colour me happy: Mystery Card Challenge 1

Hello and welcome! Today I have something new to share with you - a mystery card challenge.

This started as a challenge for a SU Demonstrator group I help to admin. It was so fun to do and reminded me how much can be done with just some simple pieces and limited supplies.

Anyone can play along with the challenge, whether you're new to cardmaking or completely obsessed. I'm going to set a new mystery challenge each month starting from 1 March.

In the meantime, try challenge one to get you started. Read on for all the info you'll need and to see all the cards I made.

What's a mystery challenge?

The challenge is to create a card using only a specific number of pieces and dimensions.
You decide the layout and supplies used. The mystery part is that you're not provided with a layout or a finished card to use as an example, so the pieces can be used as you like.

It's amazing how many layout and design variations you can create with just simple pieces. I created five cards using similar supplies for this first challenge but the possibilities are endless. It's a great way to use all our scraps too.

MYSTERY CHALLENGE 1 (CMH1)

To play along with the challenge:

Create a card using the listed challenge pieces and dimensions listed below.
Use the pieces and dimensions as is (for at least your first card anyway).
See how many variations you can create with the simple elements.
Include at least one stamped image and sentiment on your card. #simplestamping
Embellish with accessories if you like (eg. sequins, rhinestones etc).
Use any supplies you have on hand to create your card. I will be using Stampin' Up! supplies. Of course I'll be very happy to see your Stampin' Up! supplies in action too.

I'd love you to leave a comment on this post if you like this challenge idea, and of course if you play along with it so I can find your card.
If you share your card online, tag it with #colourmehappymysterychallenge and/or tag me
Tag me at Di Barnes - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator so I can see it there too.
If you miss the initial challenge dates don't worry. Create a project using the pieces anytime. More than anything I encourage you to simply enjoy exploring your creativity with simple ideas.

Here are the pieces you'll be using for challenge 1, provided using both A4 and and 8.5 x 11 inch card:

Colour me happy mystery card challenge 1 - using Stampin Up Full of Love stamp set and Stampin Blends markers. Cards by Di Barnes, Independent Demonstrator in Sydney Australia. - Quick and easy cards - Card Challenges - cardmaking - simple stamping -

click on the images to see a larger image

CHALLENGE 1 PIECES - A4 - metric centimetres

Card Base: Standard 21cm x 14.8cm (Half a A4 sheet folded in half)

Card piece 1: 9.5cm x 7cm

Card piece 2: 10.5 x 4cm

Card piece 3: 10.5 x 1cm

Card piece 4: 10.5 x 0.5cm

Patterned paper: 10.5cm x 3cm

CHALLENGE 1 PIECES - Nth America - inches

Card Base: Standard 8-1/2 in x 5-1/2 in (half sheet folded in half)

Card piece 1: 3-3/4 x 2-3/4 in.

Card piece 2: 4-1/4 x 1-1/2 in.

Card piece 3: 4-1/4 x 1-1/4 in.

Card piece 4: 4-1/4 x 3/8 in.

Patterned paper: 4-1/4 x 1/4 in.

Note: I'm in Australia and normally work with A4 card and centimetres. I have also supplied equivalent measurements for anyone using North American 8.5x11 inch cardstock, which is slightly shorter and wider than A4. Don't mix the measurements or the sizing won't work properly.

MYSTERY CHALLENGE 1 - MY CARDS

For future challenges I'll share the mystery card I designed using the pieces two weeks after setting the challenge. For this first challenge I'm sharing all the cards I've made in this post to show you how it works and some of the many possible ways to use the pieces.

It was so enjoyable to create and playing with the simple challenge elements that I didn't want to stop after just one card. So far I've made five. See how many you can make too.

The cards are all quick, easy, supply friendly, and I didn't use any punches or die cuts. Truly simple stamping and cardmaking.

I only used one stamp set - Full of Love, and one ink pad - Basic Gray, to stamp all the cards. Images are coloured with Stampin' Blends alcohol markers. (An easy and economical alternative to these are our Watercolour Pencils).

Here are the challenge pieces and card one together. What do you think?

Card 1

The striped patterned paper pieces are from the Subtles collection paper pack. They're a favourite of mine as it includes all 10 colours in that collection to work with the coordinating cardstock.

Card and paper colours are Fresh Freesia and Pear Pizzazz.
Stampin' Blends colours - Polished Pink, Granny Apple Green, Daffodil Delight, Highland Heather

Card 2

Oh my goodness I've just realised I forgot to use piece 4 on this card. Oopsie! Can't believe I just realised. *insert embarrassed face*

Anyway, card is Fresh Freesia and Pear Pizzazz, paper is Highland Heather.

Card 3

For card 3 I randomly stamped the second image from Full of Love on piece 1 and coloured it. The card colours are Pool Party and Fresh Freesia and Pear Pizzazz. Paper is again Highland Heather. I really like this layout.

Card 4

For the last two cards I changed up some of the colours, adding some Sweet Sorbet card and new Country Gingham patterned paper, and flower. Love me some gingham!

Card 5

Last one for now. I stepped up this design a little by layering both the stamp set images together. This technically means I added an extra scrap of white card but hey, it's ok to change it up when you get to card 5.

Here's a final look at all my cards together. Save this and the challenge image on Pinterest so you can find it anytime to use.

What's next for the Colour Me Happy Mystery Challenge

From 1 March onwards, I plan to run a monthly Mystery Challenge.

I hope is that this will help you (and me) to build a library of pieces and layouts you can confidently use to create lots more quick and easy cards to send.

Each new Mystery challenge will begin on the 1st of each month (ie 1 March is next).
I will provide the challenge pieces and measurements you need to use to create a card. I won't share a finished card on the 1st.
The challenge will officially end 2 weeks later, ie the 15th of each month when I will share the completed card/s I've created (here on my blog and socials too).
Create your own card design/s using these pieces and whatever supplies you have during or after the initial challenge period.

please do leave me a comment if you've enjoyed seeing my first mystery challenge cards, or you're excited to try it yourself, as this would be so encouraging.
Happy creating. I can't wait to see what you make and share.

Happy stamping and inky wishes

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