I’m so happy that October is here, it really feels like the start of a magical period of the year - from fall decor and Halloween to bonfire night and Christmas, there’s so much to celebrate in this part of the year. However, we know that behind every Instagram-worthy photo is the real story: many of us struggle with our mental health, particularly at this time of year. October 10th is Mental Health Awareness day and we’ve decided to make this the theme for our challenge this month. Any project you make that supports a friend, lends a smile or raises awareness of mental health issues would be perfect for this card making challenge.
What I love about making handmade cards is that you can make the world of difference to somebody’s day, week or even year by pulling out your card making supplies and creating something personal to show that you are thinking of the recipient. Card making friends in particular will understand the time and love that have gone into your card. I never fail to be touched by receiving a handmade card from a friend.
To kick off this challenge, I have made a card featuring Sadness from Inside Out. She comes from the Core Memory stamp set by The Sassy Club. I coloured her up with OLO markers, added her to a textured background (which I created with a wood grain embossing folder from Concord and 9th), and added some twine, vellum circles and dew drops for added touches. The sentiment is also from the same stamp set.
Supply list:
The Sassy Club Core Memory stamp set: https://thesassyclub.com/products/core-memory?srsltid=AfmBOopFQOKKhXK2hZ8kPos367ZC1iq2JGaGfwG9S6SIEzh75oXB7PFo
Concord & 9th wood slat embossing folder: https://tidd.ly/4mHuKDe
OLO markers: https://olomarker.com?ref=
Waffle Flower Additional Circle dies: https://tidd.ly/46J33E8
Adhesive vellum: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Xcut-Adhesive-Coloured-Projects-Scrapbooking/dp/B07BDKSH85?th=1
Concord & 9th Dew Drops: https://tidd.ly/46zp0Xq
Twine & cardstock from my stash!
Challenge Rules
As a reminder, here’s the challenge rules:
1. Create a handmade card, scrapbook layout or other handmade craft project in line with the challenge theme;
2. Submit your entry via InLinkz, below;
3. You can use any brands and card making supplies you love;
4. Please feel free to share it on social media, too, and use the hashtag #craftandconnectchallenge - don’t forget to tag us, @craftandconnect_uk too, so that we can find it!
5. Each month, the challenge will be open from the date the challenge is posted until 5pm (UK time) on the final day of the month;
6. Winners will be picked at random, and will have the opportunity to guest design for a future challenge;
7. Winners will receive a prize, detailed in that month’s challenge blog.
Link to enter: https://fresh.inlinkz.com/party/1a87d77f153c4446b75875a35a0726d3?visitor
You have until 5pm GMT on 31st October 2025 to enter your project(s), and the winner will receive a £10 Craft & Connect gift card PLUS a chance to guest design for a future challenge!
September challenge winner
September's lucky winner is Parmi with this adorable Halloween card:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DOtSfgMiiot/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==
Congratulations, Parmi!
Wishing you all a happy, healthy and crafty October!