Getting Ready for Christmas at Ike's World Challenge Blog

OMG I can't believe 2019 flew by so fast! Here it is, 22 days before Christmas! I may still have a ton of things to do, but one thing I have finished is making my Christmas cards for the year. I mailed some out just after Thanksgiving, and the rest are for family and friends I'll be seeing throughout the next 3 weeks. Whew!!
This month Ike's World Challenge Blog asks crafters to create something on the lines of "Getting ready for Christmas." I  like a well-decorated home for this holiday, so I created a card featuring a previous year's Christmas freebie image from Ike's Art Store, which just happens to be a lovely table decoration (it doesn't go on the dinner table since that will be over-weighted by platters of holiday fare).
Since both my image and my patterned paper are design busy, I kept embellishments at a minimum. After coloring my image with Copics, I added a little Stickles for sparkle, a few tiny jewels for same, and some faux stitching that makes a nice homey border.
How did you do on your holiday cards? Did you make your goal? Are you short a bit? I may just have an excess this year! I'll either save them for next year, or find more people to give them to. That's using some Christmas spirit, isn't it? LOL
Don't forget to link up whatever you choose to create with the main blog for your last chance to win your choice of free digis from Ike's Art (last chance in 2019, that is!). Happy Holidays to all the lovely and talented ccrafters out there!

Kill Them with Kindness at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Today I have two projects to inspire you to always stretch your comfort zone. I've used the lovely digi, Spanish Dancer, from Ike's Art. It's one of my favorite images; maybe because my cousin dances and teaches Flamenco. I admire her for that.
Anyway, I was trolling YouTube videos and came across an artist who used all manner of items, food and supplies in his project, so I thought I'd have a go at it. First, I colored the top half of my image with Copics. Then I emptied my supply of flowers and chose these white ones with the colored jewel centers.
I then played with each flower like a piece of a jigsaw puzzle, slowly putting them together to form my dancer's flowing skirt. I love how it came out. So I tried another medium.

This time I used red lace. This was more difficult as I had to fold it over and back for the different layers of the image's dress. It was also harder to get the lace to sit right at my dancer's waist. I love the dimension of this one more, but I'll need to iron the lace next time so it lies on the canvas more accurately.

So which one do you like better? I'm definitely revisiting this type of mixed media canvas. The challenge at Ike's World Challenge Blog this month runs to the end of November, so you should have plenty of time to experiment and try new techniques or materials. Just remember, treat yourself with kindness as you stretch out of your comfort zone. Whether you succeed with your attempts, or it ends up in the trash, you are trying to grow in your art and that makes you a winner!

Don't forget you could also be a winner of free digis from Ike's Art Store, so make sure you link your project to the main blog!

Hats Off to You at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Welcome to a new challenge at Ike's World Challenge Blog. This month the optional challenge is to create a project featuring Hats. My DT make includes three images and one patterned paper from Ike's Art store!
While I did some creative computer work for this hybrid card, I also used my trusty Copics to color Mr. Poe's bust and Top Hat . He is really stylin', no lyin'! LOL
Of course, I like to use (or create) puns whenever I can, so my sentiment should make you groan a little.  Puns are under-appreciated, I think.
No matter if you are inspired by the optional theme, no matter if you create altered art, a scrapbook page or other mixed media project, just don't forget to link it up to Ike's World Challenge Blog for your chance to win images from the store.
Good luck and happy crafting!

Ike's ArtImages: Poe Bust, Top Hat & Coffee Cup 1
Ink: Copics & white gel pen
Papers: Ike's Art Poe Paper & PS Digi Dewy's For the Love of Chocolate patterned paper
Font: Verve

Challenges I am Entering:

It's All about the Gingham at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Tie again for a new challenge at Ike's World Challenge Blog, where the optional theme this month is Gingham! I found a sweet piece of gingham patterned paper that inspired me to create a new baby girl card. My daughter is at that age where many of her friends are getting married or having babies, so I know this card won't last long in my house.
I used New Baby digi image from Ike's Art Store, coloring it with Copics. I dug into my folder of baby stickers and found this adorable clothesline sticker that frames my image perfectly. I went over the top on the theme by adding a gingham bow to my card!
Whatever you create, be sure to link it to Ike's World Challenge Blog for your chance to win free digis from the store like the one with which I created!

Challenges I am Entering:

A Place to Start - Anything Goes

Crafty Friends - Beginning with B (Baby)

Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Papers - Anything PP Goes

Creations in Pink - Anything with mostly pink Goes

More Than One Fold at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Today I decided to try my hand at a swing card. I haven't made one in forever, and while I was cleaning out my craft area (again) I found a template for this kind of card, so I took a swing at it. Since the theme over at Ike's World Challenge blog is "more than 1 Fold, this was the perfect time to try it out.
I used a digi image of an elephant silhouette, from the African Animal Silhouettes Set. I changed the black silhouette to a rusty dark orange, then used Photoshop to print the first part of my sentiment onto the image itself.

I cut and folded my card base according to the template, then cut the patterned paper from Decosse's Dynamite Doodles to fit. My elephant image was adhered to the front piece, and I printed, cut out and adhered the second part of the sentiment to the back.

Then I added the bling around the image and sentiment as well as the front of the card. And it works! It swings! Yay me! LOL

When you create something this month, don't forget to  link up with Ike's World Challenge Blog for your chance to win a gift certificate to the Store. Good luck and happy crafting!

Challenges I am Entering:

Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes

Crafty Cardmakers - Masculine

Make My Monday - Kinetic

613 Avenue Create - More than one Fold

2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Anything Goes
Classic Design Team - Anything Goes
Crafty Animals - Anything Goes
Fabrika Fantasy - For the Men/Boys
World Wide Open Design Team - Anything Goes

Emboss It at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Have you seen the movie TROLLS? I have, about 20 times (I have a young granddaughter). There's a song from this animated movie sung by Anna Kendricks and Justin Timberlake. It's called True Colors, a beautiful song. And the inspiration for my DT make for Ike's World Challenge Blog!
While the challenges are always Anything Goes, the optional theme this month is EMBOSSING. I embossed and inked my card face before popping my Ike's Art image onto the card. The image is called sitting Gnome from the Beach Gnomes Set at Ike's Art Store. I played around with it in Photoshop and ended up with this kaleidoscopic effect that went perfectly with my sentiment.
Crafters have all month to create a project and link it to the main challenge blog for their chance to win a gift certificate to Ike's Art Store. Good luck and happy crafting!

Using Die-Cuts at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Hallo, mein Lieblings! I don't know if you've noticed that lately I've been creating some cards in German. My sister lives in Berlin with her husband and I thought it would be nice if she had some handmade cards to give to her new friends and neighbors.
That's why I created this children's birthday card using a digi image from Ike's Art Store called Teddy Bear from the Germany - World Tour Series Set. After coloring Sigmund (my name for him, nicknamed Ziggy) with Copics, I adhered him onto my card with dimensional tape, framing him with a die-cut circle of stars. In the corner I placed a die-cut tag on which I popped a flower. I also used a couple punches to get my heart and butterfly embellishments. Behind the watermark are the words  "Alles gute zum Geburtstag" which loosely translated mean Happy Birthday!!
Since this is my DT make for Ike's Art World Challenge Blog, you've probably guessed that the optional theme this month is DIE-CUTS. I think I have enough of them, don't you? LOL
I'm taking German classes at the local community college, and am now in German 102. We're spending almost the entire semester on present participle and simple past tense (both ways to say you did something). If you want a quick and easy language to learn, do NOT take German. LOL It is difficult and I have had to tell the professor when I enter the classroom that "Ich habe ein kopfschmerzen" many times (I have a headache!).
Back to the challenge: It's Anything Goes with the option to create with Die-cuts. It doesn't have to be cards but any kind of project. So poke your Muse and get crafty. The winner gets a gift certificate to Ike's Art Store!! Just don't forget to link up your project there before the end of the month!
Have fun and happy crafting!

Challenges I am Entering:
Tuesday Throwdown - Pastel Colors
Use Your Stuff - Fuzzy Wuzzy
Cupcake Inspirations - photo below
(I chose the animal/birthday celebration feeling of the photo)

Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper - Anything Goes w/pp
DigiDoodles Studios - Anything Goes
Happy Craft - Anything Goes

Keep It Clean and Simple at Ike's World Challenge Blog

When I saw the set of Sock Puppets that Ike is offering at her STORE, I knew there had to be some good conversations between these dog Sockies. So for this month's Lean and Simple (CAS) theme at Ike's World challenge Blog, I found their perfect introduction to my blog.
I colored two of the four Sockies with my Copics, adhering them onto a bit of cardstock to frame them before popping them onto my card base. I did the same with my sentiment, and kept embellishments to 4 small black jewels. I knew my sentiment needed a CAS card for impact. Did I make you smile?
If not, I hope the Sockies did. And the best time to craft is when you're smiling. So I expect to see your projects at Ike's World Challenge Blog. Good luck and happy crafting!

Challenges I am Entering

Creative w/Stamps - Friends

Happy Craft - Anything Goes

Love to Craft - Anything Goes

The Creative Crafters - Anything Goes

Feelin' Blue at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Why do we say we're feeling BLUE when Blue is such a pretty, calming color? My bedroom is blue. It is the color of the sky on a cloudless day, giving off a feeling of openness and freedom. It is a primary color and, mixed with other colors, produces an almost endless rainbow of shades and tints.
So when I saw that the optional theme at Ike's World Challenge blog was BLUE, I was feelin' it, and I was definitely NOT sad. So I opted to create a page in my art journal. I used my growing stash of colored pencils and colored up an image called Long Tall Latex Sally -   BLUE, of course. I used washi tape to divide my page into sections so I could get a good variety of words and artwork going on. I doodled and collaged and colored my heart a happy BLUE.
And I feel GREAT!
So go on, get into the Blues and create something to link up to Ike's Art Challenge Blog for your chance to win a gift certificate to Ike's Store. You can even pick up a couple FREEBIES there. Although you don't have to use Ike's images, I LOVE to use them. On my Bucket  List is the wish to own ALL her images - mwahahahaha! I'm never going to reach that goal, however. Ike just keeps on drawing and drawing. It's difficult to catch up to her! LOL
Have fun, crafters!

Challenges I am Entering:

Crafts Dreamy - Anything Goes

Kleurin met  Potloden -Anything Goes w/colored pencils

Welcome to IKE'S WORLD CHALLENGES 2019

Looks like Ike's World Challenge Blog is going through the alphabet, starting the year off with an optional theme of ANIMALS. So I got to play with an Ike's Art image called "Magician's Hat + Bunny" I found a cool quote on Pinterest (and of course couldn't follow up to the author):

Always believe that something Magical is about to happen

This is a New Year's card for my girlfriend, Janie.She and I are having an old-fashioned sleepover this New Year's Eve (and hopefully not a hangover for New Year's Day). We're mapping out 2019, with goals, journals, helpful hints, etc. We used to do this every year but life got busy and we dropped it. .Now we're back, ready to get healthier, get organized, de-clutter and simplify.

About my card: After coloring my image, I digitally popped it onto Decosse's Dynamite Doodles Blue Glitter Textured paper. I have squares on my mind, so made everything but the embellishments matching in shape. And everything is from my stash as almost every project I've created this year has been. I really am trying to downsize my craft supplies. I'm like a craft hoarder (but an organized one).

So, as this year comes to a close, and a New Year starts,I hope everyone sees a prosperous and healthy year, with plenty of time to craft and relax, spend time with friends and family,  and find yourself in a better place. Happy crafting!

p.s.(DON'T FORGET TO LINK UP YOUR OWN PROJECT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN DIGIS  FROM IKE'S ART STORE)

Challenges I am Entering:

2 Crafty Critter Crazies - Anything Goes w/a Critter

Love to Craft - Anything Goes

Christmas Time at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Nowadays we say Merry Christmas or Happy Christmas, but I bet in Victorian times, it wasn't all that merry. Look at poor Mr.Poe, wearing a stiff collar and heavy clothing, all dressed up with nowhere to go. His writings certainly don't paint him as a jolly fellow.

And yet even with his somber expression, he does look pretty dapper on my Christmas card. I think the greeting "Silent Night" is perfectly fitted for him, whether he spends his night in his cups, or stays up til all hours writing lost love and tell-tale hearts.I have a couple friends who love r.Poe's writings and would appreciate this card. One of them will get a nice little surprise in the mail this holiday.

Poe with Candle is the name of this Ike's Art digi image.I colored him in traditional Christmas colors to jolly him up. Speaking of jolly, the theme at Ike's World Challenge Blog is CHRISTMAS TIME. Any project qualifies for a chance to win free digis from Ike's Shop.Just remember to link up before the end of the month.

Now wouldn't that be a great way to end the year?  Free digis from Ike's Art!! My kind of Christmas present!! Good luck, and happy crafting!

Challenges I am Entering:

Alphabet challenges - S is for Season's Greetings

Pattie's Creations - Winter/Christmas

Winter Wonderland - Anything Christmas Goes

Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper - Anything w/patterned paper goes

The Holly & Ivy - Anything Christmas Goes

Photo Inspiration from Ike's World Challenge Blog

This month's challenge theme at Ike's World Challenge Blog is a photo inspiration, pictured below. Now how open is that?! It took me forever to choose the image I wanted to play with, but I decided on "Shhhh" It is probably one of my favorite images to play with from Ike's Store (her colored hair alone pulls in most of the colors in the inspiration photo LOL).

If you can't read the sentiment, the first speech bubble says: "Bad News - I forgot your Birthday" The second bubble reads: "Good News - I forgot how old you are"

I always have fun coloring her hair, and finding just the right words to put with her look. I think I got it spot on for my birthday card. So for November, the optional challenge theme is to pull whatever inspiration you get from the photo offered. Hopefully your Muse will be abuzz with creative energy. And hopefully, you will link up your project or card with Ike's World Challenge Bog for your chance to win a gift certificate to Ike's Store.

Good luck and happy crafting!

Challenges I am Entering:

Through the Craft Room Door - Anything Goes
Crafty Cardmakers - Explosion of Colour
Crafty Hazelnut's Patterned Papers - Anything using Patterned Paper Goes
Digi Stamps 4 Joy - AG w/optional ribbon or lace

Ike's World Challenge Blog Salutes Edgar AllenPoe

A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, I took an independent study course on Edgar Allen Poe. My final grade was based on a 30 page paper on the author and poet - his life, his love and his work.
The new challenge at Ike's World Challenge Blog, Celebrating Edgar Allen Poe, fits in perfectly with my educational background AND my love of Ike's Art digis!
I've colored and collaged several digi images from Ike's Art Store to showcase one of my favorite quotes from the author - "Believe nothing you hear and only one-half that you see". My project includes the following:

Images: Ike's Art  Candle Poe, Pocket Watch 2, Knight 1, Deamon Horse 4, Kat Woman, 

Queen of Hearts, Children of the Night, Peeping Tom

Pixel Scrappers Melo Vrijhof's Painted Edge Overlay 6; Mischief Circus' 

Krysty's Designs Boring Evening Patterned Paper 13

Do you like the writings of Poe? What's your favorite poem or story? The Tell-tale Heart was one of my favorite stories, and of course The Raven my fave poem. He is the perfect master of Halloween, don't you think? If you've a mind to create with Mr. Poe as your muse, don't forget to link up at Ike's World Challenge Blog for your chance for free goodies from her store! 

Challenges I am Enering:

A Bit More Time to Craft - Anything Goes

Craftyhazelnut's Patterned Paper - Anything w/patterned paper Goes

Oddball Art - Happy Horrors

World Wide Open Design Team - Anything Goes

Ike's World Challenge Blog is All at Sea

A new month brings a new challenge theme at Ike's World Challenge Blog. The optional theme this month is ALL AT SEA. When I think of summer, I'm reminded of summer camp. My favorite movie that highlights the antics of campers is Disney's Parent Trap. There's a scene where the twins go camping with their dad and their "future" mother-in-law", whom they can't stand. So one of the many tricks they play on her is to pull her airbed onto the lake and gently push her out on the water. Here's a little clip from YouTube.

This is what happened to my kitty. He fell asleep on land and woke up in the middle of the sea. I don't think he's a water cat. But no worries, I'm sure a passing boat will rescue her. At least there are plenty of fish in the sea for her to eat...

I love tearing paper, especially when I'm designing water for my cards. I used the smallest of my paper stash. The sentiment is a play on the words "You've got to be kidding me." I printed my cat, an Ike's Art image called Basket Case, twice, so that I could give my cat a little dimension by bringing her head to the front.

You've got all of August to create a project that incorporates the theme ALL AT SEA. Link up for your chance to win free digis from Ike's Art Store. Good luck and happy crafting!

Challenges I am Entering:

That's Crafty - Animal Antics

Paper Minutes - Scenes by the Sea

Show Us Your Pussies - Furry-thing Goes
Sunny Day - Anything ANIMAL Goes

Ike's World Challenge Blog is Inspired by Songs

The challenge this month at Ike's World Challenge Blog is to create something inspired by a song. You would think that a Star Wars-inspired image like this one would have been inspired by the theme song from the original movie, wouldn't you? Believe it or not, the inspiration for my altered art project came from an oldie but goodie - MR. ROBOTO. If you've ever heard this song, I know you've got it stuck in your head now. (you're welcome, LOL)
See/hear it here:

https://youtu.be/rcCS8AK6csg?list=RDrcCS8AK6csg

The image I used to create my altered tray comes from a digital set of 8 images called Sexy Star Wars and can be found at Ike's Art Store.  The song, the image and my latest dive into fluid acrylic painting has come together to create this "cosmic cell phone tray" (I'm always losing my phone). I didn't want to cover up the "intergalactic scene" my painting created, so I added just a bit of trim around the tray's edge and a few shaped paper clips.
Now, I've been told that I have a warped sense of humor, but do you get the pun intended? My phone is a Samsung Galaxy (not an I-phone but  an...) sigh, some people just don't like puns
While you're enjoying the song, get crafty and link up your project to Ike's World Challenge Blog for your chance to win a gift certificate to her store. You can listen to your own music, I won't force you to listen to this, but it is catchy, eh?
Have fun, crafters!

Challenges I am Entering:

Everybody Art - Recycle (vintage metal serving tray)

Shopping Our Stash -  Your Favorite Things (acrylic paints, puns, sci-fi themes)

Ike's World Challenge Blog Springs Forward with a Photo Inspiration Theme

This month Ike's World Challenge blog is offering a photo inspiration theme. It is beautifully Springtime colored, which, after over another three inches of snow a few weeks ago in Chicago, is a sight for sore eyes.

I have pulled those welcoming colors from the photo into my own card, using one of Ike's FREEBIES on her cat-themed "Show Us Your Pussies" challenge blog. It's called "Smiling Cat", and I think it's adorable.

I colored her with Copics, then used a gel pen to draw some designs on her body. The background paper is from my stash, which means I have no idea where it came from, but it seems the perfect embodiment of Spring. A few well-placed embellishments and a bow finishes off my Springtime birthday card.

Now that I have a nice stash of get well cards, thanks to my card-swapping club, I'm trying to build up my birthday card pile. The next theme for the club is shaker cards. Don't be surprised if you see them on the blog soon...

Meanwhile, you have the whole month to create a Springtime card inspired by the photo above. Don't forget to link up what you created with Ike's World Challenge Blog. One lucky winner will receive a gift certificate to Ike's Art Shop. Good luck and happy crafting!

Challenges I am Entering:

Always Fun Challenges - Happy Birthday

Angie's Digital Stamps -Optional Buttons and/or Bows (I used both)

Creative Fingers - Anything Goes

A Gem of a Challenge - Female Birthday

Show Us Your Pussies - Anything CAT Goes

It's Movie Madness at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Hello, crafters! It's a new month and a new challenge at Ike's World Challenge Blog! The optional theme is MOVIE MADNESS. What's your favorite movie? My favorite grown-up movie is Groundhog Day, with Hidden Figures and the Harry Potter series coming in second and third. My favorite children's movies are Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (I just love the chocolate room) and Peter Pan. Since I seem to gain weight just looking at chocolate, I thought it was safer to be inspired by the "boy who never grew up." Besides, Ike has a really great image of him, as well as Tink and Wendy. I can't wait to see if she'll add Captain Hook to her collection!
I have been using photographs as backgrounds in quite a few of my cards lately. This is a Nightscape of Puerto Rico taken by my daughter-in-law (CamiT Photography). When I printed out the photograph, my printer heads were acting up, but as a crafter, I can use a  mistake to my advantage (sometimes). So when I saw these pinkish lines in my sky, I decided to use Diamond Stickles lightly over them to add a little sparkle to the magic of the night.
I could have stopped with the first part of the sentiment, but I like to leave them laughing. That's why I added the "just Google it" sign on the bottom. Hey, if Google can direct you to swim from London to New York City, I'm sure flying to Neverland should be no problem for them...
While this is an optional theme at Ike's World Challenge Blog,I would love to see what movie inspires your crafting this month. Will it be a romantic comedy, an action film or a thriller? I'll keep an eye out for your project! Just don't forget to link it up at the main blog!!

Challenges I am Entering:

Creates & Makes - Anything Goes

Cards in Envy - Green Things

Get Creative - Fantasy or Mythical

Crafters' Castle -Anything Goes w/ optional Fave Technique (torn paper)

Createful Heart Design - Anything Family-friendly Goes w/optional Green or Shamrock

Unearth Hidden Treasures at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Time for a new challenge at Ike's World Challenge Blog.  Everyone loves to find treasure, am I right? Scratch off a lottery ticket and win $5, find a couple bills in your the pocket of a pair of jeans you haven't worn in  while, etc.
What about the hidden treasures that are right in front of you, but you haven't discovered them yet? I just realized that I depend A LOT on Pinterest for recipes, crafty inspiration, quotes for cards, ideas for canvases,etc. In fact, I could spend hours (and I have) on Pinterest, adding to my (already bulging) boards. They really should put a limit to how many pins you can put in a board. Maybe that would lessen the addiction.
That's right, I said it. I am addicted to Pinterest. How many are with me? Anyone willing to admit they spend way too much time looking and not enough time doing??
So today for my DT make, I created a card that not only shows the hidden treasure that I crave, but the action I need to set me free. I truly need a Pintervention...
My card fits perfectly in with the optional theme at Ike's World Challenge Blog of Hidden Treasures and Desires. Of course, mine is not quite hidden. The digital image I used is one of my favorites. It's called Shhh and you can find it in Ike's Store. I love her hair. Every time I color her up, her hair is totally different. I have fun with it.
Anyway, the challenge runs for four weeks from today, and the winner receives an Ike's Art store certificate. So if you like her, you can buy the image Shhh with that certificate. Of course, you can't win it unless you're in it, So go create something, and have fun!

What's NEW with You and Ike's Art

Welcome to a New year, and a New challenge at Ike's World Challenge Blog. The first theme of the year is "What's NEW with YOU?"  This optional theme can be interpreted by creating with the New Year in mind, or using New supplies, trying a New technique, or, like me, thinking about a New ME.

And why not? 2017 was a tough year for me, and I say good riddance to it. I lost my husband and my best friend, Sue. My financial future is a little shaky, and I'm looking at a lonely future without hubby. But...

As the New Year begins, I can not only count my blessings, but make a plan for the days and weeks ahead. Creativity is one of the biggest pleasures I have in life, so it's a major part of my planning. That's why I colored (with Copics) an Ike's Art image, called Plotting, and popped her onto a journal page. I like to mix writing with collaging and add some mixed media. So there's a little of everything on my page.

My plans? I want to relax, to focus on what I really want to accomplish this year. I want to be brave and try new things, have adventures and travel. I want to be more forgiving and more thankful, and to give back with my time and my talent. I especially want to become healthier and to heal, working through my grief, taking the bad days with the good.

And I want YOU to join in this new challenge for your chance to win a gift certificate to Ike's Art Store. AND, if you use an Ike's Art image, you get 2 entries for your 1 creation - cards, ATCs, mixed media, altered art - just create!!  And Link it up at Ike's World Challenge Blog.

Good luck and Happy Crafting!

Challenges I am Entering:

Art*Journal*Journey - New Year, New Adventures

Victorian CHristmas at Ike's World Challenge Blog

Merry Christmas from Ike's World Challenge Blog! The newest challenge is at its midway point, and its theme is a "Victorian Christmas." No, the thee is always optional, and as you can see, I took the Anything Goes route and arrived at the digital card above. Since my blog background is white. the card base did NOT show, but it does have a white cardstock background, and prints up nicely for perfectly flat, one postage stamp mailing. As you can see, it also looks great on a computer. Since my sister lives in Berlin, mailing even a letter is expensive from the States. She isn't coming home for Christmas, so I'm sending her this card electronically. In fact, I send her digital cards frequently. I miss her a lot.
Anyway, my card features:

Ike's Art Images: Kitten Kristmas

Papers: Decosse's Dynamite Doodles Ornament 2, December Delights Paper Kit 

& Gold, Glitterati 1 Paper Kit

Digital Elements: Pixel Scrapper Melo Vrijhof's Scatter, Christmas Day Set

Whether you create with a Victorian Christmas in mind, or have other ideas in mind, link your creation (anything goes) to Ike's World Challenge Blog for a chance to win a sweet girt certificate to the Ike's Art Store!

Good Luck and Happy crafting! And Happy Holidays from me to you!