I can’t believe November is already here and the stores are gearing up for the Holidays! It seems like we were just getting home from our trip to Oklahoma (where we spent last Christmas).  Although I’m not a huge fan of Christmas decor out this soon – if you can’t beat ‘em join ‘em – right?!?! With that being said, Sweet ‘n Sassy Stamps is having a challenge over at SNR – all you have to do is create a card with holly on it – doesn’t even have to be one of their images.  The prize is an adorable winter digi-stamp from next week’s release and you have until next Thursday morning (November 12) to complete your card. Of course, I had to join in!

For the card base, I used Riding Hood Red CS shaped with fabulous SVG freebie from Lindsay (I’m borrowing my Mom’s little Cricut for a while so I had to create something). The bonbon is a doodle/digital stamp hand drawn by my dear friend and uber talented Kim of KimB’s Designs (you can snag this wonderful image between now and November 16th at DSO or DSV – it’s part of Kim’s birthday grab bag 1). I printed the image twice, colored the first one with Copics and Sakura pens, then colored the Holly from the 2nd image, trimmed it, and attached with glue dots for added dimension.  After trimming with my nestabilites, I sponged Rocket Red Brilliance ink around the edges.  The mat is from DCWV Glitter Holiday mat stack.  The DP is from the Harvest Holiday collection by Debbie Mumm that I accented with more glitter CS from the Mat Stack that I cut with a scallop edge punch by EK Success.  The sheer organdy ribbon is from my stash as are the accent pearls (I think I used most of my white ones on this card!).  I stamped the joy sentiment from SU with White ink and drew the faux stitching by hand with a white gel pen.  I’m actually quite pleased with the results although I think I’ll skip the Rocket Red Brilliance on the edge if I make another of these.

I’m still working on my card for Jaimie Cates/Spread the Love – I love the Sarah Kay image I chose, but now I’m having trouble with the rest of the card.  I haven’t been satisfied with any of my mock-ups yet.  Maybe I’m trying too hard??!?!!?

In other news, two of my favorite designers are having some super specials!. KimB is celebrating her birthday, so until Nov 16, both of her stores (DSO and DSV) are on-sale 50% off, in addition to her amazing Grab Bags! But wait, there’s more (in my best Billy Mays type voice), this Saturday Lindsay’s Stamp Stuff is on-sale for 25% off at My Grafico! Definitely time to go shopping!

I guess that’s all from me. Oh wait, another couple of teasers for you:  I had a couple of comments regarding using Paint.net and gradients, so I  downloaded the free program and created these tidbits – which I am currently working into a tutorial. I’ll let you guys know as soon as I’m done.

Have a fabulous Friday!