Nov 12 - 19th JAZZ up the HOLIDAYS Challenge...

[Darcy Designs]

Hi all!

Ready to get jazzy with me? Here is this weeks challenge...take any holiday die cut from any of the designers here at VDBC & find a way to jazz it up. If you have freebies from any of the designers, feel free to use if you like. As long as it is holiday related.

http://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=1160&stc=1&thumb=1&d=1254588118

You can request my "Jazz it up" tip sheet that has 50 ideas to help you take your die cuts to the next level.

1. If you would like my jazzy tip sheet...email me at DarcysDesigns4u@aol.com & I will send it to you.
2. Turn any holiday type die cut into something jazzy, by embellishing or adding something to it. You can sparkle, shine, shimmer...oh...the possibilities are endless!!
3. Post a photo in this thread by Nov 19th midnight to be entered to win TWO of my single files of your choice (no collections).
4. On the 20th, I will randomly draw a winner from anyone who has posted a picture or pictures of their jazzed up holiday die cuts. Winning files must be chosen by December 3rd.

I can't WAIT to see what you all come up with!! Happy jazzing!

Darcy :D

[tulip918]

Interestingly enough, I just posted a card for the November Sketch challenge. I used Chris's poinsettia file and I cut 3 pieces (1 green and 2 red). I inked the edges. I used pop-dots to "pop" the pieces and I added a yellow gem to the middle.
http://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=45&pictureid=402
Rosalie

[scramper75]

great card Rosalie

[rsmobley85]

Oh! This sound fun and right up my alley. I Love, Love, Love to jazz up things.

Im working on a card today, that will fit this, Not for submission, just for example to play along.

I cant wait to see what every one comes up with.


Sharon

[Darcy Designs]

Awesome, Rosalie!!! Very jazzy :D Thank you!

[Darcy Designs]

That would fantastic, Sharon!! :)

[ewoobenjamin]

Pretty card Rosalie.
Esther W-B

[Games]

Still a great card, every time I see it. ;)

[bradycity8958]

I just finished making this tag for a tag swap. I used Darcy's Snow Daze file then I sprayed the white layer with Silver Glimmer Mist and glued to navy blue background then I added a snowflake brad on top of the snowflake for the "o" and mounted it on a blue glitter snowflake cardstock from My Mind's Eye.

[gadgetgrl]

great submissions so far this looks like it is gonna be a fun one.

[Games]

Nice tag, Hailey. :D


I need to get working on my projects, I need a kick. ;)

[Darcy Designs]

Gorgeous, Hailey!! Silver & blue is so pretty together! :)

[rsmobley85]

Here is my Card (Not to be submitted, just as to play along).

You wanted jazzed, I think this qualifys, LOL! I tend to use a lot of different things on my cards. I couldn't decide between 2 fibers or a ribbon so I used all 3, just twisted them. I think it works, LOL!

My file "Harvest of Thanks" (http://www.visualdesignsbychris.com/store/product.php?productid=16850) RM00016
Joanns Cardstock, Pattern paper?
Mega Nest Curved Rectangles and cuttle bug
Color Box cat eye chalk ink on the edge of card to take away sharpness of white card
Stickles : Cinnamon on stems and wheat stack, Eucalyptus on the leaves
Gold Brads, Pop Dots, Zots,

Hopefully you can see the stickles on here.

Can't wait to see what every one else does.

Sharon

[Darcy Designs]

Sharon! Sharon! Sharon! Wow, that is jazzy! Sounds like you are already comfortable jazzing your die cuts, very nice. Thank you for sharing with us!

[rsmobley85]

LOL! Thank you Darcy,

You know, You sent me that tip sheet, I looked at it and said, Hmm! I think I use about 20 of those on each card. LOL!

My Daughter is giving this to her soon to be MIL! She is a scrapper but doesn't have a machine. So I know she will like it.


Sharon

[rsmobley85]

Hailey,

What a cute tag, I love White, blue and silver for chirstman, you should see my house, LOL.

Great Job!

Sharon

[rsmobley85]

Rosealie,

Love the poinsettia card, Im not a green and red kind of girl, but I love the old world and vintage Christmas look, Very nice.

Sharon

[bzyPTmom28]

Wow Hailey, Rosalie and Sharon, great job! Love 'em all! This sounds like fun, I certainly hope I have a chance to do this one. Always lots going on--and I gotta finish those Christmas cards that I posted in Chris' challenge last week! I have to get my thinking cap on!

[Darcy Designs]

Is anyone busy jazzing their die cuts? :D

[lisaavolio]

I made a couple of ornaments. I used plain plastic balls (safer than glass in our household), then jazzed them up with snowflakes cut from white Contact brand self-adhesive vinyl, using the BK00206 Snow Title file. One has the SNOW word; the other just has assorted sizes of flakes. I added some 1/8" white satin ribbon.

They were pretty easy to make, so I plan to make some more with other snowflake files. If I do the weeding on the vinyl, my kids may even be able to make some for their teachers. We'll add the year and maybe even our names.

Oh- these balls are about 2 1/2" diameter, bought in a 5 pack for $1 at Dollar Tree. I wanted blue, but the four stores I checked today (Michael's, ACMoore, Target, and Dollar Tree) didn't have blue by itself.

Lisa

[gadgetgrl]

Great idea.. I was thinking about doing some of those you just convinced me to do them now.. LOL thanks.. I needed something else on my list of already backlogged to dos...

[rsmobley85]

Lisa,

Those are beautiful, You have given me a great idea for my tree.

Thank you for posting.

Sharon

[lisaavolio]

Those are quick, though! Random placement; nothing to line up carefully.

The only slowness was in the cutting time (depends on how detailed the cuts are on your snowflakes) and weeding out the teeny inner bits. My flakes were about 5/8" to maybe 1 1/8", so the inner slits on that particular snowflake were harder to weed out. If I use that file again, I may cut through the backing on the next ones, so it's easier to weed. Usually with vinyl the goal is to cut just the vinyl and not the backing, but for the snowflakes it seems to be easier to cut out the whole shape.

Lisa

[Heather012]

I made a couple of ornaments. I used plain plastic balls (safer than glass in our household), then jazzed them up with snowflakes cut from white Contact brand self-adhesive vinyl, using the BK00206 Snow Title file. One has the SNOW word; the other just has assorted sizes of flakes. I added some 1/8" white satin ribbon.

They were pretty easy to make, so I plan to make some more with other snowflake files. If I do the weeding on the vinyl, my kids may even be able to make some for their teachers. We'll add the year and maybe even our names.

Oh- these balls are about 2 1/2" diameter, bought in a 5 pack for $1 at Dollar Tree. I wanted blue, but the four stores I checked today (Michael's, ACMoore, Target, and Dollar Tree) didn't have blue by itself.

Lisa

I LOVE these! What a cool idea!
I have a question - when you said "white Contact brand self-adhesive vinyl" is that the same as regular old contact paper that has been used to cover text books or shelves? I was just thinking that if that's what you used it might be easier and cheaper to get than the vinyl that the cutter companies sell. Hmmm....Anyone use the regular contact paper through their digital cutters? I wonder how it turns out....and can it be placed on walls?? Hmmm...now I've got the wheels turning in my head! LOL

[Games]

You can cut regular contact paper. ;)

[aussie_caz]

Here's mine... I have used Chris's Chilli Pepper CD00612 to design a Christmas Card. I have added glitter styles to the title and the star, and embossed my chilli's to make them really stand out!

Christmas Card (http://visualdesignsbychris.com/forum/album.php?albumid=26&pictureid=405)

cheers, caz

[lisaavolio]

Yes, that's what I used. In white, not clear. You can still buy it at Michael's (and use a discount coupon) or at hardware type stores. You can sometimes also get off brands at dollar stores. You don't always get much color choice except at the craft stores, though.

Lisa

I LOVE these! What a cool idea!
I have a question - when you said "white Contact brand self-adhesive vinyl" is that the same as regular old contact paper that has been used to cover text books or shelves? I was just thinking that if that's what you used it might be easier and cheaper to get than the vinyl that the cutter companies sell. Hmmm....Anyone use the regular contact paper through their digital cutters? I wonder how it turns out....and can it be placed on walls?? Hmmm...now I've got the wheels turning in my head! LOL

[gadgetgrl]

great card Caz

Thats a way to think outside the box.

[lisaavolio]

I forgot to answer about using Contact paper on walls. It can be done, but it may not come off later as well as the more expensive kinds that are made for walls. One lady on my Cricut SCAL group said it does not leave a residue like it did years ago, though. She has trouble with it not sticking on even flat types of paint; it curls up. You could test with a tiny piece from a roll in a hidden spot, like behind furniture or even behind a switch plate cover.

Some people have even used it on their car windows for those stick people families, and it has lasted a few years. I have not tried that.

Lisa

[Darcy Designs]

Very beautiful Lisa & Caz!!

[lisaavolio]

Since Darcy is kind enough to host this challenge, I bought her snowflakes file (DD026_SnowDaze) and tried them on another plain ball. These flakes are much better for the vinyl- they cut great at 3/4" to 1" and were easy to remove from the backing. I used some sheer 1/4" ribbon for a bow, with a drop of Tacky glue to keep it in place.
I didn't need transfer tape. The numbers (cut from Arial font, since I was in a hurry) were easy to place on the ball using a sewing pin.

Lisa

[ChrisDurnan]

Lisa,
You have given me allllll kinds of ideas! You are awesome!

[Darcy Designs]

Oh, Lisa those are fabulous!! Note to self...must get some of these done for gifts this year!!! Thank you for the compliments on my Snow Daze file!! Can I hire you as a sales woman ;)?

I am using the very same snowflakes right now in a project for my daughters play. She is doing Christmas Carol & I am making candy bar wrappers with pictures of the cast on them...decorated in blue with my little snowflakes all around them. I think they will be cute.

[rsmobley85]

WOW! That's so nice,

I have so many ideas but no time to get them all done. Guess I need to skip those 5 hours a night Im sleeping and may be get more done, LOL!

Sharon

[Jill C.]

Hello- this is my first attempt at a challenge, so bear with me. I decided to use RSMobleys Designs, Trick or Treat Overlay RM00002. I asked Sharon to alter it just a bit for me. I had the bottom changed to an uneven path and I decided not to use the title, instead just having the irregular top to resemble clouds. I then used 3 of the overlays and layered them with foam dots for dimension. The windows are crackled using Tim Holtz' Rock Candy Crackle Paint. I used Black Diamond Stickles to frame the windows and to add a frosty look to the roof as well as using them to give the owl some dimension. Violet Pearl Ex was used to give the smokey effects in the sky and around the moon. Rock Candy Stickles make the little ghost a happy boy and Prima leaves finish off the project. The finished size is 12 x 12 and is put into a scrapbooking frame purchased at Joann's. It can be hung on the wall or placed on a table top easel. Thanks for letting me play~

Jill C.

[aussie_caz]

WOW! Jill, this is so cool! love all your cute elements!

[ChrisDurnan]

Holy Smokes that is gorgeous!!

[Jill C.]

Thanks, Ladies- I forgot to add that the Happy Halloween is from my 5 year old stash-(and who said I would never use the old stuff??!) It was an iron-on flocked piece from who knows where now and the flourishes were from EK. I love to do things like this. I hope to do more!

[rsmobley85]

That's beautiful Jill, Every thing you make is awesome.

What are the leaves, I havent seen those.

Thank you for using my file.

Sharon

[ewoobenjamin]

Gorgeous layout - great job!
Esther W-B

[Jill C.]

Thanks, Esther-
Sharon- the leaves are from Prima- and I have TONS of you need them- anyone need a few autumn leaves? I can pop them in the mail to you
Jill

[rsmobley85]

Jeez! I missed that, in your post. Prima huh, I thought they only did flowers, Shows you how out of the loop I am. lol.

Sharon

[paminsd]

Hey Lisa, thanks for the vinyl ornament idea. Here's what I did tonight. I know my boss is going to love them, they are for our Capitol Christmas tree. I think we decorate our tree on Sunday. The snowflakes are from Chris' Snowflake Jumble. OMG the font I used was hard to weed. The red ornaments are plastic from HB, and a little bit larger than normal size, they were 4 for $7.99, but on sale for half price. It's also in my album. http://tinyurl.com/y8achxs
Pam in SD

[rsmobley85]

Those are awesome Pam.

You gals are really makeing me think I need to do some of these for my tree. Its hard to find White and blue stuff with snowmans, So think im going to work on that.

Thanks every one for the ideas.

Sharon

[gadgetgrl]

Jill WOW what a layout! Great job.

Great job to everyone. Really loving all the ornaments I am seeing.

[ewoobenjamin]

I really like all the ornaments too. Makes me wish I had a bigger tree. :)
Esther W-B

[Jill C.]

Those ornaments are so cute- hmmmm..... I feel an ornament day coming on.....
Jill C.

[ewoobenjamin]

Sorry for the cross post. I made this card for this month’s sketch challenge and since it’s jazzed up, decided to post it for this challenge too.

The card uses elements from two of Chris’ files: Snowflakes & Stars (CD00619) and Snowflake Photo Frame (CD00427). The snowflake photo frame is attached with pop dots. The snowflakes on the background paper were stamped with Champagne Versamark Dazzle and dotted with Star Dust Stickles. Everything else is just full of Stickles, lol. It's hard to see in the photo but the card is really sparkly.

Esther W-B

[ChrisDurnan]

Esther That is awesome! I havent seen anyone use the border yet. Wooohoo!
Chris

[Games]

Jill, that is spook-tacular. ;)


Pam, beautiful Christmas ornaments. :D


Ester, awesome, love the sparkle. :D

[gadgetgrl]

great job esther

[bzyPTmom28]

Wow everyone's projects are turning out great! I had hoped to do something for this, actually cut something yesterday but the cutter was being finicky--hate when that happens. No time today or tomorrow, long day at work and have a meeting to go to tonight! But this would have been a great challenge to do!

[paminsd]

Esther, that is a beautiful card!
Thanks everyone for your compliments on my ornaments.
Pam in SD

[ewoobenjamin]

Thanks for your comments ladies. Everyone here is so creative. I love looking at all the awesome projects.
Esther W-B

[aussie_caz]

Great card Esther! just beautiful

Pam... gorgeous ornaments :)

[Heather012]

Yes, that's what I used. In white, not clear. You can still buy it at Michael's (and use a discount coupon) or at hardware type stores. You can sometimes also get off brands at dollar stores. You don't always get much color choice except at the craft stores, though.

Lisa

That's so awesome! Now I've gotta go get me some contact paper! Woohoo!!! Thanks for the idea!

[Heather012]

I forgot to answer about using Contact paper on walls. It can be done, but it may not come off later as well as the more expensive kinds that are made for walls. One lady on my Cricut SCAL group said it does not leave a residue like it did years ago, though. She has trouble with it not sticking on even flat types of paint; it curls up. You could test with a tiny piece from a roll in a hidden spot, like behind furniture or even behind a switch plate cover.

Some people have even used it on their car windows for those stick people families, and it has lasted a few years. I have not tried that.

Lisa

Good to know! Maybe it's worth trying/playing with contact paper first, before I delve into vinyl. I love the contact paper use for other things though....makes the wheels start turning in my head :) LOL

[Jill C.]

Esther-that is a beautiful card. I really love all this snowflake business going on. Although for me (and Sharon), living in Florida, it's a far cry from reality. I'm hoping someday to make it somewhere to see actual snow!

Just another question- I have so many ideas coming into my head... Is it possible to cut vinyl on my Craft Robo?

[rsmobley85]

Yes, it is Jill, You would use the yellow cap I believe, I will have to come over and show you.


As for the snow, I like my white stuff on the beach, LOL! Sand not Snow. LOL!

Sharon

[Games]

I don't have a robo but I don't see why not. I'm sure someone will see and post.

[scramper75]

oh yes you can cut vinyl on your robo, it is super easy.

[ChrisDurnan]

Cuts like butter on a robo. :-)

[Darcy Designs]

Beautiful projects Esther & Pam!! Some great ideas, too!! Thanks for all the jazzy fun, ladies! I'll draw a random winner tommorow. There is still time to get a picture of a project in, if anyone wants to join in.

[Darcy Designs]

Thanks for playing along! I numbered entries from 1-7. Esther 1, Pam in Sd 2, JillC 3, LisaA 4, Caz 5, Hailey 6, Rosalie 7. I am off to random generate right now. Be right back.

Darcy :D

[Darcy Designs]

Woo hoo!!! And, we have a winner! Congrats Lisa A!! Please let me know which single files of mine you would like to have. Thanks for jazzing with me!

Darcy :D


ERROR IN REPORTING! Please read posts two down. :-)

[ewoobenjamin]

Congrats Lisa!
Esther W-B

[Darcy Designs]

Oh my gosh, I apologize Lisa. Winner is #3 JillC. But, since I goofed up...you can pick a free file too. See if I do this again with three kids in the room. LOL!

Darcy :o)

[ChrisDurnan]

haah. I totally understand that! Congrats to everyone for completing such great projects!

[rsmobley85]

Great Job! every one, And congrats to the Winner's. ;)

Sharon

[ewoobenjamin]

Oh Darcy, I think you did that just so you can give an extra prize out ;)

Congrats Jill !!!

Esther W-B

[Jill C.]

Wow! Thanks, Darcy and everyone- that was fun to do and it felt good to do a project- I haven't been able to craft much in the past few months. I'm trying to figure out the vinyl, glass etching thing. I just love it- but now to do Sharon's challenge!

[bzyPTmom28]

Congrats Jill-great projects everyone.

[Darcy Designs]

LOL, Esther!!! Good one!

[Darcy Designs]

You bet, Jill! Jill & Lisa, just let me know what you would like. YAY!!!

[lisaavolio]

Wow! I was busy with almost a dozen 10 year old boys here for a birthday party. This is a nice surprise- even when it was a mistake. Thanks for your generosity!
I'd like DD069 Bonfire Campout, please.

[Games]

Congrats ladies! everyone did wonderful projects. I just did not get time to play but I will someday. ;)