Friday, February 7, 2025

My featured FQCCCB #17 DT projects for 7 February 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Quest for Love and Country Creativity!

why: This posting showcases my new contributions to FQCCCB or FarmQuest Country Christmas Challenges Blog. The theme is always anything country Christmas. 

when: #17 starts February 7 and ends March 5, 2025

what: PROJECT #1: Inked and Stamped ==> Peace on Earth



notes for #1:

1. Wild Blueberry cardstock base = CutCardStock

2. holly leaves print and leaf/berry print paper scraps = Together at Christmas from Pink Paislee

3. three snowflakes and "POE" stamps = also from Together at Christmas from Pink Paislee

4. the two leafy plant stamps and the short pine tree stamp = unnamed company; Amazon order

5. the snowflakes & sentiment were stamped with blue ink pad = Art Skills

6. the ink behind the snowflakes = Marina Mist = SU

7. the ink behind the plants = Always Artichoke = SU

8. decorative tape and gems = stash items

----------------------

where: FarmQuest Country Christmas #17

link = https://farmquestcountrychrismaschallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/fqcccb-17-anything-goes-country.html

badge = #17 



DT badge = 


other places to share/link are:

a. The 12 Months of Christmas Link-up; started Feb 1; anything goes Christmas with option of couples; I've got a couple of trees! :) ...just AGC, please

link = https://12monthsofchristmaslinkup.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-119-anything-goes-christmas.html

b. Merry Little Christmas; started Jan 1-Feb 15; anything Christmas goes

link = https://merrylittlechristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/mlccb-60-anything-christmas-goes-mlccb.html

c. The Four Seasons Challenge; started Feb 1/current; Winter Season; MY Christmas card has a wintery stamped scene plus holly and other winter berries prints

link = https://thefourseasonschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/winter-season-february-2025.html

d. Fab n Funky; started Feb 5; include a stamped image; I used 3 snowflake stamps, a small evergreen tree stamp and 2 small leafy stem stamps plus "POE" stamp for the oval focus

link = https://fabnfunkychallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-608-top-3.html

e. Word Art Wednesday; started Jan 29/week 2 of 2; family friendly topics, nothing contrary to Scripture; MY Christmas card has a wintery stamped and inked scene for the focal

link = https://wordartwednesday.blogspot.com/2025/01/anything-goes-weeks-685-686.html

======================

Crafting in the USA heartland whether at the farm or in town,

Becca S


* owner/DT = FQCCCB, FQGS, FQCB, FQHSKCB, and FQGGCB; also HQCB, HQFCB at the old TFATU, HQCOLCB and HQFSCAT; AA; and ConBC

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and Paper-Rocks-Scissors


~~ fun fact from January 2025: hubby and I quietly celebrated our #29 wedding anniversary! 2017-2018 was a horrible medical year for both of us; we are both considered medical miracles; Praise goes to God for the saving our lives and the work He still has for us here on earth!



My featured FQGS #25 DT cards with AFCG themes on 7 February 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Quest for Love and Country Creativity blog!

why: This post focuses on my latest design inspiration projects with farm/country kind of topics, specifically forest/woodland for today's 2 projects. FarmQuest General Store challenges blog was started as a spin-off from the original that does specific request farm country topics and FQGS gives participants an opportunity to share their choices. 

when: FQGS #25 starts February 7 and ends March 5, 2025 with anything farm and/or country goes theme.

what: PROJECT #1: mushrooms-- "I have mush-room in my heart for you!"


notes for #1
:

1. heavy kraft cardstock cut to 5" x 7" base [1-2 year old paper pad] = Colorbok

2. Sandcastle Tan cardstock panel = Martha Stewart via CutCardStock

3. Camping Plaid print paper cut to 4.5" x 6.5" = Recollections

4. mushroom and leafy stems print paper = from mixed design paper pad = Crafter's Square

5. Google Doc text with changing font and font size; printed then shaded with colored pencils and a couple of crayons; torn edges; divided in half; edges inked (same for the mushrooms and leafy stems)

6. string [very old], colored pencils, crayons = stash

7. cocoa brown ink pad [old] = Lawn Fawn


and

what: PROJECT #2: Foxy 


notes for #2
:

21. online search = The Fox in the Meadow poem written by Melody Hamby Goss; dated January 11, 2017; Used the first two stanzas

22. yellow cardstock cut to 4" x 6.5" panel = Neenah

23. everything else is the same as Project #1.

===================

where: FQGS #25 AF/CG theme blog posting

link =

badge for #25 = 


DT badge = 



other places to share/link are:

a. mushrooms = Word Power; new Feb 6; word/words to have impact; MY mushroom's card has lots of repeated expression text in varying fonts and font sizes

link = https://wordpowerchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/word-power-february-2025-challenge.html

b. mushrooms = Creative Inspiration Challenges; new; anything goes; My mushroom's card has colored pencils, crayons, ink, string...

link: https://creativeinspirationchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/creative-inspiration-challenges-23.html

c. mushrooms = Penny's Paper-Crafty Challenges; started Jan 30; week 2 of 2; anything goes

link = https://pennyschallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/pennys-winners-588.html

----------------------

d. fox = Crafty Animals; started Feb 1; include an animal; This 2nd project posted features a fox

link = https://craftyanimals.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-91.html

e. fox = Critter Crazy; started Feb 1; must include an animals/critter; This 2nd project posted features a fox

link = https://2craftycrittercrazies.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-95-anything-goes-with.html

f. fox = Neglected Stuff; new on Feb 6; use at least 1 old stuff; both cards have some string that is probably 20-30 years old!!! As I've been shifting different supplies around and trying various containers and arrangements, the 'toilet paper roll' shaped ball of string has caught my attention this week; thought it would be a good homespun element; also the brown Lawn Fawn ink pad is 2 years+ old...needs to be replaced but I like it's little square size! The heavyweight kraft cardstock is also past the 1 year old mark...still have a lot more sheets to use, too!   

link = https://neglectedstuff.blogspot.com/2025/02/kick-off-challenge-225.html  https://neglectedstuff.blogspot.com/2025/02/kick-off-challenge-225.html

====================

Crafting in the USA heartland; still flip-flopping from town to farm and back,

Becca S


* owner/DT = FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB, FQGGCB and FQCB; also HQCB, HQFCB at the old TFATU; HQCOLCB and HQFSCAT; AA; ConBC

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR; Paper-Rocks-Scissors


~~fun farm memory from teen years: Spring Break of my senior year in high school was spent with an aunt and uncle; the uncle asked if I wanted to get up early and ride along as he takes some pigs to the stock market in Peoria, IL! After all these years, I've forgotten if it was at 5am or 6am but early for even my school day regular schedule! The drive wasn't that long, only 15 miles or so but the pig grunting serenade lasted the whole way there!

That same week, I was introduced to the sport of racquetball!!!! Oh my! I'm nearsighted and left-handed!!!! Not a good combination! Disastrous! My uncle by marriage and 2 guy cousins came along who are all right-handed and had played many times before this particular week way back when. 

This uncle's been very kind and generous to me through the years. He even took me golfing one time! 

At almost 88 years old now, he's still going ice fishing this winter!!!! Yikes!



Monday, February 3, 2025

My featured FQHSKCB #2 Anything Kitchen or Dining Goes or AKDG Theme DT projects on 2 Feb 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Quest for Love and Country Creativity!

why: This post focuses on my newest challenge blog to experience a theme change. A few days ago on January 28, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB did a sort of theme swap to better align themes to blog titles and hopefully that will help readers/bloggers/artisans to remember each blog and what each one is focused on. FarmQuest HomeStyle Kitchen will now be 'anything kitchen or dining goes' or coded as AKDG. 

when: #2 for 2025 starts February 2 and ends on February 29, 2025

what: PROJECT #1 = Warm Wishes (cup and saucer) card



notes for #1:

1. base= print paper = Bo Bunny Christmas paper pack; several years old

2. Sea Foam Green cardstock = CutCardStock

3. silver metal/hologram snowflakes = Together at Christmas ephemera pack by Pink Paislee

4. black and white snowflake die-cut/ephemera (circles filled with pink colored pencil from stash) = Holly Days by Simple Stories

5. stencil sheet = Crafter's Square

6. brown dot dazzle/sticker = Hot Off The Press via Paper Wishes website (pack of different sizes)

7. pink/rose red glitter tape = Crafter's Square (old/stash item)

8. brown marker = stash

9. cocoa brown ink pad = Lawn Fawn

and

what: PROJECT #2 = So Thankful kitchen table scene



notes for #2: glass, glass pitcher, tablecloth for Anything Kitchen and/or Dining Goes theme elements

21. Pen + Gear = orange pumpkin and yellow cardstocks

22. Neenah = light blue cardstock strip along the bottom & used for the stamped sentiment

23. Art Skills = light gray cardstock

24. Bendon's Adult/Advanced Coloring Book "Home Grown" = part of a page

25. ink/coloring = olive green, blue spruce, red-orange, orange, aqua for colored pencils; 

26. Arteza = Aqua Blue alcohol marker

27. Art Skills = black dual-tip marker

28. Hallmark = gold star stickers 

29. Fancy Pants Designs = little heart enamel stickers

30. Studio G = "so thankful" wood stamp 

==========================

where: FQHSKCB (theme change effective with this challenge)

link= https://farmquesthomestylekitchenchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/fqhskcb-2-in-2025-anything-food-or.html

theme badge =



DT badge =



other places to share/link are: link-ups connected on Feb 3rd

a. cup/saucer = Girlz Creative Christmas Challenge; new; Anything Goes Christmas; MY wintery 'warm wishes' cup and saucer is backed with a tonal print filled with Christmas decorating pieces: pinecones, candy canes, gingerbread, poinsettias, stockings, pine branches, wrapped candies, ornament/baubles, etc. 

link = https://girlzcreativechristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-110-alles-mag-kerst-anything.html

b. cup/saucer = Peace on Earth; new on Feb 2; anything goes Christmas; moodboard image is available; MY wintery 'warm wishes' cup and saucer is back with a tonal print filled with Christmas decorating pieces

link = https://peaceonearthchristmas.blogspot.com/2025/02/february-2025-peace-on-earth-challenge.html

c. cup/saucer = Love Those Pretty Papers; new; theme is same as blog title; MY cup and saucer card is backed with a pretty Christmas decorating pieces tonal print; this is my 2nd entry

link = https://lovethoseprettypapers.blogspot.com/2025/02/love-those-pretty-papers-february-2025.html

d. cup/saucer = Sparkles Christmas Challenge; new; theme is "A Cup of Christmas Tea"; MY cup and saucer card is backed with a pretty Christmas decorating pieces tonal print paper base; I've not specified what could be the contents since my focus is on the drinkware (cup and saucer outline) 

link = https://sparklesforumchristmaschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/169-cup-of-christmas-tea.html

---------------

e. glass/pitcher = Lil Patch of Crafty Friends; new on Feb 2; anything goes

link = https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2025/02/247-polkadoodles.html

f. glass/pitcher = {PIN}spirational; started Feb 1; theme is quilt of hearts/see image for inspiration; MY glass and glass pitcher coloring image are setting on a tablecloth that looks like a quilt pattern; alternating square blocks

link = https://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/pinspirational-challenge-322-february.html

image = 


g. glass/pitcher = A Perfect Time To Craft Open Challenge; new; Anything Goes

link = https://aperfecttimetocraft.blogspot.com/2025/02/a-perfect-time-to-craft-open-challenge.html

===========================

Crafting in the USA heartland from either farm or town, 

Becca S


* owner/DT = FQHSKCB, FQGGCB, FQCCCB, FQGS, FQCB; HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT; also AA and ConBC

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and new P-R-S


~~ fun kitchen/dining experience in January 2025 =

with so much cold weather, I've been using the oven more as well as using the large slow cooker at least 1x per week. 

--our fast go-to 1 sheet pan quick meal has frozen fish sticks (or fillets) and frozen tater tots sharing the space

22 minutes at 425* F

and

*my go-to quick tartar sauce substitute is mayonnaise + pickle relish mixed together; work on your ratios for the # of people that are being fed. This can be mixed together while the food is baking. 

*sometimes we add a side salad or cole slaw to get some crunch and veggie nutrition

Sunday, February 2, 2025

Loving my HQCOLCB #2 for 2025 DT projects on 2 February 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Quest for Love and Country Creativity!

why: Celebrations of Love is now in year two which is exciting! These featured projects are for the February/#2 in 2025 challenge month. HQCOLCB is since August 2024 is doing 5 main themes that I coded as the BEWAS and then each month has a seasonal/occasion event option. January's looked forward to Valentine's Day so February's looking forward to St. Patrick's Day that is March 17. 

when: #2 in 2025 starts February 2nd and ends on February 28th, the last day of the month. 

what: PROJECT #1 = BEWAS theme of W/wedding



notes for #1: Modern Contemporary Seaside Colors Wedding Card

1. darker teal cardstock base = Recollections

2. sea foam green cardstock 4"x6" = CutCardStock

3. five small rectangle print papers = "Set Sail" paper pad by Heidi Swapp 2022

4. ivory cardstock scrap = Neenah

5. large Love script plus hearts stamp = ?/I stamped this a long time ago and it's been floating around in different stash piles!

6. the label/sentiment sticker = part of a mix of wedding/congrats theme stickers = Recollections

7. key metal art = K & Company 2012; this is actually a fairly new stash item received in a mystery clearance sale package through Peachy Cheap website/newsletter

8. aqua with white dot thin foam heart stickers = part of a multicolor and multi-design package = Crafter's Square

9. white with silver threading ribbon = also Crafter's Square

and

what: PROJECT #2 = BEWAS theme of A/anniversary =



notes for #2: Celebration Anniversary Card

21. Sandcastle tan cardstock base cut to 5" x 7" = CutCardStock

22. Sea Foam Green cardstock came cut at 4" x 6" = CutCardStock

23. the confetti glossy cardstock was 6" square; cut to create corner accent piece and then a heart-shaped piece was cut to be glued behind the wood heart = Confetti is part of a bold print multicolor/multi-pattern design pack by Crafter's Square

24. the large wood laser hearts within the heart was bought bare in a set pack = Crafter's Square

25. Aqua Blue alcohol marker = Arteza

26. the little wood heart 'button' is part of a multipack = either Art Skills or Crafter's Square; started also as bare wood and inked with the same Aqua Blue

27. blue gems = Crafter's Square; from a multipack

28. yellow label sticker = Brighton sticker book by Bo Bunny 2022

29. two little text strip stickers plus the yellow ribbon sticker next to the key= Garden Party by Maggie Holmes sticker book 2020

30. key metal art = K & Company 2012; as mentioned up above that I just received these recently in a clearance mystery package 

and

what: PROJECT #3 = optional event theme of St. Patrick's Day

"You're my lucky clover!"



notes for #3: this is a cute way to emphasize the heart-shaped clover leaves for St Patty's!!

31. green cardstock = Pen + Gear

32. both print papers = SU (old pattern designs)

33. large clover outline was made enlarging off of a heart shape template used 4 times to create a 4-leaf clover; then the same heart was traced 4x onto the shaped base and then used to trace the hearts/prints

34. black dual-tip marker = Art Skills for edging and doodles

35. green heart gem = from pack = Crafter's Square

36. Google Doc for the sentiment

37. white cardstock used to print Google Doc that I made with lots of Valentine, St. Pats and Easter expressions = Pen + Gear

38. Pea Green alcohol marker = Arteza

==========================

where: HQCOLCB/ Heart's Quest Celebrations of Love #2

link = https://hqcelebrationsoflovechallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/hqcolcb-2-in-2025-with-bewas-themes-and.html

my DT badge =



**note: I can't link this up to HQFSCAT because I'm the owner, but if you create a shaped card or a shaped tag, then you can submit over there.

other places to share/link are:

a. wedding = Allsorts Challenge; new; theme of Anything Goes with option of Romance/Music; This wedding card has "Love" and hearts stamped in the center panel  along with aqua/white dots heart stickers; metal key and silver foil "Today I married my Best Friend" sticker add more romantic elements

link = https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-816.html

b. wedding = {Pin}inspirational ; new; theme of Quilt of Hearts; see badge; the different rectangles are arranged in an unusual wraparound format similar to quilts sewn with a larger center focal area and surrounded by strips or print blocks

link = https://pinspirationalchallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/pinspirational-challenge-322-february.html

image = 


------------

c. anniversary = Crafty Calendar; new; theme of hearts; This anniversary card's large wood laser heart has other smaller hearts cut inside the design plus a little additional wood laser heart

link= https://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/crafty-calendar-february-challenge-2025.html

d. anniversary = If You Give A Crafter A Cookie; new; theme of Hearts Galore; This anniversary card's large wood laser heart has other smaller hearts cut inside the design plus a little additional wood laser heart

link = https://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.com/2025/02/cookie-challenge-201-february-hearts.html

badge  = 


--------------

e. clover shape= As You See It Challenge; current for a few more days; theme of Pesky Resolutions; this year my crafting resolution is to create more shaped cards and shaped tags to support my newest challenge blog HQFSCAT or Heart's Quest For Shaped Cards and Tags; I could show this in the design inspiration section but will just use it to direct all my blog readers to go over there and check it out for themselves

link= https://www.asyouseeitchallenge.com/2025/01/340.html

badge =



f. clover shape= Crafts Galore Encore; new; anything goes theme; this is my 2nd entry

link = https://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/february-2025crafts-galore-encore.html

=============================

Crafting in the USA heartland whether from the farm or town,

Becca S


* owner/DT = HQCOLCB, HQFSCAT, HQFCB, and HQCB; FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB; also AA; plus ConBC

* manager/DT = MTTC and its sister blog MTTCChristmas

* DT member only for two owned by Deanne = HAOOCAYR and her brand new PRS or Paper-Rock-Scissors starting today Feb 2, 2025


~~ fact from January 2025 = 

about 5 days before publishing this post, my hubby and I celebrated our 29th wedding anniversary!!! Celebrations were very low-key. We ate lunch out at a little country diner in a village of less than 250 people about 20 miles away from our small town; and then this afternoon on Feb 2nd, we planning on traveling about 45 minutes away to a large city for a steak dinner! :)

If we make it to #30, we will try to plan something a bit more spectacular! 



Loving my HQFSCAT #2 AG themed shaped card and tag projects for 2 February 2025

Welcome to Becca's Quest for Love and Country Creativity blog!

why: I'm loving the shaped card and tag projects for HQFSCAT #2. Heart's Quest For Shaped Cards and Tags challenge blog debuted in late November 2024 with the first challenge theme starting January 2, 2025. Now these showcased projects are for the 2nd challenge month! 

when: #2 anything goes on a shaped card or shaped tag runs from February 2 - 29, 2025

what: PROJECT #1 = great niece's #2 birthday card



and the inside view:



notes for #1: number-shaped card

1. pink, purple, black and white cardstocks = Neenah

2. "HB" stamp = not sure; old stash; might be Studio G

3. the blue, pink and lavender plaid paper = Recollections

4. layered butterflies, gems, paper flowers = Crafter's Square

5. black dual-tip marker = Art Skills

and

what: PROJECT #2 = Heart are on-twine!- tags! 

(entwined)...did you catch the word play fun??



notes for #2:

21. black ink stamp pad for edging the cut paper heart shapes = Hero Arts

22. gold on cream paper and coral with white dots paper = SU

23. black with multicolor hearts print paper = ?/Simple Stories

24. chalkboard heart with twine and pink glitter coated wood heart layered together by me= separate packages = Crafter's Square

25. gold curling ribbon = recycled

26. two colors of cording = Crafter's Square

============================

where: HQFSCAT #2 challenge blog posting =

link = https://heartsquestshapedcardsandtags.blogspot.com/2025/02/hqfscat-2-anything-goes-on-shaped-cards.html

badge =


my new personalized DT member badge = 


other places to share/link are:

a. #2 card = Allsorts Challenge; started Feb 1; theme of Anything Goes or romance/music; MY card is a #2-shaped birthday card for a young girl

link = https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/challenge-816.html

b. #2 card = Crafts Galore Encore; started Feb 1; theme is Anything Goes

link = https://cardsgalorechallenges.blogspot.com/2025/02/february-2025crafts-galore-encore.html

c. #2 card = As You See It; started Jan 24 and opened for 3 more days; Theme/image badge asks for crafting resolution for 2025; With this new challenge blog focused on shaped cards and shaped tags, that's going to be part of my creative resolution this year. Coming up with new ideas will be a fun yet puzzling kind of decision-making for me. I'm also wanting to incorporate more shaped cards throughout my other design team commitments in order to help promote this new niche in blogland! 

link = https://www.asyouseeitchallenge.com/2025/01/340.html

badge = 


--------

d.  heart tag bundle = The Outlawz Anything Goes In a Card Free Zone; started Jan 31/Feb 1; theme is the same as the blog title; MY heart shape tags bundle

link = https://theoutlawzchallenges-saturday.blogspot.com/2025/01/the-outlawz-anything-goes-in-card-free_02003369360.html

e. heart tag bundle = Crafty Calendar; started Sat Feb 1; theme of hearts; MY heart shape tags bundle

link = https://craftycalendarchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/02/crafty-calendar-february-challenge-2025.html

f. heart tag bundle = If You Give A Crafter A Cookie; started Sat Feb 1; theme of hearts galore; My heart shape tags bundle

link = https://giveacrafteracookie.blogspot.com/2025/02/cookie-challenge-201-february-hearts.html

image badge = 


============================

Crafting in the USA heartland and splitting our time between farm and town,

Becca


* owner/DT = HQFSCAT, HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB; AA and ConBC; also FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB and FQGGCB

* manager/DT = MTTC and its sister blog MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and new on Feb 2nd Paper-Rock-Scissors challenge blog


~~ recent fun activity = 

Earlier this week, after having a few low to mid 40*F weather, I was able to take a short walk with our doggy, Mister Bennett!! He's about 14-15 years old! And he's a mixed breed, not sure. He definitely has Chihuaha ears, eyes, and nose yet his fur texture and coloring aligns more with a miniature Schnauzer. There is a term for this combination named as "Chizers". He does look very similar to some dog photos I've seen labeled as Chizers. He comes to me for affection, when he's cold and sometimes for food or outside needs. He goes to my husband mostly for treats! 


Tuesday, January 28, 2025

My featured FQGGCB #14 AFG themed DT projects on 28 January 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Quest for Love and Country Creativity blog!

why: These foodie-inspired DT projects are for FarmQuest Grocery Game Challenges blog. (1) Who doesn't like liquid warmth on a cold snowy winter day? This is a digital paper and ephemera coordinated freebies from a different source than #3. Hot cocoa covered in whipped topping and 2 candy canes!

(2) I've decided to do a Valentine card featuring jarred strawberries as the spotlight punched focal. 

(3) For this one, I switched holidays to Christmas and printed this freebie digital that had been saved for awhile. Who doesn't love Christmas cookies? 

when: #14 challenge (anything food-related goes theme) runs from January 28 to Feb 27, 2025

what: Project #1 : Hugs in a mug card


notes for #1:

1. base is bright pink (folded) cardstock = Recollections

2. white conversation card trimmed 1/4" = CutCardStock

3. mugs print digital paper sized and the coordinating mug 'sticker'/ephemera = freebie through sign up in Sande's Poema .../Sande W.

4. black dual-tip marker = Art Skills

5. stencil-traced hearts 

6. rose red glitter decorative tape = Crafter's Square

and

what: Project #2: Strawberry Valentine



notes for #2= strawberries

21. white card base (altered; cut in half with one half getting deckled-edge cut then lifted up with foam tape); also outlined with pink colored pencil

22. bright pink cardstock panel = Recollections; also deckled-edge cut

23. coloring book image punched = Bendon publishing; "Adult Coloring Book: Home Grown Foods"; 

24. layered die-cut stick-on = old; K and Company

and

what: PROJECT #3 = Christmas Cookies Plate card


plus a closeup scan/crop pic



notes for #3: cookies, candy canes, peppermint pieces 

31. ivory A2 base/folded but cut in half; one panel used for the base; the other was trimmed about 1/2" around, had red faux stitching border and lifted up with foam tape

32. candy cane print paper = Bella Blvd

33. very light green grid print paper = Simple Stories (Vintage Christmas Lodge)

34. small dark green and white floral trellis print paper = SU

35. red cardstock scrap = Pen + Gear

36. jumbo green dot and green glitter peppermint foam sticker (cut in half) = Crafter's Square

37. text strips and "HSH" clip stickers = Simple Stories (Simple Life sticker book)

38. digital freebie through group membership = Blessed Crafters (FB group)

39. digital freebie inked/colored mostly with alcohol markers; also a dark brown watercolor marker; a brown sugar brown colored pencil 

====================

where: FQGGCB #14 blog post

link = https://farmquestgrocerygamechallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/fqggcb-14-anything-food-goes-theme.html

theme badge =



my DT badge = 


other places to share/link are
:

A. mug = Girlz Creative Fun Art of Scrap; started Jan 25; This card has tiny mugs lined up to make a fun digital paper

link= https://girlzcreativefunartofscrap.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-6.html

B. mug = POP/Path of Positivity; month-long; anything goes positive (option on unexpected events); This first card on my posting is a love/Valentine with lots of pinks, reds, hearts & a cute sentiment of 'hugs in a mug'...delicious liquid warmth!

link = https://pathofpositivitychallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/ch-127-anything-goes-positive-with-opt_030340909.html

C.  mug = Love Those Pretty Papers; only 3 days left; use a pretty designer/digital paper; This first card on my posting has a digital paper that I sized to fit a A2 card

link = https://lovethoseprettypapers.blogspot.com/2025/01/atg-using-pretty-patterned-paper.html

-----------

D. strawberries = Dream Valley; started Jan 27; use red and/or pink; lots of both on this love/Valentine with jarred strawberries!

link = https://dreamvalley2.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-329-use-pink-or-red.html

E. strawberries = 613 Avenue Create; only 3 days left; anything goes theme with twist of monotone; this is almost monotone of pinks and reds with white and black neutrals...just some bits of green for leaves on the strawberries

link = https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-2025-anything-goes-w-optional.html

F. strawberries = Simply Clean & Simple; just 3 hours left; clean and simple is always the main theme; Lots of white space/margins on both white layers and a big pink empty space below the die-cut layered sentiment and punched coloring book image

link = https://scscards.blogspot.com/2025/01/simply-clean-simple-january-2025.html

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G. cookies = Rudolph Days Challenge; started 25th of Jan; must be anything goes Christmas; This 3rd project on the post is full of traditional Christmas colors, candies and a plate of decorated Christmas cookies!!!

link = https://rudolphdayschallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/rudolph-days-january-challenge.html

H. cookies = Shopping Our Stash; Tues Jan 28 start; theme is Crafty Remnants; This cookie card's papers were all from a plastic box that is on the kitchen table...yep...stuffed with some full sheets but mostly different scrap sizes of items used recently; all four papers/cardstocks came from that bin; even the sticker book! 

link = https://shoppingourstash.blogspot.com/2025/01/sos540-crafty-remnants.html

I. cookies = The Holly and Ivy Christmas Challenge; started Tues Jan 28; anything Christmas goes; Christmas cookies and candies on this 3rd project on the post

link = https://thehollyandivychallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/anything-christmas-goes-challenge-176.html

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Crafting in the USA heartland from a small 1,400 rural community, 

Becca S


* owner/DT= FQGGCB, FQHSKCB, FQCCCB, FQGS, and FQCB; also HQCB, HQFCB, HQCOLCB and HQFSCAT; also AA; also ConBC

FQGGCB link = https://farmquestgrocerygamechallenges.blogspot.com/2025/01/fqggcb-14-anything-food-goes-theme.html

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and starting on Feb 2 by Deanne == PRSCB or Paper-Rock-Scissors Challenge Blog 


~~favorite food moment in January 2025 = I made a ravioli lasagna! Start with thawing your choice of raviolis and prepare meat(s) if you want to include. I used sausage and diced frozen/thawed meatballs. I have several different frozen ravioli fillings currently but chose cheese. 

Put 1/2 your pasta sauce (I used tomato sauce with added garlic/herb seasoning blend plus some salsa for some flavor kick) in the base of the casserole dish. 

Then lay the raviolis in first. I had 4 rows of 6 for the glass dish I was using. Add meat(s). Add any extra cheeses (I used mild cheddar and mozzarella). Top with remaining sauce. When about 5-7 minutes are left in baking, remove briefly so you can add more cheese! 

Total bake time is 35-40 minutes at 375*F. 

My featured FQCB #68 hibernating animals theme DT card for 28 January 2025

 Welcome to Becca's Quest for Love and Country Creativity blog!

why: This personal blog post focuses on my newest rural outdoors theme DT project for FarmQuest Challenge Blog. #68 is about hibernating animals. Animals that hibernate include skunks, turtles, frogs, squirrels, hedgehogs, groundhogs, bumblebees, snails, snakes, bears and a few more. I chose to generate an Ai image of hibernating animals in a cave...like a sleepover! :)

when: #68 starts January 28, 2025 and ends on February 27, 2025; starting last month/offset month instead of 15-16 days or so length.

what: Warm Hello from the Sleepover card



notes:

1. caramel cardstock base started as 6" square; cut down to fit manila envelope so approx. 5.5" x 6" = Art Skills

2. yellow and white print paper = SU

3. cave scene image = Ai-generated using Microsoft Designer

4. some extra lime green colored pencil added to help moss show better against all the gray and brown tones; stash item

5. ink outlining around image with Pea Green alcohol marker = Arteza

6. thick foam stickers (warmth, hello, leafy stems, leaf) from = Amber Autumn collection by Fancy Pants Designs

7. felt hedgehog accent = came in a mix of animal designs = Crafter's Square

8. brown with coppery glitter waffle-embossed specialty paper = from a scrap paper pack = Crafter's Square; was trimmed/sized a bit

where: FQCB #68 

link = https://farmquestchallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/fqcb-68-theme-of-hibernating-animals.html

theme badge =



new personalized DT badge =



other places to share/link are:

a. The Outlawz Monday Greetings Challenge; still open for a couple of days; anything goes that includes a greeting/sentiment; MY hibernating animal themed card has 'warmth' and 'hello'; this is my 3rd entry

link = https://theoutlawzchallenges-monday.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-6th-monday-greetings.html

b. Allsorts Challenge; current; theme is close to nature; MY card features some hibernating bears and hedgehogs and a visiting baby raccoon! 

link - https://allsortschallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/challenge-815.html

c. CD Sunday Plus; started Jan 19; theme of something using a CD, USB, digital; MY card features an Ai-generated image using Microsoft Designer that I downloaded and then printed to a 4" x 6" size

link = https://cdsundaychallenge.blogspot.com/2025/01/cd-sunday-plus-challenge-150-hosted-by.html

d. Lil Patch of Crafty Friends; started Jan 19; theme is anything goes;

link = https://lilpatchofcraftyfriends.blogspot.com/2025/01/246-all-dressed-up.html

e. 613 Avenue Create; started Jan 5; theme of anything goes (option of monotone); MY card is for A.G.; this is my 2nd entry

link = https://avenue613.blogspot.com/2025/01/january-2025-anything-goes-w-optional.html

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Crafting in the USA heartland, flip-flopping between farm and town, 

Becca S


* owner/DT = FQCB, FQGS, FQCCCB, FQHSKCB, and FQGGCB; HQCB, HQCOLCB, HQFCB and HQFSCAT; also AA; also ConCB

* manager/DT = MTTC and MTTCChristmas (owned by Shell S)

* DT member only = HAOOCAYR and the new on Feb 2 P-R-S or Paper-Rock-Scissors; both of these by Deanne


-- interesting farm country facts in my life:

my parents farmed off and on through my life; both sets of grandparents and great-grandparents were farmers; some to a lesser amount just to be self-sufficient/feed their family but still did grain crops and/or livestock

-- my main childhood home was in a very small village of about 200-225 folks and when we moved there when I was 5 1/2 years old, it had 3 grape vines; an old chicken coop and 2 little pig/sow structures. My parents kept the grape vines; tore down the pig houses immediately and after a couple of years, finally tore down the chicken coop. There was also a garden patch that we used to the north of both of those. And a small patch in front of the chicken coop became a new spot for rhubarb plants.



My featured FQCCCB #17 DT projects for 7 February 2025

  Welcome to Becca's Quest for Love and Country Creativity! why : This posting showcases my new contributions to FQCCCB or FarmQuest Cou...