W2CB #72: In Giving We Receive

Hi, everyone! It's the second Wednesday of a new month.... which means it's time for a new Words 2 Craft By Challenge. But, before we get to that, we have...

A Bittersweet Announcement

This month's challenge is our last Words 2 Craft By challenge... at least for now. As one of our I-Teamers said, all good things must come to an end.

Six years ago, Bobbi and I, along with a few crafty pals, decided to start the word-inspired challenge blog Words 2 Scrap By. Along the way we have been blessed to work with so many wonderfully talented and incredible generous crafters. Heartfelt thanks go to:

• Bobbi, W2CB co-founder and my partner-in-craft these past six years.
• Past and present team members who never failed to awe and inspire with their incredible interpretations: Annie, Bernadette, Celeste, Greta, Jennifer, Mary Anne, Marty, Penny, and Tina. 
• Peggy, who designed our banner and badges.
• All of our guest designers. Unfortunately, this senior brain of mine is incapable of remembering the names of all you wonderful designers. Fortunately, you know who you are.  :)
• Kim Hughes of Paper Smooches, who kindly sponsored several challenges.  
• Each and every one of you wonderful fellow crafters. Thank you all so very much for your support these six years!!!

Since this is the last challenge, we've decided to change up the awarding of prizes this time around. Instead of awarding a prize to a single challenge winner, we are going to randomly select three challenge entrants and three W2CB followers to receive $10 gift certificates to Paper Smooches.

So, for one last time, let's check out this month's words 2 craft by.

Our December/January Words

This time of year holds such a special place in the hearts of each and every one of us. And, there's certainly no shortage of movies, books, quotes, carols, and scripture passages to choose for this month's words. This month's words come to us from Saint Francis of Assisi.

For it is in giving that we receive.

Now for a couple of creative interpretations. You'll see that Celeste and Jennifer were inspired to make Christmas-themed carda... while Tina and I were inspired by the more general giving aspect of the quote. And, Bobbi made adorable paper purses to give for a few special people in her life. Of course, she did! LOL

Celeste

Jennifer

Tina

Bobbi

Sybrina

We hope you'll join us by linking up a giving-inspired card/project from December 11 through January 1 for a chance to win one of those $10 gift certificates to Paper Smooches.

See you in the W2CB Gallery!

How do these words of giving inspire you?

Our W2CB #71 Challenge Winner...

... is Mary Marsh of The Charmed Life, who created this lovely holiday card!

Mary Marsh

Congratulations, Mary! We loved your card's gorgeous colors, wonderful use of negative space, and overall fab design. Please e-mail me at cards[dot]by[dot]sybrina[at]gmail[dot]com.

Each month, it's getting tougher and tougher to choose our challenge winner. A huge thank you to everyone who played along with our November/December challenge! Special thanks to those participants who posted cards/projects on Flicker and Instagram... along with my apologies for not being to leave comments.

We'll be back Wednesday with a new words-inspired challenge. Looking forward to seeing everyone then!

Cup Half Full - Mid Challenge Reminder!

Bobbi here with our mid-challenge reminder (a tad late).

This month's words of gratitude come to us from Sam Lefkowitz.

When asked if my cup is half-empty or half-full 
my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.

I found a 12 x 12 sheet from American Crafts with small blocks with sayings.  I love these for mass producing cards.  Bonus - it coordinated nicely an Echo Park paper pad I already owned!  

You have until December 4 to join Words 2 Craft By for this gratitude challenge!!!

W2CB #71: Thankful to Have a Cup

Hi, everyone! It's the second Wednesday of a new month.... which means it's time for a new Words 2 Craft By Challenge.

When the calendar turns to November, thoughts naturally turn to Thanksgiving. This month's words of gratitude come to us from Sam Lefkowitz.

When asked if my cup is half-empty or half-full 
my only response is that I am thankful I have a cup.

Let's see how our gals interpreted these inspirational words, starting with Guest I-Teamer Vicki Robertson. Vicki shares her wonderful creations at He"artful" Validation of Vicki. Thank you so much, Vicki, for joining us this month! Your card is stunning, and we are thrilled you accepted our invitation.

Vicki

Tina

Celeste

Jennifer

Sybrina

We hope you'll join us by linking up a thankful-to-have-a-cup-inspired card/project through December 4. Our challenge winner will receive a $10 e-certificate to the merchant of her/his choice. See you in the W2CB Gallery!

Link up your "Thankful to Have a Cup" entries here.

Our W2CB "Always Be..." Winner Is...

... Nancy E. who made a one-of-a-kind card for her daughter's bff's one-of-a-kind wedding! Wow! Talk about being yourself. Hats off to our challenge winner and the new bride!

Nancy E of Pink Panoply

Congratulations, Nancy, on creating one of the most unique wedding cards we'd ever seen! Please e-mail me at cards[dot]by[dot]sybrina[at]gmail[dot]com to make prize arrangements.

It was so fun to see everyone's wonderful interpretations of our "Always Be..." words! Thanks to everyone who played along with us. See  you all next Wednesday for a new words-inspired challenge.

W2CB #70 Mid Challenge Reminder - Always Be

Bobbi here with this month's W2CB challenge reminder.  This month's phrase:

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman.  

Then always be Batman.  Source Unknown

Batman is a selfless, flawed hero.  Kids of all ages (including my husband, a major fan) love him.  Many of my cards are donated to Cards for Soldiers, and they never have enough cards for boys.  I made an SVG and cut a bunch of these with my KNK Zing.

 Black base, gold oval, black bat, rounded corners - done!  Super cute and easy to mass produce.  Be sure to share your hero, bat or other project with us at Words 2 Craft By through November 6.

W2CB #70: Always Be...

Hi, everyone! It's the second Wednesday of a new month.... which means it's time for a new Words 2 Craft By Challenge.

When selecting October words, thoughts of Halloween often come to mind. The quote below seemed perfect for a month in which costume-clad kids and bat-infested haunted houses take center stage.

Always be yourself, unless you can be Batman.
Then always be Batman.  Source Unknown

Celeste and I each have a batty Halloween-themed card to share for a little inspiration.

Celeste

Sybrina

Maybe you will follow this batty Halloween route... or choose to go in a super hero direction... or make something encouraging a friend to be her/his very best. And, remember your entry doesn't have to be a card. Our team can't wait to see how these words inspire you!

As always, our challenge winner will receive a $10 e-certificate to the merchant of her/his choice. See you in the W2CB Gallery!

Always Be...

"Arrr" W2CB Winner is...

... Vicki, who submitted the fabulous nautical-themed card shown below!

Vicki

Congratulations, Vicki! We loved your 3-D effects and adored that gorgeous sentiment. Please e-mail me at cards[dot]by[dot]sybrina[at]gmail[dot]com to make prize arrrangements.  :)

Thanks to all our mateys who played along with our "Ahoy, Matey" challenge. We'll be back Wednesday with a new word-inspired challenge.

Ahoy Matey!! Mid Challenge Reminder

Bobbi here with the W2CB mid-challenge reminder.  Today is Talk Like a Pirate Day!  Fits in perfectly with our Words 2 Craft By Ahoy Matey! challenge.

Bobbi

Cut this cutie from an old Cricut cartidge, sentiment from Fiskars.  Click HERE to play along with us through October 2!!

W2CB; #69: Ahoy, Matey!

Hi, everyone! It's the second Wednesday of a new month.... which means it's time for a new Words 2 Craft By Challenge.

This challenge's words are a celebration of National Pirate Day on September 19.

Ahoy, Matey!

Let's see how our gals interpreted these words.

Bobbi

Celeste

Jennifer

Sybrina

We hope you'll join us by linking up a talk-like-a-pirate-inspired card/project from September 11 through October 2. And, don't feel constrained by our chosen pirate quote. You're more than welcome to through in a "Blimey" or "Aaaaargh" or another favorite pirate-speak phrase.   :)

Our challenge winner will receive a $10 e-certificate to the merchant of her/his choice. See you in the W2CB Gallery!

Link up your pirate-speak-inspired cards and projects here!!!

And the W2CB Winner Is....

... Lisa Walsh, who made this absolutely delightful card!

Lisa of Papercraft Business

Congratulations, Lisa! We just couldn't resist all these adorable critters having a picnic to celebrate their friend's special day. So cute!!! Please e-mail me at cards[dot]by[dot]sybrina[at]gmail[dot]com to make prize arrangements.

A big thanks to everyone who played along. It seems it's getting harder and harder to pick a winner. See you all next Wednesday for a new word-inspired challenge.  :)

W2CB #68: Mid-Challenge Reminder

Hi, everyone!

Sybrina popping in with a reminder that there's still 2 weeks left to play along with our current W2CB picnic-inspired challenge. Challenge details can be found by scrolling down.

Hope to see you in the W2CB Gallery!

W2CB #68: Picnics

Hi, everyone! It's the second Wednesday of a new month.... which means it's time for a new Words 2 Craft By Challenge.

Yes, we know that lots of teachers and kids here in the States are heading back to school this week. But, we here at W2CB have decided to hang on to the days of summer as long as we can. And, it seems like summer just isn't complete without going on a picnic. In that spirit, here are a few words from Five Go Off in a Caravan by Enid Blyton.

I don't know why, but the meals we have on picnics
always taste so much nicer than
the ones we have indoors.

Time to look at a few picnic-inspired creations from our gals, starting with a Guest I-Teammer Wendy... whose sweet card featuring an adorable watermelon-eating tot. Thanks so much for joining us, Wendy! Your card would be perfect for me to send to my dad. LOL

Wendy of Paper Whims

Celeste

Jennifer

Tina

Sybrina

We hope you'll join us by linking up a picnic-inspired card/project. August 14 through September 4. Our challenge winner will receive a $10 e-certificate to the online merchant of her/his choice.

See you in the W2CB Gallery!

Link up your picnic-inspired creations here!

And our W2CB Winner Is...

... MariLynn, who created the gorgeous moon-landing-inspired card shown below.

By MariLynn of Missippi-McGyver

Congratulations, MariLynn! We were over the moon -- pun intended -- by all the texture and dimension, as well as the beautiful background, of your amazing interpretation of our W2CB theme. Please e-mail me at cards[dot]by[dot]sybrina[at]gmail[dot]com to make prize arrangements. 

Many thanks to all who celebrated the Apollo 11 moon landing with us. We'll be back next Wednesday with a new word-inspired challenge. See you then!

W2CB #67: 50 Years Ago Today

I was a little girl, and my mother settled me into my rocking chair in front of the TV.  She told me to pay close attention, and someday I would tell my children and grandchildren that I watched the first lunar landing live.  Mom was ahead of her time, and recognized the importance of making memories.  I've tried to do that with my son, but he is young enough that the jury is still out!  I have always told him that I love him to the moon and back.

Come play along with us at Words 2 Craft By as we honor the mission's lunar plaque inscription.

We came in peace for all mankind.

The challenge is open through July 24.  Peace.

W2CB #67: The Men on the Moon

Hi, everyone! It's the second Wednesday of a new month.... which means it's time for a new Words 2 Craft By Challenge.

July 20th will mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing. In honor of Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, Michael Collins, and all the men and women of NASA, we remember the mission's lunar plaque inscription.

We came in peace for all mankind.

We have a few creations to get those crafting juices flowing, starting with a gorgeous card by Guest I-Teamer Julia. Thanks so much, Julia, for joining us for this challenge! We're thrilled you accepted our invitation.  :)

Julia

Celeste

Bobbi

Sybrina

We hope you'll join us by linking up an Apollo 11-inspired card/project. Our challenge winner will receive a $10 e-certificate to the merchant of her/his choice. See you in the W2CB Gallery!

Link up your Apollo-11-inspired project here!

And the W2CB Winner Is....

Wendy of Paper Whims, who created this delightfully summer-y card!

Wendy

Congratulations, Wendy!!! We just loved  how your fabulous CAS design and neutral background colors allowed this sweet sailing-loving gal to steal the show. Please e-mail me at cards[dot]by[dot]sybrina[at]gmail[dot]com to make prize arrangements.  :)

As always, huge thanks to all who played along. And, as always, you all are making our decision harder and harder.

We'll be back next Wednesday with a historically-inspired W2CB Challenge. See you then!

W2CB Mid-Challenge Reminder!!!

Hi, everyone! Happy summer!!!

The sun's actually shining here today. Will wonders never cease?!

A quick reminder that our barefoot-running, summer-themed challenge is open for another 10 days. Scroll down to see this month's words, and then come back by to link up a card/project for a chance to win $10 to the online store of your choice.

See you in the W2 CB Gallery!

W2CB #66: Running Barefoot

Hi, everyone! It's the second Wednesday of a new month.... which means it's time for a new Words 2 Craft By Challenge.

In the good ol' USA, our thoughts are turning to trips to neighborhood pools and adventures on sandy beaches. In honor of National Go Barefoot Day, we thought it was fitting to choose the following words from Leslie Grimutter.

My own prescription for health is less paperwork 
and more running barefoot.

Here are a few interpretations of  these words 2 craft by, starting with an adorable card made by our Guest I-Teamer Deanne Saunders , who shares her adventures in crafting over at A Little Bit O' Paper.

Thank you sooooo much, Deanne, for joining us this month! Your little beach-loving-tot couldn't be any cuter, and we couldn't be happier that you accepted our GDT invitation.  :)

Deanne

Celeste

Bobbi

Jennifer

Sybrina

We hope you'll join us by linking up a running-barefoot-inspired card/project. Our challenge winner will receive a $10 e-certificate to the merchant of her/his choice. See you in the W2CB Gallery!

How do you "Go Barefoot"?

And Our W2CB Winner Is...

Julia Aston... who wowed us with this non-card creative take on our W2CB Challenge! Julia reminded us that no student achieves graduation without the support of special teachers. As a former teacher, I know that there was no greater thank you than watching former students receive their diplomas.

Julia of Create with Me

Congratulations, Julia! Please e-mail me at cards[dot]by[dot]sybrina[at]gmail[dot]com to make prize arrangements.

Huge thanks to everyone who played along with us this past month... including our Instagram participants who, for some reason, I am unable to leave comments for their cards/projects. And, you all are making it tougher and tougher to choose a winner. 

We'll be back next Wednesday with a new challenge.Until then, happy crafting!

W2CB #65: Mid-Challenge Reminder

Hi, everyone!

Sybrina here with a W2CB mid-challenge reminder. This month, our words honor teachers.

The influence of a good teacher can never be erased.

Today, we are tickled pink to feature an adorable card made by Kathy Tanner! Kathy is a W2CB Challenge Winner and shares her adventures in cardmaking at Stamping Still. Thanks so much, Kathy, for joining us as a Guest I-Teamer! You are uber talented, and we are honored to be featuring this sweetheart of a card!!!

Kathy Tanner

Our challenge winner will receive a $10 e-certificate to the online store of her/his choice. And, you still have two weeks to play along. Scroll down for the link and our I-Team's wonderful creations. 

See you in the W2CB Gallery!