TIME TO ANNOUNCE OUR NOVEMBER CHALLENGE WINNERS ...

And about time too - I hear you say!!!

Brenda Brown very kindly set us the November Challenge, and we have had 28 totally gorgeous entries, which you can see if you click HERE, and then scroll to the end of the post.  It was a joy to view them all, and we really appreciate the work you all put into your projects - thank you!  Hope you all took advantage of the 25% discount on all our products that you could obtain simply for entering?!

Before I give you Brenda's 'verdict', just a mention that we still have a Mega Blog Candy offering on the table, and you will find details in my previous post HERE.  There is still almost 4 days left to link your blog into the post to be in with a chance of winning over £150 worth of CI best selling products - costs nothing to enter, and you won't win if you don't you know!

OK here is Brenda's opening paragraph, followed by the 5 'chosen ones'.  If your name happens to be here please get in touch at info@craftyindividuals.co.uk with your choice of stamp (including your address of course), and we will post it off to you.  Maybe you might like one of the brand new Alice Palace Stamps - sooo very cute and quirky!

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Hi Everyone, it's Brenda here and as I chose the challenge theme for November I have the privilege of choosing the winners, but oh boy what a difficult job I had. All the entries were wonderful with lots of sparkle and plenty to get us in a festive mood. Each and every one is a winner in my eyes with so many styles, colour palettes and techniques but in the end after checking that the requirements of the challenge were met I decided on these five entries. In no particular order - 

Coco(no1)
A layout that attracted my attention for being full of festive charm, completed in a beautiful colour range and so tactile. The elements are so cleverly constructed and added to create a three dimensional piece that stands on its own and creates a lovely scene to complement the photo being used.

Elly (no2)
I chose this for all the techniques used to create a different style christmas altered box. Textural patterns layered with non traditional festive colours have culminated in an unusual box that still has that festive feel to it and the stamped stars add that touch of sparkle.

(ps - Great tutorial on Elly's Blog for this great box too)

May (no8)
May's card is the epitome of a cold wintry scene to me. The stamped image on muslin looks misty and ethereal and the white paint and frantage create the wondrous snowy effects synonymous with the dream of a white Christmas. 

Elizabeth (no20)
The collection of different snowflake designs on this card are beautiful, combined with the monochromatic colour scheme there is a warm vintage feel to this card. The use of the grease proof paper adds that touch of translucent charm.

Joanna (no27)
This looks simple and effective, but I can see a lot of work went into creating the shadow box for this card. The stamped frame draws the eye into the focal image, the delicate white flowers add the festive feel whilst the beaded garland adds the touch of sparkle.

I wish I could give everyone a prize, you have all created fabulous pieces. Thank you for taking the time to enter the challenge and get us thinking creatively about the season of giving. 

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What an array of absolute loveliness!

That's about it for tonight, but just before I leave you I want to give Julie of Paper Pathway a quick mention.  Julie has been busy with some of our products creating super little gift bags, and also has YouTube tutorials on how to go about creating her makes.  Do have a look! 

Lots more coming up - images aplenty on my computer desktop to thrill your crafty senses.  Check back often, and keep those encouraging comments coming please - all well read, and most appreciated!

Jean x