Winter Time ~

Welcome to December at the Hoedown, and to Winter!

Baby it's cold outside....in some parts of the world anyway!  We've decided to play in the snow, and we're inviting you to come along and show us what you create with a Winter theme!

But first things first...a big shout out to those who participated in last month's Thank You challenge!

Here are the lucky winners:

Myrna Sweet

Using  Silly Birds with Hats, I love the bright and fun colors!  Hooray Myrna!!!

and...

Jackie C.

The beautiful color combination and sweet papers are really beautiful here!

Congrats ladies!!  Contact Monica at info@hambostamps.com 

Alrighty then, so let's get back to Winter now!  Let's think snow, snowflakes, sleds, sweaters, mittens, hot chocolate, and whatever else comes to your mind when you think of Winter!

  There are TWO free digital images up for grabs!

Here's a bit of inspiration for you:

 

Jeannie - Hats Off

Lyn - Ice Hole Set

Judy - Snowmen

 Jane - Mad Scientist

You can use any company's image for this challenge but if you have a Hambo image, why not use it? If you don't have a Hambo image, feel free to grab a freebie.

The two winners of the challenge will receive a free digi of their choice from the Hambo digi store. You can enter this challenge once with a non-Hambo image or as many times as you would like if you are using Hambo images.

Please link your challenge projects using the inlinkz button below. If you are uploading to an online gallery, use HamboHoedown1407 as your keywords so we can find your creations. If you are using a Hambo image, add Hambo as a keyword too!

HAMBO HALFWAY HOGS & HOGTOBERFEST

We are halfway into our Hogtoberfest sale that is continuing until the 31st of October, so head on over to our STORE and grab yourself a fabulous bargain... and maybe purchase one of the cutest little piggies of ours in our PIGS section........then you can join in our challenge which is all about the.......you guessed it....PIGS!!!! Here are a few samples from the design team to get your creative juices flowing.

Jeannie's fabulous festive card using PIG TANGLE

Lyn's colorful FLOATING PIG

Judy's fun OUTHOUSE PIG

Jane's naughty HAM ON THE RUN

So you can see that there are some fabulous pigs to choose from to enter our challenge with, I look forward to seeing your porky artwork!!  You can link your card up HERE

HOGtoberfest is HERE!!!

WOW!!! October already!!!...and that means one amazing thing...it's HOGtoberfest time here at Hambo Stamps, and that means it is time to  celebrate "HOGtoberfest" with Hambo Stamps! From October 1 - 15, enjoy a 30% discount on ALL regular-priced stamps in our store, with an additional 30% discount given on "Sale" stamps. Simply mention "HOGtoberfest14" when you order for the discount to be applied. Please note that the discount only applies to stamps, and not to cling cushion or any other available supplies. The "HOGtoberfest14" code can also be used in our digi store. Click HERE to shop now! ..... and perfect timing too for a brand new monthly challenge, which this month is all about the PIGS!! obviously Hambo Stamp pigs are the best, so get your piggin creative juices flowing and let us here at HAMBO STAMPS see all your wonderful piggy creations.

Sooooo....first up let us see what lovely "porkalicious" inspiration the Hambo Hoedown team have brought us this month.....

Judy's fabulous card using LIST PIG and lots of wonderful embellies.

Jane's "cheeky" card using HAM ON THE RUN

Jeannie's colorful card using ARTIST PIG with her beautiful bow!!

and Lyn's absolutely amazing slider card with that jawdropping watery background, using PIG SUB.

So I am sure you will agree that there are some pretty amazing pig images to choose from, and there are plenty more here at HAMBO STAMPS.... can't wait to see what you do with them. 

Now onto last month's winners of the Kids Card Challenge.....drumroll please....... 

EMA-gination, for her fabulous card using CAMERA GUY with that super background....and

Stephanie, using BAILEY ROCKS with her amazing stitching...wonderful!

Congratulations ladies!! to claim your free digi images Contact Monica at info@hambostamps.com

Please link your PIG challenge projects using the inlinkz button below. If you are uploading to an online gallery, use HamboHoedown1405 as your keywords so we can find your creations. If you are using a Hambo image, add Hambo as a keyword too!

It's All About Kids!

It's the first Wednesday of the month and that means it is time for a Hambo Hoedown! As usual, this Hoedown will last for a month (until September 30th at midnight CST). 

The theme is all about KIDS!
Show us your designs for KIDS - any occasion!

You can use any company's image for this challenge but if you have a Hambo image, why not use it? If you don't have a Hambo image, feel free to grab a freebie.

The two winners of the challenge will receive a free digi of their choice from the Hambo digi store. You can enter this challenge once with a non-Hambo image or as many times as you would like if you are using Hambo images...

What do the Bacon Bits have to inspire you this week? Take a look:

Lyn using Space Boy

Jeannie using Toy Chest

Judy using Sand Box Dino & Hugs Sand Kisses

Jane using Tiara

Please link your challenge entries using the button below. If you are uploading to an online gallery, use HamboHoedown1405 as your keyword. Using a Hambo image? Add Hambo as a keyword too!

Winners for HUMOR ME (August challenge) will be posted tomorrow!

A-B-C! New Digis in the House!

Have you seen our newest digital images? A little sassy, a little sweet! Take a peek:

Animal Heart

Beaver

Chicken Soup

The chicken soup is still simmering on the stove, so we will show that sample later this week!

Come check out our SALE page! Have a happy Saturday!

Gift Card Tutorial

Although many feel that giving gift cards for gifts is an easy "out" to choosing a gift, many others think it's a great way to purchase what you need, or really want, and prevent returns! Plus, the cost of mailing is dramatically reduced over mailing a package if you need to send something far away. 

Our family actually loves giving and receiving gift cards to different places. There are some really cute and unique ways to enclose a gift card, and I invite you to explore your resources to find one for those last minute gifts.

Here is how I made mine from Splitcoaststampers TLC165 :
1. Cut your paper 4 1/4" X 11". Score 3" in from each end and also in the middle 5 1/2".
2. Fold this so that you end up with a 'W' shape and then you will see where you need to put your adhesive and punch or cut your opening for the gift card pocket. I used my Word Window punch about 2 1/2 times to punch my opening.
3. When you adhere your sides, be sure to keep the punched side OPEN (the middle of the "W"), and not stuck together, so you can insert your card.
4. Decorate as much or as little as desired.
Mine stays closed with organdy ribbon tied around the middle. Pretty easy! And no returns!
Have a wonderful weekend!
~ Judy

Stamps: Hambo Stamps: Penguins - 0920; Stay Cool - 1516; Ice Cube - 1406

Paper: Pink Pirouette, Poptone Sweet Tooth, Prisma Silver, Doodlebug DP

Paper Size: 4 1/2" x 11", scored at 5 1/2", and 3" on each end

Ink: Stazon Black

Accessories: White Organdy ribbon, Me & My Big Ideas Mambi snowflakes, Diamond Stickles, Cuttlebug EF, Crystal Effects, Word Window Punch, Designer Label Punch, Large Oval Punch, silver half pearls

Techniques: embossing