Crafty Elves' Countdown to Christmas / October 2026

It seems like we were just in the middle of a heat wave here in Virginia and now it's Autumn, with beautiful cooler days. In no time at all, it will be Christmas - so Lisa, Mchael and I are back to show you our holiday cards for October. Have you started yours yet or are you one of those last minute crafters?

For my card today, I used the Simon Says Stamp Limited Edition Kit - Cozy and Bright. It was the final release for Stamptember, which is a month of fabulous releases each day during the month of September . Many great stamp companies come out with limited edition sets and a different company is announced each day . I was a very good girl and did not even look until the last day !! But I couldn't resist the Cozy and Bright kit - it had papers, cardstock, ephemera, an embossing folder, rhinestones, adhesive, inks and a fabulous stamp set. I also ordered the matching dies. The kit is absolutely beautiful !!

• I stamped the Window image with my go-to Memento Tuxedo Black ink  ( from my own stash ) on white cardstock .
• The image was die cut with the matching die .
• I colored the image with my Ohuhu markers.
• I used the embossing folder and red cardstock from the kit and embossed a front panel for my card.
• The sentiment was stamped with an Apple mini ink cube on white cardstock and die cut .
• I adhered the embossed panel to a white card base.
• I did use an Impression Obsession Scalloped Rectangle die for the frame and a piece of seafoam cardstock.
• The stamped Window was adhered to the embossed panel inside the scalloped frame.
• I popped up the sentiment with foam tabs below the frame.
• I used some rhinestones from my stash on the Christmas tree.

Stamptember Cozy and Bright Kit

Simon Says Stamp

To see what Michael and Lisa have made, you can check out their blog posts at these links -

Michael - World of Michael Trent

Lisa - Life of a BZscrapper

As the countdown to Christmas continues, we will keep making cards and be back November 25 .. Until then, stay creative and enjoy some beautiful Autumn weather wherever you are !!  

Debra Davison / Meticulosity

Coffee & Cards with Deb & Celeste / October 2026 ( and Michael )

Celeste and I are back with our blog collaboration for October. We are also being joined by our friend Michael Trent This month we are highlighting Breast Cancer Awareness Month .  1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. Fewer than 1% of breast cancers occur in men . Approximately 380,000 women will be diagnosed this year . The importance of monthly breast self-exams and yearly mammograms cannot be emphasized enough. There are probably many of you whose lives have been touched by this disease - either as a patient or  in someone you know . We are thinking about our friends and family members who have been affected by breast cancer . Show your support with a phone call, a random act of kindness or a sweet card in the mail .

I have always loved this stamp from Unity Stamp Company - Badass Every Day .  It was the first stamp I thought of when we decided to choose Breast Cancer Awareness as our theme this month . It is unfortunately retired, but they have  a few other wonderful cancer support sets/supplies  available HERE .

• I stamped the Badass image on white cardstock with Memento Tuxedo Black ink.
• The image was die-cut with a Big and Little Pierced Rectangle Die. 
• I colored the image with my Ohuhu markers.
• I adhered a piece of floral paper to a pale pink A2 card base.
• The border at the top of the card was made with a very vintage Martha Stweart border punch . I used a dusty pink cardstock .
• I adhered the completed stamped panel to the patterned paper with foam tabs.
• The cancer ribbon is from a stamp set and matching die by Amuse Studio - Fight Like a Girl .

I happened to see a retired Stampin' Up stamp set on my desk and thought it would be nice to use for a few more cards - using just a pop of pink . Happy Watercolor can still be found on Etsy and eBay. 

with brave wings she flies

be you, bravely

Thank you for stopping by to see our cards this month. And a big shout-out to Michael for joining us .. Take a look at what Michael and Celeste created at the following links -

Michael - World of Michael Trent 

Celeste - Crafting Junky

For more information about Breast Cancer ( including support for patients and caregivers ), you can check out Susan G. Komen , and the National Breast Cancer Foundation . 

For my coffee this month, I'm drinking a delicious Iced Pumpkin Spice Latte in my latest Peanuts + Starbucks cup . I happened to be at the grocery store - that has a small Starbucks inside - on the day that all the Peanuts merch was released .  A friend of mine loves loves  loves Peanuts so I immediately Facetimed her to show her. And needless to say, we each got a cup . I did leave the glass Snoopy cups for someone else .. LOL  This post - and my coffee and cup choice - are for her.. You know who you are  💝  I love you, my friend . 

Until next time, Stay Creative ..

Debra Davison / Meticulosity