Freezin Fun PP769

by Joanne James18. January 2026 08:00

Today it's Sunday and time for this week's new challenge over at The Paper Players! It's my turn to host this week and I have a timely theme for this week's clean and simple challenge for us to work with:

       

Signs of winter! For those of us in the northern hemisphere, we are currently in the depths of winter with freezing temperatures, changeable weather (we've had torrential rain, dark cloudy days, bright sunshine and even a few days of snow during January) and more besides. So this week's challenge is all about those things that let you know the season of winter is here: I'm thinking snow, scarves, hats and mittens, warming hot chocolate after a winter walk, outdoor activities typical of the season - but specifically not Christmas!  And remember, it's clean and simple week so keep your creations simple, with lots of white space and minimal layers and embellishments. I'm looking forward to seeing what you create!

I have mixed views about snow, but must confess to loving a good downfall that leaves everything crisp and white and allows for us to get outside and enjoy things that aren't possible without it. One of my favourite things to do when I myself was much younger, and when the James Juniors were little, was to go tobogganing. So I dug out an old favourite retired stamp set, Freezin' Fun, and paired it with the retired embossing folder, Softly Falling, for a trip down memory lane  - take a look:

 

Here's the low-down on today's card:

My little racoon is sledging his heart out down a slope of snowy white velvet paper, against a snowy embossed sky and clearly having the time of his life! I coloured him with Blends and diecut him with co-ordinating framelits for a little extra lift:

 

I paired him with another of his pals on the inside of the card:

 

A simple notecard to send winter wishes and a reminder that winter doesn't have to be about hibernating indoors during the winter season - if the sun is shining, wrap up warm and go out and have fun! I'm also linking today's card up over at Just Add Ink where they are asking us to 'Just Add Something Seasonal' and if snow isn't your thing, these lovely ladies are all based in the southern hemisphere so their blogs are much warmer and showcasing everything that is good about summer, so do check them out if you'd like to warm up! I'm also linking up over at 52 Christmas Card Throwdown where their theme this week is 'winter sports' - and sledging is as close to winter sports as I get!

Before you reach for your ink and papers, check out what our amazing team has created to inspire you this week:

The Paper Players Design Team

 
Here's a quick recap of our challenge rules:
 
1.  Create a new paper project
2.  Upload your creation to your blog with a link back to us and provide a direct link to the post featuring your challenge submission.
3.  Please link your card to no more than four challenges, TOTAL.
4.  Have FUN!

Enjoy your day; I spent yesterday at Bletchley Park, learning all about the World War II codebreakers, which was fascinating and attending an exhibition about the future of AI. Bletchley Park isn't that far from where I live but I'd never visited; so interesting, I love discovering treasures in my own backyard. I'll be back tomorrow with another project. Until then, happy stampin'!

 

Stampin' Up! Supplies Used: 

Table built using Product Table Builder by The Crafty Owl - Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator.

Comments (11) -

Claire Broadwater
Claire BroadwaterUnited States
1/18/2026 1:33:27 PM #

Joanne your card made me smile!  Fond memories of sledding as a child.  That little raccoon is having a blast!  Your snowy background is perfect!  Wheee!!!!!   Have a great week, My Friend!

Reply

Ann Schach
Ann SchachUnited States
1/18/2026 4:58:10 PM #

What a fun card, Joanne! These little critters are adorable. The look on the racoon's face as he sleds down the hill is so joyful! I had completely forgotten about this set.  The Softly Falling embossing folder is one of my winter favorites, and it creates the perfect backdrop. LOVE it! Have a wonderful week!

Reply

LeAnne Pugliese
LeAnne PuglieseUnited States
1/18/2026 9:25:13 PM #

This is just adorable! CAS and cute as a button! We had some snow today and I actually went sledding...all by myself! I try to go at least once a season, if we have some snow! These little critters are much cuter than I was...their winter wear was much more colorful than mine!  Great challenge, I loved it!

Reply

Lou Kitzelman
Lou KitzelmanAustralia
1/19/2026 6:26:40 AM #

This is such a sweet card Joanne. I love the embossed snow. So simple, yet so effective. As you are in them middle of winter, I am in the middle of a very hot and humid Australian summer day! Thanks for joining in with us at Just Add Ink.

Reply

Christy Stanford
Christy StanfordUnited States
1/19/2026 6:08:20 PM #

I pulled the Freezin' Fun bundle out when I was pondering what to make for my card, so I'm glad that you followed through and used it for yours!  Personally my favorite way to enjoy winter is watching it snow from inside my warm and cozy house ; )  Your little raccoon is adorable and while I still don't want to go sledding, I would like to make a sledding card like yours!

Reply

Jan Clothier
Jan ClothierNew Zealand
1/20/2026 12:17:46 AM #

I couldn't wait to comment on this card, which to me is CAS perfection. I love that folder - it's one of my all time favourites and is perfect for that snowfall. The critter is amusing and the slope you've given him is lovely. Bletchley Park - that must have been fascinating. It was such a critical operation and everyone who worked there is a hero.

Reply

Stef Perry
Stef PerryUnited States
1/20/2026 12:22:54 AM #

Joanne, that raccoon and his penguin buddy are so cute!  I love seeing the raccoon sledding down the hill and that "wheeeee!" sentiment made me giggle.  I am one of the rare humans (that I know anyway) that likes snow and likes being in snow, when dressed appropriately.  I downhill skied for many, many years and really loved it.  Now shoveling snow, not so much fun, but we haven't had to do that this year...yet.  Thanks for a great challenge!

Reply

Chantell Randall
Chantell RandallAustralia
1/20/2026 1:27:58 PM #

Ohhh this is so cute Joanne.   It looks so fun!  I like the embossed background and the texture it gives.   Chantell Just Add Ink

Reply

Valentina B
Valentina BSlovenia
1/23/2026 3:31:51 PM #

Oh what a fun and great winter holiday card! I really like the idea to decorate the inside of card. I don't know I haven't done it yet 'cause it really looks awesome! Thank you for joining our theme challenge at 52CCT. Welcome back to new challenge! Smile Valentina DT

Reply

jaydee
jaydeeUnited States
1/23/2026 10:01:05 PM #

Joanne,
such a great theme this week and I love your take on it.  The steep slope reminds me of the hills around my home town of Sheffield.  Getting up and down those hills in winter was always fun Smile. As for your sledding raccoon - just adorable.  Ours in Minnesota are sleeping with our -50 temps!   Such a wonderful take on your challenge.
hugs
jaydee

Reply

Rochelle Blok
Rochelle BlokAustralia
1/29/2026 1:23:36 AM #

This is just so cute, Joanne! The embossed layer makes for the perfect snow backdrop and your cute little images are just gorgeously colours! Love it! Thanks for playing along at Just Add Ink. Rochelle xo

Reply

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