As the calendar flips to a brand-new year, there’s no better time to embrace creativity and set the tone for the months ahead. Whether you’re an experienced card maker or a curious beginner, a January card challenge is the perfect way to kick off the year with inspiration, connection, and a flurry of creativity.

Why Join a Card Challenge?

Card challenges are more than just a creative exercise—they’re a chance to:

• Fuel Your Creativity: Challenges often come with prompts, themes, or specific techniques to try. These guidelines can spark ideas and push you to experiment with new styles or tools.
• Build Momentum: Starting the year with a creative goal can set the stage for consistent crafting throughout the year.
• Connect with a Community: Many challenges are hosted online, bringing together crafters from all over the world to share their work, encourage each other, and exchange ideas.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Completing each card feels like an accomplishment, giving you a sense of progress and fulfillment.

What to Expect

Each card challenge is unique, but here are some common formats you might encounter:

• Daily Prompts: A theme or technique to inspire a new card each day of January.
• Weekly Goals: More flexible challenges where you can take your time creating one card per week.
• Skill-Focused Challenges: Tutorials or techniques to try, encouraging you to expand your repertoire.
• Interactive Challenges: Opportunities to share your creations on social media, participate in giveaways, or collaborate with fellow participants.

Tips for Success

• Start Small: If daily challenges feel overwhelming, commit to a pace that works for you, such as one card every few days.
• Gather Supplies Ahead of Time: Keep your favorite stamps, paper, and embellishments handy so you can dive into crafting whenever inspiration strikes.
• Share Your Work: Post your cards on social media using the challenge’s hashtag. It’s a great way to track your progress and connect with others.
• Enjoy the Process: Remember, the goal is to have fun and embrace creativity—not to aim for perfection.

How to Join a January Card Challenge

• Search Online: Many craft bloggers and organizations host card challenges. A quick search can help you find one that aligns with your interests.
• Join a Group: Facebook groups or crafting forums often organize monthly challenges with active, supportive communities.
• Follow Your Favorite Creators: Check if your favorite card makers or brands are hosting challenges.

What I Did

One of my favorite places to find challenges, whether they are card challenges or scrapbooking challenges, is scrapbook.com.  I have been a part of that site since September of 2007.  I have met some really amazing people and have developed friendships that exist beyond the website.  I have even hosted a few challenges over the years.

This month I am participating in the January 2025 Card Sketch Challenge.  My friend, Norma, has hosted this challenge for a while.  She does a wonderful job of choosing card sketches that stretch us.  Here are the five sketches that she chose for this month and what I did with them:

Sketch #1

Sketch #2

Sketch #3

Sketch #4

Sketch #5

Let this January be a month of inspiration, connection, and artistic growth. Embrace the challenge, unleash your creativity, and start the year with a beautiful collection of handmade cards. Here’s to a strong, creative start to the new year!

Are you ready to join the challenge? Share your thoughts and tag us with your creations!