Hello friends! Happy Friday and are you ready for the weekend? I’m supposed to be helping hubby with some outside work, but my allergies have been bad and I’m not feeling well. Hopefully some medicine will be helping so we can get things finished up!
I have been a “grumpy” fan of Taylored Expressions for a few years as you might have seen in some of my past posts…so of course I get “pulled in” by other cute products too and that’s what happened…my story anyway! In their FB fan group there is a monthly #TEmakerchallenge with prompts to follow as long as you use at least one of their products. So I’ve made a fun card for this month I’d like to share:
Now how CUTE are these little critters?! During TE’s Sept birthday month (13 years in business), they released a collection of birthday related items and this is the introduction of “Chip & Charlie Party“! I’m saying that Chip is the bird and Charlie is the raccoon…not sure, but that’s what I’m saying! LOL I’ve colored them up with Copic markers and added some shimmer to the balloon, party hats and cherry on cupcake with a glitter brush pen. I’ve also added some highlights with a white gel pen.
I wanted something in the background, but not too distracting from the critters, so I stamped the Party Time background stamp in the same cardstock color (Cherry Pop) I then used the stencil from this combo set to white ink blend the tops of the hats. The paper strip accents came from a TE paper pack I had in my stash. I thought it needed an extra little image element on the front of the card, so I added some Doodlebug Twine and the party hat from Big Grumpy-Birthday, colored with Copics and popped up with foam tape on bottom corner. It was covered with a glitter brush pen and I also added a Doodlebug Matte Sprinkle at the top of the party hat and in the center of the twine bow.
You might notice that the image panel is not completed adhered to the card front and there’s a score mark in the center as well. So I was going for something a bit different than a regular A2 birthday card…and the Sept challenge prompts are 1. Heat or non-heat embossing, 2. Napa Valley color quad and/or 3. Something that begins with “E” You have to pick at least one of these along with a TE product. So for the “E” I’ve decided on making an Easel card…
So when you open up the bottom flap, you place it behind the popped up sentiment that was white heat embossed (also a challenge prompt) and cut out with the coordinating die from the “Get the Word Out-Celebrate” set. I’ve also added some more of those yellow polka-dot papers and a thin strip of Cookie Monster cardstock which is what I used to mat behind the image panel as well as for the sentiment. There is still room to line the inside of the card with a special birthday message.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my card and please see at the end of this post for other challenges I’ve entered…PLUS a special birthday give away if you’re interested!
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**Now for some EXCITING NEWS**
Taylored Expressions was holding a special set of birthday challenges this month in their FB fans group with certain prompts for each one. There was a set of four different challenges and I decided to make something for each challenge and I ended up winning a future guest design spot for a future release! WHAT?! Taylor shared which one was her favorite I made in THIS FB ANNOUNCEMENT, but I will share all the creations I made here: (click on the photos to enlarge them if you are viewing them on my blog.)
The first challenge was using Toffee color cardstock/ink + ROYGBIV (rainbow) colors. I made a theater fold design with the Toffee card base and a stenciled rainbow colored background. I also counted out exactly 13 candles to use on the front of the card for TE’s 13th birthday. I’ve also stenciled a few Toffee confetti sprinkles over top. When you pull on each side of this card, it opens up which you can see in the photo below. 
I white heat embossed the sentiment on the inside and then I took the same confetti stencil and added some white ones over the toffee inside. You can see the candles popped up in the center opening. This card was Taylor’s favorite pick! 🙂 
These cards were made for the 2nd challenge which was to create a CAS design and then take the similar style and “Step it up”. 
For the third challenge, you were given a choice of two different photos for inspiration and you had to pick one to create a project from. I sort of was inspired by both and I some what combined the two for my mini slimline card here. This took a bit of time to white heat emboss the sentiments in the rainbow colors and cut all the stars, etc, but I like how this turned out. 
The fourth challenge was called “shake it up” which meant to create a shaker card. I’ve used this adorable Gus & Gertie set along with some other elements for design from my stash. I ran an embossing folder over the silver foil frame a die cut to make my shaker element from. Check out the next photo for the shaker bits… 
And this is the shaker lying flat with all of the inside shaker elements. I’ve used some snowflakes from a past kit as well as silver sequins and ice beads.
I honestly wasn’t thinking about winning anything! I was basically just enjoying the process of creating and pulling out some stash that I hadn’t yet used and wanted to use so I thought I’d just play along. I was very surprised to see that I was picked as a winner! Very humbled and honored by that! So be watching for an up coming GDT post!
I have actually joined several of Taylor’s classes, virtual events, etc and have made many cool things during the time that I wasn’t blogging, so I never shared them… but like I said, I’ve been creating and having fun! I do remember something fun she taught in a virtual event from July I was apart of that was Halloween themed, so I’ll have to pull those cards out soon as well since the time is coming up and I do love me some Halloween!🎃
One last thing! With all of the fun and exciting things going, I realized it’s my birthday month as well! I’m not 13, but let’s just say a few years older!😁 So I think the best thing to do for my birthday is to give rather than receive! If you feel the same and think someone would enjoy this little Taylored Expressions bundle that I have shown above in the photo, let me know! If you’d like to gift this for yourself, let me know! I would love to give someone these extra set of items already in my stash to someone! There is a Banner Simple Strips die, a 3 piece balloon layering stencil with a clear stamp set combo, a Cupcake ink pad (unwrapped, but NOT used at all, I just noticed I already had one after unwrapping it!) and a tiny cake and celebrate stamp set all from Taylored Expressions and perfect for party making! (There may be a few other things added as well!)
**Please just leave me a comment that you are interested in the TE give away by October 10th, 2021 and I will be happy to pick someone to send it out to!**
Whew! I think that’s about it! Thank you for stopping by friends and enjoy your weekend!
I’d like to enter the top easel card ONLY in these challenges:
- Taylored Expressions FB Fans Group Sept #TEmakerchallenge – heat/dry embossing and easel card for something beginning with “E”
- Festive Friday – #FF0093 I used: balloons, red & twine
- Krafty Chicks – All Occasions (birthday)
Stamped Smiles 
Chip and Charlie sure now how to party and your card is amazing Vicki. What a fun and happy party scene and a fabulous fold x.
Many congratulations with the win and guest slot but sorry to hear your allergies are playing up x.
Fabulous Birthday surprise giveaway but even if I was lucky to win it would be too expensive for you to post to me so please don’t add me to the give away…..Thanks Vicki x.
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I haven’t been blogging lately, but I do receive your blog by email and always enjoy seeing your beautiful cards, even if I don’t comment. I wanted to pop in today to say CONGRATS on your win – definitely well deserved! You will be an amazing Guest Designer for TE! I love that sweet raccoon party scene and the cool style of your card! All of your cards are gorgeous! You don’t need to include me in your giveaway as I’m in Canada but I wanted to say congrats on your GD win – I will be looking forward to seeing your creations! P.S. I have allergies too so I hope you feel better soon.
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Sorry your allergies are keeping you from outdoor chores, but stamping indoors is way more fun, right? wink First of all, happy birthday, whenever it is! I too am a September baby but age is just a state of mind. I just love this adorable easel card, with all those cute and fun details! I love the colors and that twine bow at the top reminds me that I could be doing that finishing touch with all the twine and brads I’ve accumulated! Congrats on all your efforts for creating and winning with the TE challenges! Well done/well deserved. I do love TE products, especially those sentiment strips and thanks for your generous giveaway!
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Your cards are fabulous, beautiful scene , design and coloring! These would put a smi.e on anyone’s face. Congrats on the well deserved win! No entry in the draw as I have the simp.e strips, use them a lot.
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What a fabulous bright cheery Birthday card Vicki,the critters are adorable,love the brilliant selection of cards you made for the FB challenges,a well deserved Guest Designer spot.A beautiful give away sadly costs of postage to Scotland mean I have to say not to consider me in the draw.
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Came over to comment on your fun card, and surprise! I do love give-a-ways 🙂 — Congrats on GDing – that will be fun. Your card today is so perfect being an easel card too.
ps – love that balloon stencil set!
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Sorry to hear about your allergy. Hope it will be better soon.
Congrats on your win. Love all the cards you showed us here. Congrats again on the GD spot.
I should love to win the giveaway, although I can understand if you won’t send it to the Netherlands, due to high postage.
Have a great weekend!
xxx Margreet
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Sorry to hear you’ve been unwell with your allergies, I hope you are feeling much better soon! Your card is adorable, aren’t those critters perfect having a party and I love the shimmer that you added. Many congratulations on winning the guest designer spot, your card was awesome! Happy birthday wishes and I would be I treated in your TE Give away but I’m based in the UK so the postage may be too expensive 😀. Take care and happy weekend! Hugs Jo x
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Super cute card, Vicki!! Love it! YAY for being chosen to guest with TE…that’s so awesome!! 🙂
Hope your allergies clear up soon…enjoy your Friday and weekend! Hugs
And no need to add me into your giveaway (not that I wouldn’t love them) but I just wanted to comment on your post. 😉
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Super adorable card… may have to ‘borrow’ that fold! I love it! And a big congrats on the guest gig – they are so lucky to have you! That would be an awesome full-time gig, too (wink-wink)! 😉 TE is such an awesome company so put me in the hat for the giveaway! 😉
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Adorable, colorful card Vicki, I love that fold! Awesome selection of TE cards, I love the Gus & Gertie shaker card, it is sooo cute! Congrats on your guest spot, looking forward to seeing your card! I was lucky enough to win one of your fabulous giveaways 🙂 so don’t include me this time.
Take care and enjoy your weekend my friend!
Hugs, Tammy
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Beautiful easel card Vicki and love the cute critters-congrats on your win and GDT spot.I am a September birthday too -today 🙂 Thank you for the chance but no need to add me to your givaway as I had a drastic declutter early in the year.
Carol x
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Your little critters are simply adorable Vicki and beautifully coloured, I love the little birdie with his cup cake, so cute, also a fabulous card design.. Congratulations on your win and what a wonderful collection of cards, all beautifully coloured and detailed..gosh, I think I’ve just found another overseas place to shop, unless I find the products here,..thanks for that!..lol..
Luv CHRISSYxx..
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Ahhhh what cute little critters love that raccoon and your card is amazing Vicki. I love the fun fold.
Congratulation on the win and guest slot with TE!!! Sorry to hear your allergies are playing up, that’s no fun in your birthday month.
Fabulous Birthday surprise giveaway, I would be BEYOND delighted to receive this prize! The sentiment strip dies have been on my wishlist forever!
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Love the ‘birthday wishes’ card you created! Adorable images and a pretty color combo!
Huge congrats on the guest spot…. that is exciting! Wonderful projects!
Thanks for the chance to win such a fabulous prize package! I love TE designs! Happy Birthday to you!
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Happy Birthday hunny bunch! Love your sweet easel card! Congrats on your win, amazing creations (as always) very deserved win! 😁 I know an English crafter who would love that stash and has been going through a tough time. Would happily PM you her detes if you’d consider sending to her. Sending you big birthday hugs sweet lady. Miss you at Whimsy like crazy! ♥️ Hugs, Wends xoxo
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Hi Vicki what wonderful news a big congratulations and a very happy birthday, I love your creations they are full of fun, sweetness and delight I do love the Racoon one I think they look so cute, all your makes are ACE brilliant work
hugs
lorraine x
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Super cute and fun card, love the easel fold! Thanks for sharing your card with us at Krafty Chicks.
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Allergies are such a bummer, but the upside is that you have more time to craft!
Would love the set you’re offering—that particular pkg would make great cards, esp. for giving to health care workers who are doing all of us a great service during this pandemic. It’s like—who wants to wear a mask all day long, 24/7?!
They get so delighted and grateful when I drop off cards for them to share and “pass the JOY forward”.
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Such a sweet birthday card! Happy birthday to you and thank you for offering a birthday gift. 🙂 Congratulations on being chosen to be a guest designer-what an honor 🎖!
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What a darling birthday card this would bring a smile to just about everyone. Fun that TE is coming out with new characters. What a great spot you will have as guest designer. They are lucky they “picked” you. As for the give away – we have new neighbors and I just started her out with a few stamping supplies – and so far she is loving how creative she can be. I know she would be tickled with a win.
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A fabulously fun birthday design, Vicki!! Congratulations on your TE win!! Can’t wait to see what you create for them!!
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Such a bright and happy card! Love the fun fold and great coloring too. Thanks for joining us at Festive Friday Challenge! Hope you come back again soon. 🙂
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What an adorable card! Thanks for playing along with Festive Friday Challenges!
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Awesome job, my lovely friend. Your winning creations – just like the ultra cute card highlighted in this post – are fantastic!
I’m not sure if this giveaway is open to international participants, but if it is, please consider me in the running.
Sending joyful start of fall & endless allergy-be-gone wishes your way!
Autumn Zenith 🎃 Witchcrafted Life
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Vicki your colourful birthday card has so much interest and detail. Not only the cute little tea party scene, but the background stamping, diecut sentiment and fancy fold make this a standout birthday card – I love it! Congratulations on you TE win too! Thanks for playing along with us at Festive Friday Challenge!
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Beautiful, loving the stunning project you made and the lovely colour used. xx
Congrats on your win and enjoy your week.
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Wonderful cards! Especially the shaker. Congratulations on your win, it will be fun to see your guest design post! I would love to win on your birthday giveaway, thanks for the opportunity.
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Squeal!!!! I can’t WAIT to see all of your creations as Guest Designer! I love TE, and the sets I have, I reach for out of sheer habit, a lot! Happy Birthday Month, dear friend – hope the entire month is fun, and filled with surprises!!! So sorry the allergies are acting up, but what a golden opportunity to be creative! Love seeing the photos of you and your manly man enjoying life! Thanks SO much for the chance to win!
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Hallo Vicky,
best birthday wishes, because you are celebrating your birthday this month 🙂
It is a real feast for my eyes to see so many beautiful cards that you are dealing with with us. I’m glad that despite your break in blogging, you haven’t stopped creating. Thanks to this, we can now admire your beautiful cards
hugs,
BożenA xx
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Very creative card so full of crafty wonders love the whole concept and design. xxx
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gorgeous card!
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[…] still a few days left if you want to leave me a comment saying you’re interested! CHECK OUT THE POST HERE I will announce the winner by Oct […]
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I’m playing catch up, my friend, and trying to cover everything I missed over the last couple of weeks. I adore the easel technique and you’ve done a fantastic job here. Darling little animals and great color combo. So bright and festive. 😀
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You can create such beautiful cards, and the unspeakable folded cards you make always make me bewildered. Lovely and so beautifully designed.
xx
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