Elf Antics December 23rd

Well, the elf recruits are all finding their future assignments. Feenix has been at the Elf Workshop assembling toys and organizing them for Santa's night flight on Christmas Eve.

Under the tutelage of Mrs. Santa, Mini Mystery won the Elf Bake-off with her fabulous gingerbread men and will be spending her time satisfying Christmas cravings.

I thought that we had one more day to post, but I see that's not the case so Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.  It's been so much fun!  See you all at the party at the North Pole on the 26th.

Last post for the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.  Thanks so much Diana for the fabulous time.  Merry Christmas!

Elf Antics December 22nd

Olivia was quite impressed with Erf's progress with the reindeer stable and decided he had found his calling.  She had changed into her official reindeer training outfit and thought it was time to introduce the herd.  Obviously Erf is a natural born reindeer whisperer.  See, the fawn went right up to him for a pet.  Oh happy day!

I'm entering this in the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky party at DL.Art and having loads of fun with it.  Come meet the other elves.

Elf Antics December 21st

Erf's antics have gotten him into a bit of trouble but Olivia remembered how he'd gotten along so well with Rudolph.  She assigned him to the reindeer recruit stable.  He's already chopped some wood for a fire and is busy hauling reindeer feed.

I'm entering this in the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.  Come join the fun!

Elf Antics December 20th

Elzabet explains to Feenix that even pets can get on Santa's "Naughty List".  Feenix looks horrified and promises to keep an eye out for wayward kitties. 

I'm linking this up to the 7th Annual Elf Antics party at DL.Art.  Don't your elves want to come join the fun?

Elf Antics December 19th

After his reprimand yesterday, Erf went missing!  I looked all over for him today and finally found him napping in this little nest hanging from one of the trees in the family room.  Yes, those are grape lights.  Our family room is decorated in a vineyard motif and we expand upon that during the holidays.  Good thing I found him or I wouldn't have had a pic today.  Still not done decorating...EEEK!

I'm linking this up to the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics December 18th

Elzabet and Olivia decided the recruits needed a free day without chores and evaluation and took them to see the Olde World Christmas display.

It looked quite a bit like the North Pole and Olivia hoped that it would cheer them up as they were getting a bit homesick. 

All of the elves were mesmerized by the lights glistening on the sparkly snow.  But where is Erf?

He had decided to climb the mountain and get a birds eye view of the village below.  Obviously Olivia was not amused.

I'm linking this up to the 7th annual Elf Antics Linky party at DL.Art where elves abound.  Come have some fun!

Elf Antics December 17th

  

I'm not sure Tuppi was ready for such a big family first off.  She explained that Santa really wants to meet indiviually so there is no mix up when it comes to delivering gifts, but the little ones couldn't wait.

Wren and Wrascal jumped right up on Santa's toy chest, but little Arabella wasn't so sure about that.

Tuppi finally managed to get Wren and Arabella situated but little Wrascal (yeah, that's his name and he really is a rascal!) started to climb on the toys to get to Santa first.

When he jumped on Santa's rocking horse, Tuppi begged him to come down or he'd end up on the Naughty list.  Wrascal told her he asked for one just like this for Christmas and needed to test it out.  Frantic that she'd lose her job, Tuppi pleaded, but Santa just laughed and gave her a wink.  "Boys will be boys!"  I think Tuppi may just put in for another assignment next year.

BTW, in case you're wondering, I've been collecting BJD's (ball jointed dolls) pretty seriously since August of 2018.  All of these particular dolls in this post, including Tuppance, are from the same artist Rose Bbflockling.

I'm linking up to the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.  Take a pic of your elf and come join the fun.

Elf Antics December 16th

EEK!  We're being overrun by elves here!  This is Tuppance who is managing the line to see Santa.

She thought this was a great gig until she saw the number of kids standing in line.  Oh oh!

I'm linking this up to the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.  Grab your elf, take a pic and come join the fun!

Elf Antics December 15th

Erf had left the tree of their choice with the girls before leaving and Feenix decorated it right up.  But the truck was gone!

Luckily, Mini Mystery's big sister was visiting and had brought a sleigh.  Elzabet was happy to meet her and thrilled they could get the tree home after all.  Clearly Mini Mystery idolizes her big sis who is one of Santa's right hand elves.  Maybe one day she'll grow up to be one, too.  It might take quite a bit of growing, though!

I'm entering this in the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.

Elf Antics December 14

After delivering the trees, Erf took off on his own.  Olivia followed and found him having cocoa with Rudolph.  Erf seemed to get along famously with the reindeer and they both seemed to have an affinity for hot cocoa.  Rudolph was especially fond of Erf's boots.  Olivia made a mental note, as she is still assessing the new recruits for future job placement.  This might be promising.

My elves are playing in the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.Grab your camera!  I'll bet your elves want to play, too.

Elf Antics December 13

Oh dear! Elzabet heard word that the Christmas tree lot is running out of trees!  Fortunately, Olivia has been assessing the new recruits' talents and assigns Erf to the job.  Besides, he's the only one who fits in that truck cab other than mini Mystery, and she doesn't know how to drive.

I'm linking this up to the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky party at DL.Art.  The elves are having so much fun!  Come join us.

Elf Antics December 12th

Olivia reminds everyone that leaving treats for Santa is an absolute MUST!  Sorry for the short post.  I'm SOOO far behind in my decorating!  EEK!

I'm linking this up to the 7th annual Elf Antics Linky Challenge at DL.Art.  Come join the fun!

Elf Antics December 11th

While Erf and Mystery were checking out Santa's Place, Feenix talked to Santa himself.  She was happy to inform him that I would be thrilled with something from Neiman Marcus, just in case he was wondering.  (Actually, the bag of toys looks pretty good too.)  ;D

I'm linking up to the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Party at DL.Art.  If you ever wondered what elves are doing this Christmas season, check it out.

Elf Antics December 10th

The recruits took off on their own while Elzabet and Olivia were with Mrs. Santa.  Erf and mini Mystery found Santa's Place.  While Mystery was petting the kitties, Erf tried the door.  ERF!  The least you could is knock!

I'm adding this to the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Challenge at DL.Art.  Join the fun and share pix of your elves doing what elves do.

Elf Antics December 9th

Elzabet is feeling a bit overwhelmed with the new recruits and begs for Olivia's help in assessing their strengths and assigning jobs.  Olivia changed into full elf regalia in hopes of finding someone to watch Helo.  Fortunately Mrs. Claus is willing to take the sweet little one in.

Elzabet breathe's a sign of relief and suggests they search for the wayward newbies.  Whatever are they into now?

I'm linking up to the 7th Annual Elf Antics at DL.Art.  What are your elves up to?  We'd love to see.

Elf Antics December 8th

As usual, I'm WAY behind in my decorating.  Fortunately Elzabet allowed the new recruits to help today.  I think they're a bit tired but rather thrilled to meet retro Santas from my childhood.  (oh crap, they're way more than 50 years old.  Does that make them antiques?)

Having fun with the 7th annual Elf Antics at DL.Art.  Link up your elf pix and come play along.

Elf Antics December 7th

Elzabet has been wondering where Olivia, her mentor and lead elf trainer, has been hiding.  She expected at least a chance to introduce her to the new recruits.  Off she went and found Oliva babysitting a little orphan mouseling left in her care by Mrs. Santa.

Although this situation was supposed to be temporary, adoptive parents have yet to be found so Olivia has been given an leave of absence from her normal elf duties.  Although Helo (the mouseling) is adorable, Olivia is hoping she can get some reprieve so she can help assess and assign duties to the new recruits as previously planned.

Elzabet certainly hopes so too and couldn't help but notice Olivia's stunning new boots, since she has been running around in stocking feet since the beginning of this Elf Antics.  "Oh yes, I nabbed them on Black Friday at SleepingElf", replied Olivia. "Hang in there, Elzabet.  You were quite the handful when you started Elf Training, too.  I hope to see you again, soon."

I'm entering this in the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Challenge at DL.Art.  Grab your elf, take a photo and come play along.

Elf Antics December 6th

So far Mystery has agreed to keep quiet about Erf's misadventures as long as he behaves.  He and Feenix were particularly touched by the altruistic posts they've seen and decided to bring the dire plight of the koalas and other wildlife in Australia, the result of the terrible bushfires, to the attention of the other elves.  Both Erf and Feenix are originally from Australia (doll artist Kerrie-Anne Sawyer).  Many doll artists have auctioned off special collaboration dolls to help.  The most recent auction just ended HERE bringing $2700 in aid.  The direct link to donate directly to the fund is HERE.  Elves were born with giving hearts.  Hopefully we all were.

I'm thoroughly enjoying the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Challenge at DL.Art.  To join in, just take a snap of your elf doing whatever elves do and link up to the fun.

Elf Antics December 5th

After yesterday's near disaster, Erf suggested he and Mystery stop by the Cocoa Cafe to chat.  Besides being a little sweet on Mystery, Erf explains that all ended well and tries to buy her silence with extra whipped cream, his treat.  Still undecided, Mystery worries a bit about guilt by association.  After all, she didn't stop him and she does love cocoa, especially with extra whipped cream.

Still having fun with the 7th Annual Elf Antics Linky Challenge at DL.Art.  Take a pic of your elf or elves and come play along.

Elf Antics December 4th

The cardinal rule for The Elf on the Shelf is to make sure children don't see who moves the elf each day.  

This point was drummed into the recruits heads but Erf could not refrain from returning to the scene just as the little boy Wrascal (that's his name, seriously) walked in and discovered the elf on his shelf.

Erf tried to hide behind the pillows in hopes of not being discovered and fortunately Wrascal was so excited, he failed to notice.

Mystery, however, had followed Erf to try and keep him out of trouble and witnessed the entire incident.  Uh oh!  Will she tell?

This is my third post for the Elf Antics Linky Challenge at DL.Art.  Take a photo of your elf and come join the fun!

Elf Antics December 3rd

The elves in training were getting restless so Elzabet decided it was time for a field trip to see if any of yesterday's lectures stuck.  The positioning of the Elf on the Shelf is of utmost importance in a household as is keeping the Christmas countdown up to date.  Erf jumped in wholeheartedly (there may be hope for him yet) while mini Mystery adjusted the calendar.  Feenix stood below to catch anything, or anyone that might fall.

All the while, Elzabet was watching and taking notes.  Safety first with extra points for teamwork.  Not bad!

This is my second post for the Elf Antics Linky Challenge at DL.Art.  Take a photo of your elf and come join the fun!

Elf Antics at DL.Art

Yikes!  I'm already a day late for joining in the fun times at my friend Diana Larson's Elf Antics Linky Challenge at DL.Art!  More opportunities to link up pix and this year I've loads of new elves, thanks to my growing obsession with BJD's (ball jointed dolls).

Yes, Elzabet is back but this year she has the added responsibility of teaching new recruits the ropes.  Already a day behind, she is showing Feenix, mini Mystery and Erf the importance of the Christmas Countdown.  The girls listen intently while Erf daydreams.  Not so sure they're all going to make the grade.

Come join in the fun with your Christmas Elf pix or just check out the entries HERE.

November new image Showcase for AuroraWings

OOOH, goody!  It's the November Aurora Wings Showcase and just in time for the holidays Mitzi, has added four new Angel Sprites.  There are three little guys, each with his own instrument, and a special little girl sure to melt your heart.

First off we have Harp Angel Sprite.  The harp, to me, is the quintessential instrument of the angels so I used the golds and silvers of the heavens to color with Copics and gel pens.  I'm not sure why, but for some reason I flipped him when printing.  The background and sentiment are cut with glitter paper and I used a filigree die from Just Right on the music paper because it reminded me of a harp.  "Joy" is from the Joy Banner from Poppystamps.  The layers are popped with foam and I've used corner stickers and additional stars to round out the design.

Harp Angel Sprite available at AuroraWings.com in jpg HERE and png HERE

and at AuroraWings Etsy in png only HERE in the new release section.

I'm entering this in the DL.Art November Linky Challenge, the Outlawz Festive Friday Christmas challenge, LPOCF C#118 AG,

Next we have Trumpet Angel Sprite.  His holly crown led me to choose traditional Christmas colors, papers and motifs for a very different feel.  Again, I've colored with Copics and gold gel pen and fussy cut and popped this cutie.  The lovely holly border die is from Sue Wilson Creative Expressions.  The layers are popped with foam and I've used some flat back beads and corner stickers.  The sentiment is from Tim Holtz.

Trumpet Angel Sprite is available at AuroraWings.com 

in jpg HERE and png HERE

and at AuroraWings Etsy in png only HERE in the new release section.

I'm entering this in the Outlawz Twisted Thursday ATG (no twist), Make My Monday #109 red, green and white, 

Finally we have Lute Angel Sprite and again I've gone with a different style. I guess the fact that the lute is made of wood made me go with a more rustic theme this time.  The lovely die sentiment is part of the Holiday Shadowbox set from Sizzix.  I've colored Lute Angel Sprite in warm Copic tones to give the feeling of a country Christmas.

Lute Angel Sprite is available at AuroraWings.com in jpg HERE and png HERE

 and at AuroraWings Etsy in png only HERE in the new release section.

I'm entering this in the Double "D" challenges What is your Christmas style?  (I've pretty much got them all covered in this post (and in my house), but this one is "country/rustic",  the Outlawz Saturday Paper ala Mode Rustic Challenge, 

The original plan, (as far as we knew at the time) was the three musical Sprites, but Mitzi managed one more beauty for this, our last Showcase of 2019.  Here is Peace Angel Sprite with an olive branch crown, holding her precious dove.  I knew immediately that I wanted to color her in serene blues and silvers and set her against a snowy background.  The large oval dies are Spellbinders Grands and I've used the Star Flourish from Memory Box behind her and cut and layered the Peace sentiment from Tim Holtz 4 times.

I've also used clear Wink of Stella on her wings and lace and some silver and clear on the dove itself for sparkle, but it's very hard to photograph.  Can you see it?

Peace Angel Sprite is available on AuroraWing.com in jpg HERE and png HERE

and at AuroraWings Etsy in png only HERE in the new release section.

I'm entering this in the Simon Says Wednesday Starry Starry Night challenge, the Outlawz Monday Greetings Winter Wonderland Challenge, Classic Design Team Open November Challenge, 

You'd be amazed at how different and versatile these new Angel Sprites can be depending upon the coloring and style.  Be sure to visit the AW Showcase Blog to check out the beautiful work by my teamies. 

So what's a Showcase without a coupon?  Here ya go!

But EEEK!  Here's one more surprise!  Check out this Gift with Purchase sent to you via email when you use this weekend's discount code "HOLIDAY 30" (or the subscriber's-only code found in the November AW newsletter)!

Nope, I couldn't resist!  Had to color her IMMEDIATELY because she just begged to be a redhead.  LOL  You know you want her!  And remember, the codes are good for all digital stamp listings in both shops.

I'm entering this in the Outlawz Festive Fridays Christmas theme, 

So go have some fun and be sure to join us in the Stamps by AuroraWings FB Group and add it to the November Challenge Folder, our last challenge of 2019.  New rules!  Always Anything Goes.  Previous projects and coloring only entries are welcome!

Here's what's happening with AuroraWings.

Stamps by AuroraWings Fan page

Stamps by AuroraWings FB Group 

(inspiration, challenges, special events and freebies)

AuroraWings Showcase Blog

(new release inspiration)

AuroraWings.com

AuroraWings Etsy

Broken Hearted-Remembering Goliath for the 2019 Cat Lovers Hop

Today is actually Day 5 of the 2019 Cat Lovers Hop at Her Peaceful Garden.  You can still enjoy the festivities and friendship that abounds every year at this time, join the daily games for a chance to win a lovely digi set from Ike's Art, be inspired by the enormous talent and possibly add a project or two to the Linky for a chance to win a prize from one of the many fabulous and generous sponsors involved, as there's still another full day of fun to be had and an extra day to hop around and comment.  

The rules are in the above link and be sure to SIGN IN HERE if you haven't already, to be eligible for prizes.  Thank you to everyone involved in this Hop, especially Janis who organizes this wonderful event each year.  It's my 4th year participating, but I wasn't sure I'd have a project to link up.  I was late in even realizing it was Hop time because the death of my sweet Goliath in April was a devastating blow and my crafting and blogging have suffered ever since.

Most people who know me through crafting know that coloring is my "thing", but I have only feebly colored one kitty since Goliath passed and that was for a Guest Design team gig.  I've kept up with my work with AuroraWings, but not much else.  So I'm sorry to say this is my first project for the Hop and may be my only. Of course it's dedicated to my sweet kitty boy, Goliath.  I've got hundreds of digis, regular stamps and cat dies strewn all over my craft room but it wasn't until I saw this project by ValeryAnne that I was able to manage a tribute to my boy.  Thank you so much, ValeryAnne!  Your Jigsaw cat card gave me this inspiration and without it, there may not have been any project at all.

The kitty on this card is from a post it note stack that Goliath gave to his Daddy for Christmas quite a few years ago.  It looks just like him, don'tcha think?Momma got one for herself too and I've used the image on a number of cards given to Daddy from his boy.  It was amazing I found it in this hideous clutter, but it was meant to be.  I also managed to unearth my Puzzle heart and sentiment dies from Elizabeth Craft and my Spellbinders cascading hearts Card Creator background.  The gorgeous red crinkle ribbon is from DL.Art.  It's pretty obvious what I did to put this thing together and my post is already WAY longer than intended. 

Besides the 2019 Cat Lovers Hop at Her Peaceful Garden, I'm also adding this to the DL.Art October Linky Challenge, the SUYP October Meowloween/Furrything Goes and 2 Crafty Critter Crazies #31.