Flurries Forecasted Challenge #417 Week 1

 Hello Ai fans!

Welcome to our FINAL challenge of 2025.

Can you BELIEVE IT??
We're that close to the end of 2025.
Where did the time go?

For our final challenge we're sticking with the season.

Flurries Forecasted

We want to see your winter projects featuring snow, snowflakes, snow globes, snowmen, snow embossing folders, puffy snow, glittery snow, snowflake stamps and dies and more.

Our Featured Designer is Dori.

She created the most spectacular winter scene.
She has an adorable train sludging through the snow, penguins sliding down a snowy
hill and plenty of snowflakes to keep all of the penguins and snowmen happy!

Take a look at her wonderful tutorial and then scroll down to see who won our
Gobble Gobble challenge.

Take it away Dori!
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       Happy Thursday AI Friends!

I'm so excited to be the one to introduce the new blog challenge called "Flurries Forecasted"!  I'm not quite ready for the snowy weather but I'm sure ready to add snow flurries to my cards, tags and projects.  Hope you are just as ready as I am and decide to play along with us!

You may have noticed that I love interactive cards, so yep, I have a fun one for you today using the 

#5929 - Christmas Train set along with some accessories from the #5489 - Front Porch Christmas set.

I love the way these sets work together so that you can combine and stretch their use.

The video below will show how this card opens and stores.  When folded it's an A2 card, but pops open to be approx. 5 1/2 x 12" wide.  Because of the panels that extend out, the card is much thicker than a standard A2 card and will need a larger envelope plus additional postage, if mailing.  

So to get started - I stamped the images with Memento black ink onto copic friendly paper and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I then die cut each of the images with the coordinating dies that are included in both of the stamp sets.  For the two penguins rolling down the snowy hill (on the front of the card), I die cut an extra one, out of heavy cardstock, and adhered to each to give a little extra weight for them to roll better.  I die cut various size snowflakes using the #5353 - Large Snowflake dies from glitter cardstock.  I also cut several trees out of the #5853 - Christmas Magic PP using a die set from my stash but any pine tree dies will work nicely. 

Now, we're ready to build the card.  I started with a standard top fold A2 card from heavy cardstock.  I scored at 5 3/8" as well as the 5 1/2".  This will allow the folds to come up and over the thickness of the final card.  Fold and burnish these score lines really well.  Hint:  I found that my card stood up better if I trimmed off about 1/2" from the bottom of the back panel.  The inside pop out card is cut from heavy cardstock and measures 4 3/4" x 9 1/4".  Score at 1", 3 3/4" and 6 1/2".  This will provide you with three panels that are 2 3/4" wide.  This is a nice size for each of the train cars.  Score and burnish these folds quite a few times back and forth to help breakdown the fibers.

For the front of the card, cut two slider tracks in blue cardstock, far enough apart so that the penguins won't bump into each other when then roll.  I also cut three blue panels to fit each panel of the fold out base.  I spattered Dr. PH Martin Bleed Proof white paint over each of the blue panels to create the snow-like look.  While those were drying, I cut two panels of glitter cardstock (larger than the front A2 blue panel) and cut the same tracks to match up to the ones on the blue base and I fussy cut each to extend the top of the hill.  I found it easier to cut the glitter panels down after lining the tracks up with the blue panel.  I inked the edges with Ranger Distress Oxide ink - Broken China before adhering and used foam tape for the bottom hillside.  Adhere the hillsides down onto the blue base panel matching up the corresponding tracks and leaving some areas to tuck the trees.  The bottom glitter panel will be stacked over the top panel to create a forward hill.  

To create the rolling penguins, I die cut six 5/8" discs from heavy cardstock (or you can use a penny, button or anything flat and round).  Glue one set of three discs together for each penguin.  Stack and glue two foam dots in the middle of each disc (making sure the dot will fit freely in the slider track).  Place the dots through the slider track from back to front and glue the penguin to the top of the dot poking through the track.  Do the same for the other penguin and track.  You should be able to test to make sure they roll freely at this point.  If all is good, place two layers of foam tape to the back of the blue panel.  Be careful not to place foam tape too close to either slider track as this will prevent the penguins from rolling.  Test again before adhering.  Place a piece of glitter cardstock face down over the tape, so that the glitter will show through the tracks, and then glue down to the front of the A2 card. 

Now, for the extended pop out card.  Glue the one inch tab to the inside back panel of the A2 card base.  See below.

Cut several snow drifts from glitter cardstock.  For the two main snow hills, I cut two long ones (different heights), ink the top edges and then cut into thirds so that the hillsides with match up from one panel to the next.  I put foam tape under the front hillside so that the train cars will fit behind with a little dimension.  This is the only dimension I did so that the panels would fold nicely.  If there are too many pop up items, the panels will not fold.  I added a few scrap pieces in back for added snowy hills. 

 

I added a blue panel to the inside as well as a sentiment panel.  Fold your panels in to make sure it is closing nicely.  They should fold in as follows:  right panel closes onto center, then under left and then into the card.  If you are having any trouble, you may have to trim down the blue panels slightly. 

Now the fun, you are ready to decorate the front and each of the panels.  Remember not to add any more dimension to the inside panels.  Foam tape, at this point, is not your friend.  ;)  

However, the front is fair game.  Have fun!

I hope you enjoyed my card today to kick off the new blog challenge "Flurries Forecasted".  

Hope you play along for a chance to win a free stamp set.  We love to see your creations!

Have a wonderful day!  Keep creating!!

Copics used:  C00, C1, C3, C5

B0000, B000, B00, B01

E21, E23

R20, R22, R24, R27

Y32, Y35    YR16, YR18

G40, G43, G46

Can you even believe how cute that card is??
So much talent and love went into it.

Now for our winners.

Our Gobble Gobble Top Spot went to Dot Freel for the gorgeous

card that she made for her sister.

Congratulations Dot!

Please contact Leah at feedback@artimpressions

to claim your free stamp set.
Be sure to grab your Top Spot badge to share on

your social media as well.

Our Lucky Random Winner was #13 Becca Yahrling.

Congratulations Becca!

Please contact Leah at feedback@artimpressions

to claim your free stamp set.
Be sure to grab your Lucky Random Winner badge to share on

your social media as well.

Also, be sure to check out Simon Says Stamp for the Art Impressions Exclusive
6123 Snow Globe Gift Card Holder Die Set.

Be sure to check out all of the inspiration from the Art Impressions Daily Design Team
and Simon Says Stamp Design Team.

This is a limited edition exclusive set and once it sells out, it's gone forever.

The bundle that included the envelope has already sold out.

The envelope die set can still be purchased separately at either Simon Says or Art Impressions.

Now for the details of our Flurries Forecasted challenge.

✻ Please make a new card or handmade crafty creation. You can make any item you wish; this is not limited to cards! (unless specified)

✻ Limit two submissions per person.

 ✻Please include your first name and last initial on your submission. You may include your entire last name, but it's not necessary.

✻We love to comment on your entries, but keep in mind if you use a private group or a platform that you need to sign up for, we probably won't be able to.

✻ The Ai Challenge is open to everyone, international submissions are welcome!

✻ Include a link back to the Ai Blog or grab our button on the top right of our sidebar!

✻ Share the Ai love if you can, by clicking and commenting on your fellow crafters.

✻ Make sure to get your link up by the deadline to enter your creations.

✻ Good luck and happy stamping! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Snow Friend by Dori Mendiola

 Happy Thursday AI Friends!

Today my card was inspired by the current blog challenge "Monochromatic".   I've never really done this before, but I found it quite fun!  All you have to do is create a card using one color (or different shades of one color).  I decided to use the 5041 - Snow Friend set.  I've always loved this snowman but since Christmas has passed, I wanted him to reflect the winter season.

I stamped the image with memento black ink onto copic friendly paper and colored with my copic markers listed below.  I then fussy cut him out and cut off the string of Christmas lights that he is holding.  Some of the strings still showed, so I colored over the string pieces with a white paint pen and they are no longer visible.  TaDa!  😀

I ink blended a white cardstock panel with Ranger Distress Oxide inks (colors Prize Ribbon and Salty Ocean).  I spattered a little water onto the panel and dabbed it off with a paper towel.  Then I flicked some Dr. Ph Martin's Bleed Proof white paint, mixed with some water, with a small paint brush onto the panel to create a snowy effect.  I cut the panel with the largest 5063 - Rectangle A2 Double Stitch die and I used the 5064 - Double Stitch circle to cut a partial circle out of the top right side.  I created two snow mounds with white cardstock from a panel cut with the rectangle A2 double stitch die.  Lastly, I die cut several snowflakes from the 5353 - Large Snowflake die and the 5782 - Snowflake Frame sets.

 I covered the snowflakes with stickles and created an icy ground to skate on.

That's my card for today!  Hope you enjoy and keep creating!

Make sure to enter the challenge - see tab above for details and a chance to win a free stamp set.

Copics used:  C1, C3, E21, E23,

B0000, B00, B12, B14, B16, B21, B23

R20, YR12, YR14

Snow Friends Are The Best Friends! by Janet

Hi everyone! Today I'm here with such a cheerful bunch of snowmen from the 5041 - Snow Friend Set. If you love snowmen then you would love this set which is full of fun loving snowmen like three chubby fellows. I also used the largest banner from the 5134 - Banner Double Stitches Dies.

After cutting the banner in white cardstock, I used light blue ink and a stencil to make a background which reminds me of ice. I colored the snowmen with Copic markers and then fussy cut them out. I mounted the image on foam tape and placed it on the banner. Then I mounted the banner just under the pre-preprinted Happy Holidays sentiment.

The card background was super easy to make. The plaid pattern and the matching sentiment were pre-printed and was part of a paper pad I've had in my stash for several years. It is a large card at 6 1/2" square and has a big presence that I love. I used my corner rounder punch on the plaid and white mats and then again on the green card base.

Thanks so much for joining me here at the blog today. As always, please visit the Ai store for the products I used and all the things you need for your card, journal, and tag making projects. Happy creating!

Janet - YouTube - Blog - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest  

Showing the last of my Holiday cards by Sharon Caudle

 Hello AI Fans and Happy 2024!!

I sure hope all of you have had a wonderful start to the new year! I have a few more holiday cards that I haven't been able to show you yet, so thought now is the perfect time. It seems I never have time to show you everything before the Holiday arrives and it's over. So I'm cramming them all into one blog post. Hope you don't mind!  All of the images are stamped with Memento ink and colored with Copic markers. So here we go! 

For this first card, I used #5565 Cheers My Deers Set. I also used #5812 Christmas S2 Paper Pack

For this card, I used #5041 Snow Friend Set. I love how they spell JOY! 

This little cutie pup is from #4937 Santa Paws Set. I used Dr PH Martins Bleed Proof White on his fur. 

Who doesn't love Chubby Little Snowmen?  And that's exactly what this set is #5351 Chubby Snowmen Set

I made a little gift tag with the new set #5802 Joyful Snowman Set. I add a small tag on the back of it with my to and from.  That way, that little tag can be removed and the main portion can be used again in the future! 

And my final card used one of the adorable snowmen from #5802 Joyful Snowman Set and a tree from #5457 Christmas Truck Set and the sentiment is cut out with #5063 Rectangle double stitched dies. 

So that's it for me today!  Thanks so much for stopping by for a visit and until next time - stay crafty!!

Happy Thanksgiving! (and winners of the Making Spirits Bright challenge)

 Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!

I hope you all have a wonderful day planned with your friends and families.

I host Thanksgiving at my house so I've been VERY busy the last few days preparing for today.

We will be on break for the next week to give our Design Team a chance to spend time with the people they love, but we need to announce the winners of our Making Spirits Bright challenge.

I hope our two well deserving winners will be patient because Art Impressions is offering an amazing Black Friday sale, so there may be a SMALL delay in answering your emails about claiming your prize.

For our Top Spot we chose Becca Yahrling for her 3 adorable Snowman Puppets.

She used the new 5803 – Snowman Puppet Set.

Please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com
to claim a free stamp set of your choice!
Also, be sure to grab our badge to display on your blog, Facebook or Instagram!

Our Lucky Random Winner was April J. 
She used 5041 – Snow Friend Set

Please contact Leah at Feedback@artimpressions.com

to claim a free stamp set of your choice!

Also, be sure to grab our badge to display on your blog, Facebook or Instagram!

If you have a wish list you've been setting aside, now is the time to fulfill it!

Art Impressions BLACK FRIDAY SALE STARTS 12:01 AM 11-24-23 EST / 9:01 PM PST 10/23/23

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Have a safe and happy holiday!

See you next week with our new challenge!

Joy of Christmas by Sharon Caudle

Hello AI Fans!

I love this card I'm showing you today.  This snowman exudes such joy that I can't help but smile every time I see him.  Bonnie is so talented in conveying emotions through her wonderful characters! This adorable cutie pie and sentiment are from #5041 Snow Friend Set. I can't help it, I adore him!!  I stamped him onto some Cryogen White paper which has a little sparkle to it, and then colored him with Copic markers. I cut the image out using the #5062 Rounded Rectangle A2 Double Stitched Die Set. For the mat behind him, I cut out another piece the same size in the gray paper and just offset it from the image panel. To balance out the card, I used three different beautiful snowflakes from 5353 Large Snowflake Dies and topped them off with some Diamond Stickles. 

Thank you so much for taking the time out of your busy schedule to stop in and take a peek at my card! Until next time my crafty friends!! 

Copics used:

Y08, Y35, Y38

YR12, YR14

C1, C2, C3, C4, C5, C6

R12, R22, R24, R27

T1, T2

B000, B04

YG07

Let It Snow Card by Tasha

 Good morning Ai Fans!

Tasha here sharing a winter-themed card created with the Ai 5041-Snow Friend Set!

To begin this project, I stamped all the images with black ink and colored them with markers. I used white gel pen for little accents and clear glitter on the snow. I also added little snowdrifts to the ground; I love the light blue color!

The background was created with Distress Oxide Ink and I used a light blue ink to stamp several snowflakes. I also used a marker to add little inked dots and rhinestones on the center of the snowflakes to extra sparkle! The sentiment "Let it Snow" was stamped in gray ink and it blends in perfectly with the snowy scene!

Lastly, I added a layer of deep red cardstock and a birch bark pattern paper before adhering it to a white A2 sized card base. 

Thank you for checking out today's winter-themed card and I hope you are having a great day!

Oh What Fun! by Janet

Hi everyone! Janet here with a cheerful wintery card celebrating the winter season. You know how sometimes things speak to you? This guy told me that's his name! It's Barney. I just fits him I think. Isn't he adorable?

This stamp set used from my card is #5041 - Snow Friend Set. There two snowman images and related sentiments in this super fun set along with a birdhouse, birds and holly.

This snowman actually holds a string of lights and I thought it would be fun to try masking it so I could eliminate the light string. This way, this festive little guy works for Christmas and the winter season generally. I found it was pretty easy to do and it makes him usable all winter.

To make this card I first stamped and colored Barney. Then I covered him with a mask and colored the pond around him with Copic markers. Then I used a stencil to create the clouds in the background. This worked beautifully to allow me to create the scene all around him. Once done I peeled away the mask and then I embossed the sentiment with blue heat embossing powder. 

I cut the image down and put it on an A2 card. I created a stitched frame and put it up on foam tape. I think it gives the feel of looking through a window. The final touches were to add a light blue enamel heart in his hand, a white pompom to his hat and some small pearls and snowflake sequins around him. I hope you like Barney as much as I do!

Happy Creating!

Janet - YouTube - Blog - Facebook - Instagram - Pinterest

Fun Fold Christmas card! by Crystal

This week I made a different type of card then I normally make; it was fun to mix it up. I usually make standard A2 cards but this week I thought it would be fun to do something different so, I made a Z-fold pop out card.  I used the Snow Friend stamp set this week to make my card. 

This card was so fun to make. I scored a piece of card stock to make a z-fold card base. I took a second piece of card stock and die cut the top with a hill die then scored it to make the second part of the z-fold card. I added ink to both pieces and dropped water droplets onto them and patted them with a paper towel to pick some of the color up. I then assembled the z-fold pop out card. I added a mail box and birds to the center part of the card.  

I added some die cut snowflakes to the background. I adhered the snow man to the front so he looks like he is skating across the card. I added the sentiment "May the joy of Christmas be yours!" 

Happy Stamping!