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

***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!'

:)

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! 

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

 

Victorian botanical Valentine card non DT project on 18 Jan 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: this is a non-design team commitment project for me primarily to meet the qualifications for a FB group's color challenge; there is a gift card possibility if more than 2 group members enter it. So far, I'm the first entry!

when: made on January 17 and blogged/shared on January 18, 2025

what: PROJECT: Victorian Botanical Valentine card

closeup on the Ice Gold paper (deckled-edged under the Pop-tone Grape Jelly)

Can you see a bit of sheen on the paper?

notes:

photos of un-boxing the CutCardStock products received on 17 Jan 2025; 1st order placed! 

* Wild Blueberry (base)

* Sandcastle (next layer up; did decorative edging); Martha Stewart/Darice

* Sea Foam Green (next layer up)

* Ice Gold paper (next layer up; did decorative edging)

* Grape Jelly; Pop Tone CutCardStock (next layer up as center focal)

* White; Conversation Flat Cards (used for bases on stickers)

pic 1

pic 2

pic 3

also

1. from Fancy Pants Designs' 2024 Everly Lane collection: 3 doilies ephemera, 5 stickers placed on the White/Conversation Flat Card then fussy cut and 5 enamel dots

2. from Fancy Pants Designs' 2023 Pink Meadows collection: 4 die-cut ephemera of 3 flowers and 1 butterfly

3. Crafter's Square = wood laser cut "LOVE" was bare balsa wood; applied ink

4. Nuvo = alcohol marker in 'Lilac Grey'

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

where/shares and/or links:

a. FB group Create with CutCardStock; has a January Color Challenge

b. Just Add Ink; new Jan 17; theme of Just Add Something New; all products seen in this card are new/new-to-me; papers/cardstocks received in order on Jan 17 and the stickers/ephemera/enamel dots were received the week prior from a placed order; even the wood laser cut was bought at a local store within the past 2 weeks. 

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

photo = 

c. Creative Fingers; started Jan 10/week 2 of 2; theme of anything goes

link = https://creativefingerschallengeblog.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-292.html

d. The Outlawz Festive Friday Challenges; started Jan 3; using theme of something new; see info above that all items seen on this card have been purchased online or in-store within the past 2 weeks; stash stockpile was needing a refresh

link = https://theoutlawzchallenges-friday.blogspot.com/2025/01/festive-friday-challenge-3-january-2025.html

e. As You Like It; started Jan 9; theme of favourite paper brand; on this card there are 5 cardstocks and 1 paper purchased as my first order for a company new-to-me that will become my new favorite brand ---> (1) because the company's based not too far from me in neighboring Indiana! probably less than a 2 hour drive away! I could have saved on shipping maybe!!! Up to now, most of go-to for cardstocks are Neenah, Pen + Gear and Recollections and the print/patterned papers are Echo Park, Fancy Pants Designs, Simply Simple, and a few others; (2) supporting several artisan friends who are on the new Design Team, too; 

link = https://asyoulikeitchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/favourite-paperbrand.html 

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

Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S

note: this is a non-DT project; so no commitment to any specific challenge blog that I own or manage or part of a design team.

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

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT members = HAOOCAYR and PRSCB

My MTTCC #104 rectangle shaped Christmas card DT for 17 January 2025

Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: this posting features my newest MTTCC design team member project. MTTCC is My Time To Craft Christmas, a challenge blog, and offers Christmas or winter holiday topic themes every other Friday all year long. 

when: #104's theme is rectangle-shape cards for Christmas/winter holidays for January 17-30, 2025

what: DT project for #104 = rectangle-shaped Christmas card 

"Jesus is the Reason for the Season" 

 notes:

1. background plaid paper = Recollections [new]

2. focal card panel (red marker applied to 2 areas and embellished) = Echo Parks' "Away in a Manger" collection

3. plaid print, leafy stems with birds print and the red geometric print papers = _____ forgot to double-check

4. green glitter tape, green gems, red glitter bow = Crafter's Square

5. green dual-tip markers for edging = Art Skills

6. lime green colored pencil used on white cardstock base = stash item

7. white cardstock panel = Neenah

8. little red enamel hearts (on the focal panel) = Freckled Fawn [new]

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

where: MTTCC #104 blog posting

link = https://mytimetocraftchristmas.blogspot.com/2025/01/mttcc-104-theme-is-rectangle-shaped.html

other places to share/link are:

a. Craft Rocket Challenges; midway/current; theme of something new; this is my 3rd entry ==> new stash items are the plaid paper and the tiny red hearts

link= https://craftrocketchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-121-something-new.html

b. Word Power; midway/current; theme of eye-catching sentiments/messages; this is my 2nd entry ==> the text card ephemera/cut-apart card was altered with adding red marker ink plus the red glitter bow and tiny red enamel hearts to gather more attention to the message

link = https://wordpowerchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/word-power-january-2025-challenge.html

c. Wednesday's Creative Inspirations; midway/current; theme of something old or something new; this is my 1st entry ==> the something new items are the red enamel hearts and the plaid paper used as the background for the whole length of the card

link = https://cinspirations.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-challenge-something.html

d. ABC Christmas; started Jan 8th/current; A is for anything Christmas and B is for buildings themes; this is my 1st entry ==> A is for anything Christmas

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

e. The Creative Crafters; started Jan 15th; theme of anything goes

link = https://creativecrafterschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-84.html

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

Crafting in the USA heartland, splitting time between crafting/blogging, babysitting, being at the farm or in town,

Becca

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

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and new on Feb 2 (PRSCB = Paper-Rock-Scissors challenge blog)

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

Loving my AA #90 DT thinking of you card for 15 Jan 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. Instead of doing winter or Valentine's, I have decided to play with some new to me supplies with spring-summer bright cheerful colors. 

when: #90 starts January 15 and ends February 10, 2025

what: "Hi!" in orange thinking of you card

notes:

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

2. bright orange 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 peach flower die-cut & chevron strip = "Just Chill" sticker book by My Mind's Eye 2020 [NBUS]

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

7. 'chocolate chip' stamp pad = SU

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

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

where: Ally's Angels #90 blog post

link = https://alessandrasangels.blogspot.com/2025/01/allys-angels-90-anything-goes-theme.html

badge = 

new personalized DT badge =

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

other places to share/link are: posted sometime after 9am on Jan 15th =

a. NBUS/ Never Before Used Schtuff; started Jan 1; sharing new products or new to you items; on my card, I'm using several new to me items received in a clearance mystery package recently 

link = https://mynbus.blogspot.com/2025/01/nbus-challenge-70.html

b. Beautiful Blossoms; new on Jan 15; feature flowers; my card has coral, pink and French Blue flowers on die-cut/ephemera

link = https://beautifulblossomschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/beautiful-blossoms-challenge-anything.html

c. The Outlawz Monday Greetings; started Jan 6; anything goes greeting included; my card has a simple "hi"

link = https://theoutlawzchallenges-monday.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-6th-monday-greetings.html

d. Path of Positivity; current; anything goes positive (option of the unexpected); my card is for AGP as a friendship card to brighten a friend's dreary winter day

link = https://pathofpositivitychallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/ch-127-anything-goes-positive-with-opt.html

e. Classic Design Challenge; new on Jan 15; anything goes

link = https://classicdesignchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/classic-design-challenge-01-2025-janfeb.html

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

Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S

*owner/DT = Ally's Angels, Christmas or not Bingo Challenges; also HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT; FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and Deanne's new Paper-Rock-Scissors starting Feb 2

My MTTC #551 use a sentiment theme DT card for 10 Jan 2025

 Becca's Heart for Creativity blog! Welcome!

why: This posting focuses on my newest DT project for MTTC or My Time To Craft challenge blog #551. Another DT member suggested the theme/technique/inclusion of using a sentiment. Mine is a simple yet elegant gold edged clear lettering for 'us'. 

when: MTTC #551 starts January 10 and is open for 13 days.

what: Navy and Gold Elegant Anniversary Card (or could be Valentines)

and

a closeup cropped scan for the sentiment area:

notes for project:

1. yellow/gold herringbone print cardstock and the navy with gold 'turkey claw marks' print cardstock = Heirloom Harvest by Recollections

2. blue with gold flecks specialty paper = stash/very old item

3. navy striped with gold hearts print vellum sheet (was trimmed; original was approx. 5" x 6" wide; pack) = Crafter's Square= NEW to me/1st use

4. gold glitter tape strip and gold edged clear lettering stickers = Crafter's Square

5. gold metallic puffy dot sticker = Recollections

6. foam tape, 2-sided adhesive tape and white glue were all used on different layers for adhering

7. yellow/gold print is base/bottom layer; then blue with gold flecks paper; then foam tape, navy and gold turkey claw print is under the vellum; striped and hearts vellum on top with a row of embellishments as the very top layer = all within a 4.5" wide x 5.5" height!!!

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

where: MTTC #551 blog posting =

link: https://mytimetocraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/mttc-551-theme-is-use-sentiment.html

other places to share/link are:

a. C.R.A.F.T.; new Jan 9 and switching to every 2 weeks; anything goes

link = https://trimmiescraftchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-746-anything-goes.html

b. Creative Knockouts; open to Jan 15; theme of Celebrations; MY card will be used for my/our 29th anniversary; it could also be used for Valentines

link = https://creativeknockouts.blogspot.com/2025/01/538-celebrations-all-dressed-up.html

c. Craft Rocket Challenges; current; theme of "NEW"; My card's top layer of printed vellum is new to me and this is the first time I've used it.

link = https://craftrocketchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-121-something-new.html

d. NBUS, Never Before Used Schtuff; started Jan 1; sharing new products or new to you items; MY card has the printed vellum layer/sheet and this is a new to me product and the first time I've used it!

link = https://mynbus.blogspot.com/2025/01/nbus-challenge-70.html

e. Word Power; started Jan 1; theme is sentiment-noticeable; MY card's gold glitter tape strip leads you to the gold edged lettering of 'US'. 

link = https://wordpowerchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/word-power-january-2025-challenge.html

other places that I own/manage that this could be shared:

*Heart's Quest Celebrations of Love (HQCOLCB); has a monthly theme of anniversaries, weddings, engagements, etc. if I use this for my anniversary card to give to my husband #29 at the end of January; also the January optional event theme is Valentine's Day; so if I don't use it for 1 occasion, I can use it for the other

*Heart's Quest #69 is anything goes with multicolor hearts which I don't have this time but I could have done a mix metals look and had silver and copper ones along with the gold print hearts. 

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

Crafting in the USA heartland from a rural community of 1,400 folks:

Becca S

== some of our community businesses are or have been: used to have coal mines that are now referred to as "Jumbo"; food manufacturing facility; 2 Italian/American cuisine restaurants; 2 gas stations/convenience marts; a small independent grocery store; 3 bars; 2 hair salons; antique/junk store; 24-hour laundromat; car wash; etc. 

*manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

*DT member only = HAOOCAYR

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

Loving my HQFCB #1 in 2025 DT Cupid card and Gnome art journal entry projects

Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why: this posting showcases my next 2 design team projects for HQFCB or Heart's Quest Fantasy Challenges blog. The main theme is always 'anything goes fantasy' and the January 2025 fantasy focus option is Cupid. So I have a Cupid card for the option and a Gnome art journal entry (index card from metal ring set) for my January projects. 

when: #1 in 2025; HQFCB starts its challenges on the first Saturday of each month; January 4-31, 2025

what: Two Hearts Together card

notes:

1. white card base 5" x 7" with envelope = The Paper Source

2. all four patterned papers = Bo Bunny 2019 Christmas paper pad (green with tiny dot print, pink with metallic foil dot grid print, poinsettias in light pink print and dark burgundy with metallic foil print)

3. Cupid clipart image was printed as black and white; sized to 3.5" x 5" = retrieved from The Clipart Library website

4. a variety of colored pencils to color Cupid and his bow; a yellow highlighter to edge the image (then mounted to the green print) = stash items

5. tan ribbon, amber heart-shaped gems = Crafter's Square

6. the tiny text sticker "Together" = from the sticker book of Simple Vintage Christmas Lodge by Simple Stories

and

what: PROJECT #2 = Gnomes having a wintery Valentine's art journal page variation

notes: "one page/layer wonder" = inks from stamp pads & stamping

21. four stamp pads used from SU = Pink Pirouette, Berry Burst, Perfect Plum & Wisteria Wonder

22. one stamp pad used from Hero Arts = basic black

23. "Merry and Bright" by Firefly (10 piece set) = used "oh what fun", gift package and poinsettia 2019

24. "Christmas Gnomes" set by Pixi Dust Designs (16 piece set) = used 1 of guy gnomes (not dated; not located on website)

25. unnamed set by Creative Devotions (13 piece set) = used heart and love 2017

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

where: Heart's Quest Fantasy Challenges Blog (the former TFATU) first blog post in 2025

link = https://thefairyandtheunicornchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/hqfcb-or-old-tfatu-1-in-2025-anything.htm

other places to share/link are:

a. Cupid = Lil Patch of Crafty Friends; started Dec 15 and closes in a few hours after I publish this post; anything goes

link = https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2024/12/244-paper-shelter.html

b. Cupid = 2 Sisters on the blog; started Jan 1; anything goes

link = https://2sistersontheblog.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-93.html

c. Cupid = Archiscraps; Dec 30 start; theme - crooked house photo inspiration = place a crooked item on layout/card or do a whole layout on an angle; MY Cupid is angled down with his arrow-- he's got someone below him targeted to get his next love arrow! 

link = https://archiscraps.blogspot.com/2024/12/january-challenge.html

photo = 

will share my card photo to the FB group

d. Cupid = Creations in Pink; has a few days left; theme = lots of pink; MY Cupid card has various shades of pink in the poinsettia print paper, tonal print paper, bright pink sash and pink wings on Cupid plus the foiling on the burgundy poinsettia paper has a pink look in the light

link = https://creationsinpink1challenge.blogspot.com/2024/12/challenge-76-anything-goes-in-mainly.html

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e. gnomes = Pinspirational; started Jan 1; theme is image/pink winter sky; MY art journal variation has a pinkish-lavender sky drenching the gnomes and poinsettias in loveliness

link = https://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/pinspirational-challenge-321-january.html

image = 

f. gnomes = Creative Friday; started Jan 3; color inspiration is 'old rose'/DT samples are showing pink; this gnome art journal entry has lots of pinks, magenta pinks and lavenders

link = https://creativefriday.blogspot.com/2025/01/creative-friday-376-altrosa.html

g. gnomes = Mix It Up; started Jan 1 and lasts until Feb 15; theme is mixed media; option is monochrome; MY art journal entry is almost monochrome; mediums are stamping (6 used!!) and lots of inking (2 tones of pink and 2 tones of lavender)

link = https://mixitupchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/miucb-75-anything-goes-optional.html

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Crafting in the USA heartland from a small Midwest town of 1,400 =

Becca S

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

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member = HAOOCAYR

My MTTCC #103 Tree shaped card DT project on 3 January 2025

Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why/purpose: NEW YEAR for MTTCC and we just continue to rollover from 2024. The design team gets topics in advance so that they can plan and prepare ahead of vacations, holidays, etc. if they so choose. For any artisan bloggers that have time available to craft around major holidays, we're open for them to have a space to participate. I've asked the DT to do a couple of months of shaped cards with each member suggesting a specific item or common shape symbol . Tree was suggested by another DT member. 

when: MTTCC #103 starts January 3, 2025 and lasts for 13 days

what:

notes:

1. angle-fold minty green cardstock base = Neenah

2. grass green cardstock scraps = Pen + Gear

3. wood craft ornament (bought plain) = Crafter's Square; also gem; glittery trimmed small tree (from gift tag set)

4. markers, adhesive tape; foam dots = stash

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

where: MTTCChristmas #103 tree-shaped card theme for Christmas or winter holiday blog post

link = https://mytimetocraftchristmas.blogspot.com/2025/01/mttcc-103-tree-shaped-christmas-or.html

other places to share/link are:

A. We Love 2 Create; started Dec 29; anything mixed media (option to go monochrome); MY tree-shaped card is not monochrome but does use a wood tree laser cut, has 3 marker colors and also black ink pad for tree green cardstock cut panel, the decorated tree tag focal has red glitter, plus a gem

link= https://welove2create.blogspot.com/2024/12/challenge-1-craft-card-making.html

B. Girlz Creative Christmas Challenge; started Dec 29/open for 1 day or less; anything goes Christmas

link= https://girlzcreativechristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2024/12/challenge-105-alles-mag-kerst-anything.html

C. Creative Moments; just hours left; sparkle/shine theme; My tree-shaped card has a gem that is reflecting light and the decorated tree tag focal has red glitter that also reflects light

link= https://carabbiemomentsofcraft.blogspot.com/2024/12/december-challenge-265-sparkle-and-shine.html

D. Paperminutes; blog is closing soon; this is my 2nd entry in their last challenge; anything goes/farewell option

link= https://paperminutes.blogspot.com/2024/12/paperminutes-878-frohliche-weihnachten.html

E. Word Art Wednesday; new/2 weeks; anything that is uplifting, encouraging; MY tree-shaped card is for Christmas

link = https://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/2025/01/anything-goes-681-682.html

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Please note: because I'm owner, I can't share this card to my newest challenge blog that started its first challenge on January 2nd. It's called HQFSCAT or Heart's Quest for Shaped Cards and Tags Challenges blog. The theme each month will always be anything goes on a shaped card or shaped tag. The only shape not allowed is a standard 4 straight corner rectangle. Dog-eared top altered rectangles are accepted as well as a scallop-top altered rectangle. Have fun! 

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Crafting in the USA heartland during 2025,

Becca S

* manager/DT = MTTCChristmas and MTTC

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR

* owner/DT = Ally's Angels, Christmas or not Bingo Challenges, Heart's Quest, Heart's Quest Fantasy, Heart's Quest Celebrations of Love, Heart's Quest for Shaped Cards and Tags, FarmQuest, FarmQuest General Store, FarmQuest Country Christmas, FarmQuest HomeStyle Kitchen, and FarmQuest Grocery Game Challenges

Loving my HAOOCAYR Jan 2025 DT projects

 Welcome to Becca's Heart for Creativity blog!

why/purpose: exciting introduction to the new year through Halloween and Other Occasions Crafts All Year Round challenge blog! The two main themes are Halloween and Birthdays which are my two projects for January. The optional January themes are Winter Fun and/or Hobby & Creativity.  

when: January 1, 2025 and lasts for the month

what: Project #1= Halloween-- Scary Night

notes:

1. the base print paper with color bands and white scenes (reverse side is tiny haunted houses print = Pixi Dust Designs

2. two stars with ghosts in their centers, bat, and 2 jack-o-lanterns are rub-on-transfers = Crafter's Square

3. alpha stickers = Jillibean Soup

4. white glue dots and exclamation point around the scary night lettering= stash

and

what: Project #2 = Birthday -- Say Cheese

notes:

21. kraft card base A2 size and envelope (from set) = Crafter's Square

22. green tonal print and off-white with orange dots (left) print papers = Faboolous paper pad by Simple Stories

23. "HB" stamp = SU (old)

24. "HB" stamped on white cardstock scrap = Neenah

25. orange/looks peach cardstock scrap (behind the green leaf print) = Art Skills

26. orange with white dots print paper = SU

27. 'say cheese' stamp = Say Cheese At The Park set by Simple Stories 2022

28. camera puffy embossed sticker (1 of 8 piece set) = Amy Tangerine 2018

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

where: HCAYR became HAOOCAYR about mid-year 2024; "Halloween and other occasions crafts all year round"

link = https://halloweencraftsallyearround.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-1st-halloween-and-other.html

other places to share/link are: (not sharing until Jan 2nd)

A. Halloween = Paperminutes; final challenge is open until Jan 6th; anything goes with option of farewell; My card is for Halloween/A.G.

link = https://paperminutes.blogspot.com/2024/12/paperminutes-878-frohliche-weihnachten.html

B. Halloween = Shopping Our Stash; started Dec 31; theme is super stars/ include stars; My Halloween card has  two black stars. 

link = https://shoppingourstash.blogspot.com/2024/12/sos538-superstars.html

C. Halloween = Two Old Bats; new on Jan 2; must be Halloween

link = https://twooldbatshalloweenchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-2025-anything-goes-halloween.html

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C. Birthday = Dream Valley; open since Dec 9th; still a few days; Anything Goes

link = https://dreamvalley2.blogspot.com/2024/12/challenge-327-anything-goes.html

D. Birthday = Krafty Chicks; open Jan 2/first Thursday; theme of Birthday; my 2nd project on this post is a fun camera/say cheese themed birthday card

link = https://kraftychickschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/krafty-chicks-challenge-749-birthday.html

E. Birthday = Craft Rocket; open Jan 2; theme of NEW; birthdays signal a new year in the life of a person plus the 'say cheese' stamp and the embossed camera puffy sticker are new items for me!!! YEA

link = https://craftrocketchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-121-something-new.html

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Crafting in the USA heartland,

Becca S

* DT member = HCAYR/HAOOCAYR

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* owner/DT = FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB, FQGGCB; also HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB and new on Jan 2, 2025 = HQFSCAT; also full owner/DT instead of co-owner of Ally's Angels and Christmas [or not] Bingo Challenges