Merry Little Christmas! A Vintage Journey Challenge December 2020 and some Important news....

Hi Everyone and Welcome

Hope you have all had a peaceful Christmas staying safe and keeping well. 

At the beginning of the month A Vintage Journey launched their last challenge of 2020 and some important news but unfortunately I wasn't able to post my contributions at that time so I thought I'd share them with you today, even though the challenge is now closed and today sees the realisation of the 'important news. 

Better late than never, right? 

First for the challenge itself. It was called 'Merry Little Christmas' and the brief was: 

'To celebrate the season and create an ATC or set of ATC's depicting Christmas scenes or colours.'

Here's my 'Merry Little Christmas'ATC. It is infact one of two but as both designs are identical I thought I'd post just the one. 

I don't often reach for ATC's to use as a substrate so it was a refreshing change to create with them.  

I crackled the background using PaperArtsy Crackle Glaze and Frescos.....

... added some text stamping using one of Tim Holtz Stampers Anonymous stamps (Holiday words) and some white paint splatters for a snowy effect. 

The gorgeous poinsetta and greenery were cut from kraft core using Tim Holtz Sissix dies (Tattered Poinsettia, Holiday Greens, Holiday Greens Mini). The petals of the poinsettia were sewn together with a brass antique button and the 'snow' continued to fall on the flower and the foliage. 

A Tim Holtz memo pin tucked behind the poinsettia embellished and added to the focal arrangement....

.....while a Tim Holtz metallic sticker provided the ideal seasonal sentiment to suit all: 

'Happy Holidays'. 

I hope you're holidays have been happy and if they aren't yet over I hope they continue to be. 

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 Now, for my second ATC . This was created especially for AVJ as the important news shared on the challenge launch post was that A Vintage Journey would be pulling into its final destination and terminating its journey today, New Years Eve 31st Dec 2020. 

AVJ began its journey on the 28th Feb 2014 and has been travelling along ever since. It fast became a popular challenge blog picking up many followers, subscribers, visitors and regular challenge entrants along the way. 

I was thrilled to join the team in Nov 2015, beyond happy and so honoured and humbled to be creating alongside so many talented creatives. It really was a dream come true.

AVJ has been a huge part of my creative journey so far and I'm going to miss it heaps- already am! 

Heres the ATC I created for AVJ and a few supporting words..

' I have loved every minute journeying with my fellow Creative Guides that have become valued friends who I love, respect and admire greatly. You all have a very special place in my heart. 

 A Vintage Journey has allowed me to grow both creativity and personally and I feel truly blessed and so very grateful to have been an AVJ Creative Guide for 5 years.

Since knowing A Vintage Journey was reaching its final destination my heart has been heavy but it has also been full, full of all the many ‘happy’s’ I now have to treasure. 

Thank you AVJ it really has been the best journey ever, an amazing ride that I will remember and appreciate always.' 💛 

I covered the ATC background with words that to me epitomise AVJ....

I realised I'd missed out 'warmth' so I portrayed the warmth I've felt being part of the AVJ family through the colours. (Distress inks)

I had to feature our acronym 'AVJ' some where on my ATC ....

......and there had to be a heart. It may be rusty but its packed full of happy memories and love for AVJ  and all my Creative Guide friends. 

💛

A Vintage Journeys final post went live on the blog today so if you wish to pop by you are welcome. 

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That just leaves me to thank you all for supporting me with your visits, follows and comments during my AVJ years. I have appreciated greatly and only hope that along the way you have enjoyed stopping by and that I have offered some creative inspiration.

My personal creativity and blog will continue so I hope you will stay around to see what comes next????  

As this crazy year draws to a close tonight I would like to wish you a peaceful, healthy, safe New Year. 

May it be kind to one and all. 

Take Care 

Hugs

Amanda

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