBC; FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB