Tree...Done Simply.......FMS367

Every year I vow to have a sweet simple holiday season.....just like this tree.  And somehow it just always morphs into craziness like this.......

Since Miss E and her parents were returning from a week in Aruba I was in charge of picking up their pups from the kennel. With a leash in each hand and a large utility tote full of toys and blankets over my shoulder I headed out the door.  But as soon as I got to the car an elf tapped me on the shoulder, waved an envelope and said "You can't go yet!  Your daughter paid for a photo session with Santa!'  Of course she did......  

Before I knew it I was in a room full of employees dressed like elves, clutching two leashes as Cooper and Benny lunged at dogs coming and going.  Christmas music was playing and all sorts of treats were being handed out.  We finally got in line and only then did I notice the person in front of us had a small horse......for real - not a big dog - a horse.......of course we would be in line behind someone with a miniature pony!  Cooper and Benny just about had heart attacks!  They were beside themselves trying to get up close and personal with that horse.  Thankfully a very helpful elf came to my assistance.  The pony trotted out and we handed the pups to Santa.  The picture says it all.....Cooper is panting from the exertion of trying to get to the pony and Benny looks a bit stunned as if he is trying to figure out what he has just seen.  Me?  I'm off to the side panting from the exertion looking a bit stunned......

Karren's sketch this week at Freshly Made Sketches is a classic!  Hope you join us!  The DT call continues another week.

                                                

CAS Christmas has a star challenge this week.

                                                  

Stamp Sets: O'Tannenbaum (Purple Onion Designs), Winter Fox (Lawn Fawn)

Paper:  Whisper White, Festive Farmhouse DSP

Ink:  Mossy Meadow, Blendabilities

Fusion: Christmas Eve Ride

I have never ever watched a Hallmark Christmas movie......I know that's hard to believe!  I am a diehard fan of the old Classic Christmas movies and also a total Diehard fan - yes I consider that a Christmas movie!  But once in a while I try something new.  I watched The Christmas Chronicles on Netflix this week.  Kurt Russell made me laugh out loud playing a sassy Santa! I made this card after the movie and must have been inspired by the beautiful scenes of Santa and his reindeer flying over big cities. So grab the remote, light the fire, make the cocoa and enjoy!

I love the traditional holiday photo at Fusion this week!  That was definitely my inspiration!  Use the photo or the sketch or both and join us at Fusion!

Festive Friday Has A Christmas/Snowflake Challenge this week.

Stamp, Ink, Paper also has a holiday challenge this week.

Stamp Sets:  Calling All Heroes, Holiday Home, Hero Arts Sentiment

Ink:  Versafine Clair Nocturne, Distress Oxide

Paper:  Whisper White, Bristol Smooth, Twinkle Twinkle DSP

Hot Coffee, Hot Cocoa, Hot Tea

This delightful stack of cups reminds me of MacKenzie-Childs tableware so I used my Zig markers to create brightly colored cups.  If you ever get a chance to visit one of their stores or their headquarters in the Finger Lakes here in NY do it!  It is an amazing feast for the eyes and is truly a magical place to visit!  I love their stuff!!!  Ok maybe the Big Guy doesn't quite share my enthusiasm.......

The Coffee Lovers Blog Hops are always amazing too!  Inspiration......fun......and prizes!  So pour a cuppa of whatever you like and enjoy the gallery!

I used the sketch from Fab Friday for my design.

Stamp:  Cups of Joy (Purple Onion Designs), Winter Scripty Sentiments (Lawn Fawn)

Ink:  Versafine Clair Nocturne, Zig Markers

Paper:  Bristol Smooth, Whisper White, Under the Mistletoe DSP

That Time of Year.....FMS366

I love the stripes of brightly colored ornaments on this paper!  Definitely puts me in the mood to trim our tree!  Someone I know decorated herself before marching in our local holiday parade this week.  Here's Miss E with her favorite policeman at the end of the parade.  An exciting time of year for sure!

It's an exciting time here at Freshly Made Sketches as well.  We've put out a DT call. If you are interested in joining our team check out information found here before you add your card to the gallery!  

Cecile's delightful sketch is perfect for holiday cards!  Join us at Freshly Made Sketches!

Global Design Project has a Christmas theme happening this week.

Stamps:  Ornamental Wishes (Newton's Nook) Tree from Hero Arts Nov. 2017 Monthly Kit, 

Paper:  Whisper White, Highland Heather, Really Rainbow Christmas Paper (Lawn Fawn)

Ink: Versafine Black, Granny Apple Green