Challenge #95

Hi everyone!  This is definitely going to be a long post so you'd better make a cuppa and pull up a chair.  First of all thanks to all who joined in with our previous challenge of Lots of Sparkle.  There were many, many fabulous designs which left the DT drooling.

______________________________

New Design Team

for January - June 2012

Allison of Alli D Cards

I have been making cards for about 2 and half years and started out of desperation really. Having had a really fruitless shopping trip looking for a card out of the ordinary for my Mum’s Birthday, I picked up a card making magazine and decided to give it a go. Never being one to shirk a challenge the first card I made was a Victorian style fan, which Mum loved. Sadly it was one of the few cards I ever got to make for her as she passed away suddenly the following month. Making cards got me through what was a difficult few months and before I really knew where I was I made all the family Birthday and Christmas cards for that year. I haven't bought a card since.

I have a very stressful job and work shifts so I find making cards helps me ‘wind down’ which is why I will often be found crafting in the early hours of the morning. I started working towards a certificate in paper crafting in June and it was through this I was introduced to the world of blogging and the blog challenges, as I can submit some of the cards I make for the challenges as assessment pieces for the course.

My preferred style is definitely distressed vintage looks and I love using the Tim Holtz distress inks and would be completely lost without them and my sizzix bigshot, as I really love using die cuts and embossing in my designs too. I am currently very much into the Steampunk design style and like the eclectic items that can be put together to make an effective design.

That’s me in a nutshell the only other thing to say is that I have a very understanding husband, who is extremely supportive.  I love the Creative Stitch and Craft Fair that is held at Aintree race course every year – well I only live 10 minutes walk from Aintree so I walk up and when I have had enough, ring hubby to come and get me in the car – well you couldn’t expect me to walk home with all my purchases and I don’t drive- see what I mean about long suffering!

Daniele of The Musings of a Chocoholic

I'm a Mum to two grown up children and a Nana to one Grandson who keeps me on my toes. I got into papercrafting after his birth as I starting scrapbooking. I started making cards a couple of years ago so I consider myself a newbie to papercrafting. I enjoy dabbling with new techniques and love lots of different styles.  Many years ago I had my own needlecraft shop so crafting has always been part of my life as well as my children's.  I'm  a manager now at Thorntons so I'm surrounded by chocolate during the day and craft at night, a perfect combination of indulgence.

Lorraine of ColdWaters 2

I was first introduced to card making while I was on long term sick leave. I watched a show featuring Dawn Bibby and was both impressed and inspired to try it out for myself.  That was over 8 years ago and I have never looked back. I love all types of card making from working with digi images to stamping and more.

Pat of Pip's Pastimes

I live in a small village in Lancashire on the edge of the Pennines with my husband Alan.  We have two sons, one daughter and six granddaughters.  I used to work as a PA in a sweet factory.  Now retired I enjoy time with the family and my various hobbies which include reading and tracing my family tree as well as crafting.  I have done knitting, crocheting and embroidery since I was young and started card making about 6 years ago.

Wendy of Purple Crazy Crafting

My name is Wendy, better known in blogland as Purple Crazy (yes my favourite colour is Purple).  I live with my lovely husband George and our cat, Sweep, who thinks she is in charge.  My three children have all flown the nest many years ago now and between them have had my six grandchildren.

I’ve crafted at all sorts of things since I was a young child, now that’s an awful lot of years!!  I started off being taught to knit and dressmake by my mother and have tried many things since then, currently I’m into paper crafting, beading, kumihimo and cross stitch. I also love to read thrillers & crime type stories and watch TV programmes such as NCIS, CSI and Natural World Documentaries.  

Thankfully crafting and reading has kept me sane since an accident injuring my spine and confining me to a wheelchair several years ago, so what I am able do each day tends to revolve around how good or bad my pain and health is.  

We are looking forward to working with all the new designers and I'm sure you'll be bowled over by their talent.

______________________________

Top 3

chosen by Wendi

#1 - Kaija of Kaijan-arkea

Congratulations Kaija! Please email Wendi at

wenem@ooh-la-la-creations.com with your selection of

2 digi downloads from the shop

#2 - Marianne of Kaarten van Marianne

#3 - Dori of Live, Love, Laugh ... and Craft!

Congratulations girls!  Don't forget to pick up your winners logo from the sidebar 
______________________________

Challenge #95

Anything but a Card

The DT is having a wee break over the festive season so this is the last challenge for the year.  It will run until 8 January.

______________________________

DT Inspiration

With much sadness we have to say goodbye to a permanent DT member, Doreen, who is moving on to pastures new.  Thank you so much for your dedication to our blog and for the many wonderful designs you've come up with during your time with us.  Good luck in what you do and will keep in touch in blogland. 

We also have to say goodbye to Lisbeth and Chilli Pip whose DT term comes to an end once this challenge is over.  Again, it's been a pleasure working with you and hope you'll join in with our challenges when you can.  Lizy is staying on with us as a permanent DT member so, welcome Lizy.

Chilli Pip

  

Lisbeth

Lizy

Dawn

Neus

Anne

  

______________________________