At Home with Gnomes-Revisited!

 

So--back in 2021, I decided to start a monthly challenge for myself to use one of the many gnomes stamp or die sets that I have.  My stamping friend Jeanette did a series in 2020 where she made a card every month, using a different gnome image, and posted on her blog.  I loved looking at them whenever she posted those cute non-faces.  So-I asked her if she minded if I "borrowed" her theme for 2021 and she graciously said yes.  So-At Home With Gnomes was created!  But-I did not achieve my goals.  I looked back on my blog and I had posted a couple of cards in 2021 and then a few more in 2022.  And, even one in January of 2023--3 years ago.  But, none since then!  So--I am trying for 2026--cross your fingers for me!  Each month I will create a card using one of my many gnome images and I plan to post on the 19th. I set a date this year so I can see it in my calendar and that might nudge me more.

For my January card, I decided to go with 2 Simon Says Stamp die sets called Large Gnome and Lil Gnome. Each gnome set comes with the backer and then 4 pieces for the hat, body, beard and nose.  I die cut the gnomes a few times for various cardstock pieces in my scrap drawers.  I embossed the background with a Tim Holtz-Sizzix die called Intertwine.  I added a sentiment from a Newton' Nook set called Gnome Garden Set.  Look for me to use that set later this spring.  I think this is a fun card.

I know I have enough gnomes to use a different one each month.  I will be back on February 19th and will show you another gnome, so stay tuned!

Image/Sentiment:  Simon Says Stamp Large Gnome and Lil Gnome Die Sets; Newton's Nook Gnome Garden Stamp Set for the Sentiment

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black, various colors of cardstock from my scrap drawers

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Tim Holtz-Sizzix Intertwine Embossing Folder

A Fan of Taylored Expressions

 

This card was posted on Instagram yesterday for a hop called Fans of Taylored Expressions! I love Taylored Expressions and many of my friends also do.  So--I wanted to join a group that loves them!!! And, I found my people!  The hop is always the third Saturday of every month. 

The theme for January is to make a mini slimline card.  I have lots of TE supplies for mini-slim cards--dies, stencils and of course cute images in fun sets. I decided to make a spring time card with sweet colors.

I picked a fun older set called Springtime Smile and picked out 3 images to fit in the windows of my Mini-Slim Square Window Die. I colored the images with my Copic Sketch Markers. I used the Wonky Dots Stencils with Confetti Cake ink for the top layer.  I then die cut the stencil panel and added foam tape all around the back before added the images. I layered the stenciled panel with the images on a Cookie Monster Top Fold Mini-slim card base.  I added a few Taylored Expressions Bits & Pieces Clear Drip Drops for the final touch!

This hop on Instagram happens every month on the 3rd Saturday with different themes.   I know I will be back hopping in February!

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions Springtime Smiles

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  Taylored Expressions Cookie Monster, Sugar Cube

Ink:  Taylored Expressions Confetti Cake, Oreo

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Taylored Expressions Mini-slim Square Window Die, Wonky Dots Stencil, Bits & Pieces Clear Drip Drops 

Peace on Earth

 

Today is the 15th and this is my card this month for our The Creative Crew!  We are a group of 6--Jeanette, Darlene, Lorraine, Terry, Tracie and me. Each month will be a new challenge posed by one of the members sending out a kit. For January, we are using our own stash and making a card with snow--snowmen, snow angels, snowflakes, etc.  

I decided to make a couple of Christmas Cards to add to my stash for 2026.  I really like this Taylored Expressions Peace on Earth Cutting Plate.  I cut two panels of The Paper Cut's Crystal Diamond cardstock with the plate.  For the background, I used a piece of patterned paper from the recent Stampin' Up Peaceful Garden Designer Series paper pack and a piece of blue glitter cardstock, also from Stampin' Up. I decided I needed some light in the windows of the blue panel, so I die cut the plate again from Crushed Curry to add to the church.  The sentiment is also from Taylored Expressions and is called All is Calm.  The set has matching dies and I embossed the words with Brutus Monroe Sterling embossing powder.  I layered it a few times with die cut pieces for a bit of dimension on these otherwise flat cards.  

I hope all of The Creative Crew Gals enjoy my card this month.  Please be sure to stop in to see what fun crafty cards are posted this month.  All of the blogs can be found on my left sidebar.  Our teammate Lorraine does not have a blog, so please check out her card in her SCS gallery.   I am sure you will enjoy all of the fun, snowy cards!

For February, Darlene is up for our challenge. Be sure to check in with us on the 15th to see what fun is planned!

Image/Sentiment: Taylored Expressions All is Calm Stamp Set and Matching Dies, Peace On Earth Cutting Plate

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100# White, Crystal Diamond Glitter Paper; Stampin' Up Crushed Curry, Blue Glitter Cardstock, Peaceful Garden Designer Series Paper

Ink:  Versamark; Brutus Monroe Sterling Embossing Powder

Accessories:  None

Bold Hello

 

Today is the the 12th and it is time for another Hot Mess card. This card is #77, so we are into year #8. The idea of Hot Mess ~ Success is to Get Messy and you will have Success!  Messiness can be almost anything that we come up with--glitter, alcohol inks, glimmer glitz, sponged backgrounds, etc., anything that is a bit messy.  We are a very fun group and will post a card each month on the 12th.  The links to the other members are on my left side bar and I will also link them at the bottom at this post.

For my messiness this month, I decided to break out some Taylored Expressions Liquid Watercolors and Tim Holtz Watercolor cardstock.  I did use 2 different colors of blue, but there is not much of a color variance.  Oh well--I did get messy making the base.  The sentiment is a Concord & 9th die and backer from the Everyday Sayings die set.  I added a few black enamel dots around the Hello.  I pretty simple card to make, but a bold color!   

I really like this simple card and hope you do too.  I also sure hope my fellow messy ladies like them too!  Here are the links to the other somewhat messy crafters: Darlene, Jeanette and Terry. I am sure you will enjoy seeing how everyone got messy this month and was successful in making some great cards!   Be sure to check back to see what we are up in February!

Image/Sentiment:  Concord & 9th Everyday Sayings Die Set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Basic Black; Tim Holtz Watercolor Cardstock

Ink: Taylored Expressions Liquid Watercolors

Accessories:  Black Enamel Dots; Gina K Designs Master Layouts 2

Snow Glad We're Friends

 

Today is the 9th of the month and it is now time for another The Three Musketeers post. This round, Jeanette is the hostess and sent us each a sweet stamp set called Snow Friends from Stampendous. Isn't she generous!  She instructed us to use any image for our card, but be sure to use the "glad we're friends" sentiment.  For January,  this is card #137 and we are now in year #12!  I cannot believe this trio has been going strong for 12 1/2 strong years! 

I stamped a scene with the two snowy people and the sentiment between them.  I then colored them with my Copic Sketch Markers.   I used Wink of Stella to add some glitter and shine on the fur on their hats along with the snow below them. I layered the panel on Real Red and then added 2 strips of the same color on the sides of the card.  I added some clear enamel dots around the cuties!  I hope Jeanette and Kelly along with you enjoy my card!  

Please check out the other Musketeer's cards.  Here is the link to Jeanette's blog along with Kelly's blog.  I am sure you will not be disappointed and will see a couple of cute cards!  Kelly is up for our February challenge, so please be sure to join us again next month!

Image/Sentiment:  Stampendous Snowy Friends stamp set

Cardstock/Patterned Paper: The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Real Red

Ink: Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories:  Copic Sketch Markers; Clear Enamel Dots; Wink of Stella

Let it Snow!

 

Today is the day I post a card for our challenge called Unused No More!  This is a monthly challenge to be posted on the 6th with a group of friends from my No Foolin' Retreat.  Some may post on their blog and I will note those with blogs at the end of this post.  And, some might post on other social media.  Those that participate each month will send a picture in the text thread we have between us, showing our creation.  The premise is to use a stamp set, stencil die, hot foil plate or press plate that is new and has never been used.  So--Unused No More!  

My plan is to pick a different company each month to highlight and maybe even a different product than the month before.  For January, I picked a Brass & Bliss Stamp and Die that I have not used called Penguin. I think he is so dang cute and I can always use more Winter or Christmas Cards.

For my card, I decided to make a gate-fold card.  I had just watched a live with Gina K Designs and her 12 Days of Christmas Kit where she made some with her Day 11 gift.  I picked some fun patterned paper that kind of coordinates with the fun stamped penguin image. I used Gina's Master Layouts 13 to cut the stitched panels and the backers--first time using that set too!!!!  I stamped and colored the penguin with my Copic Sketch Markers, then die cut.  I added a stitched circle behind the penguin which overlaps the middle opening.  I also used a stitched circle die to cut the sentiment, which I popped up so the circle with the image slips under it.  I added some lime green enamel dots by the image.

 

I am not sure who will post each month on their blog, but this is a list of the other ladies who do have blogs.  Links to the blogs of Jeanette, Terry, and Darlene.  Be sure to come back on February 6th to see another fun card from a set Unused No More. 

Image/Sentiment:  Brass & Bliss Penguin Stamp and matching die; Sentiment is from my stash

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; Stampin' Up Real Red, Granny Apple Green; Pebbles Holly Jolly-Mittens

Ink:  Hero Arts Intense Black

Accessories: Gina K Designs Master Layouts 3 and 13; Gina Marie Designs Stitched Circle Die; Lime Green Enamel Dots

Amazing Things

 

Today is the day I am posting my card for our first One Plus Twelve challenge in 2026.  This is year number 8.  For this challenge, we are to use just one stamp, to make a card every month and post on the 3rd of each month.  For this year, I picked a Pinkfresh Studio set called Amazing Things.  The set includes a stamp set, matching dies, a 5-piece stencil set and a better press set. I am excited that I get to use this set every month for all of 2026 and have so many options. 

For my card this month, I stamped the image and sentiment with Versamark ink and heat embossed with Hero Arts Brass Embossing Powder.  I colored the image with the stencil set using Pinkfresh Studio ink cubes in greens and pinks. I then picked a Pinkfresh cover plate called Stitched Octagons for the background along with some Stampin' Up Metallic Brass Ribbon.  I added PFS Butterscotch Glitter Dots around the image.

 

Please be sure to check out the other One plus Twelve posts to see the the stamp set for the 2026 cards that Kelly and Jeanette have created for January!  Here is a link to both Jeanette's  and Kelly's blog.  Be sure to come back on February 3rd to see another fun card. 

Image/Sentiment: Pinkfresh Studio Amazing Things stamp and die set

Cardstock:  The Paper Cut 100# Cougar Opaque White; 

Ink: Versamark; Hero Arts Brass Embossing Powder; Pinkfresh Studio Fresh Pear, Grassy Knoll, Cherry Blossom, Peony, Begonia

Accessories:  Pinkfresh Studio Stitched Octagons Cover Plate, Butterscotch Glitter Dots; Stampin' Up Metallic Brass Ribbon

Happy New Year

 Happy New Year--Welcome to 2026!

These 3 shiny cards are from the December Fun Time Thursday by The Paper Cut.  The class was called New Year/Celebrate. 

Reminder--these are not my own designs!  The cards are the designs of the other instructors from these classes.  I am just recreating the cards from the class. These creations are from Sarah and The Paper Cut in Appleton, WIS!

The cards were full of sparkle and shine with glitter cardstock, metallic cardstock and holographic cardstock too!  Sarah sent additional sentiments so we could make other themed cards, but I went with New Years type cards. All of the dies and stamp sets are from Brass & Bliss.  

 

Sarah offers many different kinds of classes through the year and kits can be ordered from their website.  I hope you enjoyed my cards! 

Image/Sentiment:  All of the stamps and dies are from Brass & Bliss 

Cardstock:  All included in kit--all are available from The Paper Cut

Ink:  None  

Accessories: None