Win some Tim Holtz Goodies

The lovely Lin at Yours Artfully is offering you the chance to win some lovely Tim goodies
Here is what she has to say.....

' as the year comes to an end and we eagerly await CHA to find out what Tim has in store for us next year, all you have to do to have a chance of becoming the proud owner of the bundle of Tim's goodies is to leave a comment here on my blog, mention the giveaway on your blog with a link back here....simples!!! It's a scrummy bundle of stash......good luck......I hope you win. The winner will be announced on New Years Day  Lin'


Good luck everyone

Woo hoo - I am excited......

I have some very good news to share with you all.....
Starting in January I have lots of new sponsors for the blog -
Firstly, there will be a monthly sponsor for the first Thursday in each month challenge - can't tell you yet who but a super crafty supplier.
Another lovely sponsor will be working their magic on the 2nd Thursday of every month offering digital images.
Finally there will be a monthly regular sponsored challenge on the last Thursday in the month and - as if you need more there will be other odd sponsored weeks throughout the year.
So, I do hope you will all keep coming back for the challenges - this makes it more worthwhile I think and some lovely folks have offered prizes/blog candy for 2011.
I have now chosen my Design Team and look forward to working with some very talented folks. I have had some fantastic support over the years I have been doing this challenge blog so hope that will continue throughout 2011.

New Design Team

Just added a new page showing my lovely new Design Team Gems.
You will be able to see their wonderful creations in the New Year.

Challenge 131 - 'Make it a Vintage Delight'

Well hello again - not as many entries this last week but never mind - everyone has so much to do this time of year.
You can see some of the creations as always on my favourites blog - thanks for all of them they are all winners.
This week I would like you to 'Make it a Vintage Delight'. It does not have to be a Christmas card - if you are heartily sick of them make something else - as long as Vintage that will be fine.
As usual you may create whatever you wish be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.

Don't forget that in January I will be giving away lots of Blog Candy as I have many new sponsors - I hope you will enjoy them and join in the challenges with my super new Design Team
I went with a Vintage Christmas card - not many left to make now thank goodness

Challenge 130 Christmas Food /or Drink

Wow, what an awful lot of entries I had last week - thank you all so much - I think we broke the record for entries.  I would have liked to put them all on the sampler but had to choose just a few so you can see them over at my favourites blog here.
Only 16 days left before the big day but hopefully you will all find the time to make another card or project for this week's challenge which is Christmas Food and/or Drink.  I am sure most folks leave something out for Santa and Rudolph but not sure they would like my marshmallows lol.

As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.

Don't forget that in January I will be giving away lots of Blog Candy as I have many new sponsors - I hope you will enjoy them and join in the challenges with my super new Design Team
Here is my card made using this fabulous little stamp I picked up in the States on one of my trips.
 

Challenge 129 Christmas Animals

Well 22 days left to Christmas day.... can you believe it.... the year is nearly gone.
I am well and truly snowed in - we have had feet of the stuff this last week and there is no sign of it going anywhere soon.
Many thanks for the lovely Thanksgiving cards last week - some can be seen on the sampler over on my favourites blog.
This week I would like to see some Christmas Animals on your creations - I have chosen some Beatrix Potter animals always a firm favourite I think.

As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.

Here are my cards to help with inspiration should you need any.

Challenge 128 Thanksgiving

What a lot of lovely entries there were last week thanks you so much.
I will pop some on the sampler later.
I have now completed my Design Team and will announce it shortly but thanks to all the entrants.
This week the US celebrate THANKSGIVING so I thought that would be a good challenge for this week. Even though we don't celebrate it here in the UK we all have so much to be thankful for so go ahead and say thank you. I certainly have a lot to be thankful for today as things worked out well for my friend John.
Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
Here is my card for inspiration should you need any.

Challenge 127 - 'Edge It'

Another week has gone by and another Day of Remembrance over for another year. Many thanks for all your lovely entries all fitting tributes to those lost or injured in the wars.
I have chosen some of your super designs and you can see them on the sampler over on my favourites blog.
This week I have chosen 'EDGE IT' for your challenge.  Any fancy edge will be just fine it doesn't have to be a Martha Stewart punched edge. Just have fun making something different. If you can make it for Christmas remember it will be one less card to make.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
Here is my card for inspiration should you need any.

Challenge 126 - Lest We Forget - Thinking of You

Many thanks for all your lovely pictures last week and thanks also to my friend Janet for hosting the challenge.
Some of you thought Mr Linky was not working but I did receive all the entries and some can be seen on my favourites blog slide show. Sorry about delay in showing slide show but Mr Blogger does not want to load pictures.

Today is Remembrance /Armistice Day so do please take a minute to think of those lost in all the wars  and all those who are out there fighting right now.
We have lost many brave men and women over the years so today your challenge is to make something that saysTHINKING OF YOU.
You could, of course, incorporate POPPIES into your creation should you wish.
Many crafters are so generous and make cards for 'Help the Heroes' so this could be one of the cards you send to them.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
My card is a work in progress at present but will post it later in the day.
It is for my next door neighbour who sadly lost his Dad last weekend.

CHALLENGE 125 - Make a Picture

Many thanks for your spooky and scary creations last week. You can see some of them on my favourites blog as usual.
Firstly I must announce the winner of Caroline's lovely stamps - yes you are the winner........
drum roll......
drum roll......
SUSIE LITTLE congratulations.  Please email me your address and I will post them on to you when I return from NEC next week.
Many thanks again Caroline for your generosity.

This week I have  lovely Guest Designer Janet and her topic is 'Make a Picture'
Here is what she has to say.....
'My name is Janet Van Rossen, I am 55 years old and am retired and live in rural splendour in Moray, Scotland. I have been crafting for 5 years and particularly enjoy rubber stamping, brayering and making altered art. My main passion is making pictures using rubber stamps, particularly of the countryside where I live. I keep a Fell pony Finn, who I ride almost every day and two elderly pet sheep Whitney and Jeffrey. I love the countryside and the animals and birds that inhabit it and try to include them in my pictures. I have had a blog since February 2010 http://redmossramblings.blogspot.com.'
Do check out Janet's blog to see her lovely works of art.

As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
Here is the picture Janet created for inspiration.

CHALLENGE 124 SPOOKY AND SCARY

Many thanks for your lovely entries last week. You can as always see some on my Favourites blog.
This week is your last chance to be entered into this month's Prize Stamp Draw so be sure to enter your creation.
As Halloween is very close I just had to have this SPOOKY AND SCARY challenge this week.  I think a bat on the head would be very scary..... see my inchie below.....
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.

CHALLENGE 123 AUTUMN FOLIAGE

Well another two weeks gone by and challenge completed. Thanks so much for your lovely entries - as always you can see some of them over on my favourites blog.
We are now well into the autumn/fall season and the trees up here in the Highlands are showing some wonderful colours - this inspired my challenge this week AUTUMN FOLIAGE. Leaves, trees, flowers the choice is yours and do remember you will still be in with a chance to win the lovely stamps from Caroline - I will draw the winner on Halloween. So the more entries you have the more chances to win.....
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
Here is my card showing some fungi - I found a mushroom in the plant pot that held last year's poinsettia over the waters - very odd.

CHALLENGE 122 AROUND THE WORLD - 2 weeks - new challenge 21st October

Many thanks for your lovely Arched entries last week. As always they are on my favourites blog.
This week, today in fact, I am on my way home from overseas so I thought AROUND THE WORLD would be an appropriate topic - I have chosen Africa, a place I have never been.
Choose whatever country you wish and make your creation a card, atc, layout , bookmark - the choice is endless and yours alone.
This month there will be a lovely prize from Caroline - three unmounted stamp sets - see picture below. I will choose a winner at the end of October so have fun with your entry. This challenge will last for two weeks.

As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog.

Here is my African card for inspiration.

OCTOBER PRIZE - you have to enter to win

Here are the lovely stamps you can win this month donated by Caroline from Carolines' Rubber Stamps. I think you will agree they are lovely.

Thank you Caroline for your generosity.

Do check out Carolines blog for inspiration too.

I will choose the winner at the end of the month. Good luck

CHALLENGE 121 - GOTHIC CHRISTMAS

Many thanks for your lovely entries last week. You can see them over on the favourites blog as usual.
You will all be pleased to know the Island has returned to it's normal lovely peaceful self with gloriously long summer days and temperatures of 83 degrees or thereabouts.
However as it is almost October, the nights are drawing in and the time has come to start those Christmas creations  if you haven't done so already.  So this week I would like you to create something Christmassy but in the shape of a GOTHIC ARCH.  There are many types of Arch you can use so just design your own and have fun.

As always you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog.
Have fun and enjoy the challenge.


Here is my arch hope you like it.

CHALLENGE 120 - TICK TOCK

Thanks so much for all your gorgeous creatIons this last week - you can see them over on my favourites blog as usual.
This week my challenge should be wind, rain and hurricanes as I just survived the dreadfully dangerous Hurricane Igor - BUT - I would not make you do that so - my challenge is TICK TOCK. How is that related you may ask - well - The 36 or so hours I spent in a secure basement hospital office whilst my husband worked and the hurricane blew over us were the longest and most scary I have ever spent and time went very slowly hence this challenge. 
You may use anything related to clocks, watches and time in general and have fun with the challenge.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog.
Thanks also to the many friends who supported me through the weekend - you know who you are.
During this time, believe it or not I had the offer of a new sponsor (thank you you know who) - so two in the future to come (will not do them till October when I am home and can post out the prizes) so hope you will understand the delay.


As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.


Here is my card created partly during the hurricane and finished off today (a lovely sunny and windless day)

Check out my crafty blog for some pre Hurricane pictures.

Challenge 119 - FEATHERS

Many thanks for your lovely entries last week there were some beauties again - check them out on the sampler over on my favourites blog.
This week I would like you to use FEATHERS in your creation - real or stamped the choice is yours.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.

Just as an aside I am lucky enough to have managed to get a ticket to one of the Tim Holtz courses he is running in the UK next year - to say I am excited - well not quite the right words....... roll on February and please do not snow then...... as I need to fly down there.....

Here is my feathery bookmark to give you some inspiration.
Have fun

CHALLENGE 118 BLACK WHITE AND SILVER

Well another week gone by and we are well into September - time flies....
Thanks for all your lovely dreaming entries last week - you can see them on the favourites blog as always.
Now for the new challenge today - I would like you to use BLACK, WHITE AND SILVER in your creation. I have done a lovely card, scanned it and added it to Picasa - obviously on my home computer. BUT I am here in Toronto without my netbook using Geoff's laptop - so that means I cannot show my card until I get to Bermuda and have access to my laptop there sorry.... silly me!!
However I know you do not need any inspiration for this one so as always create a work of art, add it to Mr Linky and link your card back to my blog.
If you would like to be GD just add that to your comment please.
I will come and visit you and leave comments too.
In the next few weeks I have a new sponsor coming up and an old one (if you see what I mean) so keep checking for further info.
Enjoy.

CHALLENGE 117 'DREAMING'

Well what a lot of gorgeous entries last week - thanks to each and every one of you. I was actually thinking I may close down for a wee while but now I will carry on. Some of your lovely designs can be seen over on my favourites blog.
This week I would like you to 'DREAM' with me.  Whatever you dream will be a lovely surprise for me - as long as you include the words Dream or Dreaming in the creation somewhere.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
Here is my card for dreaming inspiration if you need it.

Challenge 116 - Sparkle and Shine

Good morning everyone a sparkling morning up here in the North.
Many thanks for all your entries last week - I will pop them on the sampler very soon - check them at my favourites blog as always.
Now for this week - the topic is very appropriate for the day here as the sun is shining and the sky blue.  Make your creation SPARKLE AND SHINE that is your brief this week.
(My card does in real life even if not showing up on the scan).
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. Add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
If you would like to be a Guest Designer just put GD on your comment please.

Challenge 115 - Paint it

Thanks for the four lovely entries last week - obviously not a good choice of subject - sorry.  You can see the creations on my favourites blog soon.
This week I would like you to 'Paint it' - lots of options here, backgrounds, foregrounds, oil paints, watercolours etc. the choice is endless.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
Here is my card - the background created using Eco Green paints.
Hope you like it.

Two Weeks - Challenge 114 - Fairy Doors

Many thanks for your entries to the last two week challenge - you can see the lovely orange and lemon creations on my favourites blog.
Apologies for late posting today but here is your new challenge which will last for 2 weeks.
In the town of Ann Arbour in the States there have been many appearances of Fairy Doors in various places, you can read about them by clicking the link. I have always been fascinated by the story so thought you may like to produce your own FAIRY DOOR for this challenge.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours as long as there is a Fairy Door somewhere to be seen. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
Here is my card - I thought the door would be just right for a Fairy.....enjoy

Two Weeks - Challenge 113 - Enjoy Life with Oranges and Lemons

Many thanks to Claire our lovely GD for her super challenge last week.  She will choose the sampler pictures and you will be able to see them on the favourites blog as usual.
This week I really feel I should have made a Christmas card as the weather today is sooo bad BUT I did not as it is supposed to still be summer and I know some of you have sunshine. I would like you to create using the theme 'Oranges and Lemons' nice summery colours.  You could choose the fruits of course but I chose the colours - you decide.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
This challenge will stay open two weeks as I am taking a little trip South to see family next week and may not be able to get on the blog.
Here is my card - I really enjoyed making this - not my usual colours at all, hope you like it.

Challenge 112 - Lavender and Lace

Thanks as always for your entries last week - pop over to the favourites blog and see the few but lovely creations.
This week I have a new Guest Designer - Claire - check out her blog to see her fabulous work. Here is what she has to say:
'Hi,  I was so pleased when Cynthia asked me to be a Guest Designer on her challenge. Cynthia's challenge is one of my favourites and I try to enter as often as I can as she has some brilliant ideas and themes. I live in the UK with my hubby, 20 year old son, 2 dogs and parrot. I also work full time for a Mental Health charity and my job can be quite stressful so my little craft room is a real escape for me.

I've always enjoyed crafting of some sort but started paper crafting about 6 years ago and soon after became addicted to rubber stamping. I love trying new techniques, the messier the better. I'm at my happiest tucked away in my craft room getting inky. I've recently got into digi stamps too and I'm really enjoying having a play and trying to use them with some of the inky techniques I love. I only started my blog over Christmas so I'm pretty new to blogging and challenges but I've learnt so much and made lots of new cyber friends.

I hope you enjoy this weeks challenge which is 'Lavender and Lace''

I hope you will all give Claire your support and give the challenge a go this week.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.

Here is her lovely card to help with inspiration should you need it.

Challenge 111 - Triple Treasures

Hello crafters - a big thank you for your lovely Art Deco entries last week there are some beauties to be seen over on my favourites blog.
This week I would like you to create a Triple Treasure  using Triple Embossing.
I got my melting pot out this week and enjoyed playing with it so hope you will do the same.  If you don't have a melt pot you can still triple emboss as I am sure you all know already.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
Next week we have a new GD so hope you will all look forward to seeing her creations.
Here is my card - not as intended at all - but that's the joy of triple embossing.

Challenge - 110 Art Deco

Another challenge week gone by and we are now in July so lots of you taking advantage of the warm sunny days.  Thanks for all your lovely entries - you can see them over on the favourites blog. Nice to have new people joining in too.
This week I have gone all Art Deco with my card and would like you to do the same or similar.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.

Here is my lovely lady from a Debbi Moore cd.

Challenge 109 - Ice Cream and/or Ice Cream Colours

Thanks for your entries last week - only a few but hey it is summer and the sun has been shining so I know you all want to be outside making the best of the lovely weather.
The sampler will be up and running later today when I get chance to finalise it.
Forgive me but I was watching the wonderful tennis and totally forgot to finish my card hence the delay in posting this morning.

Your challenge is to create something using Ice Cream and/or Ice Cream Colours. I always love the colours in a Neopolitan ice cream but there are other colours too. As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.

Here are my cards - could not do only one this week,

Challenge 108 Christmas Alcohol Inks

Many thanks for taking the trip to Fantasyland with me this week.  Samples can be seen over on my Favourites blog.
A new challenge this week - to use Alcohol Inks on a Christmas Card - yes - you should be making them by now it is the middle of June already.  I know lots of folks are well on with them now and just think how many less there will be to make nearer the big day.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout, tag, inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog. Thanks and enjoy the challenge.
Here is my card.

BLOG CHALLENGE 107- TAKE A FANTASY TRIP WITH ME

Many thanks again for your fabulous entries last week and also welcome to all the new entrants.  The sampler can be seen over on my favourites blog.
This week I would like you to TAKE A TRIP TO FANTASYLAND with me - with an added twist.  Please ATTACH A TAG to your creation to add to the overall effect. You can see my card and tag below.
As usual you may create whatever you fancy be it atc, card, scrapbook layout,  inchie, 4 x 4 - the choice is yours as long as you attach a tag somewhere. As always add your creation to your blog or email me direct with the picture if you don't have a blog. Leave me a comment with a direct link to your work of art and I will pop over to have a look. Please include a link to my challenge site on your blog.
Thanks and enjoy the trip to wherever your fantasy takes you.
Please do note I am away on a Stamping retreat from Friday till Monday so will check your entries on my return.