The challenge is over .... for now.

Six months ago, when lockdown first started and we had to cancel classes, Shirley suggested we do a virtual thing to occupy our time until classes could begin again.  I had the blog, and so the virtual weekly craft stash challenge was born.

Back then, I thought it would be for 6 to 8 weeks.  I had no idea that the pandemic was going to last so long, be so all encompassing.  And would wipe out the whole year.  Sadly, we are nowhere near going back to normal, even now.

It has been strange times for all of us. We have had to be strong in ways we never dreamt of, dealing with restrictions and loneliness, needing to be resilient and stay positive.  I really hope that this weekly challenge has helped our little group in some small way to do that.  We may not be able to meet face to face, but there has been this contact, this small collaboration.

I want to have a special mention here to Chris and Lorna, who have not only provided at least one card for the challenge each week, but have also made several hundred cards for their chosen charity.   There is a silver lining to every cloud - and I am sure their charity(s) will be really happy to receive these cards.  

The latest guidance say restrictions may be in place for six months, so while I am taking a break now, I am also thinking of starting a monthly challenge for 2021, so even if classes can't begin straight away, we can do something!  

In the meantime, I hope everyone stays safe and well -  happy crafting!

Week 26 cards

 Last week of the challenge - here are the cards that were made:

Jackie

Brenda

Chris S

Lorna

Wendy S

Shirley

Weekly Stash challenge - week 26

 We have done it!  The very last week.... (for now, anyway).

It has been a long six months and yet, in some ways, the time has whizzed by.  Safe to say that 2020 will be a memorable year!

I have been so proud of the way that people have been joining me on this journey and each week have been sending me pictures of the cards they have made.  I know that some people haven't been able to send pictures, but when we can finally get together again, I will be more than happy to take pics of the cards (if they haven't been used, LOL) and upload them here so that in the future, they can  all be seen in one place.

Anyway, enough of my wittering.  On with the very last sketch.  No tic tac toe this week - it's all up to you!

And here is my last example.

Guilty Confession.  This one was actually made almost entirely using some new stash.  I know... failed at the very last hurdle!  But it was so pretty.... the papers are all from a Lynda Chapman paper boutique pad that was a Create and Craft Members gift.  So technically free (I just paid p&p).  

I really hope you have all enjoyed this journey we have been on - and that it won't be too long before classes in person can start up again.  I can't wait! 

Happy Crafting, and stay safe everyone.

Week 25 cards

 Here are the cards for this week:

Jackie

Brenda

Chris S

Janet

Shirley

Wendy S

Lorna

Weekly Stash Challenge - week 25

 So, we come to the penultimate week of the challenge.  We are nearly at the finish line!  When Shirley first mentioned this idea to me almost six months ago, I thought it would be for about 6 weeks.  Who knew that it would end up being for most of the year?  And obviously, there is still a risk of a second wave, but I am trying not to worry about that.

If people want to do this on a monthly basis going forwards, I am happy to do that, but right now I am a bit lacking in inspiration, so whatever happens there will be a break!  

Anyhow, on to this week's sketch, tic tac toe and example.

A nice simple sketch this week - you can make it as plain or fussy as you like.

And here is my example.  

Once again, I have used my favourite 6 x 6 card blank with the scalloped edges, and the kits I had in my stash.  I have also used some paper from a 12 x 12 pad for the base mat, which I have had in my stash for several years, deeming it too nice to use... and now I have!

Honestly, I have been so pleased with the fact I have not bought anything for the cards I have made so far - although, to be fair, the stash has been barely dented...

I hope everyone has a good week and stays safe and healthy.  Happy Crafting!

Week 24 cards

 Here are the cards for this week:

Jackie

Brenda

Chris S

Janet

Wendy S

Lorna

Weekly Stash Challenge week 24

 We are coming to the end of this challenge - only 2 more weeks to go.  I hope everyone has enjoyed the journey - I have made a significant dent in my christmas card making, and Chris and Lorna have made several hundred cards for their charity.

I hope that the recent increase in Covid numbers doesn't mean a return to lockdown - I was thinking that light was the end of the tunnel, not an approaching train!

Anyway, moving on,  here is the sketch and tic tac toe for this week.

And here is my sample.

This week my tic tac toe line is the centre diagonal left to right. Gems, Green, Glitter.

I made my card using the trusty 6 x 6 card base, and onto that I matted some green tartan card from a 12 x 12 pad in my stash.

Everything else was in my die cuts box - I used a large snowflake for the top right corner.  On top of that, in decreasing sizes from left to right I stuck some fir trees.  I applied glitter glue to the branches to make them sparkle. Then, using foam pads, I stuck the sleigh and reindeer onto the top.

The last touches were the sentiment, cut from scrap paper I used last week and matted onto plain white card, placed diagonally in the bottom right corner, and the pearl gems, which I applied to the snowflake.

This was another really quick and easy card because I had the diecuts already cut, but it wouldn't have taken long to cut them again in the same card.  I like the monochrome layered look - but if you have the dies and wanted to, you could easily colour the sleigh, and trees, or used other coloured cardstock.

Stay safe everyone - and happy Crafting.

Week 23 cards

 Here are the cards for week 23

Jackie

Brenda

Chris S

Janet

Wendy S

Shirley

Lorna

Weekly Stash Challenge - week 23

 And September is here.  Before we know it, Christmas will be here and this Annus Horribilus will hopefully be behind us.  Fingers crossed!

It is a nice simple card for you this week - mainly because I very stupidly managed to pretty much replicate the sketch for last week without realising it until the last minute (and after I had done the sample!)  Hey, I am only human...

So without further ado, here is the sketch and tic tac toe for this week.

And here is my sample.

My card was made using my favourite 6 x 6 base card, and onto this I put a mat of decorative backing paper from a pad. It doubles up as a sentiment, so win win!

The two toppers were from a Hunkydory Topper Deck, simply matted onto mirri card.  This has to be the quickest card I have ever done, and I really like the simplicity - I'm going to make more!

As life is slowly returning to normal, stay safe out there.  Happy Crafting...

Week 22 cards

Here are the cards for this week.

Jackie

Brenda

Chris S

Lorna S

Pat P

Shirley

Wendy S

Lorna