Merry Monday #255 JOY!

Merry Monday everyone!! The Merry Makers return from summer break today and, guess what?!, I've joined them as a Guest Designer for the next four months! I've been playing at Merry Monday since January 19th, 2015 and have really enjoyed the challenges. Thanks to Lori & Lesley for giving me this opportunity and I'm delighted to join the rest of their amazing team!!

The fabulous Marcia offers Challenge 255 this week - use the word JOY on your Christmas card.

Photo Source: Pinterest

When I saw this week's challenge, I ran for a new die from Poppystamps - Spectacular Joy. I ordered all three of their new Spectacular word dies and JOY was the first one to see some play. I love the three layers, plus I added a fourth for a bit of black shadow, using the layer 3 die to cut it.

Supplies: DCWV A2 green card, Neenah Classic Crest Solar White, Pop-tone Black, 

the Paper Studio glitter, Bazzill green, red for rectangle by unknown

Dies - Poppystamps Spectacular Joy, My Favorite Things Blueprints 13, 

Cuttlebug Snowflake Solo (retired)

Background Stamp - Hero Arts CG324 Holiday Background (retired)

Other - foam tape, Michael's gems, Candied Apple Distress Ink

Once I had the layered word built, what to do with it?? I tried putting it over a wreath - didn't work, the wreath was too small. Then I remembered a large snowflake die I found during a recent crafty clean-up. I cut it in white and embossed it within the die - perfect! I cut a stitched rectangle, stamped it with some holiday text, and layered it onto an A2 card. After adding the snowflake, I popped the JOY with foam tape and added some gems - done!

A great thing about Merry Monday is the flexibility on products - no specific brands, no recent releases required. Use what you have, as long as you meet the challenge theme for the week - yay! That's it for today but be sure to check out the wonderful creations by the rest of the Design Team by visiting Merry Monday. I thank them again for including me as a Guest Designer for these next four months!

Thanks for stopping by and have a joyful week!!