For Make My Monday Challenge #270

  Hello! Glad you stopped by to see my DT sample for the new challenge over at Make My Monday. The theme this time chosen by Helen is CAS...a Clean and Simple card. See how I used the theme below...

 In design, a CAS card is very simple with a lot of "white" or space left on the front of the card. So with that in mind, I always try to select an image that stands out or draws your attention so you don't miss anything else in the space then, add a sentiment. I like to have sympathy cards on hand and when I decided on the swan image, I thought she would make a very pretty one...

Here is a close up of the Swans of Peace set by the American stamp company, Creative Worship Stamps. They have lovely products for cardmaking and Bible and Art Journaling.  Thanks so much for stopping by and visitng! Can't wait to see what you create in a CAS card...bye for now...

Melissa

For Sparkles Monthly...Welcome 2026!

  Hello and Happy 2026!  Can you believe we are starting a new year and that means a new round of monthly card challenges! So I am the hostess this month and I chose SNOWFLAKES as the theme for challenge #196 over at Sparkles Monthly Challenge . See how I used the theme below...

 I used a stencil and texture paste on the base before I added the snowflakes for some demension. I decided on a soft green and I thinkit looks great with the soft white snowflakes for a wintery look. 

 Here is a close up of the details...a few layered sparkly sequins and this winter card is complete! Thanks so much for stopping by to see my card for this months challenge. I hope you will feel inspired and join in with us. Bye for now...

Melissa

For Make My Monday #269

  Hello welcome back and welcome 2026! A new year & month means we are starting off the New Year with a brand new challenge over at Make My Monday. This is challenge #269 and the theme is use PAPER WITH A PATTERN. I love patterned paper and really as crafters, what would we do without it!?! To me, it's the fasted way to create a fast & pretty card with hardly any effort. Select your paper, add a sentiment and your card is ready to mail!  See how I used patterned paper below...

 I used just a touch of patterned paper and I even stamped on it! I found this pretty floral vintage look paper and stamped this lovely butterfly in purple and it works wonderful in the card design! But before I did that, I watered colored with ink on palstic and kinda smeard that onto the card stoack. Then, stamped a few vintage look snippets here and there and then stamped that large lovely bloom that the butterflies come to rest on. 

Here's a close of all the details and those pretty stamped butterflies. 

So glad you stopped by to check things out. Challenge #269 will run until  Friday, January 23rd. I hope to see how you use some Patterned Paper in your creation...bye for now...

Melissa

Happy 2026!

  Hello and Happy New Year! New month means new challenge over at Sparkles Christmas Challenge and the theme is: 

   #180 Animals and Trees 

  I used the tree and reindeer from this sweet set to create this card for the Animals & Trees theme. Keeping with traditonal colors, I like aged paper background for the base.

 Lots of shiny red dots and snowflakes add a little dimension to the design. Thanks for stopping by to take a look and you have all month long to join in! See you in the gallery!

Melissa

For Sunday Stamps Challenge 376

  Hello and glad you are here!  The new sketch challenge is now live over at Sunday Stamps and I am the hostess this round...hope you like the fun sketch and look forward to seeing what you all make!

 Here is what I did with it...

 My card is a fun vintage feel coffee themed card! I had made a few backgrounds with a vintage look snippets set and used one of those and just added more layers. Wasn't sure what colors to use because the background was a neutral but adding the blue was a good choice with the ivory, beige and brown.

 With the holidays right around the corner, this challenge will run a little longer than normal. You have until Friday January 9th to submit your entries. Thank you for stopping by and checking things out. I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas  & Happy New Year!  Enjoy!

Melissa

MMM Challenge #267

  Hello and welcome! My card is for the new challenge over at the Make My Monday Blog! See the theme for this challenge below...

 MMM Challenge #267 A CAS Quickie  Christmas Card    

and here is what I did with the challenge theme...

  One layer plus the base, all stamped and watered colored and not other layers or die cuts and lots of white space. I use to struggle with CAS cards but anymore sometimes simple is just nice...

  Instead of centering the design, I set it off to the right side and I like the end result. this beautiful set from Creative Worship Stamps called, First Christmas, made this CAS card easy to put together.

So glad you stopped by and I hope you are planning on joining in with us so I can see your version of a CAS card...See you in the gallery!!

Melissa

           

Sparkles Monthly BREAK!

 Hello! Thanks for stopping by. As you can see my post is empty! We are taking a break from the Sparkles Monthly Challenge  for the month of December. We will be back to creating and enjoying your wonderful entries on January 15, 2026.

In the meantime, enjoy the holiday season and from my home to yours

 

 Merry Christmas!

&

Happy New Year!