Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Twist of Faith Card Challege #48 - Children


Happy Tuesday!  This week at Twist of Faith our theme is "Children" and we have another great sponsor - Milk Coffee and believe me - selecting a "child" image from there is not easy because they are all so adorable!!!  I decided to go with "Let's Go Fishing".  I knew immediately what verse I wanted to use with my little fisher guy....remember, when submitting a project to Twist of Faith there needs to be a positive verse/sentiment/quote included on your project.  I colored him with Prisma pencils and used stash papers and buttons to finish the project. 


I hope to see your projected over at Twist of Faith this week!  

I'm also submitting this card into the following challenges:
 Thanks for stopping by today.  God bless you!!!

Monday, July 29, 2013

Eureka Challenge #50 - Anything Goes

Here I am back with the new Eureka Stamps Challenge - don't you love Mondays?  This week the challenge is "Anything Goes".  Aren't those always fun?  There's no restrictions and we can just create whatever we want.  Love it! 
I send a lot of cards each week...to secret sisters at church, friends, family, etc.  One thing I got involved with this year is sending cards to cancer patients.  The organization gives the name/address/small bio of the person and then our assignment is to send a card each week to that person.  The assignments last for two months and then we get reassigned.  I send to two people and one of the ones I'm sending to this time is a young boy.  Since the theme is "Anything Goes" I decided to make a card specifically for him.  I used two Eureka Stamps for my card:  the image is Baseball Boy and the sentiment to go with it is Champion.  I colored the image with Prisma Pencils and the papers are from my stash.  I added two buttons with bakers twine and here's the end result:


So what is in your creative mind this week?  I can't wait to see it!!

Thanks for stopping by today.  God bless you!!

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Twist of Faith Card Challenge #47 - Borders & Fancy Edges

Twist of Faith Card Challenges
Twist of Faith Card Challenges



Do you have border and edge punches that you just don't really use?  I sure do!  I must confess that I hardly ever use punches anymore.  I know that there are many out there who use them all the time - but I must admit that I get frustrated when they don't punch correctly - and that frustration shows up with the very first try. 

But this week I had to break out the punches.  Yes, I said punches.  Because the first punch - the one I really wanted to use - I gave up on after the first try....so I tried another one.  Guess what I wound up using?  Remember the old decorative scissors?  Yep - I used them!  Sometimes the old things are the best things.  

Why in the world was I trying to use punches?  Because "Borders and Fancy Edges" is the theme this week at Twist of Faith Card Challenges 

 And when you have such great images to work with from Digi Darla Designs - well, you can't help but want to play along - right?  

I used the image called "Music Man".  Isn't he just darling???  I thought he was so cute!!!  Oh how I wanted to play an instrument when I was younger.  I did take piano lessons....5-6 years...and never made it out of book 2.  See, you have to do this horrible thing called "practice" and I never wanted to do that.  There's a major life lesson there somewhere.  Anyway, the card I made was with scraps I had on hand....and of course my old decorative scissors.  




Now you know you want to play with your edges/borders/stamps.  So grab them from their hiding place and join us at Twist of Faith!  You could be this weeks winner of 5 images from Digi Darla's!  

Thanks for stopping by today....God bless you!!!!

 

{PIN}spirational Challenge #67


This week it's rather festive at {PIN}spirational Challenges!  It's Christmas in July!  Or at least that is what I thought of when I saw the picture inspiration this week - doesn't it make you feel like Christmas?  I was almost ready to start Christmas shopping!  Oh my, did I say that?  LOL!!

july23

We have two great sponsors this week - 
 Inky Impressions

...and...

I was able to use an image from Inky Impressions.  I colored the bulbs with Spectrum Noir markers and then just used items from my stash.  I'm not even sure where the bling came from...LOL!  But when I saw it I knew I had to use it here.


 So come on over to {PIN}spirational Challenges and join us as we celebrate Christmas early - who knows, you might just get inspired to start making your Christmas cards instead of waiting until the last minute....like I always seem to do!  

Thanks for stopping by.  God bless you!!!

Monday, July 22, 2013

Eureka Challenge #49 - Happy Birthday

The theme for this weeks Eureka Stamps Challenge is "Happy Birthday".  If there is one type of card that I always run out of - it's Birthday cards!  And then of course - if I have one it's not right.  Either it's a girly card and I need a masculine theme, or it's masculine and I need a girly card.  UGH!  Honestly, it's usually the masculine or teen/child cards that I never have....

For this challenge I decided to make a card that could be sent to anyone - male, female, teen...it will work for them all!  I used two Eureka Stamps for my card.  The image is Party Poopers and the perfect sentiment to go with it is Litter Bit of Fun.  I didn't color all the pups, but the ones that I did color I used Spectrum Noir markers.  Their hats are colored with Spica Glitter Pens.  I embossed the base of the card and then used a piece of designer paper from my stash.  Honestly, I think it's the back of a calendar!  Hey, we are crafters - we use anything right?  LOL!!  The "bling" was a gift from a secret sister swap I believe.  Here's the end result:


Need a Birthday card this week?  When you make it, why not come on over and enter it in this weeks  Eureka Stamps Challenge  - you might just win! 

Thanks for stopping by!  God bless you!!!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Twist of Faith Card Challenge # 46 - Gate Fold Card

Have you ever had one thing in mind and then when you get to your craft table, something completed different is created?  That's what happened to me today.  Since it's Tuesday, it's a new challenge day at Twist of Faith Card Challenges

 The challenge this week is Gate Fold Cards and our sponsor is Robyn's Fetish Digital Stamps.  I was able to use the image called "Gilded Christmas Dove".  Honestly, I had every intent of making a Christmas theme card.  Before I headed to the craft room I had visions of red and green...or even navy blue with silver accents.  When I sat down at the table, the first piece of cardstock I saw in front of my face was pink - and thus the Christmas theme went out the door.  Yes, pink could be a Christmas color...but as it went along, it just lost that Christmas feel.  I colored the dove with Spica Glitter pens to give it some glitz.  The paper and ribbon were from my stash, as was the bling.  At first I was just going to do the little bling dots.  But then the pink flowers were there too and I just had to add them as well.  This is what I ended up with:

 
In the end I was very happy with how it turned out.  Gate Fold cards are so much fun.  The possibilities are endless!!!  So why not join us this week at Twist of Faith - you could be the winner of 5 images from our sponsor!
 
                                      
 
I'm also entering this card into the following challenges:
Thanks for stopping by today!  I hope you come back and visit often....and don't forget to stop by Twist of Faith to join us this week!  God bless you!!!!

Monday, July 15, 2013

Eureka Challenge #48 - Christmas in July

I'm so super excited!!!!  I've had a love of Eureka Stamps for a while now.  Honestly, I've not found one image yet that I don't like and want!  So recently when I saw on the challenge blog that they were having a Design Team Call - I figured I would apply...of course thinking there was no way that I would ever get chosen.  And guess what?!!  Today is my first day on the DT!!!!!  So here we go:

The theme for this weeks Eureka Stamps Challenge is "Christmas In July".  I always seem to wait until the last minute to start my Christmas cards and then am in a big rush to get the done and they wind up looking like it too!  Sometimes, I'm ashamed to admit, I even buy cards to send out.  Can you believe it - I make cards and then wind up having to send out store bought Christmas cards!  So this year I'm trying to get an earlier start and this challenge has helped in that endeavor.  (Let's see if at the end of November I really have enough cards to send!).

I used two Eureka Stamps for my card.  The sentiment is May This Season and the image is Winter Set Of 4.  I only used one of the 4 images in that set - the Holly.  I colored the holly leaves and berries with Spectrum Noir markers.  The ribbon I thought needed some "bling" so I used Spica Glitter Pens to color the ribbon.  The papers are some that I had on hand and the bling was also from my stash.  I thing I was sent it in a swap last year but I'm not sure.  Here's the finished product:

 
Ok, you know the drill now....it's your turn!  So get out those Christmas things and come on over to Eureka Stamps Challenge and help us Celebrate Christmas in July!  You never know - you just might win!  And what would you win?  Well, you could win 2 digi images!  But wait - if you use a Eureka image - you could win 5 digi images!  What a great way to start or add to your collection!  Fa-La-La-La-La.....(ok, so that's a sad attempt at carroling...but you get the point....).






Sunday, July 14, 2013

That paper?

It's been looking at me for years....that paper.  You know the kind - the paper that came in that pack you bought years ago.....you liked most of it but there were just those few sheets that weren't your style at all...that you never could figure out why you saved it.  Well, I have some of those....more than I care to admit.  And since I can't seem to throw anything away - I've had it for years.  And today was the day!

I'm in a monthly swap over at SCS that is for 10 cards.  They must be postal by the 15th of every month.  So guess when I thought about them?  TODAY!  Yep - the 14th.  So I quickly tried to wrap my head around what to do.... life has been crazy the last few days as we trapped a couple feral kittens and they are living in my craft room so I haven't been able to be in there for any real time.... and these cards just slipped my mind.  So I went to my room and grabbed the first pack of paper I saw and there it was - THAT PAPER.  So why not - I didn't have anything else to lose and I knew I wasn't going to be doing image on the card - just a sentiment.  So now 3 sheets of THAT PAPER are gone!   (Sorry about the picture being fuzzy - I took it and then bundled up the cards for mailing....now they are sealed and when I opened the picture to do this post - the picture was fuzzy.  UGH!!  But maybe you won't notice the paper that way.  LOL!!).

 
And just in case you wondered who is living in my craft room right now (the one on the left found a home today but the one on the right is still with us):
 
Want a kitten? :)
 
Thanks for stopping by today.  Have a very blessed day!!!!


Saturday, July 13, 2013

Monochromatic bunny thanks

I do love monochromatic cards.  Maybe it's the different shades of one color.  Maybe it's the challenge of getting shades of one color to match well.  Whatever the reason - I always am pleased with the results.

I'm submitting this card into the following challenges:
Thank you for stopping by today.  I pray that He reveals Himself to you in a very special way today.  God bless you!!!

Friday, July 12, 2013

Triplets!

You really didn't think I meant babies did you?  LOL!!  Nope, to day is my triplet card posting since I just made 3.  I'm sharing my crafting room with two kittens we trapped today - hoping to find them homes by the end of the weekend.  But alas, since they are huddled in a corner scared right now I just dashed in and dashed out.

No great story to share about these cards...but here they are:

First up is a Christmas card.  Sometimes the images just speaks enough that it doesn't need any additional things.  This image is from Eureka Stamps and I just sponged on some navy ink and added a little yellow bling for the star.  I'm entering this card into the following challenges:
 

 
This images is also from Eureka Stamps, as well as the "Congratulations".  I left the dog black & white but colored his hat with Spica Glitter pens and his collar with markers.  The papers are from my stash....and just added a little bling.  This card is submitted in the following challenges:
 
 
Lastly, the image is Riley of course. The background paper was in my stash and the orange paper was embossed with an embossing folder from Darice.  I colored him with Spectrum Noir markers. Add some bling and done.  This is being entered into the Sunday Stamps Challenge (color challenge - yellow, blue, and orange). 

 
Thanks for stopping by!  Enjoy your Friday!!!  I wish you blessings from Above today.


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Getting Sentimental

A few years ago a friend called and asked if I wanted to come over and go through some stamps.  Her mother passed away and was a stamper - she had several boxes of stamps.  I was honored to be asked to receive some of these loved treasures and continue her cause of blessing others through this hobby we love.  One of those stamps I used for this card.

 
Continuing in my quest to use what I have, I dug into my box of scraps and found the papers used here.  The flowers are colored with pencils because I wanted to keep that soft feel.
 
I'm submitting this card into the following challenges:
Thank you for stopping by today!  Why not bless someone today with a card? 

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Bright & Cheerful Birthday...and a challenge from me!

Most of us, when we start getting older, aren't that "bright and cheerful" on our Birthdays.  Oh let's face it - it's just a number.  But when that number keeps going up - UGH!  LOL!!  But why is it just that way with women?  Men can get older and still be considered a "leading man" in Hollywierd...but once a woman hits 30 it seems those motherly and grandmotherly roles kick in.  We do it to ourselves don't we? 

Well today I'm celebrating Birthdays!  No, no, no - not mine.  Just Birthday's in general.  It's just a number and with age comes a wisdom that we need to appreciate.  With age comes some really great things - like grandkids!  (I have 4!!).  And with each Birthday comes cards of course!!  Seems like I never have enough Birthday cards - always rummaging through the stash of cards to find one. 

This week several challenges had the theme of Birthday cards so of course I had to join right in!!!  The stamps are from Sweet 'n Sassy Stamps.  The papers were just pieces parts from other projects that I can never seem to throw away.  Not only am I a paper hoarder of full size sheets - but my pieces/parts stash shows my paper hoarding as well!  Oh, and the stamps continue on my quest to ink uninked stamps.  The flower one I don't think I have ever inked and I've had it for quite some time!  (Yes, I hoard stamps too - LOL!).  And then the base of the card was embossed with an embossing folder I don't think I have every used either...but has been in my possession for quite some time.  WOW - I didn't realize how many "hoarded items" I used making this card!  So here is the final product:

 
 
I'm submitting this card for the following challenges:
Thanks for stopping by today!!  Enjoy this beautiful Wednesday!  And here is a challenge for you from me:  go to your card stash - you know we all have them - and pick out a card.  Then open your address book and the first name you see, send that card to that person!  Don't have an address book but use the computer/cell phone for addresses?  Well then randomly pick a number - like 32 - and then count through your contacts and when you get to person #32 - get out that pen and stamp and start addressing!

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

{PIN}spirational #65 Challenge

Tuesday is {PIN}spirational Challenge day!!  I love being part of this group - the pictures that Deanne choses for inspiration are amazing!!!  What do you think about this weeks inspiration:

 
 
Isn't that pretty?  I love the purples!!!  And we have some amazing sponsors this week:
 
 
...and...
 
 
 
I was able to work with an image from Bugaboo StampsI cut out the image using Spellbinders Dies and colored it with Spectrum Noir markers.  The papers, ribbon, and little purple bling heart were from my stash.
 

 

I hope to see what inspires you about the picture!  Thanks for stopping by and have a very blessed day!!!

Twist of Faith Card Challenge #45 - END OF THE DAY – SUNSET COLORS


As I'm writing this it's the end of the day which is very appropriate since the Twist of Faith card challenge this week is END OF THE DAY - SUNSET COLORS.  Unfortunately, right now there aren't pretty sunset colors outside - but a storm is coming in and I just saw lightening.

ButtonOur sponsor this week is Melonheadz Illustrating.  They have such great images!!!  They have generously providing the winner of the challenge 1 image bundle of the winners choice....but beware - you'll have a very difficult time choosing just one bundle!!

The image I chose is actually a "Freebie" on the Melonheadz blog.  It's an image that was in honor of Joplin, MO after the tornado a couple years back.  I loved the image not only because of the reason behind it, but it's so sweet.  I have four granddaughters and I hope that they say their prayers every night.

For the "Sunset Colors" I decided to go with the beautiful sunsets of pinks and purples and just those light colors.  I love the patchwork quilt and it was easy to incorporate the colors into that quilt.  I colored it with pencils.

 
(inside)
 
I hope you can stop by Twist of Faith this week and play along with us.  I'd love to see your interpretation of sunset colors.  But don't forget - to be considered for the prize you must include a positive quote/phrase/sentiment or scripture. 

Thank you for stopping by today and I pray that you are blessed in a special way!!!



 

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Clearly iStamp - #2 - Summer Time

Happy Sunday my friends!!  What a beautiful day it's been so far - sure, it's a bit cloudy outside...but the morning was spent in His house and this evening will be spent in His house.  How can it not be a good day when the day starts and ends with the Lord?

This week is VACATION!  My hubby is off work this week too and we have all sorts of exciting things planned:  washing screens/windows, spring/winter/fall/summer cleaning, trying to find homes for some of the stray cats around here.....doesn't it all sound like it's such fun?  But I'm sure there will be lots of time in the craft room too.

My first "vacation" card is one that reminds me of the simple joys of summer.  I love watermelon!!!  It's so quintessential "summer" to me.  Of course these days I buy the seedless ones, but I remember being a little girl and picking out all those seeds.  Hmm, I wonder how many I actually ate? 

When I saw this image in my stash, I knew I had to use it for the Clearly iStamp challenge this week - "Summer Time".  Everything I used for this card came from my stash - the image, papers, bling, even the cardstock used were pieces rom previous projects.

 
Thanks for stopping by today!  May God bless you and your family today!!

Saturday, July 6, 2013

Inkspirational - Challenge #27

Purple hearts.  No, not the ones the military gives out....but purple hearts that are on paper and colored in!   Yes, it's a color challenge this week at Inkspirational Challenges - and what a color challenge it was!!!  Take a look:
 
 
The green I used for the base and to layer....and also used for the image a bit - it sparkles!  Then I had a purple explosion this morning!  Yes, one of my Spectrum Noir purple markers leaked and I had purple ink spilling out of the cap when I took the lid off....I had purple ink all over my hand too!  What a sight to be behold!  LOL!!!  So after the clean- up....this is what I made:
 
 
The purples didn't photograph very well...not sure why. 
 
Thanks for stopping by!  Blessings to you!!!!


Friday, July 5, 2013

It's July 5th - CRAFTY GAL Time!

If you read my blog regularly - and thank you if you do! - you have read about the Crafty Gals over at SCS.  Crafty Gals is a blog group where I'm privileged to be a member.  These ladies are amazing!  Each month our group leader selects a member - and we scour their blog for inspiration...because on the 5th of the month we post a project in honor of that person.  The project can be a CASE of a project on her blog, or it can be something that reminds us of her.  Well guess what?  July 5th is here and the Crafty Gal of the month is ME!  Shocking huh?  I was very shocked!!!  These ladies are amazing and I can't believe they could be inspired by anything that I create.  But alas, they had the challenge this month.  Their blogs are listed to the left - go check them out!  (And not just a post about me...but go through their blogs and you'll understand why I am so humbled to be part of this amazing group).
 
Since I can't really CASE myself, I thought I would make a card that reminded of the group as a whole.  But you'll have to wait for that because first I want to tell you a bit about the Crafty Gals.....
 
Melina - Queen of the Crafty Gals
Melina is our group owner.  She does so much to keep this group running smoothly.  I'm sure more than we even can begin to know.  She's always so upbeat and if I had to sum up Melina in a word it would "gracious".  Oh - and she makes the most AMAZING CAS cards!!!
 
Barb - owner of the Wednesday Camel
Yep, Barb has this Wednesday hump day camel that comes out every week and gives us smooches!  It doesn't seem like the day is complete with him.  Now something else about Barb - I believe she must have two homes.  One she lives in...and one with all the DSP she has in her collection!  LOL!  Look at her cards - they always have the perfect paper!
 
Jeanette - aka Forest Ranger on SCS
Jeanette is quite the woman!  She must be a morning person because every morning the Crafty Gals get a GOOD MORNING from Jeanette!  She is another expert card maker and always has the perfect paper too (but I still think Barb's collection must be larger!).  Jeanette's cards are always extra special because the insides look as lovely too!
 
Joan - aka Sassy
Sassy is the queen of altered art!  She is amazing!!!!  I even have something she made just for me - it holds my Christmas cards every year and I love it!!  Sassy is just like her name - sassy - a bundle of online energy!  But here's the thing - I don't think she realizes just how talented she is!!!  She could open her own store with the things she designs!!!  Oh - and she always shares amazing glittery blinkies and pictures/graphics in our group!!!  (Jeanette does too!)
 
Diane - one very brave soul!
Now why would I say that Diane is a brave soul?  Because right now she is spending time with a teenagers!  LOL!!!  Diane is a kind soul and caring too!  Have you ever heard of "Operation Write Home"?  If you ever have extra cards you don't know what to do with - contact Diane - she can find a good home for them!!
 
Sharon - one busy lady!
Sharon is not only a SU Demo, but also does Avon and is a mom!  WOW!  Now one thing that Sharon doesn't know is that I'm VERY envious of her.  (Ah, I know - it's a sin to covet your neighbors stuff....).  So what do I covet?  HER STAMP ROOM!!  Go to her blog and check it out - she has a virtual tour in her April 3, 2013 post.  You'll be jealous too!  Plus you'll see all her amazing cards along the way.  She did a marathon card session to finish the 100 cards in 100 days challenge!  WOWzers!
 
and last, but certainly not least.....
 
Lela - my coffee buddy!
I have been blessed to not only know Lela in the virtual world of blogland and SCS - but also in person!  We live about 30 minutes apart and so we try to meet up for coffee every so often.  Lela is such a great person - she doesn't even mind that my hubby comes along too!  Now talk about another busy person - not only does Lela work full time (or even more than full time as her hours are long and she travels a lot), but she is also going back to school too!  She is one of the most kind-hearted people I know!  When we get together it's a great time of sharing and relaxing....and Lela, I'm looking forward to this Saturday! 
 
So there you have it - the Crafty Gals.  Each woman is unique, talented, encouraging, and holds a special place in my heart.  I love you my friends!  And in honor of you, I made this card because your smiles and laughter and fun are a very important part of my life: 
 
 
 


Thursday, July 4, 2013

Are you feeling crabby? :)

Good morning crafty friends!  First of all - for all my fellow Americans - Happy 4th of July!  We are blessed to live in such a great country and this is a wonderful time to reflect on the freedoms we have - and thank God for His blessings to our Land!
 
Since it is a holiday here in the USA, I have the day off work.  So of course I wanted to spend a few minutes in the craft room.  This morning I continued my pursuit on using what I have and also using un-inked (but certainly not unloved) stamps.  I dug through my stamp collection to see what would inspire me today and I almost got pinched by a crab!  Ok, not a real one - but a crab none the less.  And he was just so cute that I had to use him!!!!  The stamp set is called "Critter Tails" and it was from Clear Dollar Stamps - now known as Clearly Digi StampsRecently they changed over to digi stamps - and I believe this set is available in digi form.  But here's a little plug - they have grab bags of their clear stamps for sale!  And what a bargain!!!!  Check it out:  grab bagsAnd seriously, their digi stamps are fantastic too!  But those grab bag deals are a steal so grab them while you can!!!  I might just have to grab one myself (even though I'm trying to just use what I have instead of buying new...but who can pass up a deal like that?  UGH!!!)  Anyway - back to my little crab friend.   I colored him with a Spica pen that is glittery - the color is "lipstick".  The picture doesn't really show the sparkle all that much - but it's really cute in person.  The papers are just some I had in my stash - mostly pieces/parts from other projects.  And then the ribbon is just another piece from a past project.  The sentiment for my little friend went on the inside.  At first I thought about putting it on the front of the card...but then I really wanted my new little friend to be the main event for the front.
 

 
 
I'm submitting this card into the following challenges:
Clearly i Stamp - #1 - Red, White, Blue
Shopping Our Stash - #108 - Red, White, Blue
The Paper Players - #152 - LeAnne's Tic Tac Toe Challenge (blue, bling, friendship)
Kitty Bee Designs - #2 - Red, White, Blue
 
Thanks for stopping by!  Have a very blessed July 4th!!


Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Twist of Faith Challenge #44 - Make Your Own Background

It's Tuesday again and that means it's a new challenge over at Twist of Faith Card Challenges!  This week the challenge is to "Make Your Own Background". 
 
Our sponsor this week is 
Lacy Sunshine
 
The image I chose was "Twoo Love".  While I did use a "wood" background paper, I created leaves using another paper.  The image was then popped up using pop-dots.  I colored the image with Spectrum Noir markers.  It didn't turn out how I wanted it - but I was trying to add some "texture" or feathers on their bodies (instead of following the exact lines of the image on their tummies).  I chose the verse for the card because they looked like "twoooo" friends hanging out - and aren't we thankful for those who are in our lives? 
 
 
Do you have an idea for a background you've been wanting to try?  Now would be a great time to let that creativity flow!  Join us this week at Twist of Faith - and remember that your card must include a scripture, positive quote, or inspirational verse.  We look forward to seeing your project/card!!

I'm also submitting this card for Word Art Wednesday

Thanks for stopping by!!!!  Have a blessed day!

Monday, July 1, 2013

Buggin' You

Can you believe it's July 1st already?  Where is this year going?  I certainly have no idea whatsoever.  Summer is here but I'm afraid if I blink I'll see that white stuff falling again!
 
This weekend I spent some time in the craft room....call it craft therapy I guess.  Just needed to unwind a bit.  And while I didn't have any challenge in mind when I made this card, it seems to fit in some challenges after all - especially since they are "Anything Goes"!  Gotta love those themes!  Ha-ha!!
 
The image I believe is Bugaboo Stamps (it's a digi).  I colored it with Spectrum Noir markers and then just layered it up. 
 
 
I'm submitting this card for the following challenges: