Advent ATC Day 22 for 2017

We are getting closer to the day of celebration for Jesus birth some 2,000+ years ago.

I've enjoyed making these but frankly (or should I say frankincense) I'm ready for a few days of total relaxation. I haven't thought about or shopped for ingredients of what food to prepare to take to my mother's on Christmas Day. Goodness!

Without further ado, #22:

Recipe:

1. ATC size light gray cardstock base (Colorbok)

2. green and red markers were used to add details at corners and #22

3. "Joy to the World" (Unity Stamp Co.) stamped on green paper (Grafix)

4. Cut around step 3

5. 1/4 of a red with white snowflake printed doily (Christmas House/bought at Dollar Tree) was glued, pleated, and stapled in 2 spots

6. "Joy to the World" was glued on

7. iridescent gem added

This is the 2nd time I have used this new stamp for the ATC series but I just really like how this looks like it is a jingle bell or an ornament. It is a to be a festive time. Keep your spirits filled with joy. Sing carols. Give something to someone-- Hand-made items are always welcomed. Hand-baked goods are especially enjoyed. Remember the widows, orphans, and less fortunate.

Look around. It is easy to notice someone who appears to be in a worse situation or set of circumstances. But by the grace of God that could be I. Let your love of God shine.

Blessed in the heartland, Becca

 

Advent ATC for Day 21

Winter Solstice. December 21. 21st day of Advent.

Artist Trading Cards are like collector baseball cards. It has been years since I traded ATCs with other crafters but for now I'm enjoying making this set and I will be making a garland of them to have hanging until mid-January.

This one was super quick and easy. I used a recycled piece of glossy cardstock that was backing in packaging and trimmed it to the proper dimensions for ATCs (2.5" x 3.5"). I glued a metallic foil paper gift tag bought in a set of 25 (5 copies of 5 designs) for just $1 at Dollar Tree. Then 4 iridescent gems were added. Advent 21 was written with black gel pen. Oh, I also inked the edges in green which is about impossible to see but believe me, it is noticeable in person.

Done. Voila!!!!!!

Festive cheer to you and yours this Advent season and throughout the last days of December until we see 2018! Take time to read in Matthew and Luke about the Savior's birth. For those that believe in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus, the Holy Spirit gives a person's soul a peace that surpasses human understanding. When life gets crazy and chaotic, having faith in God makes it possible to continue on. 

Blessings from the heartland & blessed to be alive,

Becca

Advent ATC for December 20

Number 20 in my quest to make an artist trading card for each day of advent:

Recipe:

1. light gray cardstock scrap measured and cut to ATC size (2.5' x 3.5")

2. pressed the gray card down on top of a 6-color ink pad (Horizon Group, Inc. bought at Wal-Mart)

3. drew a arced line to represent a hill or mound then traced over with a dark brown marker

4. Advent day 20 and Dec. 20 written in same dark brown

5. Merry Christmas written with red-orange marker

6. add pop-art style snowman sticker that had 4 of the 6 ink pad colors

Voila!

Simple to create.

Crafting in USA heartland &

Thankful to be alive,

Becca

Advent Artist Trading Card for December 19

The 19th ATC was made on the 19th of December!

Was it posted on the 19th? No, but it will be shortly after midnight when I finish typing this quick post.

The color tones of this are just about monochromatic of blues and grays/silvers. It is a huge departure from the trio of pinks, browns, and greens that were used in the past few days.

Departure is good. The colors of this ATC are very non-traditional and don't even look that wintery. More masculine than wintery. But it's good to keep challenging one's creativity.

I've been wanting to have tally marks for representing the day of the month since about the 5th day and finally used this method for showing the # day of Advent. Advent (preparing for the birthday of Christ) should be a time of laughter and joy. The angels rejoiced. The wise men rejoiced. 

As you prepare your heart in this season please share God's love with your family, friends, neighbors, and a few strangers.

Blessings, Becca

Penguin Trio for Friday Freebie at CTB and for CTD473 and for PC 359

Friday. Freebie. Could it get any better? I just caught up the Bugaboo post for yesterday December 15 and discovered that the digital image freebie is an adorable trio of penguins!!!

http://catchthebugblog.blogspot.ca/2017/12/freebie-friday-penguin-trio.html

Isn't that just TRIPLE goodness in creativity?!?! The design team did amazing work, too, for inspiration.

So, I just have to enter right? And I needed to create an Advent Day 16 (December 16) ATC. Brilliantly, I decided to work ahead and craft Day 17 and 18 too. With church and a potluck tomorrow and cardiac rehab on Monday along with blood work, my husband and I have a couple of hectic days. Getting a jump start on crafting goals this afternoon has been a very good thing!

Aren't these the cutest winter creatures?!?! I had to pick out 3 pink theme papers that were part of a clearance bundled package of The Paper Studio scrapbook paper purchased at Hobby Lobby last weekend. Each one of the trio (separated the images) has all three patterned papers in different size ratios. Each one has a focus color that is used for the # of day and to border the panel image but they all have the color used at least once in their image.

Pinks, green, brown, white are also the current color combination for Color Throwdown #473 so I will have these as my 2nd entry for that challenge.

http://colorthrowdown.blogspot.com/2017/12/color-throwdown-countdown-473.html

And this also fits for Penny's Challenges #359 Anything Goes:
http://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/2017/12/pennys-challenge-359.html

Summary:

1. Friday Freebie at Catch the Bug Challenge Blog for Bugaboo Stamps

2. Color Throwdown #473
3. Penny's Challenges #359 Anything Goes sponsored by Bugaboo and The Paper Shelter until December 19, 2017

4. December Advent ATCs (personal challenge to achieve this month)

Keep checking back to see what's new for Becca's Heart for Creativity!, Becca S