Everybody's Doing it: Tags , Do you love a challenge/

Challenge: Make it Sparkle



So you have to admit, tags are so darn hot for the holiday season, right?  You can check out Tim Holtz's blog everyday and see so many new techniques that he teaches using tags...and you can play along with various challenges for blogs using tags. 

One that you have to go check out if you haven't already is SWIRLYDOOS. First I think their store is amazing, I mean amazing.  Their gallery has great inspiration on it, forum is a lovely place to chat with other papercrafting lovers and their blog is sure to keep you up on everything.  This month on their blog they are running the 25 Tags of Christmas.  Everyday they have a different challenge to make a tag, and link it back to their post.  They choose a winner by random generator and everyday someone wins ones of these fabulous prima christmas ornaments boxes, valued at $29.95.



I encourage each of you to jump into the festive season and start playing along.  It's super easy, inspiring and FUN! and you might just win.  I've included some of the tags I've made for the contest so far...it's just on day four so you have plenty of time to get on board and discover SWIRLYDOO'S.




Challenge : Monochromatic Red or Green





Challenge : What does Christmas Mean to You

Challenges These Tags Meet:
Creative Inspirations : Christmas Gifts
Wild Orchid: Victorian / Tag 3
Creative Inspirations : Christmas Decorations no cards
Fussy and Fancy : Anything but a card
Bunny Zoe's Crafts: Anything but a card
Really Reasonable Ribbon: Anything but a card / Tag 1 or 2

Close To My Heart December Blog Hop : AMORE

Welcome to December's Close To My Heart, Stamp of the Month, Blog Hop!  What a mouthful, LOL.  If you just joined us from Judy's blog then you're on the right path.

This month's stamp set has so many versatile uses and with Valentines Day right around the corner, it's a must.  I random stamped the back of my card using the top portion of the larger heart.  The sentiment is from this collection.  The flower was made using the stamp set too.  I just took the smaller heart and used the top third and stamped it in a line along the edge of a piece of cardstock.  Then I cut out the scalloped edge and added some cocoa ink to the edges with a sponge dauber for depth.  Next I punched out a circle from my CTMH circle punch and started working the flower.  With a heavy drop of glue in the center of the circle I twisted and folded the scalloped border into a rose.  Once I had it completed the shape I wanted I held it in place for a minute or two for the glue to set...and bang...I've had an adorable flower.  I added some mocha opaques to the center and you had a beautiful embellishment.  You can easily do this for your card or layout. 

If you would like to pick up your AMORE stamp set for a discounted price or even free...feel free to check it out on my website http://www.lorileng.myctmh.com/ or email me lorileng@bellsouth.net for more information.

Now it's time for the creativity to continue...HOP ON OVER TO LAURIE'S BLOG and see what wonderful creation she has imagined up for you.  Also please be sure to leave some blog love if you enjoyed this post...it's always nice to get feedback.