Good morning everyone! We're on the brink of seeing in a New Year and hopefully another 52 weeks packed full of creativity and inspiration!
It's a bit strange that week 1 kicks off in 2012, but just think of it as one extra creative thinking day!
For those of you new to the 52 Cards challenge, here's a little intro. If you're not new to the challenge, well this year there'll be a little extra creative boost to help you along with your Christmas card pile!
What is it?
A no-stress challenge aimed at getting you to make at least one card a week in 2013.
Each week I will post prompts here on my blog - these will either be:
- 3 prompts randomly picked from the prompt jar
- Photo inspiration from Pinterest, etc. (that you can interpret in any way that you like: colours, layout, design elements, product - it's up to you!)
- Design elements or themes
- An existing card design that you can use as a sketch to create your own interpretation
- A colour challenge
All you need to do is use the prompts
as inspiration to create a card - if you can't include all the elements
of a prompt, don't worry - there are no rules, the aim is simply to get
creating!
Where are the prompts?
All prompts past and present can be found here on my blog or by clicking on the 52-card challenge tag over there on the left.
When are they posted?
The prompts go live every Monday morning at around 8.30 a.m.
Due to work hours I schedule the blog post for challenge prompts so
it's available at the same time and same place each week. And time
permitting I will include a card with my own interpretation of the
prompt. :)
Where can I share my cards?
If you're a member of UK Scrappers then you can share your cards via the dedicated threads for this challenge, which are located in the main part of the Card Forum here. If you're not on UK Scrappers, then it'd be lovely if you left a link to your card here on my blog via the comments bit for the relevant prompt. I love seeing how people interpret these prompts as no two cards are ever the same!
What's new for 2013?
Well, there was a hint that other folks were in the same boat as me in December, when panic set in that we hadn't made enough cards to send to people... I really want to avoid a repeat of that for Christmas 2013! So, as an added push this year those that want to get ahead with their Christmas cards can make an extra card a week by using the prompt to create a Christmas card as well. If that sounds like too much work, no problem! This is meant to be a stress-free challenge. Join in as and how you like, one week you may want to just make a card for the original prompt, another week just a Christmas card, or some weeks you just won't have time to make either! There will be a separate thread in the card forum on UK Scrappers for you to share your (hopefully) 52 Christmas card crackers! So if you are ultra-productive there is a chance you could make at least 104 cards in 2013!
I will be posting any cards I make for the Christmas card crackers separately later in the week unless I happen to be ultra-productive!
* * * * * * *
So onwards we go with the first prompt of the year, it's a new year and so a good way to see in the new is to include it on your card!
Make a card featuring something new!
It could be any of the following:
- New stash
- A new arrival
- An announcement of some wonderful news
- A card for someone new in your life
- A new home
The choice is yours!
I went with new stash, because I've not had any time at all really to play with the lovely goodies I got in Florida or my craft Christmas presents!
Paper: Basic Grey
Rosette: Basic Grey
Stamps: PTI
Border die: MFT
Other: Sewing machine, Glossy Accents, 3D foam
I added Glossy Accents to the "Celebrate" banner on the rosette just to make it pop a bit more.
And since I was well-prepared for once, here's my contribution to this week's Christmas cracker card!
Paper: BoBunny
Stamps: PTI
Die: PTI
Embossing border: Cuttlebug
Seam binding: The Ribbon Reel
Other: 3D foam, Mister Huey mist
Almost every single item on this card is new, even the Mister Huey opaque white mist which was an interesting moment! Managed to spray my keyboard despite it being faaar away from my craft mat... Hm, think I will need to do my future Mister Huey spraying elsewhere! LOL
I am also rather fond of the zig zag border that was included in the full embossing folder set. I'm also rather fond of the rustic white cardstock from PTI that I got round to opening. :)
Determined to join in ALL year this year :) Thanks for the first prompt and have a great New Year's eve x Happy 2013!
Posted by: Julia Heald | Monday, 31 December 2012 at 10:58 AM
LOL I hadn't realised that last week was wk 52, I was thinking this would be one of last year's challenges.
OK so I didn't make it, but by the end of the week I hope to have caught up and done one for this week too. Good intentions and all that.
Happy New year.
Posted by: thriftycrafter | Monday, 31 December 2012 at 06:57 PM
Great idea! I have been doing Christmas cards for about a month now. Getting stalled for ideas and your card just inspired me on 2 that put away till I got more inspiration. Thanks.
Will try and join this year.
Posted by: csay | Tuesday, 01 January 2013 at 08:53 PM
Wow! Am going to try to join whenever I can although 52 for the year may be a lofty goal for me.
Here's the first one for the year: http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/gallery/member/188495-sassiescrapper/1882026-saturday-card-sketch-challenge-w-kimber-122912/
It's a thank you card for a Christmas gift we received. I used a new 6x6 MME pad. And although my Slice is not new and this cartridge is older, it is the first time I've used it. :)
Posted by: Anne F | Saturday, 05 January 2013 at 09:15 AM
Here is my submission for the Week 1 challenge. I used a new 6x6 paper pad from MME "Quilting Bee", Cardstock, button dies and ribbon from PTI, Stamps,adhesive,& dimensionals from SU, crocheted trim Wrights, Burlap from Walmart.
http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/gallery/member/439103-5boysmom/1882218-52-card-challenge-2013-week-1-card-1/ :)
Burlap is my newest addiction!! May have to start a BA meeting!! Burlap Anonymous!!
on 01/05/13 at 05:36 PM
Posted by: 5boysmom | Saturday, 05 January 2013 at 11:43 PM
I just found this through 2 Peas....what a great idea! I am going to participate as much as I can, I am aiming for 3 out of 4 weeks each month!
Posted by: Janet | Sunday, 06 January 2013 at 04:13 AM
Great cards so far! Keep them coming. :D
Janet, that sounds like a fine plan. :) I am wondering how the 104 card target will pan out for me, but best make the most of any inspiration and free time I have, while I have it!
Posted by: Handmade by Natty | Sunday, 06 January 2013 at 11:39 AM
Managed to rustle up something, trying a new technique ;)
http://www.justsomestuffimade.com/2013/01/06/chalkboard-style-card/
Rx
Posted by: Ruth S | Sunday, 06 January 2013 at 02:11 PM
just found out this post :D i try my best to join the challenge :) http://www.twopeasinabucket.com/gallery/member/485040-padni/1882374-me-you-52-cards-challenge-2013/
Posted by: padni | Wednesday, 09 January 2013 at 06:57 AM
You've convinced me this is an easy way to always have cards on hand, and to have all the Christmas cards I need instead of running out of hand made ones. Since I an in the US, I'll be posting the cards I make on my blog.
Posted by: Elizabeth | Wednesday, 09 January 2013 at 03:43 PM
I am playing catch-up. Here are my first week cards posted on my blog... http://journalingbylizzie.blogspot.com/2013/01/52-card-challenge-week-1.html
Posted by: Elizabeth | Wednesday, 09 January 2013 at 09:16 PM
Here's mine - I'm also playing blog catch up!! http://juliaheald.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/52-card-challenge-week-1.html
Posted by: Julia | Tuesday, 15 January 2013 at 10:02 PM